Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Get a copy of The Fruit of Gratitude at fruitofgratitude.com

In this refreshing episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman offers encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed or burned out by life’s constant demands.

Karen introduces the Hebrew concept of “bara,” meaning “to empty to be filled,” and explains how this ancient truth can help you release the need to strive and instead make room for God’s peace, love, and goodness.

She also introduces her journal, “The Fruit of Gratitude,” designed to help you deepen your connection with God and cultivate a life of thankfulness—especially during the busy holiday season.

Perfect for listeners who are:

• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or spiritually drained
• Seeking rest, peace, and renewal through faith
• Wanting to reconnect with God through gratitude
• Looking for practical tools for spiritual wellness

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:54 Moving into the Holiday Season

01:26 The Deeper Meaning of Gratitude

02:09 The Concept of Bara

02:48 Applying Bara to Everyday Life

05:47 Introducing 'The Fruit of Gratitude' Journal

07:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Kelly’s links: kellyhall.org

Unshakable Hope Podcast: https://kellyhall.org/unshakable-hope-podcast/

In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman welcomes Kelly Hall — podcaster, author, and Bible teacher — for a powerful conversation on faith, resilience, and God’s sustaining grace in the hardest seasons.

Kelly shares her deeply personal journey of raising four children — three with special needs — while navigating the demands of military life as the wife of a fighter pilot. She opens up about the moment her first daughter was diagnosed as profoundly deaf and how God met her in the depths of fear, grief, and uncertainty.

Listeners will hear:

• What it’s really like to parent special needs children with unwavering faith
• How God’s grace shows up in the unseen and exhausting moments
• Practical ways to support families walking a similar journey
• Scriptures that fueled hope in seasons of despair
• The role of remembering God’s past faithfulness to build present resilience

Karen and Kelly also discuss the emotional and physical weight of caregiving, the power of surrender, and the beauty that emerges when we allow God’s grace to lead us step by step.

The episode concludes with an encouraging update on Kelly’s children and an invitation to explore her podcast, Unshakeable Hope, for more stories of God’s faithfulness.

Perfect for listeners who are:

• Parenting children with special needs
• Navigating military or high-demand family life
• Feeling overwhelmed and desperate for God’s peace
• Seeking encouragement through real stories of grace and hope
• Wanting faith-based perspective on suffering and resilience

00:00 Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show

00:51 Introducing Kelly Hall: A Journey of Unshakeable Hope

02:15 Kelly's Early Faith and Unexpected Challenges

03:39 Discovering Her Daughter's Deafness

05:41 Finding Hope Amidst Grief

13:25 The Birth of Twins and New Challenges

15:42 Moving to St. Louis for Cochlear Implants

16:46 Navigating Life with Four Children and Special Needs

21:10 A Moment of Divine Reassurance

22:13 Facing Challenges with Faith

24:36 Practical Ways to Support Special Needs Families

27:36 The Power of Scripture and Community

29:49 God's Timely Interventions

33:14 Updates on the Kids' Progress

36:26 Final Reflections and Encouragement

38:17 Kelly's Current Ministry and Podcast

39:45 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Visit https://fruitofgratitude.com for your copy of The Fruit of Gratitude

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Connect with Christine at ChristineTrimpe.com

Free Gift––SugarFreed Free Chapter 3 Excerpt: https://pages.christinetrimpe.net/sugarfreed-free-chapter3

In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman talks with Christine Trimpe, a faith-based wellness leader who helps professional Christian women experience true health and vitality through a holistic, Christ-centered approach. Christine shares her powerful story of losing over 100 pounds and how emotional and spiritual healing were just as important as physical transformation.

The conversation dives into overcoming food addiction, the role of daily Bible reading in health breakthroughs, and practical strategies for sustainable lifestyle change. Karen and Christine explore how God’s grace can fuel long-term health, freedom, and wholeness — far beyond diet culture or willpower.

Perfect for listeners struggling with:
• Emotional eating or stress-related health cycles
• Disconnection between faith and physical wellness
• Wanting lasting change rooted in grace, not guilt

Tune in for Christ-centered health insights, real transformation stories, and practical next steps to start your own journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:48 Introducing Christine Trimpe

01:56 Christine's Weight Loss Journey

03:49 The Role of Faith in Transformation

10:10 Daily Discipline and Spiritual Growth

15:25 Overcoming Food Idolatry

23:51 Christine's Book: Sugar Freed

28:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

30:55 Conclusion and Next Steps

Visit https://fruitofgratitude.com for your copy of The Fruit of Gratitude

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Jennifer’s links: https://www.amazon.com/GO-MAKE-RIPPLES-Jennifer-Godwin/dp/1664263500

http://gomakeripples.com/

In this inspiring episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman welcomes Jennifer Godwin—Christian speaker and author of Go … Make … Ripples. Jennifer shares her powerful story of how a divine dream 25 years ago shifted her path from professional photographer to author and encourager of faith.

Jennifer unpacks the core message of her book: that everyday interactions—whether it’s offering prayer, sharing Christian content, or showing kindness—can create ripples that lead others closer to Jesus. She explains how simple acts of faith, lived out intentionally, can have lasting spiritual impact far beyond what we may ever see.

The conversation weaves together personal testimonies, biblical encouragement, and practical steps for living missionally right where you are. Karen closes by sharing how she personally applied Jennifer’s advice.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• How God used a dream to inspire Jennifer’s ministry journey
• The power of small, intentional actions or “ripples” to spread the Gospel
• Why sharing prayer, encouragement, or content can create spiritual “ripples”
• Practical ways to live out your faith daily
• How the Grace Cycle framework can help you grow in grace and purpose

00:00 Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show

00:55 Interview with Jennifer Godwin

02:16 Jennifer's Journey to Writing Her Book

09:20 The Concept of Ripples

14:21 Practical Ways to Make Ripples

21:25 The Power of Prayer to Show God’s Love

25:27 Sharing Christian Resources

32:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Perfect for: Christians seeking encouragement, women of faith, and anyone who wants to live intentionally, spread the love of Jesus, and make an eternal impact through simple, everyday actions.

Visit https://fruitofgratitude.com for your copy of The Fruit of Gratitude

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Sandra’s links:

www.sandrahartlieb.com

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Hartlieb/author/B0BCXL2VS1

In this inspiring episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman welcomes Sandra Hartlieb—author, biblical scholar, award-winning dramatist, and storyteller—for a conversation about faith, perseverance, and embracing life’s challenges with grace.

Sandra shares her personal journey of overcoming obstacles, including her struggle with vision loss, and how God guided her to discover a new sense of purpose. From her work as an advocate for persons with disabilities to her transition into teaching and performing biblical stories, Sandra’s path reflects resilience, creativity, and unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Together, Karen and Sandra explore:

• How to rely on God’s grace in seasons of loss and change
• Practical ways to find joy in the present moment
• Why life’s roadblocks can become stepping stones toward new opportunities
• The role of faith in discovering renewed purpose and strength

Sandra’s story is a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments, God is at work, offering guidance, healing, and new beginnings.

Timeline:

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:55 Introducing Sandra Hartlieb

02:28 Sandra's Journey and Family Background

03:24 Challenges with Vision and Career

04:23 A Turning Point: Losing the Driver's License

06:58 Finding New Purpose in Church Ministry

11:56 Performing Biblical Stories

12:51 Impactful Moments and Personal Reflections

23:50 Living in the Moment and Cultivating Joy

26:39 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

31:28 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Perfect for: Christian women, caregivers, those facing disabilities or setbacks, and anyone longing for encouragement and fresh purpose through God’s grace.

Visit https://fruitofgratitude.com for your copy of The Fruit of Gratitude

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

In this powerful episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman sits down with her friend Sylvia Stevenson, who shares her miraculous testimony of God’s grace during a life-threatening stroke.

Sylvia recounts how she spent three days paralyzed in a bathtub, yet powerfully experienced God’s presence and protection until she was rescued. Her incredible recovery went beyond what doctors thought possible, and today she encourages others to trust God, never give up on prayer, and remain watchful for His answers.

This faith-filled conversation offers hope and inspiration for anyone walking through trials, reminding us that God’s grace meets us even in the most desperate circumstances.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

01:00 Introducing Sylvia Stevenson

01:50 Sylvia's Miraculous Story

07:19 Experiencing God's Presence

12:09 Sylvia's Encouraging Message

14:21 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at hamster.1fit-wellness.com

Elsie’s links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elsie-McKenney/author/B0BNZJ7541

Elsiemckenney.com

Trigger warning: reference to a physical attack and references to human trafficking

In this compelling episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman interviews Elsie McKenney—author and survivor—who shares her extraordinary journey of escaping a cult and discovering lasting freedom through God’s grace.

Elsie recounts her childhood in a Mennonite community, the devastating turn when her family became entangled in a cult when she was just 10 years old, and her harrowing escape at age 19. She opens up about the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced along the way, and how God’s grace both protected and guided her through every step of her journey.

Elsie also discusses her award-winning novel, Eve’s Covering, a gripping story inspired by her real-life experiences, offering hope to others who feel trapped by circumstances beyond their control.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How God’s grace empowers survival and healing after trauma
• The realities of growing up in and escaping from a cult
• The importance of reclaiming identity and freedom in Christ
• How fiction can be used to share powerful testimonies of faith

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:51 Interview with Elsie McKinney: Escaping a Cult

01:04 Elsie's Early Life and Introduction to the Cult

04:56 Life in the Cult and Initial Escape

06:55 Return to Michigan and Continued Struggles

11:26 Final Escape and Finding Safety

20:29 Writing Eve's Covering

22:17 Elsie's Message of Hope and Trust in God

23:41 Closing Thoughts

Perfect for: Christian women, trauma survivors, spiritual seekers, and anyone longing for healing, freedom, and encouragement through faith

Schedule your Discovery Call to see if I'm the right fit to support you in your journey towards growth in Grace: calendar.1fit-wellness.com

7 Minutes with Jesus is a weekly segment of The Grace Cycle Show podcast designed to help participants connect with God on a heart and soul level.

Join me to pray through 2 Chronicles 7:14 for God to heal and restore our nation.