The Love Offering

The rooms we tend are shaping the lives lived within them. The meals prepared in our kitchens, conversations shared around our tables, prayers whispered beside beds, and people welcomed through our doors all help turn a house into a home. This quiet, faithful work may feel ordinary, but it creates a place of peace, belonging, and love. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m talking with bestselling author Myquillyn Smith about her new book, House Hushing. Myquillyn offers such practical and freeing wisdom for creating a home that feels peaceful, personal, and full of soul—without filling it with more stuff or waiting until everything is perfect. In our conversation, we talk about: Quieting the visual noise that can leave us feeling overwhelmed “Decluttering backward” without immediately getting rid of anything Releasing the guilt attached to sentimental or gifted belongings Creating a home that tells the story of the people who live there Welcoming others before everything feels finished Choosing connection over perfection Myquillyn’s words reminded me that tending our homes is about more than decorating. It is an opportunity to faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us. Our homes don’t have to be perfect to have a beautiful purpose—they can become places where our families rest, friends feel safe, neighbors are welcomed, and Christ’s love is generously offered. I hope this conversation encourages you to see your home, and the faithful care you give it, with fresh eyes. Learn more about Myquillyn Smith: Website: https://thenester.com/ Follow Myquillyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenester/ Find House Hushing wherever books are sold. Connect with Rachael: Website: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor/ The Love Offering Podcast: https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast/ Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt a little lost when something that once defined your days suddenly changed? Children grow up. Careers shift. Ministries evolve. Dreams unfold differently than we imagined. Sometimes a season ends long before we are ready—and when our identity has become tangled up in what we do, that change can leave us wondering who we are. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m talking with my friend Elizabeth Laing Thompson about her new 90-day devotional, In Season. Although the book was written for young female athletes, our conversation is for every woman who has felt pressure to perform, walked through disappointment, or questioned her worth when life did not go according to plan. Elizabeth and I talk about: • Separating who we are from what we do • Finding hidden growth within disappointment • Quieting comparison and listening to God’s voice • Making room for God during busy seasons • Receiving rest as an act of trust Friend, your worth is not measured by your performance, productivity, or recognition. Roles change, accomplishments fade, and seasons end—but you remain a beloved daughter of God. Connect with Elizabeth Laing Thompson: Website: https://lizzylife.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethlaingthompson YouTube: Search “Elizabeth Laing Thompson” Learn more about Rachael Adams: https://rachaelkadams.com Discover more faith-filled podcasts from LifeAudio: https://www.lifeaudio.com Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the darkest seasons of your life are not evidence that God has abandoned you—but the very soil where He is quietly growing something good? This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m talking with my dear friend Nicole Jacobsmeyer, author of Something Good Will Grow. Through her experiences with cancer, miscarriage, depression, rejection, and other deep wounds, Nicole has learned that God’s goodness is not absent in our suffering—even when we cannot yet see what He is doing. Nicole shares the beautiful imagery of flowers that bloom at night, quietly opening in the darkness for an audience of One. Together, we talk about trusting God when life feels like more than we can handle, waiting when our prayers seem unanswered, wrestling honestly with doubt, and loving others well through seasons of suffering. If you are walking through a painful or uncertain season, I pray this conversation reminds you that you have not been forgotten. God is with you in the darkness, His grace is sufficient, and something good can still grow. Connect with Nicole Jacobsmeyer Website: NicoleJacobsmeyer.com Instagram: @nicolejacobsmeyer Facebook: Nicole R. Jacobsmeyer Book: Something Good Will Grow Newsletter: Visit Nicole’s website to subscribe to her Front Porch Letters. Connect with Rachael Adams Website: RachaelKAdams.com Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor Facebook: @rachaeladamsauthor Podcast: The Love Offering Podcast Contact: Connect with Rachael Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special bonus episode from The Bible Explained, Host Jenn Kokal is joined by Kristy Graham, a dedicated wife, mom, and communications expert at Samaritan's Purse. Kristy shares her personal story of how her family's life was shaped by their involvement with Samaritan's Purse, and how her role in the organization's podcast, On the Ground, has been a game-changer for her faith. Kristy talks about the importance of prayer in the ministry, and how the organization's staff starts each day with Scripture and prayer. She shares stories of the organization's work in disaster relief, including training for doctors and nurses fighting the Ebola epidemic, their response to Hurricane Helene, and helping those devastated by earthquakes in Venezuela. Through these stories, Kristy highlights the impact of Samaritan's Purse's work in bringing hope, love, and comfort to those affected by disaster. Kristy also opens up about her own journey of learning to rely on God's strength, rather than her own. She shares how her role in the podcast has taught her the importance of rest and surrender, and how she's learning to say yes to God's plans, even when they don't make sense to her. Kristy's vulnerability and passion for her work will inspire you to take a closer look at your own faith in the One who comforts, heals, and loves. Listen to On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse to hear more faith-based stories of God's provision. Discover how you can get involved with Samaritan's Purse Learn about Operation Christmas Child Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more. Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever walked through a season when simply making it through the day felt like all you could manage? Maybe grief has changed everything. Perhaps the future looks nothing like you imagined, or someone you love is hurting, and you don’t know what to say. When life feels this heavy, people often encourage us to “hang in there.” But what happens when we no longer have the strength to keep holding on? My guest on this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, Cheri Fletcher, shared a truth I haven’t stopped thinking about: “I’m not hanging in there. I’m being held in there.” After unexpectedly losing her daughter, Annie, in 2023, Cheri began recognizing the ways God had gone before her and prepared people and provisions to help carry her through her grief. His care didn’t take away her pain, but it reminded her that she wasn’t walking through it alone. Sometimes God’s presence looked like a friend sending a Scripture or prayer. Sometimes it was a neighbor bringing flowers, a pastor calling to check in, or even a bird singing outside her window. Each small kindness became a quiet reminder: You are still being held. In our tender conversation, Cheri shares: How to recognize God’s presence in the midst of grief Why sorrow may rewrite our stories without changing our identities How joy and heartache can exist at the same time What to say when we don’t know how to comfort someone Why our roles may change, but our purpose remains eternal Cheri also reminds us that we don’t need perfect words to love a grieving person well. Sometimes a simple “I’m so sorry,” a listening ear, or the willingness to say their loved one’s name can be a meaningful offering of love. If you feel like you are barely hanging on today, I pray this promise encourages you: “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10 Friend, your hope isn’t found in how tightly you can hold on to God. Your hope is found in the truth that He is holding on to you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not merely hanging on. You are being held. With love, Rachael CONNECT WITH CHERI FLETCHER: Website and grief resources: https://cherifletcher.com Explore Cheri’s Beyond “I Don’t Know What to Say” Grief Communication Cards and her private community, Now What? A Quiet Place for Grief. CONNECT WITH RACHAEL ADAMS: Website: https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Learn more about Everyday Prayers for Love and A Little Goes a Long Way: https://rachaelkadams.com/books Listen to more episodes of The Love Offering Podcast: https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever approached your time with Jesus as one more task to complete? Read the Bible. Say the prayers. Check the box. Move on with the day. I understand that tendency because I've felt it too. We can love Jesus deeply while quietly treating our relationship with Him like a performance review—always wondering whether we are doing enough, growing enough, or getting it right. But Jesus never asked us to perform for His presence. He simply invited us to remain. In this week's episode of The Love Offering Podcast, I'm talking with author and speaker Christine Hoy about her book, Keeping Company with Jesus: Finding Peace in His Presence. Christine helps women trade perfectionism for peace, performance for presence, and striving for a gentler way of walking with Jesus. We talk about: Recognizing when faith has become more about obligation than relationship What Jesus' words about the vine and branches teach us about dependence Finding freedom from the pressure to have a “perfect” quiet time Returning to Jesus through simple prayers throughout the day Remaining faithful during spiritually dry seasons Practicing Sabbath rest in a distracted world Recognizing when the pursuit of holiness has become unhealthy striving Friend, you don't have to earn your place beside Jesus. He has already saved you a seat. You can stop striving, draw near, and receive the peace found only in His presence. I hope this conversation reminds you that even when you feel weary, distracted, or spiritually dry, Jesus still wants to keep company with you. CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE HOY: Website and free resources: https://christinecarterhoy.com/ Learn more about Christine and her books: https://christinecarterhoy.com/about/ Find Keeping Company with Jesus: Finding Peace in His Presence and Peace Beyond Perfection: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Enough through Christine’s website. CONNECT WITH RACHAEL ADAMS: Website: https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor Listen to The Love Offering Podcast: https://www.lifeaudio.com/the-love-offering Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

So much of motherhood happens where no one else can see. It’s the middle-of-the-night wake-ups, the endless loads of laundry, the whispered prayers, the carpool conversations, and the thousand small sacrifices that rarely receive recognition. In the moment, we may wonder whether any of it is making a difference. But God sees it all—and none of it is wasted. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m talking with Shalene Roberts, author of When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees. Shalene shares how a vulnerable blog post written while navigating three children under five—and what may have been postpartum depression—became a message that resonated with hundreds of thousands of mothers. Together, we talk about: Finding our worth in God rather than visible accomplishments Trusting that today’s small seeds can produce an eternal harvest Recognizing the sacred within the gritty work of motherhood Making room for prayer, Scripture, and rest in busy seasons Seeing and nurturing each child’s unique God-given gifts Holding our children with open hands as they grow Whether you are caring for little ones, preparing to launch a child into adulthood, or pouring into the next generation through mentoring, I pray this conversation reminds you that God sees you. The love you offer in ordinary, unseen moments is shaping lives and leaving a legacy that may reach farther than you will ever know. You are seen. You are loved. And the work God has called you to matters for eternity. With love, Rachael CONNECT WITH SHALENE ROBERTS Website: https://shaleneroberts.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalenerobertsblog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaleneRobertsBlog Book: Visit https://shaleneroberts.com/books to learn more about When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees. CONNECT WITH RACHAEL ADAMS Website: https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor Books: A Little Goes a Long Way and Everyday Prayers for Love Listen to more episodes of The Love Offering Podcast: https://www.lifeaudio.com/the-love-offering If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another mother who needs to remember that God sees her. Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What battle are you carrying today? Maybe it is an unanswered prayer, a painful loss, a strained relationship, a health concern, or a circumstance that feels far beyond your control. When life feels overwhelming, we can become so consumed by our emotions—or so busy trying to fix everything ourselves—that prayer is often one of the first things we neglect. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, my friend Rachel Wojo joins me to talk about her new 90-day devotional, Praying Through Life’s Battles. Drawing from her experience of loving and losing her daughter, Taylor, Rachel shares how prayer has sustained her through unimaginable grief and reminded her that she never faces life’s battles alone. In our conversation, we discuss: Why prayer can feel difficult when we are overwhelmed How remembering God’s faithfulness helps us resist the enemy’s lies Practical ways to remain grounded in Scripture during hard seasons How to make prayer a natural part of everyday life Why persistence matters when an answer seems delayed What it means to pray from Christ’s victory rather than merely for victory One truth Rachel shared has stayed with me: “The reason for prayer is not for the answers. The reason for prayer is for the relationship.” God certainly can change our circumstances through prayer, but He also uses prayer to change us. He meets us in our weariness, reminds us of His promises, and aligns our hearts with His. He wants to give us more than an answer—He wants to be our answer. One of the first Bible verses Rachel’s daughter Taylor learned was, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). Those words became a family mantra throughout Taylor’s life, and they remain a beautiful reminder for each of us today. Whatever you are facing, you do not have to fight in your own strength. God sees you, He is with you, and the battle belongs to Him. CONNECT WITH RACHEL WOJO Website: https://rachelwojo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwojo Praying Through Life’s Battles: https://amzn.to/4wDIrZO Free Pray Through It Battle Plan: https://battleprayers.com Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo: Untangling Prayer with Rachel Wojo - Rachel Wojo - Christian Podcast CONNECT WITH RACHAEL ADAMS Website: https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor The Love Offering Podcast: https://www.lifeaudio.com/the-love-offering Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever experienced a loss that divided your life into a “before” and an “after”? Fourteen years ago, my friend Lisa Appelo woke to the sound of her husband Dan’s strange breathing. Within hours, she learned he had suffered cardiac arrest and could not be revived. In a single morning, Lisa became a widow and the sole parent of seven children. As Lisa tried to put her feet on the floor each morning and help her children navigate their own grief, she discovered that God’s comfort wasn’t always found in answers. Often, it came through His Word, His sustaining grace, the kindness of His people, and the quiet assurance that He was near—even when she couldn’t feel Him. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, Lisa and I talk about her new devotional journal, God of Comfort, and what it means to grieve honestly while still holding on to hope. In our conversation, we discuss: Why we don’t have to hide our difficult emotions from God How Scripture and journaling can help us process sorrow Why grief should not be rushed, masked, or ignored How God gives us “pockets of joy” alongside our pain What it looks like to comfort others from the comfort we have received Why God’s presence is one of the deepest expressions of His love One of my favorite things Lisa said was, “God will love us all the way through.” Friend, whatever you are grieving today, you are not overlooked or abandoned. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and He knows the way through this valley. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You can simply bring Him the next breath, the next tear, and the next step. I pray this conversation reminds you that sorrow and joy can exist together—and that God is faithfully carrying you through both. Connect with Lisa Appelo: Website Instagram Connect with Rachael Adams: Website Instagram Facebook The Love Offering Podcast Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When you hear the word worship, what comes to mind? Maybe you picture standing in church on Sunday morning, singing with your hands raised. Perhaps you think about prayer, reading Scripture, or verbally praising God. All of these are beautiful expressions of worship—but worship was never meant to be confined to a church service. Our entire lives can become an offering to God. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I’m welcoming Cheryl Marshall back to the show to talk about her new book, All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God. Drawing from Romans 12:1–2, Cheryl helps us understand what it means to present ourselves as living sacrifices and worship God with every part of who we are. Our hands, feet, eyes, ears, thoughts, motives, abilities, responsibilities, hopes, and dreams all belong to Him. Whether we are caring for children, helping an aging parent, working at our jobs, serving in our churches, or simply completing the next ordinary task before us, we have an opportunity to honor God. But wholehearted devotion isn’t always easy. Cheryl identifies three things that can divide our devotion: distraction, disobedience, and discouragement. Sometimes our hearts become distracted by busyness or the desire for approval. Sometimes we hold on to a sin or attitude we know God is asking us to surrender. And sometimes discouragement convinces us that our current circumstances—or even our past—make us unable to do anything significant for Him. But Cheryl reminds us that our limitations do not disqualify us from glorifying God. In fact, those very places may become the setting where His strength, mercy, and faithfulness shine most clearly. Our devotion doesn’t begin with guilt, fear, pride, or striving. It begins with remembering God’s mercy. As Cheryl says, “All other motivations other than mercy will fail us.” Because Jesus gave all of Himself for us, we can joyfully offer all of ourselves to Him. If your heart feels distracted, weary, discouraged, or divided today, I hope you’ll listen to this conversation. God is patient with us. He meets us in our weakness, renews our minds through His Word, and gives us the grace to take the next faithful step. Connect with Cheryl Marshall: Website: CherylMarshall.com Instagram: @_cherylmarshall Podcast: Search for Whole Life Worship on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Rachael Adams: Website: rachaelkadams.com Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor Podcast: The Love Offering Podcast Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.