A Cup of Gratitude

This week I speak with Rose Ward, whose passion is to help readers enjoy clean fiction by creating fantastic adventures that inspire purpose and truth. With a pen guided by faith and imagination, she writes stories that whisper hope and call hearts home. Beyond the page, Rose is the founder of Ministry Moms and co-founder of the Living Seeds Foundation, where she develops faith-filled educational resources for every age. When Rose is not writing and creating, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children—finding beauty in the ordinary and gathering joy from the soil of simple days. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!

LINKS: 

rtwardauthor.com 

livingseeds.foundation

Theme Music: "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week I speak with Jamie Bollinger, who has served in ministry

through worship, speaking, songwriting, and mentorship — helping

people encounter God through authentic faith, honest hope, and the

presence of worship. After experiencing profound personal loss in 2023, 

Jamie’s message took on an even deeper dimension. Through grief, worship 

became more than a song — it became a lifeline. Her ministry now carries a

gentle but powerful message of hope for weary hearts, reminding

others that faith and grief, sorrow and joy, can exist together.

Whether leading worship, speaking at women’s events, ministering

to widows, or sharing her story through music and encouragement,

Jamie creates spaces where women feel seen, strengthened, and

reminded they are not alone. Through worship, honest storytelling, and 

practical Encouragement, Jamie invites others to discover that even in life’s 

hardest places, God is still present — still faithful — and still bringing beauty 

from the ashes. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful 

thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode! 

🌐 Website (Primary)

https://jamiebollinger.com

🎵 "Even So”

https://jamiebollinger.com/evenso

🤍 Start Here (Free Resources)

https://jamiebollinger.com/start

🎹 YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@JamieBollingermusic

📱 Instagram

@jamiebollinger

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Hannah Castiaux, who is a Bible teacher, author, pastor's wife, and the founder of God's Glory in Your Story. She is passionate about helping women walk in freedom through God's Word, grow in confidence in Christ, and live led by the Holy Spirit. Through her teaching and personal story, Hannah encourages women to exchange shame for truth and experience the freedom Jesus offers. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!

https://godsgloryinyourstory.com/book

https://www.instagram.com/hannahcastiauxofficial/

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Allison Byxbe, the author of Journaling as a Spiritual Practice and the founder of the journaling communities Saturday Pages and The Inky Collective. She is a former writing professor turned journaling teacher dedicated to helping others find healing and wholeness through taking pen to page. She lives in South Carolina with her husband Ben and three kiddos. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!

https://allisonbyxbe.com/

https://allisonbyxbe.com/journaling-as-a-spiritual-practice/

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Maria I. Morgan, who is the award-winning author of the Louie the Lawnmower children’s series and Outrageously Fruitful, a women’s Bible study. Her newly released book, Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression, reflects her passion for helping women find freedom through a faith-centered, holistic approach to healing that addresses the body, soul, and spirit. She lives in Georgia with her husband, Steve, and their playful pets, who bring laughter and creativity to her journey. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!

Social Media Contact Information for Maria I. Morgan

Website: https://www.mariaimorgan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterMariaIMorgan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaimorgan/

Email: [email protected]

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Heather LaVigne, a Christ follower, wife, and mother through a little bit of science and a whole lot of Jesus. Heather was a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years before becoming an author, teacher, and ministry partner. With a deep love for Scripture, it is her honor to walk alongside women in any stage of life, particularly those involving grief and loss.  She is an advocate for those suffering through infertility, pregnancy, and child loss. She lives in Comstock Park, MI with her husband, three children, two cats, and rambunctious Labrador. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!

www.heatherlavigneauthor.com

instagram: @heatherlavigneauthor

Facebook: Heather LaVigne

Substack: @heatherlavigne

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Sue Moore Donaldson, who speaks to connect women to the welcoming heart of God and to each other. Sue’s invitation to a deeper life with God is combined with the biblical challenge to be a woman who welcomes, as she challenges us to invite others into our lives and homes (for heaven’s sake!) A popular retreat and conference speaker, Sue shares from her own vulnerability—“a work in progress or a piece of work – depending on the day,” as she likes to say- and audiences connect to her authentic approach to God’s Word spoken with grace and humor. Sue is a podcaster and author as well. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!

Link to book: Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection

https://welcomeheart.com/never-alone

30 Conversation Starters for Meaningful Gatherings:

https://welcomeheart.myflodesk.com/v6wwjwq7hp

Sue's Favorite Relaxing Recipes:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60db7ed16b275532b755c224

*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Annie Heathcote, a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, Christian, and lifelong disability advocate whose life and work embody the belief that disability doesn’t mean inability. Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder (S.M.A.) at 13 months and in a wheelchair by age 2, she has dedicated her life to breaking barriers, championing accessibility, and inspiring others with her message of resilience and faith. She was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2023, using her platform Caring Is Caregiving to reach more than 100,000 people in 52 events that year, speaking at schools, conferences, organizations, and across media outlets statewide. Her advocacy took her to the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition, where she placed in the top five, earning Second Runner-Up and the Best Speech award. She has since been recognized as Woman of the Year for Dane County for her leadership and community impact. Beyond advocacy, Annie is the founder of Annie Designs and Annie Speaks, LLC, where she works as a freelance web and graphic designer and transformational speaker. She also brings creativity and joy into her everyday life through art, travel, music, and her achievements as a former elite athlete in the adaptive sport of Power Soccer. Annie’s mission is simple but powerful: love, serve God and others, work hard, and never give up! We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!

www.annieheathcotedesigns.com

*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa 

This week, we have the last of the Summer break series, "Five Keys to Sharing Your Story with Kingdom Impact." Next week, we will return to our regular interview podcast episodes. These special episodes have been a gift to you to use to work on sharing your story. This is an invitation to join me in learning how to share your powerful, unique story, which God has given you to reach others for His Kingdom! Each week has built on the one before it, so please go back and listen to them all. These episodes are short but packed with purpose, a time completely dedicated to you from the host for personal connection, teaching, and reflection. 

This week is Special Episode number 4 of the Summer Break series: Five Keys to Sharing Your Story with Kingdom Impact on A Cup of Gratitude Podcast. These specials are a gift to you, an invitation to join your host in learning how to use the powerful story God has given you to reach others for His kingdom! Each week of the series builds on the last and is a solo-cast with your host, Amanda. Be sure to catch them all! The podcast will be available TODAY!!! Tune in to learn more about listening for God’s voice ✨These episodes are short but packed with purpose, a time completely dedicated to you from the host for personal connection, teaching, and reflection 💛Be sure to check them out!