In this Season 4 kickoff, Mandy and Stephanie reunite after a long summer apart and invite listeners into an honest catch-up on life, loss, and laughter. From family bucket lists and barista daughters to RV trips, coffee rituals, and floods in Texas, the conversation moves easily between humor and depth. Both women share how the last few months have been marked by intentional family time, unexpected grief, physical healing, and renewed spiritual rhythms.

They talk about what it means to be centered in Christ amid chaos, how our bodies carry unprocessed sorrow, and the importance of slowing down to notice both joy and redemption. It’s a tender reminder that God meets us right where we are—on porches, beaches, and backroads—holding both our laughter and our tears.

Listen for:

• Stephanie’s “core-four” family summer, grief, and God’s redemption
• Mandy’s reflections on embodiment, grief triggers, and spiritual grounding
• Real talk about inflammation, clean coffee, and why our bodies remember
• What it means to be centered—anchored in Jesus when life feels uprooted
• A reminder that presence, play, and prayer belong together

Scriptures & Themes

• Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
• Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.
• Matthew 11:28–29 – Rest for the weary.
• Philippians 4:7 – Peace that passes understanding.
• Themes: Embodied faith, centering in Christ, redemption, grief, intentional presence, joy and sorrow coexisting.

Places & Stories Referenced

• Texas floods (July 2024) – community response, neighbor love, economic impact
• Asheville/North Carolina hurricane – resilience and recovery
• Southwest Michigan (St. Joe & South Haven) – family RV trip and beach memories
• Disney World & Port Aransas family bucket list – joy and play as spiritual practice

Resources to Link

• Echo Prayer App – Mandy’s prayer-list reminder tool
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (for embodied grief)
• Clean coffee recommendation: Kion Coffee (from their chiropractor’s tip)
• Family Framework at Northview Church (Adventure Race reference)

Practices Mentioned

• Grounding pads & walking barefoot (“toes in grass”)
• Yoga and somatic breathwork (for emotional regulation, not spiritual blending)
• Silence, solitude, journaling, communion, and worship as personal disciplines
• “Family Friday” bucket-list tradition for intentional connection
• “Sacred play” — rediscovering fun as a spiritual reset

Listener Reflection Prompts

• Where have you been—emotionally, spiritually, physically—since summer?
• What grief might your body still be carrying?
• What practice (walks, worship, journaling) helps you feel centered in Christ?
• Where did you see God’s redemption in the middle of something hard?