GraceFilled Letters
“Our Blog”
From Kidnapped to Redeemed: The Lauren Burns Chronicles
At just seven years old, Lauren Burns was kidnapped by her father and taken to Jordan under false pretenses, leaving behind her mother in Texas. What followed was a gripping tale of faith, divine intervention, and miraculous rescue that can only be explained by the hand of God.
Lauren recently shared her powerful testimony on the GraceFilled Community Podcast, revealing how God's faithfulness shined through even in the darkest moments. Her story is a testament that even when life takes unexpected and painful turns, God is always working behind the scenes to bring restoration.
Love: The True Mark of a Spirit-Filled Life
Love is not just an emotion or a fleeting feeling—it is the very essence of the Christian life. As believers, we are called to reflect His love in every aspect of our lives, especially within the church. When the apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, love is the first attribute mentioned. This is no coincidence. Love is the foundation upon which all other virtues stand. It is the defining characteristic of those who walk in the Spirit, setting believers apart as true disciples of Christ (John 13:35). When love is present, unity flourishes, and the church becomes a beacon of light to the world.
Beyond the Trophy: Championing Others to Big Impact
🏆 When we think of a champion, we often picture someone standing on a podium, raising a trophy in victory. But what if true championship isn’t about winning for ourselves, but lifting others to victory? In this special episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, Onyx Conklin shares her powerful journey of discovering that God's call to be a champion isn’t about personal achievement, but about encouraging and empowering others to reach their full potential.
The Church: A People United in Purpose
The church is more than just a building; it is a living, breathing community of believers united in purpose. From the earliest days of the Church in Acts to the thriving local congregations of today, one truth remains unchanged: when God’s people come together in unity, nothing is impossible.
Thriving Through Change: Lessons in Faith and Resilience from an Air Force Veteran
Change is inevitable, but for those who serve in the military, adaptability becomes a way of life. In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, Dr. Lena Jackson-Lynch shares her powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and family life as she navigated 21 years in the United States Air Force. Her story is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the strength found in community.
Navigating Life’s Challenges with Faith, Friendship, and Family
Life is full of unexpected challenges—some that shake us to our core. But even in the darkest moments, faith has the power to bring light, healing, and transformation. In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, we sit down with Lauren Saulnier, a woman whose journey of faith has been shaped by deep loss, trauma, and the unwavering love of God. Her testimony is an invitation to all of us: to move beyond religious routine and step into an authentic, life-giving relationship with God. 🎙️
Building a Kingdom-Minded Church Culture from Day One
Launching a new church is a divine assignment—one that requires more than just gathering people in a building. To establish a Kingdom-minded church culture, we must intentionally create a space where vision, generosity, service, discipleship, and genuine community thrive. From the very first gathering, the foundation we lay determines whether our church will be just another meeting place or an explosive force for God’s glory. 🔥
It's Never Too Late: Transforming Passions into Professions
Have you ever felt like it’s too late to pursue your dreams? Do you wonder if your past experiences could ever align with your calling? If so, you’re not alone! In our latest GraceFilled Community Podcast episode, we sat down with Denise Payne, a passionate career counselor, to discuss how faith and divine guidance can lead to fulfilling careers—at any stage of life. 🎙️
Denise’s journey is a testament to the fact that God’s timing is always perfect. She founded Career Crossroads Counseling at the age of 50, after two decades of homeschooling her children. Rather than seeing her transition as a late start, she embraced it as a divine appointment, proving that God can use every season of our lives for His purpose.
The Well That Must Not Run Dry: Prioritizing the Emotional Health of Ministry Leaders
Ministry leaders pour out their hearts daily—counseling, teaching, leading, and serving. They stand in the gap for others, praying over their struggles, guiding them through life’s storms, and offering spiritual nourishment. Yet, many pastors, missionaries, and church leaders are silently battling emotional exhaustion, burnout, and loneliness. Who ministers to the ministers?
Discovering Your Divine Design: A Call to Intentional Discipleship
The GraceFilled Community Podcast recently featured an insightful episode with Nicole Cater and her guest, John "JR" Rennie, the founder of Brushfires Ministry. This conversation dives into the crucial topic of discipleship and the importance of recognizing each individual's God-given design in serving His kingdom.
Embracing Inner Beauty and Authenticity: Heather Reddick’s Path of Service and Community Connection
In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, we sat down with Heather Reddick, a woman of faith whose journey from Michigan to Texas has been marked by a deep passion for ministry, education, and entrepreneurship. Heather’s story is a powerful testament to the beauty of serving others through our God-given gifts while staying true to who we are.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2441885/episodes/16621960-embracing-inner-beauty-and-authenticity-heather-reddick-s-path-of-service-and-community-conne
Butterfly Stitches: Michelle Vrabel's Journey of Overcoming Trauma Through Faith and Community
What if the path to healing from trauma and betrayal was more achievable than you thought? In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, we had the honor of hosting Michelle Vrabel, an inspiring author whose journey of faith, healing, and resilience speaks directly to the hearts of those who have faced deep emotional wounds. Michelle's story, as captured in her book Butterfly Stitches, is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming childhood abuse, trauma, and emotional scars left by infidelity and betrayal.
Laying the Foundation: Essential Steps for a Thriving Church Plant
Planting a church is an exciting yet deeply spiritual endeavor that requires wisdom, strategy, and divine guidance. As the early church in Acts demonstrated, building a strong foundation is essential for longevity, growth, and kingdom impact. Whether you’re a pastor or a faith-driven leader, understanding the key pillars of church planting will help you establish a community rooted in both biblical truth and organizational excellence
Forgiveness and Faith: Jennifer Beeman's Journey of Transformation and Renewal
Life is full of unexpected challenges, but through forgiveness and faith, Jennifer Beeman’s story reminds us of God’s transformative power. In the latest episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, Jennifer, a wife, mother, author, and student, shares her deeply personal spiritual journey, offering listeners a roadmap to renewal and purpose.
Embracing Identity and Faith: Bambi Lynn’s Journey of Redemption and Healing
📖 The Power of Testimony The first episode of the GraceFilled Community Podcast, titled "The First Aid Kit: Embracing Identity and Faith," takes us on an inspiring journey with Bambi Lynn. Through her vulnerability and faith, Bambi shares a story of redemption that challenges us to confront our own struggles and embrace the divine purpose etched into our lives. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://gracefilledcommunity.buzzsprout.com/2441885/episodes/16456440-the-first-aid-kit-embracing-identity-and-faith-bambi-lynn-s-journey-of-redemption-and-healing
Ways We See Community in the Book of Acts: Lessons for Today’s Church
The Book of Acts stands as a powerful testament to the early church’s dedication to unity, fellowship, and shared purpose. It paints a vivid picture of how communities of believers can thrive when centered on Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. From shared meals to shared resources, the early church exemplifies a model of community that remains relevant for today’s churches striving to build connections and foster growth.
The Power Behind Your Testimony: Sharing Your Story to Impact Lives
There is undeniable power in a story, especially when it’s your story of God’s faithfulness. 🕊️ A testimony is more than a recollection of events; it’s a declaration of God’s transformative work in your life. It carries the potential to change lives, inspire faith, and draw people closer to Him. Sharing your testimony not only brings glory to God but also serves as a source of hope and encouragement to others.
The Bible consistently highlights the importance of testimony. Revelation 12:11 reminds us, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” This scripture underscores the spiritual power of sharing our stories. Testimonies are not just personal experiences; they are tools for spiritual victory, evangelism, and empowerment.
How to Use Google Grants to Build the Kingdom and Grow Your Church
In today’s digital age, leveraging technology is essential for spreading the Gospel and expanding the reach of your church. One powerful tool that can help achieve this is Google Ad Grants, a program offering $10,000 monthly in free advertising to eligible nonprofits, including churches. By using Google Grants strategically, your church can amplify its mission, connect with seekers, and build God’s Kingdom in remarkable ways.
Why Your Community Needs You, the Church: The Importance of Church in the Community
The church has always been more than a place of worship; it is a lifeline for the community, a beacon of hope, and a source of transformation. In an age where social isolation, moral decay, and economic hardship are prevalent, the local church holds an irreplaceable role in bridging spiritual, emotional, and practical gaps. The impact of a church rooted in service and love extends far beyond its walls, touching every facet of the community.
Jesus’ Birth: Sharing the Story in the Digital Marketing World
The story of Jesus' birth is a message of hope, love, and divine intervention—timeless themes that resonate across cultures and generations. As we celebrate the season, Christians have a unique opportunity to use digital marketing to share the story in a way that connects with hearts and minds. Whether through social media, emails, or websites, sharing the story of Jesus' birth can serve as both a celebration of faith and an outreach to those seeking inspiration and meaning. But how can we translate the beauty of the nativity into content that’s relevant, respectful, and impactful in the digital space?