Life As Worship

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) 
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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) 
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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) 
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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) 
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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) 
 
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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/
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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) 
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Have you ever wondered how you can do this life? And how in the world you can honor God while doing it? That is what we are talking about today!
 
Susie Crosby—author, teacher, and co-host of the Understand Your Bible podcast—joins Angela to explore the hope and power found in 2 Peter 1:3-4. Susie shares how God’s promises have carried her through seasons of change, loss, and uncertainty, and how we can experience “everything we need for life and godliness” right now. This episode is a gentle, practical invitation to step into God’s promises, hold on to hope, and discover joy even in the hardest days.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Susie discuss the context of 2 Peter, focusing on Peter’s encouragement to believers facing confusion, false teaching, and change.
The conversation unpacks 2 Peter 1:3-4, clarifying what it means to have “everything required for life and godliness” through God’s power, and how His promises are our “ticket” to experiencing His presence and nature.
Susie explains how clinging to God’s promises—especially in seasons of loss, transition, and the mundane—brings hope, stability, and a deep, abiding joy.
Listeners are encouraged to find and hold on to God’s promises for their own hard moments, and to remember that God’s invitation to fullness of life is for everyone, no matter where they are on the journey.
Great Quotes 
“Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God.”
“His promises are our ticket to participation in the life of God—don’t miss it.”
“He equips us for every aspect of life… we are already equipped, we need to trust that.”
“Even in the mundane, God is there giving us what we need for the next thing.”
“Don’t put it off. Do it now. Step into this life—don’t miss it.”
 
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 1:3-4 
Books by Susie Crosby:
Just One Word (devotional)
Lighthearted (devotional)
Where Is Sheep 100? (children’s book, coming soon)
Podcast: Understand Your Bible (with Angie Bauman)
Susie’s Website: susiecrosby.com
Related Episodes
Ep. 14: “Rooted and Built Up” (Lisa Meiners) 
Ep. 15: “Where Sin Multiplied, Grace Multiplied Even More” (Julie Sanders)
Ep. 20: “Strength for Every Season” (Janet McHenry)
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Have you ever been afraid and discouraged? Join Kelly Hall and I as we discuss how we can trade fear for the knowledge that God is holding us.
Kelly Hall, host of the Unshakable Hope podcast, author, and Bible teacher, joins Angela to unpack the hope and comfort found in Isaiah 41:10 and 41:13. With honesty and warmth, Kelly shares how God’s promise to be with us and help us—especially in seasons of loss, disappointment, and uncertainty—has anchored her faith. Together, they discuss how to trust God’s goodness, embrace His presence, and remain in conversation with Him, even when life doesn’t make sense.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Kelly explore the context of Isaiah, focusing on God’s faithfulness to His people even when they feel abandoned or confused by suffering.
The conversation unpacks the personal and powerful promises of Isaiah 41:10 and 41:13—God’s presence, His help, and His tender invitation to trust rather than fear.
Kelly offers practical ways to “remain” in God’s presence: putting your name in Scripture, rehearsing God’s faithfulness, and turning to worship and lament in hard times.
Listeners are encouraged to recognize and confront the lies of fear and suspicion, and to keep an ongoing, honest conversation with God as the key to unshakable hope.
Great Quotes 
“At the very root of fear is the lie that God has abandoned us and we have to fix everything ourselves.”
“You are with me and for me in all your wonder-working, sea-splitting, sun-stopping, water-walking, mountain-moving, obstacle-demolishing, death-defying love and power at all times.”
“We don’t believe something by merely saying we believe it… We believe something when we act like it’s true.”
“Remain in conversation with the Lord about everything that’s going on with you—don’t give up on God.”
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 41:10 & 41:13 
Kelly’s Website: kellyhall.org
Podcast: Unshakable Hope with Kelly Hall
Bible Study: Courageous Faith (by Kelly Hall)
Related Episodes
Ep. 6: “The Steadfast Love of the Lord” (Kim Cusimano) 
Ep. 13: “Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy” (Kristi Lowe) 
Ep. 20: “Strength for Every Season” (Janet McHenry) 
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Have you ever been sure there is something you cannot do or you are just sure someone else should do it? 
 
Janet McHenry, award-winning author of 27 books (including PrayerWalk and Praying Personalities), joins Angela to explore the real meaning of Philippians 4:13. Janet shares how God’s strength has carried her through seasons of uncertainty, career changes, and personal trials. Together, they discuss what it means to “do all things through Christ,” the importance of learning contentment, and how God provides strength—often through community and vulnerability—when life feels overwhelming.
 
Episode Highlights
Angela and Janet discuss the context of Philippians, focusing on Paul’s imprisonment, his encouragement to the Philippians, and the deeper meaning of “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The conversation unpacks how contentment is learned over time and how God equips us for whatever He calls us to do—even when it feels beyond our reach.
Janet shares personal stories of God’s strength in her life, from career transitions to walking through her husband’s wrongful conviction and her sister’s battle with cancer.
Practical encouragement for listeners: God’s strength is often provided through community, vulnerability, and the willingness to ask for help—not just through individual grit.
 
Great Quotes 
“I truly can do that which God has called me to do.”
“Sometimes God’s strength comes through community, and we need to be vulnerable enough to say, ‘Help.’”
“Contentment doesn’t mean we don’t try to change our situation; it means we trust God to give us what we need in every circumstance.”
“God allows difficult circumstances in our lives to bring us closer to Him.”
“When you see God’s work in your life day by day, your natural response is to give Him praise and thanksgiving.”
 
Resources Mentioned
Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:13 
Janet’s Website: janetmchenry.com – Free ebook: Prayer Helps: Scripture-Based Prayers When You Don’t Know How to Pray
Book: PrayerWalk, Praying Personalities, and more by Janet McHenry (affiliate links)
 
Related Episodes
Ep. 13: “Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy” (Kristi Lowe) 
Ep. 14: “Growing Deep Roots in Jesus” (Lisa Meiners) 
Ep. 15: “Grace Abounds All the More” (Julie Sanders)
 
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