Life As Worship

Permissible and Beneficial: How God is Calling us to Live in Freedom

Have you ever struggled to decide what is the best decision? In some ways you want someone to give you all the answers and yet that checklist becomes a heavy burden. This week on the podcast we discuss how God is calling us to freedom as we discover the difference between what is beneficial and what is permissible.
Angela is joined by Brandice Lardner—certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, bestselling author, and “Jesus girl”—for a fresh, freedom-filled conversation about 1 Corinthians 6:12. Brandice unpacks how to move from diet rules and self-mastery to a life ruled by Christ’s grace, and how this principle applies far beyond food to every area where something threatens to master us. If you’ve ever struggled with food, perfectionism, or finding your worth, this episode will refocus you on how freedom in Christ leads to true health and deep peace.
 
Episode Highlights
Freedom in Christ doesn’t mean living by rules or by license, but daily surrender and walking in the Spirit—letting His fruit guide both practical and personal choices.
How to know what’s beneficial: Does it foster the fruit of the Spirit? Is it loving, peace-producing, fueled by self-control, or bringing others closer to Christ?
Real-life stories of getting it wrong (and why freedom in Christ means it’s okay to learn and grow!)
Key takeaway: true spiritual and physical health flows from relationship with God, not rule-keeping or self-mastery.
Great Quotes
“I realized I had the right to do anything—but that freedom is actually a higher standard, a call to glorify God, not myself.”
“If you’re feeding yourself—or living—through the lens of love, joy, peace, and self-control, you’ll find what’s truly beneficial.”
“It comes down to: is what I’m doing dominated by Jesus, or am I mastered by something else?”
“God calls our bodies His temple, so our worth and choices aren’t about food, but who He says we are.”
“The closer we get to God’s peace, the more distasteful anything else feels. Focus on the solution, not the problem.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-13
Brandice’s Website: gracefilledplate.com
Brandice on Facebook
Brandice on Instagram
Coaching Program
Related Episodes
Ep. 8: We Do Not Lose Heart (Laura Acuna) 
Ep. 14: Rooted and Built Up (Lisa Meiners) 
Ep. 27: When Your World Ends (Dawn Mann Sanders) 
Life as Worship NewsletterFor devotions, small group questions and updates: Subscribe Here

But First God's Kingdom: Processing and Growing through Hard Seasons

Have you ever wondered how you will make it through a difficult season? Join me as we discuss how seeking God's kingdom first changes everything.
Angela welcomes trainer and faith-filled speaker Natalie Harris to discuss Matthew 6:33. Natalie shares how realignment to God’s priorities—and not her own anxiety or striving—brought her hope, healing, and new direction after personal upheaval. The conversation explores God’s promises, what kingdom living practically looks like, and offers encouragement for anyone longing for authentic faith in daily life.
 
Episode Highlights
Matthew’s context: Jesus as Messiah, fulfilling prophecy, and providing practical wisdom for living out kingdom values.
This verse sits in the Sermon on the Mount—in a section where Jesus addresses worry about provision, urging listeners instead to make God’s reign and standards their first priority.
“Kingdom” means putting God’s will and ways first; “righteousness” is practical obedience and love, even when it’s hard.
Natalie’s story: seeking God became crucial after a 35-year relationship ended; aligning daily with God’s priorities brought comfort, purpose, and provision, though the journey was slow and often required faith step by step.
Practical encouragement: seeking first means daily (even moment-by-moment) realignment, honest prayer, gratitude, and integrating faith into all parts of life.
Great Quotes
“When I am seeking his kingdom and his righteousness, he will add to me what I need—emotionally, spiritually, in every area.”
“Kingdom living means making God’s purpose my priority, and trusting he’ll take care of the rest.”
“My own efforts brought me anxiety and depression, but when I truly put God first, he delivered comfort, clarity, and blessing.”
“Sometimes realignment is needed every minute, not just every day—and God is gentle and patient as we come back.”
“God shows up in the little things—are we looking for him?”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture: Matthew 6:33
Natalie's Website: inspiredpathways.net
Email: natalie@inspiredpathways.net
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
Related Episodes
Ep. 8: We Do Not Lose Heart (Laura Acuna)
Ep. 14: Rooted and Built Up (Lisa Meiners)
Ep. 27: When Your World Ends (Dawn Mann Sanders)
Life as Worship NewsletterFor weekly devotions, small group questions and updates: Subscribe Here

Trusting God: Our Rock and Refuge

Have you ever felt like life was hitting you like a hurricane? Did you long for something solid to stand upon or a refuge to run to?
Author and travel enthusiast Shelley Picard joins Angela for a vibrant, hope-filled conversation anchored in Psalm 18:2—“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer…” Shelley shares how, after a traumatic brain injury, God became her true refuge and deliverer—not just in theory, but in daily, practical, sometimes messy reality. This episode lights the way for anyone longing to “choose happy” and live out their God-given purpose, no matter life’s unexpected detours.
Episode Highlights
Angela and Shelly unpack the psalm’s rich background—a song of victory and gratitude written by David after deliverance from enemies and the hand of Saul, filled with big emotions, honesty, and worship.
The “horn of salvation”—a symbol of strength, power, and divine anointing.
Practical Wisdom: They explore the difference between simply knowing about God as refuge and actually crawling into that “cave” of safety—how authentic worship and trust begin by recognizing our dependence, not performance.
Shelly shares her story of falling, brain injury, and year-long rehabilitation. God stripped away her self-reliance and old identity, taught her new dependence, and awakened her to deeper ministry and joy alongside her husband, family, and community.
Great Quotes
“Every person walking the face of this earth is looking for joy … I choose to look for God’s joy in the day.”
“It’s not just that He’ll take care of you; you truly physically, emotionally, and spiritually feel His care.”
“I knew that He’d brought me to this, even if I didn’t understand it, and He was going to ride it with me all the way through.”
“God will never ask you to do something alone. Nothing He calls you to is ever without His presence and power.”
“If we’re not fulfilling our fullest role in Christ’s kingdom, the body is weaker … Ask Him, What next, Lord?—then step out in joy.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Psalm 18:2
Website: shelleypicard.com
Email: spicard1116@gmail.com
Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18
Related Episodes
Ep. 21: “Held in His Hand” (Kelly Hall)
Ep. 8: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna)
Ep. 27: “When Your World Ends: Beginning Again with God” (Dawn Mann Sanders)
Life as Worship Newsletter
For devotions, small group questions, and updates: Subscribe Here

Praising God When He Gives and When He Takes

What is your response when life is really hard? Do you shake your fist at God? Stiff-arm Him? Or do you worship Him even in the darkest times? Join me this week as Kelly Arena and I discuss how to worship God even in the darkness.
Angela welcomes Florida-based speaker and ministry leader Kelly Arena for a powerful conversation anchored in Job 1:20-21. Kelly’s story of chronic illness, grief, and everyday surrender brings authenticity and hope to those navigating loss and uncertainty. Together, they unpack the raw lament and astonishing worship of Job, discover the miracle of praising God in pain, and offer practical ways to move “from weary to worship,” no matter the season.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Kelly explore the Book of Job—how it reveals God’s sovereignty, Job’s real wrestling with grief, and the permission God gives to lament honestly.
The conversation centers on Job 1:20-21, where Job, after losing his livelihood and all his children, mourns deeply but turns to worship, declaring, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Kelly describes chronic pain and repeated griefs, sharing how turning regularly to gratitude, worship music, and honest prayer built the backbone she needed to continue saying, “blessed be His name” through suffering.
Listeners are encouraged that worship in pain isn’t a work of willpower—it’s possible by God’s Spirit, sometimes minute-by-minute.
Great Quotes
“No matter what weary things we’re facing, God is always worthy of our worship.”
“Worship in the hard is built in the ordinary. If you practice worship in the good, you have a backbone for the grief.”
“Sometimes all I could do was play worship music and let it wash over me—He met me there, and that memory became an anchor.”
“It’s not that we always want to, but we choose by God’s grace to say, ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord.’”
“Gratitude lists—even for just small things or for God’s character—will keep your heart soft and help you move from weary to worship.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Job 1:20-21 
Kelly’s website: fromwearytoworship.com
Instagram: @from_weary_to_worship
Worship Song: “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman
Related Episodes
Ep. 18: “Hope, Persevering, AND Devotion to Prayer” (Nicole Clark)
Ep. 8: “Sowing Tears and Reaping Joy” (Kristi Lowe) 
Ep. 15: “Being Upheld by His Hand" (Kelly Hall) 
Life as Worship Newsletter
For devotions, small group questions, and updates: Subscribe Here

Forgiving as the Lord Forgave

Do you struggle to forgive? Maybe you have been through something horrific and you cannot imagine offering forgiveness. Join Deedy Tripp and I as we discuss forgiving through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Deedy Tripp—conference speaker, Bible teacher, and survivor—is Angela’s guest for a vulnerable conversation about Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:14-15. Deedy shares her deeply personal journey from a childhood marked by abuse and betrayal to a life transformed by the freeing power of forgiveness. She explains that forgiveness isn’t optional for believers—but it isn’t easy, either. Through honest stories and biblical insight, this episode offers help, hope, and wisdom for anyone wrestling with the call to forgive.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Deedy read Matthew 6:14-15, clarifying what Jesus did—and did not—mean by linking our forgiveness of others with God’s forgiveness of us.
Deedy opens up about her experience of childhood sexual abuse, her initial refusal to forgive, and how years of wrestling with God and His Word led her to real freedom and even reconciliation.
The conversation covers key truths:
Forgiveness is for your freedom and healing, not your abuser’s benefit.
Forgiveness does NOT mean returning to an unsafe situation or excusing injustice; boundaries and justice are both biblical.
True forgiveness is a choice and a process, not a one-time feeling—and it may take years and daily surrender.
God uses our surrendered pain for the healing of others, sometimes in ways far beyond what we could imagine.
Great Quotes 
“If we refuse to forgive, we’re saying we’re better than Jesus. He forgave us for everything—we can’t act as if we’re above forgiveness.”
“Forgiveness is for you… Holding onto anger and hatred is like putting a basket over the light Christ wants to shine in our hearts.”
“Forgiveness isn’t a checklist. It’s an act of love for Jesus because of what He’s done for us.”
“It is okay to seek justice for yourself or your children. Forgiveness does not excuse the crime.”
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die… You’re only hurting yourself.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:14-15 
Parable Referenced: The Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:21-35
Support & Contact: Deedy Tripp - deedy@deedytripp.com
Related Episodes
Ep. 9: “God Sings Over You” (Karen Dorsey) 
Ep. 20: “We Can Through Jesus” (Janet McHenry) 
Ep. 7: “Never Giving Up” (Laura Acuna) 
Life as Worship Newsletter
For devotions, small group questions, and updates: Subscribe Here

God's Creative Process for Rebuilding

Did you know that God is working in the midst of the chaos of life? He has a creative process to help you rebuild your life! 
 
Dawn Mann Sanders—Bible teacher, author of When Your World Ends, and associate minister and Director of Life Groups at FBCG International—joins Angela to explore Genesis 1:1-2 in a whole new light. Dawn shares how God’s creative process in the face of chaos models how we too can experience restoration after loss, disruption, or disappointment. With warmth and wisdom, she unpacks how to partner with God as He brings light, purpose, and new beginnings even when life feels formless, empty, or dark.
 
Episode Highlights
The conversation dives into Genesis 1:1–2—how the description of the earth as “formless, empty, and dark” mirrors the inner experience of deep grief, loss, or life’s upheavals.
Dawn explains the context of Genesis as Israel’s origin story, written by Moses to connect God’s creative power with His authority, presence, and ability to restore.
Exploration of the text’s imagery: God’s Spirit “hovering” in the dark, and how that speaks to God’s presence and power available to us during times of chaos and confusion.
Dawn details her “seven-step process” for creative restoration, drawn from the creation account, offering practical hope for partnering with God to rebuild after devastation.
Great Quotes 
“As long as we’re alive, what seems like an ending has the possibility to be a new beginning.”
“The Spirit of God was hovering… in the beginning, God was present. Even before we perceive that He’s moving, He’s moving.”
“We’re meant to partner with God for restoration. He wants us to rebuild our lives, and He provides both the blueprint and the community for it.”
"God breathes into us His creative power. Trauma can harden us, but when we go deep with Him, He prepares us for new structures, new understanding, and new life.”
“Restoration is possible. Trials come, but God’s creative process is available for all who will partner with Him.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Genesis 1:1-2 
Book: When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life by Dawn Mann Sanders (affiliate link)
Movement: Creative Restoration Movement & Rebuilder Circle (details and sign-up at dawnmannsanders.com)
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) 
Life as Worship Newsletter
For devotionals, small group questions, updates, and MORE: Subscribe Here

Finding Shelter Under the Wings of the Lord

Did you know that God promises not only to tenderly protect you like a mother bird, but also to give you the strong refuge of His faithful promises?
 
Award-winning flash fiction writer and storyteller Meg Wilson joins Angela to explore the beauty of Psalm 91:4. Meg shares her personal journey of moving to a new place, facing loneliness, and discovering God’s tender yet mighty protection. This episode offers hope and insight for anyone needing to experience God’s refuge—whether amid life’s big transitions, relational hardships, or seasons of insecurity.
 
Episode Highlights
The discussion traces the context of Psalms 90 and 91: Moses’ prayers, Israel’s journey, and God’s call to dwell in His presence for true protection.
Angela and Meg unpack the imagery in “He will cover you with his feathers,” explaining how God’s care is as tender as a mother bird and as strong as a shield—protecting us from the outside and inside.
Meg shares about walking through a difficult season after moving to Oklahoma, how loneliness drew her closer to God, and how God’s promises became her protection against self-doubt and insecurity.
The episode ends with encouragement to find Christian community, dive deeply into God’s Word, and let God’s promises serve as armor and peace for the journey.
Great Quotes
“God’s protection over his people is indescribably incredible. It’s as tender as a bird, but as strong as a shield.”
“When it’s really hot outside, the mother bird will use her wings and she’ll shade the chicks from the sun. And then when it’s really cold, she’ll use her wings and cover them and huddle with them to keep them warm. … God is protecting us from the things on the outside—and He cares about the state of our heart and the state of our mind, and He helps us with that too.”
“His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
“It was definitely a season of him…protecting what’s inside, and kind of like cuddling with me to protect my beliefs about who I am and about who he is.”
“It’s so hard to not internalize what people say about you, and to believe what the Lord says about you. … I think really practically just taking that time and spending it with Christ and then also finding that community for you.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Psalm 91:4 
Meg’s Website: meglwilson.com — links to her Substack, newsletter, and social accounts
Meg’s Award: First place in Flash Fiction at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference (2025)
Related Episodes
Ep. 4: “Anticipating God’s Goodness on Earth” (Sara Cormany) 
Ep. 9: “God Delights Over You” (Karen Dorsey) 
Ep. 8: “We Do Not Lose Heart” (Laura Acuna) 
Life as Worship Newsletter
For devotionals, Small Group Questions, and More: Subscribe Here

How to Publish God's Good Works

Have you ever wanted to tell others about God, but had no idea what to say? Join me this week as we talk about publishing God's good works.
Crystal Mayo—storyteller, author, and Louisiana native—joins Angela to share the heart behind Psalm 96:3: “Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.” Crystal’s journey from her mama’s beauty shop to children’s ministry, through health challenges and answered prayers, is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Together, they explore what it means to declare God’s goodness in everyday life, and how every believer can “publish” His works—whether through books, conversations, or simple acts of sharing hope.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Crystal discuss the context of Psalm 96—a song of praise calling all creation to proclaim God’s greatness, not just privately, but publicly and daily.
The conversation unpacks the meaning of “publish” in Psalm 96:3, exploring how every believer can declare God’s deeds—through writing, speaking, or simply telling one person what God has done.
Crystal shares the remarkable journey of writing and publishing her children’s book, Lucy’s Home, and how God used unexpected encounters, faithful friends, and divine timing to bring her story to life.
Listeners are encouraged that God is always at work behind the scenes, weaving stories and opening doors, and that sharing His goodness can be as simple as opening your eyes, noticing His work, and telling someone about it.
Great Quotes 
“We all can publish and tell the amazing things God has done. That’s what my life has been about.”
“God seems to be more magnified in community.”
“Open your eyes and see what He’s doing, and then go and tell—that’s your mission to publish.”
“When we step into being obedient to God’s call to publish His greatness, He will often bring us places we never imagined.”
“If you can’t see it, ask Him to give you the eyes.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Psalm 96:3 
Book: Lucy’s Home by Crystal Mayo - Affiliate link
Crystal’s Website: crystalhmayo.com
Lucy’s Summer Adventure: Hometown hunt and online story access
Related Episodes
Ep. 4: “Anticipating God's Goodness on Earth” (Sara Cormany) 
Ep. 14: “Rooted and Built Up” (Lisa Meiners) 
Ep. 13: “Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy” (Kristi Lowe) 
 
Life as Worship Newsletter
For devotions, small group questions, updates and MORE: Subscribe Here

Telling and Going So Others May Believe

Who told you about Jesus so that you came to faith in Him? Join us this week as we discuss how God has called us to go and tell so that others may believe!
Dr. Travis Young—church planter, pastor, and longtime friend—joins Angela to unpack the powerful call of Romans 10:13-15. Together, they discuss what it means to be saved, the “chain of necessity” that brings the gospel to every heart, and how each believer can play a part in God’s mission. Travis shares how this passage changed the trajectory of his ministry, leading him to plant Frontier Church in a fast-growing, underserved area of Texas. This episode is a practical and inspiring look at how the good news moves from one life to another—and how your life can be a link in the chain.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Travis discuss the context of Romans, focusing on Paul’s deep theology, the call to salvation, and the practical steps of sharing the gospel.
The conversation unpacks Romans 10:13-15, explaining the “chain of necessity”—sending, preaching, hearing, believing, calling, and salvation—and how God involves every believer in His mission.
Travis shares how this passage led him to plant Frontier Church in a rapidly growing, spiritually underserved part of Texas, and what it looks like to join God’s work—whether as a preacher, a sender, or a faithful witness in daily life.
Listeners are encouraged that you don’t have to be a pastor to have “beautiful feet”—God uses every gift, every act of obedience, and every relationship to spread His good news.
Great Quotes
“It would almost be cruel to have such hope of eternity and not share it with others.”
“There’s a world of ways we can be a witness for Christ… we all have hands and feet that can go and respond to the gospel call.”
“The chain of necessity: if there’s no sending, there’s no preaching; if there’s no preaching, there’s no hearing; if there’s no hearing, there’s no believing; if there’s no believing, there’s no calling; if there’s no calling, there’s no salvation.”
“God is creative and able to reach everybody He intends to reach.”
“Personal assurance of salvation leads us to peace with God—and then to sharing that peace with others.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Romans 10:13-15 
Frontier Church: frontierchurch.org
Email: Travis@frontierchurch.org
Support Frontier Church: frontierchurch.org/give
Related Episodes
Ep. 11: “God Redeems and Sustains” (Ryan Scantling)
Ep. 10: “Christ Lives in Us!” (Kathy Howard) 
Ep. 3: “Faith, Salvation, and Grace” (Cortney Stanton) 
Connect with Angela
Website: https://rethinkingmythinking.com/
For weekly devotions, small group questions, and more: Subscribe Here

Our Source of Living Water: God's Presence

Has life ever felt dry and difficult? Did you know that Jesus promised streams of living water for all who believe in Him? Join us as we discuss the source of living water.
Lisa Granger—host of A Woman’s Heart, radio personality, and encourager of women—joins Angela to explore the promise and invitation of John 7:38. Together, they unpack what it means to believe in Jesus and experience “rivers of living water” flowing from within. Lisa shares how abiding in Christ, rather than striving or people-pleasing, leads to a life of overflow, practical joy, and real worship—even in the midst of everyday demands and disappointments.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Lisa discuss the unique perspective of John’s gospel, focusing on Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and the context of John 7—Jesus’ bold proclamation during the Feast of Tabernacles.
The conversation unpacks John 7:38, clarifying the difference between believing about Jesus and truly abiding in Him, and how the Holy Spirit is the “living water” that fills and overflows from every believer.
Lisa shares practical ways to live out this promise: asking God for daily refreshment, serving others, and letting God—not people or achievements—fill your “bucket.”
Listeners are encouraged to stop striving, abide in Christ, and trust that God will give them all they need for life, joy, and purpose—moment by moment.
Great Quotes 
“When we believe and trust in Jesus, when we want to abide with Him and get close to Him, He’s going to give us what we need.”
“It’s not us, it’s Him in us, and us partnering with Him for things that matter for eternity.”
“Sometimes we need somebody with skin on, and that’s where we come in—we are the hands and feet of Jesus.”
“He’s so faithful to just give us more than we need. Too often we forget that.”
“The more and more we know who God is, the more and more we’re able to go, ‘Oh my goodness, He’s way bigger and way better than I ever imagined.’”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: John 7:38
Podcast: A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger
Website: lisagranger.com 
Facebook: @AWomansHeart
Instagram: @lisa.granger.wmbg
Related Episodes
Ep. 14: “Rooted and Built Up” (Lisa Meiners) 
Ep. 15: “Grace Multiplied Even More” (Julie Sanders) 
Ep. 22: “Everything You Need” (Susie Crosby) 
Life as Worship Newsletter
For a 9-day devotional, weekly devotions, small group questions, updates and MUCH MORE: Subscribe Here