In this episode, I am joined by Joel and Christy Peed who share their remarkable journey in ministry, from their early days in the campus ministry to church planting, and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. With honesty and wisdom, they discuss the challenges they faced, including burnout, people-pleasing, and the importance of prioritizing a healthy spiritual life. Joel and Christy delve into how they found balance between ministry work, marriage, and family life, emphasizing the need to stay connected with God and follow His guidance.

Some Key Takeaways:
• Understanding Sabbath: the Sabbath’s deeper purpose is to provide a time for rest, delight, and communion with God. Rather than merely a day off, Sabbath is a gift designed to nourish every part of our humanity, drawing us closer to God’s presence.
• Sabbath as Liberation: Sabbath observance helps free us from the “Pharaonic” mindset of productivity and work-centric value. By embracing Sabbath, we resist worldly pressures, find peace in God’s presence, and bring joy to our lives.


Quote to Reflect On:
• “Bible eats first.” – The importance of putting God’s word at the forefront of our day-to-day lives.


Connect with Joel and Christy:
Joel and Christy founded The Eremos Way, a ministry focused on guiding believers toward a life enriched by Sabbath principles and spiritual rest. To learn more about The Eremos Way, their books, and resources on practicing Sabbath rest, visit their website.
You may also find Joel's book A Sabbath Map HERE - for practical guidance to help Christians find rest amidst modern-day restlessness.


Call to Action:
Plan your week ahead and select a time when you will cease work and reflect on Matthew 11:28-30.

- Email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com to share your experience with Sabbath!

- Ready to start living a life built on the unshakable foundation of God? Connect with me today!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this Q&A episode of Curious for Christ, I dive into the powerful practice of saying “no” and how it can help us prioritize God in our busy lives. Saying no is more than just setting boundaries—it’s about making room for God and allowing Him to guide our decisions.

Key Takeaways:
• Why Saying No is Hard: Our culture values busyness and productivity, making it hard to say no. But when we’re too busy, we risk crowding out God and losing sight of His plans for us. Jesus calls us to seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), and sometimes that means saying no to distractions.
• How to Know When to Say No: If we’re feeling overwhelmed and lacking joy or peace, it’s a sign we need to reassess our commitments (Galatians 5:22-23). Saying no to something allows us to say yes to more time with God.
• The Power of No in the Bible: Jesus practiced saying no by retreating to pray (Mark 1:35), and Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet over being busy like Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Both examples show us how saying no can help us focus on what matters most—our relationship with God.
• Practical Steps to Prioritize God:
1. Seek God’s guidance in decision-making.
2. Create margin in your life for quiet time with God.
3. Learn to say no without guilt.
4. Prioritize God-centered commitments.
5. Set boundaries that honor God.
• Spiritual Rewards of Saying No: Saying no creates space for peace, prayer, and a deeper connection with God (Psalm 46:10). It helps us realign our priorities and live with more clarity and intention.

Bible Verses Mentioned:
• Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• Galatians 5:22-23 - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
• Mark 1:35 - “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
• Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha: “Mary has chosen what is better.”
• Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Challenge for the Week:
Reflect on what you can say no to today to create more space for God in your life. Trust that when you make God your priority, everything else falls into place with more peace and purpose.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that it’s okay to say no. And as always, stay curious, stay connected to God, and keep seeking His will for your life.

Thanks for listening!


Book your Free Discovery Call to start living on Christ's solid foundation: bit.ly/curiousforchristdiscovery

Have questions? Simply email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Annie Mayfield as she shares her faith journey. We explore the power of a personal relationship with God, the importance of community, and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The Personal Nature of God: God knows us intimately and has a unique plan for each of us.
• The Power of Faith: Faith is more than belief; it's a lifestyle that impacts every aspect of our lives.
• The Importance of Community: Connecting with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and encouragement.
• The Transformative Power of God's Word: The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and guidance.
• The Beauty of Ordinary Life: God can use everyday moments to shape us and prepare us for His purposes.

Call to Action:

• Consider your own current challenges and struggles. Might these experiences be a call from God to grow closer to Him and draw peace from His presence?
• Connect with a faith community and find a mentor: Seek out a supportive community of believers who can encourage and challenge you. Schedule a Discovery Call and begin your journey with God today!
• Prioritize time with God: Spend time in prayer, meditation, and Bible study.
• Embrace the ordinary: Find God in the everyday moments of your life.

Connect with Annie:

• Podcast: Made to Shine
• Instagram: @anniebmayfield
• Check out Annie's Books

Scripture References:

• Jeremiah 1:5
• Esther 4:14

Let's continue the conversation! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In today’s episode, I explore the essential topic of discernment in faith. How can we truly know if an opportunity, relationship, or experience is from God? I share personal stories, including moments of both excitement and disappointment, and how these experiences have taught me to trust God’s timing and direction more fully.

Tune in as I discuss practical ways to recognize God’s guidance, make aligned choices, and deepen your relationship with Him.

Key Points for Discerning God’s Will

1. Prayer and Seeking Guidance
Begin with prayer and an open heart. Ask God to reveal His direction and be willing to hear His answer, even if it requires letting go of personal plans. (Philippians 1:9-10)
2. Scripture Alignment
Ensure your decisions align with biblical principles. God’s Word provides wisdom and a clear standard, guiding us back to His character. (Isaiah 30:21)
3. The Fruit of the Spirit
Assess the results of your choices: do they bring peace, joy, and other fruits of the Spirit? True guidance from God leads to positive spiritual growth. (Galatians 5:22-23)
4. Peace and Conviction
Pay attention to inner peace. God’s peace often confirms His will, while unease or conviction can signal the need to pause and reassess. (Philippians 4:7)
5. Wise Counsel
Seek advice from trusted mentors or fellow believers. Gaining perspective from others can reveal angles you hadn’t considered. (Proverbs 15:22)
6. Long-term Perspective
Look at situations over time rather than rushing. God’s plans often become clearer with patience and consistency. (Proverbs 4:18)
7. Desire for God’s Will
Be honest about your motivations, allowing God to refine your intentions. True alignment with God’s will brings fulfillment beyond personal ambition. (Proverbs 16:2; Psalm 139:23-24)
8. Testing the Spirit
Test feelings and messages to ensure they align with Scripture and God’s character, protecting against influences that lead us away from Him. (1 John 4:1)

Call to Action

Feeling unsure about a decision? Write down your questions this week and pray over them. Share in the comments what resonated with you about discerning God’s will, or email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com. You can also join the conversation in our Facebook group for additional encouragement and support.

If you’re looking to deepen your relationship with Christ but aren’t sure where to begin, book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with me at bit.ly/curiousforchristdiscovery.

Closing Verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

As popular as manifestation has become, the pursuit of our own plans can often leave us feeling exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from true peace. Instead, this episode explores what it means to find fulfillment and rest in God’s providence, letting His purpose unfold in our lives.

If you’ve ever felt worn out by constantly chasing your own vision of happiness, this episode is for you!

Personal Story:
I share my own experience of wrestling with manifestation—how doubts and self-reliance sometimes replaced faith. Yet, through it all, God’s Word reminded me of His unfailing love and perfect timing. We’ll discuss powerful Scriptures like Psalm 127:1 and Psalm 16:6 that re-centered my heart on His plan, freeing me from the pressure of “doing it all” on my own.

Main Topics:

1. The Appeal of Manifestation: Why it feels empowering, but how it often keeps us self-focused and disconnected from God’s peace.
2. The Hidden Burden of Self-Manifestation: Why relying on ourselves can lead to fear, guilt, and a sense of isolation.
3. God’s Alternative—Surrender and Trust:
• Examples from Scripture: Hannah, Paul, and Jesus, each showing how peace comes through trusting God’s perfect timing and purposes.
4. Practical Steps to Trust God Over Manifestation:
• Shifting from manifestation to prayer
• Cultivating discernment to recognize God’s guidance
• Finding peace in uncertainty, anchored in His promises

Invitation to Connect:

If you’re looking for support on this journey, I invite you to join my Facebook community, Curious for Christ. We’re a group of believers walking together, encouraging one another to find joy in God’s plan.

If you’re new to faith or simply curious, consider booking a free Discovery Call with me. You’re not alone on this path—there’s a reason you’re here, and I’d love to connect.


Key Scripture:

Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

Thank you for joining today’s episode, and may God’s peace fill your heart as you trust in His plan.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode, we dive into a question that may resonate with many listeners: “Can we experience good things in life without having a relationship with God?” God’s goodness can manifest in our lives, whether or not we’re actively pursuing Him, and what it might mean for us.

1. Definition of Goodness and Its Divine Origin

• What do we mean by “good”? We explore the concept of goodness as rooted in God’s very nature, reflecting qualities like kindness, justice, and compassion.

• From Genesis to the New Testament, the Bible reminds us that “good” is more than just a label—it’s an alignment with God’s perfect standards.

2. Understand Common Grace• We discuss common grace—the blessings that God extends to all people, regardless of faith (Matthew 5:45). God’s sun rises on both the just and the unjust, and His goodness is woven into the world for everyone to experience.

3. Unexpected Sources of Goodness

• Can goodness come from those who aren’t following God? We look at examples like the Good Samaritan, Cyrus the Persian king, and others who reflect God’s character, showing that goodness can emerge from unexpected places.

4. Recognize God’s Goodness as an Invitation

• God’s blessings can serve as invitations to recognize His presence and draw closer to Him. Even in times of doubt, good things in our lives may be gentle reminders of His care and compassion.

5. Success, Challenges, and God’s Favor

• Good outcomes or success aren’t always indicators of a relationship with God, just as challenges don’t mean a lack of God’s favor. From Job’s story to the Beatitudes, we see that true blessing often transcends outward circumstances.

6. Choose Goodness and Its Ripple Effects

• Our choices, even if not consciously made with God in mind, can align with His principles and lead to positive experiences. Living out values like kindness, forgiveness, and patience often brings about peace, stronger connections, and well-being, revealing God’s wisdom in our lives.

• God’s Goodness is All Around: Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, God’s goodness is present. Recognizing it can open doors to deeper spiritual growth.
  
  
• An Invitation Through Blessings: The good things we experience may be invitations from God to know Him better and build a relationship with Him.
  
  

Closing Thought:

Reflect on the good things in your life. How is God showing His love and presence, even in the small blessings? Whether you’re new to faith or searching for answers, know that God’s goodness is a steady invitation to come closer.

Scripture to Reflect On:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17)

If this episode sparked something in you, and you're ready to explore a deeper relationship with God, I can help! My 1:1 coaching sessions can guide you as you:

• Uncover God's fingerprints in your life's experiences.
• Develop a stronger understanding of your faith.
• Learn practical tools for daily spiritual growth.

Visit bit.ly/spiritualgrowthcoaching to schedule a free consultation and start your most fulfilling life journey today!

Thank you for listening, and may God’s goodness gu

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode of Curious for Christ, we delve into Shelby Hohsfield’s transformative faith journey. Shelby shares her powerful story of discovering Jesus and finding spiritual growth after leaving the Mormon church. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus over mere institutional affiliation.

Key Points Discussed:
• The Importance of Curiosity in Faith: Seek a true understanding of who Jesus is, beyond simply attending church services or following religious traditions.
• Salvation vs. Church Membership: Salvation is not about being part of a specific church but about having a genuine relationship with Jesus. Matthew 7:21-23, reminds us that it is about having a relationship with God -we don’t want to hear at the end of our lives, “I never knew you.” Instead, a true relationship with Christ is recognized by the “fruit” it produces (Matthew 7:16). Our actions, character, and qualities like love, patience, and kindness serve as evidence of our transformation through Him.
• The Role of Scripture: It is important to read and understand God’s Word through Scripture, which shapes and deepens our faith.
• Personal Growth and Transformation: Meeting Jesus is transformative, but spiritual growth is a daily process. Faith is a journey, not a one-time event.
• Faith vs. Works: Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. We cannot rely on performance or good works to secure our place in Heaven—our priority must be knowing Jesus personally. However as we are transformed by Christ, this transformation will naturally be reflected in our actions. Our lives will begin to show the fruit of His presence (such as love, kindness, goodness, patience and integrity) - demonstrating the change that comes from truly Knowing Him.

Bible Verses Referenced:
• Acts 17:26-27: “…that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:18: “…being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

Find Shelby Online:
Explore Shelby’s work and follow her faith journey at Finding Faith Above. You can also connect with her on social media @findingfaithabove.

Final Thoughts:
Shelby’s story reminds us that the path to knowing God requires humility, curiosity, and a sincere desire to grow in faith. Her journey is a testament to how God transforms us when we open ourselves to His presence.

Connect with me and deepen your relationship with God NOW!

Thank you for tuning in to this enlightening conversation. Be sure to subscribe, and share this episode with others who might benefit from Shelby’s powerful testimony!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this Wednesday Q&A episode, we dive deep into a question many of us ask during difficult seasons: “Is God holding back on me?” You might feel like you’re doing everything right—praying, trusting, and working hard—but you still don’t see the breakthrough or blessings you’re hoping for. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or even doubtful in times of waiting, this episode is for you.

Key Points Covered:
1. Introduction & My Story
2. The Nature of Waiting
- We explore how waiting is a common theme in the Bible, looking at the stories of Abraham, Joseph, David, and others who endured long seasons before seeing God’s promises fulfilled.
- Biblical insight: Isaiah 40:31 shows us that waiting on God is active trust, not wasted time.
3. What It Feels Like When God is Silent
- Waiting can feel like God is silent or distant, which leads to doubt and frustration. We discuss how even David, a man after God’s own heart, experienced this in Psalm 13:1-2. Yet, like David, we are called to hold on to faith, even when it’s hard.
- Biblical insight: Habakkuk 1:2 reminds us that feeling unheard is a common struggle, but God is always working behind the scenes.
4. The Perspective Shift—Is God Protecting or Preparing You?
- Sometimes God’s “no” or “not yet” is actually protection or preparation for something greater. Examples from Moses, Paul, and Joseph show that God’s timing and plan are always better than ours, even if we can’t see it in the moment. - Biblical insight: Romans 8:28 assures us that God is always working for our good, even when things don’t go as we expect.
5. What to Do When It Feels Like God is Holding Back
- Practical steps for those in a waiting season: surrender control, look for the lesson, and stay faithful. Even expressing your frustrations to God is an act of faithfulness. - Biblical insight: James 1:3-4 teaches us that perseverance in these seasons leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.
6. The Promise of God’s Goodness
- God is a good Father who doesn’t withhold blessings out of cruelty. His timing is perfect, and His plans for us are good—even when we can’t see it.
- Biblical insight: Psalm 84:11 reminds us that God doesn’t withhold good things from those who walk uprightly.

Final Encouragement:
If you’re in a season where it feels like God is holding back, take heart. Trust His timing, stay faithful, and keep seeking His presence. Remember Galatians 6:9—don’t grow weary in doing good, because in due time, you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up.

Closing Verse: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14

Spiritual Growth Coaching Invitation:
Feeling stuck or uncertain? Gain clarity and start your spiritual journey today! Schedule your first session with me now: bit.ly/spiritualgrowthcoaching

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.