It’s that funny little space between pumpkins and poinsettias—when the candy’s gone, the turkey’s still frozen, and the first twinkle lights are starting to glow. In this warm and reflective episode, Mandy and Stephanie explore the in-between—those mid-November days where gratitude meets anticipation.

They talk about the tension between peaceful preparation and holiday pressure, how to practice presence when life speeds up, and what it means to find contentment in the middle. The conversation moves from coffee cups and Christmas trees to deep reflections on trust, boundaries, and emotional health. Together, they remind listeners that the sacred often hides in the quiet spaces between.

Listen for:

☕ Mandy’s reflections on preparation vs. planning

🎄 Stephanie’s take on gratitude, simplicity, and slowing down

🧘 The difference between anticipation and anxiety

💬 How to hold boundaries while believing the best in others

🕯️ Finding contentment and trust in life’s “in-betweens”

💭 Key Themes

• The In-Between Season: How to find peace and meaning between fall and Christmas
• Anticipation vs. Anxiety: How excitement can shift when we rush instead of rest
• Gratitude and Enough: Learning that abundance isn’t about more—it’s about fulfilled
• Boundaries and Trust: Navigating complicated relationships during the holidays
• Embodied Peace: Paying attention to what your body is holding in stress and stillness
• Presence as Preparation: How rest, coffee, and quiet mornings ready our hearts for joy

🙏 Scriptures & Spiritual Anchors

• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”
• Philippians 4:11–13 – Learning to be content in all circumstances.
• John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
• Ephesians 3:20 – “Immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.”

☕ Practical Practices Mentioned

• Morning Rituals: Walks, sunlight, coffee, silence, and Lectio 365 app for morning prayer
• Red Light Therapy: Slowing the body to signal calm
• Gratitude Practice: Pausing daily to name three simple good things
• “Enough” Reflection: Asking what feels like too much, not enough, or just enough
• Breathwork + Stillness: Releasing tension to make room for tenderness
• Contentment Challenge: Find joy in needing less instead of acquiring more

💡 Listener Reflection Prompts

• What does your in-between look like right now?
• Where is anticipation turning into anxiety?
• What rhythms help you begin your day with peace instead of rush?
• How might you practice trust—in God, in others, or in yourself—this season?
• What would “enough” look like for you this month?

🪞 Mentioned Resources

• Lectio 365 App (daily prayer rhythms)
• Ephesians 3:20 reflection Mandy mentioned
• Red Light Therapy for grounding + calm mornings