Fire & Grace

Our guest today, Dana Wright, has a very rare disease called Charcot Marie Tooth disease.  Pain is very real to her on a daily basis.  There is no cure for her disease, she has to rely on the Lord for her every provision and she can easily relate to Job. Still, Dana chooses to give thanks in all circumstances.

Listen to Dana sing Scarlet River on Spotify or Apple Music

Listen to Stephanie's NEW song Immanuel on Spotify or Apple Music

Have you heard the "christian" phrase "God will never give you more than you can handle"? Our guest on today's episode shares how this is a misunderstanding of scripture and that even Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians that they were "so utterly burdened beyond their strength that they despaired of life itself." Coralie Dowedoff's story goes from one tragedy to the next but that the correct understanding is that God will never give you more than HE can handle. 

From darkness to light, from old to new, from the deepest sorrow to an absolute miracle, Wretched Wednesday, is the story of Julie & Chris Loeppky. It's so extraordinary ... it's something only God could do!

It's a NEW Season and our hosts, Karessa and Stephanie, have a good discussion about Summer/Fall and what to expect with the podcast going forward!  Stephanie also interviews a childhood friend, Julia Kozak, an Indigenous woman of the Nisga'a Nation.  Julia shares a story from her childhood of escape, which has led her to believe that each day is a gift. They also discuss MMIWG and the unmarked graves found at the residential schools. Follow Julia on Instagram @jkozak.nisgaa.art or Twitter @JKozakNisgaaArt

In this special episode, Karessa interviews Stephanie about her upcoming music release Beauty Maker EP, releasing Wednesday July 14th.  Hear the background story to the creative process and the trials Stephanie has faced that led to writing Beauty Maker.  Listen to Stephanie's music on all streaming platforms or visit www.stephaniereddicopp.com.  To get tickets to the July 23rd Comedy & Concert Night click here. 

When Rachel was faced with a difficult journey in caring for her newborn son, fear crept in very quickly.  She experienced feelings of inadequacy and helplessness.  The normal things, like catching a cold, that happen to every child left Rachel in a state of fight of flight.  She was absolultey petrified.  Although unique, Rachel's story is very relateable to anyone who has experienced anxiety or fear.

"Goodbye Jesus. I'm so sorry... but I just can't do this anymore. It's too hard." These were the words Mary-Jane Dahl prayed when she chose to leave God and go her own way.  At first it felt like freedom, but she eventually found herself in a pit of destruction.  When God lifted her out, He welcomed her with open arms, embraced her and celebrated her.  This is a beautiful story of God's Amazing Grace!

As a young child, Erika grew up in a chaotic household with drug and alcohol abuse. But the day her mother walked through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous, a domino change occured for her and her family.  Erika's story reveals how the Lord chose her for something different and that He's always been there pursuing her even in her darkest moments.

We kick off Season 4 with a woman of short stature and "Big Faith!" Shirley Hill let's us into her world and family of little people, the many trials they've faced, the unshakeable hope she clings to,  and the overwhelming love of God she has experienced!

Shirley's story is undoubtedly unique, yet, remarkably relateable! You will laugh and cry again and again through this one!

Join your hosts, Stephanie and Karessa, as we take you behind the scenes giving you a better glimpse into our own joys and struggles. We talk goals and dreams for 2021 and reminise about the fires we've walked through this past year. Most of all, we praise God for all He has accomplished through the 25 women we've had on the show in 2020. 

We all have dreams and expectations... but rarely does life go the way we had hoped or thought it should have.  Our conversation with Amber Wallin encompasses a lot of real and raw including a pornograpy addiction, surgery early on in marriage, infertility, and the unknown... and, yet, in the end, Amber whole-heartedly says "God's Plans are Better!" Amber and her husband John now have an exciting ministry and role to play at Babich house, a ministry of Cyrus Centre.  To learn more visit: https://cyruscentre.com/

JOY! That about sums it up for this episode of Fire & Grace!  Stephanie sits down with Janelle, Jessalyn, Tessa and Jessica, the "Aunties" of The African Children's Choir, to discuss tour life and the incredible mission of helping Africa's most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow! Encounter more of the joy by watching "I Praise You - (Psalm 139)" by Stephanie Reddicopp featuring The African Children's Choir!  Clilck here! 

Learn more about The African Children's Choir

It's PART 2 with Carissa Youssef!  After discovering Food for the Hungry Canada and learning of their mandate to restore dignity and end poverty among the world’s most vulnerable, Carissa eagerly joined the FH Canada team in 2008. She has held various roles during her time with FH ranging from Director of Communications to Donors Services. Now serving as VP of Philanthropy and Public Engagement, Carissa is thrilled to focus on connecting Canadians who aspire to invest into Kingdom work with FH’s vital mission of eradicating poverty – one community at a time. To learn more:

Season 3 kicks off with a two-part series featuring Carissa Youssef and her journey to whole-hearted life in Jesus. Episode 1 unpacks the hardship of Carissa losing her father to cancer in her teen years and the vulnerabilities her family experienced as a result. Carissa's story also reveals how the Lord in His kindness, provided over and over again for their family through the goodness of His people. Carissa now serves as VP of Philanthropy and Public Engagement with Food for the Hungry Canada, and is driven by a desire to be a part of God’s Kingdom work in transforming ordinary things into holy things and by seeing people “thrive” in the fullness of life through Christ. 

To get in touch with Carissa email carissa.youssef@gmail.com or find her on Facebook Carissa Brey Youssef.

What is Spiritual Warfare? How does the Bible talk about Spiritual Warfare? How can the enemy attack us? (physically, emotionally, mentally, & spiritually…???) Can the devil put thoughts in my mind? Can the devil cause sickness?  Join your hosts Stephanie & Karessa as they discuss Spiritual Warfare with Kristal Toews, Pastor of Discipleship at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford B.C.  

To get in touch with Pastor Kristal Toews email ktoews@northview.org

Visit Northview Community Church to learn more about Bible Studies that are offered.

Resource - Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective by Brian Borgman & Rob Ventura

40 min Precept Ministries Bible Studies mentioned by Stephanie:

Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming the Enemy

Living Victoriously in Difficult Times

What is Anxiety? Why do people experience it? What are its symptoms and how does it relate to fear? Stephanie & Karessa unpack this topic with Registered Clinical Counsellor Jennifer C. Leon on today's episode of Fire & Grace - the podcast.  From everyday anxiety to the most extreme cases, from coronavirus to school going back in session, from supporting those who are suffering to "what does the Bible say about anxiety?"  To book a session or get in touch with Jennifer C. Leon: Email: mentalhealthcounsellor@outlook.com

https://mentalhealthcounsellor.ca/about-jennifer-leon/

Resource mentioned by Stephanie: Breaking Free from Fear by Precept Ministries

GRIEF! The loss of a loved one, the loss of a dream the loss of anything that you've experienced; enter... GRIEF. But how long does it last? What are the symptoms of grief? How can we process and deal with grief in a healthy way? Join us for our second episode in our Summer Series of Hot Topics as we unpack "GRIEF" with Registered Clinical Counsellor Jacki Graham (MAMFT) and how it affects us all.

EMOTIONS! We all have them and sometimes they can feel out of control!  Our guest on today's podcast of our summer series of hot topics is Jalene Davies. She is a therapist and works with individuals, and families on emotional processing and Emotion Focussed Family Therapy.  

To get in touch or book a session with Jalene Davies:

• We've included some resources that Jalene recommends below:

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• Dance With Anger by Harriet Lerner 
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• Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
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• Self compassion work book Kristen Neff for those with a high self critic 
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• The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown 
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• Feelings and Faith: Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life by Brian Borgman
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• For Marriage:

• For parenting: - https://www.mentalhealthfoundations.ca/

Season 1 of Fire & Grace - the podcast wraps up this week with some reflections from hosts Stephanie & Karessa and a look into what's coming in our Summer series of hot topics! They also interview Bev Ellis, a sculptor and artist who has created a very special gift for all of the Fire & Grace guests. Bev describes the process of the potter and the clay and gives biblical examples and application that relates to our suffering and being moulded and shaped into something beautiful! Follow us @fireandgracepodcast to see some upcoming pics of these beautiful creations. Follow Bev Ellis @artzystuff or visit her website http://www.bevellis.com

From small town girl to landing a modelling contract in Japan, Carrie Klassen experienced a life that many would admire and only dream of. But, behind the scenes it wasn't always glamorous.  At age 19 Carrie finds herself pregnant and made the choice to have an abortion. Her life direction drastically changes when she finally decides to submit her life to Christ.  This is a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption. Carrie says, "My heart is for young women who feel confused about anything. Nothing is irredeemable. God is infinitely capable of taking on your sin."

To learn more about Carrie: https://www.comedianswife.com

For help, resources and counsel for women who are pregnant or who have hand an abortion in the Fraser Valley area we recommend Hope For Women. https://www.hopeforwomen.ca  

We also recommend the care ministry at Northview Community Church. You can email care@northview.org

Please know you are not alone.  There is help and hope.