What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan?

In this episode of Eternal Echoes, host Katharine Rose sits down with author, podcaster, and longtime caregiver Ruthie Gray to talk about faith, calling, and God’s sustaining grace in the “sandwich season” of life—those years when you’re caring for aging parents while still raising children.

Ruthie shares her powerful story of stepping into caregiving at age 45, walking through 15 years of medical crises, transitions, and responsibilities that stretched her far beyond what she thought she could handle.

With honesty, wisdom, and humor, she reflects on how God met her in hospital waiting rooms, daily exhaustion, and quiet moments of surrender—and how He gently reminded her that this was the plan now.

Together, Katharine and Ruthie talk about:

-Holding your plans loosely and trusting God day by day

-Finding “joy gems” in the middle of chaos

-Caring for yourself without guilt while caring for others

-Discovering purpose and calling in seasons you didn’t choose

-Leaning into Scripture, gratitude, and praise when life feels overwhelming

If you’re navigating caregiving, transition, burnout, or the ache of wondering “Is this all there is?”—this conversation will remind you that God is closer than your breath, faithful in every season, and still writing your story.

Wise words worth echoing:

-“God is there and He became so much more personal to me because I was listening.”

-“You must hold your plans loosely.”

-“I think He just wanted to teach me that I wasn't in control. I was never in control. He was always in control of every situation.”

-“Some days you just have to take it a day at a time and there's enough grace for every single day.”

-“Not everything is terrible at the same time.”

-“The more that I lean into God's truths in His word, the more grateful I am that He sought to save me.”

-“He's in control. It's all His plan. And I'm just a vessel.”

Connect with Ruthie Gray:

Website: https://www.ruthiegray.com/

Empty Nest Awakening (book): https://www.ruthiegray.com/book/

Sandwich Season Sanity podcast: https://www.ruthiegray.com/sandwich-season-sanity-podcast/

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/ruthie-gray

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=ATNL36eHuew&feature=youtu.be

In this episode of the Eternal Echoes podcast, host Katharine Rose speaks with suspense author Kerry Peresta, who shares her powerful story of coming to know the Lord.

Kerry opens up about a childhood shaped by fear, a young adulthood marked by men, drinking and drugs, and the moment she cried out to God that changed everything.

She describes how God pursued her, freed her from long-standing fears and destructive habits, and taught her to walk boldly in her faith. Kerry also offers honest insight into relationships, heartbreak, codependency, and finding healthy love.

From dabbling in the occult to standing confidently for Christ in the publishing world, her journey is a powerful reminder that no life is beyond redemption and that true transformation is possible for anyone.

Wise words worth echoing:

- “We shouldn't be tossed around by fear. It’s a lie.”

- “The power of Jesus’ name is completely underused.”

- “I thank God that He's given me that kind of boldness to not care.”

- “Ouija boards are so evil, they are a straight conduit to hell.”

- “He is a God of discipline. And it’s not rejection, it’s redirection.”

- “The more we press into Him and the more responsibility He gives us, the more He requires of us.”

- “Perfect love is found in His Word, in His arms, in prayer with Him, and that is where all of life is found.”

Connect with Kerry Peresta:

Website: https://www.kerryperesta.com/

Blog: https://www.kerryperesta.com/post/how-upheaval-became-story

The Shaking book: https://www.amazon.com/Shaking-Olivia-Callahan-Suspense/dp/B0FPTJXNM9/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.peresta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerryperesta/#

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kerryperesta77

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCiAOhRnaoE

What happens when you finally say “yes” to God—even when it costs you something?

In this episode of the Eternal Echoes podcast, host Katharine Rose speaks with Hyatt Moore, an 81-year-old man who shares his remarkable journey of dying to self, surrendering his plans, and following God one step at a time.

From a fast-rising career as an art director at Surfer Magazine, to decades of global ministry with Wycliffe Bible Translators, to becoming a full-time painter in his fifties, Hyatt’s life is a living testimony of what God can do with a willing heart.

Hyatt opens up about the moment he realized his life felt empty despite success, the wrestle of laying down his dreams, and the simple but costly prayer that changed everything: “Lord, I’ll serve You with my life—even if it’s boring.” What followed was a journey of trust, sacrifice, unexpected opportunities, and a hundredfold return.

If you’ve ever wondered how to discern God’s direction, what it really means to surrender your plans, or how to take that first step of faith when the path ahead feels uncertain, this conversation will encourage, challenge, and inspire you.

Wise words worth echoing:

• “Lord, I want to serve you through my life, even if it’s boring.”

• “I said, ‘Lord, you didn't give me very much talent.’ The Lord said, ‘I give seeds.’”

• “Dying to yourself every day is a joyful thing, not a murder.”

• “You can’t steer a parked car.”

• “Growth is so incremental that you don’t see it.”

• “Once you realize there's something you have to do, you do it. It doesn't matter if you're not getting encouragement.”

• “God has given this to me and if I don't do it, I'm not being faithful to the gift I've been given.”

• “You may not have the whole picture, but there's always a next step. What do you do with the next step?”

Connect with Hyatt Moore III:

Website, artwork and books: https://www.hyattmoore.com/

The Last Supper painting: https://www.hyattmoore.com/thelastsupper/

Coffee with Hyatt: youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=yIDhLnamS6U

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hyatt.moore.9

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyatt.moore.art/

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3qTaAyiBVY

In this episode of the Eternal Echoes podcast, host Katharine Rose speaks with Larry Fowler, founder of the Legacy Coalition— a Christian grandparenting ministry that helps grandparents grow in their biblical role and have a greater spiritual impact on their family.

Larry shares the deeply personal story that awakened his passion for helping grandparents embrace their biblical role—and why intentional grandparenting may be one of the most urgent, overlooked ministries in the church today.

Larry explores what Scripture actually says about the influence of grandparents, why our culture’s definition of a “good grandparent” falls short, and how to cultivate a spiritual legacy that will echo across generations.

He also offers practical wisdom for grandparents who live far away, those navigating difficult family dynamics or estrangement, and those who feel unsure or inadequate in sharing their faith.

You’ll hear stories of restoration, hope, and the power of prayer; guidance for respecting boundaries with adult children; and a renewed vision for what it means to pass on faith in a world that desperately needs it.

Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or someone who cares about generational discipleship, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

Wise words worth echoing:

-“Grandparents are to be focused on perpetuating faith in their families.”

-“We are to pass on the stories of God’s works and His words.”

-“The cultural view of a good grandparent is a trusted playmate…and that’s not bad. It’s just not enough.”

-“I need to be the most godly I’ve ever been in my whole life at this stage if I want to impact grandkids.”

-“You have to respect boundaries. Otherwise you’ll get cut off and you won’t have any influence at all.”

-“While you’re still the parent now, you must no longer parent—verb—unless invited.”

-“Research tells us that when there is an estrangement…it almost always comes back.”

Connect with Larry and the Legacy Coalition:

Website: https://legacycoalition.com/

Resources for grandparents: https://store.legacycoalition.com/

Register for the Legacy Grandparenting Summit: https://legacycoalition.com/summit/

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

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

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2dii9hjV20

How do you keep thriving when life uproots you from familiar soil?

In this episode on the Eternal Echoes Podcast, speaker and author Peg Arnold shares her powerful story of walking through seasons of transition, loss, and unexpected change—and how she’s learned to see God’s hand in every chapter.

From the heartbreak of loss and the ache of uprooting after decades in one place, to discovering new purpose in later seasons of life, Peg invites us to look for the beauty and the “God gems” hidden even in the hardest moments.

Together, Peg and Katharine explore what it truly means to thrive in every season—not by escaping pain or pretending everything is fine, but by allowing God to meet us right where we are. They discuss how to cultivate gratitude when life doesn’t make sense, how to find joy that runs deeper than circumstance, and how to release the need to achieve or perform for God’s love.

Whether you’re in a season of flourishing or one that feels barren and uncertain, this conversation will remind you that God is faithful through it all—and that He’s not done with you yet. You’re still being planted, still being shaped, and still being called to thrive right where He has you.

Wise words worth echoing:

-“God takes your brokenness and He just holds you in His hands.”

-“God can take our angry prayers along with our praise prayers.”

-“God sees us. God knows how painful it is and He doesn't leave us.”

-“You are not what you accomplished. You are who God created you to be.”

-“Comparison is never going to help you.”

-“Never, never be afraid to ask for help.”

-“We may think that our season of flourishing is over, but God has a new season and new purposes in each stage of our life.”

Connect with Peg Arnold:

Website: https://pegarnold.org/

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

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

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWj3DO5il6k

What do you do when the miracle you prayed for doesn’t come—at least not in the way you hoped?

In this powerful conversation on the Eternal Echoes podcast, Tom and Mary Belote share their 37-year journey of caring for their son Matthew, who suffered a life-altering brain injury as a toddler. Their story is not one of instant healing, but of a miraculous sustain—the daily grace and faithfulness of God in the midst of exhaustion, heartbreak, and unending love.

Through raw honesty and deep wisdom, Tom and Mary reflect on what it means to trust God one day at a time, to wrestle with His sovereignty, and to discover that “good” in God’s eyes often looks different than we expect.

This is a story of enduring faith, sacred perseverance, and the quiet miracle of grace that meets us today—and every day.

Wise words worth echoing:

-“We have not received a miraculous healing, but we received a miraculous sustain.”

-“I will not let evil win.”

-“When you sign on to follow God, watch out—He can take you places you never would have dreamed.”

-“Good has to be redefined. What I thought was good is not how God defines good.”

-“The problem is never in the giving of God’s forgiveness—it’s in the receiving.”

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHioicSJwSo

In this episode of the Eternal Echoes podcast, host Katharine Rose speaks with David Beeton, a 65-year-old man who serves as a Congregational Care & Prayer Director at The Experience Community Church in Cannon County, Tennessee.

David shares how God pursued him from childhood — even in seasons of rebellion and insecurity — and how the Lord quite literally singled him out and called him home.

But David’s story did not end in a moment of recommitment. It was forged in the fire of twenty-one years of walking with his wife through the relentless progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) — years marked by suffering, caregiving, loss, and God's sustaining grace.

He speaks with tenderness about love that remained faithful, a Savior who carried him when he had no strength left, and the ways God can use even our darkest seasons to deepen our hope in heaven and our love for Christ.

If you need hope… if you’ve questioned where God is in your pain… if you’ve wondered whether your faith can carry you through what’s in front of you… this conversation will steady your heart and lift your eyes.

Wise words worth echoing:

-“Our relationship with Christ is paramount. Setting our affections on Him, getting to know Him – there's nothing greater that we can do.”

-“You never have to doubt God's love because He proved His love for you when Jesus died on the cross.”

-“If God used those experiences for me to know more about Him, then it was worth it all.”

-“The highest thing that any of us can do with our lives is to spend time in His presence.”

-“Our sufferings aren't for nothing. Those are the very things God has given you as a gift that you can then share how God delivered you or how God helped you through.”

-“The more often you can tell your story, the better, because nobody has your exact story and it glorifies God when you tell it.”

-“If you're young, God wants to use you. If you're old, you can still bear fruit for the Lord.”

Learn more about the Caregiving Support Network: https://www.caregivingsupportnetwork.org/

Follow Katharine and Eternal Echoes:

Facebook and Instagram: @EternalEchoesMinistry

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternal.echoes.mi/

Substack: http://katharinerrose.substack.com

Website: www.eternalechoesministry.com

Email: ⁠⁠Katharine@eternalechoesministry.com⁠⁠ for speaking events or interviews

Sow a seed: https://donorbox.org/eternal-echoes-giving

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADig4BH-LM4