In this episode of Grace Every Day, we explore one of the most common (and often unnoticed) ways we lose peace in our daily lives: assuming what other people think about us. How many times have we let our minds fill in the blanks with negative judgments that may not even be true?

These silent assumptions can quietly drain our joy, affect our confidence, and strain our relationships.I share a real story from my own experience that perfectly illustrates how easy it is to jump to conclusions about other people’s perceptions—and the freedom that comes when we choose not to. Together, we’ll unpack why this habit is so costly and how we can break free from it.

The benefits of practicing gratitude are proven scientifically. As I researched and prepared to write "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: A Grateful Heart," I was astounded by all the studies that show how gratitude helps you: live longer, decrease stress, build better relationships, become more resilient, become less self-centered, become kinder, be healthier, sleep better, increase productivity, better achieve goals, become less materialistic, become more optimistic, become more spiritual, and have better self-esteem.

It sounds like an ad for a wonder drug. And yet, you don’t need a prescription to get it. It costs nothing, and it’s available to all of us. In this episode, we dig into the power of gratitude!

Find the book here: https://a.co/d/0j2SuGRW

In this episode of Grace Every Day, we talk about how God often uses seasons of waiting and wilderness to prepare us for what’s coming next. Instead of just surviving these difficult times, we can actually thrive in them. I share a simple, practical acronym called PRAY that will help you stay anchored and grow during the wait.

We also walk through the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel chapter 3—the three friends who faced the fiery furnace with unshakable faith and discovered that God was right there with them in the fire.

Plus, I share a sweet, real-life vignette about a joyful 70-year-old restaurant server who is a 19-year cancer survivor. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God can bring strength, purpose, and even joy out of long seasons of waiting and hardship. If you’re in a wilderness season right now, this episode will give you hope, practical tools, and fresh perspective to not just endure—but to flourish.