Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

Ep. #304: Why Fruitful Habits Work Better Than Perfect Eating Plans

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

So many of us have tried to white-knuckle our way through one food plan after another.

But what if health isn’t about eating perfectly—but rather about building habits that actually bear good fruit in our lives?

In this episode, guest co-host Brandice Lardner and I unpack why “perfect eating plans” so often fail, especially for Highly Sensitive Christian women. Brandice introduces the idea of fruitful habits: flexible, grace-filled practices you can evaluate by their outcomes, not whether you followed every rigid rule.

We explore

how reflection (not rumination) helps you learn from your choices
why giving yourself permission actually reduces food obsessions
what it looks like to “marry wants with wisdom” without shame or fear

If you’re longing for a calmer, more sustainable approach to food—one rooted in grace, discernment, and real-life rhythms—this conversation offers a hopeful way forward.

Links mentioned:

Episode #303: "Why It's Hard to Trust Your Body — Especially Around Food"
- https://cherigregory.com/episode303/

Order Brandice's new book Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body
- https://amzn.to/3Z3q5SL

You can get her free 7-lesson "Faith > Food" email course right here
- https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/

Check out Brandice's Website: Grace Filled Plate
- https://GraceFilledPlate.com

Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz
- https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Grit and Grace: When Perfect Eating Plans Fail
(00:01:19) - How to Trust Your Own Body
(00:04:10) - Virtuous HABITS
(00:09:02) - Introspection and Self-Compassion
(00:15:33) - Why Is It So Hard to Overcome a Sugar Cravings?
(00:22:18) - Living on a Diet with the Spirit
(00:25:01) - Highly Sensitive Christian Women
(00:27:38) - Marathon Author: The MDP Team

Ep. #303: Why It’s Hard to Trust Your Body—Especially Around Food

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:47:52 +0000

Have you found that diets promise you control, clarity, and confidence—but all-too-often they deliver the exact opposite?

For many Highly Sensitive Christian women, diets come with hidden costs:

disconnection from our bodies
exhaustion from trying to “do it right”
confusion about who we can actually trust.

In today’s episode, guest co-host Brandice Lardner and I have an honest, grace-filled conversation about how food became a primary coping tool for so many of us at such a young age, why dieting typically backfires, and what it looks like to pursue health without pressure, fear, or shame.

If you’re ready to reframe your relationship with food through the lens of grace instead of rules, this conversation is a great place to start!

Links Mentioned:

Pre-Order Brandice's new book Fully Nourished: A Grace-Filled Approach to Ditch Diets and Find Peace with Food and Your Body
- https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Nourished-Grace-Filled-Approach-Ditch/dp/0800747038/

You can get her free 7-lesson "Faith > Food" email course right here
- https://gracefilledplate.com/faith-food-email-course/

Check out Brandice's Website: Grace Filled Plate
- https://GraceFilledPlate.com

Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz
- https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and the "Clarity in Your Calling" Mastermind
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Fooled by Dieting: For Christian Women
(00:01:02) - Grit and Grace: For Highly Sensitive Christian Women
(00:04:10) - Fully nourished: A Story of Recovery from Eating Disorders
(00:08:07) - What Makes Your Book Different From Dieting?
(00:10:33) - Self-Trust and Control
(00:15:27) - How to Cope Without Food
(00:18:45) - On Emotion Monitoring
(00:20:27) - How to Get Out of the Diet Rotation
(00:26:47) - Fully Nourished
(00:28:38) - Grit & Grace
(00:29:44) - Writing Coach Sheri Gregory

Ep. #302: The Gift of a Gentle Start—How to Ease Into the New Year

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:15:00 +0000

January can feel like everyone else hit the “GO” button while I'm still standing in my living room wondering if a bomb went off over the holidays.

If you’re still putting decorations away, finding glitter in places glitter shouldn't be, and feeling like you’re already behind on a year you just started, I want to invite you to take a breath — you’re not doing anything wrong.

Today I want to talk about the gift of a gentle start—especially for Highly Sensitive People.

No rushing into the new year.
No reinventing yourself with "New Year, New You!"
No pressure to hit the ground running. (In fact, you don't need to hit anything... )

I want to invite us to take a calmer, kinder approach to the new year.

Links:

Learn about The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/

Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz
- https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/

Chapters

(00:00:00) - A Quiet Start to the New Year
(00:00:58) - Grit and Grace
(00:01:43) - February 1st Is No Longer A New Year's Day
(00:04:25) - A Less Punishing New Year for Highly Sensitive People
(00:10:10) - The Siren Song of New Planner:

Ep. #301: Give Your "Widow's Mite" & Trust God to Supply His Might

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:23:42 +0000

Some adventures do more than stretch us — they transform us.

And today, Pam Watts is back in the guest co-host seat to share with us what God revealed during and after the experience she was still preparing for the last time we talked.

What began as doing something fun for something good became something sacred — reshaping her understanding of excellence, identity, rest, and God’s power at work through human weakness.

In our conversation, we explore:

A different definition of excellence
The gift of doing hard things in community
How offering our “widow’s mite” opens the door to experiencing God’s might

If you’re in a season of saying your own faith-based YOUR — or in the reflective time that comes after—this conversation is rich with clarity, insight, and wisdom.

Links & Resources mentioned:

Check out Pam's website: Faith-First Family Activity Coaching
- https://pamwatts.com/

Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz
- https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/
Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program and “Clarity with Your Calling” Mastermind with Cheri
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/
- http://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/clarity-in-your-calling-mastermind

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Grit and Grace
(00:01:04) - Grit and Grace: When Life Feels Too Comfortable
(00:03:49) - The Cast of 'Hamilton'
(00:05:48) - HSPs at the Halloween Parade
(00:06:48) - Adam Levine on His Performance
(00:08:50) - Pamela's All That Was Enough
(00:12:08) - The Wig Incident
(00:15:38) - How to Read Your Relationships
(00:16:11) - The Community That Helped Me Perform
(00:21:27) - The One-Step Less Alone
(00:23:46) - Pamela on Rest and Recovery
(00:30:02) - The Dance of No Expectation
(00:33:05) - Give Your Widow's Might

Ep. #300: How to Break the Silence: Moving Past "I Don't Know What to Say"

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:55:00 +0000

When someone we love is grieving, most of us fear saying the wrong thing. So we stay quiet, hoping our silence is better than a misstep. But for the bereaved, silence can feel like abandonment. In this episode, guest co-host, Cheri Fletcher and I discuss why connection matters so much more than perfect words. You'll hear how simple acts like prayers, texts, and thoughtful questions can bring lasting comfort. And you'll discover the power of initiating conversation with empathy and intentionality.

Links Referenced:

Grit 'n' Grace Episode #279: Surviving the Holidays — Help for When Your Heart Feels Heavy with Cheri Fletcher
- https://cherigregory.com/episode279/
Order Cheri Fletcher's "Beyond 'I Don't Know What to Say' Grief Communication Cards"
- https://cherifletcher.com/product/grief-cards/
Sign-Up for Cheri Fletcher's "Comfort in the Silence — A 5-Day Reflection on Walking With Grief"
- https://cherifletcher.com/joincheri/
Learn more about The Write Beside You Unlimited Coaching Program
- https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Why Connection Matters When Someone's Grieving
(00:00:41) - Grit and Grace
(00:01:48) - Grit and Grace: Sheri Fletcher
(00:03:56) - How Far Back Can You Look in Your Life?
(00:06:16) - The SILENCE of Grief
(00:10:36) - Grief 2: Harder than Year 1
(00:16:55) - How to Comfort a Grieving Mother's Soul
(00:19:51) - I Don't Know What to Say
(00:24:08) - Annie's Cards
(00:26:48) - The Unboxing of A Book
(00:27:52) - Grieving Mothers' Question Cards
(00:32:14) - Celebrating Comfort in the Silence
(00:34:19) - Sherry Gregory on Grit & Grace

Ep. #299: Teaching Highly Sensitive Kids How to Truly Thrive (Not Just Survive)

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 01:15:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If I'd known how to honor my sensitivity sooner, maybe life wouldn't have felt like such a fight to survive"?

If so, you're not alone. And today's episode explores what it looks like—in real life—to thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person.

My guest co-host is best-selling author Dr. Judith Orloff, and we're talking about her new children's book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. It's a sweet story that helps HSP kids (and tender-hearted grown-ups!) build everyday tools for boundary-setting, emotional balance, and self-trust.

We discuss how to turn "crybaby" moments into connection, how to reframe empathy as courage, and how to nurture that inner child who still needs to be seen and soothed.

This conversation offers fresh insight and gentle practices to help every sensitive soul—young or grown—thrive with confidence and self-compassion.

Links mentioned:

Ep. #298: Adventure, Not Overwhelm — How to Say a Faith-Based "Yes" to What You Value Most

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:28:00 +0000

Do you ever wonder if you're a true Highly Sensitive Person because you love meaningful adventures or crave experiences that make you feel alive? It turns out that many HSPs are also High Sensation Seekers, which often feels like you're living with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake. But this isn't about chasing adrenaline; it's about seeking depth, richness, and significance. In today's conversation, my guest co-host Pam Watts and I dive into what it means to say a faith-based "yes" to opportunities that feel bigger than us. Pam pulls back the curtain on her current adventure — preparing to dance on stage for a cause she deeply values — and shares the very real tensions of excitement, discomfort, and determination.

This episode will encourage you to look for your own faith-based "yes"es — whatever size they may be, and wherever they may take you. Links & Resources mentioned:

"Vote" for Pam in Dancing with the Waco Stars https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dancing-with-waco-stars-voting-2025-tickets-1548506768429
Check out Pam's website: Faith-First Family Activity Coaching https://pamwatts.com/

Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/
Learn about the "Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/wby-unlimited-coaching-program/

Ep. #297: The Holiness of Ordinary Help — Why Being Present Matters

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 23:45:00 +0000

Do you ever wonder if your help actually matters? You show up, you do what you can, and later your Inner Critic whispers, You didn't make any real difference. But what if you don't have to be the expert, the fixer, or the hero who "saves the day"? In today's conversation, my guest co-host Marisa Terrell and I discuss why your presence, rather than your performance, is often the greatest gift you can give. You'll hear how ordinary presence can calm chaos, restore hope, and reflect God's heart. Consider this episode your permission slip to stop second-guessing and start trusting the quiet power of simply showing up.

Links mentioned:

Episode #296: Why Biblical Hope is Always an Invitation, Never a Demand

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:39:00 +0000

Do you sometimes say "no" to hope … without even realizing it? Many of us protect ourselves from yet another disappointment by distancing ourselves from the very experiences God is inviting us into. In today's heartfelt conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse and I explore why biblical hope is never a demand to "cheer up" or "try harder," but always a gentle, persistent invitation to receive good things — at a pace that feels safe. You'll learn to notice God's quiet nudges, release unrealistic expectations, and rest in the hope that meets you right where you are, right now.

Links Mentioned:

Episode #295: NOT a Bait and Switch—What Biblical Hope Looks Like in Real Life

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:10:00 +0000

Do you sometimes feel like hope is nothing more than a setup for heartbreak? If you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you've probably spent your life preparing for worst-case scenarios and bracing for impact — especially when it feels like life keeps pulling the rug right out from under you.

In this episode, Danielle Grosse returns as my guest co-host as we explore how true hope meets us gently in the tension between fear and faith. You'll learn how to recognize false hope, notice God's presence in small but meaningful ways, and discover why biblical hope never rushes you, never shames you, and never disappoints you.

Links Mentioned:

Episode #294: Healing at a Gentle Pace—Why We Need Tender Words & Ample Time

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:48:00 +0000

In a world obsessed with "quick fixes," Highly Sensitive Persons can feel perpetually stuck — as if growing slowly means something's gone terribly wrong. But deep healing does NOT happen by force or formula. So in this episode, we offer you a gentler invitation:

to drop the timeline
to honor the pace of your body and heart, and
to trust that so-called "delayed" healing is still holy ground.

Through Danielle Grosse's tender story of recovering while writing, we explore how gentle truths and soul-safe collaboration can help HSPs mend. Not by "powering through" but by finding refuge in the One who heals our deepest hurts.

Links Mentioned:

Episode #293: Come Out of Hiding—Your Invitation to Step into Healing

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 03:22:00 +0000

Have you ever felt boxed in — by life, grief, expectations, or old labels you just can't shake? Today, Danielle Grosse returns as my co-host, along with a group of our friends, as we explore what it means to step into healing … even when it feels risky or unfamiliar. You'll hear how one powerful story is helping women tend to the hurting parts of their hearts in unexpected ways — and how realizing "you don't live in a box now" can change everything. If your own HSP heart longs for gentle hope, safe connection, and the courage to believe healing has already begun, this episode is for you!

Links mentioned:

Danielle's book The Boy, the Boxer, and the Yellow Rose: Because You're Not Lost. You're Healing.
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode293

Episode #292: Equip Your Future Self—How to Maximize What You Learn from a Big Decision

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 21 May 2025 22:21:00 +0000

The decision is done — so why does your body still feel like it's bracing for impact? It's like your brain was on board but your body missed the memo.

If you know that feeling, you are not alone. For those of us with Sensory Processing Sensitivity, dealing with the aftermath of so much sensory strain can be intense:

second-guessing
self-recrimination
shame spirals

In this episode, we'll explore the question, "How do you learn and grow from what just happened—especially when parts of the process were hard?" I'll share what I've been learning about post-decision recovery, reflection, and documentation of your hard-won wisdom.

So if you're craving closure that's kind rather than self-critical, you'll gain the tools you need to find peace in the present and to Equip Your Future Self!

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode292

Episode #291: Stand Your Ground — How to Make Confident Decisions and Move Forward

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:06:00 +0000

Does decision-making leave you feeling pushed around — by others and even by your own brain?

For so many Highly Sensitive Persons, high-stakes choices can feel like we're navigating a minefield while wearing a blindfold!

In this episode, my analytically-minded son Jonathon reveals how external pressure can sway us during important decisions. And I'll share strategies to calm the inner turmoil so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

You'll walk away with practical tools to recognize unhealthy pressure, protect your peace, and stand your ground — with others and with yourself.

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode291

Episode #290: Change Your Mind — Why 'Trying On' Options Helps You Make Wise Decisions

Cheri Gregory — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 17:25:00 +0000

When you feel like you're always second-guessing yourself, it's tempting to idealize being a "one-and-done" decision-maker! But what if changing your mind isn't a sign of weakness but actually a sign of wisdom? In this episode, we're tackling the myth that Highly Sensitive Persons are "wishy-washy." You'll learn how "trying on" different options can

free you from the guilt of sunk costs,
help you honor your real-time needs, and
lead to better choices in the long-run.

You'll also gain permission to update out-dated decisions, while embracing God's grace as you grow. Changing your mind does not make you flaky. So often, it simply means that you're paying attention!

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode290

Episode #289: Take Your Time — How to Make Decisions You Won't Regret

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:36:00 +0000

In a world that idealizes instant answers and snap decisions, Highly Sensitive Persons often get labeled hesitant ... indecisive ... over-thinking. But what if your HSP brain and body are not motivated by being told to "Hurry Up"? What if your soul responds to pressure by asking, "Can we please slow down?" What if you need a counter-cultural approach to decision-making?

In this episode, I share a real-life story of navigating a big decision (with a looming deadline) as an HSP who is, by definition, a reflective thinker. You'll learn how scripture, curiosity, and community can lead to clarity and confidence. If you, too, struggle with decision-making, I hope you'll find encouragement to honor your God-given pace and—whenever possible—to Take. Your. Time.

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode289

Episode #288: Why Asking for What You Want (and Actually Getting It!) Feels So Wrong

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:23:00 +0000

Why does getting what you want sometimes feel so wrong? You finally speak up, advocate for yourself, and even win—but instead of feeling victorious, you're hit with guilt, second-guessing, or a sudden urge to backtrack. What is up with that? Well, in this episode, I'm sharing a real-life situation that left me wondering ...

why asking for what I want feels so uncomfortable
why getting what I want can feel so much worse than just going with the flow, and
how this is all tangled up with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and a deep DEEP desire for certainty.

So if you've ever struggled to stand your ground, let's talk about how to move forward with confidence—minus the emotional whiplash!

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode288

Episode #287: From 'Not Enough' to Beloved—How to Reframe Your Beliefs about Enoughness

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 02:52:00 +0000

Do you sometimes get caught up in the cycle of feeling 'not enough'? If so, you're not alone! In this episode, Amy Carroll returns as my guest co-host, and we get real about the questions of "enough-ness" that so many of us wrestle with, especially as Highly Sensitive Christian Women. In this deeply personal conversation, Amy opens her heart around the worry Am I enough? while I share my life-long struggles with wondering Am I DOING enough? Throughout this episode, you'll discover practical ways to identify and shift the beliefs that keep you stuck in overthinking, overworking, and self-doubt. You can embrace your identity as God's beloved … and you can learn to discern when enough is truly enough.

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode287

Episode #286: The Heart of a Helper — Loving Your People without Losing Yourself

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:45:00 +0000

Are you the person everyone turns to — because you're the peacemaker, the caregiver, the one who always says yes — but deep down you're running on empty? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, guest co-host Danielle Grosse explores "the Heart of a Helper" and helps us understand why those of us who love to serve often struggle to receive. She shares

why it's so difficult to admit when we need help,
how we can let others pour back into us, and
what happens when we finally give ourselves permission to heal.

If helping others has ever felt like both your greatest joy and your heaviest burden, this episode is for you. Join us for a discussion full of grace, wisdom, and real-life encouragement and that offers a new perspective on what it truly means to serve well as HSPs—without sacrificing your own well-being.

Links mentioned:

Danielle's website
- Sign up for Danielle's newsletter ... which includes "Just Ask Dani"
- Take Danielle's quiz "The Heart of a Helper: Uncover What You Need Right Now"
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/
Enroll in "Overcome Procrastination & JUST WRITE: 7 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Get Your Words Flowing" https://writebesideyou.com/join/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode286

Episode #285: Different, Not Defective — Why We Each Experience Life in Such Unique Ways

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:03:00 +0000

Have you ever had someone tell you, "You're just imagining things," or "It can't be that loud" (or that bright or that itchy)? If you're a Highly Sensitive Person, you've been there. Other people's reactions to your heightened perceptions can feel isolating, even invalidating. But your experiences aren't wrong; they're uniquely yours. So in this episode, we're looking at how our DNA shapes the way we sense and respond to the world and what that means for those of us who are HSPs. We're also talking about why it's vital to listen to, learn from, and care for the HSP body that God has entrusted to you. Your differences aren't defects — your differences are divine!

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode285

Episode #284: Made a Mistake? How to Stop Self-Blaming & Start Receiving Grace

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:53:00 +0000

Have you ever felt crushed under the weight of a mistake, convinced it's too big to fix? Whether it's a literal mess or a relational misstep, we often respond by piling on guilt, shame, and endless self-blame. But what if there's another way? In this episode, I share the story of a literal spill that led to a deep reflection on responsibility, self-blame, and the gift of grace. We'll talk about how to figure out what's actually yours to own, how to stop beating yourself up for every little thing, and how to open your heart to God's grace—even in life's sticky situations. If you're ready to stop over-owning every mess and start letting grace lead the way, this episode is for you!

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode284

Episode #283: Your Voice Matters — How to Speak Up with Clarity and Grace

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:59:00 +0000

Do you ever feel hesitant to speak up for yourself? Today we're taking a deep dive into the messy and rewarding realities of candid communication!

From navigating subtle hints to standing firm in your voice, guest co-host Amy Carroll and I share personal stories, practical insights, and a paradigm shift that caught me off-guard. You'll discover why "clarity is kind," learn how to balance honesty with grace, and gain tips for approaching even the toughest conversations with confidence. Listen in to this candid convo about candid convos filled with wisdom, wit, and the occasional buzzzzz of "aha moments"!

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe/
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode Webpage: https://CheriGregory.com/episode283

Episode #282: Big Ideas, Small Steps: How to Break Through Resistance and Overwhelm

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:08:00 +0000

Do you love dreaming, brainstorming, and making big plans … but then get completely stuck when it's time to actually #DoTheThing? As the year wraps up, it's easy to look back at 2024 and feel disappointed (and maybe even guilty) over all the things you meant to do but didn't quite get to. Friend, you are not alone! HSPs often stall out when the details become overwhelming or resistance starts creeping in. So in this episode, we're talking about why this happens, how procrastination might actually be protecting you, and—best of all—how you can move forward without guilt, shame, or forcing yourself to push through. Listen in to learn how small, gentle steps can help you build momentum in a way that honors your unique wiring.

Links mentioned:

HSP Coaching with Cheri
"Write Beside You" Short-Term Coaching with Cheri
"Write Beside You" Unlimited Coaching Program with Cheri
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz
The book I mentioned to Marisa: Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert

Episode #281: Peace on the Go: 5 Tips for Less Stress During Travel and Big Events

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Have you ever found yourself dreading holiday travel, parties, and programs — while everyone around you seems sooo excited? For many of us, all the seasonal festivities can quickly become an overwhelming avalanche of stress, overstimulation, and exhaustion. And then, we end up feeling guilty for not being able to "just roll with it" … or even ashamed that we can't focus on "the reason for the season." So today, we're exploring:

why travel and big events can take such a huge toll on us
how past choices have made things harder than necessary
how-to tips for navigating holiday trips and group gatherings.

With intentional planning, you can honor your God-given HSP wiring and truly en-joy the most wonderful time of the year.

Links mentioned:

World's Softest Socks https://worldssoftest.com/

"How to Quickly Calm Your Overwhelmed Heart" eCourse https://CheriGregory.com/calm/

Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/

Episode #280: Preventing Burnout: How to Flourish in a World Full of Needs

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 18:59:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like your big heart and deep emotions are both a gift and a challenge? If you've struggled with burnout — or wondered how to make a difference without losing yourself — this conversation is for you.

Today's guest co-host, Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, shares how to ...

use your emotional intensity and empathy as strengths …
care for yourself while caring for others … and
serve others in ways that don't leave you utterly depleted.

Listen in for truly practical tips on setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and sustainably serving the people God has called you to serve.

Links mentioned:

The Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe: https://CheriGregory.com/Cafe
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Self-Quiz: https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun: https ://www.chengtozun.com/

Episode #279: Surviving the Holidays: Help for When Your Heart Feels Heavy

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:51:00 +0000

During holidays, many of us feel the bittersweet tension between joy and grief … especially when there's an empty chair at the table. This week's guest co-host, Cheri Fletcher, is here to share a glimpse into her journey through the uncharted territory of grief after losing her beloved daughter Annie more than a year ago. She offers candid encouragement and practical tools to help us honor our loved ones, navigate heavy emotions, and hold space for mourning and meaningful connections. So whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, you'll find comfort, understanding, and actionable insights to help you lean into both love and loss during this tender season. Links mentioned in episode:

Cheri Fletcher's podcast episode: "Now What? When You Pray With Holy Expectations but the Unexpected Happens"
Blog post I wrote years ago about Cheri Fletcher's reaction to learning that she's a Highly Sensitive Person: "The One Truth Every HSP Needs to Know"

Get your sample set of Cheri Fletcher's conversation cards — Move Beyond "I Just Don't Know What to Say"
Take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" Quiz
Learn more about the "Growing Sensitive & Strong" program

Episode #278: "Tracking God": A New Approach to Deepen Your Faith Journey

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like a failure at gratitude? Like no matter how many lists you make or journals you keep, this whole "giving thanks" thing (which seems to work for everyone else) just doesn't "work" for you? In this episode, Cheri Gregory and Lori Margo discuss why typical gratitude practices can fall flat, and introduce a fresh, faith-filled alternative: "Tracking God." This simple yet powerful approach helps you notice God's presence in deeply personal ways, even in the hardest moments. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about navigating life's challenges while growing closer to God.

Links:

Check out the episode web page at https://CheriGregory.com/episode278
Take Lori Margo's "What Does My Faith Really Need Right Now?" Quiz at https://LoriMargo.com/quiz
Enroll in "Overcome Procrastination & JUST WRITE! 7 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Get Your Words Flowing" at https://WriteBesideYou.com/join

Episode #277: 3 New Habits to Help You Thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 02:10:00 +0000

Are you tired of tying yourself into a pretzel just to prove you're not "high maintenance"? In this episode of Grit 'n' Grace — The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women, Cheri Gregory shares three simple but life-changing habits to help you stop merely surviving and start truly thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person. Learn how to stop force-fitting yourself, discover what genuinely works for you, and find assurance in the custom-tailored care of Jesus. Let's move beyond the overwhelm and step into thriving together!

https://CheriGregory.com/episode277

Welcome to Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

Cheri Gregory — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:44:00 +0000

Have you spent your life hearing, "You're just TOO sensitive?" Are you tired of the overthinking, overwhelm, and exhaustion that come with being a highly sensitive person (HSP)? Ready to stop worrying that something's wrong with you and start understanding and nurturing yourself as an HSP?

Welcome to Grit 'n' Grace—The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian woman. Your safe haven. I'm your host, Cheri Gregory. I'm an author, speaker, coach, and founder of the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe.

Every week, I'll guide you through building resilience, practicing self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, unlocking your creativity, and learning to embrace—not fight—your God-given sensitivity. Each episode offers connection, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you navigate a world that often misunderstands HSPs.

Together, we'll cultivate awareness, trust and confidence in how God wired you — at the DNA level — to be an HSP. You were made to thrive, and Grit 'n' Grace is here to help you do just that.

Now, if you're brand new to the whole HSP concept, come take the "Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?" quiz at https://cherigregory.com/hspquiz/.

And remember: God created you sensitive; in Christ, you are always strong.

Episode #276: Spacious Places and Small Steps: Catch-Up Convo 2024

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What happens when you step away from what you thought defined you? In this heartfelt episode, Cheri and Amy reunite for their 2024 "Catch-Up Convo," sharing their personal journeys of transformation over the past 14 months. Amy opens up about leaving behind vocational ministry to dive into a completely new real estate adventure, while Cheri reflects on the power of self-compassion in difficult seasons. Together, they discuss finding joy in unexpected places, letting go of old identities, and embracing God's grace in every chapter of life. It's a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and hope!

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode276

Episode #275: Fresh Starts & New Adventures

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like "It's just too late" — to get un-stuck or to start something new? Cheri and Amy are here to remind you that fresh starts and new adventures are always possible—no matter where you are in life. In this episode, they explore the joys of letting go, lifelong learning, and making room for what truly brings you joy. You'll hear stories of stepping out of comfort zones, setting bold boundaries, and embracing the idea that it's never too late to begin again. Join them for a heartwarming chat about discovering new possibilities, pursuing passions, and living with intention at every age.

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode275

Episode #274: The Power of a Simple 'What If?'

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 02:00:00 +0000

Do you ever watch other women start living big new adventures and wonder, "How does she do that?" In this lively episode, Kathi Lipp shares her unexpected journey from city life to becoming an "accidental homesteader" on 33 acres of wilderness. Kathi opens up about how a series of "what if" moments led her to embrace adventure, grit, and a new way of life. Whether it's raising chickens or building a greenhouse, Kathi encourages listeners to step out in faith, take small risks, and see how God uses their curiosity to create unexpected opportunities. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and inspiration to pursue your own "what if" moments!

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode274

Episode #273: Debunking the 'Too Emotional' Myth

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 01:01:00 +0000

Christian women are often told that being "too emotional" is a weakness, but what if our emotions are actually a source of strength? In this episode, Cheri and Amy debunk that myth, diving into an honest conversation about buoying life's heaviest moments with the promises of God. Reflecting on their interview with Michele Cushatt, they explore how naming and sitting with our hard emotions Debunking the 'Too Emotional' Myth actually builds resilience and deepens faith. If you've ever felt like your emotions are "too much," this episode offers real talk, validation, and practical steps for approaching your feelings as tools for healing and growth.

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode273

Episode #272: A Faith that Does Not Fail (Part 2)

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:36:00 +0000

Feeling overwhelmed by grief or big emotions? In this second half of our interview, Michele Cushatt — author of A Faith that Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart — discusses why it's so important to actually feel your feelings, especially during hard seasons. With humor and raw honesty, Michele offers practical, down-to-earth tips for dealing with those big emotions while trusting God's heart for healing and restoration.

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode272

Episode #271: A Faith that Does Not Fail (Part 1)

Cheri Gregory — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:30:00 +0000

Feeling like your faith is hanging by a thread? Michele Cushatt returns to share the heart behind her book, A Faith That Will Not Fail. Michele dives deep into the power of lament, vulnerability, and how we can truly support each other without slipping into toxic positivity.

If you're facing tough times, this episode is packed with encouragement and hope to help you hold on.

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode271

Episode #270: Breathing Room & Breakthroughs: A Catch-Up Convo

Cheri Gregory — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 16:20:00 +0000

Grit 'n' Grace is baaaaaaaack! After a year-long hiatus, Cheri and Amy return for a much-needed catch-up convo.

In this episode, they dive into what they've missed most, how life has changed, and the big lessons God has been teaching them. Amy opens up about navigating major transitions, while Cheri reflects on finding breathing room after seasons of chaos.

With laughter, vulnerability, and wisdom, they share how God is at work in the mess. Tune in for a heartfelt and encouraging reunion!

Get full notes and a transcript at: gritngracegirls.com/episode270

Episode #269: The End — Closing Thoughts from Cheri & Amy

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 20:26:24 +0000

The saying is true. All good things do come to an end. In this last planned episode of Grit 'n' Grace, Cheri and Amy talk about lessons they've learned about ending well and the biggest personal changes they've experienced through the Grit 'n' Grace years. There are some big lightbulb moments in this episode! Listen to the very end to learn how to keep in touch with Cheri and Amy. Grit 'n' Grace is wrapping up, but your connection with them doesn't have to end!

Episode #268: Becoming an Influential Woman in an Uncertain Time

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 04:05:26 +0000

When we're going through uncertain times, just keeping ourselves afloat can feel like a challenge. It's counterintuitive to believe that uncertainty can be a pathway to our greatest influence. Yet, that's exactly what we see in the book of Esther. With co-authors of the Esther study, Amy Carroll and Lynn Cowell, Cheri discusses four biblical steps that can lead us to influence in our most difficult days.

Episode #267: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 00:13:54 +0000

Let's be honest: It's difficult to love, know, and serve an invisible God. It's especially hard in uncertain times when He's nowhere in sight ... when He seems to have vanished. In today's episode, Cheri is the sole interviewer, digging for solutions to this dilemma with Amy Carroll and Lynn Cowell, co-authors of the new study, Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World. We're not the only women who have faced this challenge, so listen in for some ancient and reliable truths!

Episode #266: How to Handle Your Strange Season with Hope

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 22:42:54 +0000

It's uncomfortable to be in a strange season, one in which your reality looks very different than your peers'. It can happen early in life when everyone else is moving into dorms while you go to work. Or later, when you're raising grandchildren while your friends are having their passports stamped. No matter the stage of life, you can have hope and purpose in your strange season. Cheri and Amy discuss the difficulties and unexpected gifts we find when our lives take a turn we never expected.

Episode #265: How to Succeed at Raising Your Children's Children

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:23:17 +0000

When grandparents take on the job of parenting grandchildren, a mix of blessing and challenge ensues. From the rich resource of personal experience, Rick Johnson, author of When Grandparents Become Parents, shares a dose of hope for all involved in this tricky parenting model. If you're a grandparent that's parenting your grandchild or love someone who is, tune in today for words of encouragement that you can absorb and share.

Episode #264: How to Seek and Find the Source of Heart Happy

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 01:36:47 +0000

Feeling alone in the chaos and stress of your life? We understand! Yet, everyone has seasons that it's hard to harness the happy that we're promised. In today's episode, Cheri and Amy dig deep into the obstacles to "heart happy" and ways to overcome them. You'll hear both practical tips and deep spiritual practices that will help you draw closer to God for the happy He has to give.

Episode #263: How to Cultivate a Happy Heart in the Midst of Chaos

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 19:23:54 +0000

When you're at the end of your rope, is happiness possible? Tricia Goyer, author of Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God's Love Through Chaotic Circumstances, found a secret to happiness at one of her lowest points. In today's episode, she shares that her life, just like ours, has had some painful challenges, but happiness has intersected those seasons in beautifully unexpected ways. Tune in to tap into a truth that we can all benefit from!

Episode #262: How to Handle Being (Inevitably) Misunderstood

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 30 May 2022 14:02:46 +0000

It's coming. There will be a day when others misunderstand you. What then? Cheri and Amy discuss strategies to handle being misunderstood so that we aren't devastated when it happens. We can learn from being misunderstood and come out stronger on the other side!

Episode #261: Finding Women Who "Get You" When You Feel Misunderstood

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 23 May 2022 23:57:31 +0000

Being misunderstood is the worst. The Worst. If you've been in that circumstance, you're in good company, and your story isn't over. Mary DeMuth, author of The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible, unpacks the lessons she learned as she studied the scriptural stories of ten real-life women. This episode is full of mic-drop moments when Cheri and Amy were left with tears in their eyes and jaws on the floor.

Episode #260: How Do You Feel Worthy When Your Past "Disqualifies" You?

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 17 May 2022 01:20:01 +0000

Shadia Hrichi, author of Worthy of Love, knows what it's like to feel unworthy. An abortion early in her life left her believing that she was unqualified to serve God, but He didn't leave her in that untruth. Hear how Shadia, now a powerful Bible teacher, ended her silent suffering and experienced healing. Her saving grace can be yours too!

Episode #259: How to Trust that Your Messy Story Can Be Redeemed

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 11 May 2022 02:00:59 +0000

There's bad news and good news about your messy story. The bad news is that messy stories are straight-up painful. The good news is that you aren't alone. Shadia Hrichi, author of Tamar: Rediscovering the God Who Redeems Me, shares hope-filled truths about how God Himself cares for and transforms our painful places.

Episode #258: Why Learning How to Quit Good Things is a Vital Life Skill

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 21:58:58 +0000

It's important to end well, but it's tricky. As women, we don't like to feel like we're quitters, so we often hold onto things too long. But what about jobs, roles, and circumstances that are just for a season? How do we end those well? In this touching episode, Cheri and Amy discuss markers of an ending season, hard decisions, and learning how to end with excellence and grace.

Episode #257: How to Stop Dieting and Live in Peace with Food (Part 2)

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 01:22:11 +0000

So many of us have an unhealthy relationship with food. The disfunction can range from hypervigilance to constant dieting to eating disorders. Kassandra Baker, Certified Health, Life, and Mental Health Coach, explains how perfectionism and people-pleasing can be part of our problem with food. Then, she leads us to a new understanding about the way we eat. Speaking from her own personal experience and recovery from two eating disorders, Kassandra leads us to freedom from diet culture.

Episode #256: How to Stop Dieting and Live in Peace with Food (Part 1)

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 02:38:59 +0000

Ugh. It seems like this thought rolls through on the regular, "Well, it's time to diet again." What if it was possible to end our love/hate relationship with food and live in peace? Kassandra Baker, Certified Health, Life, and Mental Health Coach, says that peace can be our new reality! Speaking from her own personal experience and recovery from two eating disorders, Kassandra leads us to freedom from diet culture.

Episode #255: How to Build a Close Friendship with Holy Spirit

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:35:20 +0000

It's the member of the Trinity that makes us most squirmy. Because of a lack of knowledge, many of us avoid talking about the Holy Spirit at all, and most of us have missed out on the gift of friendship with Him. Sarah Bowling, author of Your Friendship with Holy Spirit, shares a warm, down-to-earth approach to deepening our relationship with God through a greater understanding of Holy Spirit (she explains dropping the article "the" for us!). This episode will take you into the more intimate relationship with God that you've longed for.

Episode #254: What Do You Do When Suddenly... He's HOME?! (Part 2)

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 20:18:36 +0000

When your husband's retired or continuing to work from home, things can get a little hairy. It can feel like you're losing control of "your domain." Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby, co-authors of Spouse in the House, give practical advice for rearranging our attitudes to make room for all we love at home.

Episode #253: What Do You Do When Suddenly ... He's HOME?! (Part 1)

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 03:05:26 +0000

Episode #252: 4 Insights that Will Dramatically Improve Your Painful Relationships

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 03:37:24 +0000

Are you bogged down in the pain of some of your most important relationships, feeling like a failure in what matters most to you? Today's episode has four key concepts that can truly change everything. You'll not only see things differently, but you'll have new hope for better things to come. Processing last week's interview with Lily Taylor, author of Unconfined: Lessons from Prison and the Journey of Being Set Free, Cheri and Amy are on a relational-realizations roll. You don't want to miss this one!

Episode #251: Hope-filled Lessons Learned in Heartbreak

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 04:04:54 +0000

Sometimes life takes a turn far worse than you could have imagined. That was true for Lily Taylor, author of Unconfined: Lessons from Prison and the Journey of Being Set Free, during the eight years her son was imprisoned on drug charges. But even in that dark season, rays of God's love and care shone through. Join us today to hear Lily's dramatic, true story and to get a dose of hope that heals the most broken heart.

Episode #250: Learning to Understand Jesus' Most Confusing Words

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 20:06:34 +0000

We all have them. You know... the passages about Jesus that we'd rather skip. They're confusing, and confusion makes us scared. What if Jesus isn't who we hope He is? Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, rides to our rescue in this episode, teaching us how to think through these difficult verses instead of blowing past them. (Spoiler Alert: Jesus IS who we hope He is ... and more.) Come sit at the table and learn alongside Amy & Cheri!

Episode #249: Two Powerful Ahas About Living with No Regrets

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 04:01:26 +0000

Cheri and Amy share take-your-breath-away insights about how to live a no-regrets life. Far from being intimidating (I mean really, who has no regrets? No one.), this episode is personal, raw and applicable. Amy has already declared this one "GnG's most impactful episode ever." It's one you'll want to listen to twice and share with all your friends!

Episode #248: How to Live in the Joy of a No-Regrets Life

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 03:07:46 +0000

We can easily become paralyzed by our regrets, giving up the life God has for us and surrendering His joy. Although we all have sins, disappointments, and heartaches, it's possible to surrender those points of regret to God in ways that release us. Rhonda Stoppe, the "No Regrets Woman," shares biblical strategies that help us to move forward in freedom and joy.

Episode #247: 5 Ways to Break Out and Experience God's Abundant Place for You

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:38:35 +0000

Many of us feel caged by our circumstances. Maybe it's being enclosed in a hard marriage, a job you hate, or a painful friendship that's making you feel trapped. Or perhaps it's just ... well ... a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory talk today about five ways to move toward An Abundant Place, even when you feel like you can't get away. This is an interview that will breathe fresh, new-year freedom into your heart!

End-of-2021 Bonus-sode #2: 3 Ways to Make 2022 a Creative New Year

Cheri Gregory — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:49:32 +0000

Once more, Amy and Cheri welcome back Grit 'n' Grace's most frequent and beloved guest, Kathi Lipp — co-author (with Cheri) of the new devo: An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can't Get Away. Kathi and Cheri share the challenges they faced while writing a book about "abundance" during a time of unprecedented scarcity. And Kathi shares three practical tips for rediscovering (or perhaps reviving) your own creativity in the new year. She reminds us that whether you're writing or cooking or painting or keeping humans alive, "You're putting a creative force in the world. And that's to be celebrated."

End-of-2021 Bonus-sode #1: Creating an Abundant Place with God Right Where You Are

Cheri Gregory — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 20:30:15 +0000

In this special year-end bonus-sode, Amy and Cheri welcome back Grit 'n' Grace's most frequent and beloved guest, Kathi Lipp — co-author (with Cheri) of the new devo: An Abundant Place: Daily Retreats for the Woman Who Can't Get Away. In this candid conversation about connecting with God in the everyday ordinaries of our often-overwhelmed lives, Kathi reminds us that "Our minds and souls don't have to be bound by our location." Join in for a time of laughter, reflection, and planning for abundance, right where you are, right now.

Episode #246: One Step to Escape the Burden of Better

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 03:30:41 +0000

Comparison. It's so easy to slip into it. Before we're even aware, we want her story, her talents, or her body. The lines between healthy growth and the obsessive pursuit of better get blurred, and we're back in the comparison trap, stripped of joy and feeling less than. Heather Creekmore, author of The Burden of Better: How a Comparison-Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest, gives us one sure step out of the destructive habit of comparison. Listen in today to receive the gift we all want!

Episode #245: How to Find Hope in Your Divorce Story

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 20:44:50 +0000

When life as you know it — as you dreamed it — ends, it can lead to a deep sense of hopelessness. That's what our guest, Tracie Miles, author of Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Heart after Divorce, felt in the early days of her marriage ending. But she didn't stay there. God helped her to move forward, and she's sharing her story so that we can experience the healing that she has received. We can live unbroken, even when the last thing we ever expected becomes part of our story.

Episode #244: How to Handle the Holidays with Great Joy

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 07:18:36 +0000

Can it be? Thanksgiving is almost here, and Christmas is on the way! This is the year for joy to abound more than ever. Jill Baughan, host of the "Find Joy ... No Matter What" podcast, gives us small, daily exercises that can change everything about how we relate to all the bumps and twists coming our way in the next month. Make sure to listen in to this delightful episode. You'll find your heart readjusted and rested.

Episode #243: How to Increase Your Joy Quotient

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 23:52:35 +0000

Some folks seem wired for joy, carrying sunshine in their pockets everywhere they go. But what if your natural wiring leans more toward "cloudy" or if your circumstances have blown in some storms? Speaker and author Jill Baughan reassures us that we can find joy ... no matter what! If you're struggling to dredge up joy right now, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and quirky, laugh-out-loud moments. (Portrait with a monkey, anyone?!)

Episode #242: How to Make 2022 a Fabulous Year for You

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 04:33:06 +0000

It's been a tough couple of years for everyone, but the fresh start that January offers is on its way. This is the year to step into the trifecta that God has for us. Yes, we can (1) glorify God, (2) love our people well, and (3) have a joyful life all at the same time! Tune in today for a conversation with women who have stepped into the life that they were created for. Their aha moments and practical steps will leave you inspired to see 2022 as the year for you!

Episode #241: How to Exhale the Good, Bad and Very Ugly of 2021

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 01:12:50 +0000

The year is winding down (can I hear a Hallelujah?!) which means that it's time to evaluation and celebrate. Amy and Cheri do a year in review, discussing what they've done well and not so well in losing who they're NOT, loving who they ARE, and living their ONE life well. Listen in for lots of giggles and some high impact moments too!

Episode #240: Real Talk About Pregnancy Loss — Part 2

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:18:40 +0000

So many of us struggle to know what to say and do when someone we know is hurting. That feeling of helplessness can multiply when it involves the loss of a child. In this second episode with Rachel Lewis — author of Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss — she helps us all to become more grief literate. Rachel not only explains practically how we can help others in their grief but also how to manage our own better. This is an episode that we all need in a pain-stricken, broken world.

Episode #239: Real Talk About Pregnancy Loss

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 02:56:51 +0000

It's a loss that's so common that it's often tragically overlooked. Whether you've personally miscarried or love someone who has, you know the unspoken pain of losing a child. Rachel Lewis, author of Unexpecting, tenderly leads us to a deeper understanding of healthy ways to deal with grief triggers, physical changes, and the dismissiveness of others. Rachel also gently instructs us to bring healing, not more hurt, into others' pregnancy loss. This important episode is not to be missed.

Episode #238: Callings, Qualifiers, and Cultivating Habits that Set You Up for Success

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 03:38:54 +0000

Calling can seem like something that's mystical. Something that's given only to the special people. But calling is for all of us... if we can overcome feeling disqualified. Cheri and Amy discuss being used by God despite their failings and give practical practices that set us up to follow God into our assignments. (Also, find out what set Amy on an oppositional defiant path this week!)

Episode #237: Why the Future of Flawed People Is Brighter Than You Think

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:14:34 +0000

So often, we can feel disqualified by our flaws. Jodie Niznik, author of Crossroads: a Study of Esther and Jonah for Boldly Responding to Your Call, assures us again that God uses very ordinary, very flawed people. Using Esther and Jonah as biblical examples, Jodie encourages each of us that we have a significant place — warts and all! — in God's story.

Episode #236: How Thankfulness, Kindness, and Mercy Lead to Greater Peace

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:39:13 +0000

What if peace comes with practice? That was the question that set Kay Wyma, author of The Peace Project: a 30-Day Experiment Practicing Thankfulness, Kindness, and Mercy, on a path to find the key elements that lead to peace. Kay shares the way she stumbled into the some counterintuitive truths for battling anxiety, and then she dives into the brain science (squeeee!). This fun episode will leave you with powerful, practical tips to practice yourself into peace.

Episode #235: How to Live in Peace Even When You Want to Go to War

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 23:30:03 +0000

In our contentious culture, there are dozens of triggers every day. One of our buzz words is uttered (or typed), and we go from sipping coffee to armoring up for war. How can we find peace when we feel so embattled? In today's interview with Amberly Neese, author of Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences, we learn lessons for loving others well ... even when we disagree with them.

Episode #234: How to Live the Unexpected Gift of Being Intentionally Average

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 17:08:18 +0000

It's easy to get so caught up in the roller coaster ride of pursuing amazing that we miss the blessings of slow growth and intentional focus. Cheri and Amy discuss the lessons they've learned (some the hard way!) about trying to make up for lost time and chasing dreams of being spectacular. It turns out that "average" is a life of many gifts! Listen in and celebrate with us.

Episode #233: How to Harvest the Gains of Your Slow Growth

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 02:32:45 +0000

Choosing farm life was a difficult shift for Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of Growing Slow. But over time, as she watched the seasons of planting, growing, harvest and fallow, she began to see the benefits of internal seasons too. Sharing wisdom from creation and personal experience, Jennifer lays out the compelling reasons that we need to reconsider our go-faster-lives.

Episode #232: Developing an Easy Companionship with God

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 22:02:47 +0000

What would it be like to have an easy companionship with God? One like you have with your best friend? It's possible! Instead of fearing Him as a taskmaster, we can know God as our tutor. Instead of fleeing Him in a panic, we can walk in God's presence. We can take off our masks and enjoy our Maker. Tune in as Amy and Cheri discuss their growth in God, unveiling the joy of living closer to Him.

Episode #231: Tapping Into Your Promised Deep & Wide Life

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 18:28:37 +0000

We believe in Jesus, becoming a part of His family, and then what? A less-than life is what this week's guest, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson — author of Finding Deep & Wide — lived for years. She knew there was more, but she wasn't sure how to tap into it. Through hilarious stories, Shellie shares what she's learned about the life she first heard about in Sunday School as a little girl, the deep and wide life.

Episode #230: Crushing Your Facade by Craving Freedom

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 22:41:46 +0000

It can be scary to come out from behind our carefully crafted facades. Living in freedom makes it so, so worth it, though. Today, as Cheri and Amy reflect on their interview with Barb Roose — author of Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ — they share facade-crushing truths they've learned in pursuit of true freedom in Christ. You may find that there's something better than being a super-Christian!

Episode #229: How to Find the Elusive Freedom You Long For

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 22:59:16 +0000

It's a common human failing to add extra layers on our faith in order to feel good about our relationship with God. Unfortunately, that destructive habit leads to bondage rather than the freedom for which we long. From the book of Galatians, Barb Roose — author of Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ — shares six freedom principles in this episode that will take your breath away and breathe freedom into your walk with God. Freedom may be elusive, but it's not impossible!

Episode #228: How to Build a Variety of Habits Called Faith

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 23:06:00 +0000

Building a habit can have a bad rap unless the end-goal is a pleasure. Knowing God, our highest pleasure, is a goal that can keep us motivated! Today, Cheri and Amy knock obstacles to spiritual growth out of the way and reveal the winsome ways that God keeps them growing.

Episode #227: Stepping Into the Good Life of Faith

Cheri Gregory — Sat, 29 May 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Developing new and better habits sometimes feels like too much work. But often the work of change is worth it. Jen Pollock Michel, author of A Habit Called Faith, calls us into habits that will deepen our relationship with God. This life of faith is better than any other we've imagined, so tune in today to hear more!

Episode #226: How to Grow in God in Ways You Never Imagined

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 23 May 2021 22:15:34 +0000

Limited. That's the way most of us would describe our understanding of the spiritual growth curve. Today, Cheri and Amy discuss what they've been learning about the stages of spiritual growth from Kristie Gaultiere, co-author of Journey of the Soul: A Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth. God wants us to know Him in ways deeper than ever before! Listen in today to get a hope-filled view of our struggles and a glimpse of the spiritual riches beyond the walls we all hit.

Episode #225: How to See the Joyful Journey Your Soul's Already On

Cheri Gregory — Sat, 15 May 2021 22:43:11 +0000

When we watch a baby grow, we understand that there are developmental stages, but we often expect our souls (and others') to arrive full-grown! Kristi Gaultiere, co-author of Journey of the Soul: a Practical Guide to Emotional and Spiritual Growth, introduces us to the spiritual formation of our souls. It's a joy-filled concept that will allow you to enjoy your soul's steps as well as extend grace to those behind you.

Episode #224: Embracing the Peace of Being a New Creation

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 09 May 2021 23:50:40 +0000

We're told that we're a new creation in Christ, but do we believe it? Do we live like we are? Too often Christian women feel that we need to work to make it true. Today, you can lay down all the effort of trying harder and pick up the peace that you've been given. Cheri and Amy process the revolutionary freedom found in living the truth about our new life.

Episode #223: How to Live in the Peace of Who You Really Are

Cheri Gregory — Sun, 02 May 2021 23:53:14 +0000

Angst-y describes the way most of us live our Christian life. Angst over our sins and mistakes. Distress over the ways we fall short. Despair that our trying harder never seems to get us where we want to go spiritually. What if we don't have to live that way? Today, Andrew Farley, author of The Perfect You gives us the secret to overcoming angst with peace. This interview is revolutionary and not to be missed!

"I know we use Bible words like righteousness and holiness. But a lot of Christians feel dirty and distant." ~Andrew Farley

Episode #222: How to Transform Your Closet from Disaster to Delight

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:51:03 +0000

After slumping into a COVID wardrobe rut, Cheri and Amy needed some help from Shari Braendel of Fashion Meets Faith to get their groove back. Today they discuss their transformation from a 24/7 yoga pants trend to a dive into spring. This fun fashion episode will lift your spirits, give you some laughs, and it just might inspire you to start a transformation of your own. You can look your most beautiful with a plan on a budget!

Episode #221: Spring Trends and Other Fashion Fun

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 03:56:20 +0000

It may seem counterintuitive to include fashion in a series about spiritual disciplines. It's not a stretch, though, as today's guest, Shari Braendel of Fashion Meets Faith explains. Tune in today for loads of fun, tips about picking the colors that make you shine, and spring trends that will delight every girly soul.

Episode #220: How to Find Renewal in Your Hard Story

Cheri Gregory — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:25:33 +0000

What do you do when you're drowning in the bitterness stoked by hard circumstances? Most of us don't want to stay there but aren't sure how to swim to higher ground. Heather Dixon, author of Renewed: Finding Hope When You Don't Like Your Story, gives practical help from both her own difficult story and the biblical story of Naomi. Just when you're about to give up and go under, there's hope to hang on to!

Episode #219: Hope for When Life Falls Apart

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 21:30:18 +0000

It's hard to come up with strategies for keeping your head above water when it's already up to your neck! In this episode, Cheri and Amy process the amazing insights they gained from author Sheri Rose Shepherd — author of Beyond the White Picket Fence: What to Do When Your Life is Dismantled — through their unique lens. You can lose some things that lighten you, love some things that buoy you, and live your one life well... even in the midst of crisis.

Episode #218: What to Do When Your Life is Dismantled

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:44:02 +0000

We've all experienced heart break. But what do you do when devastating circumstances crash over you, one after the other, like waves on the shore? Sheri Rose Shepherd, author of No More Picket Fences, has lived through a simultaneous diagnosis, divorce, and season of sickness with her mother. She has the authority to encourage women whose lives have been dismantled, and she pulls out all the stops in this riveting episode.

Episode #217: You Have Permission to Be Fully You

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:38:40 +0000

What is it about receiving permission? Permission often gives us the confidence and courage to step into what we've always longed to be. Bethany Howard, author of Permission Granted, shares thoughtful and creative ways to be your fullest God-created self. Don't miss listening today because you're going to get a unique dose of poetry reading that will set your soul soaring!

Episode #216: Knowing the Names Is the Secret to Growing Grit

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:36:37 +0000

Since the beginning, names have had significance. The meaning of our name is often a blessing spoken over our birth. As Melissa Spoelstra, author of The Names of God, shares, God's names have more transforming power than any other. Listen in today as she explains how knowing His names grows our grit and helps us through hard times. This episode will be balm to your soul!

Episode #215: How to Release and Surrender the "Extra" of 2020

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 23:50:25 +0000

Barb Roose, author of Surrendered: 40 Devotions to Help You Let Go and Live Like Jesus and one of Grit 'n' Grace's favorites, shares how to let go of all the residual angst from 2020,. Otherwise known as "the year of extra," there's a lot to release! In an interview infused with practical help, Barb leads listeners to let go of control and surrender to God's hope and peace.

Episode #214: Strengthening Yourself with Helpful Facts About Menopause

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 06:51:36 +0000

Menopause: you had questions. we got you answers! In this riveting conversation with Amy's gynecologist, Nurse Practitioner Julie Keeler, you'll hear the medical/physical side of menopause. Julie helps us better understand our body's changes, navigate a heightened set of emotions, address sleep disturbances, and more. Women of all ages will appreciate the real talk on an often-ignored topic!

Episode #213: Harnessing the Unexpected Power of Joy in Your Life

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 03:48:21 +0000

Joy is a gift that we all aspire to own, but circumstances sometimes make it feel elusive. Through two years filled with trials, Suzie Eller, author of Joy-Keeper: 6 Truths that Change Everything You Thought You Knew About Joy, revamped her personal definition of joy and honed ways to maintain it. Make sure to join us as Suzie outlines the joy-stealers in our lives and gives us ways to vanquish them with a deeper, grounded joy.

Episode #212: How to Take the Pressure Off Yourself in Evangelism

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:06:06 +0000

How do you respond to the word evangelism? Does it evoke excitement and joy? Or does it spark guilt and dread? Cheri & Amy discuss their past experiences-- the good, the bad, and the very, very ugly. Based on the model in B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World, by Dave and Jon Ferguson, they also process the paradigm shift that they experienced in seeing evangelism in a new way. No more converter guilt for them ... or you!

Episode #211: How to Use the Power of Blessing to Help People to God

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 03:05:29 +0000

Do you suffer from "converter guilt"? It's the feeling of failure when you desperately want people to know Jesus, but you've failed to share the Gospel ... again. It's a terrible feeling that most of us have experienced, but today you can be released! Dave and Jon Ferguson, brothers and co-authors of B.L.E.S.S.: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World share solutions in this episode that will empower you to help people around you back to God.

Minisode #2: Creating a Gift That Can Change a Life

Cheri Gregory — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:31:28 +0000

If you're looking for that last-minute, perfect Christmas gift, we've got it for you! Our favorite creative, Kristie Christie, joins us today to help us with creative gift-giving that has the impact of a lifetime.

Minisode #1: How You Can Make Someone's Story Better

Cheri Gregory — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:58:23 +0000

Our dear friend Mary Snyder joins Grit 'n' Grace today. With humor (lots of funny in this one!) and southern charm, Mary shares stories that will move you and spur you to action.

Episode #210: Creating a Richer Life through a Passion for Pets

Cheri Gregory — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 20:29:49 +0000

Animals, especially our pets, are so much more than just something to cuddle. Pets enrich our lives and create growth in delightful ways. Listen in as Amy and Cheri reminisce about their fur-babies and the lessons they've learned from them. There's lots of laughter (drunk dog, anyone?) and some tears shed too, but you won't be able to walk away without memories of your own furry friends flooding to the surface!