Haven Women

In this episode Stacey talks with special guest Nicole Zasowski. Nicole is a marriage and family therapist, and the author of  What if It's Wonderful and the Bible Study caleld Daring Joy.  

Stacey and Nicole answer questions like:

1.  What obstacles keep us from loving God with all of our heart, soul, and mind?
2. Based on 2 Corinthiansn 10:5, what does it look like to take every thought captive to obey Christ?
3. Once we take these thoughts captive how do we replace them with truth  and hopeful thinking?
4. Why does Joy feel risky? What is the reward? 

The episode also reminds us s that renewing the mind requires repetition. Just as a well-worn path becomes easier to follow, repeatedly choosing truth helps create new emotional and spiritual habits. 

Ultimately, the episode offers an invitation to pursue joy—even in difficult seasons. The central encouragement is to stop preparing only for the worst and begin asking, 

“What if it’s wonderful?”

Quick Links:

First Orlando Women

Holiday Haven - November 6, 2026

Connect with Nicole

Connect with Stacey

What if It's Wonderful

Daring Joy

First Orlando Women on Instagram

In this episode of the Haven Women Podcast, Stacey explores Colossians 3:10 and the ongoing process of spiritual renewal. She explains that becoming more like Christ happens as we grow in accurate knowledge of God—not simply collecting information about Him, but allowing that knowledge to transform who we are from the inside out.

The episode also offers practical ways to love God with our minds, including clearing mental clutter, filling our thoughts with Scripture, noticing beauty as a reflection of God’s character, and intentionally studying His Word with others.

Quick Links:

S1E5 Your New Designer Wardrobe - Colossians 3:8-10

The Whole Woman: Ministering to her Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength - by Kristin L Kellen & Julia B. Higgins

None Like Him - by Jen Wilkin

First Orlando Women

Connect with Stacey

First Orlando Women on Instagram 

We keep trying to fix our minds by thinking more about ourselves. But Romans 12 says the real reset is humility. But, Paul wasn’t saying to necessarily  “think less of yourself” — he was saying think rightly:

• You’re here by grace.
• You’re sustained by faith.
• You’re not the center — Jesus is.

In this episode, Stacey talks about how loving God with all of our mind means choosing humility. She also shares what passage she turns to when she gets stuck in her own head. 

We need to remember that Jesus took on the form of a servant, emptied Himself, and humbled himself—ultimately going to the cross to save us. He is the true example of real humility.

Quick Links:

Connect with Stacey

First Orlando Women on Instagram

Humility by Andrew Murray

Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen 

In this episode, Stacey shares our Haven Girls Night Out message featuring special guest Antrecia Russell.

Antrecia Russell is a  psychotherapist, author, doctoral candidate, Bible study leader, wife and mother of five children. In this message, Antrecia talks about our theme verse of Matthew 22:37 explaining in greater detail what it means to love God with all of your mind.  

We are thrilled to be able to bring you a portion of Antrecia's vulnerable and passionate message from our Fall Women's Event and grateful for her teaching that reminded us that our minds matter to God. 

Links:

Book: Becoming Whole by Antrecia Russell

Connect with Stacey

First Orlando Women

Join a Fall Group 

First Orlando Counseling Center

If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry, distracted, or pulled in every direction, this episode of The Haven Women Podcast will help you see Romans 12:2 with fresh eyes and leave with practical ways to be changed from the inside out. Stacey walks through one of her favorite passages in Scripture - Romans 12:2 - using multiple translations, word studies, and everyday examples to uncover what it really means to not be conformed to this world. She unpacks the difference between being pressured by culture and being changed by the Holy Spirit, then brings it all down to real life with honest reflection on attention, habits, and the things competing for your mind. You will discover:

• why “conformed” and “transformed” are such different pictures
• how the word “metamorphosis” captures the kind of change God wants in you
• what it looks like to renew your mind through Scripture, worship, memorization, and community
• how lesser things quietly steal your affection for God

The is simple but powerful truth is this: if we do nothing, we will drift. But if we keep turning toward God, He shapes us into women who think deeply, love deeply, and live differently. 

Quick Links:

First Orlando Women

First Orlando Women on Instagram

Connect With Stacey

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

This episode launches Season 5 of the Haven Women Podcast with a practical, encouraging look at what it means to love God with all your mind. Stacey Thacker unpacks Romans 12:1 and shows how surrender, not striving, is the starting point for a renewed life.

If you’ve ever felt distracted, overwhelmed, or stuck in your own thoughts, this conversation will feel especially relevant. Stacey connects Paul’s words to everyday life, explaining how ordinary moments like work, chores, and decision-making become acts of worship when they’re offered to God.

You’ll hear about:

• Why Romans 12:1 is a response to God’s mercy
• What it means to be a living sacrifice
• Why holy focus starts with a decisive choice
• How surrender helps us fight self-focus
• Why thinking about the gospel changes the way we live

With honest teaching, relatable examples, and a heartfelt reminder that the greatest burden we carry is often ourselves, this episode is a timely invitation to stop drifting and start dwelling on the mercy of God. It’s a great listen for anyone who wants to grow in faith, think more clearly, and begin the season with a surrendered heart and a renewed mind.

Links:

First Orlando Women

Season 4: Episode 1 - Love God. Love People.

The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life - H.W. Smith

Connect with Stacey

In this episode Stacey interviews author, speaker, and women's ministry director Tasha Calvert about her new book Set Apart for More: The Transformative Power of Living Your Whole Life for a Holy God.   They talk about how holiness helps us love God with all of our soul, what the foundations of a holy life are, and how we need community to walk in holiness. 

Links:

Connect with Tasha Calvert

Recommended Resource: Set Apart for More: The Transformative Power of Living Your Whole Life for a Holy God by Tasha Calvert

Connect with Stacey

First Orlando Women

What if loving God deeply starts with understanding that your soul is your core, your true north — like a compass pointing to the LORD?  Your soul is the deepest part of who we are — our passions, emotions, and life’s breath — designed for connection with Christ. In this episode Stacey talks about Matthew 22:37 and  loving God with all of your soul and how to prioritize your relationship with the Lord.

Links:

First Orlando Women

Haven Summer Bible Study - The Way of Wisdom

The Whole Woman by Kristin L Kellen  & Julia B. Higgins

Connect with Stacey

When it comes to loving God, It's not that we have a strong desire for other things; often, the problem is our desire for God is too weak, making us settle for less satisfying substitutes. When that happens, stress, worry, and frustration grow, pulling us further away from our First Love of Jesus. 

But there’s hope—returning to your first love is always possible.  In this episode Stacey talks about the church at Ephesus, Revelations 2, and how this warning helps us love God with all of our heart.

Links:

Connect with Stacey

Haven Summer Bible Study - The Way of Wisdom

When Grace Walks In by Stacey Thacker

In this episode, Stacey talks about what it means to love God with your emotions. (Matthew 22:37) She shares that loving God with all of our heart, means bringing ALL of your feelings under the lordship of Christ. It’s about reorienting our emotions through the power of Holy Spirit, and guarding our hearts above all else. This is a crucial first step as we love God and love people! 

Links:

Haven Summer Bible Study

Connect with Stacey

The Whole Woman: Ministering to her Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength - Kellen & Higgens

First Orlando Women