A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

In this encouraging episode of A Woman’s Heart, we welcome author, speaker, and storyteller Joni Topper, also known as the GloryTeller. Joni joins us to share insights from her book, The Power of a Well-Placed Yes: God’s Abundant Faithfulness in a Small Church, and reminds us that every yes matters in the Kingdom of God. Through heartfelt stories and lived wisdom, she shows how God honors faithfulness in small, unseen moments in ways we could never imagine. This conversation is filled with hope, encouragement, and practical reminders that faithfulness to small tasks truly matters—and that God’s goodness is always at work, even when we can’t yet see it. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Why every “yes” to God matters, no matter how small it feels • The joy that comes from leaving the results in God’s hands • Why faithfulness to small tasks is deeply important Joni Topper, also known as the GloryTeller, radiates the glory of God by sharing everyday moments in compelling storyteller fashion. A Granna, author, worship leader, speaker, and cofounder of Uprooted Women, a Spirit-filled one-day women’s event, Joni is passionate about “being” the Church. She and her pastor husband, Ernest, have faithfully served in the same church for over thirty years. Learn more at www.jonitopper.com . Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What if the very thing weighing down your heart is something you were never meant to carry? In this powerful episode of A Woman’s Heart, we’re joined by author and speaker Alexandra Hoover to talk about her book, You Can Let Go, and the freedom that comes when we release offense instead of holding onto it. Together, we explore how easily offense can take root and how carrying it impacts our relationships, our emotional health, and our spiritual lives. Alexandra gently helps us understand the difference between experiencing hurt and carrying offense, reminding us that healing doesn’t require denial, but intentional release. We also unpack what it truly means to set healthy boundaries without building walls that isolate us, and how learning to “live loved” changes the way we navigate conflict, disappointment, and connection. In this episode, we discuss: • The difference between acknowledging hurt and holding onto offense • Healthy boundaries vs. emotional walls that isolate • What it means to “live loved” instead of guarded Alexandra Hoover is a compassionate writer, sought-after speaker, and the author of Eyes Up, Without Wavering, and You Can Let Go. A proud Latina, Alexandra serves her local church and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Women and Theology at Northern Seminary. As a wife and mother of three, she treasures balancing family life with ministry and finds joy in serving and encouraging others to live anchored and free. 🔗 Learn more at AlexandraVHoover.com 📲 Connect on social media: @AlexandraVHoover Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

When life feels heavy and your energy is low, even opening the Bible can feel overwhelming. In this encouraging episode of A Woman’s Heart Matters, host Lisa Granger welcomes Lynn Jackson to talk honestly about weariness—and the simple, grace-filled way God still meets us there. Lynn shares her heart for women and her deep desire for them to know that God is lovingly present and actively at work in their lives. We talk about her book, The Recipe, and a practical, bite-sized method for engaging Scripture when you’re too tired to do “all the things,” but still hungry for spiritual nourishment. This conversation is filled with hope, permission to slow down, and reassurance that even small moments with God matter deeply. In this episode, we discuss: Why so many women feel weary in their walk with God The Recipe and how it offers simple, nourishing time in Scripture How God meets us in small, faithful moments About Lynn Jackson: Lynn finds deep joy in encouraging and challenging women. Her greatest desire is for women to know that God is lovingly present and active in their lives. Together with her husband, Scott, Lynn co-founded Thrive Leadership Foundation, a ministry of encouragement to couples and individuals serving in full-time ministry. Their hearts are full with their four adult children, three married-ins, and eight grandchildren. Learn more about Lynn and her ministry at: 👉 https://thrivelead.org  Book Mentioned: The Recipe: Food for Your Soul by Lynn Jackson Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

We often begin the New Year with big goals, only to lose momentum and find ourselves discouraged or frustrated. In this encouraging episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa welcomes Marnie Swedberg—international leadership mentor, speaker, and author—to talk about both the challenges and solutions to navigating purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Marnie shares practical wisdom on setting meaningful goals, managing time wisely, and cultivating a mindset rooted in joy, flexibility, and faith. Whether you’re balancing personal and professional responsibilities or seeking fresh inspiration to walk more fully in your God-given purpose, this conversation offers encouragement and actionable insights for the year ahead. Marnie Swedberg embodies faith in action while creating powerful “aha” moments of perspective transformation. An author of 14 books, mentor to millions, and host of one of the largest online directories in the world, Marnie brings joy, energy, and clarity to every conversation. Her life story includes navigating fires, floods, a tornado, car wrecks, business setbacks, burglary, a lightning strike, sudden loss in her family, and more—modeling resilience, possibility thinking, and deep trust in God. 🎧 Want more New Year encouragement? Be sure to check out additional New Year conversations with Cheryl Anderson and Darlene Larson and all of these episodes are also available in the New Year playlist on the A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger YouTube channel. Connect with Marnie Swedberg www.marnie.com Connect with Lisa / A Woman’s Heart www.lisagranger.com

In this final episode of our Christmas series, Pastor Brian Johnson helps us explore the powerful connection between Jesus and the ancient promise God made to Abraham — a promise to bless and redeem the entire world. We discuss how Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise, the true substitutionary sacrifice who pays the price for sin and keeps both sides of the covenant on our behalf. Through this conversation, Brian invites us to see Scripture — and our own lives — with Christ-centered eyes. Key Themes & Quotes • Blessed to bless: “God says I’m calling you to be a blessing for the whole world.” • Christ in all of Scripture: “The early church was so obsessed with Jesus that they read their Bible, the Old Testament, and saw Jesus everywhere.” • A Jesus-shaped lens for life: “What does it mean to look at life and be so obsessed with Jesus that we see Jesus everywhere?” • God’s faithful love: “God is always faithful and faithfulness doesn’t always look like what we want it to look like… faithfulness can sometimes be painful.” • Jesus as covenant-keeper: “Jesus is the one person who can keep both sides of the promise.” About Pastor Brian Johnson Brian Johnson serves as Lead Pastor at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Whether organizing local service projects or crafting meaningful sermon series, Brian’s heart is to make the gospel tangible through both words and action. He lives in Williamsburg with his wife and their two sons. Together, they love sports, Star Trek, Tex-Mex nights, exploring historic trails, and adventuring through Busch Gardens. Connect with Williamsburg UMC Visit: williamsburgumc.org Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, we continue our Christmas series, The Promises of Christmas, by exploring “Christ in the Fire” with Pastor Dean Woodward, lead pastor of Eastside Church in Williamsburg. Dean helps us revisit the powerful story of the three men in the fiery furnace from Daniel 3—and how Jesus met them in the fire. Their courage didn’t come from sheer willpower but from a deeper, truer worship. As Dean says, “The reason they wouldn’t bow was because they already had something in that place. They were already worshipping something so much more wonderful.” We talk about how these men lived in a world surrounded by idols, temptations, and cultural pressure—much like the world we live in today. And yet, their steadfast love for God preserved them. Dean reminds us, “We live in the midst of a place where we need Jesus to preserve us.” Together, we explore what it means to walk through our own “fiery trials” with Jesus right beside us: “I remember when there used to be that fire… and Jesus, you walked with me then.” And how God can redeem what feels destructive: “He turns a fire that could destroy you, into a fire that could warm you.” You’ll be encouraged to love Jesus above all else because, as Dean puts it, “God is that good. He’s better than our life. He is the best, so we should love Him the most.” “Jesus is so good. He’s worth dying for.” We also discuss how God works uniquely within each of our lives— “God deals with us all differently. The results should be similar… but not the experience.” This conversation will strengthen your faith, deepen your love for Jesus, and remind you of the promise that He is always with us—even in the fire. About Pastor Dean Woodward Dean Woodward has been a pastor for 38 years and currently serves as the lead pastor of Eastside Church in Williamsburg. He and his wife, Lynn, have been married for 42 years and have three children and seven grandchildren. Learn more or connect with Eastside Church at eastsidechurchwmbg.org . Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

In this Christmas series, The Promises of Christmas, we continue exploring the ways Jesus is revealed throughout the Old Testament. In this episode, Pastor Hunter Ruch helps us look deeply at Christ in the Tabernacle—the sacred place where God dwelt with His people in the wilderness. Hunter explains the purpose and design of the Tabernacle, how it represented God’s desire to be present with His people, and how every part of it ultimately points to Jesus. We reflect on the truth that God’s heart has always been to dwell with us, and that Christ fulfills every promise of God’s presence. Key Themes & Highlights • The Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God among the Israelites—and a foreshadowing of Jesus. • God’s consistent heart across Scripture: “That’s always been His heart. To dwell with His people.” • Jesus as the fulfillment of every Old Testament symbol and promise: “Jesus Christ is better. He is the better priest, and the better King, who brings better promises.” • The challenge and beauty of living humbly: “Humility is the most important virtue in the Christian life, but the least practiced because it’s hard.” • The incredible reality of God’s nearness today: “The person of the Holy Spirit, God is personally present within each of us.” • The message of Emmanuel—God with us at Christmas and always: “God with us. That’s the beauty of Emmanuel and the season of Christmas, but all the time as well.” • Hunter’s three simple, powerful truths for believers: “Jesus loves you. Jesus is with you. Jesus is the King.” • A reminder to stay rooted in Scripture: “If you want to get to know the heart of the Father, read His love letter to us. Read the Scriptures.” About Pastor Hunter Ruch Hunter Ruch is the Associate Pastor of Care and Connection at Williamsburg Community Chapel, where he serves alongside a dedicated team helping people grow as disciples of Jesus Christ by connecting them to God’s Word and His body. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Dallas Theological Seminary. Hunter and his wife of over 25 years are parents to four children and the owners of a very energetic golden doodle. Connect with Williamsburg Community Chapel • Website: https://wcchapel.org/ • The Chapel Institute: https://wcchapel.org/resources/the-chapel-institute// Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, we continue our Christmas series, The Promises of Christmas, by looking back into the Old Testament to see how Christ’s coming was woven into God’s story from the very beginning. My guest, Colin Curtis of Coastal Church, helps us uncover the history and significance of Passover—and how it points directly to Jesus. Colin explains how God’s pattern of salvation is revealed through it. As he shares, “God in instituting the Passover is laying out for us His pattern of salvation.” We talk about Christ as our Passover Lamb, the meaning of the blood, the role of a substitute, and God’s desire to bring His people out of bondage. Colin reminds us that: “God saves through a substitute, through the shedding of blood, and by bringing us out of bondage.” “Jesus has come to be the ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’…to every single one of the promises.” “Our salvation is not dependent on the strength of our faith, it’s dependent on the object of our faith.” Colin encourages us to faithfully steward the gifts God has given us—without letting our gifts take priority over Jesus Himself: “God has wired us up differently…our job is to steward those giftings for His glory.” “We don’t pursue our passions or our giftings more than we pursue Jesus himself.” To find out more about Colin and Coastal Church: https://gocoastal.org/williamsburg/ Show notes and links can be found at: www.lisagranger.com

In this special Christmas series kickoff, Promises of Christmas, Lisa welcomes Pastor John Morgan, Lead Pastor of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. With a heart for preaching and a love for restoring his classic 1960 Austin Mini, John brings warmth, clarity, and deep biblical insight to this conversation as we look for Christ throughout the Old Testament. John begins the series in Genesis, exploring Christ's presence in creation and reminding us that the story of Jesus didn’t begin in Bethlehem—it began “in the beginning.” Together we talk about how Christ has always been part of God’s plan and what it means for us to bear the image of God in our everyday lives. Key Themes • Christ was present in creation—“Jesus was not an afterthought of God, but actually part of the whole beginning of creation and God’s plan for us all along.” • God brings order out of chaos—“Before God came to bring order and form to creation, things were in chaos.” • Even in a chaotic world, God is near—“There’s a lot of chaos and things going on but the Spirit is still present with us.” • The miracle of the Incarnation—“He knew that one day, He would enter that fragile flesh to show us what the image of God is like.” • Our identity and calling—“We have the image of God in each of us… We were created to be image bearers of God in this creation, in this world.” • Faithfulness in daily life—“Each and every day follow that passion even if it’s just for a few moments. Keep it the main thing in your life.” About Pastor John Morgan John serves as Lead Pastor of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. After pastoring congregations in New Jersey, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, he continues to live out his passion for preaching and shepherding people. He and his wife are proud parents of two married daughters and grandparents to one beloved granddaughter. https://www.mywpc.org/

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, I sit down with Amanda Hope Haley, biblical scholar, author, and the Red-Haired Archaeologist® for a fascinating conversation about how archaeology brings Scripture to life. Amanda has devoted her career to helping people understand the Bible within its historical and cultural context. With an MTS in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard, and experience contributing as a translator, writer, and editor for The Voice Bible, she brings deep insight into the world behind the text. Amanda explains how biblical archaeology isn’t about proving the Bible but about contextualizing it—helping us see Scripture within its original culture, language, and landscape. Amanda shares insights from her newest book, Stones Still Speak and opens up about the moments in her faith journey when learning history challenged long-held church traditions and assumptions. Throughout our conversation, she invites us to read the Bible not as isolated stories, but as one unified narrative of God’s work. She reminds us that the beauty, complexity, and even the “human-looking imperfections” of Scripture point to its divine origin. Key Quotes from Amanda “I desperately want people to dive in and learn more about what God says in the Word.” “God gave us this [Bible] so that we could interact with Him more.” “Scripture is very complex when you try to break it down… but the way it all came together really could only be the work of God.” About David & Goliath: “God spent years preparing him for exactly this scene.” “When God places something in your heart, you are not going to be happy doing anything else.” Amanda’s passion is clear: she wants people to dive deep into the Bible, explore its historical context, and discover a deeper, more grounded faith. You can dig into it with Amanda: https://redhairedarchaeologist.com/ Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What does success look like in God’s Kingdom? It may not match the world’s definition — and that’s a good thing. In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa talks with Andrea Lende, founder of Beatitude Publishing and compiler of the upcoming devotional anthology Successful in His Eyes, which Lisa is honored to be part of. Andrea shares her heart for helping women tell their stories and reminds us that true success is found in doing what God has called us to do — not in numbers, titles, or recognition. She offers encouragement for those who feel called to write, including practical places to start and words of wisdom for when resistance makes the journey tough. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that God loves you right where you are, and you are already successful when you’re walking in His will. Connect with Andrea: BeatitudePublishing.com Book Launch: Successful in His Eyes https://a.co/d/eXTjXGj

This week on A Woman’s Heart, Lisa talks with Donna Barber, author of Enough for Today: 40 Reflections for Surviving the Wilderness. Donna is a contemplative writer, preacher, educator, and co-founder of The Voices Project, where she mentors and promotes leaders of color. Together, Lisa and Donna explore what it means to walk through the wilderness seasons of life—those times of uncertainty, waiting, and transformation—and how God meets us there with daily grace and purpose. Donna shares wisdom and reflection on what the wilderness teaches us about God and ourselves: “We don’t like not knowing where we’re going to end up.” “[God] cares for us enough to not allow us to stay the same.” “The wilderness is a place where God calls us into His office sometimes.” “We’re never giving God new information.” “I suspect that God doesn’t tell us or ask us to do things until He knows that we are ready to say yes.” They also talk about remembering our first love—when we first met God—and letting go of the “fig leaves of busyness” that keep us from the deep relationship He desires with us. If you’re walking through a season of waiting or uncertainty, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and that God’s presence is enough for today. 👉 Learn more about Donna and her work at donnambarber.com 👉Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa talks with author and speaker Tera Elness about her daily habit of reading the Bible and how it has become a living, breathing relationship with God. What began as reading a book has grown into an ongoing conversation with the Author Himself. Tera shares insights from her devotional Sitting with Jesus: A Yearlong Faith Journey, and how getting to know the people in the Bible can teach us how to live, love, and walk in faith today. She reminds us that “God knows where to find you,” and that learning to recognize His voice transforms our hearts and lives. Together, Lisa and Tera discuss the importance of caring for both body and soul—because as Tera says, “If you neglect either one, you are only going to be half living.” They also reflect on how God can use each of us in ways “far more mighty than we could ever ask for or imagine.” Join this heartfelt conversation and be encouraged to open your Bible, sit with Jesus, and discover the beauty of daily time in His Word. Guest Bio: Tera Elness is a writer, speaker, and proud 80’s girl who loves Jesus with all her heart, soul, and mind. She writes daily devotions for her followers on Instagram and Facebook and serves as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries at her home church. Tera and her husband, Kent, live in Minnesota and have two adult children, one teen still at home, and one perfect grandson. Learn more at www.TeraElness.com. Find previous shows and connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com Biblica Fiction writers that have been on the show, Barbara Britton, Heather Kaufman, Tessa Afshar, Mesu Andrews.

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa talks with Darlene Larson, founder of Hearts with a Purpose, Christian Life Purpose Coach, and Grief-Loss Coach. Darlene shares from her latest book, Leading You Through the Valley: A Personalized Grief-Loss Coaching Book, a deeply personal and practical guide to walking with God through seasons of sorrow. Together, they discuss what it means to “gut it out with God” during life’s hardest seasons and how to move from pain to purpose. Darlene shares how grief can be a place of molding when we stay close to God and invite Him into our hurt, reminding us that “We get stuck if we have not processed it and invited Jesus in to heal us.” 💬 Quotes to remember: • “Timing is up to God because we know He is always at work.” • “Do I want full healing? Because it’s a really vulnerable, naked position.” • “The only way we’re never going to be not hurt is to never love.” • “Grief doesn’t come with a timetable; it doesn’t come with a scheduler.” 🌐 Connect with Darlene: darlenelarson.com 🌐 Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com Previous show that was mentioned about Man at the Pool of Bethesda: https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/are-you-willing-to-do-what-it-takes-to-live-a-new-life Previous show with Darlene on Resolutions. https://www.lisagranger.com/shownotes/darlene-larson-resolutions-or-purpose-in-the-newyear

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Lisa talks with author and speaker Jody Allen about her new book Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography. Jody shares her story of walking through the pain of a broken marriage, navigating the fallout of her husband’s addiction, and finding courage and hope on the other side. Together, they talk about: • Healing and growing even when someone else’s choices caused the hurt • Why being honest about our pain is essential to our healing • The difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper • How to take responsibility for our own healing journey • Praying boldly with confidence that God is good, He loves us, and He can be trusted This conversation is for every woman who has faced heartbreak, betrayal, or disappointment—and needs the reminder that God can bring beauty even from the hardest places. Key Quotes: • “Sometimes some of our deepest wounds do come from somebody else’s choices.” • “The Bible calls us to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. And if we’re just keeping peace for the sake of keeping peace, it’s really not peace at all.” • “Our healing is our healing.” • “It’s important when we go through something hard, that we be students of ourselves. That we learn, because that’s how we grow as a person.” • “God loves me. I can trust Him. He is good.” Guest Bio: Jody Allen is a writer, speaker, and women’s ministry leader who isn’t afraid to talk about hard stuff. After her marriage ended following years of her husband’s struggle with pornography, Jody found herself navigating heartbreak, questions, and a story she never asked for. Instead of keeping it hidden, she chose to speak up—so other women wouldn’t feel so alone. Her debut book, Hidden Heartache: Finding Courage When Your Husband Struggles with Pornography, offers honest, hope-filled support to women facing similar battles. Jody lives in North Carolina and works on staff at her church. She’s a fan of a good mystery, Sunday naps, and chunky ice cream—and she believes that even when life doesn’t turn out the way you hoped, it can still lead somewhere good. Connect with Jody: https://www.jodyallenwrites.com/ Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com 

On this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Kris Reece, Christian author, toxic relationship coach, and manipulation tactics specialist, to talk about her new book Breaking the Narcissist’s Grip. Kris equips believers to break free from controlling and emotionally destructive relationships—whether it’s a narcissistic spouse, an enmeshed parent, or a manipulative leader—and to reclaim the peace, identity, and confidence God intended. In this powerful and hope-filled conversation, Kris shares how God brought healing to her own heart and how we can walk in freedom, even when we can’t yet escape difficult circumstances. She reminds us that true peacemaking isn’t about enabling dysfunction—it’s about pursuing truth and wholeness. Some highlights from the conversation: 💬 “It’s about letting God mend those broken places and teach me how to guard my heart with wisdom, not with fear or ferocity.” 💬 “When we enable dysfunction, we enable manipulation…when we do that, we enable evil, and now we’re working against God.” 💬 “Unless you’re secure in who you are and whose you are, manipulators will get you every single time.” 💬 “Healing isn’t a luxury…it is central. It’s crucial to your calling.” If you’ve ever felt confused, controlled, or spiritually guilted in a relationship, this episode will bring both clarity and compassion—and remind you that God desires your wholeness and peace. For more resources and to connect with Kris, visit krisreece.com

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, I’m joined by Rachael Groll—pastor, missionary, author, and host of the Hearing Jesus Podcast. We dive into the role of women speaking in the church, what prophecy and a prophet truly mean, and how we can discern God’s voice in our everyday lives. Rachael shares wisdom from her new book, Knowing God’s Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting, and Obeying God. Together, we explore how God uses women for His kingdom work, why obedience matters, and how stepping out in faith—even when it doesn’t make sense—can transform our walk with Him. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re really hearing from God or struggled to trust His direction, this conversation will equip and encourage you. 💡 Quotes from Rachael • “God’s voice is never going to contradict God’s Word.” • “There will be a lot of people in heaven because of the work that women have done for the sake of the Gospel.” • “Delayed obedience is still disobedience.” • “God is at work…and He doesn’t have to use us; it’s often for our own benefit that we get to be used.” • “We don’t have to have it all figured out because He already does.” 📖 About Rachael Groll Rachael Groll is a pastor, missionary, and author. She is the host of the popular Hearing Jesus Podcast and the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast. The Hearing Jesus Podcast has been in the TOP 25 Christian Podcasts for over a year and has ranked in the TOP 3 globally! Her daily devotional-style teaching helps women grow in confidence in their relationship with the Lord and hear His voice more clearly through Scripture. 👉 Learn more at rachaelgroll.com Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What if hospitality is less about perfectly folded napkins and more about opening your heart to others? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa welcomes author and speaker Abby Kuykendall to talk about the beauty and challenge of Biblical hospitality. Abby unpacks the difference between entertaining and true hospitality, reminding us that hospitality is not about impressing others but about serving them. She shares insights from her upcoming book, Let the Biscuits Burn: Cultivating Real-life Hospitality in a World Craving Connection, and explains why hospitality is a spiritual discipline, not just a personality trait. Together, Lisa and Abby explore: • Why hospitality is an expression of the character of God • How simple acts of obedience can open the door for deep, life-giving relationships • The freedom of letting go of perfection so you can experience God’s Presence in the ordinary moments • How hospitality can become one of the most powerful conduits for community and connection 📖 Quotes from this conversation: • “Entertaining is really all about impressing others.” • “Hospitality is when we are serving others.” • “Hospitality is the number one conduit to forming those tight, very close relationships.” • “If you try to put on this air of perfection, you miss God’s Presence in it all.” ✨ About Abby Kuykendall: Abby Turner Kuykendall is a writer, home cook, and founder of A Table Top Affair. After years of singleness and spiritual growth, she discovered the power of the table in building God-centered community. Her first cookbook, The Living Table, reflects that journey. Abby lives in northwest Arkansas with her husband, Kyle, and their son, John Maverick. Her next book, Let the Biscuits Burn, releases in September 2025. 🌐 Connect with Abby: • Text “Biscuits” to 501-833-6045 • Instagram: @abby.kuykendall

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger welcomes photographer and author Meshali Mitchell to share her story of heartbreak, healing, and hope from her book Restored: Partnering with God in Transforming our Broken Places. Meshali opens up about how the physical restoration of her farmhouse mirrored the restoration of her own heart and soul. Once hiding behind masks of perfectionism and performance, she now speaks with honesty about the pain she carried, the power of community in her healing, and the hope she found in God’s promises. Through her story, Meshali reminds us: 💬 “Instead of healing, I hid behind a mask of perfectionism and performance.” 💬 “In our weakness, that is where He’s strong, not in our strength.” 💬 “Waiting is not inactive, waiting is active.” 💬 “Don’t miss the miracle that God’s doing in your life because it looks different. He’s doing it through a process and not a moment.” Her words call us to believe that restoration is not only possible but promised, and to simply start where we are and say “yes” to the Lord. If you’ve ever felt unworthy, weary in waiting, or wondered if healing could truly happen for you—this conversation will encourage you that God is still in the business of restoration. 🔗 Learn more about Meshali and her book at meshali.co

What if the empty nest season didn’t have to feel empty at all? Author and speaker Linda Hanstra joins me on A Woman’s Heart to share wisdom from her new book, Empty-Nest Joyride: Hope, Love and Purpose on the Road to Contentment. Using the metaphor of biking and parenting, Linda helps us see this stage of life as a chance to embrace joy, strengthen relationships, and step into God’s calling with fresh perspective. In this conversation, we talk about: • Why the “empty nest” can actually become a “mighty nest.” • The importance of keeping your relationship with your spouse strong before and after the kids leave. • How struggles can shape your skills and deepen your dependence on God. • Why parenting doesn’t end when kids move out—it simply shifts. • Practical encouragement for finding joy, trying new things, and trusting God with this season. You’ll be inspired by Linda’s reminder that the best adventures often come after the kids launch. Memorable Quotes from the Episode: • “It’s important to have more than just the kids to focus on.” • “Even after they leave home you don’t stop parenting.” • “Sometimes it’s through those struggles that you gain new skills or you find your strength in God.” • “If you sense God’s calling for something, go for it. Just try it.” Meet Linda Hanstra: Linda Hanstra is a semi-retired speech-language pathologist who writes about what brings joy to her empty nest—her faith, family, cycling, traveling, grandparenting, and more. She is the author of Lent through the Little Things and her new release, Empty-Nest Joyride: Hope, Love, and Purpose on the Road to Contentment. Linda and her husband, Tom, live in southwest Michigan and spend summers “Up North” in Minnesota—their home away from home. With four adult children, a daughter-in-law, a soon-to-be son-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren, Linda is cruising along on her own “empty-nest joyride!” Connect with Linda: • Website: www.lindahanstra.com • Free Resource – 52 Date Night Ideas: lindahanstra.com/date • Book: Empty Nest Joyride