Girl Talk

Christmas comes fast, doesn’t it? One minute it’s fall leaves and football… the next it’s gift bags, school parties, and the constant feeling that you should be doing more. This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk honestly about something we all feel: how hard it can be to slow down long enough to actually prepare our hearts for Jesus at Christmas. You’ll hear stories about Advent traditions, quiet moments by the tree lights, “shop your car” Christmas parties, mismatched gift bags, and how active waiting teaches us to trust God’s character — even when He feels silent. If you’ve been craving a simpler Christmas, a quieter soul, or a shift from chaos to peace in Christ… this one’s for you. TAKE IT WITH YOU Preparing for Christmas starts with preparing your heart. Not your menu, your gift list, or your Pinterest-perfect tree. Waiting on God isn’t passive — it’s active trust. We rehearse His faithfulness to strengthen our faith. Simplicity creates space for Jesus. Turning off the lights, slowing your pace, and lowering expectations makes more room for joy.

“Most of us want God’s will… as long as it looks like our will.” Some questions sound simple… until you try to live them out.This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia dive into the big one: Is God really all we need… or do our lives quietly say otherwise? The ladies get honest about the things they run to for security, acceptance, and control — the people-pleasing, the rejection wounds, the shame, the pressure to perform, the perfectly curated outside with the messy inside. They also share how God uses vulnerability, accountability, and real community to peel back the layers and help us live like He is truly enough for us. This episode just might give the permission your heart needs today to stop striving and start surrendering. THINGS TO REMEMBER God can’t fill places we keep handing to people. When we let acceptance, performance, or control drive us, our “cup” will always leak. Only God satisfies.  You grow to the level of your vulnerability. Healing happens when we let trusted people ask the hard questions — and when we stop running from discomfort.  Surrender is the real pathway to peace. Letting go of control isn’t weakness — it’s trust. And trust grows when we believe God really is enough. TAKE IT TO HEART This week, pause long enough to be honest with God:What am I running to when I feel insecure, unseen, or out of control? What is one place I’ve been seeking fulfillment outside of Jesus?Surrender it back to Him.Tell a trusted friend so you can walk it out together.  

“God won’t rush your healing — but He will walk every step of it with you.” Grief isn’t just funerals and tears — and that’s exactly where Carol, Kelly, and Tricia go this week. The girls sit down and get real about the kinds of grief most of us don’t even recognize: the loss of a dream, the ache of a wayward child, the shock of a diagnosis, the quiet fallout after a natural disaster… the hurts we keep moving past without ever naming. Together, they unpack how “hidden grief” shows up in our lives as anger, overspending, obsession, numbness, overeating — all the ways our hearts try to cope when we haven’t slowed down long enough to invite Jesus into the pain. Tricia brings her social work background to the table, reminding us that we don’t heal by avoiding. We heal by grace, truth, Christian counseling, and letting God gently peel back the layers to what’s really going on. It’s honest, helpful, and just the right nudge if you’ve been pushing something down for too long. Things to Remember You can grieve any loss — not just death, but unmet expectations, poor health, failed relationships, lost dreams, plans, and normalcy. Hidden grief leaks out in behaviors we can’t explain: anger, overspending, addiction, obsession, avoidance, or shutting down. Healing requires honesty — with yourself, with God, and often with a trusted Christian counselor who can help you uncover the root. Take It To Heart This week, give yourself 10 quiet minutes with God. Ask Him, “Lord, is there a loss I haven’t named yet?” Write down whatever comes up — even if it feels small. Pray over it, and ask Jesus to bring healing where you’ve been hiding.

“You’re never too old, too busy, or too late for God to use your gifts.” Do you know what your spiritual gift is?This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the gifts God gives each of us — not the kind you wrap up with a bow, but the kind that build up the body of Christ. The girls break down what spiritual gifts are (and aren’t), how to discover yours, and why using them brings so much joy. If you’ve ever thought “I don’t have anything special to offer,” this one’s for you. God designed you with purpose, equipped you with gifts, and invites you to use them for His glory — whether that’s in your home, at your job, or in your church family. And don’t worry — you don’t have to make a casserole to have the gift of hospitality.   3 Takeaways You have at least one spiritual gift. God equips every believer to serve and strengthen the body of Christ. Your gift might change or grow with seasons. God refines and expands our gifts as we mature in Him. Gifts aren’t for show — they’re for service. We use them to glorify God, not ourselves. Take it to Heart:  Take the Lifeway Spiritual Gifts Assessment  and ask God to show you how He wants you to use what He’s given you. Then, ask a trusted friend or mentor what gifts they see in you — they might notice something you’ve missed.

“Freedom is found when you stop gripping and start trusting.” Are you living with abandon or with abandonment? That’s the question we’re asking this week on Girl Talk. We’ve all had those moments that leave us feeling rejected, forgotten, or just plain not enough. Maybe it was a relationship that ended, a job that fell apart, or a season when life didn’t turn out the way you hoped. It’s easy to let that pain convince us that we’re on our own. But here’s the truth: God never walks away. He doesn’t change His mind about you. And when we really start to know who He is—not just know about Him—it changes everything. Join Carol, Kelly, and Tricia as they share their own stories of hurt, healing, and freedom. Together, you’ll be reminded that living with abandon means trusting the One who never abandons you. 3 Takeaways God is not a bigger, better version of man. He’s holy, unchanging, and completely faithful. Don’t let your feelings drive the train. God’s truth steadies what emotions try to derail. Freedom starts where fear stops. You can release your grip when you remember who’s holding you. Put It To Practice: This week, spend time getting to know who God really is—not through your past hurts, but through His Word. Read Psalm 139 and write down three truths about His character. Then thank Him for staying when others didn’t.

“When comfort becomes the goal, we stop growing.” – Kelly We live in a world that tells us comfort equals happiness. But what if chasing comfort actually pulls us away from the life God designed for us? This week, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia dig into the idea of comfort as an idol — how our desire for ease, safety, and control can distract us from the deeper peace that only comes from Jesus. They talk about what it really means to follow God when things get hard, why peace is not the same thing as comfort, and how God often uses the uncomfortable places to grow our faith. From David hiding in the cave to modern-day moments of surrender, this conversation will challenge you to trade comfort for calling — and discover that Jesus really is enough. Take It With You... Comfort can be an idol. When we prioritize ease over obedience, we miss what God wants to do in and through us. Peace is eternal; comfort is temporary. True peace comes from knowing Christ, not from avoiding struggle. Growth happens in discomfort. God often teaches us the deepest lessons in the hardest seasons — the ones we’d never choose.

“Check the box without checking your spirit—that’s when burnout begins.” Are you burning bright for God—or just plain burned out? In this honest conversation, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the tension between doing for God and being with Him. From the myth of busyness to the power of self-reflection, they unpack how Jesus modeled rest, solitude, and dependence on the Father—and how we can follow His lead. This episode will remind you that your worth isn’t found in what you produce, but in Who sustains you. 3 THINGS TO REMEMBER Rest isn’t optional—it’s spiritual. Jesus modeled stepping away to recharge. If He prioritized rest, we should too. Self-reflection fuels growth. Your ability to grow is limited by your capacity for honest self-reflection. Your value isn’t in what you do. God calls you to faithfulness, not busyness. Doing fewer things well with Him is better than doing all the things halfway without Him. TAKE IT TO HEART Take a “mini retreat” this week—just one hour of unhurried time with God. No phone, no to-do list, no noise. Let your soul settle until you can hear His voice speak to your heart.

“God is so much bigger than our parenting. He’s the perfect parent, even when we’re not.” How do we pass our faith on to our kids without forcing it—or tying our worth to whether or not they embrace it? In this conversation, Carol, Kelly and Tricia share their real-life stories about parenting teens, releasing control, and trusting God with the next generation. From car rides to dinner tables, memes to worship moments, the girls talk honestly about what it looks like to normalize faith in everyday life. This one’s for every mom who’s ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” Take a deep breath, friend—God is bigger than our parenting wins and fails, and He loves our kids even more than we do. 3 Takeaways Normalize faith by weaving it into everyday conversations instead of reserving it for “formal” moments. Be present and take an interest in your child’s world—that’s often where authentic faith conversations begin. Release the guilt and remember: God is the perfect parent, and He’s the one ultimately shaping your child’s heart. This week, look for one everyday moment to naturally talk about your faith with your kids—whether it’s a car ride, mealtime, or even a quick text. Normalize Jesus in the ordinary.

“Don’t compare your real life to someone else’s highlight reel online.” We all love a good group chat — the memes, the updates, the quick “praying for you” text. But today we’re asking: is online friendship really enough? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about the difference between online connections and real-life friendships, why we can feel so connected and yet lonelier than ever, and how Jesus calls us into community that goes deeper than likes and shares. Pull up a chair, pour some coffee, and let’s talk about how to balance the fun of group chats with the soul-deep need for face-to-face friendship. 3 Takeaways Online friendships are great supplements, but they can’t replace the depth of real-life relationships. What we post online is only a slice of the story — true connection happens when people can see the tears behind the smile. Social media will never fill the need for love and belonging that only Jesus can meet. This week, reach out to one friend in real life. Grab coffee, take a walk, or just sit across the table together. Notice how your heart feels different than when you connect online.

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, especially when it comes to dating and relationships. What do you do when your teenager—or even your grown child—starts dating someone who doesn’t share their faith? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get real about keeping communication open, learning to influence instead of control, and the power of prayer when it comes to your child’s relationships. This conversation is all about trusting God with your kids, showing love instead of condemnation, and remembering that He is the one who can draw hearts to Himself. 3 Things to Remember: Influence, don’t control. Shutting down conversations pushes kids away, but asking questions and listening keeps the door open. Pray boldly and specifically. Ask God to draw your child’s boyfriend or girlfriend to Him, and if needed, to protect your child by closing the wrong doors. Model a Christ-centered life. The way you live your faith at home influences your child’s choices more than lectures ever will. This week, pray for your child by name—whether they’re dating now or not. Ask God to protect their heart, draw them closer to Him, and to use even their mistakes to shape their testimony.

“If you want to know God’s character, open His Word. He never changes.” What verses keep you steady when life feels shaky? In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia share the scriptures that ground their hearts and remind them who God is when everything else feels uncertain. The ladies talk about why God’s Word isn’t just comforting—it’s the foundation of our faith. They also dig into why it’s so important not to just “cherry pick” verses, but to know the whole story of Scripture. God’s Word is alive, active, and meant to reveal His character and draw us closer to Him. Whether you’re brand new to Bible reading or you’ve been walking with Jesus for years, you’ll be encouraged to dig in, stay rooted, and trust that God’s Word really is enough. 3 Things to Remember: God’s Word is timeless—what He spoke then still speaks to us today. Don’t just pick verses you like; knowing the whole story of Scripture deepens your faith and understanding. A relationship with Jesus is the key to truly experiencing the peace and guidance Scripture offers. This week, take time to read one chapter of Scripture each day—start in the book of John if you’re not sure where to begin. Pray and ask God to give you a hunger and thirst for His Word. And if you don’t yet have a personal relationship with Jesus, text JESUS to 81891—we’d love to walk alongside you as you begin that journey.

“Sometimes the most Christlike response is simply to listen and love well.” How should Christians respond when tragedy strikes? Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about balancing truth and love, what righteous anger really means, and why listening matters. You’ll also hear practical ways to stay grounded in God’s Word and bring hope into hard conversations. If today’s episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope right now. And if you’d like us to pray for you, email us at girltalk@thelightfm.org. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—your support helps more women discover the hope of Jesus through Girl Talk!

“God can redeem anything—our story, their story, and every mistake in between.” “Have I done enough?” If you’ve ever asked yourself that question as a mom, you’re not alone. In this episode of Girl Talk, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get real about parenting kids through faith, mistakes, and milestones. From sending a kid off to college, to trusting God with their spiritual walk, this conversation is full of encouragement for tired parents who wonder if they're making a difference. The girls talk about surrender, the gift of community, and the reminder that God loves our kids even more than we do. He can redeem anything—our mistakes and theirs. Pull up a chair, mama. You’ll leave feeling seen, understood, and reminded that you’re not in this alone. Remember... You’re not called to do God’s job. Our role is to point our kids to Jesus, but only He can stir their hearts. Trust means surrender. Parenting is often a control battle, but real peace comes when we trust God completely with our children. We need each other. Encouragement and mentorship from other women help us remember that we’re not alone! You don’t have to carry this burden alone. Pray for your kids, trust the Lord with their future, and lean on your sisters in Christ for encouragement. And if you need prayer, we’d love to hear from you—email us at girltalk@thelightfm.org   

“If you’re afraid to ask God about something, that may be a sign it’s become too important.” Retail therapy, 'prayer requests' that turn into gossip or just one more scroll through your social media algorithml; they're not that bad, right? Carol, Tricia and Kelly talk about the good things that become more important than God things and the 'no-big-deals' that create an unstoppable pattern. When 'acceptable addictions' become something you're gripping too tightly, it can be hard to release and break the habits, but looking to Jesus to fill the void really will make all the difference. This one will make you laugh, nod your head, and maybe even squirm a little—but mostly, it will remind you that Jesus is more than enough for everything you need. 3 Takeaways Anything can become an addiction if it begins to take the place of God in our hearts. Addictions don’t always look like the “big ones”—busyness, gossip, or people-pleasing can be just as consuming. The question to ask: “Can what I’m chasing only truly be found in Christ?” Take a few minutes this week to ask yourself: What am I giving most of my time, energy, and attention to? If it’s anything other than Jesus, talk to Him about it. Invite Him to help you loosen your grip and redirect your heart back to Him. Freedom begins with honesty.  

“If you’re saying, ‘I won’t get caught,’ that’s a red flag. It’s time to talk to the Lord about it.” What if your worst moment was displayed on the big screen for the world to see? This episode of Girl Talk Podcast is all about how your life can change in just one second. Carol, Tricia and Kelly talk about how the "Coldplay couple"can teach us a few lessons. We'll be reminded that our secrets will find us out and what may seem 'not so bad' can turn our lives upside down.  The girls also talk about community, safeguards, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will lovingly tell you the truth. Whether you’re married or single, this episode challenges us to stay alert, stay humble, and keep coming back to the grace of Jesus. 3 Takeaways Life can change in a moment. One choice can alter everything—but Jesus offers grace and a way back through repentance. The company you keep matters. Friends who encourage you in sin aren’t true friends. Seek out people who will speak truth into your life. Repentance isn’t just feeling sorry. It’s a change of direction—turning around and coming home to Jesus. Take a moment this week to ask the Lord: “Is there anything in my life I’m trying to hide?” Be honest with Him—He already knows, and His heart is for you to come home. Then, share what you’re learning with a trusted friend who will point you back to Jesus. Don’t walk alone. And we’d love to hear from you too! Email us at girltalk@thelightfm.org . If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a rating or comment—it helps more women find hope in Jesus. ❤️

“Dream big, but let God be the author of those dreams.” Looking back at your twenties can feel like flipping through an old photo album—you remember the dreams, the heartbreaks, and the lessons that shaped who you are today. In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia share the advice they’d give their 20-year-old selves, from trusting God’s plan to choosing friends wisely. Whether you’re in your twenties right now or decades past them, this conversation will remind you that God is faithful through broken dreams, unexpected detours, and even the struggles we never prayed for. You’ll laugh, nod along, and maybe even think about what wisdom you’d pass on to the younger women in your life. 3 Takeaways God’s plan is always good—even when your dreams look different than you imagined. Struggles aren’t wasted; some of the greatest treasures in life come through hardship. The relationships you choose—mentors, friends, and community—shape your faith journey more than you realize.

Mom guilt. We’ve all felt it—whether it’s the pressure to be the “perfect mom,” the weight of comparison, or the feeling that we’ll never measure up. In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get real about where mom guilt comes from, why it’s such a sneaky weapon of the enemy, and how to fight back with truth and encouragement. From grocery store encounters that change someone’s day, to the reminder that God gave you the kids you have on purpose, this conversation is here to remind you: you’re doing better than you think. 3 Takeaways Mom guilt is a tactic of the enemy—it distracts us from God’s truth and our identity in Him. Comparison is a trap—social media highlight reels and unrealistic expectations only fuel insecurity. Encouragement changes everything—a simple “you’re doing a great job” can make a lifelong impact. This week, find one mom you can intentionally encourage. Send a text, offer to babysit, or simply tell her she’s doing a great job. You never know how much she needs to hear it.

Do you ever feel off and you can’t quite figure out why? You might be disconnected—from your people, your purpose, or even your own heart. In this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia get honest about what disconnection looks like in their own lives and how they’ve learned to identify the red flags before hitting a breaking point. From the illusion of connection on social media to the vulnerability it takes to open up to a friend, this conversation is packed with real talk and practical wisdom. The girls remind us that staying connected to God and others doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intentionality, honesty, and sometimes a calendar invite. If you’ve been feeling lonely, scattered, or a little stuck in your own head, this episode will help you reconnect with what matters most. 📌 3 Takeaways Connection takes planning. Whether it’s time with the Lord or a monthly dinner with girlfriends, deep connection doesn’t happen by default—it happens by design. Disconnection often starts with ourselves. Journaling or “morning pages” can help unearth what’s really going on beneath the surface. Your connection with God impacts your connection with others. Shallow time with the Lord often leads to shallow relationships. Honesty with Him is the first step to healthy community. This week’s challenge: Set aside 10 minutes in the morning for a “mind dump.” Grab a notebook and write three pages of whatever’s on your mind—no filters, no structure. Then ask God to meet you in the middle of it. And don’t forget—reach out to that friend you’ve been meaning to text. Put coffee on the calendar before you forget again.

“Forgiveness is not saying what they did was okay. It’s saying I’m trusting God to handle this instead of me.” How do you forgive someone without endorsing what they did? That’s the question Carol, Kelly, and Tricia are tackling this week on the Girl Talk Podcast. With honesty, biblical truth, and real-life examples, they explore how forgiveness doesn’t mean approval, how to set healthy boundaries, and how to stay rooted in grace when people don’t change. Whether you’ve been wounded by someone who never said sorry, or you’re wrestling with bitterness, this conversation is a reminder that forgiveness is for your freedom—not their validation. Take it with you: Forgiveness is for you—not them.You can forgive someone even if they never apologize or change. Forgiveness is a heart posture before God, not a stamp of approval on someone's choices. Boundaries are not punishment.Loving someone doesn’t mean ignoring unhealthy or harmful behavior. Boundaries protect you and help you honor what’s right without endorsing what’s wrong. You can’t truly forgive without Jesus.The cross reminds us how much we’ve been forgiven—and that grace fuels our ability to forgive others, even when it’s hard or messy.

“When you bump the cup, what spills out? Fill your life with God’s truth so it overflows in hard moments.” How much emotion should we show our kids—especially during a crisis? On this episode, Carol, Kelly, and Tricia talk about what it looks like to balance honesty with protection. Should we let our kids see us cry? How do we keep from passing along our anxiety? And what about modeling healthy coping skills? This conversation is full of wisdom, honest struggles, and hope that points us back to Jesus. You’ll hear stories about real-life moments, the power of prayerful reactions, and why letting our kids see our faith in action matters. Remember... Your kids notice more than you think. Even if you don’t say a word, they pick up on your emotions. Be honest, but age-appropriate, and remind them, “This isn’t your fault. I’m going to be okay.” Model healthy coping habits. Let your kids see you praying, reading Scripture, or seeking wise counsel. When they watch you process your feelings with God, it gives them a roadmap. Fill yourself with truth now. When crisis hits, what’s inside will spill out. Make sure you’re storing up God’s Word and leaning on Him daily.