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Women sharing their stories about the impact of prayer and God's Word in their lives.

iRefresh Podcast

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You Matter - Trisha Glover

How do you feel about yourself? We can have great moments, but then we can struggle in seasons or events tend to wipe us out. In the midst of your journey, remember that YOU MATTER. Deana Spyres, our host, talks with Trisha Glover.

Being Intentional to Find Community in Family - Carmen Anderson

It's important to be intentional to find and connect with your community. Family is community. If you were not blessed to have a solid, biological family, seek after your "Chosen Family" that mutually supports each other in all seasons of life.

A Child's Glimpse of Heaven - Daleen Porter

Daleen had an experience as a young girl where she visited heaven. She shares her journey to both heaven and hell and how it has affected her life to this day.

Shifting Negative Thoughts with Help from Mrs. Potato Head & Kelli Portman

Most of us have faced identity challenges, young or old, yet it can be the greatest hindrance in doing and being all God intended for us to be. "I believe there's a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fulfill." Kelli identifies some of those thoughts we have and how to overcome them so we can thrive in our purpose!

The Amber Marie & Company Story - Jere & Amber Marie Welch

A mother-daughter started a lifestyle boutique that developed in to a close community filled with joy and caring for their employees and customers. They found their ministry in retail as they bring laughter mixed with prayer during Facebook LIVES and more! Hear their inspiring story!

Connecting With Gen Z Children - Cindy Palen

To Generation Z parents, do you find it challenging and much different from the way you grew up? They have technology at their fingertips we never had, a different way of thinking, and a different language. How can we, as parents, connect with Gen Z kids and meet them where they are? Cindy Palen, our iRefresh Partner and professional counselor, leads the conversation with Kelli Portman and Sarah Dilks, bringing understanding and ideas to help raise these amazing Gen Z children.

Working Through Anxiety - Brenda Black

How do we move past anxiety? We have to recognize the root of anxiety - fear. Brenda shares with our Guest Host Carrie Kittinger how to identify the source in order to overcome anxiety with her techniques.

Finding Contentment - Carrie Kittinger

How can we find contentment when the noise and voices are screaming so loud!? Carrie Kittinger takes us through tips she has used to rediscover the value of silence to re-center and re-settle herself in order to gain contentment. www.carriekittinger.com

Who Are You, Really? Creating Your Identity - Brenda Black

As women, we all may struggle with our self-image and believe the lies and self doubt about ourselves... that's what the enemy wants us to believe. The Lord, however, declares over our lives that we are righteous and complete in Him! Brenda talks about God's truth that sets us free from those lies and how we need to walk in the identity of Who We Are in Christ!

Coming Through Loneliness - Maggie, Isabell, Lisa and Kasey

Our community asked questions...How did you overcome not always being okay? When going through seasons of loneliness, did you know that's what it was? Did you have mentors in your life to help you through that season? Maggie Bond, Isabell Bowling, Lisa Fenimore and Kasey Price bring their authentic and genuine answers.

Loneliness from Different Perspectives - Maggie, Isabell, Lisa and Kasey

Loneliness is something we all experience in life at one time or another. Different seasons, different circumstances, but still feeling lonely. Our panel talks about their experiences with loneliness and what they did to overcome it. Great insight for all of us.

Homeschooling... a Journey for the Family - Kim Ford

"God always uses families. It's the first institution He established." Kim Ford describes the gift our children are and how she was led to home school and ultimately lead a large group in her community, inspiring many in the joy of teaching your children and praying for them.

Domino Effect Of Prayer - Hannah Pepin

Walking through family trauma to going through her on post pardon depression with each of her children, Hannah found God answering her prayers in the midst of each difficult season. Hannah learned to live in the moment and go to prayer through the hard moments. Listen to her country music with her brothers wherever you can listen to music.

Addiction, Loneliness, Hurt, & God - Jennifer Whitaker

Jennifer grew up in a home where there was drug and alcohol addictions. This left her lonely, suicidal, hurt, and angry, yet God was working behind the scenes. Jennifer was able to experience God's goodness and freedom from all of the addictions and set her on a new course of thriving in her calling.

In Hard Times, Lean on God - Laura Ballinger

Life is hard... but do you blame God or lean into Him during those difficult seasons? Laura speaks of her faith in following God's plan, as she navigates being a widow to two children.

Walking In Faith Through Transitions - Patty Gerstenberger

Change isn't easy, but when we walk through it, sometimes suddenly or without warning, we can step in to the new season better with several helpful tips from Life Coach, Patty Gerstenberger.

God can be Trusted - Natalie Kresge

Through seasons of life, from the mountain tops to the difficult times, Natalie Kresge tells Laura Watson how she could trust God in and through difficult times as she found stability in the four pillars of her and her family's life (prayer, scripture, community and worship).

The A.C.T.S. of Prayer - Gail Marten

The legacy of prayer for one family is inspiring and motivating to start one or continue pressing through to experience the fruit that comes from prayer. Gail gives clear and simple steps to begin a legacy of prayer for your loved ones.

A Life of Prayer Courageously Uncomfortable - Lisa Goins

Learn how to hear God's voice through an active life of prayer. Lisa Goins describes the ABCs of Prayer, the importance of scheduling your busy life with prayer and the "Why" you do it.

EP 65 The Demand Project's Mission to Eradicate Human Trafficking - Kristin Weis

Discover what The Demand Project is doing to fight against sex trafficking. Learn what each of us can do, no matter where you are, we all can be a part of making an impact to rescue the children through prayer to begin.

How God is Intentional - Jenifer DeCastro

When Jenifer was looking for an answer from God, she asked for a sign. Hear her describe how God showed up to reaffirm He is present for her.

The Value of God's Word in Your Life - Debra Barker

Throughout life, Debra found God's Word life-giving; even in the hardest of times. Learn the keys to what she has done to find strength, answers and much more in her life.

Effective Prayers Over a Family - Michelle Leonard

Having a consistent prayer life when faced with challenges within your family is difficult and yet Michelle Leonard pressed in to love and pray through until God's promises were fulfilled. Here her story and what advise she offers to you.

Overcoming Cancer & Covid by Declaring God's Word - Delores Warrior-Webb

When faced with a bad doctor's report, Delores and her family chose to focus on God's report for her mother dealing with covid and her fighting cancer to see the miraculous.

Impact of a Family's Prayer Life - Tiffany & Brenda Smiling

When circumstances seem to be insurmountable, what do you do? Brenda and Tiffany Smiling share their heart-felt stories that helped them see and experience the miraculous. Be ready to be moved by their mother-daughter connection that's both touching and inspirational.

How God Changed My Life - Starla Ward

"Life is greener on the other side!"... until crossing over to it and finding "the other side" was filled with pain and depression. Starla Ward describes how God strategically placed people in her path way to actively show His love and mercy. It's those sweet moments that strike a flame of hope that will ignite the fire in us all!

Learning How to Hear and Obey God's Voice - Veronica Scott

Veronica learned that when she received a prompting, God was teaching her more than knowing His voice. Hear what God was doing with her gifts!

The Faith Behind the Prayer - Christina Voth

What have you been believing and trusting God in? Still waiting? Christina speaks to those of you who are contending for something but not seeing it yet. Maybe you are frustrated, lost hope, stopped praying while anger builds or discouragement is your constant friend. This episode is a faith builder that will influence your prayer journey!

EP 56 How to Combat Wrong Thoughts - Richelle Voth

Our thoughts can lead us in to anxiety and a negative trail unless we find a strategy to overcome them. Richelle Voth, a Physcian's Asst in the ICU, working with COVID-19 patients, offers steps that get us on a healthy track with the help of the Break Through Thought Keeper she describes here!

EP 55 Discovering Your Purpose - Deana Spyres

There is a time in life where we question our purpose, wanting to know why we are here. Deana Spyres describes her journey of rediscovering her purpose after releasing and forgiving her past hurts. We highlight lessons learned from her book, "Infidelity - No One is Immune".

EP 54 Mental Health Strategies During Quarantine - Cindy Palen

Cindy Palen (NCC) walks through strategies to help our mental health during times of great stress and anxiety. She offers methods to help guide us through difficult times like the coronavirus and much more.

EP 53 Finding Confidence to Beat an Eating Disorder - Maggie Bond

Maggie Bond, pageant contestant, ambitions to be a lawyer, politians and an advacate for the voices quiet or silent. In the midst of great ambitions, learning to change unhealthy thought patterns and beliefs to correct the eating disorder that was quietly taking over her life. Her genuine faith, positivity, and passion for mentoring are inspiring!

EP 52 The Power of Daily Obedience to God's Voice - Stephanie Fuson

Stephanie Fuson describes her experiences of following the prompting of the Holy Spirit to reach out to others with the love and compassion of God. She challenges us to obey God and discover the blessings that follow.

EP 51 Life Saving Tips for Type 1 Diabetes - Amy Calvert

Amy Calvert shares her experiences and tips she's learned through her daughter's journey of Type 1 Diabetes with Hostesses Carrie Kittinger and Patty Gerstenberger. Hear her story in episode 43.

EP 50 Overcoming Thyroid Cancer - Ann Hatton

Ann Hatton shares with Carrie Kittinger her slow discovering of cancer. Once she heard "YOU HAVE CANCER", listen to what she did in the process of overcoming it.

EP 49 Discovering Joy - Staci McKee

Mistakes took Staci McKee down a destructive path that was destroying her family until she discovered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and God's word. Learn the tools that Carrie Kittinger and Patty Gerstenberger draw out in Staci's journey of realizing how God sees her... Joyful One!

EP 48 Importance of Mentorship in Community - Andrea Hood

Andrea Hood overcame shame of divorce to being a pastor in Alabama where she teaches mentorship and the importance of community through simplification because we are all Better Together!

EP 47 The Affects of Alcohol on a Family - Ann Hatton

Ann Hatton tells Carrie Kittinger how the settle ways in which alcohol had a huge impact on Ann's story and how God has been turning tragedy into a mission to help others.

EP 46 Friends Doing Life Together Well - Hannah, Elise & Grace

We were not meant to live alone... God gave us the gift of friendship. How can we be the friend that builds up and encourages? What happens if there's a conflict? Elise, Grace, and Hannah describe how they have developed meaningful friendships with our hostesses Carrie and Patty. Discover truths to improve your relationships as you learn to celebrate the good in each other's lives.

EP 45 Amplifying Her Voice to Tell Stories Others Cannot - Maggie Bond

Maggie Bond discovered her voice early in life as she tells Carrie Kittinger and Patty Gerstenberger how as a quadruplet, she found her purpose living with 2 brothers with autism. She's energetic, determined and focused to impact others to live a purposeful life!

EP 44 How to Balance Social Media with Friends

Carrie Kittinger and Patty Gerstenberger interview college students, Elise Skeie, Grace Matthews and Hannah Kunzie on how they balance friendships and social media. They offer ideas on time management and favorite apps to help navigate life.

EP 43 God's Faithfulness with Fertility Issues to Daughter's Type 1 Diabetes - Amy Calvert

Amy Calvert shares the journey of loss and challenges in her life. Fertility issues were just the beginning to the adventures of trusting God when discovering her daughter had Type 1 Diabetes.

EP 42 Harnessing Your Fears - Pamela Thomas

Pamela Thomas talks with Sheryl Kloehr on a strategy of how to tackle fear during a time of so much uncertainty. Learn methods she uses as a specialist to help people in crisis.

EP 41 How to Control our Thought Life - Kasey Price

Kasey Price talks with Sheryl Kloehr on what it means to ‘take your thoughts captive’. With the unknowns of this season, the Bible gives encouragement and hope. Kasey reminds us that (2 Corinthians 10:5) we have an active role to play in guarding our thoughts against lies that go against God's plans. Knowing your worth in Christ can shut down the lies. Give yourself grace and forgiveness. Hear more from Kasey in her podcast on how to Thrive in Times of Loneliness.

EP 40 Bold Faith in Uncertain Times - Carmen Qualls

Carmen Qualls talks to hostesses Veronica and Christy on how she made a bold move to get her nephew into a wholesome environment via Cali to Tulsa while still practicing law in LA. She is a licensed counselor as well as an attorney in order to help individuals and families gain wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Her journey of faith and perseverance is inspiring.

EP 39 Health Tips for the Stressed - Dr. Sherri Thomas

Dr. Sherri Thomas speaks to Sheryl and Christy about women’s health and how to get more out of life. Dr. Thomas describes practical things we can do to help with some of the common issues women deal with today. In a world where extremes are common, she offers tips on being balanced. Always seek professional help before changing your lifestyle drastically, or if you are in a place of depression and deep emotional difficulties.

EP 38 Fresh Perspective with God's Word - Nichole Wilkinson

Nichole Wilkinson shares practical tips of how to get started with reading the Bible. She also shares how God’s personality shines through His Word, even when challenged personally with cerebral palsy. Contact Nichole at Soul Purpose Ministries 918-298-7136

EP 37 Chronic Illness - Epilepsy as a Teenager - Isabell Bowling

Isabell Bowling talks about her life with a chronic illness and how it affected her physically and emotionally. After a diagnosis of nocturnal seizures, Isabell experienced medically induced depression. As a grandchild and child of ministers, her relationship with God and self-awareness offers ideas on how to help loved ones with health challenges.

EP 36 Fostering and Adoption as a Single Parent - Kelly Martin

Kelly Martin is a teacher and single parent of two adopted daughters as well foster parented a third. Kelly talks about what led her to be a foster parent and further, what made her consider adoption, as well as the triumphs and struggles of both.

EP 35 There are NO Unwanted Children - Pamela Thomas

Seeing so many children without homes led Pamela Thomas on a journey of fostering and into adoption. Just when she thought, "no, I can't do it", God transformed her view to His. She realized: "Adopting one child will not change the world, BUT one child’s world will change."

EP 34 Overcome Alcohol Addictions - Stephanie Wrightsman

Veronica Scott and Stephanie Wrightsman talk about overcoming addictions. It's possible when you fully submit to God and follow Him in obedience. Do you have a stronghold in your life? What are you doing about it? What you feed will grow. Stephanie and Veronica give practical tips and scriptures from the Word of God that will help you walk in freedom. We are the righteous through Christ Jesus. If you fail, don’t quit. God will always welcome you back!

EP 33 Surrender - Patty Gerstenberger

Patty Gerstenberger uses her real life experiences to share examples of what it looks like to surrender to God. She describes three positions of surrender. What is the benefit or cost to surrender? If we surrender to God, is there a great reward? Does He do a great exchange for us? Beauty for ashes, fears for promise, busyness for peace?. If something is holding you back, let this message encourage you.

Ep. 32 The Power of Forgiveness

Deana Spyres, Carrie Kittinger, Patty Gerstenberger cover what would happen if we choose to forgive? God models how, even in the most difficult situations. Hear practical points on how to experience the power in forgiveness.

Ep. 31 Overcoming Fear

Deana Spyres, Patty Gerstenberger, Carrie Kittinger discuss fear from a Biblical perspective. You can take steps to help have a healthy fear of the Lord and not a fear of man. They encourage us to choose trust in God and stay in community with people who build us up and help us with a right perspective on life's circumstances. This podcast will encourage anyone who feels isolated or paralyzed by fear.

Ep 30 Discover God's Power to Break Addictions - Stephanie Wrightsman

Stephanie Wrightsman discusses how God turned around her life with her battle of alcoholism. God restored her and her relationship with her children as well as gained a beautiful and godly marriage. Hear how God gave her beauty for her ashes as Isaiah 61:3, 7 describes.

EP 29 Losing over 150 Pounds with God's Help - Monette Matadi

Monette Matadi struggled with her relationship with food until her brother died from obesity. She realized her need for a new mindset with food and asked the Holy Spirit to help convict her of gluttony and receiving healing not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally. Monette calls her journey a process and a miracle.

EP 28 How to be a Friend to a Chronically Ill Friend

Ever wondered what to do or say when a loved one is faced with a chronic illness? Cari Lyons returns to offer suggestions and a deeper understanding on what their needs are and how we all can join in to create a sweet bond in even the toughest of times.

EP 27 Struggle with Comparing Ourselves

Struggle to compare oneself to others? We look at it from a few angles and what ideas we have drawn from to gain a healthy balance of viewing ourselves and one another with how God sees us.

EP 26 Transitions in Life as a Woman

Whatever chapter you are walking through, it's great to have a sisterhood to encourage and pray us through as we all trust God in it all!

EP 25 Parenting Children in all Stages

Parenting in each season and age of our children has its rewards and challenges. iRefresh women offer suggestions on how they have learned to be led by God in teaching their children in the phases of life.

EP 23 Hope... While Waiting - Carrie Kittinger Part 1

Carrie Kittinger spoke at an iRefresh Gathering on what it looks like to maintain hope when waiting for something. Sometimes it's hope deferred, other times there's excitement for what's ahead. Carrie will energize and encourage you to keep hoping!

EP 24 Hope... While Waiting - Carrie Kittinger Part 2

God not only sees us, He hears us and answers us. Ever spoke to someone and they didn't respond? Not the case with God! He responds to us. We can call on Him anytime for anything!

EP 22 Who is the Holy Spirit - Pt 2

How can you hear God and receive direction? Laura Watson, Christy Waters, Veronica Scott and Sheryl Kloehr discuss more the roles the Holy Spirit plays in our daily life. Gain a deeper understanding of how He comfort, convicts, encourages, leads and much more.

EP 21 Who is the Holy Spirit

Ever wandered who the Holy Spirit is and what vital role He has in our life? We are friends who come together to share our experiences and who the Holy Spirit is in our daily life. Join Christy Waters, Laura Watson, Veronica Scott and Sheryl Kloehr.

EP 20 Do we contend for peace? purpose? freedom? Does our past define us?

God wants to fight our battles alongside us but we must do our part to contend... in prayer, speaking God's truth to our circumstances and not grow weary in well doing. Laura Watson defines and describes what it takes to contend for ourselves and loved ones.

EP 19 What it Means to Contend

What is contending and what does it look like? Everyone goes through seasons of change and sometimes difficulties. There are things we can do as believers to get through the hard times or even see the manifestation of a breakthrough sooner. You are not alone. In the Bible we see Jacob and Hannah have to contend for their breakthroughs. Our posture in the hard times looks different than in seasons of rest and restoration. Join some of our iRefresh ladies who will encourage you to contend for your miracle, and give you some practical ways to contend for what you are believing.

EP 18 How to Live with Loneliness & Thrive - Kasey & Hannah

Kasey Price and Hannah Waters are in their 20s and express candidly their experiences of loneliness. They share ideas of how to go through the feelings in a healthy manner, recognizing that God can use this season to be fruitful in the midst.

EP 17 Creatively Impacting Orphans in Haiti - Tiffany Smiling

Founder of With All My Heart Foundation shares how God has given her creative ways to help the orphans of Haiti. She doesn't just take money and supplies in, but gives them tools to have long-term sustainable income. Her impact is not for her benefit, but to show the people of Haiti that God loves them. Be encouraged as you hear the story of a young woman stepping out in faith and changing the lives of many.

EP 16 Thriving as a Mother and Wife - Lisa Fenimore

Welcome back Lisa Fenimore to gain a glimpse beyond cancer to how she balances motherhood. She offers practical ideas as a mother and wife to maintain sanity by stopping to listen to God's leading in her family and more.

EP 15 Lyme Disease, Doubt... And the Journey Back to God - Cari Lyons

Cari Lyons discovers she has a debilitating illness after years of researching only to learn it's Lyme disease. It brings her to a lonely, isolated season where friends seem absent and God doesn't hear and shame has taken hold. How does she face suffering? Where is God in the midst? Cari describes the emotional and physical pain in her journey, only to go deeper in learning God's character in the darkest places. Cari learns she can trust God through the most difficult days. Hear how. Recommended books: "Room for Doubt: How Uncertainty Can Deepen Your Faith" by Ben Young and "Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering" by Tim Keller

EP 14 Overcoming Cancer and Pain with God - Tiffany Smiling

Author and Founder of With All My Heart foundation, Tiffany Smiling, shares the incredible obstacles she walked through at a young age; creating a unique, sometimes lonely season that included pain. Tiffany describes how her inspiring father who fought behind the scenes for her while her mother did battle on her knees in prayer for Tiffany's survival. She helps us gain a fresh perspective in trusting God in the midst.

EP 13 Hope in the Midst of Loss - Carrie Kittinger

After experiencing incredible loss and friends facing difficult times along other major events, Carrie Kittinger describes her foundation is firm in the Lord through the storm. We feel the storm, its wind and effects, yet God's Word and prayer keeps us anchored in the hope that Jesus is present through it all. Learn ways to be strong in the midst of your storm!

EP 12 Dr. Wilbanks - How to Follow Your Passion

Dr. Kendra Wilbanks of Wilbanks Chiropractic shares her journey of following her passions and the challenges she and her husband faced with a new practice. http://www.wilbankschiropractic.com

EP 11 From Heart Surgery to Finding God

2 countries, 1 poorly functioning heart... hear how God orchestrates Michelle and Visa's lives to intersect between Kosovo and the U.S. for more than a much-needed heart surgery. God transforms a young girl's Muslim beliefs when she discovers a Scripture in Matthew. A Failing Heart and Muslim to Heart Surgery and Salvation

EP 10 Discover how iRefresh relies on God's word and prayer for ministry

iRefresh is a prayer ministry with a passion to pray, encourage and inspire the gifts within one another to flourish for Kingdom purposes. Hear several of the original prayer team members share their perspective of what iRefresh has meant to them after volunteering for over a decade.

EP 9 When Cancer Knocks - Lisa Fenimore

It's easy to get in our own head and derail everything you've learned about God. Lisa had seen God do miracles and while facing cancer, she choose to focus on that. Be inspired by the pathway of healing her journey took her.

EP 8 Overcoming Fear to Follow God - Kim Bakaev

Fear goes back to when Kim Bakaev was a child and felt like her voice didn't matter. Then God called her to step outside of her comfort zone. Hear how what first held her hostage has now caused her to dream again.

EP 7 The Power of Prayer and Trusting God with 10 Children - Roberta Pepin

76 years young with 10 children serving the Lord, Roberta Pepin shares wisdom learned through following the Lord's plan for her life. Walking the narrow path and experiencing the power of prayer, she explains how the enemy will try to divide, but the Lord's rewards always prevails

EP 6 Hope in the Hard Times - Laura Watson and Veronica Scott

We go through very difficult times, yet in the midst, we can place our hope in God helping us as well as fellow believers who can encourage our faith to keep pressing through. We learn from Laura and Veronica personal examples and from the Bible on how to trust God through it all.

EP 5 Where and How to Draw from to Write Songs - Tori Harper

Tori Harper gives a glimpse in to how she developed her song-writing career and where she draws from to write the lyrics. Out of the hard times, comes a greater realization of her need for God in her life. We get to hear her sing one of her special songs!

EP 4 Joy Will Come... just looks different with Unexpected Plans - Pepins

When living in a perfect Christian home and thinking, "I'll never", turns in to 'never' and the shame that comes, but God redeems! Hear the story from 3 women's perspectives within a family as they process an unexpected teen pregnancy. The Pepin family rediscover laughter where heartache could have kept them. Connect with Scarlet Pepin: https://scarletpepin.com/

EP 3 Family Comes Together to Help Son Overcome Heroin Addiction - Lori Voth

Coming from a solid, loving, Christian family, Lori Voth describes the heartache that comes from an unexpected heroin addiction with her son, Jacob. She exposes curiosity and rebellion that led to a long, destructive path. Hear how they overcame through their praying, loving family to press on and never giving up. Stay connected with Lori Voth at their church: https://church3434.org/

EP 2 Embrace Grace's Love Movement that's Changing and Saving Lives

Amy Ford, Founder of Embrace Grace, tells her story that birthed an organization that brings hope and purpose to women with unplanned pregnancies. Nicole Jones, Director of Mission Advancement, describes ways our community can help spread the LOVE MOVEMENT they've begun to support and encourage. They offer amazing tools as they celebrate their baby's life alongside them in their journey. Learn more and how to get involved. Connect with Embrace Grace: https://embracegrace.com/

EP 1 Life Coaching and Valuing Self Care - Patty Gerstenberger

What is the difference between counseling and life coaching? What is one of the top issues people are needing in their lives today? Patty Gerstenberger of Crosspoint Coaching talks self care and the value it brings in one's life. To connect with Patty for life coaching in person or via technology: www.crosspointcoaching.com

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