In this episode of The Freedom Diaries Podcast, April Foster opens up about the pain of being unexpectedly let go from her corporate job and how it led her to rediscover her identity in Christ. She shares the powerful lesson she learned that “setbacks are setups because we are set apart” (2 Peter) and how Jesus invites us to lean into Him during difficult times.

April highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage and embrace you, especially during challenging times—reminding us that isolation and bitterness are never the answers. She also shares insights from her new children's book, The Unexpected Guest, and the transformative lesson she learned from a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, symbolizing her own journey of growth and renewal.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing life’s setbacks, trusting God’s plan, and finding true identity in Christ.

Where to find April:

April Foster ​​is an author, speaker, and mentor passionate about equipping others to build strong foundations in marriage, family, and identity. She’s the founder of Fostering Foundations, area coordinator for T.R.A.C. Life—a mentoring program that empowers teens in foster care—and author of The Unexpected Guest. She has also coauthored The Joy-Full Entrepreneur, The Joyous Journey of Loss, and Before She Knew Jesus. A homeschooling veteran and best-selling author, she helps others reclaim joy, intimacy, and purpose—especially in marriage and faith. April co-hosts Bedroom and Bible with her husband of 29 years, diving into real and raw conversations often left unspoken. Whether through coaching, retreats, or writing, her mission is to inspire others to walk boldly in the joy God has for them.

Youtube https://youtube.com/@lovecoloredtheway

Website-www.lovecoloredtheway.com

Resources Mentioned:

-The Unexpected Guest by April Foster

-Bedroom and Bible Podcast

Where to Find Rachel:

-Instagram: @beautifuljoyrachel

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

In this gripping episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, Amber Love shares her incredible journey from overcoming sex trafficking, abuse, and homelessness to finding freedom in Christ. Amber opens up about the deep trauma she endured, the challenges of escaping the sin cycle, and how her desperation to pursue Jesus led to her healing and restoration. This raw and inspiring interview reveals the importance of seeking God in the midst of sin and pain, breaking free from the past, and embracing the freedom that only Christ can provide. 

Amber also highlights the vital role the church can play in supporting survivors and sheds light on the silent sexual struggles many face within the church. She reveals how true freedom isn't about escaping difficult circumstances, but about the transformation that comes from a deep, pursuit for Christ. Don’t miss Amber’s powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and the life-changing power of God’s love.

Where to find Amber:

Amber Love is a third-generation survivor of sex trafficking who transforms her personal journey into a beacon of hope and empowerment for others. With a powerful testimony of resilience and freedom, Amber dedicates her life to mentoring and inspiring those seeking liberation from similar experiences.  A passionate advocate, Amber speaks on various stages to address the effects of childhood sexual abuse and hyper-sexual behaviors, aiming to educate and empower both survivors and the general public. Expanding her influence further Amber's newly released co-authored book, Before She Knew Jesus, gives an insiders view of what her sanctification journey looked like.

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@groundzeroandabove 

Website-https://www.amberloveministries.com

Resources Mentioned:

-Before She Knew Jesus: A Devotional: The Raw and Refining Stories of a Woman's Stories to Redemption⁠ by Tamra Andress

-https://parentwithpurpose.ca/-Parenting Resource led by Lynda Harlos

Where to Find Rachel:

-Instagram: @beautifuljoyrachel

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with author Shawna Foster to explore her heart-wrenching journey of overcoming trauma and finding strength through Jesus. Shawna opens up about the unimaginable pain of losing two children who are still alive, the painful struggles of parental alienation, and the emotional toll these experiences took on her life. . Shawna walks us through how unanswered prayers, the constant uncertainty of what comes next, and these trials led her to a place of complete dependence on God.

Shawna reflects on the raw moments of her life—where pieces of her were ripped away, leaving her unrecognizable, but she learned even in the darkest, loneliest times, God can use our brokenness to creat something beautiful. She also discusses the powerful truth behind Bob Marley's quote, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have,” and how it resonated deeply as she navigated the toughest seasons of her life.

In this inspiring conversation, Shawna reveals how she found hope, healing, and strength through Jesus, and how surrendering everything to Him brought renewal and restoration. Her story is a reminder that no matter how broken we may feel, God can transform our deepest pain  to create a new beginning.

🎧Tune for a powerful message of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of God’s love—how God can turn our darkest moments into a testimony of hope.

Where to find Shawna:

Shawna is the author of her newly released bestselling book Faith in the Flames: Transforming Trauma into Hope and Healing and the host of the podcast Faith in the Flames. She inspires women to transform their trauma into hope and healing, drawing from her own journey through brokenness and grief. Shawna empowers women to move beyond survival, rediscover joy, and embrace a restored, purposeful life aligned with God's love.

Instagram @shawnamariafoster

Podcast - Faith in the Flames

Resources Mentioned:

•Faith in the Flames: : Transforming Trauma into Hope and Healing and the host of the podcast Faith in the Flames by Shawna Foster

Where to Find Rachel:

-Instagram: @beautifuljoyrachel

-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

-Grab free scripture affirmation cards, a copy of Rachel's newest book, or signup for encouragment on her website: https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

In this raw and inspiring episode of The Freedom Diaries Podcast, Kess Scharff opens up about her deeply personal journey from despair to hope. She shares her experience with sanctification in Jesus, a failed suicide attempt, and the intense mental pain and anguish she faced during her darkest moments. Kess talks about battling random suicidal thoughts, struggling with a lack of peace and control, and the challenge of trusting God in the midst of pain. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and offers valuable advice for those who are close to someone dealing with suicidal ideation.

If you or someone you know is facing mental health struggles, this episode is a must-listen packed with valuable insights, encouragement, and the reminder that healing and hope are possible through Jesus. 

🎧Don’t miss this powerful conversation about faith, healing, and transformation.

Where to find Kess:

Kess is a writer, author, change activation speaker, and transformational life coach. She has led national and international trainings where she shares insights from her professional and personal experiences with pain and trauma. Her mission is to share the love of Jesus and the transformative gifts He offers, helping people move through pain and break the cycle of generational sin.

http://www.kessscharff.com

https://www.instagram.com/kess.scharff_/

Resources Mentioned:

•Before She Knew Jesus: A Devotional: The Raw and Refining Stories of a Woman's Stories to Redemption by Tamra Andress

Where to find Rachel:

Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most

https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

I Am More Than My Gift – Finding Your Purpose with Jori O'Neale

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, host Rachel Rector sits down with Jori O'Neale to explore the journey of discovering your true purpose in life. Jori opens up about the importance of recognizing that we are more than our gifts and how our walk with God is not solely about us—it’s about serving others and living out our purpose with obedience and faith.

Through candid conversations, Jori shares her personal story of overcoming adversity, including navigating a crumbling marriage and learning how to fail forward. She emphasizes the significance of walking in faith, understanding that our struggles and triumphs shape our testimony. With deep wisdom and vulnerability, Jori reminds us that our stories and histories hold power, and by embracing them, we can better align with God’s plan for us.

🎧Tune in to hear how you can find clarity in your purpose, walk in obedience, and step into a life of service to others. Don’t miss this inspiring episode that encourages you to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

Listen now and be inspired to take the next step in your own journey of purpose and faith.

Where to find Jori:

Jori is a best-selling author, speaker, and productivity coach who is passionate about helping others deepen their relationship with God through faith and intentional living.  She is also the host of the podcast Thirty Minutes of Power, where she challenges her listeners to embrace the power God has given them to uplift and empower others and encourages believers to align their lives with God’s purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

• More than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity by Tamra Andress

• ⁠Unleash Your God Given Gift by Jori O'Neale

Where to find Rachel:

Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most

https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops!

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, host Rachel Rector is joined by Jenny Ingels, a woman who has faced profound grief, addiction, and healing. Jenny opens up about the heart-wrenching loss of a dear friend to a drinking overdose and the complex emotions of guilt and pain that followed. She also shares her personal journey through addiction, stress, and the struggle to cope with life's challenges through alcohol and escapism.

Jenny reveals her breast cancer testimony and the impact of alcohol on hormone balance and overall health, shedding light on the dangers of using substances to numb pain. Through her story, Jenny emphasizes the importance of breaking free from unhealthy habits and offers practical tools and strategies for managing stress without turning to alcohol.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

🎧If you've struggled with grief, addiction, or just the weight of life's challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on healing, resilience, and discovering healthier ways to cope with life's toughest moments.

Where to find Jenny:

Jenny Ingles is the mother of four "manimals," wife of a retired combat veteran, and former federal agent. These varied life experiences exposed her to the lightest and darkest sides of the human condition, including the moment her best friend drank herself into a coma, which she never recovered from. It was then that Jenny reconsidered her own decades-long casual relationship with alcohol. It took ten more years and a breast cancer diagnosis before she finally threw away her drinking blanket. God's grace brought her to and through this life-altering transformation.

Recognizing what she learned could help save lives, she left her career to start the Pour It Out for Good mission. Her podcast dives into the cultural influences, societal pressures, and biblical misconceptions that lead us to drink and keep us coming back for more and what we can do to change it for good.

Pour It Out for Good ⁠ Podcast

Resources Mentioned:

• More than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity by Tamra Andress

Where to find Rachel:

Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most

https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops! We’re on all major listening platforms: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, Heart Radio, etc.  

Apple Podcasts Reviews and Ratings are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

In this powerful episode of Freedom Diaries Podcast, host Rachel Rector interviews Heather Demorest, Barnes and Noble Best-Selling co-author of the book More than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman's Identity. Heather shines a light on her heartfelt journey of a daughter navigating the complexities of healing, identity, and reconciliation with her prodigal mother. She explores the deep struggles of growing up with abandonment, people-pleasing tendencies, and the belief that being a mother alone isn't enough to create lasting bonds.

Listen as Heather uncovers the emotional layers of a mother-daughter relationship torn apart by neglect, and the inspiring story of how it’s never too late to restore and redeem even the most fractured adult relationships.

🎧Tune in for an intimate conversation on the power of healing, the quest for self-identity, and the transformative journey of reuniting with a parent. If you’ve ever struggled with family dynamics or longed for restoration in a broken relationship, this episode is for you.

Where to find Heather:

Heather Demorest is a Christian, wife, mom, business owner, life coach, public speaker, and three-time best-selling author! She is the founder of the "Living Aligned" group on Facebook, where she provides motivation to her followers! After stepping away from a six-figure corporate income, Heather now finds purpose and joy in helping others break the employee mindset, step into their God-given purpose, and pursue their God-sized dreams. She provides encouragement and support and shares the love of God through her presence on social media, her writing, and her speaking engagements.

https://www.instagram.com/heather_lynn_demorest

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARR7tzfpS/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Resources Mentioned:

Where to find Rachel:

Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most

https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops! We’re on all major listening platforms: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, Heart Radio, etc.  

Apple Podcasts Reviews and Ratings are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

In this heartfelt episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, host Rachel Rector interviews Robin Gulley, Barnes and Noble Best-Selling co-author of the book More than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity. Robin explores the profound journey of motherhood and the transformative power of faith, community, and hope. She shares about her struggle with mom guilt and offers practical tips on how to push past it. 

Robin dives into her personal testimony of a child trying to commit suicide and how to navigate the search for mental health resources, ensuring you find the right support for you and your family. She explores the transformative role of community in fostering hope during challenging parenting moments and how faith and hope can sustain us through the darkest moments of motherhood.

Robin offers heartfelt advice for mothers grappling with their identity and reassures listeners that motherhood is enough. Yet, it also calls us to grow, adapt, and embrace the journey as each stage of motherhood prepares us for new roles and responsibilities, emphasizing that motherhood equips us for so much more. 

Whether you're navigating the challenges of parenting, seeking support, or looking to reconnect with your identity and purpose, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. 

🎧Tune in for a conversation that uplifts and empowers every mother on her unique journey!

Where to Find Robin:

Robin Gulley is the founder and owner of Robin's Nest, a ministry and business that provides a safe space for women (and girls) to explore soul issues through dance and movement. Robin's Nest empowers women to live in the freedom of their God-given identity as together we uncover and release traumas and challenging life circumstances. Robin holds a master of arts degree in educational and clinical counseling from Azusa Pacific University and is employed as a therapeutic behavioral strategist in her local school district.

https://www.instagram.com/robins_nest7

https://www.facebook.com/robin.gulley.56

https://www.robinsnest.online/

Resources Mentioned:

Where to find Rachel:

Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most

https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website: 

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website. 

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence. 

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops! We’re on all major listening platforms: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, Heart Radio, etc.  

Apple Podcasts Reviews and Ratings are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

In this empowering episode of the Freedom Diaries Podcast, host Rachel Rector dives deep into the pervasive mindset of feeling "not good enough." Join Rachel as she shares her personal experiences and insights on how this limiting belief affects women in various roles—mother, wife, teacher, and beyond. Discover practical strategies to reclaim your identity, embrace your worth, and step boldly into your purpose.

Through Rachel's own struggles and journey with this limiting belief, you will uncover 3 main takeaways:

1. Identifying Limiting Beliefs: Recognize that the phrase "I am not good enough" often stems from past experiences and societal pressures. Acknowledging its origins can help you begin to challenge and change this mindset.

2. Faith and Trust in Your Journey: Embrace the importance of walking in faith, even when faced with challenges and disappointments. Lean on your beliefs and support systems to guide you through uncertain times.

3. Empowerment Through Scripture Affirmations: Utilize scriptural affirmations to combat negative self-talk, reinforcing your identity and worth in Christ, and transforming self-doubt into confidence.

🎧Tune in for this inspiring discussion.

Resources Mentioned:

Where to find Rachel:

Are we Facebook or Insta📸 friends? It's where I hang out the most

https://www.instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel/

https://www.facebook.com/rachel.rector.92

Website:

https://beautifuljoyrachel.com

Join the Conversation:  Are you ready to share your story? I would love to connect and hear your unlocked diary story where YOU were tried by fire and came out radiant! Your story has the power to inspire and transform lives. Connect with me on social media or leave a comment on our website.

Subscribe & Follow: Be sure to follow this show, so that you can get a fresh diary entry that will lift you up and send you running to what is next for you with complete confidence.

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share.

Follow 🎙The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops! We’re on all major listening platforms: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, Heart Radio, etc.  

Apple Podcasts Reviews and Ratings are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Rachel Rector journeys from self-doubt to empowerment as she transitions from mom to a podcaster. Through Rachel's own struggles with identity and purpose, listeners discover three main takeaways:

Your listens & shares bless me immeasurably, so if you felt moved by this episode and think that others would love to listen, please share. 

Follow The Podcast if you would like to get automatic updates when a new podcast show drops! We’re on all major listening platforms: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Radio, etc. 

Apple Podcasts Reviews and Ratings are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with Rachel Rector at instagram.com/beautifuljoyrachel or https://beautifuljoyrachel.com