Habits of Hope: Cultivating a Deeper Life with God

Ginger Harrington

Are you looking to build rhythms of daily life that strengthen your faith and bring you closer to God? Habits of Hope is your guide for developing spiritual habits that nurture your soul and deepen your connection with God. Hosted by Ginger Harrington and co-host Larissa Traquair, each episode explores how small, consistent choices can lead to significant spiritual growth.   At Habits of Hope, we believe that cultivating a life rooted in hope comes through daily rhythms that help us trust God’s faithfulness, even in difficult seasons. Whether you're looking to refresh your spiritual practices or find encouragement during hard times, this podcast provides practical tools and biblical wisdom to help you grow spiritually.   In this podcast, we will help you: Feel more connected to God in your daily life through practical spiritual habits.Overcome stagnation in your faith by fostering consistent spiritual growth.Trust God’s faithfulness, even during life’s hardest moments.Establish and maintain daily rhythms of prayer, reflection, and scripture.Navigate life's stresses with spiritual and emotional encouragement rooted in faith.Reconnect with God when you feel spiritually empty or distant.Build a consistent and meaningful prayer life with simple, actionable strategies.Overcome doubt and find renewed hope in your faith journey.Release unhealthy comparisons and trust in God’s unique timing for your life.Discover purpose and meaning in everyday life through small, intentional habits of faith.  Each episode offers inspiring conversations, stories, and actionable steps to help you live a life of faith, hope, and purpose. If you're ready to build habits that foster a deeper connection with God, then you're in the right place. Let’s get started—because a deeper life begins now.

  1. Jun 9

    80.Trusting God Through Doubt and Grief: The Story Behind Kelsey Chadwick's Where Else Could I Go?

    Send us Fan Mail Today's guest, Lesa Watson, is the mother of Kelsey Chadwick — a woman who spent the last year of her life wrestling honestly with doubt, going back to the word of God, and writing everything she found there into a book called Where Else Could I Go? Kelsey passed away unexpectedly before the book released. The manuscript was already at the publisher when she died. In this conversation, Lesa shares Kelsey's story with extraordinary grace: the cancer diagnosis Kelsey quietly hid to protect a family vacation, the five-day writing retreat where the whole book poured out of her, the voice memos her husband found on her phone after she was gone, and the last words Kelsey said before she lost consciousness — words that have stayed with everyone who heard them. But this episode isn't only about loss. It's about what it means to build a faith that holds before the hard day arrives. Lesa talks about her own practice of studying the character of God — and how that knowledge sustained her when scripture itself wasn't sinking in. She shares the two verses she has posted in her home, the eternal hope that shapes how her family grieves, and the single truth she most wants listeners to carry away from Kelsey's words. Key moments in this episode include the power of returning to the source when questions overwhelm us; Kelsey's story of nine months of medical uncertainty and how it became a journey deeper into faith; how Lesa holds grief and hope together without pretending either is smaller than it is; scriptures that have anchored her — Romans 8:28 and Psalm 31:14; and the profound comfort of knowing eternal life begins not at death, but at the moment you say yes to Christ. If you're carrying questions you don't know what to do with, or sitting with a loss that hasn't resolved itself into neat answers, this conversation is for you. Share it with a friend who might need it. The questions are okay. And there is still a place to bring them. Read the full article at GingerHarrington.com. *Habits of Hope is taking a short summer break as Ginger welcomes two new grandchildren into the family. New episodes will return later this summer. In the meantime, explore the podcast archive and stay connected through the Habits of Hope email newsletter. Explore Kelsey's book, Where Else Could I Go? Embracing God When You're Doubting Everything As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    32 min
  2. May 25

    79.Finding Strength in God When You Feel Weak (Isaiah 40:29-31)

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever reached a point where you simply don’t have the strength you need? Read the full article at GingerHarrington.com Not the kind you can push through or plan your way out of—but the kind where your soul feels tired, your heart feels heavy, and the next step feels harder than it should. In this episode, Ginger and Larissa walk through one of the most comforting promises in Scripture—Isaiah 40:29–31—and explore what it really means to find strength in God in the middle of real-life struggles. Together, they unpack how waiting on the Lord is not passive, but an active posture of hope—and how God meets us there with the strength we need. If you’re feeling weary, discouraged, or overwhelmed, this conversation will gently remind you: you are not alone, and God is not asking you to be strong enough—He is inviting you to receive His strength. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it truly means to “wait on the Lord”Why strength is something God gives—not something you createHow hope and waiting are deeply connectedSimple, practical ways to turn toward God in hard seasonsKey Scripture: Isaiah 40:29–31 Mentioned in this Episode Why Small Habits Matter More than You Think (Faithfulness in Everyday Life)Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    34 min
  3. May 19

    78.How to Find Hope After Trauma | Jennifer Hand on Faith, Healing & Survival Mode

    Send us Fan Mail What if the hope you've been searching for isn't gone — just buried? After trauma, loss, or a season that's left you feeling undone, it can be hard to believe that anything is still steady beneath the rubble. The ground has shifted. Hope feels fragile, or distant, or simply out of reach.  Read the full article version at GingerHarrington.com Trauma counselor and author Jennifer Hand has spent years in the hardest places — from earthquake zones in Nepal and Turkey to exhausted caregivers and grieving families — and she keeps finding the same thing: hope is there. It just needs to be uncovered. In this conversation, Jenn brings both clinical training and personal experience to an honest, practical discussion about what trauma actually does to the brain and body, how to recognize when you're stuck in survival mode, and why healing doesn't require rebuilding everything at once.  She also shares what she believes is the most important thing to reestablish after any trauma — and the one question she asked every single counseling client before anything else. It isn't in her book. She saved it for you. Key Scriptures: Psalm 139 | Psalm 91 | Psalm 121 | Romans 8 In this episode: What trauma really is — and why you may not recognize it in yourselfFight, flight, freeze, and fawn explained in plain, compassionate languageWhy safety must come before healing — and how Psalm 91 speaks to that needPractical grounding tools you can use today, most of them freeWhy caregivers experience trauma too — and what they need to hear mostThe one question Jenn asked every counseling client first — and never put in her bookYour story is not over, friend. One gentle step at a time, hope can be uncovered again. Check out Jennifer's book, Hope Beneath the Rubble: Healing After Trauma. Read the full article here.  *This is an affiliate link  Resources Mentioned in this Episode Hope Beneath the Rubble: Healing After Trauma by Jennifer Hand Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God by Ginger Harrington How to Scripture Journal (Episode 69) Related Content Each link features the article, podcast, and video of the content. How Gratitude Can Anchor Your Heart in Grief and Trauma. Interview with Christian counselor, Heather Shealy-Mawhirter, LPC (Episode 61)How to Find God's Peace that Guards Your Heart | A Study of Philippians 4:7 (Episode 56)Finding Peace with Becky Keife | A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul (Episode 58) Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    47 min
  4. May 12

    77.Starting Over and Feeling Alone? How God Meets You Where You Are

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever walked into a room and felt completely overwhelmed—like you just didn’t have it in you to try again? In this episode, Ginger shares a deeply personal story from a season of starting over, when anxiety, exhaustion, and the longing for connection all collided. It’s a story about what happens when you don’t feel brave, don’t feel ready, and don’t have the energy to take one more step forward. But it’s also a story about how God meets you right there—in the middle of your limits. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why starting over feels so emotionally exhaustingHow God meets you in moments of anxiety and overwhelmWhat it looks like to receive connection instead of striving for itHow small moments can become meaningful, lasting relationshipsKey Scriptures: Psalm 94:19Isaiah 41:10If connection feels hard right now, this episode will gently remind you—you’re not alone, and God is already at work in ways you may not yet see. Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    16 min
  5. Apr 28

    76.How to Find Friendship When You Feel Lonely (Biblical Hope for Hard Seasons)

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever walked into a room full of people—and still felt completely alone? Loneliness is one of the deepest aches we carry, yet it’s something so many of us quietly experience. In this episode, Ginger sits down with author Kristen Strong to talk honestly about friendship, rejection, and what God is doing in seasons when connection feels out of reach. Together, they explore why friendship can feel so hard, how our expectations can hold us back, and how God meets us right in the middle of our longing for belonging. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why loneliness doesn’t mean something is wrong with youHow God uses lonely seasons to deepen your faithSimple, practical ways to begin building meaningful friendshipsThe truth about vulnerability and going deeper in relationshipsKey Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 2:18 — “It is not good for man to be alone”Ruth & Naomi (Book of Ruth)If you’ve been feeling unseen, left out, or disconnected, this conversation will remind you: You are not alone—and God is already at work. Related Resources Desperate Woman Seeks Friends by Kristen StrongMade for Friendship by Drew HunterChristian Hospitality and Loneliness: How One Invitation Can Restore Hope (Episode 62)How to Build Strong Community When You Feel Disconnected (Episode 38)How to Love Others Like Jesus: Actionable Steps for Everyday Life (Episode 22)*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    32 min
  6. Apr 21

    75.Why Small Habits Matter More Than You Think (Faithfulness in Everyday Life)

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered if the small things you do each day really matter? In this episode, we’re talking about the power of consistency—not as pressure to do more, but as an invitation to be faithful in the small things God has placed in front of you. Because over time, those small, consistent choices don’t stay small—they shape your life. If you’ve ever struggled with follow-through, felt overwhelmed by big changes, or wondered how real transformation happens, this conversation will encourage you. We explore how habits form, how your mind, body, and soul work together in growth, and how God meets you right in the middle of your everyday rhythms. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why small habits matter more than big intentionsHow consistency shapes your spiritual life over timeThe connection between your thoughts, actions, and growthWhy grace—not pressure—is key to lasting changePractical ways to start small and stay faithfulKey Scripture: Luke 16:10This episode is a gentle reminder: you don’t have to do everything—just take one small step of faithfulness and trust God to work through it. Read the article here. Referenced in the Episode The Life You’ve Always Wantedby John Ortberg  Living in Christ’s Presenceby Dallas Willard  Holy in the Moment by Ginger Harrington Episode 21: How to Harness the Power of Tiny Habits for Spiritual Growth (Habit Stacking) Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    37 min
  7. Apr 14

    74.What Is Holy Leisure? Finding Joy with God Instead of Quiet Time Pressure

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever sat down for your quiet time… and instead of feeling refreshed, you felt pressure? Maybe it started as something meaningful—a space to meet with God, to be nourished in His Word. But somewhere along the way, it began to feel like one more thing to do. One more box to check. And instead of delight, you felt disappointment… wondering if you were doing it “right.” If that resonates with you, this conversation is a deep breath for your soul. In this episode of the Habits of Hope Podcast, Ginger sits down with author and Bible teacher Cara Ray to talk about what it looks like to move from performance-driven spiritual routines into a more life-giving rhythm of what she calls holy leisure—a way of enjoying God in everyday life. Together, they unpack why so many of us quietly struggle in our time with God, and how shifting our mindset from striving to abiding can transform not just our quiet time—but our entire relationship with Him. In This Episode, We Explore: Why quiet time can slowly become pressure instead of peaceHow a “checkbox mentality” shapes our experience with GodThe difference between union with Christ and communion with HimWhy not every time in Scripture feels meaningful—and why that’s okayWhat holy leisure really means (and what it doesn’t mean)How to experience God in hidden, familiar, and even hard placesWhy seasons of dryness and suffering can deepen your faithHow abiding in Christ leads to lasting fruitfulnessIf your time with God has felt rushed, dry, or distant, maybe the next step isn’t trying harder. Today's Habit of Hope: This week, open your Bible not as a task to complete, but as a place to meet with the God who is already with you. Connect with Cara Ray: Learn more about Cara Ray at her website. Check out The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places on Amazon. (Affiliate link at no cost to you). Continue Listening: 5. What We're Doing In Our Quiet Time Right Now: Daily Devotion Tips25. How to Hear God's Voice: Simple Habits for Listening to God67. Seek God First: How to Order Your Life Around What Matters Most69. How to Scripture Journal: A Simply Rhythm for Everyday Quiet Time71. How the Holy Spirit Guides You into Truth Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    35 min
  8. Apr 1

    73.How the Holy Spirit Comforts You in Hard Times (What the Bible Says)

    Send us Fan Mail When life feels heavy and the hard thing doesn’t quickly change, it can be difficult to hold onto hope.  In this episode, Ginger and Larissa are joined by Dr. Brenda Pace for a meaningful conversation about the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. Together, they explore how God meets us in suffering—not always by changing our circumstances right away, but by drawing near with His presence, truth, and peace. You’ll hear how the Holy Spirit comforts us through remembered Scripture, timely encouragement, quiet peace, and simple practices that help us notice God’s kindness in everyday life. This conversation is a reminder that you are not alone in your grief, uncertainty, or weariness. God is near, and the Holy Spirit is still at work. In this episode, we talk about: How 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 reveals God as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfortWhy truth anchors us when fear, grief, and anxiety distort our perspectiveHow the comfort we receive from God becomes comfort we can offer othersSimple habits that help us notice God’s presence in ordinary daysKey Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 John 14:26 Encouragement for You If you are walking through a difficult season, this conversation is a reminder that God is near. The Holy Spirit comforts with peace, truth, perspective, and presence. Even when circumstances don’t change right away, you are not abandoned. If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the channel, leave a comment sharing one way God has shown you His comfort, and send this episode to a friend who may need hope today. Read the full article version at https://gingerharrington.com/holy-spirit-comfort-in-hard-times/ Listen to the entire Holy Spirit Series:  Episode 71:How the Holy Spirit Guide You into Truth Episode 72: How the Holy Spirit Helps You in Your Weakness Support the show Sign up for Ginger’s Newsletter and the Deeper Life CollectionSupport the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/habitsofhopeGet Ginger’s Book: Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life(affiliate link)Ginger's Website: https://gingerharrington.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerharrington/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingHarringtonLarissa’s Website:https://www.gr8tfulchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gr8tfulchick/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/gr8tfulchick Habits of Hope Podcast  is for informational and inspirational purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice—spiritual, medical, legal, or otherwise.

    35 min
5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

Are you looking to build rhythms of daily life that strengthen your faith and bring you closer to God? Habits of Hope is your guide for developing spiritual habits that nurture your soul and deepen your connection with God. Hosted by Ginger Harrington and co-host Larissa Traquair, each episode explores how small, consistent choices can lead to significant spiritual growth.   At Habits of Hope, we believe that cultivating a life rooted in hope comes through daily rhythms that help us trust God’s faithfulness, even in difficult seasons. Whether you're looking to refresh your spiritual practices or find encouragement during hard times, this podcast provides practical tools and biblical wisdom to help you grow spiritually.   In this podcast, we will help you: Feel more connected to God in your daily life through practical spiritual habits.Overcome stagnation in your faith by fostering consistent spiritual growth.Trust God’s faithfulness, even during life’s hardest moments.Establish and maintain daily rhythms of prayer, reflection, and scripture.Navigate life's stresses with spiritual and emotional encouragement rooted in faith.Reconnect with God when you feel spiritually empty or distant.Build a consistent and meaningful prayer life with simple, actionable strategies.Overcome doubt and find renewed hope in your faith journey.Release unhealthy comparisons and trust in God’s unique timing for your life.Discover purpose and meaning in everyday life through small, intentional habits of faith.  Each episode offers inspiring conversations, stories, and actionable steps to help you live a life of faith, hope, and purpose. If you're ready to build habits that foster a deeper connection with God, then you're in the right place. Let’s get started—because a deeper life begins now.

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