What are you speaking over your life?

We use thousands of words every day, but how often do we stop and consider whether our words agree with God's Word?

In Episode 14 of Encouraged By The Word, Becca and April talk about the power of our words—what we say to ourselves, what we say about our circumstances, what we speak over others, and what we believe about our future.

In this episode, we discuss the Pygmalion Effect, the story of Steve Harvey, and the story of Joshua and Caleb. We talk about the difference between positive thinking and biblical thinking, and why speaking faith doesn't mean denying our circumstances—it means choosing to believe that God is bigger than what we're facing.

We also talk about the words we speak over our children, how to correct without condemning, and how we can become people whose words bring healing and encouragement.

And we're giving you a 7-Day Watch Your Words Challenge: Pay attention to your words, identify the lies, and replace them with the truth of God's Word.

Our confidence isn't in the power of our words. Our confidence is in the power and faithfulness of God.

📖 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21

Listen in and be encouraged by the Word!

What do you do when you've prayed, you've believed, and you're still waiting?

In this episode of Encouraged by the Word, Becca and April talk about navigating seasons of waiting and learning to trust God when we don't understand His timing.

We explore what it means to "wait on the Lord" and why biblical waiting isn't passive. It's continuing to pray, serve, grow, worship, and trust while we wait.

We talk about Joseph and the years between his dreams and their fulfillment, and we take a closer look at Daniel 10, where Daniel prayed for 21 days before receiving his answer. When the angel finally came, he told Daniel that his prayer had been heard from the very first day.

What an incredible reminder: just because we don't see an answer doesn't mean God hasn't heard us or isn't working.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Trusting God's character when we don't understand His timing 
•  What it means to wait actively rather than passively 
•  Joseph's season of waiting 
•  Daniel's 21 days of prayer 
•  The unseen work of God 
•  Continuing to serve and grow while we wait 
•  Resisting the temptation to force God's timing 
•  Finding hope in God's faithfulness 

If you're currently in an "in-between" season, we pray this episode reminds you that God hasn't forgotten you. He hears your prayers, He is faithful, and even when you can't see what He's doing, He is still working.

📖 Psalm 27:14 — "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart."

🎙️ Episode Title: Free to Be Me
Freedom, Identity, and the God Who Created Us

What does true freedom really mean?

In this episode of Encouraged By the Word, Becca and April discuss a deeper kind of freedom — not just freedom from something, but freedom to become who God created you to be.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, this conversation reflects on identity, purpose, comparison, and God’s intentional placement in our lives. Through the story of Esther and other biblical truths, they explore how God uses ordinary people in specific seasons and moments for His purpose.

In this episode:
• Why God intentionally placed you in this generation
• Esther’s “for such a time as this” moment
• The danger of comparison
• Different gifts and different callings
• Freedom from fear, shame, insecurity, and people-pleasing
• Becoming who God created you to be

Key Scriptures:
📖 Acts 17:26
📖 Esther 4:14
📖 1 Corinthians 12

You are not here by accident. You are here on purpose. And you are free — not to be someone else, but to be who God created you to be.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

In a world where we're more connected than ever through social media, texting, and technology, why do so many people still feel lonely?

In this episode of Encouraged by the Word, April and Becca discuss God's design for friendship and why meaningful, godly relationships are so important to our spiritual, emotional, and even physical well-being. Together, they explore what Scripture teaches about friendship, the characteristics of a godly friend, and why building deep relationships can be challenging in adulthood.

Join us as we discuss loyalty, honesty, accountability, encouragement, and the importance of building friendships on a foundation of faith. Whether you're looking for stronger friendships, navigating loneliness, or seeking biblical wisdom for your relationships, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

In this episode:

•  Why God never intended for us to do life alone 
•  The loneliness epidemic in today's digital world 
•  Characteristics of a godly friend 
•  How friendships shape our spiritual growth 
•  Why making friends as an adult can be difficult 
•  Practical ways to build healthy, God-centered relationships 

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use some encouragement today.

Have you ever felt unqualified to pour into someone else?

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to have spiritual influence—and why you don’t need a title, a platform, or perfection to make a difference in someone’s life.

Looking at biblical examples like the women in Titus 2 and the story of Ananias in Acts 9, we unpack how simple, everyday obedience can have a powerful impact on others.

Because the truth is:

Every woman has an assignment.
And someone in need is waiting on the other side of your obedience.

What may feel small to you—an encouraging text, a conversation, a moment of obedience—could be exactly what someone else needs.

In this episode, we cover:

•  Why we often feel unqualified 
•  What spiritual influence looks like in real life 
•  The power of simple obedience 
•  A practical step you can take today 

🎧 Listen in and be encouraged—you have more to give than you think.

We often think we’ll finally grow, thrive, and walk in purpose when life gets easier—but what if God is growing something in you right now?

In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to bloom in any season—whether life is good, hard, slow, or not what you expected.

Through biblical examples like Joseph and David, along with real-life stories of faith and perseverance, we share how you can stay rooted, faithful, and full of hope in every season.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or discouraged, this episode will remind you:

You’re not behind.
 God hasn’t forgotten you.
 Something is growing—even if you can’t see it yet.

Feeling overwhelmed but still called to more?

In this episode, we’re joined by Suzanne, author of The Busy Mom’s Playbook, to talk about managing daily life without losing your peace.

We unpack:
 • Biblical priority order
 • Viewing your 24 hours like a budget
 • Letting go of unrealistic expectations
 • Choosing what truly matters
 • Finding rest in Gospel of Matthew 11:28–30

If you’ve ever felt like there aren’t enough hours in the day, this conversation will help you shift from frustration to stewardship — and from chaos to clarity.

📚 Get Suzanne’s Book

The Busy Mom’s Playbook: A Gameplan to Thrive Amidst the Hustle
https://a.co/d/0chZl5Ju

📲 Follow Suzanne on Instagram

A Family’s Heart
 https://www.instagram.com/afamilysheart/

Share this episode with a busy mom who needs encouragement today.

In Episode 7, we walk through 1 Corinthians 13 and take an honest, grace-filled look at what biblical love really looks like in everyday life.

This isn’t a checklist meant to shame or overwhelm—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and allow God’s Word to shape how we love. From patience and kindness to forgiveness and perseverance, we ask the question: How are we really doing with love?

Whether you’re loving your family, friends, church community, or even yourself, this episode is designed to encourage your heart and realign your thoughts with truth.

📄 Love Check Printable:
Download the Love Check checklist and follow along with this episode.   http://bit.ly/4bvJrHF

💗 It’s not about perfection—it’s about transformation.

A new year brings fresh opportunity—but without vision, it’s easy to lose focus and drift. In this episode of Encouraged by the Word, Becca and April talk about the importance of starting the year with God-given vision, not just goals or resolutions.

Together, they discuss what Scripture says about vision, why God often gives vision before fulfillment, and how writing the vision—through tools like journaling or vision boards—can support a faith-based, Scripture-centered approach to the new year.

If you’re seeking clarity, direction, or a renewed sense of purpose for the year ahead, this episode will encourage you to slow down, listen for God’s voice, and move forward focused and ready for the change He’s leading you into.

📖 Scriptures referenced include Proverbs 29:18, Genesis 15, Habakkuk 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:18, and Hebrews 11:1.

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year”… but for many people, Christmas can feel overwhelming, lonely, or even depressing. In today’s episode, April and Becca get real about what it actually takes to hold onto joy during the Christmas season.

We talk about:
 ✨ Why joy is more than a feeling—and how Scripture anchors us when emotions shift
 🤝 The importance of not facing the season alone (friendships, community, and local church support)
 📉 Eye-opening statistics about holiday loneliness and depression
 💡 Practical ways to protect your mental, spiritual, and emotional health
 😂 And of course… plenty of humor and honest conversation along the way!

Whether this season feels magical, messy, or somewhere in between, we’re here to remind you that joy is still possible—and you don’t have to walk through Christmas alone.

Mentioned in this episode:
• Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”
• Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
• Hebrews 10:24–25 – Why community matters more than ever

If you’re looking for encouragement, connection, and a whole lot of real talk, this episode is for you. 💛