Her Solid Ground

This week we dive into a topic that can be a little tricky for women: Fasting. Although today’s world often pushes this idea as a health and fitness discipline, it is also a spiritual discipline that many people use to draw closer to the Lord. While certainly not a requirement for Christ followers, fasting is a concept found throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament. In this episode, Lisa and Ali unpack this often misunderstood and misused practice. Tune in to learn what Biblical fasting is, what it isn’t, the why behind it, and ways we can still live it out as believers.

We are all hard on ourselves. Whether we label ourselves perfectionists or not, most of us have a mental checklist of standards we think we should live up to in all areas of our lives–as a woman of God, as a friend, as a wife or mom, or as a working professional. But what do we do when we don’t hit that standard? Do we bury ourselves in shame, or do we go to the Lord? This week on the pod, Lisa shares about her own struggle with perfectionism and how God has worked in her heart to not only help her accept her imperfections, but to see them as a gift. If you feel like you are falling short in any area of your life, this is the episode for you!

Welcome to the first episode of 2026! After taking a few weeks off to regroup from the holidays, we are back and excited to dig into God’s truth with you! Although we are well into January, most of us are still in organization and “fresh start” mode, whether that means reestablishing good rhythms or starting new ones. With that in mind, we invited guest Alicia Kavanaugh on the pod to share some of her organizational best practices with us. As Hickory Creek’s own Bible Study Coordinator, we knew she was the girl for the job. (Let’s just say spreadsheets are her jam!) Tune in this week to hear Lisa and Alicia talk about practical ways we can organize our chaos, while still staying true to the unique ways God has designed each of us (and our families) to operate. 

Links:

Upcoming Women’s Bible Studies https://www.hickorycreekchurch.org/womens-bible-studies

The Gospel Comes with a Housekey

https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Comes-House-Key-Post-Christian/dp/143355786X

Merry Christmas, listeners! This week we wrap up our four-part series on Advent by focusing on the theme of love. And really, what better way to spend the week of Christmas than by reflecting on God’s greatest expression of love to us—the gift of His son, Jesus. This, of course, should also make us reflect on our love for Him. What is it about God that makes you love Him? What attributes of His character make you want to draw near? Tune in to our final episode of 2025 as Lisa shares what she personally loves most about God, as well as three ways God shows His love for us.

When we think about joy at Christmas, most of us think of twinkling lights, rosy cheeks, wrapped gifts, and hot cocoa. But is that the kind of joy that truly fills us, especially if we are dealing with not-so-festive feelings like grief and sadness? This week on the podcast, we welcome back Holly Williams to the show to discuss what Advent teaches us about true, Biblical joy. Tune in to hear Lisa and Holly explore how we can find the kind of joy that sustains in all seasons and what practical steps we can take if we are having a hard time feeling joyful at all. 

Links:

Every Moment Holy: Volume II

https://www.everymomentholy.com/volume-2

Untangle Your Emotions

https://www.jennieallen.com/untangle-your-emotions

Christmas is in 17 days, are we feeling peaceful yet? Although peace is what most of us want to feel during the holiday season, we are usually too caught up in stress and chaos to actually experience it. If that is you, know that you are not alone. But here’s the good news: There are ways we can intentionally invite peace into our lives this Christmas season, even in the midst of shopping, wrapping, hosting, and doing all.the.things. Listen in this week as Lisa talks us through week 2 of our Advent series and gives us three practical ways we can position our hearts to experience peace—one of which may surprise (and challenge!) you.

Links:

7 Days of Peace verses:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG5pBODRgg/UGlqz-GWD_8PBcXJ3Qa7OA/view?utm_content=DAG5pBODRgg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h44a9eac841

This past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent—a season observed by many Christians during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Although there are many traditions around celebrating Advent, we’ve decided to bring it to the pod to help us prepare our hearts and maintain our focus on Jesus. Each week, we will unpack one of the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Kicking off this week on Hope is special guest Melissa Kachin. A repeat guest and one of the co-leaders of Hickory Creek’s Advent study, Melissa gives us a great overview of what Advent is and how Hope can be our anchor, not just during the holiday season but in every season.

Names of God 

1) Yahweh (The LORD)

This name highlights a powerful, eternal presence and a personal relationship. In Exodus 3:15, we read, “God also said to Moses, ‘...This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.’” Whenever you see “the LORD” in Scripture, it’s a reminder that God is not distant or detached but actively engaged with His people.

2) Elohim (God, Creator)

Right from the start of Scripture, God is introduced as Elohim, the supreme Creator. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This title conveys both power and creativity, reminding us that all things spring from the hand of the One who shaped the universe.

3) Adonai (Lord, Master)

Adonai demonstrates God’s rightful place of authority. In passages like Psalm 86:5, we see the kindness and lordship of Adonai. It’s a name that calls us to respect His sovereignty and trust in His goodness as we navigate daily life, looking to Him as our Master and guide.

4) El Shaddai (God Almighty)

When life feels overwhelming, the name El Shaddai offers hope and strength. In Genesis 17:1, God says to Abram, “‘I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.’” This name points to His all-sufficient power, assuring us that no challenge is too big for the Almighty One who carries us through.

5) Jehovah Jireh (The LORD Will Provide)

In the dramatic account of Abraham and Isaac, God revealed Himself as the Provider. Genesis 22:14 says, “And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide.” This name offers assurance that the same God who provided then is still at work in our circumstances today, meeting us right where we need Him most.

6) Jehovah Rapha (The LORD Who Heals)

Whether broken in body, mind, or spirit, God’s name as Healer invites us to seek restoration. In Exodus 15:26, He declares, “For I am the LORD who heals you.” Knowing Him as Jehovah Rapha kindles hope that there is no wound too deep for His healing touch.

7) Jehovah Nissi (The LORD Is My Banner)

The name Jehovah Nissi paints a picture of marching under God’s victory flag. Exodus 17:15 records Moses building an altar and naming it The LORD Is My Banner after a triumph in battle. It is an inspiring reminder that every victory is a testament to His might.

8) Jehovah Shalom (The LORD Is Peace)

In a world hungry for calm, Jehovah Shalom offers true peace. Judges 6:24 highlights Gideon building an altar to the LORD and calling it “The LORD Is Peace.” Even when life feels chaotic, we can rest in the assurance that real peace comes from walking close to Him.

9) Jehovah Tsidkenu (The LORD Our Righteousness)

This title underscores God’s unshakable goodness. Jeremiah 23:6 proclaims, “And this is the name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.” It shows that the One who is perfectly just extends His righteousness to those who seek forgiveness and new life in Him.

10) Jehovah Rohi (The LORD My Shepherd)

Picture a shepherd guiding and protecting his flock, and you have a glimpse of this tender name. Psalm 23:1 opens, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” It captures the comfort of belonging to a God who not only leads us but also cares for our every need with gentleness and grace.

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. (God with us)

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

List from: https://biblehub.com/top10/names_of_god_and_their_meanings.htm

Links:

The Advent Book:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/170831012/the-advent-book-by-jack-kathy-stockman?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-a-books_movies_and_music&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAiAuIDJBhBoEiwAxhgyFjEpIn341sWqIcFXH4bXdxUgZlxvc06x56xzxvfkBkggV0OC-0101RoCoIoQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_21791667339_169566883678_716586690630_pla-314262775427_c__170831012_12768591&utm_custom2=21791667339&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21791667339&gbraid=0AAAAADtcfRKIabbMSUbmE_WsIEG_6Xi19&gclid=CjwKCAiAuIDJBhBoEiwAxhgyFjEpIn341sWqIcFXH4bXdxUgZlxvc06x56xzxvfkBkggV0OC-0101RoCoIoQAvD_BwE

This week’s heartwarming episode is one you don’t want to miss. Mom and advocate Lindsey Abbasy shares how raising a daughter with Down Syndrome has changed her life in all the best ways. From gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be made in the image of God to making a guest appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Lindsay is a beautiful example of what it looks like to use your story for God’s glory. Listen in as Lisa interviews Lindsey about the early years with her sweet daughter, Olivia, and how that led her to work with Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit organization that delivers “baskets of joy” to families celebrating babies with Down Syndrome.

Links:

Jack’s Basket

https://jacksbasket.org/

Lindsay and Olivia on The Kelly Clarkson Show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0QG2G063bc

As believers, we love talking about Jesus, goodness, and light. And, yes, God’s Word tells us to focus on such things. But there is another side of the spiritual realm that exists and that God warns us about in scripture. There is a battle raging in each of our lives as the enemy works hard to distract, divide, and destroy. Thankfully, God does not leave us defenseless. Tune in this week as Ali and Lisa discuss the realities of spiritual warfare and what God’s Word teaches us about standing firm against the enemy’s schemes to defeat us. (Spoiler alert: Jesus wins!)

Links:

Spiritual Warfare and Prayer article by John Piper

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/spiritual-warfare-and-prayer#:~:text=Not%20Against%20Flesh%20and%20Blood,asked%20him%20if%20he%27s%20king

Stand Firm sermon series

https://subsplash.com/u/hickorycreekchurchil/media/l/n8mvbmz-stand-firm

The Armor of God study by Priscilla Shirer

https://goingbeyond.com/resources/workbooks/armor-of-god-workbook-with-video-access/

For all the achievers out there, this episode is for you. After years of chasing (and winning) earthly accolades, including an Emmy and several Olympic weightlifting titles, it wasn’t until Janah Esquivel gave her life to Christ that she discovered true victory. Listen in this week as Janah gives her full testimony, how small steps of obedience ultimately led her into a life of total surrender and full trust in God and His amazing plans. As Janah explains, her strength and confidence are now found in Christ and what He did for her on the cross – a prize she didn’t have to earn and one that she will enjoy for all of eternity.

Links:

Living Hope:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f2FXxDVO6w

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