What a treasure it is to have family around who have lived through so many of life's challenges. Gracie's Great Aunt Faye Shaw is just 92 years young with lots of love left to share. Faye's testimony of God's love, as she shares in this episode, started as young as five years old for her when she nearly died of pneumonia. She knew then that she was created for a purpose and was given a second chance at life. Gracie gets a bit emotional as she sits with her matriarchy and listens to such empowering wisdom and strength as well as stories about the grandfather who passed when she was just a toddler. Gracie's grandfather/ Faye's brother, Dan Barnes, was a Pastor at the Community of Christ for over 20 years in Crestview, Fl. What a blessing it's been to have Faye share her story and some history about the church and its conception. If we could summarize the message from this episode it is to keep living like Jesus; love your neighbor as yourself and always keep learning. The poem we discussed that Dan wrote is listed below:

The Difference

I got up early one morning

And rushed right into the day;

I had so much to accomplish,

I didn't take time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,

And heavier came each task.

"Why doesn't God help me?' I wondered,

He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,

But the day toiled on, grey and bleak;

I wondered why God didn't show me.

He said "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;

I used all my keys at the lock.

God gently and lovingly chided, "My child you didn't knock"

I woke up early this morning,

And paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish

That I had to take time to pray.

Gayla has described herself in this episode as a "Lover of Women" and it definitely shows after the first few moments of getting to know her. She owns her strong personality which is inspiring to most or possibly polarizing to some. She holds a space for other women that gives them the opportunity to dig deep and find the best versions of themselves and to show up authentically in the world. We talk a lot about women empowerment, building each other up, having constructive conversations with one another and fostering community over competition. Gayla shares with us her passion for Zumba, dance and her faith and how she ties it all together. We discuss some of the struggles she's faced in the fitness industry in this area and how she stays grounded and true to herself through it all. Gayla talks about what the "Soft Life" means to her and how she's adapted to her body's changes at now 57 years old. "Get in Where You Fit in" and find her at Perfect Fit 24/7 Gym on the Southside of Crestview to take a class or look her up on social media, @gayla-gurl57 on instagram, to connect!

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic

secrets of the world and they that dwell therein." -Zora Neale Hurston

This quote sums up Skylar's ability to dive into her curiosities with such focus and force, which satisfies her true thirst for knowledge. From the human body and what makes it tick to her own personal well being and mental health, she has taken the time, done the research and applied her knowledge to live her best life, to be the best parent, wife and as true to herself as she can be.

In this episode we cover a variety of topics such as: the peaceful parenting methodology and how Skylar continues to practice this; homeschooling and public school; Skylar's background in nutrition, personal training and all certificates she has trained for and received in the field of Functional Range Systems; religion and spirituality and Skylar's decision to step away from Mormonism, as well as her love and passions for kiteboarding and pottery!

The general theme of the podcast is similar to that of her husband's, Kakela Peters of Pounders Hawaiian Grill, in leading with love in all things and not placing judgment on any person for their belief's.

Homelessness is not only a major issue in our community of Crestview, Fl but around the world.

In this episode we meet Ann Sprague, a Baker, Fl. native, former school teacher and guidance counselor who is now devoting her life to following God's newest calling for her by helping the homeless.

C.A.S.H. Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless as well as the Cold Night Shelters and Soup Kitchen's in our area were spear headed by Mrs Ann and a few others she mentions in this podcast. She shares how a simple morning walking in 2008 during her retirement lead to this new purpose for her life.

Mrs Ann shares about all of the volunteer opportunities available at the Shelter and that there are caseworkers available M, W, F from 9am-4pm to help with intake of new individuals. We learned of all the ways the shelter employees & volunteers help our homeless neighbors to get back on their feet, take them to much needed medical appointments or to get refills for their medication. She tells us how other organizations in our area all work together to find the best fit for all individuals.

Mrs. Ann tells us what grants they've applied for recently and what is still needed to best provide in our community. She also shares about an exciting new project that is so close to fruition that could help MANY others from being homeless! These angels on Earth behind C.A.S.H. are not only helping the current homeless but are taking preventative measures to help others from ever having to lose their home!

Mrs. Ann informs us about the Thrift Store on 192 Main St that benefits the Shelter with 100% of their earnings called Hope Starts Here as well as other fundraisers that will happen throughout the year!

If this podcast is speaking to you to get involved or you'd like to donate you can contact Ann or anyone at the shelter at (850)-398-5670

located at 120 Duggan Ave Crestview, Fl 32536

You can make checks payable to: Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless or drop off any household items anytime.

Find them on Facebook: Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless Shelter Support Group

Email: [email protected]

C.A.S.H Vision:

"It is the mission of the Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the homeless and at risk in order to provide an avenue to self-sufficiency thereby strengthening our community."