When Plans Fail
May 15, 2020 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Sometimes life doesn't go to plan. Luann and Rachel discuss how to embrace and respond to the failures that come our way.
May 15, 2020•24 min
Encouragement Cafe
Stirring the spirit one cup at a time through laughter, love and stories. This is a pick-me-up for the soul and fuel for a weary heart with the encouraging hope of Christ. Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!
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Episodes
Lopsided Relationships
May 8, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen The best teams and organizations are a collection of people who have very different personalities and gifts. Luann and Rachel discuss the importance of embracing what makes each of us uniquely different.
May 08, 2020•25 min
Working with Others
April 17, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen There are two competing sayings: "Many hands make light work," and "If you want something done right, do it yourself." Luann and Rachel realize both are sometimes true, as they discuss how God calls us to work together in community.
Apr 17, 2020•24 min
Can You Hear Me Now?
April 10, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Can You Hear Me Now? Adventures in Miscommunication - laugh with Luann and Rachel over some funny miscommunications and learn why listening carefully is so hard to do, yet such an important skill.
Apr 10, 2020•22 min
I Was Sorely Wrong
April 3, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen We all try to project that perfect image from time to time. Luann and Rachel talk and laugh about how we sometimes get it wrong… and why it's okay.
Apr 03, 2020•25 min
It Is The Little Things
March 27, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Holly Holton Chances are your world is a bit upside down right now. Luann and Holly discuss how the little things in life can make all the difference in your relationship with God and others.
Mar 27, 2020•26 min
Golden Girls
March 20, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen The younger generation has discovered the classic television show "Golden Girls", but what does it mean? Luann and Rachel discuss what lasting friendships look like and why the next generation is watching.
Mar 20, 2020•26 min
In The Valley
In The Valley - March 13, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Holly Holton We have all been in the valley at one time or another. Luann and Holly talk about the ups and downs of life and how to escape the pits we sometimes find ourselves in.
Mar 13, 2020•26 min
You Are Not Your Backstory
February 28, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen When we look back in our life's past, what do we see? Are we necessarily proud of everything that we have done? For most of us, the answer would be no. In fact, some of us let our past decisions define who we are. This week, join Luann and Rachel at the table as we share life together. May we be reminded that our past does not define us. It is who we are today that makes the difference.
Feb 28, 2020•25 min
Abigail's Choice
Abigail's Choice - February 21, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Does it ever seem that the other person acts so selfishly that they don't deserve your kindness, or acts so foolishly that they don't deserve any grace? That would be Abigail's husband Nabal. Luann and Rachel talk about what we can learn from looking at how Abigail lived with a person like that.
Feb 21, 2020•25 min
When Good Trumps Great
February 14, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen It's easy to keep busy doing lots of good things. Like helping others. But what if that means you never help yourself, or get around to doing the projects God has called you to do? Rachel and Luann talk about the pitfalls of getting too distracted with good things, and share strategies for making time for the great things.
Feb 14, 2020•30 min
New and Improved
February 7, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen They say that the only constant in life is change. Let's face it, friends. Change is not always easy. It's sometimes hard to change, adapt, or adjust with the times. Yet, we often forget that change may be a blessing from God. This week, join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we share stories and experiences of how "new and improved" can be a good thing.
Feb 07, 2020•22 min
When You Don't Like Your Odds
January 24, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Sometimes life feels like a casino game and "the House" is betting against you. Luann and Rachel discuss our tendency to think our winnings should outweigh our losses. Find out what the Bible says about the times when it seems we don't have a chip to our name.
Jan 24, 2020•25 min
Shiny Happy People
January 17, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Does it seem like the whole world is projecting a well-crafted image, and in comparison you look like a football linebacker that woke up with bed head? Rachel and Luann discuss the current demand for positive messages and pretty images.
Jan 17, 2020•25 min
Six Healthy Habits
January 10, 2020 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen The new year brings a feeling of new beginnings and fresh momentum, making it a great time to implement new habits. Luann and Rachel discuss six simple habits for better health and peace of mind.
Jan 10, 2020•25 min
My One Word 2020
December 27, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Got any new year's resolutions? Or have you quit doing that after years of failure? Rachel and Luann talk about a different approach, and share their experiences choosing a word to be their theme for the year. Try it!
Dec 27, 2019•25 min
Don't Bowl Alone
December 20, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen What does togetherness really mean? Rachel and Luann talk about the importance of sharing experiences together.
Dec 20, 2019•25 min
A Hallmark Christmas
December 13, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Are you dreaming of a Hallmark Christmas? Luann and Rachel discuss what makes Hallmark Christmas movies the most watched cable network.
Dec 12, 2019•25 min
Merry Stressmas
December 6, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Research shows more than half of us become more stressed during the holidays. Luann and Rachel talk about what brings this stress on during the happiest time of the year - and how to head it off before it arrives.
Dec 06, 2019•24 min
Wee Little Man
November 29, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen As a child, were you ever treated poorly by your classmates? Did they ever call you names? Such might have been the case with the wee little man, Zaccheus. As a tax collector, he was hated by many and scorned for his actions. Yet, in the eyes of Jesus, he was someone special. Hear the story of Zaccheus along with others shared by Luann and Rachel at the Encouragement Cafe.
Nov 29, 2019•25 min
Leadership Endurance
November 15, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Brian Sanders Everyone leads. Moms lead their children. Pastors lead their congregations. Teachers lead their students, and bosses lead their companies. It's never a sprint but a marathon. This week, Luann talks with author and leader Brian Sanders about how to endure as a leader.
Nov 15, 2019•25 min
What to Do When You Hate the Carpet
November 8, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen It's almost a cliche that Christians will fight over what color the carpet in the church should be. Luann and Rachel discuss how to disagree with other Christians, on issues from dogma to drapery.
Nov 08, 2019•22 min
The Laughing Club
The Laughing Club - November 1, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Life gets serious, and we get stressed. Sometimes you just need to laugh to lighten your load. Rachel and Luann talk about the need for levity and laughter in our lives. Come laugh with us.
Oct 31, 2019•23 min
Not Our Job
October 25, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Within our own friend circles, there are a number of unique personalities. Some of us love to laugh at life, while others take a more serious, ponderous look at life. How do we react, however, during those stressful moments of struggle in life? Join Luann and Rachel as we share life together and try to better understand the weight of our words.
Oct 25, 2019•25 min
Set Beautiful Free
Set Beautiful Free - September 20, 2019 Speaker: Theresa Mills & Anson and Dawn Join guest host Theresa Mills for an in-depth discussion with Anson and Dawn from Set Beautiful Free, an initiative of Bombay Teen Challenge. For more information, visit their website at http://www.setbeautifulfree.org
Sep 19, 2019•23 min
The Best Way to Sleep
September 13, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen Millions of Americans share a common issue - sleep deprivation. What is it that causes us to have trouble sleeping? While the cause may be different for some, there are a number of things that may help us to recover some of those lost hours of sleep. Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we discuss how simple acts of gratitude may help us get a better night's sleep.
Sep 13, 2019•25 min
Just Admit It
September 6, 2019 Speaker: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen It's not the easiest thing to admit when we're wrong. Let's face it; as humans, we like to think that we are right and know what is best. The beauty of admitting our errors is that the admission often strengthens our relationships with our family, friends, and colleagues. Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we share life together and realize that sometimes we just need to admit we're wrong.
Sep 06, 2019•25 min
Warrior - Special Guest Natasha Owens
August 30, 2019 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Natasha Owens Join host Luann Prater as she welcomes our friend and special guest, Natasha Owens. Earlier this year, Natasha released the album, "Warrior." Natasha and Luann share life together as they journey through how trying experiences have shaped them into the women they are today. For more information on Natasha, you can go to https://natashaowensmusic.com.
Aug 29, 2019•24 min
Lessons from Amazon
August 23, 2019 - Speakers: Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen After listening to an interview with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Rachel and Luann discuss what they learned about making decisions.
Aug 23, 2019•26 min
Special Guest Jeannie Burlowski
August 16, 2019 - Speaker: Luann Prater & Jeannie Burlowski Join Luann at the Encouragement Cafe this week as she sits down with author Jeannie Burlowski. Jeannie is the author of “Launch: How to Get Your Kids Through College Debt-Free and Into Jobs They Love Afterward." Luann and Jeannie will discuss some of the strategies within the book along with the experiences that inspired them.
Aug 16, 2019•24 min
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