A Cup of Gratitude

This week, I speak with Kevan Chandler, a best-selling author and founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan. He speaks worldwide about his life with a disability and how community and creativity are the keys to true accessibility. Kevan and his wife, Katie, enjoy spending time together, growing vegetables, and reading to each other. We look at his childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in his life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode! http://wecarrykevan.org Instagram - @wecarrykevan Instagram - @vanchandler *Theme Song "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week I speak with Nancy Lavo. A love of happy endings and a fiction writing course at the community college started award-winning author Nancy Lavo on the road to publication. She’s published her lighthearted romances in both the traditional and inspirational market. Nancy and her husband live in the great state of Texas. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode! www.nancylavo.com Theme Music “Blessed time” by Ketsa

Are You Ready for our last special episode of the year? On this episode of A Cup of Gratitude, I share personally a bit about my upcoming talk for the Prudent Woman Retreat - And I share about practicing the attitude of listening and then leaning into a word of the year from God for 2026, available tomorrow on all podcast platforms & we will join you next week for Season 11✨ Happy New Year!!!

This week on Special Episode #4 of the Christmas Break series, I speak with Arrica Hess, who is a follower of Jesus Christ, a pastor’s wife, a women's ministry leader, and a homeschooling mom of four kids ages 18, 17, 14, and 10. Ever since she had her second child, she has been a stay-at-home mom. Through raising and observing her children, God has used them to teach her valuable lessons about her relationship as a child to Him as her Heavenly Father. Arrica shares this and more on her blog, A Child Shall Lead Them. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode! Links: achildshallleadthemblog.com  https://www.facebook.com/achildshallleadthemblog?mibextid=ZbWKwL What is The Prudent Woman Retreat 2026 all about? This year, we’re gathering around a powerful theme: REDEEMING THE TIME. From January 16–18, 2026, step into a 100% virtual retreat designed for the woman who longs for a deep, intentional encounter with God—right where she is. Whether you’re curled up on your couch, away on a quiet getaway, or tuning in between life’s responsibilities, this retreat lets you meet with the Lord in the way that fits your life. What You’ll Experience ✨ A fully online, flexible retreat — engage when and where it works best for you. ✨ 13+ transformational breakout sessions crafted to help you grow, focus, and stay rooted in the Word. ✨ Real interaction with each speaker through our private community platform. ✨ Unlimited access to all recordings — perfect if you’re busy during the live sessions. ✨ An exclusive online group where you can discuss, connect, and ask questions in a safe, faith-filled space. ✨ A digital conference notebook filled with listener guides and actionable worksheets to help you apply what you learn. Click Here to Join the Prudent Woman Community Get ready to pull away with God—intentionally, deeply, and purposefully—without leaving the comfort of your home. For enquiries, email: theprudentwomanretreat@gmail.com  Facebook Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1025357944935593  For those not on Facebook, a dedicated YouTube Playlist for all the sessions would be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@IFEOMASAMUEL/playlists

Special episode 3 is this week. I speak with fellow Prudent woman Retreat speaker Tracy Harper who is a Christian author and speaker with more than twenty years of experience mentoring young adults through campus ministry. Her journey—from the East Coast to Hawaii—has taken her across the country and into countless conversations with young women wrestling with faith, identity, and emotional overwhelm. She holds a degree in Secondary Education/English from Towson University and completed Cru’s Institute of Biblical Studies. Now based in Maryland with her husband and three teen daughters, Tracy enjoys life by the water, a good book, and a great cup of coffee. Through her writing and speaking, she helps women let go of approval, achievement, and appearance-based worth, so they can rest secure in who God says they are and be led by Him. Follow her @TracyHarperWrites, learn more at www.tracyharperwrites.com, and check out her bestselling book, From Him, Not Them: A Young Woman's Guide to Relying on God for Validation, Identity, and Guidance  Pudent Woman Retreat  - What is The Prudent Woman Retreat 2026 all about? This year, we’re gathering around a powerful theme: REDEEMING THE TIME. From January 16–18, 2026, step into a 100% virtual retreat designed for the woman who longs for a deep, intentional encounter with God—right where she is. Whether you’re curled up on your couch, away on a quiet getaway, or tuning in between life’s responsibilities, this retreat lets you meet with the Lord in the way that fits your life. What You’ll Experience ✨ A fully online, flexible retreat — engage when and where it works best for you. ✨ 13+ transformational breakout sessions crafted to help you grow, focus, and stay rooted in the Word. ✨ Real interaction with each speaker through our private community platform. ✨ Unlimited access to all recordings — perfect if you’re busy during the live sessions. ✨ An exclusive online group where you can discuss, connect, and ask questions in a safe, faith-filled space. ✨ A digital conference notebook filled with listener guides and actionable worksheets to help you apply what you learn. Click Here to Join the Prudent Woman Community Get ready to pull away with God—intentionally, deeply, and purposefully—without leaving the comfort of your home. For enquiries, email: theprudentwomanretreat@gmail.com  Facebook Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1025357944935593  For those not on Facebook, a dedicated Youtube Playlist for all the sessions would be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@IFEOMASAMUEL/playlists

Welcome to episode 2 of the Special Christmas Break episodes. This week, I speak with Gayl Wright. In upstate South Carolina, from her log home bordering the woods, Gayl loves to encourage others as she writes from her heart about life and faith. She has been married to Steve for over 50 years. Daily, they enjoy reading and discussing the Bible and other books. They are parents of 7 (one son is now with the Lord) and have 14 grandchildren. Gayl enjoys visiting with friends and family, taking daily walks, and exploring creativity through various outlets, including nature photography and art. Gayl is the author of Journey Into Light: 31 Days Adventuring with God and Through A Glass, Darkly: Daily Hope in Light of Eternity.  Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gayl.wright YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gaylwright8408 Substack: https://substack.com/@sunflowerpoet?utm_source=user-menu Blog: https://gaylswright.blogspot.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaylwright Twitter: https://x.com/GaylWright *What is The Prudent Woman Retreat 2026 all about? This year, we’re gathering around a powerful theme: REDEEMING THE TIME. From January 16–18, 2026, step into a 100% virtual retreat designed for the woman who longs for a deep, intentional encounter with God—right where she is. Whether you’re curled up on your couch, away on a quiet getaway, or tuning in between life’s responsibilities, this retreat lets you meet with the Lord in the way that fits your life. What You’ll Experience ✨ A fully online, flexible retreat — engage when and where it works best for you. ✨ 13+ transformational breakout sessions crafted to help you grow, focus, and stay rooted in the Word. ✨ Real interaction with each speaker through our private community platform. ✨ Unlimited access to all recordings — perfect if you’re busy during the live sessions. ✨ An exclusive online group where you can discuss, connect, and ask questions in a safe, faith-filled space. ✨ A digital conference notebook filled with listener guides and actionable worksheets to help you apply what you learn. Click Here to Join the Prudent Woman Community Get ready to pull away with God—intentionally, deeply, and purposefully—without leaving the comfort of your home. For enquiries, email: theprudentwomanretreat@gmail.com  Facebook Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1025357944935593  For those not on Facebook, a dedicated Youtube Playlist for all the sessions would be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@IFEOMASAMUEL/playlists

Welcome to the first Christmas Break special episode of a Cup of Gratitude. All of December, I will be sharing fellow speakers from the Prudent Woman Retreat. This week, I speak with the founder, Dr Ifeoma Samuel, your down-to-earth Bible Study writer and speaker, passionate about helping women grow in faith through the Word. She is happily married to her heart throb, Obiora, and together they are blessed with a daughter and a son. You can find her Bible Study Group on Facebook: "Purposeful and Meaningful." She is on FB and IG as @Purposeful and Meaningful Bible Studies and Devotionals. Books are available on Amazon. Purposeful and Meaningful.com. The Prudent Woman Retreat will be happening in the FB Group, The Prudent Woman Community. All resources and relevant links can be assessed here. https://www.facebook.com/share/1D5ypXfpui/?mibextid=wwXIfr What is The Prudent Woman Retreat 2026 all about? This year, we’re gathering around a powerful theme: REDEEMING THE TIME. From January 16–18, 2026, step into a 100% virtual retreat designed for the woman who longs for a deep, intentional encounter with God—right where she is. Whether you’re curled up on your couch, away on a quiet getaway, or tuning in between life’s responsibilities, this retreat lets you meet with the Lord in the way that fits your life. What You’ll Experience ✨ A fully online, flexible retreat — engage when and where it works best for you. ✨ 13+ transformational breakout sessions crafted to help you grow, focus, and stay rooted in the Word. ✨ Real interaction with each speaker through our private community platform. ✨ Unlimited access to all recordings — perfect if you’re busy during the live sessions. ✨ An exclusive online group where you can discuss, connect, and ask questions in a safe, faith-filled space. ✨ A digital conference notebook filled with listener guides and actionable worksheets to help you apply what you learn. Click Here to Join the Prudent Woman Community Get ready to pull away with God—intentionally, deeply, and purposefully—without leaving the comfort of your home. For enquiries, email: theprudentwomanretreat@gmail.com  Facebook Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/1025357944935593  For those not on Facebook, a dedicated YouTube Playlist for all the sessions would be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@IFEOMASAMUEL/playlists

This week I speak with Deborah Rutherford, who loves Jesus, being a wife to Don, singing old hymns, and nature walks. She is an author, poet, podcaster, and an award-winning makeup artist who has swapped her brushes for a pen. She is the founder of the Behold-Her Beauty Podcast and Blog, where she enjoys cheering others on. Her books include "Unexpected Blessings: 40 Days of Discovering God's Best," forthcoming "Prodigal Daughter: Poems of Light for the Lost Ones," and she is working on a beauty and faith book represented by the Blythe Daniel Agency. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!  LINKS: https://deborahrutherford.com  https://www.instagram.com/deborahrutherfordwrites/ https://www.facebook.com/Mrs.DeborahRutherford/ https://deborahrutherford.substack.com/  *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Na’Kedra Rodgers, who is a powerhouse Christian Motivational Speaker, Author, and Entrepreneur who brings a burst of sunshine wherever she goes! Famous for her boundless optimism and grit, to sprinkle biblically rooted encouragement across the globe, lighting the way for women wrestling with faith or on a quest for purpose. Na’Kedra is a multi-time published author who writes in both nonfiction and children’s genres. Na’Kedra is a recipient of the 2024 NCTRCA Outstanding WBE Award, 2025 Community Impact Award, and was also recognized as a 2025 Epsilon Tau Business Honoree. Na’Kedra stirs others' courage to boldly flaunt their faith, as she has facilitated workshops and served as a panelist at Christian Speaker and Writers Conferences across the United States. Off-stage, she relishes family moments with her hubby, Kelvin, and their two lively daughters, Chloe and Harley. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life  Amazon: https://a.co/d/3xsr1dM Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/optimistically-mommy and-me-nakedra-rodgers/1147902978 *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

Today I speak with Janet Hart Leonard, who is an award-winning newspaper columnist, author, and speaker. She speaks to women who think that God has written only a one-hit wonder for their lives. In her unique and quirky way, she shows them through scripture that He is writing a Greatest Hits Album for them throughout their lives. (Look at Naomi in the book of Ruth.)  Janet is a cheerleader, without the cartwheels, who brings the scriptures to life with her wit, whimsy, and way with words, encouraging others to find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. She’s been there and still is finding her way through the times when life isn’t fair. She has learned to dance in the rain as well as the mud, all the while enjoying a cup of coffee with sweet cream and inviting others to join her. She is the author of When the Hart Speaks and is currently writing Book #2, Vintage Wisdom. Things I Wish I Knew before I Got Old. Book #3 will be a fiction book about a hairdresser in the hills of Kentucky in 1989. Audrey Grace holds a lot of secrets, including what happened to the missing preacher...who isn’t a good man. Stay tuned.  Contact her: janethartleonard@gmail.com                      www.janethartleoanrd.com  Her column, From the Hart, is published every Monday in The Hamilton County Reporter. She is a popular speaker at the Taylor University Professional Writers’ Conference, women’s retreats, and church events. She will make you laugh, cry, and most of all... give you thoughts upon which to ponder.  *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Jac Filer, a lifelong resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who presently lives with his family and dog. Since 2020, he has been enjoying a second career as a writer. Jac’s books include the Advent devotional Preparing for Jesus, the Biblical novel Coin and Dagger, and his new memoir, The Widower and the Washer. We look at his childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in his life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode! Links: Website: https://jacfiler.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacfilerauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacfilerauthor/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/26377965.Jac_Filer *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Dr. Jerry L. Woodbridge who is a Christian author and educator specializing in grief support and education. After experiencing the sudden loss of her husband, she guided her own children through grief, inspiring her to write books that offer hope and healing. Her works include Trading My Sorrows: For the Joy of the Lord, which explores widowhood and faith-based healing. Joy Overcame Sorrow, a children’s book on grief and resilience and Joy’s Journal, which provides guided questions, thoughtful prompts, and space to write, as you explore Joy’s story while making sense of your own emotions. As a dedicated 40-year educator, Jerry has impacted countless lives, teaching students from K-9th grade and mentoring doctoral candidates in higher education. She currently serves as an assistant professor in the School of Education at Liberty University, where she is known for her caring, supportive, and inspirational teaching style. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode! Facebook: jerry.woodbridge.7 Instagram: jerrywoodbridge7 Website: https://www.drjerrylwoodbridge.com  *Theme  Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Sarah Krizek who is the author of Beyond the Surface, published in August 2024. She was born and raised in the Hudson Valley, New York. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mount Saint Mary College. When she is not writing or reading, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two children. We look at her childhood up to the present to fond the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this amazing episode!  www.sarahkrizek.com *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Sandee Macgregor who was educated and trained as a teacher, an inspired writer, and the award-winning creator and founder of a popular website www.sandeemacgregor.com.  She is the author of two top-selling devotionals, A Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal Experience for Psalm 119 and A Devotional for Mothers and Sons: Walking in Wisdom Through Proverbs, which both encourage and enable the building of a deeper spiritual bond between a mother and her daughter(s) and her son(s). Her first award-winning children’s illustrated book, titled Can I Take It to Heaven?, is targeted at younger children and encourages conversations about heaven. Lucy’s Adoption Song is her second children’s book for ages 5-8, based on the story of a family that adopted two children internationally. Her podcast, Conversations and Connections, is a platform where faith stories are celebrated and listeners are invited to explore the goodness of God in their lives, making it a relatable and engaging experience. Sandee is a faithful follower of Christ, a wife to Duncan for 29 years, and a mother to five children. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode! Links YouTube www.sandeemacgregor.com www.castlequaybooks.com IG sandee.macgregor FB sandeemacgregor *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Mama, editor, and writer Elise Tegegne who has published articles at Risen Motherhood, Christian Parenting, and (in)courage,among others. Her first book In Praise of Houseflies: Meditations on the Gifts in Everyday Quandaries is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Calla Press, In addition to serving as the Director of Communications for missions organization Synergie Francophone, she also writes a monthly blog, which inspires readers to cultivate eyes for the divine in their own daily difficulties. After teaching at a mission school for four years in Ethiopia, she now lives stateside with her husband and energetic four-year-old. Read more of her words at elisetegegne.com or reach out on Instagram @elisetegegne. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode! *Theme music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Kate Battistelli who is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Mom to Mom Podcast. She’s written The After Party of the Empty Nest, The After Party Devotional Companion, The God Dare, and Growing Great Kids, and her words appear in the (In)courage Bible for Women, Guideposts, and more. Once a Broadway actress starring opposite Yul Brynner in The King and I, Kate traded the stage for her first big “God Dare”—a life of homeschooling, home business, and ministry. She lives in Franklin, TN, close to her daughter Francesca and seven beautiful grandchildren. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!  KateBattistelli.com *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Theresa Rowe who is a nationally certified fitness professional, author, speaker, and the founder of Shaped by Faith, a ministry dedicated to whole-person wellness—spirit, mind, and body—while shaping bodies and hearts for God's purposes. With over 35 years of experience, she has impacted countless lives globally through her faith-based fitness programs, heart-centered workouts, and inspiring testimony of transformation. Her TV show, Shaped by Faith with Theresa Rowe, airs on 15 networks, reaching nearly 800 million viewers worldwide. She also hosts a globally recognized radio show and podcast, and her writing is featured in newspapers and online platforms, including Inspiration Ministries. Guideposts published her book Shaped by Faith, and she has produced several faith-based fitness DVDs. Her upcoming devotional, Shaped by Faith: A Devotional for Strengthening Your Spirit, Mind & Body, continues her mission of helping people break free from limitations and embrace their identity in Christ. Theresa’s powerful testimony—including overcoming health challenges, adoption, healing, and single motherhood—is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Through every platform, she inspires others to trust God fully, strengthen their spirit, mind, and body, and boldly walk in the life He has called them to live. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this encouraging episode! https://www.shapedbyfaith.com/?fbclid=IwVERDUAM-mYRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHqUT9kK1lZIZdXh4tQzFSQLTbcASDOO8GLT2-8wtT17CEPdZHDYQVbGtfW0o_aem_9trmDSiKn4g1Nv0C9E1pBg *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Marissa Busby, a follower of Jesus, whose main mission is to know God and make Him known through living, teaching, speaking, and writing. She is a wife and mother of three, one of whom she adopted when she was 21 and her daughter was 16. Her upcoming book, A Call to Love, tells the journey of discovering the heart of God for herself through the adoption of her daughter. She is also a CrossFit coach who loves to show people that they can do hard things, like follow Jesus and lift barbells! We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode! www.marissabusby.com  *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Ron Keres who is a husband to his best friend Jen, dad to three goofy boys and one sweet little girl, and the author of the popular Finn the Frog Collection and Scariest Silliest Stories series. After serving as missionaries for 10 years with his family, Ron is now settled in Geneva, IL, and spends his days writing interactive and laugh-out-loud picture books that families love to read together. When he’s not chasing kids or cracking jokes, you’ll find him working out, fishing, or hunting down the best local eats. He’s currently working on several new books and can’t wait to share what’s next. We look at his childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in his life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode! ronkeres.com/shop *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Maureen Graham who is a Master's level, Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. Maureen  specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions with compassion and values-guided action. Drawing from her training in various treatment modalities, she empowers clients to live more fully and authentically. Maureen also offers faith-based counseling upon request, integrating Christian principles with evidence-based care. She  is passionate about helping clients develop practical tools for thriving despite life’s hardships. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!  https://www.facebook.com/share/1B1cGRTC4T/?mibextid=wwXIfr *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa