In this heartfelt and insightful episode, host Keri Kitchen welcomes Dr. Jeff Leonard, author of Seekers in the Hands of an Elusive God, to explore the depth of seeking God through life’s uncertainties and hardships. Dr. Leonard shares his personal journey of grief and faith, beginning with the loss of a dear colleague and how that season of struggle pushed him to dig deeper into Scripture, specifically examining the elusive nature of God.

Keri and Dr. Leonard discuss the importance of spiritual vulnerability, the necessity of seeking after God (rather than expecting constant clarity or comfort), and the value of reframing everyday life through a “divine grid.” They weave in personal stories of loss, academic insights, and practical encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God or envious of others’ apparent closeness to Him.

The episode also covers:

• The role of suffering and loss in maturing faith

• How God’s elusiveness can actually draw us closer

• The power of authenticity in our relationship with God and others

• Recognizing God’s presence in humanity, art, and daily moments

• Practical steps for beginning (or reigniting) a journey of seeking God

Stay tuned as Dr. Leonard offers hope, encouragement, and actionable wisdom for anyone navigating seasons when God feels far away.

Key Points

• Personal Testimonies: Both Keri and Dr. Leonard share stories of personal grief and how these experiences catalyzed a deeper spiritual search.

• God’s Elusiveness: Dr. Leonard argues God’s “hiddenness” is intentional—it compels us to seek and grow closer rather than becoming complacent.

• Spiritual Processing: The process of seeking God is multifaceted, involving intellectual, emotional, and practical dimensions.

• Authenticity: Honest wrestling with doubt and feeling distant from God is a common (and biblical) part of faith.

• Reframing Life: Viewing daily life through a “divine grid” helps us notice God’s presence in unexpected places and people.

• Encouragement for Seekers: It’s normal to struggle with feeling close to God; what matters is choosing to keep seeking.

• Serving Others: Continuing to seek God, even in doubt and suffering, can encourage and uplift others on their faith journeys.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by this Episode

1. When have you experienced a season when God felt distant? How did you respond?

2. Reflect on a difficult experience. Where can you see evidence of God’s presence, even in hindsight?

3. What does “seeking God” look like practically for you right now?

4. In what areas of life do you try to put God “in a box”? How can you let Him out?

5. Describe a time when you witnessed God in someone else—through their actions, words, or creativity.

6. Where might you be wearing a “mask” in your faith or in community? What would it look like to be more authentic?

7. How do you handle doubt, especially doubts about God’s goodness or presence?

8. Create your own “divine grid.” What ordinary activities or environments might be reframed as spaces to meet God?

9. Who in your life might be encouraged by your ongoing faith, even through hardship?

10. Write a prayer or reflection expressing your desire to seek God more intentionally.

Where To Find More About Dr. Jeff Leonard

• Book: Seekers in the Hands of an Elusive God (Available on Amazon and Hendrickson Publishers)

• Website: biblicalexplorations.com — Learn about Dr. Leonard’s trips to Israel, Greece, Rome, and more, and connect for group travel or biblical study opportunities.

Every Day Royalty Call to Action

Are you ready to embrace your royal identity in Christ, even in the everyday ups and downs? If this conversation inspired you, we invite you to:

• Subscribe to the Every Day Royalty podcast so you never miss an episode.

• Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement in their faith journey.

• Visit https://breakthrough.everydayincredible.net to get your FREE Prayer Guide, Finding Spiritual Breakthrough

Remember: You are God’s royalty—called to seek, to struggle, to grow, and to reign in everyday life!

Thank you for listening! Don’t forget—royalty isn’t just for someday. It’s for you every day.

Pull up a chair at our favorite Denny’s booth and join Crista, Debbie, and Keri for a lively, laughter-filled, and deeply insightful (though somewhat chaotic) conversation! This special in-person episode dives into the reality of setting boundaries as Christians, dealing with toxic relationships (even within the family or church), and holding fast to biblical truth—while keeping things light-hearted and real.

Amid joyful laughter, breakfast banter, and the occasional check-in from their waitress, the ladies explore:

• How to lovingly set boundaries, even when guilt, expectations, or people-pleasing get in the way

• Why conflict and confrontation don’t have to lead to quarrels, and how to stay teachable and responsive to the Holy Spirit

• Praying for wisdom, discernment, and God’s timing in hard conversations

• The difference between boundaries and ultimatums—and why “no” is a holy word

• The importance of accountability, support, and being rooted in your identity in Christ

• Spiritual warfare, forgiveness, releasing offense, and protecting your peace

• Real-life stories, practical tips for emotional safety, and a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness

You’ll leave this episode refreshed, encouraged, and equipped for the everyday battles of faith, relationships, and self-care. (Bonus: you’ll probably want to find some sparkly coffee mugs and schedule your own breakfast get-together!)

Key Points & Takeaways

• Boundaries Are Biblical: Setting loving, firm boundaries is not unchristian. It's necessary for spiritual health and doesn’t mean enabling toxic behavior.

• Guilt & People-Pleasing: Guilt is a common struggle, especially when boundaries “hurt” others. Holding to truth and love frees you from unhealthy expectations.

• Accountability Is Essential: Trusted friends help us spot enabling patterns and blind spots. You’re not meant to do this alone!

• Prayerful, Spirit-Led Communication: Before hard conversations, ask the Holy Spirit to pave the way, give you the right words, and reveal the right timing.

• Emotional Safety Matters: It’s OK to walk away, take a “grown-up timeout,” and structure environments for your own well-being.

• Forgiveness & Release: Forgiving and releasing someone to God doesn’t mean continued exposure to harm. Boundaries protect YOUR heart, too.

• Boundaries vs. Ultimatums: Boundaries protect YOU; ultimatums attempt to control others. Don’t confuse the two!

• Spiritual Perspective: Zoom out—remember the enemy wants offense, bitterness, and drama. Stay rooted in your identity and God’s truth.

• Every Victory Counts: Catching yourself sooner and sooner in old patterns is a win! Growing is a process.

• Fun & Fellowship: Christians are anything but boring—laughter and honesty are vital parts of the journey.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode

1. Where do I feel prompted to set healthier boundaries in my life right now?

2. When have I felt guilty for saying “no” or holding a boundary? What truth can replace that guilt?

3. How do I respond when someone I love gets upset with my boundaries?

4. Who is my accountability partner, or who could I invite to walk with me in this area?

5. What’s a pattern of enabling I have noticed—and what’s one step to shift that?

6. How does God’s Word encourage me to respond to conflict and toxic behaviors?

7. When was the last time I prayed specifically for wisdom and timing before a hard conversation? What happened?

8. Am I holding on to unforgiveness or offense? What would it look like to release it to God?

9. Do I confuse boundaries with ultimatums or control? Where is God inviting me to let go?

10. What truth about my identity in Christ do I need to remember the next time I feel pressure to “fix” someone or keep the peace at all costs?

More About the Guest

Debbie Reeves: Debbie is a professional counselor and Christ-follower with powerful insights on faith, boundaries, and emotional health. She brings wisdom from both her therapeutic practice and personal journey, and she’s passionate about equipping others to walk in freedom. Find her on Youtube @Nanafeedingtheheart 

Crista Hoffman: Crista is a co-founder of Savor The Word ministries, encourager, and joyful voice on the Every Day Royalty Podcast. She loves digging into God’s Word and sharing real-life stories of victory and learning.

Ready for more guidance? Download your free “10 Tips for Dealing with Toxic Behavior” PDF at everydayroyaltypodcast.com and equip yourself with practical, faith-based tools to strengthen your boundaries and protect your peace. Don’t miss out—grab your copy today!

What You Can Do Next—Every Day Royalty Family!

You are called to live as royalty every day—not out of striving, but out of your identity in Christ! Don’t go it alone:

• Subscribe to The Every Day Royalty Podcast for more encouragement and practical equipping.

• Share this episode with someone who’d be encouraged by honest conversation about boundaries and faith.

• Join our community: Sign up for the newsletter at kerikitchen.com for devotionals, resources, and info on upcoming retreats and women’s events!

• Leave a review: Your feedback helps more people find hope and encouragement.

• Reflect & Journal: Use the prompts above to anchor these truths in your journey this week!

If you enjoyed this chat—sparkles, laughter, real talk and all—don’t forget to share, journal, and lean into every day as the royalty God has made you to be! 💖👑

This episode features Tom and Donna Cole, founders of Pure Heart Ministries, whose powerful testimonies of overcoming trauma, abuse, and broken identity through God’s healing love have led them to minister healing to others. Host Keri Kitchen guides a heartfelt conversation about the long road toward freedom, the importance of facing pain, the necessity of forgiveness, and the transformative power of knowing our identity in Christ.

Tom and Donna vulnerably share their journeys out of homosexuality, addiction, and deep wounds inflicted by family dysfunction and abuse. They discuss God’s relentless pursuit and the turning point that led them to faith, and how He continues to use their histories as a springboard for healing others. The episode delves into practical steps of inner healing, the significance of recognizing wounds from both mother and father, the process of heart-level forgiveness, and the global impact of their Pure Heart ministry.

Key Points:

• Tom and Donna’s Testimonies: Both experienced abuse, confusion, and broken homes, leading to a search for identity and longing for love.

• The Power of God's Pursuit: Both Tom and Donna encountered God unexpectedly and experienced deep transformation as they surrendered to Him.

• Healing the Father & Mother Wound: The conversation unpacks how unmet childhood needs impact identity and adult relationships.

• Forgiveness Process: Donna shares a practical, step-by-step journey to forgiving from the heart, including how it doesn’t always mean reconciliation.

• Moving Forward in Ministry: Pure Heart seminars, training for missionaries, and ripple effects of healing in communities worldwide.

• Identity and Calling: The enemy attacks the areas where God intends to use us most powerfully, yet God redeems and equips us through our greatest wounds.

• Encouragement & Prayer: The Coles and Keri encourage listeners that their pain is not wasted, and lead a prayer for heart healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode:

1. Reflect on a season when you felt most pursued by God. What changed in your heart as a result?

2. In what ways have the wounds from your parents, or lack thereof, affected your view of yourself?

3. Are there experiences or traumas from your childhood that still impact your sense of identity today?

4. What lies have you believed about yourself because of pain, and how can God’s truth rewrite those narratives?

5. Where do you sense God inviting you to bring him your brokenness and trust Him for healing?

6. Who in your life do you need to truly forgive, even if reconciliation isn’t possible or safe? What emotions arise as you consider this?

7. What would it look like to “loose” your pain to the cross and invite God’s love into that space?

8. Think of a time when the enemy used your greatest wound against you. How might God want to use that same area for His glory?

9. What practical step could you take this week to be more vulnerable with God or with safe people?

10. In your pain and journey toward healing, how have you seen purpose and hope begin to emerge?

Where to Find More About Tom and Donna Cole:

• Website: Pure Heart Rest

  (Note: It’s pureheart.rest, NOT .com!)

  • Ministry Resources: Free videos, book information, and ministry times are available on their website.

  • Book: “Pure Heart”—a step-by-step guide for heart healing and freedom.

Call To Action (CTA) for Every Day Royalty Listeners:

Are you ready to step into your identity as a son or daughter of the King? Don’t let pain or your past define your present or your future!

• Reflect using today’s journal prompts to start your journey of healing.

• Subscribe and share this episode with someone who is longing for breakthrough.

• Find the FREE Finding Spiritual Breakthrough prayer guide at https://breakthrough.everydayincredible.net  

In this powerful episode of The Every Day Royalty Podcast, host Keri Kitchen welcomes back Dr. Karl Lehman, founder of the Immanuel Approach and renowned Christian psychiatrist. Together, they dive into the exciting updates from Dr. Lehman’s global work, discuss the intersections of brain science and spiritual connection, and unpack practical ways to live an "Immanuel lifestyle"—embracing the reality that Jesus wants a personal, interactive relationship with each of us.

Listeners will be inspired to see stress, triggers, and relational challenges as opportunities for deeper healing and connection with God. Dr. Lehman shares research-backed, faith-filled strategies for managing emotional overwhelm, cultivating joy, and building resilient spiritual communities. Real-life stories, humor, and practical steps fill this episode with hope and actionable wisdom.

Key Points Discussed:

• Immanuel Approach Expansion: Dr. Lehman gives updates on efforts to integrate the approach within military chaplaincy, seminary programs, and global organizations—helping more people experience Jesus’ living presence, even in clinical and research settings.

• Faith & Brain Science: Fascinating insights into how the brain processes stress, distinguishes “bad stress” from “good stress,” and the critical role of relational circuits in emotional and spiritual well-being.

• Practical, Research-Based Tools: Discussion on why physical relaxation techniques, deliberate appreciation, and receiving attunement from God or community can powerfully “turn on” relational circuits and reduce toxic stress.

• Healing Old Wounds: Explores how present-day stress often triggers old trauma, and how the Immanuel lifestyle can help process, metabolize, and find healing for those core wounds.

• Marriage & Relationships: Testimony from Dr. Lehman on how applying these principles transformed his own marriage—reducing conflict and increasing joy, intimacy, and lasting connection.

• Building Community: The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive Immanuel community to encourage growth, keep you accountable, and practice these rhythms together.

• Moving from Theory to Lifestyle: Why it’s critical to practice these tools consistently and make them a habit—not just something you do when things fall apart.

• Seeing Triggers as Opportunities: Re-framing life’s struggles as invitations from God to deeper healing, maturity, and spiritual growth.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode:

1. When have I experienced “bad stress” lately? What physical or emotional signs did I notice?

2. How do I typically respond when my relational circuits are “off”? How would I like to respond instead?

3. Describe a recent trigger or conflict. What old wounds might have been stirred up?

4. When have I been aware of Jesus’ presence comforting or guiding me in the middle of distress?

5. What physical calming practices (like deep breathing or relaxation) might I try—or return to—this week?

6. Who are the people I can receive loving attunement from? How can I practice being more attuned to them as well?

7. What is one appreciation memory I can revisit today to intentionally “turn on” my relational circuits?

8. How can I cultivate an Immanuel lifestyle in my daily routines—both structured (prayer time) and unstructured (while driving, doing chores, etc.)?

9. Who could I invite into a deeper Immanuel community with me (prayer partners, friends, small group)?

10. In what ways am I seeing growth or deepened maturity in my spiritual life? What areas do I want to see more healing?

More About Dr. Karl Lehman:

• Website & Resources: For more on the Immanuel Approach, healing tools, and Dr. Lehman’s writings and teachings, visit www.immanuelapproach.com.

• Books: Check out Outsmarting Yourself and other resources referenced in the episode.

• Essays & Community: Look for his recent essays on building Immanuel communities and practical application guides.

Call to Action:

Are you ready to step into your “every day royalty”—living as a beloved child of God, rooted in His presence every moment, every day?

• Subscribe: Never miss an episode—subscribe to The Every Day Royalty Podcast.

• Share: Know someone who would be encouraged by this episode? Share it with your friends and community!

• Engage: Journal through the prompts above and reflect on your Immanuel journey.

• Connect: Want to go deeper? Reach out to join or start an Immanuel community in your area.

• Follow: Stay connected with Keri and The Every Day Royalty Podcast on social media for more inspiration and resources.

Remember: Don’t waste a good trigger—let every challenge be an invitation to deeper healing and connection with Jesus!

In this powerful episode of The Every Day Royalty Podcast, host Keri Kitchen welcomes Dr. Geoff and Cyd Holsclaw—pastors, authors, spiritual directors, and the minds behind the groundbreaking book Landscapes of the Heart: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You Into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection. Join us for an honest, hopeful conversation about how attachment theory and neuroscience can help deepen our relationship with God, heal old wounds, and lead us into joyful, transformative connection.

Together, the Holsclaws share their personal journey through trauma, spiritual formation, and the discovery of how God delights in spending time with each of us. They explain key concepts like “relational circuits,” how maladaptive strategies form, and how we all long for safe, secure attachment—and how God meets that need. Whether you’ve wrestled with anxiety, loss, or feel like God is distant, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical next steps for cultivating deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Key Points & Takeaways

• Personal Stories & Ministry Roots: Both Geoff and Cyd draw from their own backgrounds—Cyd’s early childhood loss and Geoff’s desire to break unhealthy family patterns—to explore how attachment shapes faith and relationships.

• Attachment Theory Meets Spiritual Life: Our connection with God often mirrors the attachment styles we learned in early life. The “landscapes” of attachment are described as the jungle (busy, relationally overwhelmed), the desert (withdrawn, self-reliant), and the war zone (marked by trauma or instability)—and God’s desire is to shepherd us into joyful pasture.

• The Immanuel Approach: Both the Holsclaws and Keri are passionate about the Immanuel Approach, a prayer model that helps us experience God’s presence and healing. Cyd shares how these encounters with Jesus rewired her responses and built new, healthy attachment.

• Practical Tools & Experiments: Change starts with curiosity and experimentation. The Holsclaws suggest running “new experiments,” such as asking, “If God is as good as He says, what would He want me to know or experience right now?” or picturing how a compassionate friend might engage you, then applying that image to God.

• Scripture & Neuroscience Meet: Geoff highlights how biblical blessings about God’s face “shining on us” map powerfully onto neuroscience about relational joy and security.

• Finding Joyful Connection: True transformation comes from knowing God not as distant or critical, but as a loving Father who sees us with delight and compassion.

• Gentle Next Steps: For anyone struggling to connect with God, the Holsclaws offer grace: Start with the smallest step, experiment with prayer, and be open to God showing Himself in new ways.

Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode

1. When have you felt most securely connected to God? What did that feel like?

2. Which “attachment landscape” (jungle, desert, war zone, pasture) best describes your current season? Why?

3. Reflect on early family relationships. How might they have shaped your view of God’s love?

4. What maladaptive strategies have you noticed in your life (people-pleasing, isolation, anxiety, etc.), and how do you see God inviting you to heal?

5. Describe a time when “something ugly bubbled up.” How did you respond? How might you bring it to Jesus now?

6. Imagine God’s face shining on you with delight. What feelings or resistance does that bring up?

7. Ask God: “Show me how You see me right now.” Then write what you sense, feel, or imagine.

8. What would it look like to run a new “experiment” in faith this week? (For example: approaching prayer as playful or open-ended.)

9. If there were no barriers, how would you want your relationship with God to look and feel?

10. Which scripture or spiritual truth about God’s presence stood out most to you in this episode? How might you reflect on it this week?

Where to Connect with the Guests

Dr. Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw:

• Book: Landscapes of the Heart (find wherever books are sold)

• Center for Embodied Faith: embodiedfaith.life

• Podcast: Attaching to God

• Programs & Cohorts: Attaching to God six-week cohort, Rooted (nervous system and trauma-focused spiritual formation)

• Interested in inviting them or learning more? Find details at embodiedfaith.life

Call to Action: Take the Next Step in Your Own ‘Every Day Royalty’

Are you longing for a deeper experience of God’s presence and joy? If today’s episode resonated with you, don’t just listen—take action! Join the free 7-Day Incredible Prayer Challenge with Keri Kitchen for daily guided prompts that will help you cultivate intimacy with God, experience His love, and discover how He delights in you. Start your journey now at: 👉 prayer.everydayincredible.net

Remember: God meets you right where you are. Every step you take toward Him matters—because you are truly every day royalty.

Episode Overview

In this uplifting episode of The Every Day Royalty Podcast, host Keri Kitchen is joined by Debbie Reeves and Crista Hoffman for a candid, spirit-filled discussion on stepping out in faith, embracing our weaknesses, and allowing God’s strength to shine through. The ladies share their personal testimonies of overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and lies told in their past, highlighting how God persistently pursues His children and equips them for callings beyond their comfort zones. Through relatable stories—returning to school later in life, writing books despite not feeling “qualified,” and starting ministries—this conversation is packed with encouragement for anyone who has doubted their ability, struggled with striving for perfection, or wondered if God can use their pain for purpose.

Key Points

• God Shows Up in Our Weakness: Crista shares her journey of entering Bible college despite feeling academic insecurity and doubts, emphasizing 2 Corinthians 12:9, “when I am weak, then He is strong.”

• Breaking Limiting Beliefs: Both Crista and Debbie recount battling the negative labels placed on them as children (“not academic” or “not smart enough”), showing how God’s purpose overrides the world’s opinions.

• Obedience over Perfection: The episode spotlights the power of obedience—stepping out even when we feel unqualified, and trusting God to fill in the gaps.

• God Uses Our Pain for His Glory: Debbie touches on how her lowest moments and past pains became a platform for ministry, reminding listeners that no pain is wasted in God’s Kingdom.

• Process over Perfection: Keri, speaking as an introvert and “fixer,” reflects on learning to let go of striving and accept God’s timing and refinement.

• Replacing Lies with Truth: The ladies discuss spiritual strategies for breaking agreements with lies and speaking God’s truth over negative thoughts.

• Practical Application: Listeners are encouraged to declare out loud their break with limiting beliefs (“I break my agreement with the lie that I have to do it on my own”) and to speak scripture over their lives.

• Divine Timing & Community: The importance of community, confirmation from others, and letting God’s timing unfold is emphasized, along with gratitude for those He brings alongside us.

• The Power of Testimony: The sharing of stories builds faith, and the episode closes with prayer and gratitude for God’s ongoing work.

10 Journal Prompts Inspired by This Episode

1. When have you felt God calling you out of your comfort zone? How did you respond?

2. What negative labels or limiting beliefs have you carried from your past? Where do you think they came from?

3. Reflect on a time when God showed His strength through your weakness.

4. What’s an area of your life where you feel you must be “perfect”? How does that affect your actions and relationship with God?

5. Is there a step of faith you’re wrestling with right now? Write a prayer asking God for courage and clarity.

6. How can you actively break agreement with lies you’ve believed about yourself? Write down a replacement truth from scripture.

7. What community or individuals has God placed in your life to encourage you in your journey?

8. In what ways has your pain or past struggle become part of your testimony or ministry?

9. How do you discern God’s voice or confirmation when making decisions?

10. What does “living every day as royalty” in God’s kingdom mean to you personally?

Connect with the Guests

• Crista Hoffman: Find more about Crista’s ministry and resources at Savor the Word.

• Debbie Reeves: Find her on Youtube @nanafeedingtheheart

Call to Action: Step Into Every Day Royalty

You are called, chosen, and dearly loved—created to live as royalty in God’s kingdom, not by your strength but by His Spirit! This week, take one small faith step out of your comfort zone. Speak truth over your life, break agreement with lies, and keep your eyes open for how God wants to shine through your “weakness.” Share your story, ask for prayer, or reach out to our community—you are not alone.

Want more encouragement and practical tools for kingdom living? Subscribe to The Every Day Royalty Podcast and follow us on your favorite platforms. For resources, links, and to connect with both guests and host, view the show notes or visit our website.

You are royalty—live like it, every day.

Share your journal reflections with us on social media, tag @EveryDayRoyalty on Instagram, or send a message—we'd love to celebrate what God's doing in and through your story!

Welcome back to The Every Day Royalty Podcast! In this powerful episode, host Keri Kitchen sits down with Vonna Laue, author of "Glad I Didn't Know," to explore the beauty and growth that can emerge from life's most unexpected challenges. Vonna shares her incredible testimony, taking us from her roots in rural South Dakota through pivotal moments of faith, family upheaval, and personal transformation. Together, Keri and Vonna unpack the importance of trusting God in seasons of uncertainty, the value of sharing our stories, and the surprising blessings found in both difficulty and obedience.

Listen in as they discuss practical insights from scripture, the healing power of community, and how gratitude can shift our perspective—even in the darkest times. Whether you're facing uncertainty, grief, or just looking for encouragement, this episode will inspire you to keep moving forward and discover how God can use even the hardest moments for good. Plus, learn how Vonna’s book is impacting lives and supporting ministries, and why your own story—no matter how messy—has the power to bring hope to others.

Prayer Journal Prompts 

1. Recall a time you were facing uncertainty or pain. In hindsight, what good came from not knowing the outcome?

2. What is a story from your life you’ve never shared, but could encourage someone else?

3. How have you seen God’s faithfulness in situations you tried to control but couldn’t?

4. Reflect on a trial you’re facing right now. What might God be teaching you in this season?

5. What does it mean for you personally to "rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess. 5:16-18)?

6. Who are your “rapid response prayer team” people? If you don’t have them, who could you reach out to?

7. Write a prayer of surrender for the things you’re holding tightly or trying to orchestrate.

8. How have stories (books, testimonies, podcasts) helped you through your own dark seasons?

9. List three unexpected blessings you’ve experienced in the past year and how they may have come from unexpected circumstances.

10. If you shared your testimony today, what “glad I didn’t know” moments would you include? How might they encourage someone else?

Where to Find More About This Guest

• Vonna’s Book and Speaking: gladididntknow.com (No apostrophe!)

• Purchase "Glad I Didn’t Know": Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and wherever books are sold.

• Supporting a Cause: All royalties from Glad I Didn’t Know go to World Vision and Team.

If you’re looking for encouragement and daily reminders of God’s faithfulness, subscribe to The Every Day Royalty Podcast. Share your own story, seek out testimonies, or journal through these prompts to strengthen your faith. Remember, your story matters—and God is using it in ways you might not even know yet.

 

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Every Day Royalty Podcast! In today’s conversation, host Keri Kitchen sits down  with Kenza Haddock, LPCS, BCPC for a heartfelt and honest discussion about faith, healing, and learning to see ourselves—and God—more clearly. Our guest shares her powerful journey, from growing up in an Islamic household with a works-based mindset to experiencing a transformative encounter with Jesus and ultimately finding true peace, purpose, and belonging.

Together, they explore how our perceptions of God are often shaped by past teachings, trauma, and even our relationships with others—and how these skewed perspectives can keep us locked in cycles of anxiety and performance. You’ll hear practical wisdom about developing a healthy attachment with God, setting boundaries, and the life-changing difference between conviction and condemnation. Plus, they offer actionable strategies for establishing a deeper relationship with God, centering on gratitude, honest conversations, and rewiring harmful thought patterns.

Whether you’re navigating your own faith journey, seeking freedom from anxiety, or simply curious about nurturing intimacy with God, this episode is full of grace-filled encouragement and tools you can start using today. So settle in, grab your journal, and get ready to be reminded that you, too, are a royal daughter or son of the King!

Prayer Journal Prompts

1. In what ways does your view of God reflect how others have treated you in the past?

2. When you feel anxiety or condemnation, what is the voice behind those feelings saying?

3. What would change in your life if you believed God was both sovereign and intimately interested in your daily details?

4. How do you approach God: timidly, boldly, or somewhere in between? Why do you think that is?

5. Add the phrase “in Christ” to a self-critical thought you’ve had recently. Does it still make sense?

6. What boundaries might you need to set with people who consistently remind you of your mistakes?

7. How can you start your mornings with gratitude, even on tough days?

8. What are a few names or characteristics of God you want to explore more deeply?

9. How have your thinking habits (about yourself, God, or others) formed over the years? Where might you want to challenge those patterns?

10. What would it look like to surrender a problem to God today, trusting His capacity instead of your own?

To learn more about Kenza, visit: https://kenzahaddock.com/ 

Book: Secure: How to Have a Healthy Attachment With God Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Walmart.com, and wherever books are sold.

*****

If today’s episode has left you realizing there’s a disconnect in your relationship with God—maybe you’re wrestling with anxiety, struggling to trust Him, or just longing for a deeper, healthier attachment—you’re not alone. Building that secure foundation with the Lord takes time, and it’s okay to start right where you are.

If you’re ready to press into His presence and grow your intimacy in prayer, I encourage you to step into the 7-Day Incredible Prayer Challenge. It’s a simple, guided way to ignite your prayer life and experience God’s peace, clarity, and loving voice in new, powerful ways.

You can begin your journey here: prayer.everydayincredible.net

Remember, God meets you exactly where you are, and every step you take toward Him matters. He is your source—and in Him, you are fully equipped and never alone.

Welcome back to The Every Day Royalty Podcast 🕊 👑 

In this deeply moving episode, host Keri Kitchen sits down with author and ministry leader Debbie Chavez for a heartfelt conversation about overcoming life's most painful challenges. Debbie openly shares her powerful testimony of surviving an abusive childhood, enduring betrayal, experiencing the tragedy of loss, and ultimately discovering hope, joy, and renewed purpose through faith.

Together, Keri and Debbie explore what it means to turn the page after trauma, let go of resentment, and walk out forgiveness—even toward those who’ve deeply hurt us. Debbie unpacks the practical and spiritual steps that helped her break free from a victim mentality, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim her identity in Christ.

Along the way, she discusses insights from her book “Pivot” and offers encouragement for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by their past. Prepare to be inspired as these two women discuss the power of bringing our pain to God, finding healing through His word, and recognizing His unwavering faithfulness through every season. 

Whether you’re struggling with loss, trauma, or simply yearning to move forward, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical tools to walk into the freedom God intends for you.

Prayer Journaling Prompts:

• Reflect on a “turning the page” moment: Describe a time in your life when you felt stuck in the past, and what helped you finally move forward. What did “turning the page” look like for you?
• Breaking the replay cycle: Are there any painful memories or situations you find yourself replaying over and over? What would it look like to refuse to hit the replay button, as Debbie mentioned?
• Victim or victor: Have you ever recognized a victim mentality in yourself? What might it look like to shift from being a victim of your circumstances to growing from them?
• Forgiveness as a decision: Write about someone you’ve struggled to forgive. What steps could you take to begin the process of forgiveness, even if your feelings haven’t caught up yet?
• Identity in Christ: Are there any lies about yourself that you’ve believed because of past wounds or others’ actions? What does God’s Word say about your true identity?
• Boundaries and Self-Worth: Is there a relationship in your life where you need to set or reinforce a boundary? What holds you back, and how could understanding your value help?
• Turning grief into growth: Think about a recent loss or disappointment. What would it look like to trust God with your grief and ask Him to help you grow through it? Scripture as a lifeline: How do you connect with God’s Word when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unloved? Are there specific verses that comfort you, or could you search for one to dwell on today?
• Thankfulness as healing: What are three things, big or small, you can thank God for today? How does gratitude shift your perspective on your current struggles?
• Praying for those who’ve hurt you: Think of someone who’s deeply wounded you. What would it look like to pray sincerely for them? How do you feel about asking God for compassion towards them?

Read more about Debbie: https://www.debbiechavez.com/ Pivot: How to break free from grief, heartbreak, past abuse & resentment on Amazon (or wherever books are sold)

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If you’re feeling stuck in painful memories, wrestling with forgiveness, or weary from trying to break free from a victim mindset after listening to today’s episode, know that you are not alone. God sees every struggle and desires to bring breakthrough and new purpose into your story. If your heart is longing for deeper healing or a more powerful way to pray through your pain, I invite you to take that next step with the Finding Spiritual Breakthrough Prayer Guide. This resource is designed to help you invite God into every broken place and partner with Him for your restoration. You can download your copy at https://breakthrough.everydayincredible.net.

 

Remember—no matter what you’ve faced or how heavy things feel, you are never alone, and in Christ, you are equipped with everything you need to move forward."

Welcome to The Every Day Royalty Podcast! In today’s episode, titled "Be Still and Know: Coping Skills and Spiritual Rest," our host Keri Kitchen is joined by her rapid-response prayer team—Crista Hoffman and Debbie Reeves—for a heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation about finding true rest in God’s presence.

Together, they dive deep into the meaning of Psalm 46:10—“Be still and know that I am God”—sharing personal stories, struggles with anxiety, and practical ways to combat the stress and overwhelm of daily life. The ladies discuss not only the significance of spiritual rest but also how it impacts our physical and emotional well-being, drawing on both personal and professional experiences, including Debbie’s perspective as a therapist.

You’ll hear candid reflections on coping skills, the importance of connecting with God and each other, the role of gratitude and worship, and the need to intentionally create space for stillness regardless of life’s chaos. Sprinkled with anecdotes, humor, and encouragement, this episode is both a spiritual recharge and a practical toolkit for anyone craving peace in a busy world.

Plus, stick around to hear highlights about Debbie’s new book and YouTube Channel “Nana Feeding the Heart” and Crista's ministry “Savor the Word”—each offering unique ways to feed your soul. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, Scripture-based reassurance, or just the feeling of sitting at the table with a circle of prayerful friends, this conversation is for you.

 

PRAYER JOURNALING PROMPTS: 

1. Reflect on Psalm 46:10 (“Be still and know that I am God”). What does this verse mean to you in your current season of life? How has it shown up in ways you didn’t expect?

2. Describe a recent time when you struggled to find rest—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. What symptoms did you notice in your body, mind, or soul that signaled you weren’t at peace?

3. What practical steps can you take to be more intentional about “being still” and reconnecting with God, especially when anxiety or overwhelm creeps in?

4. Have you experienced a moment where a Scripture or encouraging word “popped up” repeatedly in your life? What do you think God was trying to show you through that repetition?

5. Consider your support system. Who are the people you can count on to pray with or for you? How can you be more intentional about plugging into that community?

6. When do you feel most disconnected from others or from God? What does your “relational circuit” look and feel like when it’s turned off, and how do you turn it back on?

7. Think about a time when worship, music, or gratitude helped calm your anxious thoughts or physical stress. Describe that experience and the difference it made for you.

8. What spiritual “coping skills” do you use to handle anxiety or worry? How do you incorporate God’s word, prayer, or praise into these moments?

9. Reflect on a humorous, gentle, or unexpected way God has answered your prayers, corrected you, or spoken to you. How did this impact your faith?

10. How has resting in God, and placing your trust in Him, changed the way you approach challenges or transitions in life? Where do you need to be reminded to “let us plug in so He can fill your cup”?

Use these prompts to dive deeper into your journey with God and to recognize both the challenges and the beauty in learning to “be still.”

 

• Debbie's Updates:
  • Guarding Your Heart: Your body is a living vessel: Body, Mind and Spirit
    • https://www.amazon.com/Guarding-Your-Heart-living-vessel/dp/B0CJ3VVVSM
  • YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NanaFeedingTheHeart

• Crista's Updates:
  • Savor the Word: https://savortheword.org