Portia Collins shares her motherhood journey, the heart behind her new Galatians study, and how God has taught her about true identity and freedom in Christ.

From battling performance-driven faith to learning it’s “Christ alone,” Portia unpacks practical Bible study techniques, spiritual lessons from Paul’s letter, and encouragement for women longing to rest in the finished work of Jesus.

Checkout her new Bible study: Finding Freedom in Christ: An 8-Week Study of Galatians.

Singer-songwriter and author Ellie Holcomb joins Gracenotes to talk about the highs and lows of motherhood, the stories behind her beloved children’s books, and the heart behind her music.

Ellie shares:

The bittersweet joys of parenting a middle schooler, tween, and first grader.

How her daughter’s question—“Who sang the first song?”—sparked her journey into writing children’s books.

Walking through grief after losing her niece.

The tension between deep sorrow and hope in songs like “Red Sea Road” and her newest album Far Country.

Why music awakens our longing for home and how God meets us in both joy and lament.

Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood, juggling school schedules, or navigating grief, this conversation is a reminder that you are God’s beloved child—and you never walk alone.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Ellie’s new album: Far Country

Ellie’s children’s books, including Spring Sings

🎧 Grace Thomas talks with author, speaker, and former Revive Our Hearts ministry leader Erin Davis about the beauty and challenges of family life. Erin shares candidly about the highs and lows of motherhood, raising boys with intention, and walking through difficult seasons like her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and estrangement in her own family.

Together, they discuss Erin’s new Bible study on Joseph, exploring how God works through dysfunctional family dynamics to bring about His good purposes.

If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the messiness of your own family, this conversation will encourage you to trust His faithfulness and find hope in His Word.

📚 Learn more about Erin Davis and her books, including Lies Boys Believe, 7 Feasts, and her new study on Joseph.

🎧 Even in the middle of the mess, God is at work building a beautiful family for His glory.

📖 Glenna Marshall discusses her newest book on Psalm 139, Known and Loved. She shares how this powerful psalm reshaped her understanding of God’s love—moving from a belief that His love must be earned to the freeing truth that it is steadfast and personal.

Together, they dive into themes of God’s delight in His children, overcoming shame, and how suffering and chronic pain can actually deepen our confidence in His faithfulness.

If you’ve ever wondered, does God really like me? Or how can I reconcile my pain with His love? This conversation will encourage you to rest in the truth that you are fully known & loved by God.

👉 Follow Glenna at glennamarshall.com and on Instagram @glennadmarshall.

✨ Find more at Gracenotes & order Known and Loved wherever books are sold.

Grace Thomas chats with author and literary agent Jen Babakhan to talk about navigating life’s unexpected detours with grace and faith.

Jen shares the story behind her book—Detoured, leaving her professional career to become a stay-at-home mom.

Together, they explore the tension between ambition and surrender, the identity shifts that come with motherhood, and how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty.

Jen opens up about letting go of career-driven worth, reentering the workforce with peace.

Whether you're a new mom, working professional, or in a season of transition, this episode offers truth, laughter, and encouragement.

🔖 Topics Covered:

Staying home vs. working outside the home

Identity and worth beyond titles

Trusting God's timing for open doors

📚 Learn more about Jen at https://jenbabakhan.com or follow her on IG https://www.instagram.com/jenbabakhan/

🎙A Conversation with Laura Wifler on Beauty, Identity, and Raising Kids in a Digital World

In this episode of Gracenotes, Laura Wifler—co-founder of Risen Motherhood, author of Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer, discusses her forthcoming children’s book Your Worth Never Waivers.

Together, they dive into a deeply needed conversation about helping children understand their God-given worth in a culture that often confuses beauty and identity.

💡 This episode offers biblical encouragement and practical ways to foster awe of God in the hearts of our kids.

Laura shares the story behind her latest book (inspired by a question from her daughter), how she’s navigating beauty in today’s world, and what it means to steward our bodies and hearts for God's glory.

✨ Topics covered:

How to talk to kids about beauty and worth

Why fostering awe of God reshapes how we see ourselves

Biblical identity in an age of filters, AI, and social media

Writing children's books that tell gospel truths

The heart behind Your Worth Never Waivers (releasing Sept 16!)

We Shall All Be Changed | Interview with Author Whitney Pipkin

"Tells the story of how the valleys we most fear can become the peaks of God’s presence. When Whitney's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she wasn’t ready. How could she be? She searched for resources that could help her walk through this heavy yet sacred time in her life. But she struggled to find the guidance she longed for in a season of anticipatory grief."

Find more at Gracenotes & order We Shall All Be Changed wherever books are sold.

Why is comparison dangerous?

What should our attitude/mindset of comparison be?

What does the Bible say about this?

Is there ever a good time for comparison?

You can connect with Shannon on IG or her podcast series.

Find more at Gracenotes.com

Topics Discussed with Whitney Newby of Brighter Day Press

1. Lift Your Eyes is based on Psalm 121. What inspired you to focus on this particular Psalm?

2. Motherhood exposes our need for a Helper. How have you personally experienced this in your journey as a mom of four?

3. Many moms feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. How can faith in God’s provision help them navigate those difficult days?

4. What are some practical ways mothers can make small shifts in their outlook that can improve their day?

Find more at Gracenotes & order Lift Your Eyes wherever books are sold.

Topics Discussed

1. Why can we be unhurried & create margin?

2. Can we be unhurried in this fast pace culture?

3. How does this relate to releasing control to God & more!

“I’m Samantha — wife to Dustin, mom of 3 crazy boys and a baby girl, Texan turned Okie, author of Unhurried, and above all, follower of Jesus. My passion is to know God and make Him known in my house, on my street, and to the ends of the Earth. May my words always bring glory to Him.”

Find more at Gracenotes & order Unhurried wherever books are sold.