Lydia shares her experience at a recent event for songwriters, and what she learned about the importance of the disciplines of worship and prayer in our daily walk with Jesus. She reminds us that each new day, we need to start with prayer and worship to prepare our hearts for the battles we will face throughout the day. Then, as we go throughout our day and we face these battles, big or small, the answer is always to go back to a place of worship + communion with the Lord.

Today, Kayla and Lydia sit down to chat about the season of Advent. We discuss what the birth of Jesus means for us as Christ followers today, as well as what it will mean for us one day when Jesus returns. We also share some practical ways that you can savor the Christmas season and focus your heart on what is most important.

On this episode of The Cultivate Podcast, we join our friend, Ashley Stegall, who is a woman on mission for Jesus, and owner of a local marketing agency called Four Eight Marketing! During our conversation with Ashley, she shares about her journey in learning how to walk in step with the pace and priorities of Christ, and how her desire to "protect her pace" and give Jesus space to move in and through her life ultimately led to her and her husband stepping into a new season of business and ministry. She has an inspiring story that will encourage you in whatever season of life you find yourself in right now! 

Ashley's Recommendations for Further Encouragement:

Christine Cain's Message "Get Off Your Mat"

Levi Lusko's Sermon Series "Morning, Noon & Night"

In this special episode, Tim Puentes joins Kayla and Lydia to discuss our connection to the cross of Jesus Christ. For those of you who would consider yourself Christians, Jesus dying on the cross for us is not a new concept; however, today we hope to bring you back to a place of remembrance, as well as gain a deeper understanding of how the cross of Christ is truly central to our spiritual walk. Tim brings fresh insight and teaching to the show as he shares his personal journey. We know that you will be encouraged by hearing all that God has done in his life!

Today's episode is a truly special one! We join our guest and friend, Jennifer Hinman, who is the owner of Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique in Peoria, Illinois! Jen's story leading up to where she is today is one of perseverance and trusting in God's perfect timing and plans for her life. Her passion is to serve brides and help them to feel beautiful and loved. We love her heart and we know that you will, too!

If you are a bride-to-be and want to check out Jen's gorgeous shop, visit www.cloudninepeoria.com.

In today's episode, we want to celebrate the incredible gift of marriage, as well as the humbling journey of growing alongside your spouse in pursuit of holiness and becoming more like Jesus. Kayla interviews co-host, Lydia, and her husband, Jimmy, to share about their unique relationship story, what God has been teaching them throughout their marriage, as well as share encouragement for both single people and married couples.

In today's episode, we have a fun and encouraging conversation with Marisa Weyeneth & Kylie Law, who are both teachers, wives, moms, and business owners! Marisa and Kylie share their journeys to entrepreneurship over the past several years, wisdom they have gained along the way, and how to attain more fulfillment and freedom in our lives when we release comparison and an unhealthy competitive heart to the Lord so that we can have genuine, deep friendships and community. This is an episode that will encourage you to follow God's "nudges," and step fully into the unique call He's placed on your life!

Jake Sutton joins us to bring a fresh word on discipleship, and the importance of both disciple-making and being discipled by other Christians. Our conversation covers what discipleship looks like in the life of a believer, stories of discipleship in action, and encouragement for believers - whether you have known Jesus for a long time or have just began a relationship with Him - you will learn in this episode that if you are listening to the Lord and learning from His Word, then you are called to make disciples and you have something to share with the people around you!

In this new season of The Cultivate Podcast, we are excited to grow in Cultivating Connection - with God and others. 2020 was a year of often feeling somewhat "disconnected" from others, but we believe that we serve a God who created us for connection with himself and with other people. We are going to set the tone for this season today by focusing in on a phrase that you may have heard before: love God and love others. But what does that actually mean and how do we do that well in our daily lives? We unpack this and provide some biblical insight and practical advice in today's episode!