The Love Offering

Have you ever felt God nudging you toward something—but fear, doubt, or insecurity kept you from taking the next step? Maybe it's having a difficult conversation, starting a Bible study, pursuing a dream, reaching out to a neighbor, or simply trusting God in an uncertain season. Whatever it is, you're not alone. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I had the joy of talking with author Laura L. Smith about her new book, Brave Women, Mighty God. Together, we explored the stories of women in Scripture who faced fear, uncertainty, and impossible circumstances—yet found the courage to move forward because of the God who was with them. One of my favorite reminders from our conversation was this: bravery isn't about being fearless. It's about trusting God enough to take the next step, even when we're afraid. Laura shared how the same God who empowered women like Esther, Ruth, Hannah, and Abigail is still empowering His daughters today. We talked about overcoming fear, resisting comparison, embracing obedience, and remembering that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. If you've been feeling stuck, uncertain, or hesitant to move forward in something God is calling you to do, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why bravery isn't about your strength—it's about God's power working through you • How fear often keeps us from stepping into God's best • The importance of taking one small step of obedience at a time • How prayer reminds us who God is and who we are in Him • Why comparison can rob us of the unique calling God has given us • How the mighty God of Scripture is still equipping and empowering women today Friend, you don't have to have the entire plan figured out. You only need the courage to take the next faithful step. Because the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Be sure to share this episode with a friend who could use a little encouragement to be brave. With love, Rachael P.S. I'd love to hear: What's one brave step God may be asking you to take right now? Connect with Laura L. Smith Learn more about Laura and her ministry at: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com Follow Laura on Instagram: @laurasmithauthor Connect with Rachael Adams Website: https://rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt exhausted from constantly thinking about how you're doing, how you're perceived, what you're accomplishing, or whether you're enough? If we're honest, most of us live there more often than we'd like to admit. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I sat down with author Morgan Krueger to talk about her new book, Made to Magnify: Choosing to Live for Jesus When Everything Tells You to Live for Yourself. Together, we explored a truth that feels both challenging and freeing: the more focused we become on ourselves, the more anxious, insecure, and unsatisfied we often feel. In a culture that constantly tells us to build our own platform, protect our image, and chase self-fulfillment, Morgan offers a refreshing invitation to lift our eyes and fix them on Jesus instead. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why self-focus often leads to anxiety, comparison, and striving • The three struggles that commonly keep us stuck: pride, fear, and doubt • How confession, community, and God's Word help us break free from isolation • Simple ways to magnify Jesus in everyday life • Why the small, unseen acts of faithfulness matter more than we realize • How Mary's words, "My soul magnifies the Lord," can become our daily prayer If you've been feeling weary from carrying the weight of proving yourself, performing for others, or trying to control every outcome, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart. Friend, you were never created to make your own name great. You were created to magnify His. And as you do, you'll discover the joy, peace, and purpose your heart has been longing for all along. Connect with Us Listen to this episode of The Love Offering Podcast wherever you enjoy podcasts. Connect with Morgan Krueger: www.morgankrueger.com Instagram: @morgankrueger Connect with Rachael Adams: www.rachaelkadams.com Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor The Love Offering Podcast Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever found yourself replaying someone else's words, assuming they were judging you? Or maybe you've caught yourself criticizing someone in your mind, convinced you're seeing the situation clearly. If so, you're not alone. This week on The Love Offering Podcast, I sat down with my friend Shannon Popkin to discuss her new book, Kinda Judgy: Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible. Together, we explored a topic that many of us struggle with but rarely talk about openly—judgment. What if the criticism we feel from others is often rooted in our own insecurities? What if the harsh standards we apply to others reveal places in our own hearts that need God's healing mercy? Through powerful stories like Jonah, the thief on the cross, and the woman caught in adultery, Shannon reminds us that while God is a righteous Judge, He is also abundantly merciful. His mercy changes how we see ourselves and how we see others. One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation was this: we often feel judged and become judgy in response. But Jesus shows us a different way. Though He was wrongly judged, He responded with compassion, forgiveness, and grace. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why judgment and insecurity are often connected • How contempt quietly damages our relationships • What Jonah's story reveals about our own hearts • How God's mercy transforms the way we treat others • Why the cross is the ultimate picture of love and compassion Friend, if you've ever struggled with being critical of yourself or others, this conversation will encourage you and point you back to the heart of God. With love, Rachael Adams Connect with Shannon Popkin Website: https://www.shannonpopkin.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonpopkin Book: Kinda Judgy: Finding Mercy for Myself and Others in Six Stories of the Bible Connect with Rachael Adams Website: https://www.rachaelkadams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Some days, motherhood feels deeply meaningful. Other days, it feels like wiping counters, making lunches, repeating yourself for the hundredth time, and wondering if any of it really matters. If you’ve ever gone to bed thinking, “I’ll do better tomorrow,” this week’s conversation on The Love Offering Podcast is for you. I had the joy of talking with bestselling author and speaker Rhonda Stoppe about her new book, Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful. Together, we talked honestly about mom guilt, comparison, prodigals, spiritual motherhood, God’s grace, and the sacred significance of everyday faithfulness. I especially loved how she reminded us that the women of Scripture were real women—fearless at times, flawed at times, but always deeply loved and used by God. Their stories remind us that God doesn’t require perfection from us as mothers. He simply asks for willing hearts surrendered to Him. In this episode, we discuss: • How God uses imperfect mothers • The danger of comparison and control • Why spiritual motherhood matters • What to do with regret and mom guilt • The quiet significance of ordinary faithfulness • How loving God first shapes the way we love our families Rhonda also shares beautiful encouragement for weary moms and reminds us that the greatest thing our children can witness is not perfection—but a mother who genuinely loves Jesus. Whether you’re parenting little ones, teenagers, adult children, or simply pouring into the next generation spiritually, I think this conversation will encourage your heart. Love, Rachael Connect with Rhonda Stoppe Website: No Regrets Woman Instagram: @rhondastoppe Podcast: Old Ladies Know Stuff Connect with Rachael Adams Website: Rachael K. Adams Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor Podcast: The Love Offering Podcast Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like God placed a dream in your heart—but fear, insecurity, or self-doubt kept you from taking the next step? Maybe you’ve wondered: What if I fail? What will people think? What if I heard God wrong? If any of those questions sound familiar, this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast will encourage your heart deeply. I had the joy of talking with author and entrepreneur Taneshia Yerby about her book From Dreams to Drive: Trust God’s Plan, Embrace Your Gifts, and Walk in Purpose. Together, we had an honest conversation about overcoming fear, trusting God’s timing, and finding the courage to move forward—even when you still feel unsure. Taneshia shares so much wisdom about: • Moving from dreaming to actually doing • Overcoming comparison and fear of failure • Trusting God when the path feels unclear • Using your gifts to serve others • Staying faithful while you wait for what’s next Friend, if God has placed something on your heart, don’t let fear keep you stuck. Your obedience may impact generations of people you’ll never even meet. I pray this conversation encourages you to trust God, take the next faithful step, and remember that He will guide you as you go. With love, Rachael P.S. If this episode encourages you, would you share it with a friend? You never know who may need the reminder that it’s not too late to pursue what God has called them to do. Connect with Taneshia Yerby Website: CEO for Women Instagram: @ceoforwomen Facebook: CEO for Women on Facebook Connect with Rachael Adams Website: Rachael K. Adams Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor Podcast: The Love Offering Podcast Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like everything depends on you? Like if you stop striving, planning, fixing, organizing, or carrying it all… everything might fall apart? If so, this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast is especially for you. I had the joy of sitting down with my friend Nichole J. Suvar to talk about her beautiful book, I Don’t Have to Hold It All Together: Cultivating the Peace of Eden When Feeling Overwhelmed. And honestly? This conversation ministered deeply to my own heart. Nichole vulnerably shares her personal journey with anxiety, perfectionism, and the exhausting pressure to keep everything together. Together, we talked about: • Why so many women feel overwhelmed and anxious today • The illusion of control and the burden of perfectionism • How God designed us for rest, peace, boundaries, and community • What it looks like to release outcomes to God • Why true peace isn’t something we create—it’s something we receive One of my favorite reminders from our conversation was this: “You don’t have to hold it all together. God is already holding you.” What a freeing truth. If you’ve been carrying too much, striving too hard, or feeling weary in this season, I pray this episode feels like a deep exhale for your soul. Friend, may you remember today: God never asked you to carry what only He was meant to hold. With love, Rachael P.S. If this episode encouraged you, would you consider forwarding it to a friend who may need this reminder too? Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer someone is simply letting them know they’re not alone. To connect with Nichole, visit her website at LiveWithIntent.org or follow her on Instagram at @nicholejsuvar where she regularly shares encouragement, practical mental health support, and faith-filled reminders that you don’t have to do life alone. To connect with me, download free resources, and read the show notes, visit rachaelkadams.com and follow me on Instagram and Facebook @rachaeladamsauthor. Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wondered, “Am I the only one who feels this overwhelmed?” Or quietly questioned if you’re doing any of this motherhood thing “right”? In this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, I had the sweetest conversation with Andrea Fortenberry—author of Two Minute Timeouts for New Moms—and I think her words will feel like a deep breath for your soul. Andrea gently reminds us that motherhood is both beautiful and hard. From the sleepless newborn days to the bittersweet seasons of letting go, every stage carries its own mix of joy and stretching. And yet, in all of it, you are not alone—and you were never meant to do this on your own. We talked about: • Why so many moms feel overwhelmed and isolated (and the truth that sets us free)• How pride can quietly keep us from asking for the help we truly need• Letting go of perfectionism and embracing “good enough” motherhood• Finding meaningful moments with God—even in the middle of a full, busy day• Releasing mom guilt and receiving God’s grace for yourself One of my favorite reminders from our conversation is this: God knows your season. He sees the late nights, the messy middle, the quiet prayers whispered in the bathroom, and He meets you right there with love and grace. If your heart feels a little tired or stretched thin, I pray this episode encourages you to pause, breathe, and remember that you are doing better than you think. And if a friend comes to mind who might need this encouragement too, would you share it with her? Sometimes the smallest encouragement can make the biggest difference. You are deeply loved, friend, and what you’re doing matters more than you know. Connect with Andrea Fortenberry: Website: https://www.andreafortenberry.com/ Book: Two Minute Timeouts for New MomsInstagram: https://instagram.com/andreafortenberry Connect with Rachael Adams: Website: https://rachaelkadams.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Read the Show Notes: https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/ Download Your Free Love Always Devotional: https://rachaelkadams.com/free/ Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like life didn’t turn out the way you expected—or on the timeline you hoped for? Maybe you’ve looked around and wondered if you’re somehow behind. In this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, I sat down with author and poet Tanner Olson to talk about his book Getting Through What You are Going Through and what it looks like to walk through seasons of uncertainty, waiting, and even grief while still holding onto hope. Through his own story of infertility, waiting, and ultimately adoption, he reminds us that God is present—not just at the end of our story, but right in the middle of it. If you’re in a season that feels heavy or unclear, this conversation will gently encourage your heart. In this episode, we talk about: What to do when life feels off track How to trust God’s timing when it’s different than yours Why we shouldn’t just get through hard seasons—but go through them Finding hope in the small, everyday moments Friend, if you’re feeling behind today, I hope this reminds you—you’re not. God is still writing your story, and He hasn’t forgotten you. With love,Rachael Connect with Tanner Olson Instagram: @tannerolson Books: Getting Through What You’re Going Through, Walk a Little Slower, Continue, and more Ministry: Written to Speak Connect with Rachael Adams Website: rachaelkadams.com Instagram: @rachaeladamsauthor Books: Everyday Prayers for Love and A Little Goes a Long Way Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever felt like your time with God has become just another box to check? I know I have. In this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, I sat down with my Cara Ray to talk about something that truly ministered to my own heart—the pursuit of holy leisure. Cara shares her journey from a performance-driven faith—where quiet time felt like a duty—to discovering a peaceful, joyful presence with the Lord. And I’ll be honest, so much of her story felt like my own. If you’ve ever felt like: Your spiritual life feels rushed or routine You’re striving to “get it right” instead of simply being with God You’re longing to actually enjoy your relationship with Him again …this conversation is for you. Together, we talk about what it means to shift from discipline to delight, and how enjoying God isn’t something we earn—it’s something we receive. We also explore how this can look in real, everyday life… in your home, your work, your relationships, and even in the smallest moments you might otherwise miss. We don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to experience God’s presence. He is available to us right here—in the middle of our ordinary, beautiful, imperfect lives. Friend, what if today you slowed down just enough to notice Him? I’m praying this conversation helps you release the pressure to perform and gently invites you back into the joy of simply being with Him. With love,Rachael Connect with Cara: https://cara-ray.com/ Connect with Rachael: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Download your Free Love Always Devotional: https://rachaelkadams.com/free/ Read the Show Notes: https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/ Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever found yourself running on empty—trying to hold everything together while quietly feeling like you’re falling apart? If so, you’re not alone. And today’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast was recorded with you in mind. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, I sit down with author and speaker Vivian Cumins to talk about burnout, breakdown, and the beautiful way God meets us right in the middle of it all. In her book Break Down Better, Vivian shares her personal story of striving, exhaustion, and a breaking point that ultimately became the doorway to deep healing and restoration. Together, we talk about why so many women feel overwhelmed, how perfectionism and control can keep us stuck, and what it looks like to surrender our lives back to the Lord—one step at a time. In this episode, you’ll discover: • The subtle warning signs of burnout you may be overlooking• Why rest is not selfish—it’s biblical• How surrender can lead to deeper freedom and peace• Practical ways to invite God into your everyday life• Encouragement for finding joy again, even in hard seasons If you’ve been feeling exhausted, discouraged, or stretched too thin, I pray this conversation reminds you of this simple but powerful truth: God is near, and He longs to restore what feels worn down in you. Friend, you don’t have to keep striving. You don’t have to carry it all. There is a better way—and it begins by turning back to Him. With love,Rachael P.S. If this episode encourages you, would you share it with a friend who might need it too? You never know how God might use a simple invitation to bring someone hope. Connect with Vivian: Home | Vivian Cumins Connect with Rachael: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Download your Free Love Always Devotional: https://rachaelkadams.com/free/ Read the Show Notes: https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/ Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.