In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Jennifer Sakata reads the story of Jesus' birth from the Gospel of Matthew in three different translations. The focus is on quiet reflection and hearing God’s word as we prepare for Christmas.

Complete show notes here

Jennifer Sakata Advent Devotional: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 

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How do you trust God for good when everything looks so wrong? How do you hold onto hope when your world is falling apart? It's easy to forget the goodness of God when the brokenness in our world feels louder and bigger than hope.

In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata sits down with Julie Sunne, whose multiple miscarriages, life's hard, and caregiving for her adult daughter with significant intellectual disabilities have led her to the substance of hope: God Himself.

Julie's latest book, Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, outlines 60 characteristics of God that root us in hope despite difficult circumstances.

Together, we address the importance of letting go of our expectations about life, especially during acute trauma.

The next steps to hope include:

By turning to the Bible and authentically crying out to God, we open ourselves up to the possibilities God can bring through our circumstances. 

Listen in to discover how God's characteristics can turn impossibilities into possibilities, encouraging listeners to ask, 'What are you going to do with this now, Lord?' 

Julie is also the author of Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace. Julie's writing has been featured in print devotionals by Proverbs 31 Ministries and Guideposts; Celebrate Life Magazine' Proverbs 31 Ministries' Encouragement for Today, and several online sites. Julie and her husband, David, are parents to three grown sons and a daughter. They reside with their daughter in rural northeast Iowa.

Grace Quotes from Julie Sunne:

"I wasn't prepared to reconcile the God that I knew with the bad things that can happen in life."

"When life is hard and things turn tragic, we are quick to believe God has taken his eyes off us. But God is never stretched too thin. You always have God's undivided attention."

"As we continue to unwrap the gift of surrendered faith, some of what looks to be mean and ugly in our lives transforms into precious gifts that stretch, grow, and heal us."

Resources mentioned:

Complete show notes here

Advent Devotional: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas by Jennifer Sakata

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In her advent devotional, Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke, award-winning author Christine Trimpe speaks joy so listeners can too. Her motto: "Seek joy so we can speak joy."

Have you ever felt like you don't fit? Like you're taking one step forward and two steps backward? Do you feel weary while the rest of the world is poised for rejoicing?

In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata and guest Christine Trimpe, discuss Christine's transformative journey from a casual Christian to a seeking joy gal. Christine shares her struggle with weight, emotional and social belonging, and the pivotal moment on a mountain that led to her profound spiritual awakening to Jesus.

In their conversation, you'll hear:

Christine emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, seeking joy despite circumstances, and preparing our hearts for Christmas through Advent. 

And yes! Christine returned to that mountain, conquered and climbed it. She is now an avid hiker. Listen in to hear the rest of Christine's story. 

Grace Quotes from Christine Trimpe:

"We have a seat at the table. And if we can keep our eyes fixed there, that's where we fit."

"I can carry joy and sorrow in one hand and trust God's plan for every little thing in life."

"I have not found any other way to navigate a storm than finding the truth in his word."

Key Scripture from our conversation:

"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved." Ephesians 2: 4-5, NLT

Resources mentioned:

Complete show notes here

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Have you considered how many different ways a verse of Scripture can be understood based on where the emphasis is placed? For example, "I will rejoice" takes on a nuanced meaning when emphasized with each of the three words.

In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Jennifer Sakata reflects on Psalm 118:24, "This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." She explores the richness of gratitude and prayer by emphasizing different words in the verse. Listeners are guided through thoughtful questions, prayer, and reflection to slow down, rejoice, and embrace the gift of each day with intentionality and faith. 

Questions include:

The Grace Prayer:

LORD, thank you for this day that YOU have made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Will you show me what you’re up to today so I can join you? Forgive me, Lord, when I try and cram more into this day than You’ve designed. Slow my pace and steady my gaze toward You, the Author and Perfector of my faith and my days.

Give me eyes to see whose gratitude needs a little jump start from my own. And where I’m the one in need of a restart, open my eyes to see where you’re inviting me to begin again.

LORD, You give us so much reason for rejoicing and gladness. Help me welcome this dynamic praise duo today, in my coming and going.

I belong to You. And so do they.

Complete show notes here

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Did you grow up celebrating Advent? For many, Advent has become a sacred rhythm that grounds people in the Christ of Christmas. Spanning the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, Advent invites us to return to Jesus each week of the Christmas season. 

In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata discusses the challenges and joys of preparing for Christmas, particularly within families. She is joined by Jess Wolstenholm, the editor and executive producer of the award-winning children's Bible and animated series, 'The Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids.' 

Jess introduces her new resource, 'The Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional,' which aims to help families observe Advent through weekly readings, activities, and interactive discussions. They emphasize the importance of creating low-stress spiritual rhythms amidst the holiday chaos, making space for reflection, and entrusting the Holy Spirit with the ongoing discipleship process.

Rhythms they discuss include:

Together, they explore everyday, ordinary ways to celebrate Advent meaningfully, drawing on their experiences with children, ministry, and faith.

Listen to this week's episode for how to "balance inputs" and move toward a more meaningful, less chaotic Advent and Christmas season.

Grace Quotes from Jess Wolstenholm:

"Shouldn't [Jesus] be born in a fancy place? No, he was not. He was born in a pile of hay because God doesn't always do things the way we think He should."

"Don't underestimate the seeds you're planting. It's consistency that matters. Just get started."

"It's going to be messy. They're going to get out of their chair. They're going to drop their food. They're going to cry and have a meltdown in the middle of it.  The important thing is to push through that. Keep doing it and be committed to doing it, no matter what, because it does make a difference in their lives."

Key Scripture from our conversation:

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8

Resources mentioned:

Complete show notes here

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Does December overwhelm you? Does it get more chaotic than quiet, leaving you exhausted and desperate for December 26th? It’s barely mid-November, and twinkle lights and brown paper packages tied up with string are bursting at the seams of every store entrance and online business. It’s unavoidable. December’s glitter is upon us.

In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata discusses the overwhelming nature of December and encourages listeners to prepare for a different, quieter Christmas. Jennifer shares her personal experience from last year’s simplified Christmas, highlighting its positive impact on her family.

She discusses how to embrace a more peaceful and meaningful December by streamlining holiday preparations and focusing on the Christ of Christmas. Jennifer introduces resources like devotionals designed for families and women to help slow down during Advent. Jennifer also announces her free devotional ebook and mentions a limited-time Holiday Bundle deal.

The episode invites listeners to put aside the chaos and embrace a meaningful and serene holiday season.  

Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata:

"Like grace, serenity is sometimes hard to come by. We must be willing to lay aside our old way of doing things to walk into a new way."

"Had we missed Christmas in my commitment to quiet us down?"

"Mom, it was better. We weren’t in such a hurry the whole time.  It was just…better.”

Resources mentioned:

• Jennifer Sakata's devotional Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas

Complete show notes here

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Have you ever felt betrayed by God? Or wondered if God was mad at you? The hardships of life can make us feel abandoned and left alone to deal with unexpected circumstances, painful realities, and deepening heartache. God, I didn't sign up for this!

In this episode of Living the Grace Life Podcast, host Jennifer Sakata engages in a profound conversation with Sarah Frazer, author of 'I Didn't Sign Up for This: How to Rest in God's Goodness When Your Story Shifts.'   

Sarah shares her journey, filled with challenging 'story shifts,' including adopting an unexpectedly special needs child in a foreign country and a vastly different life plan than she and her husband had envisioned.

Questions you will hear addressed:

They discuss grappling with anger towards God, finding solace in His sovereignty, and the transformative power of Jesus amidst suffering.

Sarah provides practical advice on enduring hardship with faith, incorporating prayer into daily life, and the importance of scripture in understanding God's unwavering presence. The episode offers rich insights into how heartache can lead to a deeper relationship with God, intertwining personal stories with theological truth.

Listen in on any podcasting platform.

Grace Quotes from Sarah Frazer:

"It was as if the Holy Spirit said to me: 'I can handle you being angry with me. Now we can start the work.' I had to admit to God I was angry before moving further."

"Heartache is what sometimes brings healing."

"I didn't sign up for this. I needed to wrestle with how God could be in control and also good. Those two things seemed in contradiction, but they work perfectly together."

Key Scripture from our conversation:

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1

Resources mentioned:

Complete show notes here

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Does gratitude in everyday life come easily for you? What about when life is hard and life-altering events like COVID-19 come crashing through your calendar?

In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata introduces the concept of 'Thanks Living.' This family tradition merges gratitude with the Thanksgiving spirit by creating a daily gratitude calendar in November using Halloween candy, encouraging family members to express unique and specific thanks.

The episode discusses the brain science behind gratitude and its mental and physical health benefits, emphasizing how to sustain this gratitude throughout the year.

Drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:8, Jennifer shares practical tips such as:

• taking 'thank you God walks'

Listen in for actionable steps to cultivate gratitude in your everyday life.

Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata:

"Gratitude is a natural outflow of living with eyes wide open for all the places God is present."

"Gratitude grounds us in the goodness of God who is with us - always."

"Gratitude impacts our brains and how we live."

Key Scripture from our conversation:

"And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

Resources mentioned:

• Articles on neuroplasticity and gratitude: Cleveland Clinic Research and Feeling Thankful Shapes Our Brains

Related Episodes:

ThanksLiving! God is Not Stingy, featuring Jennifer Sakata

Complete show notes here

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Do you remember your favorite Halloween costume?

There's merriment in impersonating someone or something else. Until that clever costume leads you to a costume party you thought you were invited to but weren't. Dressing up isn't fun when all the meanness of the world comes crashing down on your vulnerable heart and you feel naked despite being creatively dressed. Maybe it’s a strained relationship and those harsh words play on repeat in your mind. Or perhaps you were dismissed by someone who should have been paying attention but was more into themselves. 

In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata explores the concept of growing in grace through Colossians 3:10. Jennifer shares a personal story about a childhood Halloween experience to illustrate the journey from living a life marked by old habits to embracing a new life in Christ.

The episode emphasizes taking off old ways of self-importance and putting on virtues such as mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

Jennifer guides listeners through a prayer based on Colossians 3:10 for grace to embody these attributes and challenges listeners to extend forgiveness and love, as exemplified by seeing an old acquaintance in a new light. 

Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together with perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:10 Prayer, Personalized

Lord, thank you for choosing me to be your holy person, set apart and loved, not because I'm great but because You are. Thank you for this life I have in Jesus.

You know how often I clothe myself with words and behaviors that hurt people and distance myself from you. Forgive me Lord, when I put on anger and mean behaviors, when my mouth spew words meant to cut down and secretly belittle. Lord, that is not who You’ve made me.

When I'm stuck in old life ways, clothe me with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Help me make allowance for others' faults, and forgive anyone who offends me. Help me remember that You Lord forgave me, so I must forgive others.

Clothe me with love, Your love, which binds me to those around me with perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in my heart. I come as a member of Your body and I want to live in peace. And to be thankful.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Listen to Colossians 3 here

Complete show notes here

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"What parts of your story would you prefer to keep hidden?"

My guest today poses this probing question as the starting point for embracing our woundedness on the way to wholeness. Why would anyone risk such exposure? Because rather than love us despite our brokenness, God bends low and welcomes us amid our weakness. 

Russell Joyce was born with a rare craniofacial disorder called Goldenhar syndrome, where the left side of his face was underdeveloped. Multiple surgeries marked Russell with scars that went deeper than the procedures themselves. Following an intimate moment with his then-fiance Anna, Russell began the arduous road of identifying his deepest wound and living with the conviction that the Lord desires to meet us in our woundedness.

• truthfulness around our woundedness

Russell is the director of Four Square Multiply, the church planting movement of the Foursquare denomination. He also serves as lead pastor of Faith Center in Eugene, Oregon with his wife Anna and their two sons.

Tune in to hear how God's love unfolds in the depths of our brokenness and how embracing our woundedness is the transformative journey of grace toward wholeness.

Grace Quotes from Russell Joyce:

"It's in the depth of our deepest woundedness that God is most clearly revealed."

"In this house, we don't take a sip of grace. We pour our entire souls into that cup of life."

"On the cross, we realize there's no part of the human condition too ugly for the lips of Christ."

"The most important thing that the church can offer the world is the courage to boast in our scars, to hold up what were previously embarrassing wounds that have been healed for a watching world that is still dying in its own woundedness, afraid to show its own wounds and say, 'Hey, look what Jesus did in me.'" 

Key Scripture from our conversation:

"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Resources mentioned:

• Russell Joyce's website

Complete show notes here

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