In this meaningful episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman reflects on a moving interview with her father and brother, both career firefighters, to explore the vital role of support systems in navigating high-stress professions and life’s most difficult moments.

They discuss:

• Key skills every firefighter needs to succeed
• The emotional toll of responding to critical incidents
• The importance of peer support and community among first responders

Drawing spiritual parallels, Karen connects these insights to the Christian experience, highlighting the importance of spiritual community, sharing trauma, and leaning on God’s grace through life’s trials.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:59 Introduction to the Special Interview with Karen’s Dad and Brother

02:04 The Most Important Skills for Firefighters

03:05 Dealing with Seeing the Best and the Worst of People

05:01 The Importance of Community Support

08:54 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Christian podcast, firefighter interview, first responders and faith, trauma support, emotional resilience, community support, spiritual growth, God’s grace in hard times, Christian encouragement, mental health and faith, support networks, healing through community, Grace Cycle

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

Schedule a 30-minute call with Karen to help you find your own supportive community: https://calendar.app.google/vkMfFifAboobm7xo7

Building a Supportive Community in Your Spiritual Journey

In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman explores Step 4 of The Grace Cycle: Community—why healthy, faith-filled, supportive relationships are essential for lasting growth and transformation.

Karen shares personal stories, including her own experience with a supportive community of women, and offers practical guidance on finding a safe, encouraging community that nurtures emotional and spiritual well-being.

You’ll discover:

• Why authentic Christian community matters for spiritual growth
• How supportive relationships help us thrive in faith
• Tips for finding and becoming part of a grace-filled community
• Encouragement to build relationships that promote mutual growth and accountability

Perfect for Christian women, small group leaders, and anyone longing for connection and spiritual renewal.

Christian podcast, faith-based community, Christian friendships, spiritual growth, Christian women, emotional safety, spiritual support, Grace Cycle, Christian encouragement, healthy relationships, accountability in faith, thriving through grace

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

In this heartfelt episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman sits down with her friend Annette Lambert to discuss her inspiring journey of discovering God’s grace in the midst of life’s challenging seasons.

Annette shares candid stories from her career in the Forest Service during COVID-19 and devastating wildfires, as well as personal challenges including her husband’s health issues and the unexpected adjustments of retirement. Through it all, she’s learning to embrace patience, acceptance, and self-compassion—and to lean on God every step of the way.

Listeners will gain:

• Encouragement for navigating uncertain seasons
• Practical tips for prayer and staying focused amid distractions
• Insights on practicing grace with yourself and others
• Hope for finding growth and purpose through trials

This episode is a source of faith-filled encouragement for anyone walking through change, hardship, or transition.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Message

00:49 Special Guest Introduction: Annette Lambert

01:21 Annette's Career and Personal Background

02:15 Annette's Retirement Journey

04:48 Challenges and Grace in Marriage

13:16 Reflections on Patience and Acceptance

15:49 Overcoming Distractions

16:29 The Chicken Incident

18:25 Patience with Family and Self

19:43 Spiritual Growth and Prayer

24:16 Final Thoughts on Patience and Grace

26:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

Christian podcast, finding God’s grace, overcoming life challenges, patience and acceptance, Christian women, prayer tips, faith through trials, resilience through grace, retirement and faith, Christian encouragement, personal growth with God

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman explores Step 3 of The Grace Cycle: Act—the powerful practice of making One Simple Change to create meaningful transformation. Rather than attempting an overwhelming life overhaul, Karen shares how small, sustainable changes can lead to lasting growth and grace-filled living.

Listeners will learn:

• Why trying to do it all at once leads to burnout
• How to identify one small, manageable change that fits your life
• The role of curiosity and journaling in supporting change
• How to make realistic, personalized choices—and adjust when needed

This episode is perfect for women of faith, busy moms, or anyone seeking intentional living, personal growth, and practical Christian inspiration. Join Karen as she offers encouragement, relatable examples, and simple action steps to help you move forward in grace.

00:00 Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show

00:52 The Power of One Simple Change

02:29 Practical Examples of Simple Changes

05:59 Reflecting and Journaling Your Progress

07:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

The Grace Cycle, One Simple Change, Christian podcast for women, Christian personal growth, Spiritual transformation steps, Grace-filled living, Intentional living Christian

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

In this powerful episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman explores Step 2 of The Grace Cycle: Reconcile—learning to accept the things you can’t change or control. With heartfelt compassion, Karen guides listeners through the process of releasing past trauma, surrendering control, and embracing emotional healing through God’s grace.

Discover how acceptance and forgiveness can bring freedom and renewal, even in the face of painful circumstances. Through biblical truth, scripture reflections, and personal stories, Karen offers spiritual encouragement and practical tools to help you walk the path of reconciliation and restoration.

This episode is especially meaningful for Christian women, faith-based listeners, and anyone seeking peace, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God in the midst of life’s challenges. The episode closes with a prayer for strength, healing, and grace.

Practice Reconciling through the Acceptance Process found here: https://youtu.be/sXm1XAI5usI

00:00 Welcome to The Grace Cycle Show

00:12 Introduction to Reconciliation

00:50 The Birth of The Grace Cycle

01:53 Acceptance and Healing

05:24 The Importance of Forgiveness

08:40 Scriptural Insights on Moving Forward

10:44 Resources for Healing and Growth

12:10 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

12:53 Final Encouragement and Farewell

Christian podcast, emotional healing, forgiveness, surrender, faith-based encouragement, personal growth, grace, acceptance, letting go, trauma healing, spiritual growth, Christian women podcast

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

In this foundational episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman introduces Step 1 of The Grace Cycle: Get Clear—a powerful practice of choosing one area of life to focus on for spiritual growth and personal transformation through God’s grace.

Karen shares faith-based guidance on how to spend intentional time with God to gain clarity and direction. With gentle encouragement, she helps listeners identify one big-picture area—such as your mind, emotions, spirit, body, relationships, vocation, or finances—to invite God into for healing and change.

You’ll learn:

• How to get spiritually grounded before making changes
• Ways to listen for God’s voice and wisdom in solitude
• Why clarity is essential for lasting transformation
• The importance of self-compassion in the growth process

Perfect for Christian women, spiritual seekers, and anyone ready to step into purpose with confidence and grace.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:56 Introduction to 'Get Clear'

01:43 The Importance of Choosing One Thing

02:52 Practical Steps and Questions to Consider to Get Clear

06:05 Internal and External Areas to Focus On

09:41 Conclusion and Next Steps

Christian podcast, spiritual growth, clarity, faith-based coaching, Christian women, personal transformation, God’s grace, self-compassion, Christian life coaching, intentional living, spiritual clarity, healing with God

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

Reach Sara Schaffer through her website at MoveYourMinistry.com

Trigger Warning: Teen Suicidal Ideation

In this powerful episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman welcomes Sara Schaefer—award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, and coach—for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about God’s grace in the midst of crisis.

Sara shares her family’s journey through one of its darkest seasons: her daughter Kira’s battle with suicidal ideation. She opens up about how divine intervention and God’s grace led to healing and hope, ultimately guiding Kira to seek help through Heartlight Ministries, a residential program for teen mental health treatment.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• A raw and hopeful testimony of faith in crisis
• How God can work through mental health struggles to bring redemption
• The importance of surrendering control and trusting God's plan
• Sara’s journey of rediscovering her identity in Christ, beyond roles of motherhood and ministry

This episode offers encouragement for Christian parents, women of faith, and anyone navigating pain, parenting challenges, or questions of identity. It’s a reminder that nothing is too broken for God’s grace to restore.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

01:01 Introduction to Sara Schaefer

02:32 Sara's Story of Overcoming Challenges

04:39 God's Grace in Action

10:33 Sara's Personal Growth and Reflections

21:58 Sara's Coaching and Ministry

24:59 Conclusion and Next Steps

Christian podcast, God’s grace, teen mental health, suicide prevention, Christian parenting, identity in Christ, faith and healing, Heartlight Ministries, divine intervention, motherhood and ministry, Christian encouragement, mental health testimony

Take the Quiz "How Fast is Your Hamster Wheel Spinning?" at quiz.1fit-wellness.com

In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman explores the spiritual tool of Connection and the restoring power of discovering your true “fitness”—how you uniquely fit into God’s plan to reflect His glory and goodness.

Using the metaphor of a puzzle, Karen unpacks how every individual has a purpose and place in God's greater picture. She emphasizes the importance of authentic connection—with God, yourself, and others—as essential to spiritual well-being and grace-filled living.

What you’ll gain from this episode:

• How to embrace your unique role in God's kingdom
• The value of building supportive, faith-based community
• Practical tools for discovering your spiritual gifts
• Guidance on setting healthy boundaries to protect your peace
• A quiz to help assess your life’s pace and reconnect with grace

This episode is for Christian women, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking clarity, connection, and purpose in their spiritual journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:58 The Puzzle Metaphor for Connection

07:21 Building Healthy Connections with God, yourself and others

11:49 Fostering Deep Relationships

13:05 Recap and Final Thoughts

Christian podcast, God’s purpose, spiritual gifts, Christian community, grace-based living, Christian women, finding your fit in God’s plan, personal growth, faith and boundaries, spiritual clarity, connection with God, identity in Christ, Christian life coaching