A Cup of Gratitude Amanda Schaefer

This week, I speak with Cheryl Grey Bostrom, M.A., who writes surprising prose that reflects her keen interest in nature and human behavior. Her four books include her international best seller Sugar Birds—the winner of more than a dozen fiction awards, and Leaning on Air, called “a reader’s dream,” and a “cross-generational masterpiece” by early reviewers. An avid photographer, birder, and poet, she and her veterinarian husband live in NW Washington State.

Learn more at CherylBostrom.com. 
*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Stacy Horst, a wife of 33 years, a mother of two, a Co-founder of Erin’s Hope for Friends, a Realtor for 20 years, and a Board member of Nassau Habitat for Humanity. Stacy's journey took a transformative turn when she and her husband founded "Erin's Hope for Friends," a non-profit organization born out of love and tragedy. The organization's namesake, Erin, their beloved daughter, faced the complex intersection of autism, bullying, isolation and ultimately succumbing to the weight of exclusion. In the face of such heartbreaking loss, Stacy and Darren channeled their grief into a force for good. Determined to prevent other families from experiencing a similar fate, this 501c3 stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to helping teens and young adults with Level 1 Autism and their families by creating a safe place “E’s Club” where they can make lasting relationships through joyful interactions. Stacy's life story is one marked by resilience, empathy, and an enduring commitment to turning personal pain into purposeful action. In every role she plays Stacy stands as an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many. We take a look from her childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life.  You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!
https://www.erinshopeforfriends.org/
Facebook.com/erinshopeforfriends
linkedin.com/ company/ErinsHopeforfriends/
instagram.com/erinshopefor/
*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Lori Ann Wood, who lives with her husband in an empty nest in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas. Having discovered a serious heart condition almost too late, Lori Ann writes and speaks to encourage deep faith questions along the detours of life. She has been awarded the Frederick Buechner Narrative Essay Award, and awards from the Evangelical Press Association as well as from Colorado Christian Writers. Her work has been published in several anthologies and numerous print and online venues, including The New York Times, The Christian Century Magazine, Just Between Us Magazine, Bella Grace Magazine, Truly Magazine, and Pepperdine University Press. Lori Ann’s first book, Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted, was recently published by CrossRiver Media. It quickly became #1 New Release on Amazon in Christian Spiritual Growth and in Personal Growth & Christianity. The book has won four international book awards. We take a look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!
 Website: https://loriannwood.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/loriannwood/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DivinelyDetoured
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClsYrW5KIUqMBVvRxzNZG5Q
Free Resource, 5 Prayers & Promises When You Can’t Talk to God: https://loriannwood.com/hope/
More Info: Books Page, including book trailer and first chapter free - https://loriannwood.com/books/
*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa 

This week, I speak with Dr. Michelle Bengtson, a hope concierge! Whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books, including Hope Prevails and Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others. Her newest release is The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms. She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when any of those are accompanied by sea salt caramel chocolate! You can find her and her hope-filled resources at DrMichelleB.com
 For more hope, stay connected with me at:
Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson
Podcast: https://apple.co/2madPRo or https://bit.ly/3ef2fvs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w64SHF
*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Becky Antkowiak, a writer, speaker, editor, Compassion International advocate, and enthusiastic Grammar Floozy. A lifelong serial extrovert, Becky believes every stranger is a friend she hasn’t met. Fair warning: if you make eye contact, you may be friends for life. 
She’s the Chief Encouragement Officer of 540 Writers Community—a free group for writers focused on studying craft, sharpening skills, and sharing encouragement for the writing journey. 
When she’s not writing or finding ways to connect people, you can find her demolishing, rebuilding, and creating alongside Patrick, her best friend and husband of 20 years. In her spare moments, she binge-listens to audiobooks while eating salted caramel anything.
https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
Conference Links:
Carolina Christian Writers Conference   March 8-9, 2024 (Special Day for Pastors – March 7) https://www.fbs.org/christian-writers-conference/
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference   May 26–30, 2024  https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
Write to Publish   June 11–14, 2024 https://writetopublish.com/
***This is a coupon code for Write to Publish It gives the user $25 off and supports 540 - Use BLUE2024.***
540 Writers Community Link:  https://540writerscommunity.com/
540 Writers Community Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/540writers
*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa

This week, I speak with Megan Evans. She and her family live in Tennessee, where she serves as the women’s ministry director at her church.  An author and blogger with a heart for discipleship, Megan writes, speaks, and teaches women about enjoying God in each busy day.  Her writing has been featured on Proverbs31.org, Crosswalk, and is the new author of the book Permission to Walk: A 4O Day Journey to Unhurried Peace.  We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this incredible episode!
www.unhurrymyheart.com
https://www.facebook.com/unhurrymyheart
https://www.instagram.com/megan.m_evans
*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa