Circle In Faith with Christine Barela

Christine Barela
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Faith, Connection, Accountability, & Growth I aim to equip and empower women to take bold steps toward transforming their minds, bodies, and souls. Doing so allows them to live a life they truly deserve- one filled with joy, abundance, and a sense of fulfillment. Whether you're on a journey to find your optimal and dream life or feeling a little lost and need to reignite your zest for life, this podcast is for you. I will provide practical steps, tips, and motivation to get your life back even better with a stronger conviction and mindset. We deserve to live and reach our dreams at any age!

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 22: She Refused to Give Up—And Found Her Healing | Dr. Mary Powell

    Welcome to Circle In Faith!  Dr. Mary Powell’s story is one of unwavering perseverance, faith, and courage in the face of being unheard. A passionate educator, Mary’s life took an unexpected turn after a fall from a ladder left her debilitated with relentless headaches.  For two long years, doctor after doctor dismissed her symptoms as migraines—but Mary knew something wasn’t right. Every time she lay flat, the pain disappeared… and every time she sat or stood, it came rushing back. She believed she had a spinal fluid leak—but no one would listen. At her lowest point, physically exhausted and emotionally drained, Mary made a life-changing decision—to return to church. There, she found a women’s group that welcomed her with open arms, helping both her and her husband reconnect to their faith and find strength in community. Despite her condition, Mary refused to give up.  In an extraordinary act of determination, she completed her doctorate lying flat on her back—typing her dissertation through the pain, holding onto purpose even in suffering. Through her own relentless research, she discovered a specialist at Duke University who understood her condition. She traveled there, was finally heard… and ultimately healed. Mary’s journey is a powerful reminder that God never leaves us, even in the silence, the struggle, and the waiting.  It’s a story of advocating for yourself, holding on to the truth when others doubt you, and the incredible strength that comes from faith, community, and perseverance.  If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or ready to give up—this story is for you. Dr. Powell's publications are below.  The books below are available on Amazon for purchase.  Powell, Mary. (2024). Not Another Research Paper!: A Step-by-Step Guide for Teens Who Write with Purpose, Passion and Inquiry.  Powell, Mary. (2021). Persephone’s Garden: A Testimony of Survivors who Persevere with Vulvodynia.  Powell, Mary. (2019). It’s Not a Migraine: CSF Leaks and the Pain that Blinds the Medical Community.  For Dr. Powell's Journal Articles, (peer-reviewed) Book Chapters, Book Reviews, Creative Writing, and Newspaper Articles---DM me and I will send you the links.  At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟 🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications →  https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en ✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela  💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    23 min

  2. Jun 2

    Episode 21: She Was Pregnant at 15… But God Never Stopped Pursuing Her | Christena Weber

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 Christena’s story is one of redemption, restoration, and the relentless love of God. Raised as a pastor’s daughter, Christena experienced deep hurt when her parents divorced in her adolescence. She became angry and started questioning her faith.   Moving between two homes created confusion and ultimately led her to walk away from her faith and into the arms of the world. As a young teenager, just as she was preparing to move to California, her life took an unexpected turn—she became pregnant. Christena stepped into motherhood with strength and love. A few years later, she found herself pregnant again. Despite the challenges, she was determined to raise her children well… even while choosing to be disconnected from God. Her father remained a steady spiritual presence, taking her children to church and planting seeds of faith in their lives. Years passed, and though Christena was a devoted mother, she still wasn't living with or for Jesus herself. Until one life-changing moment. Her young daughter, with bold and innocent faith, asked her to come to church—because she didn’t want her mom to go to hell. That simple, heartfelt plea became the turning point. It was then, in her late twenties, that Christena rededicated her life to Christ and walked back into church… and everything changed. She encountered Jesus in a real and personal way—and from that moment on, she never looked back. Today, Christena is happily married to a wonderful man of God and lives fully surrendered to the Lord. She boldly shares her faith with everyone she meets and now serves as a co-pastor of a small church, helping others experience the same life-changing love and grace she found. Her story is a beautiful reminder that no matter your past, God is always pursuing you—and it’s never too late to say yes. At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟 🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications →  https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en ✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela  💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    23 min

  3. May 26

    Episode 20: What Was Lost… and What Remains | Laura’s Story

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 Laura’s story is one of unimaginable loss… and unshakable faith. After a devastating car accident at just 19 years old, Laura’s life was forever changed. She suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with cognitive challenges as well as ongoing short-term memory loss. The life she once knew was gone in an instant. But what remains is something incredibly powerful. Through every challenge, every limitation, and every day that looks different than most… Laura’s love for Jesus has never wavered. In fact, it has become her foundation. Her strength. Her “backbone,” as she so beautifully says. Laura fills her days with meaningful rhythms—attending Bible studies, participating in pool therapy to stay strong and maintain her independence, and spending time with family and friends. But above all, she holds tightly to God’s truth, living out a faith that is simple, pure, and deeply inspiring. While the world may focus on what was lost, Laura’s life beautifully reflects what can never be taken—her hope, her faith, and the constant presence of God. Strength, Faith & Laura’s Wisdom: When the Lord speaks to you, just say "OK.  I’ll do it!" Make Christ your backbone. Talk to Him all the time, many times throughout the day.  Give Him thanks every day. Have God be the center of your life every single day.  "My faith is just like so strong- I don't do anything without Him." Laura really has joy, and it is because she says, “Yes, I can do this,” and then asks God to give her strength, and He does. And sometimes she has to look for the answer because it's not the answer she wants. You have to look and see. Don’t insist on ‘your way’.  If Laura had to choose her way or God’s way the day of the accident, she said she would choose God’s way because her way leads to death, and she was heading downstairs to H###. Final thoughts from Laura:  “Don’t let something tragic happen to make you strengthen your faith and wear your seat belt!” This episode is a powerful testimony that even in life’s hardest circumstances, God is still near, still working, and still the source of our strength. A story of resilience. A faith that endures. A beautiful reminder that Jesus truly is our backbone. At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟 🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications →  https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en ✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela  💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    25 min

  4. May 19

    Episode 19: Surrendering Control: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Purpose | Ann Flagg

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 What do you do when life changes overnight—and nothing looks the way you planned? In this powerful Circle in Faith conversation, Ann shares a deeply moving story of love, loss, and surrender. Newly married, Ann and her husband Jay were just beginning their life together when tragedy struck—her 19-year-old sister, Laura, was in a devastating car accident while pregnant, leaving her in a coma for eight months. In the midst of unimaginable uncertainty, a miracle unfolded—Laura gave birth to a healthy baby girl while still in the coma. With faith and courage, Ann and Jay stepped in to care for the baby. When Laura eventually woke, she was left with a traumatic brain injury that made it impossible for her to raise her daughter. Ann and Jay made the life-changing decision to adopt her—while Ann’s parents lovingly cared for Laura. But the story doesn’t end there. Ann opens up about her personal journey—from being someone who needed control… to learning how to fully trust God. Through unexpected responsibility, other life circumstances, caregiving, and deep faith, God gently reshaped her heart and showed her that He is always in control. Today, Ann serves as Laura’s primary caregiver, walking out a life of compassion, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. And through it all, God has brought beauty from ashes—blessing their family with three beautiful granddaughters and a legacy of love and faith. This is a story of surrender. A story of resilience. And a reminder that even in life’s hardest moments… God is still writing something beautiful. If you’ve ever struggled to let go of control or trust God in the unknown, this conversation will speak directly to your heart. Guiding Scripture: Philippians 1:6 ...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Psalm 13:1. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 25:5 ...guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future....." At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications → https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela 💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    46 min

  5. May 12

    Episode 18: She Turned Pain Into Purpose—Now She Protects Others | Nikki Charette

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nikki, founder of Nicolette Management, whose journey into the world of health coverage and financial guidance began during one of the hardest seasons of her life—watching her mother battle illness without the support of the insurance she desperately needed. That experience became a turning point. Determined to make sure no one else has to navigate confusion, stress, or lack of coverage alone, Nikki built a business centered on clarity, advocacy, and real solutions. As a Licensed Insurance Broker, Certified Wealth Educator, Notary Public, and Tax Preparer, Nikki now helps individuals and small businesses make confident, informed decisions about their health, finances, and future. Through personalized consulting, she simplifies complex systems and walks alongside her clients every step of the way—ensuring not just recommendations, but real results. In this episode, we talk about: Turning pain into purpose. The importance of having the right guidance in life’s critical moments. Building a business rooted in integrity, accountability, and impact. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by insurance, finances, or planning for your future—this conversation will empower you with both insight and hope. You can find Nikki on the following platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettemanagement/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolettemanagement/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@nicolettemanagement?xmt=AQF0A_KLfFL2sAuunoyGzdw3SutEMp2OH__JFxZAT6kEmAwWebsite: https://nicolettemanagement.com/?utm_source=threads&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio More contact information: Name: Nicole (Nikki) CharetteEmail: Info@NicoletteManagement.comPhone: 888.658.GROW (4769) or 407.800.1797Non-Profit: Climbing Together Inc (website is currently under renovation = www.ClimbingTogether.org)Website: www.NicoletteManagement.com  At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you!🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟 🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications → https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela 📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: email contact@circleinfaith.com 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela 💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    36 min

  6. May 5

    Episode 17: Born Blind—Then Saw the World at 55 | Her Unbelievable Story | Karen Wingate

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 What would it be like to see the world for the very first time… at 55 years old? In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode, we sit down with Karen Wingate, who was born blind and spent decades navigating life without sight—learning, growing, and experiencing the world in ways most of us can’t imagine. Then everything changed. After a life-altering surgery at age 55, Karen received the gift of sight—and what followed was a journey filled with awe, adjustment, and a completely new understanding of the world around her. From recognizing faces to experiencing color, depth, and beauty for the first time, Karen shares what it truly means to “see” both physically and spiritually. Karen’s story is more than a miracle—it’s a message. Through her books, With Fresh Eyes and With Open Ears, she invites us to rediscover wonder, listen more deeply, and experience life—and God—with renewed perspective. This episode will challenge you to slow down, notice what you’ve overlooked, and embrace a fresh awareness of God’s presence in your everyday life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, numb, or disconnected—this conversation will open your eyes in ways you didn’t expect. You can find Karen's inspiring books for purchase on her website: https://karenwingate.com/books/With Fresh Eyes: 60 Insights into the Miraculous Ordinary from a Woman Born Blind (Kregel, 2021). With Open Ears: 60 Reflections on the Wonder of Sound from a Woman Born Blind (Kregel, 2025). Grateful Heart: 60 Reasons to Give Thanks in All Things (Our Daily Bread, 2025). Connect with Karen on the following platforms: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenwingate Facebook Group - What I Saw God Do Today: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhatISawToday Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenawingate/ Twitter:https://x.com/kwingate715 At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟 🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications → https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela 📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en ✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela 💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    40 min

  7. 10/14/2025

    Stay Tuned: More to Come

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 It’s been an interesting couple of weeks as I’ve been with my dad in the hospital; he is doing better, and I wanted to share a quick update from my heart. Sometimes life pulls us into unexpected seasons, and that’s okay. God is still faithful in the pause. Next week, I’ll be sharing more about my personal journey of healing from autoimmune illness — and how faith, mindset, and daily choices have played a role in that transformation. Thank you for your prayers, grace, and continued support. At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications → https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela 📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela 💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    1 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    Courage, Calling & Light in Everyday Life: Circle in Faith Retreat

    Welcome to Circle In Faith! ✨💖 In this episode, I share highlights from our recent Circle in Faith retreat, where we gathered to deepen our faith, foster community, grow our business, and our purpose. Each day we focused on a key Scripture: Esther 4:14 – stepping into the truth that we are created “for such a time as this.” Joshua 1:9 – finding courage in God’s presence, knowing He is with us wherever we go. Matthew 5:16 – letting our light shine so others may see God through our lives. Alongside these powerful verses, we listened to Graham Cooke’s Brilliant Perspective podcast episode "What God Does Instead." His teaching reminded us that stress is not defined by what’s happening around us but by how we choose to think—and that God invites us to remodel and rebuild our minds with His perspective. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Gee2dBKzwFnkyltLq3u2V?si=9oIjQE-_QXOGlD_wePjNvg This retreat was about more than studying Scripture—it was about living it out together. We prayed, encouraged one another, and embraced God’s call to walk in confidence, courage, and light. “Want to go deeper? Download the free episode guide with verses and reflection questions at https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela (see my bio) and start remodeling your thoughts with God’s perspective today!” At Circle In Faith, we inspire and empower women over 50 to step into their purpose, trust God's timing, and never give up on their dreams. It’s never too late to start! Whether you're pursuing a new career, deepening your faith, or seeking encouragement, this is your community of faith-driven women who uplift and support one another. 💡 What You’ll Find Here: ✔️ Faith-based encouragement & inspiration ✔️ Biblical wisdom for personal & spiritual growth ✔️ Stories of women embracing their purpose ✔️ Christian entrepreneurship & success tips ✔️ Motivation to never give up—God is not done with you! 🌟 Join Our Community & Let’s Grow Together! 🌟🔔 Subscribe & Turn on Notifications → https://www.youtube.com/@christinebarela 📲 Follow us on social media: 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.barela.5 👉 Website: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 👉 Join Our Circle: https://pensight.com/x/christinebarela 🙏 Need Prayer? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/circle_in_faith/?hl=en ✨ Remember: God’s plan for you is greater than you can imagine! Keep the faith & step boldly into your next season. 💖 In Him, Christine Barela 💖 Founder of Circle In Faith

    14 min
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About

Faith, Connection, Accountability, & Growth I aim to equip and empower women to take bold steps toward transforming their minds, bodies, and souls. Doing so allows them to live a life they truly deserve- one filled with joy, abundance, and a sense of fulfillment. Whether you're on a journey to find your optimal and dream life or feeling a little lost and need to reignite your zest for life, this podcast is for you. I will provide practical steps, tips, and motivation to get your life back even better with a stronger conviction and mindset. We deserve to live and reach our dreams at any age!

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