Hey, friend!

What happens when you lose seven of the eight liters of blood in your body during childbirth? You might not survive. But Shauna did. For Shauna Parker, the miracle of survival led not to gratitude, but to seven years of crippling depression. Instead of asking, "Why did God save me?", she was asking "Why would God save someone like me?" Her past was filled with drugs, alcohol, abuse, and shame. She felt utterly unworthy of the miracle.

In this powerful episode, Shauna shares her harrowing near-death experience during an emergency C-section, the darkness she encountered (instead of the typical "white light"), and the long journey through depression that followed. From sharing a twin mattress on her parents' floor with her seven-year-old son to finally discovering her God-given purpose, Shauna's story reveals the critical difference between feeling disqualified versus unqualified and how understanding that distinction changes everything.

In This Episode:

Key Themes: Near-death experience testimony, postpartum hemorrhage survival, medical miracle testimony, survivor's guilt, seven-year depression journey, feeling unworthy of God's love, past drug and alcohol abuse, childhood sexual abuse recovery, forgiveness and healing, single mom struggles, losing everything, identity in Christ, disqualified vs unqualified, discovering God's calling, spiritual gifts and purpose, heartfelt concern as calling, reading Bible cover to cover, God's forgiveness and second chances

Whether you're struggling with depression, feeling unworthy of God's love because of your past, questioning why you survived something you "shouldn't have," or simply searching for your God-given purpose, Shauna's story offers hope: God doesn't save you because you're worthy—He saves you because He has plans for you. Your past doesn't disqualify you; it prepares you.

Resources Mentioned:

Content Note: This episode discusses near-death experience, severe medical trauma, postpartum complications, depression, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, divorce, and financial hardship with honesty and hope

May you pivot from darkness to light in your own life today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Wow, friend:

When Misty Doyle's father was diagnosed with cancer, she began grieving immediately—but felt confused about whether she was "doing it right." Seven years later, when he died, she discovered something profound: everyone in her family grieved differently, and none of them were wrong. Then came an unexpected twist: her twin son Jack's autism diagnosis taught her that grief isn't only for the dead. You can grieve someone who's still living, and that's okay too.

In this moving episode, Misty shares her journey of writing Grief is More Than Gray, an "un-manual" for grief that gives people permission to grieve in their own way, on their own timeline. Through the biblical story of the road to Emmaus, Misty reveals how Jesus gave His followers permission to grieve—walking alongside them, listening to their disappointment, never rushing them to "get over it."

In This Episode:

Key Themes: Grief without timeline, grieving the living, autism parent grief, childhood cancer death, no stages of grief, Luke 24 road to Emmaus, permission to grieve, cultural expectations of grief, grieving differently, anger at God, disappointed faith, childlike prayer power, school community prayer, Isaiah 53 suffering, Mary's grief, anxious grief, navigating loss, hole in living room analogy, Jesus walks alongside grief

Whether you're grieving a death, an autism diagnosis, infertility, a prodigal child, a parent with dementia, or dreams that died, this episode offers profound permission: there's no "right way" to grieve. God gives you permission to feel what you feel, for as long as you need. He's not rushing you to the next stage—He's walking right beside you through every valley.

Content Note: This episode discusses cancer death, hospice care, childhood grief, autism diagnosis, speech delays, developmental disabilities, anger at God, and the long journey of grief with honesty and hope.

May you find God’s hand in the midst of your own grief today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Hey, friend!

What happens when you choose to save a life through bone marrow donation, only to suffer a devastating concussion the next day that leaves you bedridden for years? Rachel Van Pelt faced this exact scenario—along with infertility heartbreak—and discovered that God wanted to heal her spirit before He healed her body.

In this powerful episode, Rachel shares her eight-year journey through what she calls "the murky middle": that agonizing space between the promise and the fulfillment where most suffering actually happens. From seven years of physical therapy to confronting buried shame and unforgiveness, Rachel reveals how God used her darkest valley to bring spiritual healing she didn't even know she needed.

In This Episode:

Key Themes: Bone marrow donation testimony, post-concussion syndrome recovery, infertility and faith, the murky middle of suffering, spiritual healing vs physical healing, confronting buried wounds, shame and fear voices, God's perfect timing, spiritual warfare during illness, forgiveness and restoration, trusting God through chronic illness, abiding in Scripture during trials, community support in crisis, when prayers aren't answered as expected

This isn't a story about instant healing or easy answers. It's an honest look at what happens in the long, dark middle of suffering—and how God's faithfulness shows up even when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you're battling chronic illness, infertility, depression, or any prolonged trial, Rachel's story offers hope: God cares more about your spirit than your circumstances, and He's working even when you can't see it.

Content Note: This episode discusses chronic illness, concussion trauma, infertility, depression, night terrors, and the process of confronting buried emotional wounds with honesty and hope.

May you enter God's presence in the murky middle of your own life today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Hello, friend!

What do you do when you've been a Christian for decades, you're praying all the "right" prayers, but God seems silent? When life isn't turning out the way you hoped and even opening your Bible feels impossible? Award-winning author and editor Karin Beery shares her raw, honest journey through what she calls the "dark season of the soul" and how God met her in the most unexpected places.

In her mid-40s, Karin found herself struggling with unanswered prayers, broken relationships, and deep spiritual doubt. She knew what the Bible said, but it wasn't working in her life. She couldn't feel God in prayer, couldn't find Him in Scripture, and was drowning in despair. But when traditional spiritual disciplines failed, God showed up through Christian radio, YouTube devotionals, and perfectly-timed songs that spoke directly to her breaking heart.

In This Episode:

Key Themes: Spiritual dryness and drought, dark night of the soul, unanswered prayer struggles, waiting on God's timing, finding God in unexpected places, Christian radio miracles, hope as anchor, biblical truth vs feelings, managing expectations with God, faith during doubt, spiritual depression, Holy Spirit comfort, divine timing vs human timing

Whether you're in your own dark season, questioning if God hears your prayers, or supporting someone who's struggling spiritually, Karen's story offers profound hope: God meets us where we are, even when we can't meet Him in the "traditional" places. Sometimes the most profound encounters with God happen through a car radio when you're too broken to open your Bible.

Content Note: This episode discusses spiritual doubt, depression, and despair with honesty and hope.

May you grab hold of God’s hand in the darkness of your own soul today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Hi, friend!

What happens when you become pregnant at 20, are unmarried, and are terrified of telling your mother? In this deeply personal episode, I share my own story of unplanned pregnancy in college, introducing you to the beautiful outcome of that decision: my daughter, Amber.

This intimate mother-daughter conversation explores the fears, choices, and blessings that came from choosing life in less-than-ideal circumstances. I thought my deeply conservative mother would reject me. Instead, I received unconditional love and support. That grace changed everything—not just for me, but for the generations that followed.

In This Episode:

Key Themes: Unplanned pregnancy stories, teen pregnancy support, choosing life over abortion, single mother encouragement, Christian parenting challenges, unconditional love, breaking generational patterns, second chances, God's redemption, overcoming shame, poverty and dignity, family fulfillment vs. cultural happiness

Whether you're facing an unplanned pregnancy, supporting someone who is, or carrying regret from past choices, this honest conversation offers hope: your next choice can lead to something wonderful, even if previous choices feel defining. God specializes in second chances, and it's never too late to choose life—in every sense of the word.

Content Note: This episode discusses unplanned pregnancy, brief consideration of abortion, and divorce with sensitivity and hope.

May you witness God’s leading to the next right choice today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Hi there, friend!

When Pam Kantola's 17-year-old daughter Stephanie became pregnant and considered abortion, Pam never imagined their story would end in tragedy…or lead to profound spiritual transformation.

In this powerful episode, Pam shares how her daughter's involvement with an abusive boyfriend, an unexpected pregnancy, and a fatal car accident 26 years ago became a turning point for her entire family's faith journey.

Just 12 days after their pastor had a life-changing conversation with Stephanie about her relationship with Christ, she was killed in a car accident while still carrying her baby. What seemed like a parent's worst nightmare became a testimony to God's perfect timing and redemptive power.

In This Episode:

Key Themes: Teen pregnancy and abortion, abusive relationships, grief and loss, salvation assurance, parental rights, faith after tragedy, God's redemption, serving through pain, eternal perspective, Christian parenting challenges

Whether you're walking through unimaginable loss, struggling with a rebellious teen, or questioning God's plan in difficult circumstances, Pam's story offers hope that God truly does work all things together for good for those who trust Him

Even in the midst of unimaginable loss, may you witness God’s power in your own life today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Hi, friend!

What happens when you're thousands of miles from home, feeling completely lost, and cry out "God, help me"? In this powerful episode of God's Power Stories, British author Rachel Britton shares how one desperate three-word prayer changed everything.

Rachel takes us on her journey from a rule-heavy Christian upbringing in England to feeling disconnected from God in her twenties. When a job opportunity brought her and her husband to Massachusetts with a six-week-old baby, Rachel found herself isolated, overwhelmed, and questioning her identity. It was in that moment of complete desperation that she discovered the transformative power of simple, natural prayer.

You'll discover:

Rachel's story beautifully illustrates Isaiah 65:1 - God saying "Here I am, here I am" to those who haven't called on His name. Her new book "Pray Naturally" offers 120 reflections on Old Testament women with guided prayers to help you develop your own natural conversation with God.

This episode is perfect for anyone who feels intimidated by prayer or wonders if God really hears their simplest cries for help. This episode will encourage you that God is always standing with arms outstretched, ready to respond to your heart's honest call.

May you reach out to God with one simple prayer of your own today, my friend.

Always, Anna

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Hey, friend!

Join my as I sit down with award-winning author and ministry leader Kathy Bruins, founder of The Well Conference for Creatives. In this inspiring conversation, Kathy shares how God transformed her passion for drama ministry into a thriving conference that serves writers, artists, filmmakers, speakers, musicians, and creatives of every kind.

Discover how God gave Kathy a vision that expanded beyond a simple writers' conference into something much bigger...a place where creatives are truly valued, equipped, and refreshed. From starting with just 24 attendees to hosting an international gathering that draws participants from around the world, The Well has become a safe haven for creative souls who often feel undervalued in traditional church settings.

You'll be encouraged by:

Kathy's story will resonate with anyone who has felt called to creative expression but wondered if their gifts truly matter to God. Whether you're a writer, artist, speaker, filmmaker, or any type of creative, you'll discover how God values your unique abilities and wants to use them for His kingdom.

The Well Conference for Creatives takes place June 5-7, 2025, in Hudsonville, Michigan (near Grand Rapids). With tracks covering theater, film, comedy, art, illustration, writing, marketing, speaking, personal growth, music, and biblical studies, there's something for every creative soul seeking to grow in their craft and calling.

Whether you're a writer, speaker, artist, or musician, this episode invites you to unlock your creative potential and be part of a movement that honors diverse talents through God's grace. Don't miss out on applying our unique savings code, especially for listeners of this podcast: GPS50 

Psst...this code does not expire on December 31!

May you embark on the calling God has called you into today, my friend.

Always, Anna

Themes of this episode: creative ministry, Christian creatives, writers conference, artistic calling, creative community, ministry leadership, faith and creativity, Christian artists, creative gifts, spiritual refreshment

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Hey, friend!

Welcome to Episode 008 of God's Power Stories, where we explore the theme of love during the Advent season by lighting the Angel's Candle. Join me as I delve into the profound love of God revealed through the Advent accounts, reflecting on the roles of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, and the significance of the candles in the Advent wreath.

This episode takes a deep dive into the ethereal world of angels, pondering their mysteries and their connection to God's love and creation. Journey with me through Genesis, contemplating God's purpose from the dawn of creation to the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ.

In this episode, I shares my own heartfelt reflections on the infinite love of God. I pray that it's an encouragement to you, to embrace the love that surpasses all understanding. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking to connect with divine love through the power of storytelling. Don't forget to share your own power stories and follow for more episodes. Merry Christmas and may God's blessings be upon you!

Always, Anna

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Hey, friend!

Welcome to Episode 7 of God's Power Stories, where we celebrate the Shepherd's Candle and the Joy of the Advent season.

This episode unpacks the hidden phrases within Scripture that reveal deeper meanings and brings new light to the nativity story.

Allow the joy of this message to resonate as we reflect on God's inclusivity, reaching out to shepherds and wise men alike. Embrace the gift of salvation as we revisit the journey to our eternal home. Stay blessed!

Always, Anna

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