That's Just What I Needed Podcast

Have you ever wished God would just show you the plan? The next step, the right decision, or how everything is going to work out? I've been there, too! But as I studied Exodus 33 and 34, God reminded me of something powerful: Moses didn't ask God for the plan. He asked for His presence. In this episode, I'm sharing what God taught me about His character, His compassion, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, and forgiveness. We'll talk about why understanding who God really is changes how we trust Him, especially when life feels uncertain. Friend, you may not know what God is doing, but you can know who He is. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 4:27 - Seek God’s Presence, Not Just His Plan 9:22 - God Reveals His Glory Through His Character 10:37 - God’s Compassion Meets Us in Our Pain 14:29 - Trust God’s Faithfulness While You Wait 16:47 - Run to God With Confession What We Talk About What Moses' conversation with God in Exodus 33 teaches us about seeking His presence Why we often want God's plan more than His presence How God reveals His glory through His character in Exodus 34 What it really means that God is compassionate and gracious Why God's patience is different from human anger How God's love and faithfulness remain constant, even when we doubt The modern-day idols of comfort, control, and self-reliance Why God's forgiveness doesn't mean He overlooks sin How our understanding of God's character affects our ability to trust and love Him A simple way to share what God is teaching you with your family and friends 6 Truths About God's Character from Exodus 34 When God revealed Himself to Moses, He didn't simply demonstrate His power. He declared His character. These six truths remind us who God is and how He relates to us. God Is Compassionate God sees your pain and cares about what you're experiencing. His compassion moves toward you, not away from you. God Is Gracious You don't have to earn God's love or mercy. Even when you fall short, He offers forgiveness and the opportunity to begin again. God Is Slow to Anger God isn't waiting for you to make a mistake so He can punish you. He is patient and gives you opportunities to turn back to Him. God Abounds in Love God's love isn't limited or conditional on your performance. His love is part of who He is. God Is Faithful Even when circumstances make you question what God is doing, His faithfulness remains unchanged. You can trust Him while you wait. God Is Forgiving and Just God forgives wickedness, rebellion, and sin, but He doesn't excuse wrongdoing. We can approach Him with honest repentance, knowing He is both merciful and just. A Practical Question to Ask Yourself: Instead of asking, "God, what's your plan for my life?" try asking, "God, will you help me recognize your presence in my life today?" And here's another question worth asking yourself and the people you love: "What is God teaching me through His Word today?" Don't just read Scripture to gain information. Allow it to change how you see God and how you live. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling completely drained, anxious, or discouraged, but couldn't quite explain why? Sometimes the people we surround ourselves with affect us more than we realize. In today's episode, I'm sharing six types of people who can quietly drain your energy, steal your joy, and even pull you away from the person God created you to be. We'll talk about how to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns, why setting boundaries isn't unloving, and how to evaluate your relationships with wisdom and grace. Because loving people well doesn't mean giving everyone unlimited access to your life. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:12 - Relationships Can Lift You, Lower You, or Leave You Stuck 0:04:42 - When Emotions Become a Tool for Control 0:04:42 - The Exhausting Cycle of the Drainer 0:09:29 - Don’t Let Others Pull You Off Mission 0:13:52 - Boundaries and Self-Reflection Are Part of Loving Well What We Talk About Why it's important to regularly evaluate your closest relationships The difference between life-giving and life-draining friendships Six types of people who may be negatively affecting your life: The Manipulator: Uses guilt, shame, or emotions to control others The Drainer: Constantly takes emotional energy without making changes The Division Sower: Creates conflict, spreads gossip, and stirs up tension The Worshiper: Depends on you for answers and guidance instead of turning to God The Distractor: Consistently pulls you away from your priorities and purpose The Willfully Rebellious: Knows what's right but repeatedly chooses a different path How unhealthy relationship patterns can affect your emotional and spiritual well-being Why familiar relationships aren't necessarily healthy relationships The biblical difference between loving someone and enabling unhealthy behavior How to recognize when you need healthier boundaries Why honest self-reflection is essential for spiritual growth The 3 Ways Relationships Influence Your Life Every relationship does one of three things: Brings you up: Encourages you to grow, strengthens your faith, and helps you become more like Jesus. Brings you down: Drains your energy, creates unnecessary conflict, or pulls you away from God's best for your life. Keeps you the same: Doesn't necessarily harm you but doesn't encourage growth either. A question worth asking: Are the people I'm surrounding myself with helping me or hindering me from becoming more like Jesus? And don't forget to turn that question inward. Are you helping the people in your life become the best version of themselves? Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever feel like you're doing all the right things for God but still feel disconnected from Him? My guest, author and podcast host Jeanine Amapola Ward, knows what it's like to chase success, check all the Christian boxes, and still feel spiritually empty. In this conversation, Janine shares how a season of heartbreak and burnout led her to discover what it really means to abide in Jesus. We talk about practical ways to stay connected to God throughout your day, why knowing Jesus matters more than religious performance, and how to trust Him even when life doesn't make sense. If you're tired of striving, this conversation is for you! Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:02:31 - A YouTube Hobby Becomes a Calling 0:04:02 - Abide Means Stay Connected 0:07:31 - From Striving to Surrender 0:11:30 - Make Everyday Moments Checkpoints with God 0:20:08 - Jesus Meets Us in Grief What We Talk About How Jeanine's journey as a social media influencer led to a deeper relationship with Jesus What it means to abide in Christ according to John 15 The difference between performing for God and living in relationship with Him Simple ways to stay connected to Jesus during busy seasons Why spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, not a finish line How heartbreak, isolation, and burnout can reveal where we've placed our identity The comforting and challenging characteristics of Jesus Finding God's presence in grief and unanswered prayers Why surrendering control can replace anxiety with peace Jeanine's 40-day devotional, The Abiding Way, and how it helps women know Jesus more deeply The Abiding Way: Four Practices for Staying Connected to Jesus Janine shares practical ways to make abiding in Christ part of everyday life: Remain in God's Word. Start with John 15 and ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what it means to stay connected to Jesus. Create daily connection points. Talk to God throughout your day. Invite Him into your decisions, responsibilities, and relationships instead of limiting your time with Him to a morning devotional. Examine your heart and actions. Regularly ask yourself: Does this honor Jesus? Does this help me bear fruit? Does this make me more like Him? Choose surrender over striving. Trust God's character and His leading, even when circumstances are difficult or the outcome isn't what you hoped for. The goal isn't to follow a perfect spiritual routine. It's to cultivate a lifelong relationship with Jesus, one faithful step at a time. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Jeanine: The Abiding Way: https://www.amazon.com/ABIDING-WAY-Gospel-Forty-Faith/dp/0557781388/ref=sr_1_2 Happy & Healthy Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/HappyandHealthyPodcast Jeanine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanineamapola Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever stopped to think about who your pastor turns to when life gets hard? Ministry leaders carry the struggles of others while often facing pressures, expectations, and challenges of their own. This can have a ripple effect on you, the person in the pew: Healthy ministry leaders → healthier churches → stronger communities of believers → greater impact for God’s Kingdom. But the reverse is also true: unhealthy ministry leaders ultimately produce unhealthy churches with less impact for God’s Kingdom. My guest, Joanne Beckwith, spent 45 years as a pastor’s wife and now serves with Standing Stone Ministry, where she and her husband Dave, come alongside pastors, spouses, and ministry leaders, to “shepherd the shepherds”. In this conversation, Joanne gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the realities ministry families face and shares simple, practical ways we can support them. You don’t have to be in ministry for this episode to matter. If you’re part of a church, there’s something here for you. Fun Fact: Did you know that October is “Pastor “Appreciation” month? Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:03:30 - A Lifeline for Ministry Leaders 0:05:33 - Support Beyond the Retreat 0:10:30 - Confidential Care Can Restore 0:14:47 - Trade Expectations for Encouragement 0:25:05 - Small Acts Make a Big Difference What We Talk About How Standing Stone Ministry began and why it exists Why pastors and ministry leaders need confidential support The emotional and spiritual pressures that come with ministry Unrealistic expectations placed on pastors and their families Why pastors’ spouses and children need our prayers too The difference encouragement and affirmation can make How Standing Stone provides support at no cost to ministry leaders Practical ways church members can encourage their pastors Why investing in healthy ministry leaders strengthens the entire church Three Simple Ways to Support Your Pastor and Ministry Leaders Pray for them. Pray not only for your pastor, but also for their spouse and children. Ministry families face real-life struggles just like everyone else. Encourage them specifically. Write a note. Tell them what you appreciate. Thank them for the ways their ministry has impacted your life. A little affirmation can go a long way. Give them grace. Take your pastor off the pedestal. Don’t expect one person to meet everyone’s idea of what a pastor should be. Allow them the freedom to follow God’s calling rather than trying to meet impossible expectations. The Ripple Effect: Healthy ministry leaders → healthier churches → stronger communities of believers → greater impact for God’s Kingdom. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Joanne: Standing Stone Ministry Website: www.standingstoneministry.org Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever walked away from a moment and thought, Why did I say that? Why did I act that way? Stress, fear, and overwhelming circumstances can affect us more than we realize. And surprisingly, David knew exactly what that felt like. In this episode, I’m unpacking Psalm 34 and the very relatable story behind it. We’ll talk about what David did when life became overwhelming, why seeking God is different from simply seeking relief, and how God meets us without shame, even when we haven’t handled things perfectly. If life feels a little crazy right now, Psalm 34 offers practical truth, hope, and a way forward. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:01:55 - When Life Makes You Crazy: Even David Lost It 0:07:55 - Seek the Lord, Not the Rescue: He Does the Delivering 0:08:50 - Deliverance Is a Birth, Not Amazon Prime 0:10:10 - Radiant, Not Ashamed: God Convicts but Never Shames 0:12:30 - Jesus Camps Around You: Taste and See That He's Good What We Talk About The surprising backstory behind Psalm 34 Why David fled into enemy territory and pretended to be insane What David did after fear and circumstances got the best of him The difference between seeking deliverance and seeking the Lord Why God’s deliverance can take time How to recognize the difference between conviction and shame What it means to look to God and become “radiant” Why desperation can lead us into deeper prayer What “taste and see that the Lord is good” looks like in real life Using Psalm 34 as a go-to passage when life feels overwhelming What to Do When Life Makes You Feel a Little Crazy Seek the Lord. David didn’t say he sought deliverance, he said he sought the Lord, and the Lord delivered him from his fears. Trust the process. Deliverance isn’t always like Amazon Prime. Sometimes it’s more like delivering a baby, it develops over time. Just because you don’t see immediate change doesn’t mean God isn’t working. Look to God instead of looking at your shame. God convicts us, but He doesn’t shame us. When we turn our eyes toward Him, we’re reminded of His love, acceptance, and help. Pray when you’re desperate. You don’t have to wait until you have it all together to pray. Desperation can be the very thing that drives you to seek God. Take refuge in Him. Don’t just know about God’s goodness. “Taste and see” it for yourself by experiencing His presence and trusting Him in the middle of what you’re facing. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We all want God’s blessing but what does it actually mean to be blessed? And how do we experience more of it in our everyday lives? In this short and personal episode, I’m sharing something from Psalm 1 that has been changing the way I think about God’s Word. We’ll talk about what it really means to meditate on Scripture (it might not mean what you think!), and how speaking God’s truth to yourself can replace worry with peace, fear with courage, confusion with direction, and weariness with endurance. If you’ve ever struggled to delight in God’s Word, this practical shift might be exactly what you need. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:42 - Hashtag Blessed: What Does It Actually Mean? 0:02:30 - Psalm 1: The Word of God Paves the Path to Blessing 0:04:15 - Delight Means Pleasure: Why Scripture Feels Boring 0:06:20 - Meditate Means Mutter, Not Woo-Woo 0:11:40 - Five Minutes a Day: Start Reading, Then Memorize What We Talk About What it really means to be “blessed” by God Why Psalm 1 connects blessing with delighting in God’s Word How Scripture provides guardrails for everyday life What the Bible means when it tells us to “meditate” on God’s Word Why speaking Scripture out loud can be so practical and powerful Using God’s Word when you’re dealing with worry, fear, anger, confusion, or discouragement Simple ways to become more immersed in Scripture How to start small if Bible reading has felt difficult or overwhelming 5 Ways to Get God’s Word Into Your Life Read it. Spend time actually reading the Bible even if you begin with just five minutes a day. Hear it. Listen to Scripture through church, sermons, Bible teaching, or audio. Memorize it. Choose verses you can recall when you need God’s truth in a real-life situation. Apply it. Don’t stop at knowing what Scripture says. Put it into practice in your everyday life. Meditate on it. Speak God’s truth to yourself. Mutter it under your breath. Bring it to mind when worry, fear, anger, confusion, or discouragement creeps in. The goal isn’t simply to know more Scripture, it’s to allow God’s Word to shape how we actually live. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wanted to pray with more confidence but wondered if you were doing it “right”? Or maybe you’re walking through a transition or watching someone you love struggle through one and you’re tempted to step in and fix everything. Today, I’m talking with someone very special to me: my daughter, Ashton Jones Weber. Ashton shares how leaving home for college deepened her faith, transformed her prayer life, and taught her to depend on God in a whole new way. We talk about why hard seasons can actually grow us, how to pray Scripture when you don’t know what to say, and why your prayers matter more than you may realize. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:02 - Formed by Prayer: Ashton's Story Begins 0:04:27 - From Fasting to a Decision 0:09:36 - Transition as Formation, Not Something to Be Rescued From 0:12:21 - The Bench, the Bible, and a Stranger's Invitation 0:18:50 - Taking the Pressure Off Prayer What We Talk About How transitions can deepen our relationship with God What our children learn by watching how we handle decisions, prayer, and faith Why helping someone through a struggle can be better than rescuing them from it Ashton’s lonely first day of college—and the simple decision that changed everything Why prayer doesn’t have to sound polished or perfect How a 21-day season of prayer and fasting transformed Ashton’s prayer life Practical ways to begin praying Scripture How to personalize Romans 8 when praying for yourself or someone you love Ashton’s “boxing coach” analogy for listening to God’s truth What it means to pray with confidence and authority in Christ Why we need people around us who elevate our faith and expectation Praying Scripture: Let God’s Word Guide Your Prayers When you don’t know what to pray, you don’t have to invent the perfect words. Start with what God has already said. Choose a passage of Scripture. Romans 8, Psalm 139, and Ephesians are great places to begin. Make it personal. Put your name—or the name of someone you love—into the truth you’re reading. Turn the truth into a prayer. For example, Romans 8 says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Pray that truth over yourself or someone you love, asking God to replace shame, fear, or defeat with the truth of their identity in Christ. Believe what you’re praying. Let Scripture—not your circumstances, feelings, or the voices around you—shape what you believe. The Boxing Coach Picture Think of life like rounds in a boxing match. When you’re tired and catching your breath between rounds, don’t listen to the crowd. Listen to your Coach. Romans 8 reminds us: You are not condemned. You are victorious in Christ. Nothing can separate you from God’s love. You don’t have to live controlled by fear. Life and peace are found in walking by the Spirit. Take those truths into your next round. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We’re all being formed by something. The question is: Are the things shaping us making us more like Jesus? In this conversation with Monica Ritchie, author of Fashioned by Faith, we talk about how simple spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, Scripture, rest, and community can deepen our relationship with God. Monica shares practical ways to make these disciplines part of real life, not as another spiritual checklist, but as space for God to transform us. We also talk about social media’s influence, letting go of control, wrestling honestly with God, and learning to trust Him even when we don’t have all the answers. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:00:02 - Fashioned by Faith: Monica’s Story Begins 0:02:30 - From Fashion Influencer to Seminary 0:07:10 - Social Media as a Forming Force 0:17:45 - Spiritual Disciplines as Whole-Person Formation 0:32:20 - Fasting, Control, and Trusting God in the “No” What We Talk About How social media and algorithms quietly shape us What spiritual disciplines are and why they matter Bringing our head, heart, and whole self into our relationship with God Practical ways to deepen your prayer life Monica’s “wandering prayer” practice Why fasting is about more than giving up food Monica’s three-month “no-buy” fast and what it taught her about trust Letting go of control and making room for God to provide Practicing spiritual disciplines without shame or perfectionism Why spiritual formation requires endurance rather than quick fixes How our spiritual practices can change with different seasons of life Why wrestling with God can be part of a healthy, growing faith Learning to live with unanswered questions while trusting God Spiritual Formation Starts with What Is Forming You Monica reminds us that we are always being shaped by what we repeatedly give our time and attention to. Instead of allowing our culture or our social media feed to do that work without our awareness, we can intentionally create rhythms that form us into greater Christlikeness. Some of the practices Monica highlights include: Prayer Fasting Scripture Rest Community Lament Mystery, wonder, and wrestling well with God The goal isn’t to do every discipline perfectly or even to do them all at once. The goal is to practice them from a place of knowing we are already loved by God and allow Him to transform us over time. The reminder I love: Spiritual formation is less about a quick fix and more about endurance faithfully turning toward God again and again. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Monica: Monica’s Website :https://monicaritchie.com/ Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmonicaritchie/ Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when you’re grieving, but no one has died? Maybe it’s the loss of a marriage, a relationship, a dream for your child, your health, or simply the life you thought you’d have. In this conversation with therapist, speaker, and author Nicole Langman, we talk about how to recognize and process the losses we don’t always call grief. Nicole shares practical ways to stop unhealthy thought spirals, make space for honest emotions, and keep trusting God when life hurts. If you’re carrying a story you never would have chosen, I hope this conversation reminds you that grief and hope can exist at the same time and God is still at work. And that He loves you deeply, no matter how things look right now. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss and you will definitely want to share. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones or on my website at www.donnajones.org. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:03:14 - Naming Hidden Grief 0:04:38 -What Nicole learned from responses to the death of her marriage versus the death of her mom. 0:11:42 - How to Grieve Losses No One Sees (free advice from a therapist who's been there!) 0:16:09 - Carrying Scars, Not Open Wounds 0:23:09 - Breaking Rumination with Simple Habits What We Talk About Why we can grieve even when no one has died Nicole’s experience with betrayal and the loss of the life she expected Why certain types of grief can feel invisible Divorce, infertility, health crisis, job loss, estrangement, addiction, mental health struggles, disability, prodigal children and other life-altering losses Why comparing or minimizing grief keeps us from healing How to support someone when you don’t know what to say The difference between healthy grieving and unhealthy rumination How grief can become part of our identity Practical ways to interrupt negative thought spirals Why where we put our focus matters Trusting God when we’re hurt by what He allowed Moving from asking “Why?” to asking, “What now?” How grief can become a scar instead of an open wound Holding grief and hope at the same time Nicole’s Practical Path Through Grief Pray honestly. Bring the real hurt to God—even when all you can say is, “God, help.” Name the loss. Ask yourself: What exactly hurts so much? What did I lose? What story did I think I would have? Face it instead of running from it. Grief is messy and rarely linear. Give yourself permission to do the work instead of rushing yourself to “get over it.” Notice your thought patterns. Ask: Does this thinking heal me or hurt me? Help me or harm me? Move me toward God and the person I want to become—or away from them? Interrupt unhealthy rumination. Move your body, engage your senses, listen to worship music, write Scripture, or call a healthy friend who can help redirect your focus. Ask, “What would my future self want me to do right now?” Choose the action that moves you toward healing, even when it isn’t what you feel like doing. Move from “Why?” to “What now?” You may never receive an answer that makes the loss make sense. Instead, ask God how He wants to meet you, grow you, and use your story from here. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Nicole: Nicole’s Website: https://www.nicolelangman.com/ Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nicolelangman/ Nicole’s Book: This Isn’t the Story I Wanted: Grieving the Life You Lost and Trusting the God Who Stayed: https://www.nicolelangman.com/thisisntthestoryiwanted Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you ever feel like your week is running you instead of you running your week? I know I do! My friend Heather Brown joins me to talk about simple, practical ways we can care for our minds, bodies, and spirits without adding another overwhelming item to our to-do lists. We talk about creating intentional rhythms, managing chronic stress, protecting what matters most, and letting God help us see where our lives need a reset. Heather also shares some incredibly doable ways to slow down and care for ourselves in the middle of real, busy life. If you're tired of running on empty, this conversation is for you. Remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:02:24 - “Sunday Reset” for Overwhelmed Women 0:08:34 - Start With God’s Vision for Your Week 0:17:18 - Chronic Stress and the Overloaded Nervous System 0:21:19 - Box Breathing as a Daily Reset Tool 0:24:34 - Simple Hydration & Salt Hacks for Energy What We Talk About Why busy women so easily end up running on empty What it means to love your neighbor as yourself Heather's Sunday Reset and how to begin creating one Asking God what your ideal day and week should look like Making your calendar reflect your actual priorities Recognizing where distractions are stealing your time Prioritizing your closest relationships How chronic stress affects the body The importance of sleep and true rest Using box breathing as a quick way to calm your nervous system Simple ways to incorporate prayer, Scripture, and worship into everyday routines Creating small habits that support your physical, mental, relational, and spiritual health Why caring for yourself sets an example for your children and family Heather's Sunday Reset Heather's approach begins with slowing down long enough to intentionally look at your life with God instead of simply reacting to everything coming at you. Start with God. Ask: Lord, what do You want this season, week, or day to look like? Identify what matters most. Consider your relationship with God, your closest relationships, your physical and mental health, and the specific calling God has placed on your life. Look honestly at your calendar. Do the things taking up your time match the things you say are important? Find the gaps and distractions. Ask where you're wasting time, what may need to be removed, and which habits aren't serving you well in this season. Put your priorities on the calendar. Schedule the important things instead of assuming they'll happen once everything else is done. Reset instead of expecting perfect balance. Some weeks will get crazy. The goal isn't perfection; it's recognizing when you've gotten off track and intentionally resetting. A Simple Stress Reset: Box Breathing Heather also shares a practical breathing exercise you can use in just a few moments: Inhale for 4 → Hold for 4 → Exhale for 4 → Hold for 4 Repeat for a few cycles to intentionally slow your breathing and create a moment of calm. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their faith. Connect with Heather: Heather’s Website: www.healthybyheatherbrown.com Healthy by Heather Brown Podcast: https://mylifewellloved.com/podcast Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.