The Fear of Hope & Learning to Trust What I Already Know

The Fear of Hope & Learning to Trust What I Already Know

Have you ever been afraid to hope? Not because you don't believe God can do something good, but because you're afraid of being disappointed if He doesn't? In this deeply personal episode, I share what surfaced during my second PET scan since being diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma—a fear I didn't realize was still living beneath the surface. A fear that if I hoped too much, trusted too much, or spoke too confidently about healing, God might somehow take it away. Together, we'll explore how old beliefs about God can quietly shape the way we face uncertainty, why learning to trust God's character matters more than controlling outcomes, and how this cancer journey is teaching me to pay attention to the gentle nudges I've spent years ignoring. From waiting on scan results to London Fog tea lattes, green tea experiments, and the surprising lessons hidden in everyday decisions, this conversation is really about one thing: Learning to trust what we already know. If you've ever found yourself waiting for answers, wrestling with fear, or wondering how to hear God's voice in the middle of uncertainty, this episode is for you.

The Whale Came Back

A few months ago, I recorded an episode about Jonah and the whale. At the time, I reflected on how the whale wasn't sent to destroy Jonah, it was sent to save him. It was a season of slowing down, listening, and surrendering to God's invitation. I had no idea what was coming next. Just one week after reopening my business, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 nodular melanoma. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of discovering a small bump on my scalp, the phone call that changed everything, the terrifying wait for answers, and the surprising lessons God has been teaching me in the middle of uncertainty. This isn't a story about having all the answers. It's a story about finding God in the waiting, learning to care for the body He's given me, and wrestling with a whisper I keep hearing: Use your voice. If you've ever felt stuck in a season you didn't choose, if God seems to be repeating the same invitation in your life, or if you're waiting for certainty before taking your next step of obedience, this conversation is for you. Scripture: Jonah 1–3, Jonah 3:1

One Stone at a Time: How God Led Us from New Jersey to South Carolina

In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind one of the most meaningful practices in our home: our jar of “stones of remembrance.” Inspired by Joshua 3–4, this tradition has become a way for our family to clearly see God’s faithfulness—one stone at a time. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our move from New Jersey to South Carolina, the unexpected short sale we walked through back in 2008, and the quiet miracles God stacked along the way to guide our steps. If you’re in a season of transition, waiting, uncertainty, or wondering where God is in the middle of your story, this episode will help you slow down and notice the stones in your own life—the small, ordinary reminders that He is still providing, still leading, and still writing a good story. We’ll talk about: – The biblical story of the Jordan River crossing (Joshua 3–4) – What it means to collect “stones of remembrance” – How our family uses a stone jar to track God’s provision – The miracle inside our 2008 short sale – How we went from New Jersey to South Carolina one quiet step at a time – Gentle prompts to help you recognize God’s faithfulness in your own life If you need encouragement today, this one is for you.

When Hosting Feels Like a Leap of Faith

In this episode, I share what it’s been like preparing to host a Friendsgiving before I even have a dining room table. It’s a story about saying yes before I felt ready, and about how God has been teaching me that hospitality isn’t about perfection—it’s about love, connection, and grace. I talk about my grandmother’s beautiful gift of hosting, how her table shaped my heart, and what it looks like to open our homes and hearts again. If you’ve ever felt “not ready” but sensed God calling you to step out anyway, this episode will speak to you. 🕯️ #ChristianPodcast #FaithForWomen #Hospitality #ChristianMotherhood #BiblicalEncouragement #SpiritualGrowth #FaithInEverydayLife

When Life Feels Like a Whale: How God Uses Hard Seasons to Redirect Us

In this first episode, I share the story of my own “whale season”—a time when God interrupted my plans, slowed me down, and used exhaustion, surrender, and unexpected change to reshape my obedience. If you’re walking through a season that feels confusing, heavy, or against your plans, this is for you. Sometimes the whale isn’t punishment. It’s preparation. Check out: www.gleaningalongtheway.com [www.gleaningalongtheway.com] for more - not quite finished but I'd love for you to take a look - xoxo faith podcast, christian motherhood podcast, obedience, God’s timing, waiting seasons, Jonah story, spiritual surrender, trusting God, Christian encouragement, foster care journey, faith in hard seasons, podcast for Christian women