A Cup of Gratitude

This week I speak with Cheryl Shumake. Ask Cheryl about her greatest adventure and she’ll tell you, “That I know and love Jesus and get to make Him known.” She is a Bible teacher, author, speaker, and founder of Stepmom Sanity; a Christ-centered, sister circle of support, providing help and hope for stepmoms who are “there” from stepmoms who’ve been there. She has authored 4 books including her most recent, Waiting to Be Wanted, A Stepmom’s Guide to Loving Before Being Loved. Cheryl uses her skills, education, and training as a Master Coach to equip blended families to support women in spiritual formation, and mentor formerly sex-trafficked women in basic life skills. Cheryl, and her husband, Jonathan, make their home in Michigan and are frequently invaded by their 4 adult children looking for food and hugs! You can connect with Cheryl, book her to speak at your event, or become part of the Stepmom Sanity Community at www.stepmomsanity.com. Follow Stepmom Sanity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @stepmomsanity. Listen to the Stepmom Sanity Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.*ThemeMusic “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Lesa Dale a lover of the Lord (and coffee). Lesa is the founder of LifeWalkGPS™, where she engages individuals to reach their fullest potential. She is a Kingdom Purpose and Alignment Mentor trained in Spiritual Gifts/DISC profiles. Lesa helps individuals make better life decisions by understanding how God created them! It all began when she wanted to provide her children with insights and resources to make smart choices in their life. Lesa used assessments to discover aptitude, personality, and spiritual gifts. These tools help her clients explore who they are and how God placed these aspects in them for His glory. We are to thrive in our lives and business while creating a legacy of abundance. We look at Lesa’s childhood to the present and it’s incredible to see God working in her life for such a time as this! You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode! *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa   Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LesaDalehttps://www.facebook.com/lifewalkgpshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1264513783901788 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lifewalkgps/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesadale/  

This week I speak with Kia Stephens who is the founder of Entrusted Women, which she created to equip Christian women communicators of color. She is a contributing writer for iBelieve.com, Beloved Women, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Crosswalk Kia is also a recurring speaker at She Speaks, the Beloved Women's Conference, and the Entrusted Women's Conference. Her writing has been featured on (in)courage and Ann Voskamp's blog. Kia just released her book “Overcoming Father Wounds” which is already ministering to many. We look at Kia’s life from childhood to the present in this episode and are able to see the hand of God moving powerfully in her life! You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!www.kiastephens.comFB: @KiaNicolStephens Twitter: @kiasNStephens Instagram: @kianstephens*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

Hewlette Pearson is a gifted and dynamic speaker with a sense of humor. She has a love for seeing people live out their purpose with authenticity. She spent over 15 years teaching homeless mothers with children, adult ex-offenders, and teens English, job readiness and life skills, and character education in Washington, DC, and Virginia. Hewlette holds earned Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Divinity from Regent University. She has studied abroad at Oxford University, England, and completed religious study tours in Greece and Italy; and is a presenter and keynoter on religious and marketplace platforms. Her publishing credits include: Get Got: Empowerment for Everyday Life Successes, The Most Important Word, and The View from the Mountain: The Process of Destiny. She has also co-authored 2 books with compilation authors and has published articles in a few Christian magazines. Hewlette desires to please God as she serves in full-time ministry at Hewlette Pearson Ministries, Inc. and at iLove Now, Inc. For Hewlette, “doing life” in the community is her joy, but God is her passion. We look at her childhood up to the present and can clearly see the thread of God working in her beautiful story! You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!Www.HewlettePearson.comhttp://ilovenow.org/*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week I speak with Rayna Neises who understands the joys and challenges that come from a season of caring. She helped care for both of her parents during their separate battles with Alzheimer’s over a thirty-year span. She says she can look back on those days now with no regrets – and she wishes the same for everyone caring for aging parents. Rayna is the author of No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, creator of Content Magazine, an ICF certified coach, the host of “A Season of Caring” podcast, Positive Approach® to Care (PAC)Independent Certified Trainer and speaker who is passionate about offering encouragement, support, and resources for regret-free caring aimed at preventing family caregivers from aimlessly wandering through this important season of life. Rayna lives on a farm in southeast Kansas with her husband, Ron, and a small pack of adorable dogs. She is the baby of her family, but most would never guess that. She is a former teacher who enjoys crafts of all kinds and spending time with her grandkids most of all. We look at Rayna’s life from her childhood up to her current ministry and see clearly the hand of God working in her life! She is an amazing resource for those who find themselves in a season of caring for others. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!http://www.aseasonofcaring.com/ *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

I speak with Hannes Viljoen who believes: “Truth be told, We don’t get to choose what happens to us, but we get to choose how we respond.” His story is one of Grace, perseverance, stubbornness, and a great sense of humor. Hannes and his beautiful wife have 4 children and 3 of them have diverse special needs. He is a man of Faith who stands for the poor, vulnerable, and those with special needs, to heal and be restored. Hannes has a calling of reconciliation - His passion is to reconcile the hearts of man to the heart of God, the hearts of parents towards each other, and towards their children, to bring the family back into a strong community. Hannes coaches Families of Special needs children teaching them how to move from Surviving to Thriving. They have coached more than 400 families in Less than 5 years - In addition, they created a nationwide platform where like-minded parents can join forces and stand together.  We talk about his childhood on forward to his current ministry and how we can clearly see the hand of God working in his life! You won’t want to miss this! https://brainchildfund.org/ https://www.ashes-2-diamonds.org/https://www.voiceofthespeechless.org/*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week I speak with Leann Faint who coming from a broken family herself, inherently understands the struggles of the students she works with. Called to teaching, Leann began her career as an English teacher in a mainstream high school in a low socioeconomic area in Australia. While raising her three children, she moved into Special Education, a field Leann quickly became passionate about. This led to Leann studying her Masters in Special Education and then gaining her role of Head of Special Education. This role prepared her for working with complex youth, families, and outside agencies.  In early 2018 Leann felt led to apply for a position at Carinity Education Southside after 20 years in the public sector.  For the past five years, she has strongly felt both the burden and the privilege of being the caretaker of the extraordinary young women who are students at Southside. During this time, Leann has completed further study in Trauma Aware Education at the post-graduate level. This is one of the stories I love to share! As we look at her childhood, we are able to see God’s plans to use every experience, both good and bad, to pour into others who are hurting. Leann’s own healing journey now guides the healing path of young girls in their struggles. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!http://Www.carinity.qld.edu.au*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week I speak with Candice R. Reyes, a Speaker, Author, and Executive Director of Her Well. As a 2x survivor of sexual assault, Candice inspires other women to overcome their fear of the past and walk with Jesus through recovery. Through storytelling and practical tips, Candice helps women:- Reclaim their hope- Regain their voice- Resist their urge to isolate during this journey. She is an award-winning author who coaches survivors daily as they embrace their healing journey. This is her 2nd time on the podcast, and I am excited to share this new, much-needed ministry God has called her to. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!Www.Hooks2Crook.com*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa from 

I speak with Jay Gardner. Jay’s life is a story of redemption. Through trials and tribulations, he grew up tough, fighting with his fists and the demons of addictions that ended when the gavel slammed down, sentencing him to twenty years in prison! His life seemed over, but God had other plans! From a prison cell, God revealed His purpose to Jay in a ministry called “Torn Pages.” Today, Tornpages is a unique gift impacting our world, touching one life at a time with Hope, Peace, and Strength so that they may know God's Grace and love authentically! We talk about His childhood and time in the service, his boxing almost taking him to the Olympics, and his time in jail - God’s compassion met Jay and turned his life around!! We hear about His no-profit torn pages and the goodness of sharing our hearts!!! You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!www.tornpages.org*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This episode premiers the new song "Old House" by Laurel Taylor. This episode is such a blessing. Laurel has become a true friend, and I am such a fan of her music. Laurel Taylor is a singer-songwriter and producer whose roots and influences of rock, country, and gospel blend together to give her a unique and edgy sound. She has toured worldwide, from small-town music festivals to the bars of Nashville to European tours. She has worked with and performed with various artists, including Lauren Daigle, Jason Crabb, Micah Tyler, Kutless, Sanctus Real, Rhett Walker, Diamond Rio, and CCR. She has a heart full of joy and a desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone through her music.https://instagram.com/laureltaylorofficial?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qZZmptWMEONmmERCJIGAR?si=v839Wf0xTIGIE5pBnf5ruA*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

Tamika Williford is the Founder of “Clothed N Strength,” a  Nonprofit for women in transition. She has been in Cosmetology for more than 30 years, where she connects with many Women. Tamika is a New Life Bible school graduate where she studied Missionary & Evangelistic Training and is currently a Lancaster Bible College student pursuing a BA in Biblical Studies. Clothed N Strength has been her vision since she left the Federal Detention Center in 2011. Tamika promised God that one day if it were His will, she would be in a position to help the women in prison. She met countless women from different backgrounds with different stories, all leading them to incarceration. Tamika heard the despair, the sadness, the regret, and the hopelessness they felt. In many cases, their Families gave up on them; they had no resources to climb out of the hole they were in behind bars and now found themselves free and alone. These women had lost their children, their homes, their careers, their jobs, and their hope, But God had a plan! Clothed N Strength, with God's guidance, will return the HOPE and CONFIDENCE that His plan for them is real. They will learn that they have the choice not to return to prison. They need Resources. Empathy. Help. Tamika is there to help!!! https://clothednstrength.org/*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week  I speak with Misty Robinson, a Christian wife and stay-at-home homeschooling mom of 23 years.  She has worked with teen girls and young ladies for 15 years as a Sunday school teacher. She desires to help ladies of all ages understand God's love and faithfulness through each stage and trial of life. She has faced many trials, which include losing her husband to cancer at age 24 and her mom to suicide six years ago. God has given her the great opportunity of becoming a part of a growing non-profit, HopeGateKeepers, which helps train others on ways to help people dealing with suicide. Misty says, “Together, we can encourage each other through God's word and love.”www.Instagram.com/onechildseyeswww.hopegatekeepers.com*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week I speak with Donna Frisinger. She is a Multi-Award-winning author, poet, and freelancer. Donna loves to create stories to make God’s Word come alive in fresh ways for kids of all ages. Her husband says she thrives in a world of perpetual “once upon a time” while he lives in the “real world,” juggling the bills and wondering what’s for dinner. They live their happily-ever-after in Indiana, where they enjoy hiking, riding their trusty steeds (vintage-look, fat-tired Schwinn bicycles) throughout the lay of their kingdom, and spoiling nephews and nieces. We take a look at her life from her childhood to the present and find the beautiful thread of God working in every page of her story! You won’t want to miss this down-to-earth and inspiring episode. www.donafrisinger.comhttp://donnafrisinger.com/ www.facebook.com/donna.austgenfrisingerwww.facebook.com/donnafrisingerauthor/inbox/https://www.instagram.com/donnaaustgenfrisinger/*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

Welcome to the Special Christmas Break Episode 4 . This week, we look at the best gift ever given and the special messengers entrusted with sharing this gift with the world. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode, as God reveals much more than traditional Christmas offerings! Join me for Hope, inspiration, and love!!! Once again, featuring the beautiful music of Laurel Taylor ✨Merry Christmas to you all!!’To subscribe to the blog or download your free Gratitude journal page go to: www.Acupofgratitude.orgMusical guest Laurel Taylor is a singer-songwriter and producer whose roots and influences of rock, country, and gospel blend together to give her a unique and edgy sound. She has toured worldwide, from small-town music festivals to the bars of Nashville to European tours. She has worked with and performed with various artists, including Lauren Daigle, Jason Crabb, Micah Tyler, Kutless, Sanctus Real, Rhett Walker, Diamond Rio, and CCR. She has a heart full of joy and a desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone through her music.To follow Lauren Taylor go to: https://instagram.com/laureltaylorofficial?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qZZmptWMEONmmERCJIGAR?si=v839Wf0xTIGIE5pBnf5ruA

Welcome to the Special Christmas Break Episode #3 - This week on A Cup of Gratitude podcast, we take a look at a beautiful present that God has given us all. Each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm139) Formed by a divine design that includes nuances so intricate that I had never even heard about them before - And now that I know, that’s exactly what I want to share with you this week!!! Down to the tiniest details, God is forever moving and working and calling us back to the garden to walk with Him again!!! God didn’t create a bunch of little gods; He created Sons and Daughters! To subscribe to the blog or download your free Gratitude journal page go to: www.acupofgratitude.org*Musical guest Laurel Taylor is a singer-songwriter and producer whose roots and influences of rock, country, and gospel blend together to give her a unique and edgy sound. She has toured worldwide, from small-town music festivals to the bars of Nashville to European tours. She has worked with and performed with various artists, including Lauren Daigle, Jason Crabb, Micah Tyler, Kutless, Sanctus Real, Rhett Walker, Diamond Rio, and CCR. She has a heart full of joy and a desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone through her music.To follow Lauren Taylor go to: https://instagram.com/laureltaylorofficial?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qZZmptWMEONmmERCJIGAR?si=v839Wf0xTIGIE5pBnf5ruA

Last week on our special episode, we looked at the Red sea Exodus as a symbol of the blood that was shed on the cross that would ultimately provide freedom from captivity for the chosen people of God. This week we look at an intimate relationship, at the beautiful personal healing that God desires to give each and every one of His children.  You will definitely be encouraged! This message was such a hope-filled revelation to me!Again this week, we feature the music of Laurel Taylor. Laurel Taylor is a singer-songwriter and producer whose roots and influences of rock, country, and gospel blend together to give her a unique and edgy sound. She has toured around the world, from small-town music festivals to the bars of Nashville to European tours. She has worked with and performed with various artists, including Lauren Daigle, Jason Crabb, Micah Tyler, Kutless, Sanctus Real, Rhett Walker, Diamond Rio, and CCR. She has a heart full of joy and a desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone through her music.To read my blog posts, find my books, listen to more podcast episodes, or download the free printable Gratitude Journal resource go to: www.acupofgratitude.org(And please subscribe for more valuable content)To follow Laurel Taylor and listen to more of her music, go to:https://instagram.com/laureltaylorofficial?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qZZmptWMEONmmERCJIGAR?si=v839Wf0xTIGIE5pBnf5ruA

Welcome to the Special Christmas Break series! Each week is a gift from me to you.  I am sharing messages of hope and grace straight from the Word of God, accompanied by music from one of my favorite Christian music artists Laurel Talor.  Although the stories don't all come from the traditional places that you might think of in the bible, they all point to the freedom, grace, hope, and love of Christ!My guest music artist Laurel Taylor is a singer-songwriter and producer whose roots and influences of rock, country, and gospel blend together to give her a unique and edgy sound. She has toured around the world, from small-town music festivals to the bars of Nashville to European tours. She has worked with and performed with various artists, including Lauren Daigle, Jason Crabb, Micah Tyler, Kutless, Sanctus Real, Rhett Walker, Diamond Rio, and CCR. She has a heart full of joy and a desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone through her music. (This episode, we feature her song, Healed) Find Laurel in these links below:https://instagram.com/laureltaylorofficial?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=https://open.spotify.com/artist/4qZZmptWMEONmmERCJIGAR?si=v839Wf0xTIGIE5pBnf5ruAFor more blog posts from God's word, for the free printable Gratitude Journal pages, or to look at purchasing my books, please  go to:www.acupofgratitude.org

This week I speak with Charlene Brisbane. She is currently a member of Dare to Imagine Church under the pastorship of Rev. Kevin Johnson. At Dare to Imagine, she is involved in community service and serves as an iGroup (small group) leader. In 2022, Charlene became vice president of the non-profit organization Clothed N Strength, whose mission is to help women overcome barriers to success who have recently returned to society after being incarcerated or who have suffered trauma. She is also the creator of a podcast with her daughter Shelby called Garage Conversations with Char, via which she hopes to engage, inform and inspire listeners. Charlene has a career in the biopharmaceutical industry that spans over 34 years which includes positions of increasing responsibility at Johnson and Johnson, GSK, and Teva Pharmaceuticals, where she currently is a Senior Director in Project Leadership and Strategy in R&D. Charlene believes that her foundation was laid spiritually, as well as, professionally at Trinity United Methodist Church where she accepted Christ in her life at an early age and was baptized. At Trinity, she was Chairperson of the Administrative Council, a Certified Lay Speaker, and a Sunday school teacher, as well as a member of United Methodist Women and The Inspirational Choir. Trinity was the place where she was given encouragement, responsibility, and the challenge always to strive to do her best. One of Charlene’s favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” She places her hope in God and acknowledges that all that she is is because of Him. We look at the life God has given Charlene, and even in the midst of the great loss of her husband, we see God working and providing for Char as a widow - The beautiful thread of God working is undeniable - You won’t want to miss this episode you will be greatly encouraged!Dare to Imagine Church: https://d2ic.org/Garage Conversations with Char: https://garageconversationwithchar.com/Clothed N Strength: https://clothednstrength.org/Books referenced: Christians Get Depressed Too by David MurrayBroken Minds: Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're "Losing It" by Steve & Robyn Bloem*Theme Music “Blessed time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Carol Bevil, a Christian author, and speaker. She is the founder of Fuel Your Body, Feed Your Soul, an Instagram ministry and blog dedicated to the truth found in Romans 12:2 and Matthew 6:33. Carol has authored three books. She is passionate about knowing Jesus better so that her life makes Him known. Carol surrendered her life to Christ at the age of forty, having been raised in a Jewish home. Her writing has been featured in several publications. She serves as an ambassador for Sadie Robertson Huff’s ministries LOsister and Live Original, where she gets to encourage women in their faith. Currently, Carol lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband of 24 years, Chris, and their four children. Our conversation takes us on a journey that allows us to see the beautiful thread of Jesus working in her life even while growing up in a Jewish household, even when she was focused on everything else but her faith, even when she was in the hospital enduring great loss, Jesus was with her through it all quietly waiting for her to turn to Him. You don’t want to miss this inspiring episode!www.fuelbodyfeedsoul.comhttps://instagram.com/fuelbodyfeedsoul?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week I speak with Kate Berkey. She is a writer, speaker, and missionary living on the north side of Chicago, where she works with refugees and immigrants with Devon Oasis Ministry. Kate is passionate about helping people, especially women, discover the heart of the Father and live courageously because of who He is and who He says they are! She and her co-author recently published their first book, A Place Called Braverly: A dare to live courageously, dream boldly, and influence bravery. Kate is all about family and deeply desires to help others find belonging in the family of the Kingdom of God. More than anything else, she longs to walk women home to the heart of the Father—their creator and sustainer. Kate is a lover of being on the water, running on Lakefront Trail, and gathering dear friends around the table. We talk about her childhood and her eventual calling to go overseas and be a writer, you won’t want to miss this down-to-earth and inspiring episode!Www.Kateberkey.com *Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa