Your Day Brighter®

I’m convinced the best is yet to come, so I want to learn all I can from those who have gone before me.   In this episode, I share a story about King Asa from the Old Testament in the Bible. He’s a king we can learn a lot from about how to finish well...because he didn’t. What went wrong? How did he lose his way?   Pop in your earbuds and let’s look at how to finish well.    3:02- The timeframes w...

John Cooper of Skillet is refreshingly candid, unapologetically on fire for Jesus, and not afraid to stand out. He has the passion of a preacher and the heart of a shepherd.   We have a lively, engaging conversation about deconstruction, challenges young adults are facing, what faithfulness looks like over the long haul. If you want a deeper relationship with God, you’ll want to listen today.    2...

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of contemporary Christian music’s most prolific artists. After 35 years of making music, he’s not nearly done.   In this new season emerging from the pandemic, Steven shares some of the joys of being empty nesters and the tension of learning how to rest while you’re still running hard after Jesus. Hang out with me and SCC for a fun conversation about the joys of every...

What does a middle-aged white woman have to contribute to the discussion on racism in America? Meet my brilliant friend Maria Garriott, an author, church planter, and educator who's been in urban ministry in Baltimore for 38 years.   Maria’s learned a lot about the beauty of diversity and the healing power of the Gospel to bring unity across the divides of culture, race, politics, and class....

Join me for a fascinating conversation with former Tenth Avenue North frontman, Mike Donehey who I believe, is one of this generation’s great thinkers.  We talk about the division in the world and a better way to disagree, our philosophies about social media, the sweetness of lingering, the incredible timing of God’s plans and so much more.    3:08- Mike’s book 3:40- What God has taught Mike 4:57-...

How do you hold onto hope when you don’t have the things you need or access to opportunities to thrive? And how do you stand firm in your faith when it costs you?   Dania Adraos grew up in the Middle East experiencing extreme poverty, persecution, and isolation, and yet, she is full of grace and has a faith that is next level. It’s a faith she shares through her work as a Full Circle Speaker with...

Alex Kor is the child of two Holocaust survivors. His mother, Eva Mozes Kor, was taken to Auschwitz at the age of 10, survived horrific scientific experiments by Dr. Josef Mengele, and was liberated in 1945. One could understand if her heart became embittered and shattered beyond repair, but Eva stumbled upon something that gave her life purpose and brought her healing and peace: forgiveness.   If...

Has God ever spoken to you through a dream? We know He has done that many times in Scripture. I guess I was skeptical... until He communicated through a very vivid dream to me. It was a few years ago and it is still transforming my life.   If you battle with negative and destructive self-talk and thoughts, I want to share a message that could give you some real help. I’m going to unpack a passage...

There was a time years ago when I wanted to engage with my neighbors, but I was simply too exhausted by my multiple jobs and a busy schedule. I started feeling isolated, and I noticed I was losing my confidence in connecting with people outside my regular circle. One day, new neighbors arrived, started loving on me, and pulled me back into connection. Through them, I learned community isn’t just a...

Mandisa is as genuine as it gets. She last appeared on Season 1 Episode 8 – Mrs. Almighty – and we’re now catching up. The pandemic had just begun when last talked, so we chat about life since the pandemic changed the world and how she’s dealt with this hard season.   We also talk about singleness and trusting God with the deepest desires of your heart. Can you relate? There’s hope, and Mandisa kn...

She is the most unlikely face of addiction. A church girl, a beautiful family, and a love for Jesus, but Lisa Yerby Bryson’s life was interrupted by a trauma that sent her spiraling. She tells me her incredible story of her journey into addiction and back to the arms of Jesus. It’s a hard story to hear, but you’ll know something of what real love looks like when you’ve heard it. 3:10- How Lisa was...

Racism has divided our country and our world for generations. My heart has been broken over it. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself, or you’ve ached as you saw the divide get bigger.   Is “Gracism” the answer to racism?   My pastor and friend, Dr. David Anderson, planted Bridgeway Community Church 30 years ago, a multi-cultural church, where people of 52 nations worship and do life, together! He...

Have you experienced the loss of a friend that rocked you to your core? My dear friend Kevin Thornton suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. He was like a father to me, and as I have been grieving this great loss, God has been so near, teaching me lessons about life I will never forget.   Knowing Kevin has made me want to live better, and I want to share with you a few things I am committed to doi...

When your plans blow up and your dreams are disintegrating, how do you embrace a new normal and live an abundant life? Artist and writer Laura Story shares her story of her not-so-normal life and how God has shown her His plans are always good.   If you've been fighting disappointment because your plans aren't working out, get ready for some real hope. I love Laura's perspective, in...

On November 5, 2019, Jordan Taylor was killed in a horrific act of gun violence in Baltimore.   My friend Julie Taylor shares her story of the unimaginable loss of her son and the piece she couldn't let go of- did Jordan know the difference his life made in this world?   As she searched for ways to keep his memory alive, Jordan's legacy as a change-maker emerged, stories from the communi...

Chris Brown is just 39 years old but has written some of the richest worship songs that are being sung all over the world.   He's got a huge platform. How does he keep his head on straight and make it about God?   I can't wait to share this conversation with this humble man who drops some wisdom that has stayed with me.   He's the real deal.     2:45- Chris’s church experience 3:50-...

Ever wonder what an artist’s creative process is like? I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend, Sandi Wilson, who shares how her faith in the Lord has guided her artwork and how she’s used it to minister to others.   Sandi for the past few years has been extensively working in Encaustic medium (beeswax, resin, and melted pigments) which creates layers of beauty to be revealed in the process an...

If you’re longing for more beautiful things in the world of entertainment to share with your kids, you don’t want to miss this meaningful conversation with a man who’s committed to doing just that.   J. Chris Wall, a film producer and long-time content creator of VeggieTales, talks with me about his passion for creating faith-infused content and how a great story can bring families together.     W...

I am so thrilled to share this conversation with one of my favorite writers, Andrew Peterson.   Andrew is a musician, songwriter (including “Is He Worthy?” covered by Chris Tomlin), founder of The Rabbit Room (a non-profit supporting creators), an award-winning author, and so, so much more.   In our conversation, you’ll hear how music, art, and the mystery of creativity connects us to God and each...

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut spiritually, emotionally, physically? This is where I found myself 10 years ago, wrestling with this fear deep inside: the best was behind me. There was nothing new to give, nothing new to tap into. I’d hit a wall at the age of 47.   Are you there now? I want to help you get back your sense of newness, and share with you how an experiment – 365 days of new – ch...

The pandemic caused many businesses to shut down and many people to reevaluate what they were doing and how they were doing it and as a result, new things were born! Tracey has fun conversations with 4 entrepreneurs who birthed new ventures in the year of pandemic. Monica Alvarado of Feed Anne Arundel Mike Alley of 48Live productions Jordan Coley of The Lesson Foundry Evan Weinstein of Underground...

Tracey and her husband Gary have a tender conversation about our daddy wounds and how our relationships with our fathers have shaped us and affected our view of God, the Father. This conversation offers hope and a path to healing, forgiveness, and grace.  3:16- "Oh Daddy" by Tracey Tiernan  4:37- Gary Coiro 7:25- Gary's "Daddy Story" and how his dad shaped his life 12:33-...

I learned a lot in this conversation with Bart Millard. Things like; The fear of success can be even scarier than the fear of failure. Kids can put filters on your computer that will wreak havoc on your video interviews. And sometimes less is more. Join me for a winsome conversation about Bart’s real-life learnings during the pandemic. Bart talks about ice cream, board games, making music, and the...

How do you live a beautiful life with Stage 4 Cancer? Dr. Jeff Coquhoun shares his personal story of battling brain cancer that is like a masterclass in perspective and joy.   He and his wife Diane have so much wisdom and grace to share from their time as medical missionaries in Africa to this season of navigating suffering, faith, and renewed priorities together. How do you not let a trial of thi...

I adore Lauren Daigle!  Her voice and her heart- authentic and tender. Join me for this rich conversation with Lauren about gifts of grace she received during the pandemic and the longing for real connection.  3:55-How God transformed Lauren during the pandemic  13:00- Engaging social media in a healthy way If you love the podcast you'll love the radio show! We host BRIGHT-FM Mornings on BRIG...