The Notice

On this episode of The Notice, we’re joined by Melody Tincknell, founder of Nature Awaits, for a conversation about the beauty of encountering God through the outdoors. If you feel refreshed, grounded, or spiritually renewed in nature, this episode is for you. Together, we explore how creation can draw us closer to God and awaken us to His presence in everyday moments.

Have you ever wondered if you are a gift to the world? So many of us feel stuck—unsure how to “unwrap” who we are so others can see the beauty God placed inside. Join Julie Eickenroth, guest host, as she talks with author Susan Hoekstra, host of THE NOTICE podcast about her new book "Gifts, Talents, and Skills, Oh My! Unwrapping the Gift of You.

Have you experienced trauma or walked through seasons of deep pain? Have you ever wondered where God is in the middle of it all? You’re not alone. Join us as we gently explore what it means to recognize God’s presence—even in the hardest places—and discover how hope can begin to take root again, even when you’ve felt like the victim in your story.

Have you ever noticed how God speaks through the quiet things? Listen in as we talk with my friend and horse person, Cortney Moguel, about ways horses help us notice ourselves, others, and most importantly, God. Because sometimes, when we slow down enough to listen… we realize He’s been speaking all along.

On this episode of THE NOTICE, we’re talking about self-discipline—the kind that doesn’t always feel heroic, but shows up in small, everyday choices. Why is it so hard to stay consistent? What does the Bible really say about it? And when we’re struggling to follow through, does God even notice?  

Human beings are story-shaped creatures. We are born into stories, raised in stories, and live and die in stories. Join me and my friend Julie Eickenroth, Director of Freedom Farm Ministries, for the first of many episodes on story. Our story, other people's stories, and HIS story. And how God takes notice.

On this episode of THE NOTICE, we’re talking about something many of us struggle with—finding the time, energy, or even the motivation to move our bodies. Maybe you’re unsure where to begin, or maybe you’ve wondered if God really cares about something as ordinary as our workouts. Join me as I share how God met me in the most unexpected way during an exercise class—on a cold, blustery Monday mornin...

On this episode of THE NOTICE I’m joined by author and radio host Rachael Jenneman for a conversation about hyper-independence — that need to do it all ourselves and never ask for help. It can look like strength, but often it’s rooted in fear or disappointment. Yet God invites us to something different. So settle in, and let’s take notice...

Is God concerned about our weight loss issues? Does He notice our struggles? Join me as I discuss my weight loss journey and how God took notice.  

Were you ever taught how to resolve conflict? Conflict shows up in our marriages, in the workplace, and in our church community. Join me and my good friend Julie Eickenroth, Director of Freedom Farm Ministries Grand Traverse. We’re going to talk about the challenges of conflict, the different ways we respond, and discuss different things to consider when facing conflict. 

Tax day.  By now most of you have taken care of the annual ordeal. For some, it’s okay, for others, it’s intolerable. Join me as I share my 2025 tax story and how this annual responsibility changed my perspective.

Have you been wrongly accused? Is there such a thing as an accusatory spirit? Listen in as we explore this tactic of the enemy and how God takes notice of us even when wrongly accused.

Do you find yourself on a path you didn't expect? Are you wondering what happened to the dreams you had for your life? If you are someone who serves in the home, at work, in church, or in ministry, you’ll want to listen to this conversation I have with Julie Eickenroth, Director of Freedom Farm Ministries here at Maple Ridge Place. We discuss passions, how God guides our pathway to our passions, a...

Has anyone ever told you to mind your own business? Or perhaps you have wanted to say that to someone?  Listen to this episode, where we discuss what it means to mind our own business, the ways we can live quietly, and how to take notice of God and others when we do.

Are you someone who works so hard but wonders why you haven't achieved what you hoped or planned for? Maybe you feel no matter what you accomplish, you're not enough. Join me for this episode where I talk with Rachael Jenneman about her new book Underachiever. Listen in as we discuss our desire to achieve, how it gets out of control, and new ways to rest, wait, and take notice of God. 

Do you find yourself trying to understand why your life ended up the way it did? Maybe you are waiting for something to change or to figure out what to do next. You’ll want to listen to this episode of THE NOTICE, where I talk with Solé Wright, author of the book After Some Time.  We talk about her remarkable story, her book, and how healing does come - after some time

Feeling stressed? How do you spell RELIEF? Join host Susan Hoekstra as she talks about some causes for stress, how to manage it, and how to take notice of God in the midst of it. 

Are you a Christian woman who leads or serves in the home, work, ministry, or church? Do you find it challenging to discuss issues that come up or are your leadership abilities questioned?  Join me in a conversation about women in leadership with Julie Eickenroth with Freedom Farm Ministries. We talk about what it means to be a leader, take a look at some of the women leaders in scripture, and dis...

Have you noticed when you’re sick you turn into someone else? Or maybe you long to have others take notice of you. Listen in, as we go through the 10 ten things I noticed while being sick. We’ll talk about wishes, irritability, gratefulness, and endurance as we take notice of God while being sick.

Are you a Christian artist who sometimes feels like your art doesn’t fit in the typical church or ministry setting? Or maybe you wonder why Christian artists aren’t showcased. Join me as I talk with filmmaker Scott Magee and actress and singer Anne Miranda, creators of the documentary series, Creative Icons. Listen in as we talk about our God-given creativity, how God is bigger than any box, and h...

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “lets agree to disagree.”  But does that really work? In this ever-changing world of perspectives and values, how do we represent God even when we disagree? Join me for this episode where we discuss how to lovingly disagree with excerpts from Mike Donehey’s book, Grace in the Grey. We explore curiosity, self-awareness, humility, and being open to new ways of notici...

Do you or a loved one struggle with your mental health? Do you find yourself wondering how to support others who do? Listen in as I talk with Mental Wellness advocate Amy Zabel. Join us as she shares her personal struggle, how easy it is to be misunderstood, and how to take notice of God's presence on the path to mental wellness.

What do I need to make it through the transitions of life? Where is God during difficult seasons? How do we remain encouraged while things change all around us? Listen in as guest Julie Eickenroth from Freedom Farm Ministries and I discuss different seasons, how we can experience God through the changes of life. You'll hear about this theme for our upcoming retreat at Maple Ridge PLACE.  

Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate! But sometimes this day brings painful memories of lives lost, strained relationships, or struggles with expectations. Listen is as we talk about the history of Mother’s Day, how enjoyable and hurtful this day can be, and how in the midst of it all, God takes notice.

Gratefulness.  Can we really live thankful?  Join me as I talk with Jane Cavender, radio host and new author of the devotional Living Thankful Today. We talk about what it means to be thankful, the challenges of living grateful, and how important it is to “take notice”.