This week, I speak with Allison Byxbe, the author of Journaling as a Spiritual Practice and the founder of the journaling communities Saturday Pages and The Inky Collective. She is a former writing professor turned journaling teacher dedicated to helping others find healing and wholeness through taking pen to page. She lives in South Carolina with her husband Ben and three kiddos. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!

https://allisonbyxbe.com/

https://allisonbyxbe.com/journaling-as-a-spiritual-practice/

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Maria I. Morgan, who is the award-winning author of the Louie the Lawnmower children’s series and Outrageously Fruitful, a women’s Bible study. Her newly released book, Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression, reflects her passion for helping women find freedom through a faith-centered, holistic approach to healing that addresses the body, soul, and spirit. She lives in Georgia with her husband, Steve, and their playful pets, who bring laughter and creativity to her journey. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!

Social Media Contact Information for Maria I. Morgan

Website: https://www.mariaimorgan.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterMariaIMorgan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaimorgan/

Email: morgan.maria.i@gmail.com

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Heather LaVigne, a Christ follower, wife, and mother through a little bit of science and a whole lot of Jesus. Heather was a Nurse Practitioner for 15 years before becoming an author, teacher, and ministry partner. With a deep love for Scripture, it is her honor to walk alongside women in any stage of life, particularly those involving grief and loss. She is an advocate for those suffering through infertility, pregnancy, and child loss. She lives in Comstock Park, MI with her husband, three children, two cats, and rambunctious Labrador. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this inspiring episode!

www.heatherlavigneauthor.com

instagram: @heatherlavigneauthor

Facebook: Heather LaVigne

Substack: @heatherlavigne

*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week I speak with Sue Moore Donaldson, who speaks to connect women to the welcoming heart of God and to each other. Sue’s invitation to a deeper life with God is combined with the biblical challenge to be a woman who welcomes, as she challenges us to invite others into our lives and homes (for heaven’s sake!) A popular retreat and conference speaker, Sue shares from her own vulnerability—“a work in progress or a piece of work – depending on the day,” as she likes to say- and audiences connect to her authentic approach to God’s Word spoken with grace and humor. Sue is a podcaster and author as well. We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won’t want to miss this encouraging episode!

Link to book: Never Alone: Stories of Invitation and Connection

https://welcomeheart.com/never-alone

30 Conversation Starters for Meaningful Gatherings:

https://welcomeheart.myflodesk.com/v6wwjwq7hp

Sue's Favorite Relaxing Recipes:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60db7ed16b275532b755c224

*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Annie Heathcote, a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, Christian, and lifelong disability advocate whose life and work embody the belief that disability doesn’t mean inability. Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder (S.M.A.) at 13 months and in a wheelchair by age 2, she has dedicated her life to breaking barriers, championing accessibility, and inspiring others with her message of resilience and faith. She was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2023, using her platform Caring Is Caregiving to reach more than 100,000 people in 52 events that year, speaking at schools, conferences, organizations, and across media outlets statewide. Her advocacy took her to the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition, where she placed in the top five, earning Second Runner-Up and the Best Speech award. She has since been recognized as Woman of the Year for Dane County for her leadership and community impact. Beyond advocacy, Annie is the founder of Annie Designs and Annie Speaks, LLC, where she works as a freelance web and graphic designer and transformational speaker. She also brings creativity and joy into her everyday life through art, travel, music, and her achievements as a former elite athlete in the adaptive sport of Power Soccer. Annie’s mission is simple but powerful: love, serve God and others, work hard, and never give up! We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!

www.annieheathcotedesigns.com

*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week, we have the last of the Summer break series, "Five Keys to Sharing Your Story with Kingdom Impact." Next week, we will return to our regular interview podcast episodes. These special episodes have been a gift to you to use to work on sharing your story. This is an invitation to join me in learning how to share your powerful, unique story, which God has given you to reach others for His Kingdom! Each week has built on the one before it, so please go back and listen to them all. These episodes are short but packed with purpose, a time completely dedicated to you from the host for personal connection, teaching, and reflection.

This week is Special Episode number 4 of the Summer Break series: Five Keys to Sharing Your Story with Kingdom Impact on A Cup of Gratitude Podcast. These specials are a gift to you, an invitation to join your host in learning how to use the powerful story God has given you to reach others for His kingdom! Each week of the series builds on the last and is a solo-cast with your host, Amanda. Be sure to catch them all! The podcast will be available TODAY!!! Tune in to learn more about listening for God’s voice ✨These episodes are short but packed with purpose, a time completely dedicated to you from the host for personal connection, teaching, and reflection 💛Be sure to check them out!

This week is special episode number three in the summer break series. I hope you enjoy this solo-cast, part three of five of Five Keys to Sharing Your Story with Kingdom Impact with Amanda Schaefer.

Amanda Schaefer is a podcast host, award-winning author, and speaker. She carries with her the goodness of looking through a lens of gratitude. The “A Cup of Gratitude” podcast is global, reaching over 151 countries and 3700 cities. As a speaker, Amanda teaches the Bible while challenging audiences to live the way God intends. She has a way of making scripture come alive through everyday examples. Amanda’s books include “Crumbled, A Place for Broken People,” “Daily Instaration,” and “Holy Plot Twists: God is Still Writing Your Story.” Holy Plot Twists recently won first place in the 2026 Christian Indie Awards, it won a Christlit Literary Award, placed in the finals of the Golden Scroll Awards, and just won an award in the 2026 Selah Awards! She is a contributing author of “Life Changing Stories,” “One Chance, One Dance, Don’t Miss the Moments in Your Life,” and “Courageous Voices Unlocked.” Her books are down-to-earth and packed with Biblical truth. Amanda has also written articles for “The Brave Women Series,” “The Uncommon Normal Gratitude Series,” “The Love Offering,” “The Warrior Women Series,” “Butterfly Living, “The Empty Nest Mom Series,” and “The Season Series.” She has been a keynote speaker on stage and online. Recently, Amanda was interviewed by Bold Journey and Canvas Rebel magazines.

Connect with Amanda at www.acupofgratitude.org or on Social media.

www.instagram.com/acupof_gratitude

www.facebook.com/amanda.f.schaefer

www.acupofgratitude.org

https://youtube.com/@acupofgratitude?si=PF55x6T4ecrs7jdg