Faith Fire Freedom | Christian Encouragement for Midlife Women, Find Your Purpose and Calling, Renew Your Mind
Published by Stephanie Sekaz|Master-Certified Christian Life & Mindset Coach & Mentor for Christian Midlife Women
Christianity
Religion & Spirituality
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A podcast for Christian midlife women ready to move from fear, worry, and overthinking into peace, confidence, and true freedom in Christ. Each episode blends faith-filled encouragement, practical mindset renewal tools, and relationship wisdom to help you live boldly in your God-given identity. Hosted by Master-certified Christian life coach Stephanie Sekaz.
Have you ever found yourself replaying a conversation, feeling hurt by someone's words, or carrying resentment long after the moment has passed? What if the greatest freedom isn't found in changing the other person... but in discovering what God wants to do in you? In this episode, Stephanie continues the Relationships Series by sharing one of the most transformative mindset shifts God has taught her. Through personal stories, biblical truth, and practical encouragement, you'll discover how emotional responsibility protects relationships, why hurt feelings don't have to define your responses, and how renewing your mind looks in everyday life. If you've ever struggled with feeling "too sensitive," taking offense easily, replaying conversations, blaming others for your emotional state, or simply longing for healthier relationships, this conversation will encourage and equip you. 🌿 In This Episode You'll Hear Why hurt feelings don't make you weak How blame quietly hands your peace over to other people What it means to take emotional responsibility without ignoring real hurt The difference between reacting from false-self and responding from true-self Stephanie's personal story of learning she had a choice in what happened after the hurt A practical example of renewing your mind in a real-life parenting moment How curiosity can replace defensiveness Why "the pause" can transform your relationships Biblical wisdom from James, Romans, Ephesians, and Hebrews woven into everyday life How God uses ordinary relationships to shape us into becoming more like Jesus Reflection questions to help you begin practicing these truths this week 📖 Scripture Mentioned Romans 12:2 James 1:19–20 Ephesians 4:31–32 Hebrews 12:15 ☕ Come Join Me On The Porch 30-Minute Virtual Coffee Chat I'd love to meet you! If you'd like to talk about coaching, ask questions, or explore what it might look like to work together, grab a virtual coffee chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call ✍️ Pull Up Another Chair I've also started writing on Substack—a quiet little extension of the porch. You'll find reflections, God-winks, quotes, stories, and the thoughts I'm pondering throughout the week. Think of it as opening my journal and continuing the conversation beyond the podcast. I'd love for you to join me there: https://stephaniesekaz.substack.com/ 💌 Join My Love Letters Email Community Receive weekly encouragement, podcast updates, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and occasional surprises delivered straight to your inbox. Hit "subscribe" at: https://stephaniesekaz.substack.com/ 🧡 Let's Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram & Facebook: @stephanie_sekaz ⭐ If You're Loving The Show Would you take a moment to leave a review and share this episode with a friend? Your reviews help more people discover Faith, Fire, Freedom and encourage someone else who may need this message today. ✝️ Dedication This episode is for the woman who longs for healthier relationships but finds herself replaying conversations, carrying hurt, or reacting from old patterns. May you discover the freedom that comes from renewing your mind, responding from truth instead of fear, and allowing Christ to transform your heart one relationship at a time. Jesus, this is Yours. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36). 🔥
Have you ever found yourself replaying a conversation, analyzing someone's tone, or assuming you knew exactly what another person was thinking about you? Maybe you assumed they were upset. Maybe you assumed they were judging you. Maybe you assumed they misunderstood you. What if the story you've been carrying isn't actually true? In this episode, Stephanie continues the Relationships Series by sharing one of the most transformative mindset shifts of her life. Through personal stories, biblical truth, coaching insights, and practical reflection, you'll discover how assumptions can quietly rob us of peace, why trying to manage other people's thoughts leaves us exhausted, and how freedom begins when we stop carrying what was never ours to control. You'll learn why assumptions often feel true even when they're not, how defensiveness can keep us stuck, what it means to release people to their own thoughts and agency, and how resting in your identity in Christ changes the way you navigate relationships. If you've ever struggled with criticism, misunderstanding, people-pleasing, defensiveness, or caring too much about what others think, this episode is for you. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear Why assumptions are often not facts How mind-reading creates unnecessary hurt and frustration Stephanie's story of discovering she was wrong 95% of the time The powerful coaching question that changed everything: "Can you allow them to be wrong about you?" Why trying to control other people's thoughts steals your peace How Creation Cycles help us release others to their own agency What it means to stop carrying opinions that were never yours to manage The connection between identity, truth, and emotional freedom How Jesus modeled security in His relationship with the Father even when He was misunderstood Why the pivot from false-self to true-self gets quicker with practice Reflection questions to help you release assumptions and remain anchored in truth 📖 Scripture Mentioned John 8:32 Romans 12:2 Psalm 139 ☕ Come Join Me On The Porch 30-Minute Virtual Coffee Chat I'd love to meet you! If you'd like to connect, ask questions about coaching, or simply have a conversation, grab a virtual coffee chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call Join My VIP Email Community Receive weekly encouragement, podcast updates, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and special notes delivered straight to your inbox: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 🧡 Let's Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz Substack: Faith Fire Freedom ⭐ If You're Loving The Show Would you take a moment to leave a review and share this episode with a friend? Your reviews help more people discover Faith, Fire, Freedom and encourage others who may need this message. ✝️ Dedication This episode is for the woman who is exhausted from carrying conversations long after they're over. For the woman who has spent too much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and is ready to find freedom in what God says instead. For the woman learning to release assumptions, trust God with what she cannot control, and rest securely in her identity in Christ. Jesus, this is Yours. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36). 🔥
Have you ever found yourself frustrated, hurt, disappointed, or resentful because someone didn't do what you thought they should do? What if the tension you're experiencing isn't actually being caused by the other person? In this episode, Stephanie continues the Relationships Series by exploring the invisible expectations, unwritten rules, and emotional "hooks" that often create frustration in our relationships. Through personal stories, mindset tools, biblical truth, and practical reflection, you'll discover how manuals, expectations, and control can quietly keep us stuck—and how freedom begins when we release what was never ours to carry. You'll learn why expectations often lead to disappointment, how trying to control others robs us of peace, what it means to release people to their own agency and the Holy Spirit, and how renewing our minds allows God's love to flow more freely through our relationships. If you've ever struggled with resentment, people-pleasing, control, disappointment, or carrying emotional burdens that feel too heavy, this episode is for you. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear Why many relationship struggles begin with invisible expectations What "manuals" are and how they quietly shape our relationships The connection between expectations, resentment, and disappointment Why control often feels safe but never produces freedom How creation cycles and personal agency transform relationships What it means to release people to their own choices and the Holy Spirit The difference between carrying people and loving people How "hooks" keep us emotionally attached to outcomes we can't control Stephanie's powerful visualization of taking loved ones off the hooks Why God's Word is the only manual worth following Replacing hooks with forgiveness, curiosity, and compassion How Freedom Flow is restored when we release what isn't ours to carry Reflection questions to help you begin your own journey toward freedom 📖 Scripture Mentioned Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." ☕ Come Join Me On The Porch 30-Minute Virtual Coffee Chat I'd love to meet you! If you'd like to connect, ask questions about coaching, or simply have a conversation, grab a virtual coffee chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call Join My VIP Email Community Receive weekly encouragement, podcast updates, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and special notes delivered straight to your inbox: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 🧡Let's Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram & Facebook: @stephanie_sekaz ⭐ If You're Loving The Show Would you take a moment to leave a review and share this episode with a friend? Your reviews help more people discover Faith, Fire, Freedom and encourage others who may need this message. ✝️ Dedication This episode is for the woman who is tired of carrying what was never hers to carry. For the woman learning to release control, surrender expectations, and trust God with the people she loves. This podcast is dedicated to the One who restores relationships, renews minds, lifts burdens, and leads us into freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36). 🔥
What if the relationships in your life are revealing more than you realize? In this episode, Stephanie explores how God uses relationships to shape us, grow us, and reveal areas that still need healing, renewal, and freedom. Building on Episode 15's invitation into a WITH-God life, this conversation explores how time spent with God begins transforming the way we show up in our relationships. Through personal stories, coaching insights, Scripture, and practical reflection, Stephanie introduces the concept of the Freedom Flow—the way God's love is meant to flow from Him, to us, and through us to others. She also shares how relationships often become the very place where God does some of His deepest work in our hearts. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by difficult people, wondering why certain relationships seem so challenging, or sensing God inviting you into greater freedom, this episode is for you. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear: Why relationships matter so deeply to God How Episode 15's WITH-God life naturally leads into healthier relationships Dr. Lee Warren's insights on renewal, neuroplasticity, and intentional transformation The Freedom Flow: God's love flowing from Him, to us, and through us to others How assumptions, expectations, resentment, people-pleasing, unforgiveness, control, and fear can interrupt that flow Why relationships often reveal what is already happening inside of us The powerful idea that relationships are often part of God's curriculum for our growth How curiosity can replace judgment in difficult relationships What true freedom looks like in relationships A simple invitation to begin noticing what your relationships may be revealing 🌿 Scripture Mentioned Romans 12:2 🌿 Come Join Me On the Porch ☕ Schedule a free 30-Minute Virtual Coffee Chat: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call 💌 Join the Faith, Fire, Freedom VIP Email List: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 🌿 Let's Stay Connected faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com 🌿 If You're Loving the Show Would you take a moment to leave a rating and review? Reviews help more people discover Faith, Fire, Freedom, and they encourage me more than you know. Thank you for being part of this growing porch community. 🌿 Dedication Relationships can be some of the greatest blessings in our lives—and some of the places where God does His deepest work. My prayer is that this episode encourages you to become curious about what He may be revealing and renewing through the people He has placed in your life. This podcast is dedicated to the One who makes all transformation possible. Jesus, this is Yours. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
Have you ever loved Jesus… but still felt distracted, spiritually dry, or stuck in “doing mode”? Maybe your mornings feel rushed. Your mind feels noisy. Your phone gets your attention before God does. And before you know it… the day has started, your soul feels disconnected, and shame quietly creeps in. In this deeply personal episode, Stephanie shares how God met her after one of the hardest seasons of her life—and how slowing down, abiding, and learning to live a with-God life began forming her from the inside out. This isn’t about creating the perfect quiet time. It’s about presence. It’s about union. And it’s about what happens when we stop striving… and start abiding. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear: Why so many believers love Jesus… but still struggle to slow down How false-self can resist stillness, surrender, and being seen What Stephanie’s “porch season” with God actually looked like How Scripture, prayer, journaling, and intentional presence deepened her walk with Jesus The shift from living like a Christian… to living like His daughter Why union with God doesn’t just comfort you… it forms you Simple questions to help you begin your own “with-God life” 📖 Scripture Mentioned: 2 Corinthians 3:18 — Beholding Him and being transformed John 15:4–5 — Abide in Me Psalm 46:10 — Be still and know Galatians 4:6–7 — Daughtership and identity in Christ ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch: I’d love to meet you. Book your 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat here: Virtual Coffee Chat with Stephanie A relaxed, no-pressure conversation for Christian women who are ready to renew their minds, deepen their faith, and walk in freedom. 💌 Join the VIP Love Notes & Letters Get weekly encouragement, behind-the-scenes podcast reflections, front-porch truth, and special surprises delivered right to your inbox: Join the VIP Love Notes & Letters ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 🎧 Share the Show If this episode encouraged you… would you share it with a friend who might need it too? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts helps this message reach more women who are walking through hard seasons and need hope. Thank you for being here… it truly means so much. 💛 ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every breath, and every woman who listens experience Your peace, Your presence, and the freedom that comes from placing it all in Your hands. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
Hey friend 🤍 This week on the porch, we’re celebrating something really special. My son, Caleb, is graduating high school… and we are coming to the end of our homeschool journey. Twelve years. Countless memories. So many prayers, decisions, laughs, and quiet moments with God woven all throughout. And as I’ve sat with this season, reflecting back over “all those years”… one truth keeps rising to the surface: God was there. Year after year. Decision after decision. In the ordinary, the uncertain, the stretching, and the beautiful— He was faithful. This episode isn’t just about homeschooling. It’s about saying yes to God… even when you don’t have the full picture. It’s about who you become in the process. And what it looks like to trust Him… and eventually, to let go. Whether you’ve homeschooled or not, I have a feeling you’ll find yourself somewhere in this story. So grab your coffee, come sit with me… and let’s remember together what God does over time. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What it really looks like to say “yes” to God over a long season The internal struggles of doubt, pressure, and perfectionism—and how they began to shift How renewing the mind and surrendering control changed everything (not just homeschooling) The quiet, steady faithfulness of God in everyday decisions, provision, and guidance The unexpected joy, connection, and relationship built along the way A powerful moment of reflection while writing a graduation bio What it means to release your child into God’s hands with trust and peace A gentle invitation to reflect on your own “long yes” season 📖 Scripture Mentioned Romans 8:11 “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you…” ☕ Come Sit With Me on the Porch If this episode resonated with you… and you’re in a season where you need support, clarity, or someone to walk alongside you… I’d love to invite you to a 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat ☕ This is a relaxed, no-pressure space where we can talk about what’s going on in your life and see if coaching might be a good fit for you. 👉 Book your coffee chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call 💌 VIP Love Notes & Letters If you’d like more encouragement like this— personal reflections, behind-the-scenes moments, and weekly “porch” notes— you can join my VIP email list here: 👉 https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 🎧 Share the Show If this episode encouraged you… would you share it with a friend who might need it too? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts helps this message reach more women who are walking through hard seasons and need hope. Thank you for being here… it truly means so much. 💛 ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every breath, and every woman who listens experience Your peace, Your presence, and the freedom that comes from placing it all in Your hands. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
There are seasons in life that feel like they just keep coming… one wave after another. Grief. Fear. Unexpected loss. Transitions you didn’t see coming. And in the middle of it, you find yourself wondering… God, where are You in all of this? In this deeply personal continuation of The Valley, I’m sharing what unfolded after the hardest year of my life—when the grief didn’t stop, the fear intensified, and I found myself walking through a deeper level of surrender than I ever had before. But I’m also sharing what I couldn’t see at the time… How God met me in the middle of it. How He gently healed parts of my heart I didn’t even know were still hurting. And how He restored something in me I thought I had lost… my fire. If you’re walking through a hard season right now— this episode is for you. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What it looked like to walk through compounding grief and loss How fear showed up—not just as an emotion, but something deeper A powerful, personal moment where God met me in the middle of my pain What a “slow summer on the porch” with God looked like Why the sting of death feels so deep—and what Scripture reveals about it How God began restoring my faith, identity, and fire What it means to trust God when you don’t understand what He’s doing How I can now see that God was working through the valley—not just in spite of it 📖 Scripture Mentioned 2 Timothy 1:7 Psalm 46:10 1 Corinthians 15:26, 54–55 ☕ Come Sit With Me on the Porch If this episode resonated with you… and you’re in a season where you need support, clarity, or someone to walk alongside you… I’d love to invite you to a 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat ☕ This is a relaxed, no-pressure space where we can talk about what’s going on in your life and see if coaching might be a good fit for you. 👉 Book your coffee chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call 💌 VIP Love Notes & Letters If you’d like more encouragement like this— personal reflections, behind-the-scenes moments, and weekly “porch” notes— you can join my VIP email list here: 👉 https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 🎧 Share the Show If this episode encouraged you… would you share it with a friend who might need it too? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review on Apple Podcasts helps this message reach more women who are walking through hard seasons and need hope. Thank you for being here… it truly means so much. 💛 ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every breath, and every woman who listens experience Your peace, Your presence, and the freedom that comes from placing it all in Your hands. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the hardest seasons of your life are the very places where God is closest? In today’s episode, I’m inviting you to sit with me on the porch as I share the beginning of my 2024 valley season—one of the hardest years of my life. This isn’t a teaching episode. It’s a real one. A lived story of: unexpected loss delayed grief health scares overwhelming responsibility and moments where I felt like I was just trying to hold it all together But more than that… It’s a story about where God was in the middle of it. If you’re walking through a difficult season right now… if you feel stretched, overwhelmed, or unsure… I want you to know: 👉 You are not alone. 👉 God is not absent. 👉 And this is not the end of your story. Pull up a chair, friend… ☕🤍 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What it feels like when life shifts suddenly and you don’t have time to process The reality of “holding it together” while quietly carrying so much How grief can come in layers—and why that’s normal A powerful moment that revealed what I had been carrying all along Where God showed up in the middle of chaos, loss, and uncertainty What surrender actually looks like in real life (not just in theory) Gentle encouragement for your own valley season 📖 Scripture Mentioned: Deuteronomy 31:8 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch If today’s episode resonated with you and you’re ready to go deeper, I would love to walk with you. If you’re wondering whether 1:1 coaching is right for you, we can start with a relaxed 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat. No pressure. No obligation. Just space to talk about what you’re navigating and see if working together makes sense. 👉 Book your Virtual Coffee Chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call 👉 Join the VIP email list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Would you share this episode with a friend who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or like she’s carrying too much right now? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review is one of the best ways to help more women discover Faith, Fire, Freedom. ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every breath, and every woman who listens experience Your peace, Your presence, and the freedom that comes from placing it all in Your hands. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the very thing you’ve been gripping tightly… is the very thing God is inviting you to release? In this deeply personal episode, Stephanie shares the story of how surrender became more than just a word—it became a way of life. From moments of fear, anxiety, and trying to control outcomes… to learning how to release everything into God’s hands, this episode walks you through what surrender actually looks like in real life. Not in theory. Not as a checkbox. But as a lived, practiced, sometimes trembling choice to trust God again and again. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed… If you’ve been carrying things that feel too heavy… If fear, control, or anxiety have been quietly shaping your days… This episode will gently guide you back to what is true: You don’t have to hold it all. There is peace available. There is freedom available. And it begins with surrender. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear What surrender actually produced in Stephanie’s life How fear, anxiety, and control are rooted in the false-self The origin and evolution of the “surrender box” practice A simple, tangible way to release outcomes to God How surrender transformed from a practice into a lifestyle Why control is a false sense of safety—and what true trust looks like The connection between surrender, peace, and renewing your mind Real-life coaching examples of surrender in action Encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or burdened 📖 Scripture Mentioned 1 Peter 5:7 Philippians 4:6–7 Philippians 4:13 Proverbs 3:5–6 Romans 8:28 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch If today’s episode resonated with you and you’re ready to go deeper, I would love to walk with you. If you’re wondering whether 1:1 coaching is right for you, we can start with a relaxed 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat. No pressure. No obligation. Just space to talk about what you’re navigating and see if working together makes sense. 👉 Book your Virtual Coffee Chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call 🎉 Giveaway Reminder + VIP Access At the end of this first quarter (around April 3rd), I’m celebrating this beautiful community with a special giveaway. I want to send one of you to the porch with a full $75 Starbucks coffee card — enough for plenty of cozy moments over the next few weeks, whether that’s lattes, tea, or your favorite sweet treat in hand. Here’s how to enter: • Leave a written Apple Podcast review Screenshot it before you submit and send it to me via Instagram DM (@stephanie_sekaz) or Facebook Messenger (Stephanie Adams Sekaz) by April 2nd • Share the podcast — or your favorite episode — on social media and tag me Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz (Also by April 2nd) • Be on this VIP email list If you complete all three? That’s three entries. ✨ If you’re not on the VIP list yet, now is the time. If you haven’t received an email from me, you’re likely not on the list. 👉 Join the VIP email list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share Being on the list also gives you a bonus entry. ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Would you share this episode with a friend who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or like she’s carrying too much right now? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review is one of the best ways to help more women discover Faith, Fire, Freedom. ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every breath, and every woman who listens experience Your peace, Your presence, and the freedom that comes from placing it all in Your hands. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if anxiety isn’t a spiritual failure… but a nervous system asking for safety? What if steadiness isn’t something you’re born with… but something you can train? In this episode of Faith, Fire, Freedom, we’re continuing the emotions series with a foundational conversation about nervous system regulation and why it matters for renewing your mind. Stephanie walks you through the difference between survival mode and safety, explains (simply and accessibly) what’s happening in your brain when you feel anxious, and shares a personal, real-life example of practicing regulation in the middle of stress. You’ll learn practical tools to calm your body, biblical reassurance for moments of overwhelm, and why retraining your nervous system is not a lack of faith — it’s stewardship. If you’ve ever tried to “logic” your way out of anxiety… If you’ve ever felt on edge and wondered why… If you’ve ever questioned your faith because your body felt stressed… This episode is for you. ☕ This is a steady, Christ-centered conversation about embodied peace, retraining your nervous system, and learning to live from steadiness instead of survival. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear The difference between survival mode and nervous system safety • Why your nervous system is not your enemy — it’s a protector • The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 and what it teaches us about restoration before instruction • A simple explanation of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex • Why you can’t always “logic” your way out of anxiety • Why regulating your body is not replacing faith — it’s helping faith land • A real-life story of choosing peace before the solution • What it looks like to retrain your nervous system over time • A guided physiological sigh you can practice immediately • Additional regulation tools like 4–7–8 breathing, grounding, humming, movement, journaling, and more • Why steadiness is built — not born 📖 Scripture Mentioned 1 Kings 19 Deuteronomy 31:8 Philippians 4:19 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch If today’s episode resonated with you and you’re ready to go deeper, I would love to walk with you. If you’re wondering whether 1:1 coaching is right for you, we can start with a relaxed 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat. No pressure. No obligation. Just space to talk about what you’re navigating and see if working together makes sense. 👉 Book your Virtual Coffee Chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call 🎉 Giveaway Reminder + VIP Access At the end of this first quarter (around April 3rd), I’m celebrating this beautiful community with a special giveaway. All the details — including how to enter and what I’m giving away — are being shared inside my Sunday email. ✨ If you’re not on the VIP list yet, now is the time. If you haven’t received an email from me, you’re likely not on the list. 👉 Join the VIP email list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share Being on the list also gives you a bonus entry. ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Would you share this episode with a friend who feels stuck in stress or anxiety right now? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review is one of the best ways to help more women discover Faith, Fire, Freedom. ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every breath, and every woman who listens experience Your steadiness and peace. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
Emotions rise fast. Fear sneaks in quietly. And most of us were never actually taught what to do when it happens. In this episode of Faith, Fire, Freedom, Stephanie walks you through a simple, biblically grounded five-step framework to help you process emotion without suppressing it, spiritualizing it, or spiraling in it. You’ll learn how to notice what’s happening in your body, regulate your nervous system, identify fear-based beliefs, and renew your mind in truth — all while staying rooted in your identity in Christ. If you’ve ever tried to pray your way out of a feeling… only to find it still sitting there, this episode is for you. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear Why emotions are not sinful or shameful — and what they’re actually for The five-step framework for processing emotion without spiraling The difference between allowing emotion and spinning in fear Why nervous system regulation is not a lack of faith — it’s stewardship How fear quietly fuels emotional overwhelm A real-life example of shifting from powerlessness to empowerment How to return to your true identity in Christ when fear rises 📖 Scripture Mentioned John 11:35 Psalm 121:1–2 Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 10:5 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch If today’s episode resonated with you and you’re ready to go deeper, I would love to walk with you. If you’re wondering whether 1:1 coaching is right for you, we can start with a relaxed 30-minute Virtual Coffee Chat. No pressure. No obligation. Just space to talk about what you’re navigating and see if working together makes sense. 👉 Book your Virtual Coffee Chat here: https://calendly.com/stephaniesekaz/30-min-strategy-call And if you’re not quite ready for that step, be sure you’re on my VIP email list so we can continue these conversations each week: 👉 https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Email: faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @stephanie_sekaz Facebook: Stephanie Adams Sekaz 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Would you share this episode with a friend who feels stuck in their emotions right now? And if you haven’t already, leaving a written review is one of the best ways to help more women discover Faith, Fire, Freedom. ✨ Dedication Jesus, this is Yours. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if emotional maturity isn’t about becoming less emotional… but becoming steady? What if taking ownership of your emotional life is not condemnation… but invitation? In this episode, we’re back on the porch talking about something deeper than understanding emotions. We’re talking about responsibility. About the difference between emotional childhood and emotional adulthood. About what it really means to stay present — without rescuing, controlling, detaching, or collapsing. Stephanie shares a personal story from her own marriage — what it looks like to love someone through stress and burnout without over-functioning or outsourcing your emotional life. This episode is honest, stretching, and grounded in hope. ☕ This is a steady, Christ-centered conversation about anchored love, responsibility, and growing into emotional adulthood. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear The difference between emotional childhood and emotional adulthood How outsourcing your emotions creates instability What emotional childhood sounds like in everyday life Why emotional adulthood says, “I am responsible for my emotional life.” How rescuing can sometimes be discomfort, not love A personal story about loving someone through burnout Why staying present is harder than reacting What it means to feel compassion without collapsing How unprocessed emotion gets stored in the body The “backpack” metaphor for emotional weight Why responsibility is invitation, not condemnation How emotional steadiness reflects Christ Why anchored love changes families and generations 📖 Scripture Mentioned Matthew 26:36–46 John 11:35 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch Friend… emotional adulthood is not about becoming cold. It’s not about shutting down. It’s not about pretending things don’t hurt. It’s about becoming steady. You don’t have to rescue. You don’t have to control. You don’t have to withdraw. You can stay. If this episode feels stretching, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re growing. If this blessed you, would you share it with someone walking through burnout, stress, or relational strain? Or screenshot and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I love seeing you listening. ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: 👉 https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review to help more hearts find this porch of steady encouragement. Thank you for being here, friend. Grab your coffee — let’s live in Faith, Fire, Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who patiently matures us and anchors us in truth. Jesus, this is Yours. Grow us into women who reflect Your steadiness, Your compassion, and Your strength. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
If you’re a Christian woman who has ever been told you’re “too sensitive,” struggled with strong emotions, or wondered why God gave you feelings in the first place — this episode will help you understand and steward your emotions in a healthy, biblical way. What if the thing you’ve labeled as weakness… was never weakness at all? What if the reason you’ve felt reactive… overwhelmed… or “too sensitive”… isn’t because something is wrong with you — but because no one ever taught you how to steward what you feel? In this episode, we’re back on the porch — defrosting from the iceberg months, laughing about homemade saunas and sore legs — and then gently turning toward something deeper. Today, we’re talking about emotions. Why God gave them to you. Why they are not sinful or shameful. And how learning to steward them can lead to deep, steady freedom. ☕ This is a grounded, hope-filled conversation about emotional maturity, resilience, and becoming a woman who reflects the steadiness of Christ — not by suppressing emotion, but by learning to lead herself through it. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear Why being called “too sensitive” may have shaped more than you realized What Scripture reveals about a feeling, emotional God Why Jesus wept — and why that matters for you The simple process behind emotion (thought → chemistry → feeling) Why uncomfortable emotions are not sinful or unspiritual What “50/50 life” really means and why it’s freeing How emotions function as messengers, not enemies Stephanie’s personal story of emotional overwhelm and physical reaction What it means to outsource your emotional life The difference between emotional childhood and emotional adulthood Why emotional stewardship leads to stability and resilience How becoming emotionally grounded reflects the steadiness of Christ What’s coming next in the emotional resilience series 📖 Scripture Mentioned John 11:35 Genesis 1:27 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch Friend… you are not broken. You are not dramatic. You are not weak. You are not “too much.” You are human. And God designed you that way on purpose. If this episode resonated with you, would you share it with someone who needs permission to feel without shame? Or screenshot and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I love seeing you listening. ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: 👉 https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review to help more hearts find this porch of encouragement and truth. Thank you for being here, friend. Grab your coffee — let’s live in Faith, Fire, Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who designed us with hearts that feel and spirits that grow. Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every insight, and every breakthrough glorify You. Teach us to steward what You’ve entrusted to us — including our emotions. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the reason you’ve felt stuck… confused… or afraid of “missing it”… isn’t because you failed God… …but because you’ve been carrying old stories He never asked you to hold? In this episode, we return to the porch for a tender, honest, and Spirit-led conversation about calling, purpose, healing, and freedom. Stephanie shares her personal journey of wrestling with “finding” her calling, releasing fear and regret, and discovering that calling isn’t something we chase — it’s something we live. Together, we explore how past wounds, regrets, and lies can quietly shape our present — and how Jesus lovingly invites us to release them and step into the story He is redeeming. ☕ This is a gentle yet powerful episode about choosing your life, trusting God’s timing, and learning to live fully in faith, fire, and freedom. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear Why fear of “missing your calling” keeps so many believers stuck Stephanie’s story of music, loss, regret, and surrender What the Bible really teaches about calling and purpose How old stories and wounds shape present decisions Why the enemy targets identity and purpose How Paul’s story models freedom from shame and regret What it means to rewrite your story with truth Why gratitude helps renew and rewire the mind A guided “black box” prayer for releasing burdens to Jesus How to recognize God’s “breadcrumbs” in your past Why calling is lived one step at a time A powerful invitation to choose your life today How freedom becomes daily, not just emotional Why God wastes nothing in your story 📖 Scripture Mentioned Philippians 3:13–14 Romans 8:30 2 Timothy 1:9 Ephesians 4:1 Matthew 28:19 Hebrews 13:5 Deuteronomy 31:6 Psalm 139:16 Jeremiah 29:11 Romans 12:2 Romans 11:36 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch This episode is an invitation to breathe, release, and remember who you are in Christ. You are not behind. You are not disqualified. You are not forgotten. You are called to your life — right now. If this episode encouraged you, would you share it with a friend? Or screenshot it and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I would love to see you listening. ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: 👉 https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review to help more hearts find this porch of encouragement and freedom. Thank you for being here, friend. Grab your coffee — let’s live in Faith, Fire, Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who called me, redeemed me, and fills me with fire and freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every story, and every heart that hears it glorify You alone. Use this space to awaken faith, ignite fire, and lead Your children into true freedom in You. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the struggle you feel isn’t because you don’t know the truth… but because you haven’t yet come into agreement with it? In this episode, we pull up a chair on the porch and slow things down — not to re-teach, but to integrate. Building on Episodes 02, 03, and 04, Stephanie invites you into a deeper conversation about identity, worth, belief, and renewing the mind. This is a porch check-in — a pause to notice what’s already shifting, to remove shame, and to let truth move from head knowledge into heart belief. Through Scripture, honest reflection, breath, and Spirit-led practice, you’ll be reminded that worth is not something you earn or fix — it was proven at the cross. And that real freedom begins when we come into agreement with what God says about who we are. ☕ This is an integration episode. A “let’s fill in the gaps” episode. A “let’s go deeper” episode — with Jesus at the center. 🌿 In This Episode You Will Hear Why identity is often the root of many struggles we face The difference between knowing truth and believing it How coming into agreement with God bridges head knowledge and heart belief Why worth was proven at the cross — full stop A gentle porch check-in to help you notice growth without shame Why awareness itself is evidence of transformation Why mornings can feel mentally heavy — and how to respond with compassion How the Creation Cycle helps expose false-self thought patterns What a “bridge thought” is and how Scripture models it beautifully Why mindset tools must never be separated from Jesus How belief fuels action and why “waiting on God” doesn’t mean inaction A simple, Spirit-led daily practice to move from awareness into freedom 📖 Scripture Mentioned Genesis 1:26–27 Psalm 139:13–16 Psalm 23 Mark 9:24 Romans 5:8 Romans 7–8 Romans 12:2 Ephesians 1:3–4 Ephesians 1:13–14 Ephesians 2:1 2 Corinthians 5:21 John 1:12 John 3:16 1 John 1:9 1 Peter 1:18–19 Matthew 6:21 ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch This episode is a gentle pause after the foundation-laying conversations — a moment to breathe, reflect, and let what you’ve been learning truly land. You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to strive. And you don’t have to earn what’s already been given. If this episode encouraged you, would you share it with a friend? Or screenshot it and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I would love to see you listening. ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a review to help more hearts find this porch of encouragement and freedom. Thank you for being here, friend. Grab your coffee — let’s live in Faith Fire Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who called me, redeemed me, and fills me with fire and freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every story, and every heart that hears it glorify You alone. Use this space to awaken faith, ignite fire, and lead Your children into true freedom in You. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the emotions you feel every day aren’t the problem… but the doorway to understanding what’s really shaping your life? In this episode, we pour some coffee and bring everything together as we talk about The Creation Cycle — the simple, powerful way God designed your mind to work. Building on Episodes 02 and 03, Stephanie gently explains how your thoughts shape your emotions, your emotions drive your actions, and your actions create the results you experience. You’ll learn why emotions are not sinful, weak, or something to ignore — but important signals that help you understand what you’re believing. Through Scripture, real-life examples, and a renewed way of seeing yourself, you’ll discover why Scripture doesn’t tell us to stuff our feelings or try harder… but instead calls us to renew our minds — and how that renewal leads to real freedom. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: • What the Creation Cycle is and why it matters • Why emotions are not bad — they are signals, not shame • How thoughts create emotions, emotions drive action, and action creates results • Where your God-given agency actually lives • A real-life example of an unhelpful creation cycle — and a renewed one • Why a renewed mind leads to a renewed experience of life • A gentle practice to help you notice what’s shaping your days 📖 Scripture Mentioned: Romans 12:2 (AMPC) ☕ Come Join Me on the Porch This episode wraps up the initial launch bundle of Faith, Fire, Freedom and lays the foundation for everything ahead — conversations about anxiety, grief, relationships, purpose, and walking with God in everyday life. You don’t have to rush. You’re not broken. And you’re not stuck. If this episode blesses you, would you share it with a friend? Or screenshot it and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I would love to see you listening! ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show… Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Leave a review to help other women find this porch of encouragement and freedom. Thank you for being part of this beautiful beginning. Grab your coffee, friend — let’s live in Faith, Fire, and Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who called me, redeemed me, and fills me with fire and freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every story, and every heart that hears it glorify You alone. Use this space to awaken faith, ignite fire, and lead Your daughters into true freedom in You. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the struggle you’re facing isn’t about willpower… but about who you believe you are? In this episode, we pour some coffee and step straight into the most important truth of your spiritual life: your identity. Stephanie reveals how God bestows identity — He gives it as a gift — while the enemy tries to steal it with lies, labels, shame, or old stories that try to tell you who you are. You’ll learn the difference between your True Self (who God says you are) and your False Self (who fear tries to convince you to be)… and how knowing the difference is the very foundation of renewing your mind. Through personal story, biblical truth, and powerful declarations, you’ll begin to understand why identity is the first place the enemy attacks — and the first place Jesus restores. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: • Why identity is the core battlefield of the Christian life • The difference between your True Self and False Self • How perfectionism, labels, and personality tests can shape false identity • Why identity is bestowed — not earned, not achieved • 10 powerful identity declarations from Scripture • A simple practice to strengthen your identity this week 📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 43:1 • Romans 8:15–17 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Ephesians 1:7 • Colossians 3:12 • Romans 8:37 • 1 Corinthians 6:19 • Matthew 5:14–16 • 2 Corinthians 1:21 • Hebrews 12:2 (referenced conceptually) ☕ Come Join Me on the Porch This conversation is meant to help you breathe a little deeper… walk a little freer… and remember that your identity is not up for debate — it is established by your Father in heaven. If this episode blesses you, would you share it with a friend? Or screenshot it and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I would love to see you listening! ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show… Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Leave a review to help other women find this porch of encouragement and freedom. Thank you for being part of this beautiful beginning. Grab your coffee, friend — let’s live in Faith, Fire, and Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who called me, redeemed me, and fills me with fire and freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every story, and every heart that hears it glorify You alone. Use this space to awaken faith, ignite fire, and lead Your daughters into true freedom in You. Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
What if the freedom you’ve been praying for is closer than you think… and it starts in your mind? Pull up a chair on the porch — today we’re talking about what renewing your mind really means as a Christian woman. Not as a buzzword or a self-help trick, but as a deeply biblical, Spirit-led way of life. I’m sharing part of my own story — searching for calling, struggling in relationships, and realizing so much of my pain was rooted in patterns of thinking I didn’t even know I had. Together, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the mind, how God designed your brain to change, why the enemy targets your thoughts, and how simple daily practices (like a 5-minute thought download) can open the door to real freedom. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Why your mind is the primary place of spiritual transformation • Relief in knowing nothing is “wrong” with you — your brain is doing what it was designed to do • How the enemy uses lies, shame, and old stories to keep you stuck • How to notice your thoughts and bring one to Jesus for truth • A simple next step to begin renewing your mind this week Jesus bought your freedom with His blood… and renewing your mind is how you begin to walk in it. 📖 Scriptures Mentioned Romans 12:2 • Ephesians 4:23 • 2 Corinthians 10:5 • Philippians 4:8 • Proverbs 23:7 • John 8:32 Take a deep breath, grab your coffee, and join me on the porch — as we begin winning the battle in our thoughts… in faith, fire, and freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram @stephanie_sekaz Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? 💌 Join the VIP list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💛 If You’re Loving the Show… Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Leave a review — it helps other women find this porch of encouragement and freedom. Thank you for being part of this beautiful beginning. ☕🤍 Let’s live in Faith, Fire, and Freedom. ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who called me, redeemed me, and fills me with fire and freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. May every story and every heart that hears it glorify You alone. Use this space to awaken faith, ignite fire, and lead Your daughters into true freedom in You. — Stephanie 🤍 Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
Pour a cup of coffee and join me on the porch for the very first episode of Faith, Fire, Freedom! I’m so glad you’re here. In this conversation, I’m sharing the heart behind this podcast — who I am, how this came to be, and what you can expect moving forward. If you’ve ever found yourself trying to hold it all together — striving to get it right, managing expectations (yours and everyone else’s), battling perfectionism, fearing disappointment, or feeling the weight of people-pleasing — friend, take a deep breath. You are not alone. And you are so welcome here. This podcast is a testimony of God’s faithfulness — a reminder that it’s never too late to live fully alive in Christ… with peace in your heart, courage in your spirit, and freedom in your identity. 🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: • The story behind launching Faith, Fire, Freedom • A glimpse into who I am and what lights me up • How God turned my “someday” dream into today • What to expect in future episodes — Rooted Faith, Renewing the Mind, Flourishing Relationships • A whole lot of Jesus, joy, and hope for your journey ☕ Come Join Me On the Porch My prayer is that every time you press play, you’ll feel seen, known, and loved — and leave with fire in your soul and freedom in your step. If this episode encourages you, would you share it with a friend? Or screenshot it and tag me @stephanie_sekaz — I would love to see you listening! 📲 Resources Mentioned • The Pause App • The Blue Book by Jim Branch — https://a.co/d/4BUw3H5 ✨ Let’s Stay Connected Connect with me on Instagram Email me — faithfirefreedompodcast@gmail.com Want behind-the-porch updates + cozy surprises? Join the VIP list here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1936705/171737099393828190/share 💌 💛 If You’re Loving the Show… Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Leave a review to help other women find this porch of encouragement and freedom. Thank you for being part of this beautiful beginning. Grab your coffee, friend — let’s live in Faith, Fire, and Freedom. ☕🔥 ✨ Dedication This podcast is dedicated to the One who called me, redeemed me, and fills me with fire and freedom. Jesus, this is Yours. May every word, every story, and every heart that hears it glorify You alone. Use this space to awaken faith, ignite fire, and lead Your daughters into true freedom in You. — Stephanie 🤍 Created through Him, for Him, and to Him. (Romans 11:36)
Welcome to the Faith, Fire & Freedom podcast — a cozy front-porch space for Christian midlife women who are hungry for truth, renewal, and deeper intimacy with Christ. I’m Stephanie, a Christian Master Certified Life & Mindset Coach, and my heart is to help you renew your mind, rediscover your identity in Jesus, and walk boldly in the life God has called you to. In this trailer, you’ll hear the heartbeat of this podcast — why it exists, who it’s for, and what God has been stirring in me through a season of surrender, healing, and fire. If you’re craving peace, clarity, purpose, or a deeper experience of God’s presence in your everyday life… pull up a chair on the porch, friend. You belong here. New episodes coming soon. In faith, in fire, and in freedom.
