Welcome to this special Thanksgiving episode of Faith with Friends! 🧡 Today, we’re taking time to reflect on God’s goodness and share heartfelt messages of gratitude. You’ll hear from some of my closest friends as they share what God is blessing them with and what they’re most thankful for in this season.

Here are the key scriptures we reflect on during this episode:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
• Psalm 100:4: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
• Psalm 22:3: “God dwells in the praises of His people.”

As we lift our thanksgiving to Him, we invite His presence into our hearts and lives in a profound way.

Make sure to listen until the very end for a special message from my pastor—a word of encouragement that will bless and inspire you!

Thank you for being part of this journey. What are YOU thankful for today? Share with us and let’s celebrate God’s goodness together.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little encouragement this season. 🙏

#FaithWithFriends #Thanksgiving #GratefulHeart #PraiseAndWorship #GodIsGood

The podcast episode begins with the host, Lisa, introducing the Faith with Friends podcast, where they discuss faith, relationships, and spiritual growth. She then introduces her co-host, Shaunda, who welcomes the listeners and introduces a special guest - Debbie, Shaunda's aunt.

Debbie shares her story, explaining that she discovered a lump in her breast and was soon diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer. She describes the initial fear and panic she felt, but also how she turned to God, even though she was doubting at the time. Debbie then attended a women's retreat where a cancer survivor spoke, which further shook her faith as she felt unworthy of God's healing.

Shaunda then shares her side of the story, explaining how she received the call from Debbie's father about the diagnosis. Shaunda immediately reached out to Debbie and also contacted their friend Lisa, who had previously gone through a similar cancer journey. Shaunda describes how she rallied a group of prayer warriors to support Debbie, and how Lisa's experience and guidance were invaluable.

Debbie then recounts the various pivotal moments in her journey, including the fear of the unknown, the depression she experienced, and how her husband, Gary, was a source of strength and comfort. She also shares how the specific prayers from Shaunda's group and the worship music they sent her were instrumental in lifting her spirits and drawing her closer to God.

The discussion then shifts to the transformative impact this experience has had on Debbie's relationships and her faith. Debbie expresses a newfound humility and a desire to serve God more actively, as well as a deeper appreciation for the love and support of her family and the Christian community. Shaunda and Debbie also reflect on the powerful moments, such as when Debbie was struggling with depression and Shaunda encouraged her to get outside, leading to a pivotal experience where Debbie felt God's presence and peace.

Towards the end, Debbie and Shaunda offer words of encouragement for those facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God, surrounding oneself with a supportive community, and being willing to trust the people God places in your life. Debbie also shares how her story has impacted her husband and other relationships, and how she now feels a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to share God's goodness with others.

The episode concludes with a prayer from Debbie's niece, Shonda, who expresses gratitude for Debbie's journey and the way it has strengthened her faith and the faith of those around her.

In this episode of the "Faith with Friends" podcast, host Lisa Lorenzo delves into the theme of finding solace and strength in God during challenging times. Through powerful scriptures and reflections, she emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, drawing near to God, and trusting in His unfailing promises. Listeners are encouraged to seek God's presence, hold onto hope, and find peace amidst uncertainty.

Key themes explored include facing fears with faith, embracing God's unwavering presence, and holding onto the hope that God provides. The episode instills the idea that even in the darkest moments, God's light shines through, offering comfort, guidance, and an unshakeable foundation for believers.

• Stand firm in faith and be courageous, trusting in God's deliverance and presence.
• Find reassurance in God's promise to be with you through every trial and challenge.
• Embrace the truth that no adversity can ultimately defeat you, as God's protection is your heritage.
• Draw near to God, hold onto hope, and find peace in His unfailing love and faithfulness.
• Keep your eyes on the Lord, for with Him at your right hand, you will not be shaken.
• "He is our refuge in the storm, our light in the darkness, and our steadfast guide." -
• "No matter what circumstances we face, Jesus is our eternal hope and our anchor."
• "In the silence and stillness, God's presence will surround us, offering refuge and strength."
• "With our eyes always on the Lord, we will not be shaken."
• "God's love and faithfulness will sustain you, no matter what challenges you are facing."

Flor Elena, a journalist, wife, and mother originally from Miami and currently residing in Dallas, is a dedicated follower of Christ since her teenage years. With a passion for the Old Testament and a heart for sharing the Word of God, Flor is deeply connected to her faith and shares her experiences and wisdom with others through various platforms.

In this insightful episode, Flor Elena and the host delve into the concept of "manna" from Deuteronomy 8, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's daily provision and purpose in our lives. They discuss the significance of appreciating God's daily blessings, maintaining contentment, and finding joy in the midst of trials. Through personal anecdotes, they illustrate the power of God's strength and presence in overcoming hardships and sustaining faith.

• Understanding the significance of seeking God's daily provision in our lives.
• Embracing contentment and finding joy in the midst of trials through faith.
• Acknowledging the importance of community, support, and prayer during times of loss and hardship.
• Reflecting on the eternal promise of life through Christ as the living bread from heaven.
• Encouraging a deep connection with God through prayer, seeking His guidance and purpose daily.

• "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
• "The joy of the Lord has been my strength."
• "God can handle all of our questions. He's big, he's very loving, and he's very merciful."
• "God's grace allows us to lean into each other instead of away from each other."
• "I am the living bread which came down from heaven... that a man may eat and not die."

• The guest's social media profiles
• Relevant articles or books mentioned

Don't miss out on the insightful discussion on faith, provision, and purpose with Flor Elena. Tune in to the full episode for more inspiring content and stay connected for future episodes.

• Lisa Lorenzo: Host of the "Faith with Friends" podcast and a dedicated follower of Jesus. She started the podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a community of believers who can support and encourage each other in their faith journeys. Lisa has a heart for helping others and sharing the love of God through her podcast.
• Tatiana: A close friend of Lisa's for over 25 years. She has personally experienced suffering in her own life, including a difficult relationship and physical health challenges. Tatiana has found strength and hope in her faith and has a deep desire to help others who are going through similar struggles.

In this episode, Lisa Lorenzo and her guest Tatiana discuss the topic of suffering in women. They explore the biblical perspective on suffering, the unique challenges women face, and how to find hope and support in the midst of difficult circumstances. They share personal stories of suffering and how their faith in God has helped them navigate through the pain. The conversation highlights the importance of seeking God, relying on His strength, and finding community with other believers during times of suffering.

Key Takeaways:

• Women often experience more suffering than men, both in physical and emotional aspects.
• Suffering can feel isolating, but it is important to remember that God is always with us and can provide comfort and strength.
• Prayer and seeking God's guidance can help us navigate through suffering and find hope in difficult circumstances.
• Building a community of believers who can support and encourage us is crucial in times of suffering.
• Suffering can be an opportunity for growth and transformation, leading us to become more like Jesus.

Notable Quotes:

• "The closer we get to Jesus, the less impact that suffering will have on us." - Lisa Lorenzo
• "Suffering is a beautiful thing because it opens people's hearts and makes them more receptive to God." - Lisa Lorenzo
• "Hold on to Jesus. Seek help. If you're thinking about ending your life or this isn't worth it, then you definitely need to call a church, call a counselor. You need to find help today." -
• "Suffering is never wasted in God's kingdom. He has a purpose for it, and it can produce perseverance, character, and hope."
• "Draw near to God. He's there. He's waiting with his open arms. He's our helper." - Tatiana

• Dr. Lydia Martinez is a mental health counselor and Christian therapist.
• She has extensive experience in helping individuals overcome anxiety and find spiritual growth.
• Dr. Martinez combines her expertise in mental health counseling with biblical principles to provide holistic guidance to her clients.
• She is passionate about helping people find healing and peace through the discipline of gratitude.

In this episode of the "Faith with Friends" podcast, host Lisa Lorenzo is joined by Dr. Lydia Martinez, a mental health counselor and Christian therapist. They discuss the topic of overcoming anxiety with the discipline of gratitude. They emphasize the importance of using the right tools, such as prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit, to combat anxiety and find peace. The episode explores the concept of living in the present moment and how it is connected to gratitude. The hosts provide practical insights and biblical perspectives on cultivating gratitude and overcoming anxiety.

• Anxiety can be overwhelming and addictive, but it is important to use the right tools to combat it.
• Grounding oneself in the present moment and focusing on gratitude can help reduce anxiety.
• Prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit are powerful resources for finding peace and overcoming anxiety.
• Living in the present and letting go of past regrets and future worries is essential for finding peace.
• Gratitude helps shift the focus from difficult situations to recognizing God's goodness and blessings.

• "The only way to stop the train and slow down that momentum is to put our eyes on God." - Dr. Lydia Martinez
• "Anxiety often stems from dwelling on past regrets or fearing the future." - Lisa Lorenzo
• "Gratitude places us in a moment where we're looking to God, thanking Him, and recognizing everything we have is from Him." - Dr. Lidia Martinez

Part 2 was previously posted

Welcome to the Faith with Friends podcast, where host Lisa explores faith, relationships, and spiritual growth. In this episode, Lisa discusses how to navigate life's ups and downs with faith, hope, and love. Drawing from the Word of God, she reminds listeners of the promises found in Isaiah 40:10 and Isaiah 41:10, which assure us that God is with us, strengthens us, and upholds us. Lisa emphasizes the importance of choosing faith over fear, trusting in God's promises even when we can't see a way forward. She encourages listeners to turn to God in prayer and find comfort and strength in His presence.

• Life's challenges can feel overwhelming, but we can find comfort in the promises of God.
• God commands us not to fear because He is with us always and forever.
• Dismay goes beyond fear and includes discouragement and hopelessness in the face of adversity.
• Overcoming dismay requires faith, which is confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we do not see.
• Trusting in the Lord and surrendering our fears and worries to Him leads to peace and guidance in navigating life's twists and turns.

• "Our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the God who created us, loves us unconditionally, and holds the universe and our lives in His hands." -
• "In the midst of your storm right now, God is right there beside you. He is holding us in His loving embrace, guiding us through the darkness into His glorious light." -
• "No matter what you face, you are not alone. God is with you, and He has already overcome whatever you're facing." -
• "Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are given strength beyond our own wisdom, peace that surpasses all understanding, and divine guidance to navigate life's challenges." -
• "God is our refuge, our hiding place, and our strength. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble or need." -

• Instagram: @faithwithfriends_Podcast
• (Faith with Friends podcast)

Listen to the full episode of the Faith with Friends podcast to gain insights on how to navigate life's challenges with faith, hope, and love. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Faith with Friends community.

No guest information provided in the transcript.

Welcome to the "Faith with Friends" podcast, where faith, relationships, and spiritual growth are discussed. In this episode, host Lisa Lorenzo explores the topic of walking in purpose. She delves into the journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of progress, purpose, and pressing on. Drawing from biblical verses, Lisa encourages listeners to set spiritual goals, track their progress, and celebrate each step. She highlights the need for deepening one's relationship with God, extending grace and kindness to others, and pursuing maturity in faith. The episode concludes with a call to serve the Lord and make a commitment to live out one's purpose.

• God's faithfulness: The promise in Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God will complete the good work He began in us. Our journey in Christ leads to transformation, making us more like Jesus.
• Purposeful pursuit: Just as athletes set training goals, we should set specific spiritual goals. This could include regular prayer, studying Scripture, acts of service, and cultivating virtues. Tracking progress and celebrating each step keeps our focus on Jesus.
• Growing in grace: Deepening our understanding of God's grace equips us to live out our faith and lead others to Jesus. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, seeking resources, and engaging in discussions, we can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.
• Rooted in love: Being rooted and grounded in love allows us to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love for us. As we receive His love, we can extend it to others through acts of kindness, encouragement, and service.
• Visible progress: Our growth in Christ should be visible and impact those around us. Engaging in service projects, participating in fellowship, and actively living out our faith demonstrate the progress God is making in our lives.

• "It's all about progress, not perfection." - Lisa Lorenzo
• "Our purpose is so much more important than our perfection or even our progress." - Lisa Lorenzo

No resources mentioned in the transcript.

Thank you for listening to the "Faith with Friends" podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to continue the conversation. Follow the podcast on Instagram at @faithwithfriends. Share this episode with your friends to help the circle grow. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Faith with Friends."