EPS:133 - Dignity Begins with a Bed: A Conversation with Luke Mickelson

EPS 135: - A Full-Circle Moment: Honoring Children’s Feelings with Constance Lewis

Last year on Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, Constance joined the podcast to talk about her children’s book Miles and the Colorful Cape of Feelings, co-written with Andre Lewis. During that conversation, she also shared that another story was quietly taking shape—one still in progress, still becoming. In this episode, we honor that moment and the words spoken then. Constance returns to the podcast to celebrate her newly published book, Mariah and the Colorful Tutu of Feelings—a joyful, movement-filled story that helps children explore, name, and express their emotions through color and creativity. Together, we reflect on: * Honoring our words and trusting the creative process * How children communicate feelings beyond language * The role of movement, imagination, and safety in emotional expression * How caregivers and educators can gently support emotional literacy This conversation is a reminder that when we slow down, listen, and follow through, beautiful things can grow—for children and for us. Connect with Constance Lewis : https://www.colorfulcapesoffeelings.com

EPS 134: - It’s Our Birthday Month – Part 2 (May 14–30) 🎉

In Part 2 of our birthday month celebration, I continue honoring May birthdays from the middle of the month through the end. This episode is filled with heartfelt shout-outs, gratitude, and reflections on the beauty of being remembered. From loved ones near and far to community builders and family across continents, this episode is a reminder that every life matters and every birthday is worth celebrating. As May comes to a close, we also pause to reflect on purpose, presence, and stepping into a new month with gratitude and hope. In This Episode: * Birthday shout-outs for May 14–30 * Honoring loved ones across the U.S. and Ghana * A special community spotlight * End-of-month reflections and encouragement * A hopeful welcome into the new month ahead Listener Reminder: Your life matters. Your presence is meaningful. And every year is worth honoring.

EPS:133 - Dignity Begins with a Bed: A Conversation with Luke Mickelson

In this heart-centered episode, Abigail sits down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit committed to one powerful mission: No kid sleeps on the floor in our town. What began as a small service project in a garage grew into a movement that has provided beds to hundreds of thousands of children. But Luke’s story isn’t just about growth—it’s about faith, obedience, community, and what happens when compassion meets action. In this conversation, we explore: * How noticing a simple need sparked a global mission * The emotional impact of delivering a child’s first bed * The role of faith, trust, and humility in leadership * Why service transforms both the giver and the receiver * How ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference This episode is a reminder that dignity, safety, and love often begin with the simplest acts—and that when we serve with open hearts, everyone is changed. Connect with Luke Mickelson : https://shpbeds.org/ 🎧 Listen, reflect, and be inspired.

EPS 132: - To Every Woman This Mother’s Day 💖

Mother’s Day can be joyful, reflective, healing, and sometimes complicated. In this heartfelt episode, Abby creates a gentle space for all women — mothers, grandmothers, aunties, teachers, caregivers, nurturers, women still becoming, women healing, and women still searching. Abby shares personal reflections on motherhood, being raised by a single father, reconnecting with her mother after decades, and the many women who shaped her life along the way. This episode also honors fathers with mothering hearts and reminds listeners that nurturing love is not limited to one role or one day. A warm, inclusive episode filled with gratitude, faith, reflection, and encouragement. Listener Reflection Questions: * Who is a woman who has shaped your life? * Who would you like to thank this Mother’s Day? * How have you experienced nurturing beyond motherhood? Closing Message: You are seen. You are valued. And your love matters.

EPS: 131 - It’s Our Birthday Month 🎉✨Part 1

This episode celebrates May birthdays with gratitude and love, honoring both named and unnamed lives that make this month meaningful. In this heartfelt and celebratory episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I reflect on the power of being remembered after receiving a thoughtful birthday-month message from my cousin Anne. That simple act of love inspired me to pause, give thanks, and celebrate the many lives that make May so meaningful. This episode is filled with birthday shout-outs, gratitude, and gentle encouragement for everyone celebrating a birthday this month—or holding space for a loved one whose birthday lives on in memory. It’s a reminder that our lives matter, our presence makes a difference, and every year we are given is worth honoring. Whether May is your birthday month or you’re celebrating someone you love, this episode invites you to slow down, feel gratitude, and celebrate life—heart to heart. In This Episode, I Share: * A birthday-month reflection sparked by a thoughtful message * Heartfelt birthday shout-outs and words of affirmation * Why acknowledging one another matters more than we realize * A gentle reminder of purpose, gratitude, and kindness * Encouragement for anyone celebrating—or remembering—this May Listener Takeaway: You are seen. Your life has meaning. And every birthday—every beginning—is worth celebrating. Closing Message: If your birthday is in May, I’m wishing you joy, rest, reflection, and love. And if you know someone celebrating this month, may this episode inspire you to reach out—because even a simple message can make a lasting impact. Stay Connected: If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone celebrating a birthday this month or leaving a review—it helps the podcast reach more hearts. Thank you for being here and for celebrating life with me. 🌻