Wild Grace

Worry | Matthew 6

January 17, 2024 22:00 - 21 minutes - 29.5 MB

What if? If we’re honest, that question can get out of control pretty quickly. We easily spiral into worry and anxiety. In today's episode of Wild Grace, we will hear about worry from the Gospel of Matthew. We will also enter into the passage with an imaginative contemplation exercise. If you have a tendency to worry, this episode is for you. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray

Silence & Solitude

September 06, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MB

WAIT -- don't skip this episode! I know that silence and solitude are often not at the top of our to-do lists, but what if I said they are essential for a deep spirituality? If you're longing to be in God's presence, to grow in your faith, or to experience God's love -- then this episode is for you! I'm going to talk about the practice of silence and solitude and what it might look like to incorporate this into your own life. www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social www.instagram....

Prayers for Discernment

August 23, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MB

How do we know what God wants us to do? What does the process of discernment look like? As a pastor, I'm often asked about discerning God's will. Is there a magic formula? In today's episode, I'm walking you through three types of prayers for discernment. These are not to-do list prayers. These are the get your hands dirty, repeat often kind of prayers - and they will transform your life. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray www.amberleagray.social

Holy Listening

August 09, 2023 09:00 - 13 minutes - 18.4 MB

Deep breath. Episode one. Holy Listening. Listening is central to our spiritual lives. It is the work of discernment -- not just for the big decisions but for the everyday choices. Learning to with grace changes everything. It cultivates space for transformation, where we are becoming our most true, authentic selves. www.amberleagray.com www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray [email protected]

Wild Grace | Trailer

May 18, 2023 16:43 - 1 minute - 1.84 MB

I'm Amber Lea - a pastor, creative, and spiritual director and I have a lot more questions than answers. I know we just met, but will you go on a journey with me? Just a heads up, I don't have a map or a guide, or a daily itinerary. This is more like one of those old choose your own adventure books. It is a journey of wild grace. I believe that grace woos us and confronts us and comforts us. It holds our hand, pushes us over the edge, and catches us at the bottom. Grace is raw. It is ...

Dealing with Resistance

March 07, 2023 21:56 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MB

Resistance is often seen as a bad thing, but I'm not sure I agree. I think resistance can be an invitation to pause. Resistance is natural. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about what resistance is and some practical ways to deal with resistance in your own life. Whether it's resistance in your personal life or resistance at work, this episode is for you! www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray

Questions Not Answers

February 28, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 13.4 MB

Y'all, I'm in a season of life where I have A LOT more questions than answers. Please tell me that I'm not alone. Today on the podcast, I'm going to share a little bit about this season of life, what it looks like, and why it might not be a bad thing. www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray

Friendship Red Flags

February 21, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MB

Let's be honest, making friends as an adult is hard. I think for that reason, sometimes we ignore friendship red flags. Let's talk about it. www.amberleagray.com Substack Community: www.amberleagray.social www.intagram.com/amber.lea.gray

2022 Lessons

February 14, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MB

It's the 200th episode of Growth & Grace!! How is that even possible? I took all of Janurary to process 2022, and today I'm sharing some of the things I learned. If I'm honest, it was one of the hardest years of my life. So much happened out of my control, and I had a hard time knowing who to trust. This episode shares some of the lessons I learned. It's full of both growth and grace! www.amberleagray.com Substack Community & Newsletter: www.amberleagray.social www.instagram.com/a...

Restarting

February 07, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MB

HEY FRIENDS! I've missed you, seriously! I took the month of January off, and if I'm honest... I struggled with the pause. I felt like I was letting you down and letting myself down. Today I'm going to talk a little about the last month and what it it means to restart something. I'm excited to be back, and the things planned for Growth & Grace the next few months. I'd love to hear from you! How is 2023 going so far?! www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray www.amberleagray.com www.ambe...

Replay: Listening Skills

December 28, 2022 19:56 - 12 minutes - 16.7 MB

This is the most listened-to episode of 2022! Y'all, humans are seriously the worst listeners. I think that so much conflict and hurt feelings could be avoided if we had better listening skills. So on today's episode, I'm giving you some practical things that you can start doing today to develop your listening skills! www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social

Joy

December 20, 2022 17:05 - 7 minutes - 9.84 MB

This is the season when we sing Joy to the World! What does Joy mean at Christmas? How does Joy feel? It has to be more than holiday lights and presents, right? Let's talk about Joy this week. www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social

Love

December 13, 2022 23:22 - 6 minutes - 9.28 MB

We talk about love a lot, but what does love mean? Does love change anything? What does love look like? We are in the season of Advent, which is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. There are four traditional Advent themes: peace, hope, love, and joy. Today I'm talking about love. I'm sharing a little about what love is and how we can cultivate love in our lives. www.amberleagray.com - Shop my art! www.amberleagray.social - Subscibe to the newsletter today!

Peace

November 30, 2022 02:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MB

It's the season of Peace on Earth, but what does peace even mean? Is peace possible? I look at the state of the world, and I have some serious doubts! We are in the season of Advent, which is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christmas. There are four traditional Advent themes: peace, hope, love, and joy. Today I'm talking about peace. I'm sharing a little about what peace is and how we can cultivate peace in our lives. Spoiler alert: I actually do think it is possible. www.am...

Release Expectations

November 22, 2022 22:24 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MB

It's the holiday season when all the expectations begin to surface. We're around family who have expectations for us. Maybe we have expectations of them? We have expectations about what the holidays will look like and how other people will act. Today I'm talking about what it looks like to release those expectations so that you can find peace! www.amberleagray.com www.amberleagray.social

Work Red Flags

November 15, 2022 23:43 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MB

If you have been struggling at work. If you have been unhappy at your job. If you have felt like something is off. If you are constantly stressed about work. This episode is for you! We spend so much time at our jobs, and so knowing these work red flags can be helpful to know if you should be looking into other opportunites. Here are the things to look out for! www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social

Pep Talk: Find Joy

November 08, 2022 23:50 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MB

Hey friends! This episode is a pep talk with you in mind. Find joy. Make yourself a priority. Life is hard and beautiful. Both are true. You only get one life. Enjoy it. Have fun. Do things that bring you joy. This your one wild and precious life. Much love :)

Abundance in the Wilderness

November 01, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MB

There has been a stirring in my soul the last few months, and I've been wrestling with the idea that there is abundance in the wilderness. My idea of abundance has shifted, and the wilderness seems a little less scary. On today's episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a little of my heart and how the Spirit has been moving in my life. If you feel like you've been in a wilderness lately, this episode is for you. If you struggle with a scarcity mindset, this episode is for you. www.amberleagra...

Spiritual Mindfulness

October 25, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MB

Mindfulness is another word for prayerful attention to God’s presence right here, right now. It is simply becoming aware of God in this moment, without an agenda. On today's episode of the podcast, I'm going to talk a little about what spiritual mindfulness is and give you some tips on how you can cultivate this practice in your own life. www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social Balance App: https://www.balanceapp.com

Good & Bad Questions

October 19, 2022 00:05 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MB

Have you ever been told that there are no bad questions? In today's episode, I want to challenge that. I believe that transformation happens when we are willing to engage in good questions. So today, I'm going to talk about what makes a question good or bad. TIP: If you're a leader, then this episode is a MUST for you! www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social Instagram: www.instagram.com/amber.lea.gray

Small Beginnings

October 11, 2022 20:03 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB

If you struggle to see your worth or value your gifts, then this episode is for you! Today I'm sharing a sermon based on Luke:13-21 where I talk about the story of small beginnings. www.amberleagray.com Sign up for my newsletter here: www.amberleagray.social

Accountablity

October 04, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MB

We live in a culture that tries to 'hold' people accountable. Today on the podcast, we're going to think about accountably in a different way. Let's talk about accountability as freedom, as a choice. Peter Block says that accountability is the willingness to care for the whole. How can we care for one another? www.amberleagray.com Sign up for the weekly newsletter here: www.amberleagray.social

Fairness

September 27, 2022 09:00 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MB

Today on the podcast I'm sharing a sermon on Luke 16, the parable of the dishonest manager. This text challenged me and my perceptions of fairness. Spoiler alert: The Gospel is not fair. Grace is not fair. What does that mean for us today? www.amberleagray.com substack: www.amberleagray.social

Possibilities Over Problem Solving

September 21, 2022 18:31 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MB

Last week on the podcast I talked about how problem solving does not work. It's was a HUGE mindset shift for me. Today we're talking about an alternative to problem solving, possibliites. What is the crossroad you currenly find yourself? That is the question that a conversation about possiblities asks. For me this coversation feels like freedom, and I'm excited that you're on this journey with me. www.amberleagray.com Substack: www.amberleagray.social

Stop Problem Solving

September 12, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MB

Pour a glass of your favorite beverage and pull up a seat. Today we're talking about a HUGE mindset shift I have had over the last few weeks. It is the idea to STOP problem solving. Trust me. Y'all this is idea may sound wild, but I think it is essential in order to create authentic community and real transformation. On today's episode of the podcast I'm talking about why problem solving does not work. www.amberleagray.com Substack Community: www.amberleagray.social Book referenced i...

Therapy FAQ

September 05, 2022 09:00 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MB

As a society we have come a long way, but there is still stigma around seeking professional help when it comes to mental illness. We have assumptions and expectations about therapy, that may or may not be true! In this conversation with Monica DiCristina, MA LPC, we answer all the questions. Who should go to therapy? What can you expect when you get there? What the heck is confidentiality? What if I see my therapist out in public? If you've been in therapy or want to learn more, this episode...

What is 'the work?'

August 29, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MB

In the therapy - coaching - self-help world we talk a lot about doing 'the work.' I reference 'the work' in the intro of this very podcast - change takes courage and a little hard work. But what does that even mean?! What is this work that we are encouraged to do? That’s what I unpack this week on the Growth & Grace Podcast! www.amberleagray.com amberleagray.blog

The Psalms & Vulnerability

August 23, 2022 02:47 - 19 minutes - 27 MB

STOP! Don't scroll away just yet. I know that the idea of vulnerability is scary, but trust me. There is value in vulnerability! It is a key element of cultivating deep relationships, developing self awareness, and learning leadership skills. The world need more people who are willing to be vulnerable. The world needs you. www.amberleagray.com

Self Advocate

August 15, 2022 23:18 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MB

Today on the podcast I'm talking about self advocacy. When is it appropriate to speak up for yourself? What should you say when things don't feel right? When should we advocate for yourselves? What if goes bad? I'm talking through all these things and more. This episode is a mix of pep talks and practical tips to help you advocate for yourself. www.amberleagray.com

Hosea - God Chooses Us

August 08, 2022 22:56 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MB

Last week I got the opportunity to preach a sermon on the Prophet Hosea. I'm not going to lie, it was a hard text. It also reminded me of a truth that my soul needed to hear. It's my prayer that episode encourages you. Most importantly, I want it to remind you that no matter what, God loves you. www.amberleagray.com

Adaptive Leadership

August 01, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MB

The world is changing and how we lead is changing to too. In today's episode I talk about what the old leadership models look like, and where I believe leadership trends are headed. We're talking about adaptive leadership and what adaptive leadership looks like. www.amberleagray.com

Embracing Change

July 25, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Life is constantly chaning, and there is nothing we can do about it. I've had a lot of change in my life recently, and so it's been on my mind. How can we culitivate the skill of embracing change? What does embracing change look like? How does embracing change relate to the life of faith? I talk through all these things and more in today's episode! www.amberleagray.com

Set Boundaries, Say No

July 18, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 26 MB

Saying no can be hard. Especially if you're a recovering people pleaser, like me. At the same time, saying no is essential to protecting your boundaries. Sometimes we have to say no to be able to say yes to the things that matter most. In this episode, I unpack 5 tips with will make saying no easier, and you might be a little surprised by what you hear! www.amberleagray.com

Your Story Matters

July 11, 2022 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.65 MB

It's time for a pep talk. Despite what the highlight real on social media might say, we're all on the struggle bus. Tell your story. You have no idea who you might impact. The more we share real life, the less people feel alone. Your story matters. www.amberleagray.com

Spiritual Practices

July 04, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 23 MB

What are spiritual practices? How do you care for your soul? What do you do to cultivate your spiritual life? How are you growing on your spiritual journey? I'm talking about all those things and more on today's episode of the podcast. Wait to the very end for a massive list of different spiritual practices you can try! www.amberleagray.com

Toxic Work Culture

June 27, 2022 09:00 - 14 minutes - 20.6 MB

Can you guess one of the top reasons people are switching jobs? Yep, you guessed it - a toxic culture! Research even shows that employees value a healthy work environment more than compensation! *mind blown* In today's episode I'm sharing some signs of a toxic work culture and what you can do if you find yourself in one. www.amberleagray.com

Addressing Red Flags

June 20, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 16.9 MB

Listener Requested: Last week I did an episode on Relationship Red Flags, and a number of listeners reached out to me wanting some practical tips on what to do if you find yourself in a relationship with these red flags. So that's what I'm doing today! I'm sharing some things you can do to address relationship red flags. www.amberleagray.com

Relationship Red Flags

June 13, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 22.2 MB

Summer lovin' happened so fast! Listener Requested: Today on the podcast I'm talking about relationship red flags! Whether you've been in a long-term relationship or are still looking for love, this episode is for you. It can be applied to relationships of all kinds! www.amberlegray.com

Your Authentic Self

June 06, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MB

If you've been on a self-growth, spiritual journey for any length of time, you've probably heard the phrase, "your authentic self." It's thrown around a good bit, but I'm not sure that too many people take the time to explain it. So if this is day 1 or 1 million of your journey to wholeness, this episode is for you! So much of 'the work' that we talk about boils down to finding and stepping into your authentic self! www.amberleagray.com

The Armor of God

May 30, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MB

Bible Byte - Ephesians 6, The Armor of God Today on the podcast, I'm doing something a little different. You might know that I'm an ordained pastor, and today I'm sharing some thoughts on a Bible passage that I have heard misused a good bit. Several years ago I did a study on Ephesians, and it completely changed how I read this passage. In light of recent headlines, I think this might be helpful... whether you're a Christian or not! HINT: This is not about an individual call to arm ours...

You are Strong

May 23, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MB

It's time for a pep talk episode! I've had multiple conversations recently where people are doubting themselves. Here's what I want to say to you! www.amberleagray.com

Stealth Expectations

May 17, 2022 03:46 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MB

Have you ever found yourself disappointed, but don't know why? Have you struggled with resentment or shame, but cannot identify why you keep finding yourself in these types of situations? You might be experiencing stealth expectations. I learned about this and it was a game-changer! www.amberleagray.com

Validate your Feelings

May 09, 2022 09:01 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

Your feelings are valid, but that doesn't mean they are true. Have I confused you yet?! Let's talk about what it means to validate your feelings. Honestly, there is more to it than you probably think! www.amberleagray.com

Replay: Emotional Intelligence

May 03, 2022 02:47 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MB

This is the MOST listened to episode of the Growth & Grace podcast to date! Want to become more self-aware? Want to have more grace for yourself and others? Want to develop better leadership skills? Want to make more money? Want to be a top performer at your job? Want to be successful? Want to have healthy relationships? Then, let's talk about Emotional intelligence! www.amberleagray.com

3 Rules to Live By

April 26, 2022 00:18 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MB

Today I'm putting on my pastor hat and sharing with you 3 rules to live by-- that I believe can change both your life and entire communities! www.amberleagray.com

John 20:1-18

April 19, 2022 02:03 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MB

Did you know that Easter is not just one day, but an entire season in the church? Today on the podcast I'm sharing an Easter sermon based on John 20:1-18 that I preached in 2021. It's my prayer that this sermon gives you hope! www.amberleagray.com

Find Your Voice

April 12, 2022 00:33 - 17 minutes - 24 MB

We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with information. It can be hard to distinguish between what you believe and what you've been told. That is the work of discernment. In today's episode, I'm talking about some practical things you can do to find your voice. Why? So that you can authentically show up in the world and share your truth! www.amberleagray.com

Curiosity

April 05, 2022 00:25 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MB

Today let's talk about the power of curiosity. It's more than an emotion, but is a way we position ourselves in the world. That every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow. In this episode, I unpack what curiosity is and share two important things that cultivating curiosity can bring to your life. www.amberleagray.com

Good Vs Holy Work

March 29, 2022 02:04 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MB

What is the difference between good and holy work? What is practical theology? How does our faith impact our daily lives? In today's episode, I'm talking about these questions and so much more! www.amberleagray.com

REPLAY: Gaslighting

March 21, 2022 23:29 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MB

I've heard the word gaslighting thrown around in casual conversation in the last few months, and I think it is important to know what we are talking about. So in today's episode, I'm sharing some signs that you're experiencing gaslighting and some practical examples of what gaslighting can look like. Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse and makes you question everything. Push play to learn more! www.amberleagray.com

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