Today Dot and Cara are talking about the life-changing practice of gratitude, not just as a holiday tradition, but as a daily spiritual discipline. Starting with Paul’s words in  1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, they share how giving thanks protects our hearts from bitterness and helps us remember God’s goodness in difficult seasons. If you’ve struggled to find something to be thankful for this year, this conversation is for you. Grab your Bible and a journal, and join us as we discuss what it means to live with a heart of gratitude.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (0:08)
• The practice of gratitude has helped Cara more than any other discipline (3:00)
• You can acknowledge when things aren’t good and give thanks simultaneously (6:11)
• We can give thanks because God always meets us where we are (9:35) 
• Remembrance is a key to gratefulness (13:08)
• You can practice something you don’t fully understand (18:54)
• You don’t have to wait until you feel like it (20:54)
• Ask God to help you see what to be thankful for (22:50)
• Cara is finding thankfulness in quiet Thanksgivings with just her mom and dad (27:11)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Confession isn’t just admitting you did something wrong, it’s about seeing your sin through God’s eyes and agreeing with Him about it. In this conversation, Dot and Cara talk about what true confession looks like, how it differs from repentance, and why it’s one of the most freeing spiritual practices we can embrace. Together they explore how confession restores closeness with God, why it’s meant to bring unity rather than shame, and how it helps us live the abundant life Jesus promised. Grab your Bible, a journal, and your coffee, and lean in for this tender conversation on the beauty of confession.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Psalm 32:1-5 (0:08)
• Confession is seeing your sin through the eyes of God (2:23)
• Repentance is turning from your sin (4:43)
• Confession releases the Holy Spirit within us to empower repentance (9:45) 
• God’s rules are for our flourishing (13:10)
• Is confession just between you and God? (17:29)
• Never ask forgiveness from someone who doesn’t know you’ve hurt them (18:24)
• Confession to another person should always  bring about unity (21:23)
• These spiritual disciplines bring about the abundant life Christ has for us (24:50)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse:  Psalm 32:1-5 (ESV) 

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. 

I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

What does it mean to fast, and why does Scripture tie it so closely to prayer? In this episode, Dot and Cara open Matthew 4:1–4 and talk about fasting not as a way to manipulate God, but as a way to draw near, remove distractions, and realign our hearts with His will. Together they explore how biblical fasting differs from today’s health trends, how hunger can point us back to prayer, and how this practice can tune our hearts to trust God more deeply. Grab your Bible, a journal, and a cup of coffee, and join this conversation about dependence, desire, and hearing from God!

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Matthew 4:1-4 (0:08)
• Today we are talking about the spiritual practice of fasting (0:50)
• Spiritual disciplines help us pull us away from the noise of the world (3:33)
• So often, we try to be God (7:45) 
• Praying and fasting purify your heart and realign it (10:59)
• Fasting is about removing things that take your time/desire away from God (14:04)
• When we get hungry, what are we going to fill that desire with? (15:15)
• Both practices are guardrails we can put in place (19:28)
• Fasting and prayer precede big moments in the Bible (20:40)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Matthew 4:1-4 (ESV) 
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Sabbath is more than just a day off, it’s an invitation to trust, delight, and remember who God is. Today Dot and Cara read from Genesis 2:1–3 and trace Sabbath through Scripture to Jesus. They talk about rest as resistance to self-trust, delighting in God’s gifts, and how a 24-hour rhythm can shape the other six days, whether your “delight” looks like quiet study, planting flowers, or cheering for your favorite team. Pull up a chair, grab your Bible and coffee, and lean into rest with us! 

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Genesis 2:1-3 (0:08)
• Today we are talking about the spiritual discipline of rest (0:43)
• What does it look like for Christians to observe the Sabbath? (3:59)
• Sabbath is a practical weekly opportunity to trust God (6:34) 
• Sabbath is meant for us to enjoy and delight in God’s creation (11:45)
• Sabbath is spiritual, it’s not just taking the day “off” (16:20)
• The Sabbath is for you, so you can enjoy what God is doing in your life (20:01)
• Sabbath is all about trusting God and stop striving for control in life (22:30)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: 

Genesis 2:1-3 (ESV) “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.  And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”

What does it really mean to live with bold faith? In this conversation, Dot and Cara look at the story of Peter in Acts 4 and talk about what changed in him after he denied Christ and then witnessed the resurrection. They unpack why bold faith isn’t about personality or volume—it’s about living out what you believe and being willing to share the good news about your rescued life when those around you get curious. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and join in the conversation!

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Acts 4:10-13 (0:09)
• Peter became incredibly bold after denying Christ and the resurrection (2:16)
• People are intimidated to get into conversations about God and Scripture (6:09)
• If God’s rescued you and saved you, you’ve got a story to tell (8:37) 
• Wherever your little “world” is, that’s where and how God wants to use you  (13:47)
• Those around you will see the fruit of how you are living (17:30)
• Bold faith is telling others about the one who rescued you (21:00)
• Some people in your life really want to hear about what God has done for you  (24:00)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Acts 4:10-13 (ESV)
"Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Dating is complicated at any age, but what does it look like to date in a way that honors Christ? In this conversation, Dot and Cara talk about what it means to pursue relationships with integrity, purity, and trust in God’s timing. From navigating red flags to letting go of the pressure to figure it all out, they remind us that we are defined by our relationship status with God, and no one else! Grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and settle in with us as we talk all about dating today.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 1 Timothy 4:12 (0:08)
• Dating in today’s culture is difficult (2:00)
• You have to navigate between judging too harshly and giving too much grace (6:02)
• Whether you’re 16, 26, 36, or 66 these principles still apply  (10:36) 
• Christlike dating looks like giving God the last word (16:23)
• Christlike dating looks like not letting dating define you (17:05)
• Dating is not about fulfilling your needs (20:21)
• Cara has helped Dot see the lies that single people often believe (23:15)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12 (NASB1995) 
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example [a]of those who believe.

How do we know if it’s the Holy Spirit speaking or just our own thoughts? In today’s conversation, Dot and Cara unpack a common question believers wrestle with: discerning God’s voice. Looking at John 14:16–18, they explore the role of the Holy Spirit and the peace that comes from obedience even when we’re unsure. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and join the conversation as Dot and Cara remind us that hearing from God is rooted in an ongoing relationship, not perfection.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down John 14:16-18 (0:10)
• How do I know if it’s the Holy Spirit or just my own thoughts? (1:07)
• How do you discern God’s voice? (3:46)
• It’s okay to act on what the Spirit is telling you imperfectly (5:45) 
• Always ask God, “is this true?” (9:30)
• God, if you want me to say something to them, have them bring it up. (12:04)
• Sometimes it’s not what’s wrong or right, but what is the wise thing to do? (16:54)
• Just start the conversation: “God, this is what I think you’re telling me to do...” (20:17)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: 

John 14:16-18 (NASB1995) “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

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How do you balance ambition and career with trusting God and finding contentment? In this honest conversation, Dot and Cara unpack Paul’s words in Philippians and the misunderstood concept of “doing all things through Christ.” They explore what it looks like to be driven and ambitious while keeping your heart’s true motivation in check. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and join the conversation.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Philippians 4:11-13 (0:14)
• How do I balance ambition and career with trusting God and being content? (2:35)
• Jesus was purposeful in his mission, but also made time for people and prayer (4:47)
• No one ever ends their race wishing they had worked more (7:32) 
• Not every open door is a door that God has opened (9:42)
• We have to check our hearts, are you serving God or money? (14:28)
• Pray and ask God to help you keep pure motives and a pure mindset (16:33)
• We need to be very careful of our motives (19:05)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Philippians 4:11-13 (NASB1995) 
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Today Dot and Cara pause to reflect on the days following Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what God might be saying to each of us at this moment. Anchored in 2 Timothy 4:6–8, they talk about Charlie’s memorial service, Erika’s bold example of faith, and keeping their “why” nearby as our culture feels increasingly hostile to truth. This conversation is an invitation to examine your heart, hold tight to Scripture, and move forward by trusting the power of the Holy Spirit. Grab your Bible, journal, a warm drink, and settle in with us.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (0:14)
• At every moment in history when evil looks like it has won, it hasn’t (5:50)
• Persecution made the early Church explode with growth (8:06)
• Ask God, what are you teaching me through this event? (12:05) 
• Don’t be apologetic for the Truth (13:00)
• Man can’t manufacture that kind of peace (14:40)
• Pray that the seeds that have been planted will take root and grow (17:02)
• Keep your ‘why’ nearby (21:09)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NASB1995) 
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Anxiety and fear can easily overwhelm our hearts, leaving us wondering where our faith went when worry takes over. Today, Dot and Cara talk honestly about handling fear as a believer, why “what ifs” never bring peace, and how God’s Word invites us to trust Him with both today and tomorrow. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and lean in with us.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Matthew 6:31-34 (0:14)
• What’s the difference between fear and anxiety?  (3:02)
• Both of these emotions are a response to “what if?”  (6:07)
• Anxiety is essentially choosing to  struggle through a potential situation twice (9:31) 
• How Corrie Ten Boom handled fear during World War II (11:38)
• What does it look like practically to deal with fear/anxiety as a believer?  (13:52)
• What we think plays a huge role in what we feel (17:21)
• How Cara practically uses Scripture to combat fear (19:58)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Matthew 6:31-34 (NASB1995) 
“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”