Life As Worship

Finding Peace Because Grace Abounds

Do you long for a life of peace? Join us this week as we discover how God gives us peace through His grace.
Julie Sanders, partnership developer for Live Global and longtime friend of Angela, brings her global perspective and deep love for Romans to this episode. Together, they dig into Romans 5:20-21, exploring how God’s grace not only meets but overcomes the depth of human brokenness. Julie shares how this truth has shaped her life, her ministry, and her understanding of peace, hope, and purpose-even in a world marked by suffering.
Episode Highlights
Julie explains how Paul’s letter to the Romans lays out the contrast between law and grace, and why Romans 5 is a message of hope for anyone longing for peace with God.
They discuss how the law was given to reveal our need for a Savior, not to condemn us, and how God’s grace “hyper-abounds” over every kind of sin and brokenness.
Julie shares how studying her own family history led her to see that “where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more”-and why this gives hope for every generation.
The conversation explores what it means to let grace, not guilt or comparison, shape our relationships and our view of ourselves.
Julie offers practical encouragement for living out the truth of Romans 5:20-moving from striving and self-reliance to resting in the peace and purpose that only Jesus brings.
Great Quotes 
“Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. It was hyper abundant beyond what I can even imagine.”
“No other religion offers that kind of a loving rescue from the one who made us.”
“God knows exactly what you’re like and there’s no one else that loves you like he does or desires for you to find reconciliation as much as he does.”
“The law shouldn’t make you feel completely helpless. The law should help turn your heart towards Jesus.”
“God has provided this merciful, creative, loving, sacrificial way that we can overcome the death that our ancestor Adam gave us as an inheritance.”
Resources Mentioned
•Scripture Focus: Romans 5:20-21
•Related Passage: Galatians 3:24
•Julie’s Website: juliesanders.org
•Devotional: “Expectant” (for new moms, available on Amazon. Affiliate link.)
 
Related Episodes
•Ep. 8: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna) 
•Ep. 4: “Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth” (Sara Cormany)
•Ep. 9: “God Sings Over You” (Karen Dorsey)
 
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Continually Growing Deeper in Relationship with Jesus

Has your relationship with God ever felt stagnant or shallow? 
 
Lisa Meiners, founder of Deeper Still Ministries, Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher, joins Angela to explore Colossians 2:6-7. Lisa shares her passion for helping believers move beyond surface faith to a deeply rooted, overflowing life in Christ. Together, they discuss how spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, why discipleship matters, and how gratitude naturally flows from a life built on Jesus.
 
Episode Highlights
The conversation unpacks the context of Colossians, focusing on Paul’s encouragement to stand firm in the truth and supremacy of Christ.
Lisa explains the importance of discipleship and why following Jesus is an ongoing journey, not just a one-time decision.
Angela and Lisa discuss what it means to let your roots grow deep in Christ and to build your life on Him for stability in every season.
The episode explores how a life rooted in Christ naturally leads to gratitude and impacts others through everyday interactions.
Great Quotes 
“Colossians is more than what a flannelgraph board could ever represent for our faith.”
“You must continue to follow him… Discipleship is an ongoing journey, not a one-time decision.”
“Let your roots grow down into him… There’s a permission, there’s a surrender, there’s an action in that word ‘let.’”
“When we’re rooted in Jesus, we can’t help but continue to grow and to be built up and to continue to become more and more like Jesus because our roots are in him.”
“If my coffee cup overflows, it’s because I have so much delicious coffee in there that the cup can’t hold it.”
Resources Mentioned
 
•Scripture Focus: Colossians 2:6-7
•Deeper Still Ministries: deeperstillministries.com
 
Related Episodes
Ep. 9: “God Sings Over You” (Karen Dorsey) 
Ep. 2: “Walking by the Spirit” (Cally Logan)
Ep. 8: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna) 
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How to Reap Joy When We Sow in Tears

Kristi Lowe, host of the Even If podcast, joins Angela for a vulnerable and hope-filled conversation on Psalm 126:5-6. Kristi shares how grief, disappointment, and even “hot mess” seasons can be holy ground when we let God till our hearts and trust Him with our tears. Together, they explore how joy and sorrow often coexist, and how God’s faithfulness brings a harvest-sometimes in ways we never expect.
Episode Highlights
•Sowing in Tears
•Joy and Sorrow Together
•Letting God Do the Growing
•What Are You Planting? 
•Becoming and Belonging
 
Great Quotes 
“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”
“There is sadness and beauty, there is joy and there is heartache. And they just coexist and they are at peace with being in each other’s presence.”
“God tells us to plant and to harvest. He never tells us to grow. That’s His job.”
“All He really wants is us to trust Him and then to say thank you. And sometimes the thank you is the hardest thing to say in the darkness.”
“Every little step that we make, every tiny step we make towards the Father, He blesses us beyond measure for it.”
 
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:5-6 
Kristi’s Podcast: Even If Podcast
Kristi's Website: kristilowe.com
Related Episodes
Ep. 8: “How to Never Give Up” (Laura Acuna) 
Ep. 9: “God Sings Over You” (Karen Dorsey) 
Ep. 4: “Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth” (Sara Cormany) 
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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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