A Cup of Gratitude

This week, I speak with Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a hope concierge! Whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books, including Hope Prevails and Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others. Her newest release is The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms. She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when any of those are accompanied by sea salt caramel chocolate! You can find her and her hope-filled resources at DrMichelleB.com For more hope, stay connected with me at:Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.comBlog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtsonPodcast: https://apple.co/2madPRo or https://bit.ly/3ef2fvsAmazon: https://amzn.to/3w64SHF*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Becky Antkowiak, a writer, speaker, editor, Compassion International advocate, and enthusiastic Grammar Floozy. A lifelong serial extrovert, Becky believes every stranger is a friend she hasn’t met. Fair warning: if you make eye contact, you may be friends for life. She’s the Chief Encouragement Officer of 540 Writers Community—a free group for writers focused on studying craft, sharpening skills, and sharing encouragement for the writing journey. When she’s not writing or finding ways to connect people, you can find her demolishing, rebuilding, and creating alongside Patrick, her best friend and husband of 20 years. In her spare moments, she binge-listens to audiobooks while eating salted caramel anything.https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/Conference Links: Carolina Christian Writers Conference   March 8-9, 2024 (Special Day for Pastors – March 7) https://www.fbs.org/christian-writers-conference/Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference   May 26–30, 2024  https://www.blueridgeconference.com/Write to Publish   June 11–14, 2024 https://writetopublish.com/***This is a coupon code for Write to Publish It gives the user $25 off and supports 540 - Use BLUE2024.***540 Writers Community Link:  https://540writerscommunity.com/540 Writers Community Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/540writers*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Megan Evans. She and her family live in Tennessee, where she serves as the women’s ministry director at her church.  An author and blogger with a heart for discipleship, Megan writes, speaks, and teaches women about enjoying God in each busy day.  Her writing has been featured on Proverbs31.org, Crosswalk, and is the new author of the book Permission to Walk: A 4O Day Journey to Unhurried Peace.  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 incredible episode!www.unhurrymyheart.comhttps://www.facebook.com/unhurrymyhearthttps://www.instagram.com/megan.m_evans*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week I speak with Yvette Walker, the host of the Positively Joy podcast and founder of Positively Joy Ministries at positivelyjoy.com. She published the life lesson-filled devotional “Whispering in His Ear” and its companion study and discussion guide in 2021. She can be found on social media at Positively Joy Podcast. Yvette is an Opinion journalist and a former Dean of Students at the University of Oklahoma. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. She has been a newspaper editor, a news ombudsman, a reporter, and a podcaster and has supervised online content management systems for two websites. She is a native of Chicago and now lives in Kansas City. We look at her childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode.www.Positivelyjoy.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/positivelyjoypodcastInsta: https://www.instagram.com/positivelyjoypodcast/Blog: https://ywalker.substack.com/*Theme Music, Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Jennifer Elwood, who hosts the Refuge Podcast and Bible Study Community, where women cultivate their faith in the shelter of God’s Word. This Yakima, WA resident is a lover of Jesus, wife of Tom, mom of three, and bonus mom and grandma. She’s a travel fanatic and coffee addict and enjoys nerding out on Biblical context when studying the Bible. Going to Israel for the first time in 2015 sparked her desire to write, and she has not stopped since. She’s the author of Counting Up to Christmas: Twenty-Four Gifts from the Gospel of Luke and Counting Up to Christmas: The Companion Cookbook.Link to Life Changing Stories https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2www.jenniferelwood.com*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week I speak with Kari Minter, a pastor’s wife, an author, and a bible teacher who is passionate about helping people cultivate a deeper walk with God.  With over a decade of experience teaching in public schools and a Masters in Theological Studies, Kari is known for her deep theological insight delivered in a helpful and practical way. You can find her discipleship course as well as Bible studies and helpful resources on her website. Her latest Bible study will be released in January 2024 through Hosanna Revival. When she is not writing and teaching, you can find her supporting her three teenagers, planning outdoor adventures, or reading a good book. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life.Link to Life-Changing Stories:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2Www.kariminter.comInstagram: @krminterFacebook: @cultivatingresourcesThreads: @krminter*Theme Music “Blessed Time”

I speak with Dawn Ward, a speaker, writer, and biblical life coach. She founded The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women to thrive by providing inspiring teaching, coaching and biblical resources to help them cultivate resilient faith, grow through adversity and live transformed lives.  As part of the mission of The Faith to Flourish, she also ministers to women with loved ones struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and life-destructive behaviors. Dawn is the co-author of the book “Still Standing After All the Tears Workbook: Faith in the Battle Edition, a contributing author for the devotional Shepherd on Duty, and is currently in the process of writing her first solo book, From Guilt to Grace: Freedom and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children (ETA third quarter 2024). Dawn has been married to her husband, Steve, for over forty years and is mom to three adult children. Her passion is to help all women grow in their faith as they learn to understand better the Bible and how to apply it to their lives. Connect with Dawn at The Faith to Flourish on most social media platforms.Link to Life-Changing Stories:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2Social Media links:HTTPS://www.thefaithtoflourish.comHTTPS://www.Facebook.com/thefaithtoflourishHTTPS://www.instagram.com/thefaithtoflourishblog HTTPS://www.instagram.com/dawnr.ward HTTPS://www.Twitter.com/faithtoflourishhttps://youtube.com/thefaithtoflourishwithdawnward

This week, I speak with Ronne Rock, who weaves themes of transformative hope into everything she shares on page and stage. She travels globally to cultivate stories of transformation with Orphan Outreach. Ronne is an author and speaker—offering road-tested wisdom about grace-filled leadership and discovering your God-crafted design and purpose. And as a teacher and mentor, Ronne offers writers and other creatives insight on how to safeguard your soul in a world that delights in demanding it from you. Her poignant stories are included in a number of anthologies, and she is the author of four books, including One Woman Can Change the World: Reclaiming Your God-Designed Influence and Impact Right Where You Are. An Oklahoma gal by birth, Ronne now lives in the Texas Hill Country with her family. We look at her childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this captivating episode.  Learn more about Ronne by visiting her website or following her on Instagram.https://ronnerock.com/product/one-woman-can-change-the-world/Life Transforming Stories linkhttps://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2

This week I speak with Tyler Logsdon. When asked to describe himself, Tyler responds that he is just a small-town man who adores the Lord Jesus when asked about himself. Tyler’s life is to rap and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul said, “All I want people to see when they see me and hear when they hear me is Christ and Christ crucified.” Some fun things about Tyler are that he is 6’3 and gave up the opportunity to play college basketball.- He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Kentucky, but he currently works for a transportation company and is pursuing a life of ministry. 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! And for a special treat, we end with his newest single, released just this week. - Music: https://songwhip.com/tlog- Ministry Website: https://www.milesbyfaithministries.com- Artist Website: https://tlogmusic.com- Socials: https://www.instagram.com/tlogmusic_?igsh=MXVvMDVwY2xmMms4Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@tlogmusic?_t=8ifvTPpLBJy&_r=1*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week, I speak with Carmel Austin, a vivacious Creative Artisan, Entrepreneur, captivating Podcast host, empowering Wholeness Life Coach, and trailblazing Publisher. She thrives on exhilarating challenges and paints her life's canvas in vibrant hues, crafting a masterpiece of multidimensional success. You can listen to or watch her podcast on Spotify, "The Thriving Woman." Founder of Carmel's Garden, she is a 3x Amazon #1 Bestselling International Author, a Wholeness Life Coach, and an Expert in Media. Carmel's Garden offers coaching programs to empower women and creatives to walk into wholeness and freedom. She advocates for self-love and personal growth, inspiring others to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As a Wholeness Coach, Author, and Mentor, Carmel helps women and creatives flourish by sharing keys to Journey into Wholeness. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor, inspiring creatives to share their journey on an international stage and share their stories. Carmel's dedication to empowering people to tell their stories and reach a wider audience is evident in her publishing mentorship program. She has helped many authors realize their dreams through this program and become international bestsellers. Carmel's story is one of passion, creativity, and empowering others to shine and thrive in every season of life. Her contributions to the creative community and commitment to helping women and creatives find their voice and wholeness make her an inspiring figure.https://www.carmelsgarden.com/https://www.facebook.com/carmel.austin1https://www.instagram.com/carmelsgardenwholenesscoach*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

Nicole Williams is an author, poet, and course creator who helps people transform their lives by letting go of bitterness, anger, and paralyzing unforgiveness. Her passion is leading people toward spiritual transformation by helping them see the image of God’s love in all people. Nicole is the author of "RISE UP: Believing God When the World is Falling Apart.” It’s 31 devotional prayers that model intentional praise when life is hard. She lives in Houston with her husband of 29 years and is a mom to two young adults. 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!Connect with Nicole on Instagram at @ms.nicolewilliams and grab her free guide, Start Tiny: 7 Habits to Forgive & Be Free, at msnicolewilliams.com.Socials:https://instagram.com/ms.nicolewilliamshttps://facebook.com/nicolewilliamsauthorhttps://tiktok.com/@msnicolewilliamshttps://threads.com/msnicolewilliamshttps://linkedin.com/in/msnicolewilliamsWebsite:https://msnicolewilliams.comFree Guide "Start Tiny: 7 Habits to Forgive & Be Free"https://msnicolewilliams.com/start-tinyLink to Life Changing stories:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

Elise Daly Parker is a certified life coach, writer, and speaker. She helps women clear the path to a life they love, with a particular focus on helping moms savor, not just survive, seasons of motherhood with clarity, confidence, and calm. Elise has been married for 38 years and has four daughters and two sons-in-love, as well as two grandchildren. She shares her life lessons on identity, marriage, momming, and relationships with transparency, authenticity, and sometimes humor. You can find Elise at elisedalyparker.com https://www.elisedalyparker.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elisedalyparker/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elise.dalyparker/  Elise is the co-author of Unshakable Peace in an Unsteady World, available where books are sold.  Life changing Stories https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

Today, I am speaking with Susan Park, a Korean American Christian writer. She loves encouraging God’s creative women with words of hope and joy. She is passionate about how we can co-create with God in our creative work. She is working on her first novel about a second-generation Korean American woman. Susan was a contributing writer and assistant copy editor for the Christian online magazine Marked Ministry. She was a speaker about creativity at The Extraordinary Faith Summit and a contributing writer for the Dawn Bible app. She has been a featured writer and podcast guest for other Christian writers. Susan lives in the Chicago area with her husband and three boys. We look at her Childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of God working in her life. Connect with Susan through her website at susanepark.com or on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest @susaneparkwrites. https://susanepark.com/https://www.facebook.com/susaneparkwriteshttps://www.instagram.com/susaneparkwrites/Life Changing Stories Link: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

LaVonda McCullough is an accomplished author, speaker, and devoted Christian Life Coach with a passion for liberating women who are held captive by self-judgment and limiting mindsets.  Her journey from the depths of fear, shame, and depression to a place of newfound freedom fuels her mission to empower women to walk boldly along the path of their God-given purpose. With an intimate understanding of the untapped potential within and the profound impact of broken identity, she serves as a guiding light toward transformation and wholeness. The founder of Joyful Journey, she writes at lavondamccullough.com and is armed with a Doctorate of Divinity, but most importantly the Word of God, she points to Jesus and the passion, identity, and hope found in Him. She utilizes Coaching, RefresHER Retreats, and her online IMPACT (Intentional Motivation Practicing Active Christian Truths) Community to teach women how to reach the divine power within. The author of “21 Days of Fasting and Praying, The Beginner’s Guide to a Disciplined Life”, she enjoys teaching about the importance of a Daily Quiet Time and using God’s Word as Medicine. LaVonda and her husband of 33 years, Micah, live in beautiful Stuttgart, Germany, and have three children: an adult daughter and a college-age boy/girl twins. You may connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.  Join her in the 21Day Daily Quiet Challenge.Life Changing Storieshttps://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

 This week, I speak with Darcie Fuqua, a Business Analyst, Auburn Grad (War Eagle!), Christian blogger, and mental health advocate. She is from the deep south of Alabama, where she resides with her husband, two energetic, fun-loving boys, her beautiful niece Amanda, and her dog named Cinnamon. She loves sinking her toes in the sand, cuddling with her boys, and having great conversations over a table of good food. You can read more of her writing on her website and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. Check out Darcie’s latest project as cohost of Therapy in 10. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life, even when her life took unexpected turns. Her experiences took her into another world where God used her to bless others struggling with their mental health locked away behind double doors. You won’t want to miss this captivating and inspiring interview!Link to Life-Changing Stories: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Stories-Faithfulness-Transforming-ebook/dp/B0CGGGR3J7/ref=sr_1_2 www.leightonlane.com@leightonlanehome@leighton_lane*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I Speak with Eve Juurik, who was born in the picturesque land of Estonia. Her journey has taken her across continents, residing in diverse places like Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She has traveled to many European countries, venturing as far as Mexico and the Bahamas. Eve was born again in the USA through TBN. She has come a full circle, having her inaugural book in English – the Diary Devotional entitled “My Intimate Conversations with Love”, published this Spring by TBN Trilogy Publishing. She is driven by an unrelenting passion to impart the heart of the Father God – Love – helping God's people to walk in greater intimacy with Love. Eve is a local Christian TV and radio host, author, and speaker. She spends half a year in Estonia and the other half in the United States. We look at her childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode.amazon.com/Intimate-Conversations-Love-Eve-Juurik/dp/B0BSG8Z1NY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DFX52M1UB3WP&keywords=9798887382272&qid=1676387365&sprefix=9798887382272%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR2PwRHdQPtW0XESqGx8mjegb2qoI16iLDmoTdP8NYdAZydXGKJsxkLgg38*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa www.acupofgratitude.org

Merry Christmas! What an amazing time we have had working our way towards Christmas together. I love sharing these special episodes on the “A Cup of Gratitude” podcast. This last week, we will see what Jesus’ name and title have to tell us about who came to save the world. I share with you things you have not heard before and, the power and purpose of names in the Bible and how they tell an extremely important part of the story. We started on week one, looking at how and when you were created with purpose, followed by week two, where we inspected the soil of the heart and the necessary gardening we must do to have good soil. Then, last week, we were challenged to consider who could be fed by the edges of our harvest fields. Finally, this week, I reveal some powerful truths about the deity and the mercy of the great, all-encompassing love of Jesus Christ. You won’t want to miss this final encouragement for Christmas. Be sure to listen, and I know you will have an all-new appreciation for the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. This week, I feature another beautiful song by Laurel Taylor. So let's listen and consider the miracle of Jesus coming to Us all!  This week, we have special music by Laurel Taylor, an artist, producer, and singer/songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Alabama, she moved to Music City twelve years ago, right after turning eighteen. Her voice and sound speak to every crowd, from the American Idol stage to Tootsies on Broadway to the local church leading worship. Laurel carries an excellent stage presence and live show performance everywhere she goes. She has a raw country sound, a ministry mindset, and her own unique style. Laurel uses her life stories to speak to people through her music and intentionally writes for everyone who listens.WEBSITE: LAURELTAYLORMUSIC.COMINSTAGRAM: @LAURELTAYLOROFFICIALFACEBOOK: LAUREL TAYLORMUSIC: AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMSwww.acupofgratitude.org

Welcome to week three of the Christmas Break Special Episodes. This week's question is: Who is being fed by the harvest of your life? Think about it: if you’re producing a great harvest and have a fruitful life for the kingdom, if you share the truths you have received from the gospel, can others take from what you produce and be fed? I write books, have a podcast, speak on stage, and share my harvest anywhere I can. When a seed produces a harvest in good soil, it isn’t just for the life where the harvest grows; even the very edges of what you produce can feed others - God’s ways amaze me! So today, I am challenging you to look for the places where you are leaving some room for people who are hurting and hungry to GLEAN - “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and the sojourner, I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 23:22. Who are the poor and the foreigners near you? Who are the sojourners around your field? This week, we have special music by Laurel Taylor, an artist, producer, and singer/songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Alabama, she moved to Music City twelve years ago, right after turning eighteen. Her voice and sound speak to every crowd, from the American Idol stage to Tootsies on Broadway to the local church leading worship. Laurel carries an excellent stage presence and live show performance everywhere she goes. She has a raw country sound, a ministry mindset, and her own unique style. Laurel uses her life stories to speak to people through her music and intentionally writes for everyone who listens.WEBSITE: LAURELTAYLORMUSIC.COMINSTAGRAM: @LAURELTAYLOROFFICIALFACEBOOK: LAUREL TAYLORMUSIC: AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMSwww.acupofgratitude.org

This week, we take a look at your heart on Special Episode #2 of the Christmas Break series on A Cup of Gratitude. This is a busy season, but we must keep our eyes on Jesus - More than any other time we can be distracted by busyness during the Holidays, we must choose to keep our focus on the KING - Jesus gives everything for us to be reborn and we must set aside all of the worldly things at this time of the year to remain in Him - Isn’t it ironic that the time we celebrate Christ’s birth is the time we set Him aside to “do all the things” that come with the Holiday - When we choose Jesus, He continues to transform us, and with great Hope for us all Philippians 1:6 promises that God will keep working on us until Christ returns - We begin in a fallen state with hearts of stone - God promises a new heart - “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (EZK 36) Jesus calls this process being “born again from above” (John 3:3). When we are born again, God performs a heart transplant, as it were, He gives us a new heart - On special episode 2 of A Cup of Gratitude we will look at the constant process of turning the soil of our hearts - If we don’t let God work on them by abiding in him they will begin to harden, Collect rocks, and grow weeds - God is transforming us, breaking up the ground, removing the rocks, and pulling the thorns as we learn to abide and remain in Jesus - And I am excited to be featuring a song by Singer/songwriter Amanda Nolan has had a passion and drive for music since she could remember. She has been creating music since she was 11 and hasn’t stopped. Her music and life changed when she found herself in the lowest moment of her life, struggling with severe anxiety and OCD. Through that moment, a light came shining through and she met Jesus. Since then, the Pennsylvania native has dedicated her life and music to bringing people to Jesus. Amanda wants to show the world how Jesus can take your worst moment and make it something beautiful https://www.instagram.com/amandanolanmusic/https://www.tiktok.com/@amandanolanmusic?lang=enhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlnrpNOB08xKiZycerJ4Dghttps://www.facebook.com/amandanolanmusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1M62wAGkipCrvniBF6ZCa8https://music.apple.com/us/artist/amanda-nolan/1493439119

This week on A Cup of Gratitude podcast, my gift to you for the Holidays begins with the very first of four Special Episodes. This week, we delve into who you are and what God has planned for you in such a time as this. I share the story of Queen Esther. I look deeply at the meaning of our names and share a personal revelation from God as I was healing from trauma and experiencing God’s grace. This episode is where the Bible meets my story and your story, too! God uses our growth to propel us in our purpose. God has a plan for your life, and it is good! I am featuring the beautiful music of Amanda Nolan this week. She was my guest on the podcast last week and has an inspiring story and amazing talent. Won’t you join us for this special message straight from the heart of God?*Singer/songwriter Amanda Nolan has had a passion and drive for music since she could remember. She has been creating music since she was 11 and hasn’t stopped. Her music and life changed when she found herself in the lowest moment of her life, struggling with severe anxiety and OCD. Through that moment, a light came shining through and she met Jesus. Since then, the Pennsylvania native has dedicated her life and music to bringing people to Jesus. Amanda wants to show the world how Jesus can take your worst moment and make it something beautiful. https://www.instagram.com/amandanolanmusic/https://www.tiktok.com/@amandanolanmusic?lang=enhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPlnrpNOB08xKiZycerJ4Dghttps://www.facebook.com/amandanolanmusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/1M62wAGkipCrvniBF6ZCa8https://music.apple.com/us/artist/amanda-nolan/1493439119