Encouragement Cafe

May 24, 2018 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Luann and Rachel talk about starting new things, and lessons Luann learned from starting Encouragement Cafe. Happy 10th Birthday, Encouragement Cafe!

May 17, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Envy visits us all from time to time, making us feel short-changed or somehow less-than. Luann and Rachel talk about their struggles with the green-eyed monster, and how to kick him off your ladder to success.

May 10, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen This week around the table Luann and Rachel talk about their mothers, their Mother’s Day experiences, and the ways we can all honor those who have mothered us.

April 26, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Have you ever wondered what your calling is? We believe everyone is called to ministry in some capacity! But maybe you don’t know what your gifts are. Listen as Luann and Rachel talk about their callings and how you can prepare for your call.

April 5, 2019 Speaker: Theresa Mills & Carol Turner What dream has God put in your heart? What if it ended up being more than you even imagined, even after delays in life? Carol Turner from e3Kids International shares how God worked in ways she could never imagine, even after taking years off to care for her family, to turn a dream into a reality. Join us today and be encouraged how God can use ea...

March 29, 2019 Speaker: Theresa Mills & Grace Mills It's often been said that God's first language is silence. Yet how often do we allow ourselves to listen for His voice in the silent moments of life? Join Theresa and Grace at the Cafe as they share their own stories of "Responding When God Speaks."

March 22, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen & Theresa Mills Ever feel like life is terrible, and worry it will never change? Ever wrestle with depression? What about sleeplessness, anxiety or irritability? Us too. Luann, Rachel and Theresa explore how to move through these times of life with Hope as they talk about mental and emotional health.

March 8, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen & Theresa Mills Do you ever have those encounters in life that make you take a step back and ponder what happened? Join Luann, Rachel, and Theresa at the Cafe as they talk about those life-changing moments... or as some might call them "Defining Moments."

February 8, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen & Theresa Mills Sometimes it's nice just to get a way - to escape from it all. Yet how often do we think of using our travels for spreading the love of God to others? Join Luann, Rachel, and Theresa this week as they share stories of how God used them to make a positive impact on someone else during their travels.

January 25, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater, Rachel Olsen & Theresa Mills Do you think of rest as your reward for the work you've done? Luann, Rachel and Theresa talk about how hard it is to rest sometimes. However, there is hope, maybe we need to stop doing rest as a reward.

Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen At the new year we're often introspective about our life and focused on our goals - which is great! But pause for a few minutes with Luann and Rachel as we turn our gaze outward and ask, who might we help this year?

January 11, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen As the new year unfolds, it is common to have many hopes for how this year will be different - how we will be different. Listen as Luann and Rachel talk about how to channel your hopes for change through the lens of a single word for your year.

January 4, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen We love to dream. We love to think about things we've always wanted to do, but we're often too afraid to venture toward that dream because someone might say 'no.' You're not alone in that struggle! Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we share stories of "Risking Rejection."

December 28, 2018 Speaker: Luann Prater & Michelle Wuesthoff This week, Luann welcomes special guest Michelle Wuesthoff to the Encouragement Cafe. A wife, mother, leadership coach, and author, Michelle just released the book, "Grafted In: Leading Your Orphan Heart to the Spirit of Adoption." Join us at the Cafe as Luann and Michelle discuss how God often transforms our trials into great blessings.

December 14, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Holidays are a time of traditions, and that can be so comforting. Sometimes we need to change it up - mix in some new activities with the cherished rituals. You just might find a new tradition you love. Join Luann and Rachel at the Encouragement Cafe as we "Try Something New."

December 21, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Get your holly on around the cafe table. Join Luann and Rachel as they reflect on some of their favorite Christmas carols and why they love them.

November 30, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen We often consider this to be a season of giving. Sometimes, while we may give with best intent, our giving may be more of a hurt than a help to someone. Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we share life together at the table. May we all discover how we can truly help others in the long-term.

November 16, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Some days (most days) there's a gap between where we are and where we long to be, between our reality and our expectations. Luann and Rachel laugh about times they've fallen down, and discuss how to live with the gap, without losing hope.

November 9, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Lon Mortz Miracles really do happen. Sometimes those miracles come in the midst of the storm, and it can be hard to be thankful for those storms that come our way. Join Luann and her brother Lon as together they share his story of how God gave His blessings through a storm.

November 2, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Brenda Page Some of us may not feel as though we are as good as other people. We may not value ourselves as we should. This week, Luann is joined by special guest Brenda Page. Together, they help remind us that we are all "Precious in His Sight."

October 19, 2018 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Sarah Seiz This week, Luann is joined by special guest and author, Sarah Seiz. Sarah recently published the book "Purpose Through Perspective: 30 Letters of Encouragement." Hear the stories of how God led Sarah to write this special book.

September 21, 2018 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Rick Olsen Storms of any kind are tough to get through, but sometimes even when the storm is over, it's not fully over. Luann and Rachel's husband Rick discuss how to handle the recovery period.

September 7, 2018 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen It has often been said that "Pride goes before a fall" - even when that fall comes after our very best headstand! Join Luann and Rachel at the table as we share stories from life and from Scripture. Stories that will help to guide us in How to Be Humble.

August 17, 2018 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Green Acres – Is it the place to be? Should we all be living a quiet life on the farm somewhere? Luann and Rachel talk about what the Bible means in the verses that urge us to live a quiet life, and work with our hands.

July 27, 2018 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Bill Shivers Each of us has stories of life experiences that have brought us to this point in life. Join host Luann Prater as she welcomes special guest Bill Shivers, vocalist with the Southern Gospel group, Brian Free and Assurance. Bill shares some of the stories from his past that have impacted his present.