The Woman of Courage Podcast | Conversations About Stewardship, Home, and Legacy.

Are you struggling to slow down and trust God in the busyness of life? In this heartfelt solo episode of the Woman of Courage podcast, we dive deep into the importance of rest. Join me as I share my personal journey of redefining rest, taking God's promises seriously, and making the Sabbath a priority in my life. We’ll explore what Scripture says about rest, the unexpected blessings of fellowship, and practical ways to incorporate intentional rest into your week, even in the busiest seasons of life. Discover how aligning with God's design for rest can renew your strength, deepen your relationships, and draw you closer to Him. If you’re ready to experience peace and productivity in a way that honors God, this episode is for you!

Want to learn more about Samantha or message her? You can find her in all these places!
Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!

www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch


Some things we talk about are:

-Biblical rest and Sabbath practices

-Rest and productivity for Christian women

-Incorporating Sabbath rest in busy seasons

-Practical steps to embrace rest

-Scientific benefits of rest and renewal

-Christian faith and mental health

-Fellowship and faith-based connections

Steps and Resources from the Episode:

1. Steps to Incorporate Rest:

Reflect with Gratitude: Spend time thanking God for His faithfulness throughout the week (Psalm 9:1).

Listen to Worship Music: Use music as a tool to soothe your soul and refocus on God’s goodness.

Take Mini Breaks: Carve out 10-15 minutes daily to step away from work and responsibilities, dedicating time to reconnect with God.

Focus on Intentional Rest: Choose a day to avoid work-related tasks, even if it’s not a full day. Treat it as a “fast” from daily demands.



2. Practical Encouragement for Busy Seasons:

Emphasize God’s understanding of your limitations and His delight in your efforts to honor Him.

Trust that rest is a step of faith and obedience to God’s design, leading to spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits.



3. Scientific Benefits of Rest:

2016 Study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience: Rest enhances brain plasticity, which improves learning and problem-solving.

American Psychological Association Research: Regular breaks reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.

National Institutes of Health Findings: Proper rest lowers cardiovascular disease risk, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the immune system.



4. Key Scriptures to Meditate On:

Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested on the seventh day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:8-10 – Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

Isaiah 40:31 – Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

Matthew 11:28-29 – Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.

Proverbs 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

In this deeply moving episode of The Woman of Courage Podcast, I sit down with Heidi Mortenson, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has walked through seasons of profound struggle and transformation. From the breaking point in her marriage and business to stepping into bold faith, Heidi’s journey is a powerful testament to God’s ability to heal, restore, and guide us into our calling.

Join us as we dive into:
- The Turning Point of Surrender: How hitting rock bottom in her marriage and business led Heidi to experience the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.
- Breaking Generational Patterns: A candid discussion on forgiveness, inner healing, and releasing the weight of generational pain to create a legacy of freedom for your family.
- Faith in the Trenches: Learning to honor your spouse, even when it's hard, and letting prayer shift your perspective from frustration to gratitude.
- A Call to Boldness: How Heidi found the courage to embrace her identity as a Christian therapist and share God’s transformative power openly in her work.
- God’s Timing and Seasons: Navigating the balance between big dreams, motherhood, and ministry with grace and trust in God’s perfect plan.

This is a conversation about redemption, perseverance, and the beautiful work God does when we release control and trust Him with our brokenness. If you’re a mom wrestling with big questions about your purpose, marriage, or faith, this episode will give you hope, encouragement, and practical wisdom to take the next step forward.

Resources Mentioned:
1. The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian – A life-changing guide to praying for yourself and your marriage. Find it here
2. It Didn't Start with You by Mark Wolynn – Uncover the impact of generational trauma and find healing. Explore the book
3. There’s More by Randy Clark – A call to explore the deeper things of God and live in the fullness of His Spirit. Learn more

Learn More About and Follow Heidi Mortenson

https://linktr.ee/HeidiMortenson

Reflect & Connect:
- What generational patterns or burdens are you ready to surrender to God?
- How is God calling you to trust Him in your current season?

Subscribe to The Woman of Courage for more inspiring conversations and practical faith-building insights. If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend and leave a review to help others find encouragement in their journey!

Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!

www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Monica, a seven-year combat Army veteran, to hear her incredible testimony of faith, survival, and transformation. From her time on the front lines of Desert Storm to a life-changing car accident that left her battling deep physical and emotional wounds, Monica shares how God relentlessly pursued her, even when she ran from Him. Through trials of war, personal loss, and overcoming PTSD, Monica’s story of God’s undaunting pursuit and healing grace will leave you inspired to persist in prayer, trust in God’s timing, and never give up hope on your loved ones.
Tune in to hear how Monica finally said "yes" to God, the miracles she witnessed along the way, and how she found peace, purpose, and healing through Christ. Plus, discover how she turned her collection of heartfelt poems, written during her darkest moments, into a published book, Captured by His Heart, and how God continues to guide her through life.

• Captured by His Heart by Monica Hansen: A collection of poems inspired by her faith journey, reflecting God’s love and grace through her most challenging moments.
• The song “Mercy Seat” (lyrics highlighted in the episode) helped Monica reflect on God’s mercy.
• Mention of Dr. George Maurer’s book on Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools, guiding parents on how to identify and fight against it.




Monica Hansen Bio-https://1drv.ms/w/s!AtuV8-lbrmFsoV-QCUjZzogF2qpF?e=vDQJm3
Monica Hansen website - https://monica-hansen.com/ https://amzn.to/4f8nzAR available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Google PlayBook
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-graceful-warrior/id1696204454: The only podcast that brings the significance and application of the Armor of God into each episode through Guest testimonies.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

Join us as we celebrate the first anniversary of the Woman of Courage podcast! In this heartfelt episode, host Samantha Welch reflects on the transformative journey from its beginnings as a business-focused podcast to a beacon of inspiring testimonies and stories of faith. Explore the major themes such as personal surrender, the power of saying 'yes' to God, and how God uniquely reaches each of us. Hear about the lessons learned, the joy of connecting with our community, and Samantha's gratitude for the opportunity to highlight God's faithfulness. As we look forward to another year of powerful stories, Samantha also introduces her new project aimed at mompreneurs, the Moms in Business podcast, which you can check out HERE

Apply to Share Your Story: www.welchphotography.net/podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sabrina, who shares her transformative journey of faith and personal growth. Discover how leaving her teaching career led her to entrepreneurship and homeschooling, all ignited by a newfound personal relationship with God. Sabrina's story highlights the profound impact of hearing God's voice in the quiet moments and how this has reshaped her life and work. Tune in to hear how God's personal touch can change everything, from daily routines to life's biggest decisions.

Resources Mentioned:

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Matthew 11:28-30

Find out more about Sabrina Hammonds

https://kcpodcastagency.com/

linktr.ee/sabrina1982

Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!
www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

In this powerful episode of The Woman of Courage Podcast, Samantha Welch sits down with Cara Blondo to discuss how God uses our personal testimonies for His glory, even in the most challenging circumstances. Cara shares her vulnerable journey of battling and overcoming an eating disorder, offering hope to those struggling with similar issues. Whether you're feeling stuck, wondering how God can use your testimony, or searching for faith to trust in God's plan, this episode will encourage and inspire you.

Cara’s story illustrates the power of faith, healing, and the importance of trusting God in the midst of life’s struggles. Tune in to learn how God can use your darkest moments to bring light to others, and how you, too, can experience freedom and transformation through His grace.

Key topics: Overcoming an eating disorder, faith in God during struggles, finding purpose in your testimony, trusting God’s plan, and healing through faith.

Get to Know Cara!

Whether through teaching Bible studies, speaking to groups in person or online, or writing devotionals and other Christ-centered resources, Cara Blondo is passionate about helping women connect biblical truths to their everyday lives, knowing personally of its transforming power through the healing of a years-long battle with an eating disorder. Through her blog and podcast, she aims to help women shift their perspective and come to know Him as their one thing desired. She and her husband have been married for more than twenty years and are blessed to have four children.

https://theonethingdesired.com/eating-disorder-recovery-testimony/

www.theonethingdesired.com
Instagram @the_one_thing_desired,
Facebook  @theonethingdesired,
podcast, Perspective Shifts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts).

Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!
www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

In this inspiring episode, Samantha Welch sits down with Alyssa, host of the "Revival Mom" podcast, to discuss how moms can reignite their faith and bring God back into their homes. Alyssa shares her personal journey of feeling unqualified but answering God's call to spark revival, starting with her own family. They dive into practical ways to involve children in prayer, navigate spiritual challenges in motherhood, and trust God's plan. This conversation will encourage moms to embrace their God-given calling and build a strong spiritual foundation at home. Perfect for moms seeking faith-based encouragement and practical tips for raising children in a Christ-centered environment.

Get to know Alyssa more and hear her heart on revival through her podcast and website.

www.revivalmomprays.com

www.revivalmompodcast.com

www.facebook.com/vrable1

www.instagram.com/alyssarahn8

Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!
www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

In this episode of the 'Woman of Courage' podcast, host Samantha Welch chats with Rosemary Lewis, who shares her moving and deeply personal story of loss and faith. Rosemary recounts her experiences as the only surviving sibling of six. She reflects on her upbringing with a resilient mother who faced the tragedy of losing all her children. Rosemary also narrates her transformative journey of faith, from knowing God to walking away out of fear during her twenties, and eventually returning to a deep, intimate relationship with Him. She emphasizes the importance of daily, unhurried quiet time with God and a healthy community in overcoming life’s challenges. Rosemary's story exemplifies God's faithfulness and love amidst grief, inspiring listeners to strengthen their relationship with God regardless of life's trials.

Learn more about Rosemary here:

⁠https://rosemarylewis.com/⁠

Fear Is Not the Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood

⁠https://amzn.to/4fQWfbf⁠

Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!⁠www.welchphotography.net⁠

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

In this episode of the Woman of Courage podcast, host Samantha Welch chats with Heather, founder of Publicity for Good, a purpose-driven communications company. Heather shares her entrepreneurial journey, from starting her business to living in an Airstream and eventually settling in North Carolina. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a PR firm, the importance of faith in her journey, and her dreams for the future. Alongside some rapid-fire questions, Heather offers insights into making PR accessible and balancing business with family life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, faith, and entrepreneurship.

Learn More About Heather

https://publicityforgood.com/

https://www.instagram.com/heatherdesantis

https://www.signalraptor.com/

Want to learn more about Samantha outside the podcast? You can find her in all these places!
www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com

Join us in this empowering podcast episode as Jed Brett shares her remarkable journey from an abusive marriage to building a successful virtual assistant business. Discover the strength, resilience, and courage that propelled her to overcome challenges, trust herself again, and create a life of purpose and empowerment.

Jed’s Socials

https://www.instagram.com/thegirlnamedjed

https://www.instagram.com/thevanamedjed

Edit

Want to learn more about me outside the podcast? You can find me in all these places!
www.welchphotography.net

www.Instagram.com/wp_samanthawelch

www.facebook.com/wpsamanthawelch

http://www.tiktok.com/@wp_samanthawelch

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanofcourage.substack.com