Choosing Cheer

What if everything you thought you knew about gentleness was wrong? In this encouraging conversation, host of the Choosing Cheer podcast welcomes Christie Thomas — author, homeschool mom, and founder of the Little Shoots Deep Roots ministry — to explore one of the most misunderstood fruits of the Spirit. Christie shares how gentleness isn't weakness at all, but rather power under control , and...

The Choosing Cheer Podcast is back! Listen as I reflect on balancing motherhood, faith, and joy after maternity leave, emphasizing God's delight in us and the importance of presence over perfection. Follow Choosing Cheer on socials @thechoosingcheerpodcast

Does joy seem elusive in the chaos of the holiday season? In this Christmas episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell takes us on a journey of reflection, encouraging listeners to unwrap the unexpected gift of joy this season. Learn why Advent is not just a season of waiting but a time for discovering the joy that outlasts every trial. Plus, get a free download of the Spread Cheer Advent devotional!...

Discover the true meaning of Christmas cheer in this special episode of Choosing Cheer. Host Nicolet Bell sits down with Laurel Donahoo to explore traditions, spreading joy, and the light of Jesus during the holiday season. Laurel shares personal stories, including a touching moment from her European trip and practical ways to share encouragement with others. Listen now for inspiration to make you...

This week on Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell welcomes Kim Clark to explore how we can keep Jesus at the center of our Christmas celebrations. Discover how Kim balances fun family traditions, like writing personalized carols for her children, with spiritual practices like Advent devotionals and the Jesus Tree. Learn how to Spread Cheer and bring the joy of Jesus into every moment of the holiday season...

What does it mean to “give thanks in all circumstances”? Nicolet Bell takes a quick look at this question on today’s special Thanksgiving episode. Tune in as she unpacks 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, offering practical steps to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in every season. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or facing challenges, discover how God’s presence anchors true joy. As Nicolet is prep...

This special episode of Choosing Cheer features Amanda Luedeke, a seasoned book agent and author, discussing her latest devotional journey. Listen in to discover the power of gratitude and the holiday season’s unique spiritual richness. Amanda and Nicolet explore how being present in simple moments allows Christ’s peace and joy to flow into our lives. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, design...

Have you ever wondered how gratitude impacts your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being? On this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet welcomes Kelli Brent to discuss the Biblical command to give thanks in all things. Kelli reveals the neuroscience behind gratitude and how it carried her through a battle with breast cancer. Learn how to develop a lifestyle of thankfulness, deepen your prayer lif...

Rest isn’t found in a perfectly calm schedule, but in the presence of Jesus. Looking at passages in Genesis, Exodus, Chronicles, and Matthew, Nicolet reminds us that God himself modeled rest and invites us into His peace. As we enter the holiday season and busy life moments—like welcoming a new baby—Nicolet encourages us to stay close to God, release worldly expectations, and seek small moments to...

Worship leader and mother Christy Nockels joins Nicolet Bell to share how God used seasons of motherhood, stillness, and surrender to lullabies that are now ministering to families around the world. Christy opens up about her songwriting process, the inspiration behind her new album A King Who Never Sleeps , and how music and prayer shape her home. This episode is a gentle, grace-filled reminder t...

Nicolet Bell sits down with Fran Patterson, director of Little Lighthouse of Central Mississippi, to talk about God’s transformative work in the lives of children with special needs—and the families who love them. From daily staff devotionals to miraculous moments of healing, Fran offers a glimpse into a school where joy radiates from every hallway. Discover how faith, inclusion, and perseverance...

What if the help you need is already beside you—and you just haven’t picked it up? In this solo episode of Choosing Cheer , Nicolet Bell unpacks John 16 and Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. She draws a beautiful metaphor from her mom’s struggle with sleep apnea to ask: Are we spiritually suffocating by ignoring the Helper? This episode will refresh your faith and remind you that joy is found in...

Sometimes our lives appear steady on the outside—but underneath, we’re empty, worn, and on the verge of collapse. In this episode of Choosing Cheer , Nicolet Bell uses a real-life foundation repair story to illustrate Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7. She encourages listeners to examine the true foundation of their faith and invites us all to let God fill the unseen voids. This episode is a grace-fill...

What happens when you seek God consistently in Scripture after a long, hard season? Lauren McMaster shares her journey of Bible reading rhythms— and how it led to joy, growth, and unexpected intimacy with God. In this powerful conversation with Nicolet Bell, they talk about surrender, delighting in the Word, and why showing up in God’s presence changes everything. This episode is a breath of fresh...

  What does it mean to truly know God as your Father? In this episode, Nicolet sits down with Lynn Cowell, Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and co-author of Strong and Secure , a new devotional for young women. Together, they unpack how identity, mentorship, and emotional resilience are shaped by our view of God. Lynn shares practical wisdom for moms, mentors, and anyone wanting to support the next...

Is your workplace holding back your wellness? What if change didn’t start with the system—but with one faithful choice? In Part 2 of our series with Dr. Ronnie and Dr. James Kent, Nicolet explores how biblical wellness shows up in the real world. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, ministry, or meetings, this episode offers a hopeful invitation: start small, invite Jesus in, and find joy in prog...

Most definitions of wellness miss the mark. This week on Choosing Cheer , Nicolet Bell talks with Dr. Ronnie and Dr. James Kent about the biblical foundation for true wellness—one rooted in loving God with our whole being. They share real statistics, practical tools, and spiritual encouragement for those feeling stretched thin at work or home. If you’re seeking peace, purpose, and renewed joy in y...

Is joy possible in a season of exhaustion and disconnection? Nicolet and Preston Bell open up about the quiet struggles of marriage in a busy season—where the challenge isn’t crisis, but the daily grind. They share how prayer, humor, honest reflection, and grace help them stay connected and rooted in Jesus. This episode is a gentle, hope-filled reminder that your marriage can reflect God’s love—ev...

What if the very thing you’re avoiding—confession—is what leads to joy? In this episode, Nicolet Bell shares how the life of King David, and the honesty of Psalm 51, show us the beauty of truth-telling. From biblical lessons to a car ride with her daughter, Nicolet invites us to be people who are quick to confess, quick to repent, and quick to return to the joy of Jesus. Social media: @thechoosing...

 What do you do when you're overwhelmed, exhausted, and out of answers? Nicolet Bell shares a powerful moment from her parenting journey and how it led her to discover the practice of praying Scripture intentionally. In this episode, she explains how this approach can transform our hearts, guide our families, and anchor our lives in joy—no matter our circumstances. A must-listen for anyone loo...

How can we experience the joy of Jesus in life's most ordinary moments? In this re-listen of one of our favorite episodes, Nicolet Bell talks with Kayla Craig, author of “Every Season Sacred,” about how parents can find solace, grace, and spiritual connection through prayer in the chaos of daily life. Learn how the mundane can become a sacred offering and how God meets us in every season, rega...

Motherhood, marriage, and work—how do we juggle it all? In this episode re-air, Nicolet Bell and Nicole Ruhnke challenge the common idea of “work-life balance” and instead embrace rhythms of grace. From practical ways to create a God-honoring routine to the importance of community and humility, they share real struggles and real hope. If you’re feeling stretched thin, this episode will encourage y...

  How do we rejoice when life feels overwhelming? Philippians 4 holds the answer. In this episode, Nicolet Bell walks us through some of Paul’s most quoted verses—about anxiety, prayer, peace, and contentment—and shows how each one is part of the joyful life God calls us to. Learn how gratitude changes your outlook, how to guard your thoughts with truth, and why contentment is the antidote to comp...

  What are you chasing—and is it worth it? In Philippians 3, Paul gives us a fresh lens on joy: not in our past, our performance, or our comfort, but in Christ alone. This episode of Choosing Cheer highlights how to let go of religious striving, press into the present moment, and anchor your identity in heaven, not here. Tune in for gospel truth, practical encouragement, and hope for your journey....

What does it mean to “shine like stars” in a world full of darkness? Nicolet Bell walks us through Philippians 2 to reveal Jesus’ model for joyful living: humility, sacrifice, and obedience. From practical parenting wisdom to spiritual encouragement, this episode will equip you to live with a gospel-shaped mindset—and let your light shine for all to see. Social media: @thechoosingcheerpodcast @nic...