Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast for Highly Sensitive Christian Women

Following the Holy Spirit can be intimidating. Questions arise like, "What if He asks me to give up control?" or "What if He takes me someplace I don't want to go?" Cheri and Amy have grappled with the same questions. They're learning to surrender to the Holy Spirit, though, because they're starting the see the unexpected joy of seeing Him as a present from God. This episode is filled with their r...

Some of us get squirmy when the subject of the Holy Spirit comes up. We're not too sure what to do with this sometimes-controversial person of the Trinity, but Suzie Eller, author of the Spirit-Led Heart leads us to engage with Him. In this conversation, Suzie unpacks the roles and impact of the Holy Spirit and tells us why relationship with Him is transformational in your everyday life. You can b...

It's such a human habit to keep on doing what you've always done, hoping for different results. (It's also been informally dubbed the definition of insanity...) In this episode, Amy and Cheri process what they learned while following through on their intentional pre-decisions to do things differently — during the holidays and during their spontaneous January sabbatical. The good news is that we ar...

The New Year is full of possibilities ... and uncertainties. Join Amy and Cheri for a frank discussion of where we look for validation when we're feeling insecure and the difference it makes when Jesus fills our empty places. They also share their words for 2019, along with an announcement about how they're already living those words out.

While the holidays give us a chance to reconnect with family and friends, they can also be a time when old sore spots get re-bruised. Amy 'n' Cheri tackle the timely topic of forgiving holiday hurts. Oh, the freedom we receive when we embrace—and extend—God's grace!

Amy and Cheri talk candidly about how to recognize when we might be the ones driving others crazy and discuss practical ways to recalibrate on the fly. Amy shares an all-new attitude she's practicing this year ... plus some exciting news. Here's to a joy-full Christmas!

Even as we sing about "heavenly peace," we recovering people-pleasers, perfectionists — and those of us who are Highly Sensitive People — can struggle not to over-react to circumstances we can't control. (You knew "The C Word" had to make an appearance!) Amy and Cheri discuss practical ways to avoid "Contact Crazy" at Christmas and unpack the "HSP Pivot" Cheri's been practicing. Even when external...

With so many expectations swirling around us during the holidays, even the most reformed perfectionist can revert back to old ways. In this candid convo, Amy 'n' Cheri contrast their "ideal" holiday selves with their "real" holiday selves and discuss what hinders us from being our most authentic selves at Christmastime. They also share and reflect upon two scriptures that will help you stay secure...

If you've ever promised yourself, "This year, I'm going to focus on the reason for the season!" only find yourself in full-blown perfectionism come December 25th, this episode is for you. Amy and Cheri share why and how they've handed over too much authority during the holidays. Plus, they discuss a Biblical litmus test for discerning the difference between healthy accommodation and unhealthy peop...

Jesus is our "Prince of Peace" — so why do we place so many expectations on ourselves this time of year? Amy 'n' Cheri discuss times they've had to scale back on their usual holiday decorations and celebrations, and how to keep accidental "Christmas creep" from taking over our lives. Be sure to listen for the one word Amy is eliminating from her vocabulary ... plus the new theory she's testing! An...

The holidays pose a real challenge for reforming perfectionists and people-pleasers, and those of us who are Highly Sensitive People! In this episode, Amy and Cheri discuss how to know when you've done "enough" ... and what's really of greatest importance (hint: it has nothing to do with Pinterest!)

Most perfectionists and people-pleasers try to avoid failure at any cost. But as Amy and Cheri have learned, sometimes what initially appears to be a failure turns out to be the seed for a bountiful crop of unexpected blessings from God.

Do you know your personal brand? Do you communicate it everywhere you go? Personal brand is a powerful idea that can change our work like and our personal life for the better. Amy 'n' Cheri discuss the development of their own personal brand and give you tips for finding your own. You'll also hear why it may be more important to hone your strengths than to focus on your weaknesses. Sounds like fre...

Over half of churched women work outside their homes, but many say they feel that this part of their lives is ignored in the faith realm. With sixty-five years of combined corporate experience, Paula Brown Stafford and Lisa Grimes, co-authors of Remember Who You Are , share hard-earned wisdom about work and family that's steeped in their strong faith. In this episode, Paula and Lisa give lessons o...

We all want to create a life that counts, but that seems so complicated. So hard. So very uncomfortable. Amy 'n' Cheri discuss the lessons they learned from their conversation with Susy Flory, author of So Long Status Quo , and they identify some simple steps that we can take to move out of our comfort zones into a more impactful life. (And listen in to find out the surprising activity that Amy ca...

For decades, Susy Flory, author of So Long Status Quo , has written the inspiring stories of others. But she has something that she wants everyone to know... YOUR story can make a difference! By sharing simple steps toward a bigger story and how to find the courage to share it, Susy sets us in motion to change our world like many of the women she has studied for her books.

Do you spend all year eagerly awaiting "the most wonderful time of the year"? Or do you get too wrapped up in holiday stress to enjoy the reason for the season? In this mini-sode, Amy 'n' Cheri tackle the topic of the holidays and what we can do NOW to enjoy more peace, joy, and love THEN.

What do you do when your "amazing" has fallen and can't get up? In this crazy-busy, demanding world, a girl needs to know how to refill when she's running on empty. Amy 'n' Cheri discuss some practical steps to turn to the Source when your own spring of positivity has run dry.

Are you amazed by the sparkle of others while you feel dull, flat and well... far less than amazing? Stacey Thacker, author of Fresh Out of Amazing, unpacks five routes to the same dead end of exhaustion and frustration, and then she leads us out of that dead-end by helping us focus on our source of amazing, God Himself. This episode will pick up the girl who thought she was down for the count!

We all want to be known as women who can be counted on, but there are some hidden traps involved. Over-helping. Savior complexes. Personal exhaustion. How can we become reliable friends, co-worker, wives and neighbors without slipping on the downsides? In this episode, Cheri and Amy candidly share failures and successes lived on their way to growth. Tune in for one tip that's a game-changer!

Wonderful women who love deeply often also struggle with control. (Cheri and Amy might be in this club!) Let's just admit it. It's easy to think that we're "helping God" when we're really controlling our people and our circumstances. In this transforming interview, Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of It's All Under Control, gently leads we who default to control toward redirecting our gifts until we shi...

In this busy world, can we maintain both relationships and hustle? We can if it's holy hustle. Holla! Cheri and Amy process their conversation with Crystal Stine, author of Holy Hustle, and share the lessons they've learned over the years about when to say yes and how to say no. This episode is essential if you're feeling a little hassled but trying to keep your sanity!

Paid jobs. Volunteer jobs. Serving and helping. How do we do it all, love what we're doing AND keep our sanity? Crystal Stine, author of Holy Hustle, shares the secrets of working with our whole hearts while preserving a whole life. Listen in today while Crystal helps us with work, rest, comparison and connection!

"Is it Perfectionism ... or is it focus?" In this bonus episode, Amy and Cheri dissect the difference between the all-or-nothing thinking of Perfectionism and the intense focus some projects require. They share tips for recognizing when the "just chip away at it 15 minutes a day until it's done" approach will NOT work and for setting yourself up for success when it's time to put on blinders and fo...

We're not made for the exhaustion of try-harder living. Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory, co-authors of You Don't Have to Try So Hard, share how to overcome the four "P Bullies"--perfectionism, people pleasing, performancism, procrastination. If you need insight on how to overcome these and strength to rest from them, listen in to this episode!