In this episode, Sarita emphasizes the importance of finding Joy in small moments and practicing gratitude, especially during the holiday season. She encourages listeners to recognize God's presence in everyday life and to transform mourning into Joy through thankfulness. The discussion highlights the importance of prioritizing meaningful connections and self-care over the season's chaos, advocating for intentional living and focusing on the simple pleasures that bring happiness.

Takeaways

• Find joy in the small moments and the little things.
• Jesus demonstrated the importance of being thankful.
• Practicing gratitude helps develop a heart filled with joy.
• Look for God in the details of everyday life.
• It's the bonds and experiences that matter most.
• Prioritize small moments of worship and self-care.
• It's okay to say no to big duties and responsibilities.
• Focus on quiet pleasures and meaningful connections.
• Be intentional about your time during the holiday season.
• Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Hello, beloved! As we gather for Thanksgiving, remember that gratitude is more than a holiday posture—it's a spiritual strategy. May your home be filled with peace and your heart with the assurance of God's love. Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, ‘Give thanks in ALL circumstances.’ Not FOR all things, but IN all things — because gratitude realigns our hearts with God’s goodness.

In this episode, Sarita discusses the often challenging concept of waiting, particularly from a biblical perspective. She explores how modern society's fast-paced nature contrasts with the spiritual practice of waiting on God, emphasizing the importance of patience, hope, and obedience. Through the story of the prophet Habakkuk, she illustrates how waiting can be an active process filled with faith and trust in God's timing and justice. The episode concludes with practical strategies for listeners to navigate their own waiting periods with grace and gratitude.

Takeaways

• Most of us hate to wait.
• Biblical waiting involves hope and trust in God.
• Waiting requires obedience and action.
• Habakkuk's story reflects our struggles with waiting.
• God's plan may not align with our expectations.
• The Lord is sovereign and in control.
• Waiting can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
• We should seek God's presence while we wait.
• Practicing gratitude can help during waiting periods.
• Trusting God's timing is essential. 

In this episode, Sarita discusses the importance of shutting out distractions and inner chatter to focus on divine guidance. She emphasizes the need to prioritize God's opinion over societal approval, highlighting how external judgments can hinder personal growth and decision-making.

Matthew 6:6 NLT "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."

Takeaways

• Shut the door to the inside chatter.
• Shut the door to the distractions.
• Distractions can pull attention away from essential instructions.
• Caring about others' opinions can lead to self-doubt.
• God's opinion is the only one that really matters.
• External judgments can hinder personal growth.
• Focus on divine guidance for better decision-making.
• Inner peace comes from ignoring distractions.
• Seek approval from God, not from people.
• Embrace your unique path without fear of judgment.

This week on Joy in Every Step, we’re revisiting one of Sarita Bernadette’s most loved messages — a reflection on the peace and renewal found in solitude. In a world filled with noise, Jesus calls us to step away, be still, and rediscover the beauty of prayer in private.

Sarita explores the significance of solitude and healing through conversations. She discusses the importance of being present with oneself and with God, emphasizing the need for quiet reflection in a busy world. The dialogue highlights Jesus' example of seeking solitude for prayer and connection with the Father, illustrating how solitude can lead to peace, self-reflection, and rejuvenation. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace solitude as a way to find joy and clarity in their lives.

Takeaways:

• Conversations can lead to healing and closure.
• Solitude is often misunderstood in today's busy society.
• Being alone can be a choice for reflection and prayer.
• Surrendering anxiety allows for a deeper connection with God.
• Jesus exemplified the importance of solitude in his ministry.
• Solitude provides comfort and reassurance in God's presence.
• Time spent alone with God can activate creativity.
• Even short moments of solitude can be beneficial.
• Creating a dedicated space for solitude enhances the experience.
• Persistence in seeking solitude is key to spiritual growth.

Released initially as Episode 6 in 2023. Re-released in November 2025 with updated reflection and renewed encouragement.

In this episode of 'Joy in Every Step', Sarita explores the themes of bitterness and transformation through the biblical story of Naomi and Ruth. She discusses the destructive nature of bitterness, the importance of words, and how God can heal and restore us. The conversation emphasizes the need for obedience and faith to overcome life's challenges and to find Joy in God's grace.

Takeaways

• Bitterness can lead to spiritual and relational decay.
• Anger and resentment are root causes of bitterness.
• Words have power; be mindful of what you say.
• God provides healing and restoration in our lives.
• Obedience to God leads to blessings and healing.
• The Israelites' journey reflects our own struggles.
• God's grace is available to all who seek it.
• Transformation is possible through faith and trust in God.
• We should support one another in our spiritual journeys.
• Joy can be found in every step of our faith walk.

In this episode, Sarita explores the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, focusing on themes of redemption and restoration. The narrative highlights Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, God's provision, and the significance of the kinsman redeemer. Throughout the episode, it emphasizes God's faithfulness and the transformative power of hope, even in difficult times.  

Isaiah 61:3 NLV  "To those who have sorrow in Zion I will give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. Then they will be called oaks that are right with God, planted by the Lord, that He may be honored."

Takeaway Reflection:  We are The Beloved, and our God is One Who redeems and restores. 

• The Bible is filled with stories of redemption and restoration.
• Ruth's loyalty to Naomi exemplifies unwavering faith.
• God often works in unexpected ways to demonstrate His love.
• Naomi's transformation reflects God's faithfulness.
• The kinsman redeemer plays a crucial role in the story.
• Prioritizing the needs of others can lead to our own blessings.
• Ruth's actions illustrate the importance of faith in hopeless situations.
• God's plan for redemption is woven throughout history.
• Even in bitterness, God can bring sweetness and joy. 
• We are all beloved and redeemed through Christ.

In this episode of 'Joy in Every Step', Sarita explores the profound themes of gratitude and its connection to compassion. Through biblical references, particularly the story of the Samaritan leper, she emphasizes the importance of returning to thank God for blessings. Sarita discusses the emotional and spiritual benefits of gratitude, distinguishing between momentary feelings and a consistent, grateful disposition. She highlights the example of Paul, who exemplified gratitude in all circumstances, and offers practical ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in daily life.

Takeaways

• Gratitude is a gift from God.
• There is a connection between gratitude and compassion.
• Many people forget to thank God after receiving blessings.
• The story of the Samaritan leper illustrates the importance of gratitude.
• Returning to give thanks can lead to spiritual wholeness.
• Gratitude can trigger feelings of happiness and contentment.
• Dispensational gratitude is a consistent state of thankfulness.
• Paul's life exemplified active gratitude despite circumstances.
• Gratitude is associated with positive traits like optimism and hope.
• Cultivating gratitude can be achieved through intentional actions.

In this episode of 'Joy in Every Step', Sarita explores the profound theme of compassion, emphasizing its significance in our lives and its reflection of God's character. She discusses biblical examples of compassion, particularly through the actions of Jesus, and shares inspiring stories that illustrate the impact of kindness in communities. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace and spread compassion in their daily lives, highlighting the joy and resilience it brings.

Takeaways

• Compassion is a deep, visceral sympathy for the suffering of others.
• Jesus modeled compassion through his actions and teachings.
• Acts of kindness can create a ripple effect in communities.
• Compassion is a gift that brings joy and positive emotions.
• Demonstrating compassion can lift both the giver and receiver.
• Compassionate behavior helps build resilience in challenging times.
• We are called to clothe ourselves with compassion and kindness.
• Compassion is essential for fostering strong relationships.
• Every act of kindness can inspire others to do the same.
• Compassion is a reflection of God's character in our lives.

In this episode, Sarita Allen discusses the importance of consistency in content creation while navigating the challenges of emotional expression. She emphasizes that emotions are a gift from God and explores how they are reflected in biblical teachings. The conversation explores the importance of emotional intelligence, the need to acknowledge grief, and the benefits of expressing emotions healthily. Sarita encourages listeners to embrace their feelings and seek God's guidance in managing them, ultimately finding joy in the process.

Takeaways

• Emotions are a gift from God and should be acknowledged.
• Jesus demonstrated a full range of emotions in the Bible.
• Responding to situations is more beneficial than reacting.
• Self-control is essential for managing emotions effectively.
• Grief should be expressed and shared with others.
• Lamentations teaches us the value of expressing sorrow.
• We live under the grace of God, not performance-based forgiveness.
• God hears our cries and provides comfort 
• Our emotions serve a purpose and can lead to joy.