Rise and Shine

How often do we miss Jesus because we're looking for Him only in the big moments? In this special episode of Rise and Shine , I sit down with Shelby Gardner , author of Lily Pads , for a conversation about finding Jesus in the everyday moments of life, trusting God's leading when we don't understand where He's taking us, and the incredible power of sharing our stories. So often, we...

Have you ever left a church service, conference, retreat, or worship night feeling completely on fire for God—only to struggle to maintain that same passion once you returned to everyday life? In this episode of Rise and Shine , we're talking about what it means to stand firm in your faith when you're no longer surrounded by other believers and how to remain rooted in Christ when facing te...

In this short episode of Rise and Shine , we read through Psalm 22 and reflect on what it means to trust God even in seasons when He feels distant. Psalm 22 begins with deep anguish and the words: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” These are the same words Jesus spoke on the cross. This Psalm is a powerful reminder that even in suffering, pain, confusion, and silence… we can still choose...

Have you ever felt so discouraged that you just want to give up? Like you’re not good enough for what God has called you to do… Like you keep failing… Or like you’re just too tired to keep going? In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee talks honestly about discouragement and how even strong believers experience moments of deep exhaustion and doubt. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: We look at the s...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , we talk about something that goes directly against the culture we live in — humility . The world tells us to climb higher, build more, and become greater. But Jesus teaches something completely different. He says: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Through passages like Mark 9, Matthew 18, and Mark 10 , we see that the King...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , we continue last week’s conversation on worry by shifting our focus to the solution: daily trust in God . Letting go of worry isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a daily choice. Jesus calls us in Matthew 6:25–33 not just to stop worrying , but to seek first the Kingdom of God . That means learning to rely on Him—not just when life feels overwhelming, but every singl...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , we talk about something many believers quietly struggle with — control and worry . We try to manage outcomes. We strive for peace. We work so hard to feel secure… But what if in doing that, we’re missing what Jesus has already freely given? Scripture reminds us that through His death and resurrection, Jesus already secured our freedom, joy, and peace . When we s...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , we talk about something that many believers struggle with — correction . In today’s culture, correction can feel uncomfortable, offensive, or even unloving. But Scripture shows us a very different picture. Biblical correction is not meant to tear down — it’s meant to build up, restore, and draw us closer to Christ. So why are we so afraid of it? And what would i...

In this short episode of Rise and Shine , we dive into 1 Peter 5:8 , where Scripture warns believers to be sober-minded and alert because the enemy is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour . The reality of spiritual warfare can feel overwhelming at times, but the Bible makes something very clear: we are not powerless in this fight. Through Jesus, believers have been given auth...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , we continue the story of David by reading through 1 Samuel chapters 18–20 . After defeating Goliath, David quickly rises in favor with the people of Israel. Scripture tells us again and again that David was successful because the Lord was with him . But success and obedience didn’t mean life became easier. Instead, David begins facing jealousy, betrayal, and eve...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee sits down with special guest Teresa Gambler to unpack something we don’t often talk about — “Christian speak.” Words like: Sanctification Obedience Heart posture Plead the blood These phrases are common in church culture… but do we really understand what they mean? And more importantly — do the people we’re ministering to understand them? Together, we bre...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , we read through and break down Psalm 46 — one of the most powerful passages about God’s protection, strength, and sovereignty in the midst of chaos. When the world feels unstable… When attacks come… When fear tries to take over… God is not shaken. Psalm 46 reminds us that He is our refuge and strength — an ever-present help in trouble. We don’t fight for the hig...

In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee shares a raw and honest conversation about what it means to be intentional in your relationship with Jesus , especially during seasons when motivation feels low. We all go through times when our spiritual disciplines feel hard — prayer feels quiet, Scripture feels distant, and motivation fades. But following Jesus was never meant to be passive. Faith does...

In this episode of Rise and Shine, Haylee reveals her thoughts on AI, and how Christians should respond to it. We talk about how AI is a useful tool, but all too often people use it as a replacement for relationships, joy, peace, and ultimately, Jesus. The episode reminds us all to use wisdom, be watchful and discerning, and to ultimately, look to Jesus for the answers in your life. Key Scriptures...

In 1 Samuel chapters 16 and 17 , we see one of the most famous stories in the Bible — David and Goliath — but this account is about far more than a giant being defeated. In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee reads through 1 Samuel 16–17 and pauses to unpack powerful lessons about identity, faith, obedience, and trusting God completely. We talk about how God does not look at outward appearance...

God is calling His people to take their faith seriously — and this call is not rooted in fear, but in love, urgency, and truth. In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee shares a timely message about moving beyond casual, comfortable Christianity and stepping into deeper prayer, obedience, and boldness in sharing the Gospel. Trusting God is easy when everything makes sense — but true faith is bui...

In 2 Corinthians chapters 3 and 4 , the apostle Paul explains the powerful transformation that takes place when someone truly encounters Jesus. Veils are lifted, hearts are changed, and lives begin to reflect God’s glory. In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee walks through 2 Corinthians 3–4 and breaks down three key truths for believers: First, we explore why people who don’t know Jesus often...

Have you ever felt lonely because of your faith? Left out, misunderstood, or even rejected because you chose to follow Jesus? In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee talks about what it means to be set apart as a believer — and why obedience to God can sometimes feel isolating. While being set apart isn’t always easy, it is always for our good and God’s glory . We explore how God calls His peop...

Every January, people make goals, set resolutions, and say things like “new year, new me.” But for many of us, those resolutions don’t last — and even when they do, they don’t truly heal what’s broken inside. In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee shares why accepting Jesus matters more than any New Year’s resolution . Goals and self-improvement can be good things, but they are not what save u...

At Christmas, we often picture Jesus as a baby in a manger — but the story doesn’t stop there. Jesus didn’t remain a baby. He grew into the Savior of the world , the promised Messiah who performed miracles, lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again in victory. In this special episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee reads through the full Christmas story , moving between the G...

Is reading the Bible really that important for Christians? The answer is a resounding yes — and in this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee explains why God’s Word is not optional, but essential for every believer’s life and faith. We begin by looking at Jesus as the Word (John 1), understanding that Scripture is not just ink on a page, but a living revelation of who God is. The Bible is truth, nou...

Proverbs 3 is one of the most loved chapters in the entire Bible — and for good reason. It’s filled with practical wisdom, spiritual direction, and reminders that every believer needs, whether you're brand new to the faith or have walked with God for years. In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee walks verse-by-verse through Proverbs chapter 3 , showing how these timeless truths guide us to...

In a world full of opinions about who Jesus is, Matthew 16 asks the most important question of our lives: “But who do you say that I am?” In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee dives deep into Matthew chapter 16 and the powerful moment where Peter declares Jesus as the Christ — not because someone told him, but because God revealed it to him personally. This episode challenges believers to bui...

What if surrender isn’t weakness… but the doorway to God’s strength? In this episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee unpacks what true biblical surrender looks like — and why it’s completely different from surrendering to an enemy. When we surrender to the world, we lose. But when we surrender to God, we gain everything we need. Through Scripture and the story of the young boy in John 6 , we discover h...

Do you ever struggle to feel joyful—especially when life feels heavy? Joy isn’t something we have to chase… it’s something we can choose when our hearts are rooted in Christ. In this uplifting episode of Rise and Shine , Haylee shares 6 biblical ways to live with more joy , no matter what season you’re in. You’ll learn the difference between worldly happiness (which fades) and heavenly joy (which...