Life As Worship: Honoring God with Your Life

Holding Unswervingly to Faith Even When...

Description
Holly Piorkowski, counselor, infertility survivor, and leader with Twelve 12 Ministries, joins Angela to share her journey of holding fast to hope through heartbreak, loss, and the unexpected beauty of God’s faithfulness. Holly’s story and her life verse, Hebrews 10:23, offer practical encouragement for anyone struggling to see God’s hand in the waiting or the pain.
Episode Highlights
Choosing Unswerving Faith: Holly describes clinging to Hebrews 10:23 after miscarriage and infertility.
What is Real Hope? Discussion on biblical hope.
God’s Faithfulness in the Dark: Holly’s testimony of how God showed up in small ways during her hardest seasons
Telling Your Story: The importance of sharing testimonies so others know God is still working
Great Quotes 
“I would say it through tears, through anger. And I’d be like, I know you’re gonna be faithful. Whatever that looks like.”
“If you don’t know the Lord, I feel like you don’t really know what hope is.”
“Ask the Lord to show up for you in the tiny details or just ask him to show up in your day and he will do it. And that is him. That is him pouring into your hope and being faithful to you.”
 
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 10:23 
Twelve 12 Ministries: twelve12ministries.org 
Purpose Beyond Motherhood Podcast (co-hosted by Holly and Nicole from Twelve 12 Ministries)
 
Related Episodes
Ep. 4: “Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth” (Sara Cormany)
Ep. 7: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna) 
Ep. 3: “Faith, Salvation, and Grace” (Cortney Stanton) 
 
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Not Only Redeemed, but SUSTAINED!

Ryan Scantling, senior pastor at Eastside Baptist Church and PhD candidate in evangelism, joins Angela to unpack Genesis 45:6-11. Through Joseph’s story, Ryan reveals how God both delivers and sustains us—even in life’s darkest valleys. Learn how this passage anchored Ryan through personal loss and reshaped his view of God’s faithfulness.
 
Episode Highlights
Joseph’s Redemption: How betrayal, slavery, and leadership in Egypt mirror Christ’s work (Genesis 45:6-8).
Bitterness vs. Purpose: Why Joseph’s “It wasn’t you, but God” reframes life’s injustices.
Sustenance in Suffering: Ryan’s testimony of losing his sister at 18 and finding hope in God’s daily care.
For the Spiritually Dry: Practical ways to trust God’s sustenance when faith feels barren.
Great Quotes 
“Bitterness is bricking up your windows to avoid pain—but it keeps out the fresh air too.”
“God doesn’t just deliver you from hard times—He sustains you through them.”
“Faith is like film. It develops best in the dark.” (Adrian Rogers)
Resources Mentioned
Key Passage: Genesis 45:6-11 (CSB)
Related Scripture: Colossians 1:13-14 (transfer from darkness to Christ’s kingdom)
Related Episodes
Ep. 6: “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” (Kim Cusimano)
Ep. 5: "Chosen to Produce Fruit" (Na'Kedra Rodgers)
Ep. 2: “Walking by the Spirit” (Cally Logan)
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How to Thrive in Your Relationship with God

Kathy Howard, author, Bible teacher, and self-proclaimed “treasure hunter” of God’s Word, joins Angela to unpack Galatians 2:20. Kathy shares her journey from religious duty to a life transformed by Christ’s indwelling presence. Discover how dying to self and living by the Spirit brings true freedom, purpose, and radical obedience to God’s calling.
 
Episode Highlights
From Rule-Following to Relationship: Kathy’s decades-long struggle with empty religiosity and her breakthrough moment in a Romans Bible study.
Galatians 2:20 Explained: What it means to be “crucified with Christ” and live by faith, not works.
Daily Surrender: Why dying to self is both a one-time decision and a daily practice.
Spiritual Growth Check: How to discern if you’re walking in the Spirit or clinging to self-effort.
The Role of Scripture: Why knowing God’s Word is essential to hearing the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
 
Great Quotes 
“Christianity isn’t about doing all the right things. It’s about giving Jesus your whole life.”
“The cross represents Christ’s full obedience to God—and that’s what it means for us too.”
“If I’ve died to myself, it’s Christ in me living out His purposes. My old ways? I’ve shoved them aside.”
“True faith isn’t intellectual assent—it’s active trust in where Jesus leads.”
“God’s Word is our plumb line. Without it, we’ll convince ourselves of anything.”
Resources Mentioned
Kathy’s website: kathyhoward.org
YouTube channel: Deep Rooted Faith (Bible study tips and devotionals)
Kathy's Books: book pages
 
Related Episodes
Ep. 6: “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” (Kim Cusimano)
Ep. 8: “Power, Love, and Sound Mind” (Amanda Scarborough)
Ep. 4: “Anticipating God’s Goodness” (Sara Cormany)
 
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God Delights Over You, He Doesn't ONLY Tolerate You

Karen Dorsey, retired educator, author of Beach Beatitudes, and Bible teacher, joins Angela to unpack Zephaniah 3:17. Karen shares her journey from believing God merely “tolerated” her to discovering His fierce delight in her as His child. Learn how this verse silences lies of inadequacy, transforms identity, and empowers believers to live boldly in God’s unshakable love.
 
Episode Highlights
Zephaniah’s Surprising Hope: Why a prophet of judgment penned Scripture’s most tender love song.
Breaking the Lie: Karen’s childhood wounds and decades of believing God only “tolerated” her.
The Verse That Changed Everything: Zephaniah 3:17 rewrote Karen’s understanding of God’s heart.
From Shame to Confidence: How God’s delight fueled Karen’s teaching, writing, and ministry.
Great Quotes
“God isn’t just loving us—He’s delighted in us. He’s smitten with how He made us.”
“I thought God loved me but didn’t like me. Zephaniah 3:17 changed that.”
“He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17, NIV)
Resources Mentioned
•Karen’s book: Beach Beatitudes: 40 Encounters with the God of Rest and Restoration
affiliate link above.
 
Related Episodes
Ep. 2: Walking by the Spirit (Cally Logan)
Ep. 7: Power, Love, and Sound Mind (Amanda Scarborough)
Ep. 5: Chosen to Produce Fruit (Na'Kedra Rodgers)
Connect with Karen:
Website: karendorsey.me
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How to Never Give Up Even if You Feel Broken

Laura Acuna, a speaker, author, Bible teacher, podcast host, and certified professional life coach, joins Angela to discuss 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. With over 23 years of experience as a women’s ministry leader and a degree in Christian counseling from Liberty University, Laura shares insights on keeping a kingdom perspective during difficult times and finding renewed hope in God’s promises. Laura’s powerful testimony of returning to school at age 50 and graduating with honors at 55 demonstrates that it’s never too late for God to restore what seems broken.
Episode Highlights
Laura’s background in ministry and women’s coaching (1:45)
Understanding the context of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (5:20)
The meaning of “outwardly wasting away, yet inwardly renewed” (10:15)
How our “light and momentary troubles” produce eternal glory (14:30)
Laura’s personal journey of believing lies about herself from age 11 (18:40)
Returning to school at 50 and graduating summa cum laude at 55 (22:15)
How shame and trauma prevent us from walking through God’s open doors (25:30)
The importance of keeping an eternal perspective in all seasons (28:45)
Great Quotes
“Even though on the outside, it often looks like things are falling apart on us. On the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.” - Laura Acuna
“I’m here to tell you that if you think it’s over, it isn’t. And if you’re 50 years old, it’s not over. And if you’re 60 years old, it’s not over. If you’re 70, if you’re 80, God is always giving us opportunities to grow and mature.” - Laura Acuna
“What you thought was a mountain in front of you that you couldn’t possibly scale turns out to be a molehill and you’ll look back and say, why didn’t I do that?” - Laura Acuna
“Sometimes we need friends around us to do that for us as well. We need our girlfriends, right? To say, remember. Remember, this is not all there is to this.” - Laura Acuna
“This is not who I am. It’s not what I am. It’s not defining anything other than we’re going through this time right now. And there’s more of the story than I know.” - Laura Acuna
Resources Mentioned
Laura’s book: “Still Becoming: Hope, Help, and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul” (published December 2022) affiliate Amazon link.
Laura’s podcast: “Still Becoming” (available wherever you listen to podcasts)
Connect with Laura
Website: Laura-Acuna.com
Related Episodes
Episode 6: The Steadfast Love of the Lord with Kim Cusimano
Episode 4: Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth with Sara Cormany
Episode 7: Power, Love, and Sound Mind with Amanda Scarborough
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Finding Hope through Power, Love, and Sound Mind

Amanda Scarborough, author of “A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments,” shares her powerful journey through perinatal and postpartum depression and how 2 Timothy 1:7 transformed her life. In this heartfelt conversation, Amanda reveals how God’s gifts of power, love, and sound mind helped her overcome debilitating fear and depression. Whether you’re facing mental health challenges or simply struggling with everyday fears, this episode offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for rekindling your relationship with God and living out your faith with confidence.
 
Episode Highlights
•Amanda’s experience with perinatal and postpartum depression (3:15)
•Understanding the context of 2 Timothy 1:7 in Paul’s letter to Timothy (9:45)
•The meaning of “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (15:20)
•How to rekindle your relationship with God and your spiritual gifts (11:30)
•Practical applications of power, love, and sound mind in daily life (23:40)
•Small ways to minister to others without formal ministry settings (27:15)
 
Great Quotes
“Fear is never from the Lord. It’s something that the enemy uses as a distraction to cause us to get off the course that the Lord is calling us to.”
 
“It was this verse that helped me come out of that… it was in the Lord’s strength that I was able to take each moment every day and move forward and not give in to the chaos swirling around in my mind.”
 
“The Lord might not call you to this big, huge ministry, but I think sometimes we can get caught up in what the world calls a ministry and overlook that ministry is in a phone call with a friend or in a conversation with your child.”
 
“Every time I’ve leaned in and just trust him, like, ‘okay, Lord, you’re gonna have to use me and you’re gonna have to speak through me and you’re gonna have to give me the words because I have no idea what to say.’ He has never, ever, ever failed in that moment.”
 
Connect with Amanda
Website: https://www.amandalscarborough.com/
Instagram: @amanda.l.scarborourgh
Book: “A Beautiful War: Finding Hope in the Darkest Moments”
The link above is an affiliate link
 
Related Episodes
•Episode 4: Anticipating God's Goodness on Earth
•Episode 5: Chosen to Produce Fruit
•Episode 6: Steadfast Love of the Lord
 
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Steadfast Love of the Lord

Episode 6: The Steadfast Love of the Lord
 
Kim Cusimano, a collaborative author, mother of two special needs adults, and passionate minister to caregivers, joins Angela to discuss Lamentations 3:22-23 and its impact on believers’ lives. With her focus on inspiring people of all abilities and bringing small groups together, Kim shares insights on God’s steadfast love, new mercies, and faithfulness in challenging times.
 
Key Points
God’s steadfast love never ceases and is unconditional.
God’s mercies are new every morning, offering fresh starts daily.
God’s faithfulness provides hope even in difficult seasons.
In This Episode

You will gain encouragement for difficult seasons, as you’re reminded of God’s unfailing love and daily mercies. You’ll receive practical insights on finding hope in God’s faithfulness during challenging times, helping you foster a sense of renewal and perseverance in your faith journey.
 
Connect with Kim
•Website: fulljoyministries.com
•Email: kim@cusimano.us
 
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Chosen to Produce Fruit

Episode 5: Chosen to Produce Fruit
 
Na’Kedra Rodgers, a Christian motivational speaker, teacher, author, entrepreneur, and conference host from Fort Worth, Texas, joins Angela to discuss John 15:16 and its impact on believers’ lives. With her tagline “Living life out loud and encouraging women to live optimistically,” Na’Kedra shares insights on recognizing God’s choice of us, the importance of abiding in Christ, and bearing fruit for His kingdom.
 
Key Points
God chooses us; we don’t choose Him.
The importance of abiding in Christ to bear fruit.
Trusting God’s plan and walking in His purpose.
Empowering women to recognize their worth in God.
This episode offers encouragement for your faith journey, reminding us of our identity as chosen by God. It provides practical insights on how to abide in Christ and produce lasting fruit in our lives, fostering a sense of purpose and connection to our divine calling.
 
Connect with Na’Kedra
•Website: NaKedraRodgers.com
•Social Media: @optimisticallyKe on Facebook and Instagram
 
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Anticipating God's Goodness on Earth

Life as Worship - Episode 4: Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth
In this inspiring episode of Life as Worship, host Angela Mackey welcomes award-winning author and speaker Sara Cormany. Together, they delve into the profound message of Psalm 27:13, exploring how we can anticipate and recognize God’s goodness even in life’s most challenging moments.
 
Sara, who has battled chronic illness for over 20 years, shares her journey of faith and how it led her to write the devotional “Even When: It Is a Blessing to Your Soul.” The conversation weaves through the context of Psalm 27, written by David during a time of great adversity, and how its teachings apply to our modern lives.
 
Key topics include:
 
•Finding intimacy with God through honest inquiry and seeking His presence
•Gaining perspective through difficult experiences
•Learning to surrender control and trust in God’s strength
•Practical ways to see God’s goodness in everyday life
•The importance of using personal struggles to encourage others
 
This episode offers listeners an exploration of faith, resilience, and the constant presence of God’s goodness, even in our darkest hours. Sara’s personal insights and the scriptural wisdom discussed provide a roadmap for living a life of worship amidst life’s challenges.
 
Whether you’re facing hardships or seeking to deepen your faith, this conversation will inspire you to anticipate God’s goodness in your own life and find joy in unexpected places.
 
Sara Cormany website: www.saracormany.com
 
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Faith, Salvation, and Grace

Cortney Stanton joins me as we discuss Romans 10:9. What does it mean that we confess and are saved? How does that change the way we live our lives? Dig in with Cortney and I as we seek to live our lives as worship.
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