LifeAudio

Once ruled and reigned by addiction and incarceration, Cheri Norris has been able to step into freedom and recovery in mind, body, and spirit! She started her company, Cornbread Hustle, with the heart to see restoration in the lives of others; the same restoration she experienced in Christ! I'm excited for you all to hear her story, and it's thanks to WeShare for sponsoring this episode that this conversation was made possible!

CHECK OUT WESHARE TODAY: weshare.org/kirby

CHECK OUT CHERI: https://www.instagram.com/luminous_cheri/?hl=en

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/0vE5Cji

PRINT OUT MY FREE "SHAME CYCLE WORKSHEET" HERE: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/shamecycleworksheet

CHECK OUT MY FREE RESOURCES: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/kirbykelly 

For 10% off of Faithful Counseling, and to start your healing journey today, go to: https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/kirbykelly

To sponsor a child in need alongside me with Compassion International, go to: https://www.compassion.com/kirbyisaboss 

Support the ministry!: https://kirby-kelly.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5d23856d41ec3a0001234376

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer to Experience the Story of Light 

God often meets us with personal, unexpected reminders of His presence.Today's episode by Stacey Thacker invites listeners to consider how God uses both our brokenness and our offerings to illuminate His presence in our lives.

Reference: Exodus 13:21

Prayer: Father, you always go before me, and I'm grateful for the intentional way you lead me, especially when I feel alone. I realize that the path might not be the easy way, but your abiding presence will always be with me. In Jesus' name, amen.

LINKS:

How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.

Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by James Seawood, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How good are you at meeting everyone’s expectations? Meditate on Colossians 3:23. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it look like to follow God faithfully in the middle of real-life chaos? Join me and the delightful Nicole Renard Warren—better known as Nicole the Nomad—as she shares her journey from Miss Washington 2017 to a social media force with more than 3 million followers. Nicole opens up about her experience on Fox’s Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay and how stepping into unfamiliar spaces strengthened her confidence, courage, and faith.

We also explore the delicate dance of motherhood, identity, and calling—along with practical strategies for creating order in busy seasons. From time-blocking to digital boundaries, this conversation is filled with grace, Scripture, and tools to help you thrive where God has placed you.

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna

Listen in to learn more :
(00:19) - Following God in Daily Chaos

(03:59) - Balancing Identity and Motherhood

(09:35) - Establishing Daily Rhythms for Success

(19:57) - Setting Healthy Boundaries for Wellness

(29:03) - Finding Inspiration in Daily Life 

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.

Connect with Nicole

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_thenomad/?hl=en 

Website - https://nicolethenomad.com/ 

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/    

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

What happens when you have been faithful, but God seems silent? How do you navigate the spiritual dryness of unanswered prayer, holiday stress, or broken relationships when your current struggles don't match God's past promises?

In this devotional on Psalm 44, we explore the tension between "Former Deliverances and Present Troubles." This powerful prayer of lament offers Biblical permission to be brutally honest with God, teaching us how to build "Ebeneezers"—memorial stones of remembrance—to sustain our faith when we feel abandoned.

Join host Jamie Hampton for this encouraging scripture meditation on the Praying Christian Women podcast. Whether you are facing injustice or simply feel unseen, discover how to turn your pain into a plea for Jehovah Rafa to "Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness."

Discover More:

Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com

Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts!

Connect with Us:

Stay updated and engage with our community:

On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen

On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen

On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen

On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This Advent season can be full and hurried, which is exactly why we need moments to pause and be still with God.

In this short, guided prayer, you’ll return to Psalm 62:5–8, the passage from this week’s meditation on hope. Together, we’ll breathe deeply, rest in God’s presence, and ask Him to renew our hope—trusting that the One who came once will come again.

Take a few quiet minutes to center your soul on Jesus and let His peace steady you today.

Helpful Links:
Download your FREE companion journal for Advent here.
This beautiful guide includes:
• All the Scriptures for this series
• Weekly reflection prompts
• Space to record what God is revealing to you

Additional links:

You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik

Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik

Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here.

Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.

Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.

Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.

Meditation Scripture:

Psalm 62:5–8 (NIV)

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Gratitude shifts when attention moves from missing things to present gifts from God. Kelly Balarie frames this reset through Psalm 87:7, highlighting a real-life moment of releasing comparison and anchoring joy in Christ. Strong search phrases like biblical gratitude, contentment over comparison, and Psalm 87 fountains help more hearts find the message quickly—because noticing God’s provision isn’t denial, it’s deliberate focus.

Highlights

• Comparison is loud; gratitude is louder when practiced.

• Obedience often includes releasing what once mattered.

• Letting go creates capacity for deeper joy.

• Christ is the source, not the supplement.

• Serving others redirects the heart from scarcity to abundance.

• Worship begins at the fountain—God Himself.

• Thankfulness starts small, but builds momentum fast.

Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas!

Full Transcript Below:

Noticing What God has Given, Instead of What He Hasn’t
By Kelly Balarie

Bible Reading:
"As they make music they will sing, 'All my fountains are in you.'"  – Psalm 87:7 NIV

I didn't want to covet. Ick. I knew coveting was against both God's will and His Word. But, how do you stop feelings when they come like a tidal wave? How can one woman hold back a giant rush of emotions?

In this case, I was packing up the back of a man's truck. I was packing his truck up with the exact sentimental sort of items I previously gave up. Because we had lived in so many places around the nation, I had to let go of holiday decorations over the years to make room for our moves. Yet now? I was helping a man load up a truck filled with the very things I had to let go of.

I wanted to serve this man by helping him; however, I also had to fight the inclination to want what he had. I knew we obeyed God by moving so much. I knew we followed Him where He wanted us to go.

Often, in obedience, there is sacrifice. Often, in moving with God, there is a laying down of goods or things we once thought we really needed.

Have you ever experienced this?

In my situation, I was happy to let go for the greater gain of following God.

For instance, I knew that if Jesus came down from heaven and addressed me, saying, "Kelly, do you want holiday decorations or do you want to serve me?" I would undoubtedly say, "Jesus, I choose you."<

Some Christmas memories arrive wrapped in nostalgia. Others arrive wrapped in ache. Rachel Wojo shares a tender story of opening her parents’ old nativity set—one that carried decades of meaning. As she unwrapped each figurine, the gap between the serene scene in her hands and the messy reality of her life felt impossibly wide.

Many of us feel that gap at Christmastime.

The nativity scenes we display look peaceful:
Mary is calm.
Joseph confident.
The shepherds composed.
Baby Jesus is quiet and glowing.

But the real manger wasn’t polished or picturesque:

• It smelled like livestock.

• It echoed with labor pains.

• It held a newborn King in a feeding trough.

• It was full of fear, sweat, uncertainty, and miracles wrapped in humble cloth.

The beauty of the manger is not that it was perfect—it’s that God entered the imperfect.

Luke tells us the shepherds’ announcement left people “amazed”—a word meaning wonderstruck, stunned, stopped in their tracks. Not because circumstances were ideal, but because God Himself had stepped into the world through the messy, the ordinary, and the unexpected.

We often think God will meet us once our life feels more peaceful, more put-together, more “holiday ready.” But the manger whispers another truth:

God does His most breathtaking work in the low places.
God shows up in stables.
Glory often comes wrapped in straw, fear, and the unplanned.

If this season feels far from picture-perfect—if grief, transition, financial strain, illness, or loneliness shadow your December—remember this:

The first Christmas was not perfect.
But Emmanuel came anyway.

And He still does.

Bible Reading:
“And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” – Luke 2:18 (NIV)

Takeaway Truths

• The real nativity scene was messy, imperfect, and full of holy wonder.

• God is present when life is not peaceful or predictable.

• The manger reminds us that Christ enters the world right into our mess.

• We rediscover wonder when we stop trying to make life perfect and start looking for God in what’s real.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the God who e

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Please visit https://www.biblestudyheadquarters.com/ for more tools and resources to help you grow in faith.  You can also become a regular supporter of this podcast on the website.

.

If you enjoy the show and want to buy John a coffee, please click here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnstange

.

The "Desire Jesus One Year Devotional" can be found here:  https://amzn.to/41v1DKh

.

To email John Stange directly, please send your message to [email protected].

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.