Living the Grace Life

Ep. 29 What is Lent? The Journey of Drawing Near

Did you grow up observing Lent? I didn't. My understanding of Lent was limited to observing people's ash-smudged foreheads and a noticeable uptick in McDonald's Filet-o-Fish sandwiches. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Lent—what it is, why we observe it, and how it prepares us for Easter.
Lent is a 40-day journey (not including Sundays) that begins on Ash Wednesday and goes through Easter. It is a season of reflection, fasting, and prayer—a journey that has become deeply significant in my own faith and grace walk.
We’ll explore the key Lenten practices—fasting, prayer, repentance, and immersion in God's Word. This season invites us to be intentional, stripping away distractions to refocus on our relationship with God.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
What Lent is and its biblical significance
The meaning behind fasting (spoiler: it’s not just about giving up chocolate!)
How prayer during Lent deepens our connection with God
The role of repentance and confession in our spiritual growth
The importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture
Lent is not just about personal sacrifice; it’s about drawing closer to God and realigning our hearts with His. I’ll also share a fasting story that changed my view of everyday habits. Plus, stick around until the end—I have a special invitation you won’t want to miss!
Are you ready to grow in grace this Lenten season? Let’s talk about Lent.
🎧 Listen now and start your Lent journey of drawing near to God!
Complete show notes here
 
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Ep. 28 How to Find Hope in God's Promises | Hebrews 11:13

In this Grace Prayer Tuesday episode, we dive into Hebrews 11:13 and explore what it means to hold onto hope in God's promises, even when we can't see them fulfilled in our lifetime. Through prayer, scripture, and reflection, we lean into God's grace and remind ourselves that hope is not found in what we see, but in the eternal faithfulness of God.
Key Takeaways:
Heroes of the Faith: A look at the figures in Hebrews 11—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, and others—who trusted God even when they did not see His promises fulfilled in their lifetimes.
Lori Ann Wood’s Story: A personal testimony of faith and resilience in the face of a life-altering diagnosis, and how Hebrews 11:13 became an anchor for her hope.
Moses’ Journey: During Jesus' transfiguration, it was revealed that Moses did, in fact, enter the Promised Land, showing God’s grace in a way beyond human expectation.
Hope in the Unseen: Understanding that God’s promises sometimes take longer than a lifetime to unfold, but they are always fulfilled in His perfect time.
Prayer as Surrender: A guided prayer using the P.R.A.Y. acronym—Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield—to help listeners lean into God’s promises with trust and surrender.
Scripture Highlight:"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth." — Hebrews 11:13 (NLT)
Reflective Thought from Ann Voskamp's book Sacred Prayer:"You can only truly let go of what you’re holding tightly when you trust that it is completely safe in God's hands."
Resources Mentioned:
Episode 25: Divine Detour and Deepened Faith (Conversation with Lori Ann Wood) 
Sacred Prayer: 90 Days of Deeper Intimacy with God by Ann Voskamp
Free Download: Living the Grace Life, One Prayer at a Time
Closing Encouragement:Friend, you are completely safe in God's hands. Just as He fulfilled His promises to Moses, to Laurieann, and to countless others, He will fulfill His promises to you. Keep living the grace life—grace for you, grace for them.
Connect & Engage:
Subscribe and leave a review!
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Share this episode with a friend who needs to be reminded of God’s faithfulness.
Until next time, remember to live the grace life generously! Grace for you. Grace for them.
Complete show notes here
 
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 27 Unexpected Grace & the Impact of Executive Order 9066

How does grace survive in the face of deep injustice? When grace comes unexpectedly.
In today’s episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata takes us to the powerful intersection of unexpected grace and deep hardship through the lens of Japanese American internment during World War II. February 19, 1942, marks the signing of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, most of whom were American citizens. Jennifer reflects on the emotional and historical impact of this injustice and shares stories of unexpected grace from families who lived through it, including her husband's family and family friend Mr. Ted Nagata, who was interned at the Topaz camp.
This episode sheds light on the harsh realities faced by Japanese Americans, from the confiscation of homes and businesses to the extreme living conditions in the internment camps. Jennifer also highlights the importance of recognizing the deep humility and forgiveness shown by those wronged, rather than responding with bitterness or anger.
Through this conversation, Jennifer shares her own journey of discovering the internment story later in life, underscoring the importance of remembering and honoring Japanese American Remembrance Day on February 19, 2025. 
This episode offers a message of hope, inviting listeners to reflect on the lessons learned from the Japanese American internment experience and how grace can counteract injustice while offering profound healing and transformation. Jennifer closes with a prayer adapted from Psalm 139 and a call to action, urging us to extend unexpected grace, protect civil liberties, and embrace forgiveness.
 
Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata:
"Behind these facts stand the lives of people whose families, livelihoods, and futures were completely and sometimes irreparably upended."
"To this day, I am astonished and humbled by family members and friends who were interned but refused to become bitter...Who despite every reason not to, offered pardon in place of finger-pointing."
"Grace compels us to offer forgiveness beyond our ability to give it."
 
Resources Mentioned:
Interview with Mr. Ted Nagata, courtesy of Densho Digital Repository
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee Tai (children's picture book)
Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki (children's picture book)
Weedflower by Cynthia Kadohata (for middle schoolers and early highschoolers)
Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston & James D. Houston
Impounded: Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment ed. by Linda Gordon & Gary Okihiro
When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
Only What We Could Carry: The Japanese American Internment Experience ed. by Lawson Fusao Inada
As we approach Japanese American Remembrance Day on February 19, 2025, Jennifer challenges listeners to reflect on the power of grace, both in personal relationships and in a broader societal context. Learn more about this often-overlooked part of U.S. history and how the lessons of grace and forgiveness continue to shape our world today.
 
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. 26 Postpartum Depression & Grace | Amanda Scarborough

Did you know that postpartum depression affects more than 1 in 7 women? Yet, so many suffer in silence, trapped by overwhelming emotions and conflicting thoughts.
In this week's episode of Living the Grace Life, Amanda Scarborough shares her journey through the darkest of nights, when she contemplated ending both her life and her newborn son's. In her book, A Beautiful War, Amanda unpacks the confusion, fear, anxiety, and shame that often overshadow the joy of newborn motherhood. Through it all, she encountered Jesus and discovered a hope that carried her forward.
In this episode, we discuss:
The reality of perinatal and postpartum depression
Conflicting emotions after childbirth
Lies that paralyze vs. the truth that sets free
The stigma surrounding Christians and medication
The role of community and grace-filled support
At first glance, this conversation is about postpartum depression. But at its core, it's an invitation to find our identity in Jesus, no matter the battle. Trusting in Jesus doesn't mean the war won't come--it means He stands on the battlefield first, armed with grace, fighting for you.
If you've ever wrestled with thoughts that don't match what you think you should be feeling, Amanda's story is a reminder: You are not alone.
Take a deep breath--hope is here. 
 
Grace Quotes from Amanda Scarborough:
🖊 "My dark subconscious began to make its way to the surface in a way I was not prepared to battle on my own."🖊 "I stopped begging Jesus to take everything away; instead, I gave it all to Him."🖊 "There is hope, and His name is Jesus."
 
🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs this encouragement.
 
Connect with Amanda Scarborough
Web: www.AmandaLScarborough.comIG: @amanda.l.scarboroughFB: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaLScarborough/
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Jennifer's FREE Resource, Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Ep. 25 Divine Detour and Deepened Faith | Lori Ann Wood

Have you ever asked yourself, "Has my life turned out the way I thought it would?" Maybe you're grappling with regret, wishing you’d responded differently or acted sooner. What happens when everything you’ve planned vanishes due to an unexpected crisis, like a life-altering diagnosis? In today’s episode of Living the Grace Life, we dive into the powerful journey of deepened faith in the face of a Divine detour.
Lori Ann Wood, multi-award-winning author of Divine Detour: The Path You'd Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You've Always Wanted, shares her personal story of navigating a sudden and serious heart condition. Despite her previously healthy life, Lori Ann was diagnosed with heart failure due to an enlarged heart. (Strange irony.) Released from the hospital with an external defibrillator and a hospice binder, Lori Ann’s health crisis became the catalyst for a profound shift in her faith, from a transactional faith to a deeply grace-filled faith.
In this episode, we discuss how Lori Ann wrestled with doubt, worry, and control in the midst of her journey and how you, too, can deepen your faith by addressing the hard questions of life. We also explore the importance of community and vulnerability when navigating life’s toughest challenges.
Key Topics Discussed:
Deepening faith by asking life’s hardest questions: Is this life all there is? (Doubt), Is God always good? (Worry), Is God's plan enough? (Control)
The Temptation of Jesus: How understanding Christ’s detour can equip us in our own
Seeking community: Finding support when facing life’s toughest challenges
Recognizing heart failure symptoms: Lori Ann’s personal health journey and how she moved toward healing
Inspiring Grace Quotes from Lori Ann Wood:
"Grace and regret can't be roommates."
"I wanted to have God's grace, but I wanted to hold on a little bit to regret because I was still a little bit mad at myself."
"Faith is trusting that God has a storyline that's bigger than us."
Tune in to hear how embracing life’s unexpected detours can lead to a deepened, more authentic faith. Even when life doesn’t turn out the way we planned, God’s grace is always at work.
Listen now and be reminded that you’re not alone on this journey. Faith, God's grace, and the power of community can guide us through life-altering moments.
 
Key Scripture:
"All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth." Hebrews 11:13, NLT.
 
Resources mentioned:
5 Prayers & Promises When You Can't Talk to God
3-Day Devo, Cultivating Gratitude When Life is Hard
The Heart Failure Warning Signs I Missed
 
Connect with Lori Ann Wood:
Website: https://loriannwood.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/loriannwood/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DivinelyDetoured
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Jennifer's FREE Resource, Living the Grace Life: One Prayer at a Time
Website | Instagram | Facebook

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
Website | Instagram | Facebook

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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