Even if "control freak" has felt like part of your DNA, you can lose that label today. In fact, you can lose it in a minute. Listen to this episode where Amy and Cheri lose who they're not — control freaks — and unpack the joy of moving into the new identity of "surrendered." It's as simple as one choice, and what you need is just on the other side!
Often, when we think of surrender, we think of weakness and giving up. But what if it's the opposite? What if surrender is where true power is found? Barb Roose, author of Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus, explains the downsides of control and the beautiful benefits of letting God lead. She gives 6 surrender principles that are tools taking hold of peace, joy, and power. For all of us that struggle with the "C-word" (control), this episode is freedom!
Do you ever feel like happiness is for other people, not you? In this episode, Cheri and Amy discuss the difficulties of embracing the happiness that's ours in Christ. As we learned in the last episode, all who are His have happiness as their birthright. It's time to cancel our "happiness exemption" and embrace what's woven into our spiritual DNA!
Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
When it comes to the conversation about race, are you…
If you feel that way, I completely understand. I’ve been in your shoes.
About three years ago, God started to gently but firmly teach me (Amy Carroll) through race education experts and loving friends. I’m not an expert, in fact I still feel like a beginner, but I have some valuable resources and experiences to share from my journey.
If you’d like to be part of a private Facebook group, a safe, shame-free environment to learn and grow, for 30 days of committed community around racial reconciliation, please search 30 Days Toward Unity and Love and ask to join.
Starting the week of Jun 14, we’ll process one small, daily piece of information together. Each week, there will be:
Note: This group will close to new members on Friday, June 19th. If you'd like to join, you must answer at least one question and agree to the group rules. Hope to see you there!
What if the pursuit of happiness has gotten a bad rap? What if it's not wrong or selfish but rather part of who we're meant to be? Katie Orr, the author of Secrets of the Happy Soul, explains the true meaning and source of happiness, giving us the green light to chase it with all our hearts. You'll leave this episode feeling freed and, well, ... happy!
In a frank discussion, Amy an Cheri process the steps (and mis-steps) required to move into a victorious life. They unpack how to leave your old stories in favor of the new one, how to leverage your past as a tool, and how to vanquish your habit of trying to fix it all. It takes God's power to remake our old stories into victory stories, but it's possible!
People almost always become a victim by circumstances beyond their control, but even when your circumstances change, it's hard to lose the label. With great compassion and tenderness, Cynthia Garrett, a victim of childhood sexual abuse, rape, abuse, and cancer, shares the tools she's learned to move from victim to victory. Although it's a painful journey, Cynthia shows us with her own life that it's possible. Don't miss this unique and powerful episode.
One of the greatest lies that keeps us isolated in suffering is the demonic hiss, "You're the only one." In this episode, Cheri and Amy dispel that lie by transparently sharing their own struggles with anxiety and depression. If you feel stuck and/or alone in dealing with your own mental health issues or someone else's, this episode will leave you with both comfort and practical tools for a healthier, happier life.
Would you be surprised to know that a Superior Court Justice in California has suffered from anxiety and depression? Tim Fall, author of Running for Judge, has built a thriving family and career while wrestling with mental health issues. Sharing his story without shame, Tim is working to break down the stigmas so many still carry about mental illness. If you live with anxiety or depression, or love someone who does, Tim's perspective will fill you with hope and encouragement!
Being prepared for any crisis or emergency can feel overwhelming, but we don't have to live in fear and paralysis. Using practical advice from Kathi Lipp, Cheri and Amy process their readiness and come up with three small steps forward that we can all take today. We can be ready for anything!
Recently, we've all been tested in the area of crisis preparedness. What grade would you give yourself? Were you ahead of the curve or scrambling to catch up? Kathi Lipp, author of Ready for Anything, gives us practical steps to be prepared when an emergency, natural disaster, or other crisis hits. Listen in today so that you, too, are ready for anything!
In an unexpected plot twist, God didn't shut down Grit 'n' Grace. He simply gave the gifts of redirection and fresh focus. Cheri and Amy talk about what's going away in the podcast, what's staying, and what's new. They're over-the-moon excited about a new beginning, and you're a big part of it! Listen in to see how you can be involved in the interviews.
All good things must come to an end. Or do they? In this episode, Cheri and Amy describe a near-miss and how God put them back on track. But it's a new track and a fresh vision for Grit 'n' Grace, so tune in for a funeral of sorts ... but mostly, an exciting rebirth.
"Sometimes it's just easier to be alone." Have you ever thought this after wrestling with a complication of community? You're not alone! Cheri and Amy have a candid conversation about the challenges of being in community. Ultimately, though, community has pay-offs that make the difficulties worth navigating. Listen in for encouragement that will leave you ready to dive back into deeper relationships again.
We're all a mix of good and bad, virtue and vice. This truth can leave us striving to fix ourselves and feeling like a failure when we inevitably fall short. Amy and Cheri discuss how we can tell the difference between the way God has made us and the unhealthy ways we've developed. Listen in to find freedom from the angst that picking yourself apart can bring!
What books made your favorites list in 2019? In this episode, Cheri and Amy share their list and the top lessons they learned from them. If you're looking for a great read, listen in for books that will challenge you and shift your ways of thinking and doing.
Self-care is such a fraught topic for reforming perfectionists and people-pleasers, isn't it? In this episode, Amy and Cheri discuss their Enneagram types and answer listener questions about self care. They share how the Enneagram can serve as a valuable tool for knowing what kind of self care you need and tackle the question, "When is it okay to put myself first?" Most importantly, they explore what self care is — and is not — from a Biblical perspective.
In this New Year episode, Tim Riddle and Fil Anderson—authors of Blind Spots—unpack the dangers of what we don't see or know about ourselves. Growth and change is on all of our minds as we head into 2020, and unearthing blind spots is a great place to start! Amy and Cheri end with an important Grit 'n' Grace announcement that includes YOU.
Feeling a little off-balance is the norm this busy time of year! Most of us try to correct quickly, but what if there's actually a gift embedded in that uncomfortable feeling? Amy and Cheri talk about how "wobbly" has been a catalyst for growth and forward movement in their lives at just the right moments. Listen in today to unwrap one of the best gifts in store for you this season!
None of us get exclusive rights to design a perfect life, but how can we find joy in the life that we have? Tracy Steele, author of A Redesigned Life: Uncovering God's Purpose When Life Doesn't Go as Planned, shares the principles of our Divine Designer that help us find meaning in His work. When life doesn't go according to our plans (and when does it?!), there's hope in knowing that God has a purpose for every circumstance, even the difficult ones.
Friendships are healthy when both parties seek God as the primary source. But when we start seeking a friend to fill our needs, watch out! Putting too much emphasis on any friendship makes it "overweight." Cheri and Amy discuss strategies for shifting our focus back to God, which takes the excess pressure off our friends.
Have you ever had a friendship that was just a little off? You really liked the person, but they were too clingy or demanding or jealous of your other friendships. Or maybe you've been that person? Ouch! That's hard to contemplate, but Kelly Needham, author of Friendish, helps us to strengthen our friendships by putting them into their correct perspective. Tune in for tips to turn your friend-ish relationships into true friendships!
It's that time of year again, when we're getting ready to celebrate all that God has done for us. But what if your faith is faltering? What if the disappointments and questions have piled up so high that you can't even see Him?
With her trademark blend of compassion and candor, Michele Cushatt, author of Relentless, tackles these hard questions head-on, sharing Biblical truths discovered during her own years of searching for God's presence in the midst of suffering. Whether you're struggling this holiday season, or love someone who is, you'll be reassured, challenged, and greatly encouraged!
Amy and Cheri dive deep into the hidden strengths of Highly Sensitive Persons. Amy opens up about her experience as a mom raising an HSP son. Cheri discloses a sneaky misconception about HSP's and reveals the strengths locked inside. You'll also receive practical insight into how your strengths can be used in the world in a powerful way. God made you on purpose for a purpose. Find out what it is!
For too long, the word "sensitive" has evoked negative associations. But research shows that 20% of the population have Sensory Processing Sensitivity. In this context, "sensitive" does not automatically mean emotional ... fragile .... or drama queen.
Denise J. Hughes and Cheri Gregory, co-authors of Sensitive and Strong, are debunking myths around being a Highly Sensitive Person and celebrating the unique contributions HSPs have to offer the world. If you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you'll hear how you can leverage your beautiful sensitive heart and celebrate who you ARE. If you're not an HSP, you'll learn how you can better understand the Highly Sensitive Persons in your life.