Living the Grace Life

Ep. 24 The Power of New Beginnings in Genesis 1

Welcome back to Living the Grace Life! In this episode, we step into the corner of real grace for our real lives by growing in grace through praying the scriptures. If you've ever felt unsure about what to pray or worried that your words might come out wrong, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll reflect on Genesis 1, explore where God's grace is rich in it, and spend time in prayer.
Episode Highlights:
Snow in Unlikely Places – A reflection on how God surprises us with beauty and new beginnings, even in unexpected circumstances.
A Fresh Start with Genesis – We dive into the creation story in Genesis 1 (NLT), noticing the recurring phrase: "And that is what happened."
God’s Confidence in Creation – How God spoke creation into being with certainty, clarity, and purpose, and what that means for us as we embrace new beginnings.
Embracing New Starts – Acknowledging that while fresh starts are exciting, they can also be challenging. Whether it's a new habit, a word for the year, or a renewed commitment, God is with us.
The Sacred Hover – Exploring how the Spirit of God hovered over the waters before creation and continues to hover over our lives, preparing the way for new growth.
A Guided Prayer – A moment to pause, reflect, and offer our new beginnings to God with trust in His guidance and provision.
Key Scripture:
Genesis 1:1-31 (NLT) – The creation account and the repeated affirmation of God’s work: "And that is what happened."
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it."
Reflection Questions:
What new beginning is God revealing to you as this month comes to a close?
Where do you need God’s confidence, certainty, and clarity in your life?
How can you invite God to be more present in your new commitments?
Prayer Focus:
Thanking God for His intentional design and purpose in creation.
Offering our new beginnings to Him, trusting in His clarity and direction.
Asking the Holy Spirit to hover over our lives and guide us with grace.
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, reflections, or prayer requests with us. Follow along on social media and let us know how you're seeing God’s grace in your new beginnings.
Subscribe & Share: If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe and share Living the Grace Life with someone who might need a reminder of God’s grace today.
Until next time, grace this life with prayer and live the grace life generously, friend. Grace for you. Grace for them.
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Jennifer's FREE Resource, Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time
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Ep. 23 The Grace of Surrender: Practicing Hospitality | Sue Donaldson

How is your hospitality antenna these days? Is it tuned to the needs of others, or is it clouded by the noise of performance and perfectionism? What if true hospitality isn’t about impressing with a spotless home or a picture-perfect table, but about the grace of surrender—extending grace as a reflection of God's welcome?
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata continues her conversation with Sue Donaldson in Part 2 of “Practicing Hospitality.” Together, they explore how hospitality is an act of grace, surrender, and purpose, paving the way for restoration, forgiveness, and connection.
You’ll hear us dive into topics like:
Surrendering expectations: How letting go creates space for meaningful hospitality.
Hospitality and restoration: Insights from John 21 on how hospitality fosters forgiveness and healing.
Offering what we have: The beauty of sharing from wherever we are.
Partnering with others: The power of collaboration in showing grace-filled hospitality.
Finding rest in rhythms: Serving others well by first being replenished ourselves.
True hospitality is about relationship restoration and letting God work through us, no matter how small our offering might seem. Join us as we unpack how surrendering to grace transforms our approach to welcoming others, making it not about us, but about God’s sufficiency.
Listen now and discover how to cultivate grace-filled hospitality that restores relationships and reflects God's love.
 
Grace quotes from Sue Donaldson:
"You don't have to do hospitality as I do. You just have to do hospitality."
"The whole point of hospitality is this huge relationship restoration that Jesus set. That's the reason we do hospitality. Restoration of someone coming to God."
"Someone may never know the welcome of God until they've been welcomed to your table."
 
Key Scripture:
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18-19, NLT.
Resources mentioned:
Prayer for a Hospitality Heart + Free Recipe
FREE Mentoring Work Pack
Sue Donaldson's Books
Connect with Sue Donaldson:
Website: https://www.welcomeheart.comFB:https://www.facebook.com/suemooredonaldson/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/suemooredonaldson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/welcome_heart/
FREE FB group, Welcome Heart, Welcome Home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/welcomeheart/membership_questions
 
Related episodes:
Episode 22, Beyond Entertaining: Practicing Hospitality as Grace in Action
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 22 Beyond Entertaining: Practicing Hospitality as Grace in Action

What comes to mind when you think of hospitality? Many people immediately respond with, "I don't have time" or "It's not my gift," but what if hospitality is more than just entertaining? What if practicing hospitality is truly an act of grace?
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata talks with Sue Donaldson, a speaker, author, and podcast host known for her passion for hospitality. Sue, affectionately known as the "mayor" of her neighborhood, models authentic hospitality that reflects God's love and grace.
Sue explains the difference between hospitality and entertainment, encouraging listeners to focus on the person in front of them and the purpose of serving their needs. She offers four practical tips for embracing hospitality with grace:
start small
keep it simple
use your own style
welcome with a servant's heart.
Join Jennifer and Sue for actionable advice on moving beyond entertaining to practicing hospitality as a meaningful expression of grace.
Sue and her husband Mark have raised three daughters who keep them at the bank and on their knees.
 
Grace quotes from Sue Donaldson:
"We practice doing what God wants us to do. And the best part is, we learn how great God is."
"When you practice hospitality, you no longer think about yourself. You think about your guest."
"The ultimate thing is to realize that God is in control; it's Jesus that does the work."
 
Resources mentioned:
Prayer for a Hospitality Heart + Free Recipe
FREE Mentoring Work Pack
Sue Donaldson's Books
Connect with Sue Donaldson:
Website: https://www.welcomeheart.comFB:https://www.facebook.com/suemooredonaldson/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/suemooredonaldson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/welcome_heart/
FREE FB group, Welcome Heart, Welcome Home: https://www.facebook.com/groups/welcomeheart/membership_questions
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 21 A Word of the Year to Transform Your 2025

Do you choose a 'word of the year?' Here's what makes this practice different than making resolutions.
With a new year comes a flood of hopes and promises to do things differently: eating better, praying more, reaching out to people more frequently, reading the Bible every day, and probably the number one most broken resolution: exercising more. But along comes the middle of January, and more often than not, well-thought-out resolutions have fallen flat like confetti on New Year's Eve.
Resolutions are often fleeting because they are rooted in one's ability to keep them.  
Choosing a 'word of the year' offers a different posture, and possibility, for entering the new year.
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata discusses the tradition of choosing a 'word of the year' and how it can shape one's spiritual journey. Reflecting on her own experiences with words like 'joy' and her new word for 2025, 'come,' Jennifer shares how this practice helps deepen one's experience of God's grace.
The episode emphasizes the importance of pausing to reflect, including both joys and sorrows.  Amid these reflections, a word or phrase often separates itself from the others. Listeners are encouraged to explore their own word of the year and its potential to transform their connection with God and others through the grace-filled life. 
Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata:
"Our coming forward often leads to moving away from something else."
"As God and his Spirit hovered over all the possibilities, what he spoke happened. A word created, and life was never the same again."
"Emmanuel is God with us, 365 days a year."
 
Key Scripture from the conversation:
Genesis 1 "...And that is what happened."
Colossians 3:16 "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, dwell in you richly. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
 
Complete show notes here
 
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 20 Quiet Christmas | Luke 2:1-40

In this heartfelt Christmas Eve episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata takes listeners through a reading of the nativity story from the Passion Translation. From the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to the angelic proclamation to the shepherds and the prophecies of Simeon and Anna, this retelling aims to provide fresh insights and a deeper appreciation of the birth of Jesus.
Tune in for a serene and reflective moment highlighting the profound significance of a quiet Christmas.
 
Complete show notes here
 
Jennifer Sakata Advent Devotional: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 
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Ep. 19 Quiet Christmas | Matthew 1:18-25

In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Jennifer Sakata reads the story of Jesus' birth from the Gospel of Matthew in three different translations. The focus is on quiet reflection and hearing God’s word as we prepare for Christmas.
 
Complete show notes here
 
Jennifer Sakata Advent Devotional: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas 
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 18 Sometimes I Forget | Julie Sunne

How do you trust God for good when everything looks so wrong? How do you hold onto hope when your world is falling apart? It's easy to forget the goodness of God when the brokenness in our world feels louder and bigger than hope.
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata sits down with Julie Sunne, whose multiple miscarriages, life's hard, and caregiving for her adult daughter with significant intellectual disabilities have led her to the substance of hope: God Himself.
Julie's latest book, Sometimes I Forget: 60 Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, outlines 60 characteristics of God that root us in hope despite difficult circumstances.
Together, we address the importance of letting go of our expectations about life, especially during acute trauma.
The next steps to hope include:
prayer
relaxation techniques
Bible reading
community
transparency
By turning to the Bible and authentically crying out to God, we open ourselves up to the possibilities God can bring through our circumstances. 
Listen in to discover how God's characteristics can turn impossibilities into possibilities, encouraging listeners to ask, 'What are you going to do with this now, Lord?' 
Julie is also the author of Everyday Praise: Walking in Greater Peace. Julie's writing has been featured in print devotionals by Proverbs 31 Ministries and Guideposts; Celebrate Life Magazine' Proverbs 31 Ministries' Encouragement for Today, and several online sites. Julie and her husband, David, are parents to three grown sons and a daughter. They reside with their daughter in rural northeast Iowa.
Grace Quotes from Julie Sunne:
"I wasn't prepared to reconcile the God that I knew with the bad things that can happen in life."
"When life is hard and things turn tragic, we are quick to believe God has taken his eyes off us. But God is never stretched too thin. You always have God's undivided attention."
"As we continue to unwrap the gift of surrendered faith, some of what looks to be mean and ugly in our lives transforms into precious gifts that stretch, grow, and heal us."
Resources mentioned:
Julie Sunne website
Julie Sunne email: julie@juliesunne.com
Julie Sunne's books
FREE Resources Library 
Connect with Julie Sunne:
https://www.facebook.com/JulieSunne1https://www.pinterest.com/juliesunne/https://twitter.com/JulieSunne1https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesunne/https://www.instagram.com/juliesunne1/
 
Complete show notes here
 
Advent Devotional: Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas by Jennifer Sakata
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 17 Seeking Joy and Grace: An Advent Journey | Christine Trimpe

In her advent devotional, Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke, award-winning author Christine Trimpe speaks joy so listeners can too. Her motto: "Seek joy so we can speak joy."
Have you ever felt like you don't fit? Like you're taking one step forward and two steps backward? Do you feel weary while the rest of the world is poised for rejoicing?
In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata and guest Christine Trimpe, discuss Christine's transformative journey from a casual Christian to a seeking joy gal. Christine shares her struggle with weight, emotional and social belonging, and the pivotal moment on a mountain that led to her profound spiritual awakening to Jesus.
In their conversation, you'll hear:
Christine's incredible journey of losing 100 pounds while discovering the real Jesus
how to "read between the lines" to God's goodness during a dark space
how to navigate the holidays while seeking joy
how to engage in a meaningful Advent in preparation for the coming of Jesus
where to discover your place at the table when you don't feel like you fit
Christine emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, seeking joy despite circumstances, and preparing our hearts for Christmas through Advent. 
And yes! Christine returned to that mountain, conquered and climbed it. She is now an avid hiker. Listen in to hear the rest of Christine's story. 
 
Grace Quotes from Christine Trimpe:
"We have a seat at the table. And if we can keep our eyes fixed there, that's where we fit."
"I can carry joy and sorrow in one hand and trust God's plan for every little thing in life."
"I have not found any other way to navigate a storm than finding the truth in his word."
 
Key Scripture from our conversation:
"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God's grace that you have been saved." Ephesians 2: 4-5, NLT
 
Resources mentioned:
Christine Trimpe website
Christine Trimpe email: Christine@christinetrimpe.com
Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke
Seeking Joy Bonus Chapters
Crush Cravings Guide
 
Connect with Christine Trimpe on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristineTrimpeLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachchristinetrimpe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KetoChristineMI
YouTube: @ChristineTrimpe https://youtube.com/christinetrimpe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/joyfulketolife/
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 16 I Will Rejoice! | Grace Prayer

Have you considered how many different ways a verse of Scripture can be understood based on where the emphasis is placed? For example, "I will rejoice" takes on a nuanced meaning when emphasized with each of the three words.
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, Jennifer Sakata reflects on Psalm 118:24, "This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." She explores the richness of gratitude and prayer by emphasizing different words in the verse. Listeners are guided through thoughtful questions, prayer, and reflection to slow down, rejoice, and embrace the gift of each day with intentionality and faith. 
Questions include:
What might God be showing you THIS day?
What do you need to remove this DAY, acknowledging there are 24 hours, and not 36?
Will you offer the day THE LORD HAS MADE right now?
Who can you welcome into your WE of rejoicing?
WILL you thank God for this day?
Will you offer your REJOICING even if it feels feeble or less than?
What is God asking you to pay attention to? To stay IN rather than turn away?
The Grace Prayer:
LORD, thank you for this day that YOU have made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Will you show me what you’re up to today so I can join you? Forgive me, Lord, when I try and cram more into this day than You’ve designed. Slow my pace and steady my gaze toward You, the Author and Perfector of my faith and my days.
Give me eyes to see whose gratitude needs a little jump start from my own. And where I’m the one in need of a restart, open my eyes to see where you’re inviting me to begin again.
LORD, You give us so much reason for rejoicing and gladness. Help me welcome this dynamic praise duo today, in my coming and going.
I belong to You. And so do they.Amen.
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 15 Family Advent Devotional | Jess Wolstenholm

Did you grow up celebrating Advent? For many, Advent has become a sacred rhythm that grounds people in the Christ of Christmas. Spanning the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, Advent invites us to return to Jesus each week of the Christmas season. 
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata discusses the challenges and joys of preparing for Christmas, particularly within families. She is joined by Jess Wolstenholm, the editor and executive producer of the award-winning children's Bible and animated series, 'The Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids.' 
Jess introduces her new resource, 'The Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional,' which aims to help families observe Advent through weekly readings, activities, and interactive discussions. They emphasize the importance of creating low-stress spiritual rhythms amidst the holiday chaos, making space for reflection, and entrusting the Holy Spirit with the ongoing discipleship process.
Rhythms they discuss include:
celebrating Advent Sundays with candles, a brief scripture, and prayer
prioritizing mealtime connections and bite-sized devotions
limiting activities in December 
stacking habits: start with something you're already doing and build on that
Together, they explore everyday, ordinary ways to celebrate Advent meaningfully, drawing on their experiences with children, ministry, and faith.
Listen to this week's episode for how to "balance inputs" and move toward a more meaningful, less chaotic Advent and Christmas season.
 
Grace Quotes from Jess Wolstenholm:
"Shouldn't [Jesus] be born in a fancy place? No, he was not. He was born in a pile of hay because God doesn't always do things the way we think He should."
"Don't underestimate the seeds you're planting. It's consistency that matters. Just get started."
"It's going to be messy. They're going to get out of their chair. They're going to drop their food. They're going to cry and have a meltdown in the middle of it.  The important thing is to push through that. Keep doing it and be committed to doing it, no matter what, because it does make a difference in their lives."
 
Key Scripture from our conversation:
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8
 
Resources mentioned:
Jess Wolstenholm at Minno website
Jess Wolstenholm on Instagram
Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Family Advent Devotional: A Four-Week Journey Through the Christmas Story
Minno on YouTube
Minno on Instagram
Minno on Facebook
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
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