Living the Grace Life

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:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
 

Ep. 14 Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas

Does December overwhelm you? Does it get more chaotic than quiet, leaving you exhausted and desperate for December 26th? It’s barely mid-November, and twinkle lights and brown paper packages tied up with string are bursting at the seams of every store entrance and online business. It’s unavoidable. December’s glitter is upon us.
In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata discusses the overwhelming nature of December and encourages listeners to prepare for a different, quieter Christmas. Jennifer shares her personal experience from last year’s simplified Christmas, highlighting its positive impact on her family.
She discusses how to embrace a more peaceful and meaningful December by streamlining holiday preparations and focusing on the Christ of Christmas. Jennifer introduces resources like devotionals designed for families and women to help slow down during Advent. Jennifer also announces her free devotional ebook and mentions a limited-time Holiday Bundle deal.
The episode invites listeners to put aside the chaos and embrace a meaningful and serene holiday season.  
 
Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata:
"Like grace, serenity is sometimes hard to come by. We must be willing to lay aside our old way of doing things to walk into a new way."
"Had we missed Christmas in my commitment to quiet us down?"
"Mom, it was better. We weren’t in such a hurry the whole time.  It was just…better.”
 
Resources mentioned:
Jennifer Sakata's devotional Make Room for the Quieter Voices of Christmas
Holiday Helper Bundle **Only available as a bundle from November 11-18, 2024
 
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
 

Ep. 13 I Didn't Sign Up for This: Resting in God's Goodness | Sarah Frazer

Have you ever felt betrayed by God? Or wondered if God was mad at you? The hardships of life can make us feel abandoned and left alone to deal with unexpected circumstances, painful realities, and deepening heartache. God, I didn't sign up for this!
In this episode of Living the Grace Life Podcast, host Jennifer Sakata engages in a profound conversation with Sarah Frazer, author of 'I Didn't Sign Up for This: How to Rest in God's Goodness When Your Story Shifts.'   
Sarah shares her journey, filled with challenging 'story shifts,' including adopting an unexpectedly special needs child in a foreign country and a vastly different life plan than she and her husband had envisioned.
Questions you will hear addressed:
What do you do when God writes a plot twist into your story?
Can a sovereign God also be good?
What do you do when life's hard bruises and hurts your heart?
Is it okay to "feel all the feels" with God?
What does it look like for God to become our dwelling place, even in the hard?
They discuss grappling with anger towards God, finding solace in His sovereignty, and the transformative power of Jesus amidst suffering.
Sarah provides practical advice on enduring hardship with faith, incorporating prayer into daily life, and the importance of scripture in understanding God's unwavering presence. The episode offers rich insights into how heartache can lead to a deeper relationship with God, intertwining personal stories with theological truth.
Listen in on any podcasting platform.
 
Grace Quotes from Sarah Frazer:
"It was as if the Holy Spirit said to me: 'I can handle you being angry with me. Now we can start the work.' I had to admit to God I was angry before moving further."
"Heartache is what sometimes brings healing."
"I didn't sign up for this. I needed to wrestle with how God could be in control and also good. Those two things seemed in contradiction, but they work perfectly together."
 
Key Scripture from our conversation:
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1
 
Resources mentioned:
Sarah Frazer's website
I Didn't Sign Up for This book
Let's Read the Bible Discipleship Program affiliate link here
Sarah Frazer on Instagram
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
 

Ep. 12 Cultivating Thanks in Everyday Life

Does gratitude in everyday life come easily for you? What about when life is hard and life-altering events like COVID-19 come crashing through your calendar?
In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata introduces the concept of 'Thanks Living.' This family tradition merges gratitude with the Thanksgiving spirit by creating a daily gratitude calendar in November using Halloween candy, encouraging family members to express unique and specific thanks.
The episode discusses the brain science behind gratitude and its mental and physical health benefits, emphasizing how to sustain this gratitude throughout the year.
Drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:8, Jennifer shares practical tips such as:
taking 'thank you God walks'
rewriting Psalm 136
engaging in a Gratitude Challenge
Listen in for actionable steps to cultivate gratitude in your everyday life.
 
Grace Quotes from Jennifer Sakata:
"Gratitude is a natural outflow of living with eyes wide open for all the places God is present."
"Gratitude grounds us in the goodness of God who is with us - always."
"Gratitude impacts our brains and how we live."
 
Key Scripture from our conversation:
"And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8
 
Resources mentioned:
Articles on neuroplasticity and gratitude: Cleveland Clinic Research and Feeling Thankful Shapes Our Brains
IG post on ThanksLiving Calendars
Jennifer Dukes Lee's IG post on Thank You God Walks
Amber Cullum's Free Gratitude Practice
Twyla Franz' Begin-Within Gratitude Series Giveaway
Twyla Franz' #ReflectJesus Gratitude Challenge
Related Episodes:
ThanksLiving! God is Not Stingy, featuring Jennifer Sakata
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
 

Ep. 11 What Are You Wearing | Grace Prayer

Do you remember your favorite Halloween costume?
There's merriment in impersonating someone or something else. Until that clever costume leads you to a costume party you thought you were invited to but weren't. Dressing up isn't fun when all the meanness of the world comes crashing down on your vulnerable heart and you feel naked despite being creatively dressed. Maybe it’s a strained relationship and those harsh words play on repeat in your mind. Or perhaps you were dismissed by someone who should have been paying attention but was more into themselves. 
In this episode of Living the Grace Life, host Jennifer Sakata explores the concept of growing in grace through Colossians 3:10. Jennifer shares a personal story about a childhood Halloween experience to illustrate the journey from living a life marked by old habits to embracing a new life in Christ.
The episode emphasizes taking off old ways of self-importance and putting on virtues such as mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 
Jennifer guides listeners through a prayer based on Colossians 3:10 for grace to embody these attributes and challenges listeners to extend forgiveness and love, as exemplified by seeing an old acquaintance in a new light. 
Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together with perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
 
Colossians 3:10 Prayer, Personalized
Lord, thank you for choosing me to be your holy person, set apart and loved, not because I'm great but because You are. Thank you for this life I have in Jesus.
You know how often I clothe myself with words and behaviors that hurt people and distance myself from you. Forgive me Lord, when I put on anger and mean behaviors, when my mouth spew words meant to cut down and secretly belittle. Lord, that is not who You’ve made me.
When I'm stuck in old life ways, clothe me with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Help me make allowance for others' faults, and forgive anyone who offends me. Help me remember that You Lord forgave me, so I must forgive others.
Clothe me with love, Your love, which binds me to those around me with perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in my heart. I come as a member of Your body and I want to live in peace. And to be thankful.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Listen to Colossians 3 here
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 10 Scars of Grace: Embracing Our Woundedness for Wholeness | Russell Joyce

"What parts of your story would you prefer to keep hidden?"
My guest today poses this probing question as the starting point for embracing our woundedness on the way to wholeness. Why would anyone risk such exposure? Because rather than love us despite our brokenness, God bends low and welcomes us amid our weakness. 
Russell Joyce was born with a rare craniofacial disorder called Goldenhar syndrome, where the left side of his face was underdeveloped. Multiple surgeries marked Russell with scars that went deeper than the procedures themselves. Following an intimate moment with his then-fiance Anna, Russell began the arduous road of identifying his deepest wound and living with the conviction that the Lord desires to meet us in our woundedness.
In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life' with Jennifer Sakata, guest Russell Joyce shares his profound journey of embracing scars and experiencing wholeness through woundedness. In his book, His Face Like Mine: Finding God's Love in Our Wounds, Russell reminds his readers that Jesus went first. Hope lives in the scars of Jesus and what He's done.
 
In our conversation, you will hear:
The three movements of grace in Russell's book His Face Like Mine:
truthfulness around our woundedness
grace as God's Presence and welcome
scars as an invitation to live the grace life
Russell is the director of Four Square Multiply, the church planting movement of the Foursquare denomination. He also serves as lead pastor of Faith Center in Eugene, Oregon with his wife Anna and their two sons.
Tune in to hear how God's love unfolds in the depths of our brokenness and how embracing our woundedness is the transformative journey of grace toward wholeness.
 
Grace Quotes from Russell Joyce:
"It's in the depth of our deepest woundedness that God is most clearly revealed."
"In this house, we don't take a sip of grace. We pour our entire souls into that cup of life."
"On the cross, we realize there's no part of the human condition too ugly for the lips of Christ."
"The most important thing that the church can offer the world is the courage to boast in our scars, to hold up what were previously embarrassing wounds that have been healed for a watching world that is still dying in its own woundedness, afraid to show its own wounds and say, 'Hey, look what Jesus did in me.'" 
 
Key Scripture from our conversation:
"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
 
Resources mentioned:
Russell Joyce's website
Same Jesus Podcast with Russell Joyce and AJ Swoboda
Russell Joyce on Instagram
Information about Grief Journaling here
Complete show notes here
Connect with Jennifer:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
 
 

Ep. 09 Seen, Known, and Loved: Overcoming Your Inner Bully | Carol Feil

Do you have an inner bully? Are you the hardest on yourself, rehearsing all the ways you've messed up and fall short?
In this episode of 'Living the Grace Life,' host Jennifer Sakata welcomes Carol Feil, a seasoned writer, speaker, and self-described cheerleader of women. Make the journey from condemnation to compassion and from a transactional culture to the grace of the Father. Carol discusses the impact of uninvited negative thoughts and the need to replace lies with the truth of being seen, known, and loved by God.
Referencing her iconic yellow boots, Carol illustrates how grace can be integrated into daily life.
In our conversation, you'll hear how to:
reframe lies that have played on repeat 
combat the inner bully with scripture
journey from living in a soundbite culture to depth with Jesus
replace life's overwhelming expectations with realistic ones
stack habits
nurture the Truth of how God sees you
welcome a community of supporters as a place to absorb what's true
 
Grab your yellow boots and tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom and practical advice for living a grace-filled life.
Quotes from Carol Feil:
Because I haven't asked the [lies] to play, I can choose whether they stay or get replaced with the Truth.
There has to be so much truth coming in that the lies stand out.
We have the opportunity to consciously and carefully pay attention to what we clothe ourselves in.
Key Scriptures mentioned:
I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
 
Resources Mentioned:
Carol Feil's Scripture and Prayer FREEBIE
Carol on Instagram and Facebook
Complete show notes here
Related Episodes:
Ep. 04 Grace Prayer | Your Real Self Through God's Eyes
Connect with Jennifer:
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Ep. 08 Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale | Jodi H. Grubbs

Are you overwhelmed by "running the roads," rushing from one event to another and feeling increasingly depleted no matter how hard you try to slow it down? The crush of hustle culture costs more than we think and doesn't disappear just because we want it to.
But there is hope. 
In today's episode, Jodi H. Grubbs describes the life-altering impact the pace of her life was having on her body and the wake-up call she received from her doctor. With insight and wisdom, Jodi leads us from running the roads of hustle culture to sustainable soul-care rhythms that slow our pace and make space for God, one another, and even for ourselves.
From Jodi's book, Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale, "Just like the transformation of a piece of sea glass, slower living is this invitation to reframe our heartache as we take our tossed-about lives and recalibrate our pace into a more manageable and delightful one." 
In our conversation, you will hear:
the right you have to a slower pace
the impact of a forced slowdown as Jodi grieved her first husband's death
18 Slow Living Shifts that lead to transformation with a more present posture
the distinction between self-care and soul-care
sustainable soul care rhythms including spiritual direction, breath prayers, and spiritual friendships 
God's grace for the "other" who deeply wounded us
Jodi speaks from a deep well of life with God and helps us tuck into those places where God wants to meet us.
Listen in as we slow the pace and welcome the transformation of grace.
Grace Quotes from Jodi H. Grubbs
"But then, to my utter surprise, I watched as Jesus turned to face and embrace this person who had hurt me. And he acknowledged and healed their pain as well."
"Soul care is a quieting of our souls and asking God: what are you showing me right now?" 
"Slow down and your passions that have been tucked in for too long will start to emerge."
 
Resources mentioned:
Jodi's Reflection Guide
Jodi H. Grubbs, Our Island in the City Podcast
Connect with Jodi on her Website, Instagram, Facebook
See full show notes here for Jodi's Book Benediction and Prayer
Connect with Jennifer:
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