What if your “word of the year” became more than just inspiration…what if it became a process for transformation?

In this solo episode of A Woman’s Heart, I’m sharing the story behind my 2026 word: SOAR. What started as a simple, inspiring word turned into something much deeper—an acronym that reflects a daily, intentional walk with God: Surrender. Obedience. Action. Results.

This wasn’t a flashy, instant decision. It was a slow burn—filled with overthinking, prayer, and God patiently nudging me toward clarity. And in a moment (yes, even in the shower!), God revealed that SOAR wasn’t just about rising higher… it was about how to get there.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What it really means to surrender (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds)
• The difference between obedience and just “doing the right thing”
• Why action is where faith becomes real
• How to trust God with the results, even when they don’t look like what you expected

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re going in circles, this episode will encourage you to take the next step—no matter how small—and trust God with the process.

Reflection Questions:

• What is God asking you to surrender?
• Where might He be calling you to greater obedience?
• What action have you been putting off?
• Are you trusting Him with the results?

Shows on Surrender:

• Mary DeMuth: Finding Genuine Freedom in God Through Surrender
• Natasha Lynn Daniels: The Unexpected Beauty and Peace Found in Surrender

Shows on Obedience:

• Joni Topper: Yes to God for a Surprisingly Joy-Filled Way
• Jen Hand: Step Out in Faith, Say Yes to God

Shows on Action:

• Lisa Granger: Are You Willing to do What it Takes to Live a New Life
• Karen Ehman: Reclaim a Life of Priorities and Passions

Let’s Connect: If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and let me know your word of the year! Visit: lisagranger.com

What does it really mean to live a life that matters?

In this episode of A Woman’s Heart I sit down with Bible teacher and author Crickett Keeth to talk about her latest Bible study, Living Out a Life That Matters: A Study of 2 Timothy. Together, we explore how the apostle Paul’s final words challenge us to live with purpose, faithfulness, and eternal perspective.

Crickett shares her heart for writing Bible studies that help women go deeper into God’s Word and why she is so passionate about encouraging others to live intentionally for what truly lasts. This conversation is both practical and inspiring as we talk about the power of our words, the call to remain vigilant and diligent in our faith, and how everyday faithfulness can leave a lasting legacy.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference that goes beyond this life, this episode will encourage you to step into your God-given purpose.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Her passion for helping women engage deeply with Scripture
• The importance of faithfulness, vigilance, and diligence
• Being intentional with our words and influence

About Crickett Keeth: Crickett Keeth is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and the author of several women’s Bible studies, including On Bended Knee, Before the Throne, and Living Out a Life That Matters. She has served in women’s ministry for decades with Cru and large churches in Dallas and Memphis, where she also served as a Women’s Ministry Director. Today, she teaches at her church in Memphis and equips women’s ministry leaders around the world. Crickett is a sought-after speaker for conferences and retreats.

Find free resources to encourage your walk with God at: www.crickettkeeth.com

To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

It’s March Madness season, and we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Jerry Howard that connects the excitement of basketball and sports with the deeper meaning of faith and community.

In this replay, Jerry shares how the principles we see on the court—teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and unity—mirror what it means to live as part of the Body of Christ. Just like a winning team relies on each player fulfilling their role, we are each called to contribute uniquely within our relationships, our churches, and our walk with Jesus.

Jerry Howard is the founder of the iNTREPID iMPACT Team, a comprehensive leadership coaching and business consulting agency. His speaking and coaching engagements span faith, leadership, healthcare and business management. Jerry’s primary mission is to rekindle faith in leadership. He is married and lives in Virginia.

Whether you're a sports fan or not, this conversation offers meaningful insight into how God uses everyday experiences—even basketball—to teach us about unity, purpose, and spiritual growth.

🎧 Tune in and be reminded: we’re all part of something bigger—and together, we can run the race set before us.

Connect with Jerry at https://jerryhowardinternational.com/

Check out his book Faith Driven Leadership.

Connect with Lisa at www.lisagranger.com

Life can feel like a constant rush—work, family, ministry, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. But what happens when our schedules become so full that our time with God gets pushed aside? In this episode we talk with Karynthia Phillips about her book Press Pause: Making Time for God in an Overscheduled Life. Together they explore the power of intentional pauses and how stepping away from the noise of life can deepen our relationship with God. Karynthia shares how sacred pauses aren’t simply about rest—they are acts of trust. When we pause to spend time with God, we’re acknowledging that He is ultimately in control of our responsibilities and our future. Key Takeaway Sacred pauses create space for God to speak, guide, and restore us. When we intentionally step away from our busyness to spend time with Him, we often return with greater clarity, renewed energy, and a deeper sense of purpose. Learn more about Karynthia Phillips and her book Press Pause: Making Time for God in an Overscheduled Life. www.karynthiaphillips.com Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What if the key to spiritual growth isn’t striving harder—but walking alongside someone who has already walked faithfully with Jesus? On this episode we welcome author, spiritual director, and retreat leader Lori G. Melton to talk about her book Journey with a Giant. Lori introduces a powerful spiritual practice: learning from faithful Christian men and women throughout history in order to deepen our own walk with Christ. It’s not about idolizing them—it’s about observing how they pursued Christ. Their examples can help us cultivate spiritual maturity, strengthen relationships, and grow in love. In This Episode, We Discuss: • What it means to “Journey with a Giant” • Lori’s initial hesitation about the practice—and how she came to embrace it • Why the focus must always remain on Jesus, not the individual • The importance of silence, slowing down, and intentional reflection • The personal impact of walking with different giants, including learning to love and accept others more fully • Taking courageous next steps in the areas where God is calling you If you’ve ever longed for deeper spiritual growth, richer faith practices, or a fresh way to connect with Jesus, this conversation will inspire and equip you. Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and member of Hope Writers. She is the host of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and co-founder and director of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center in Allegan, Michigan. She and her husband are the parents of six children and grandparents to three. To learn more about Lori and her Spiritual Giant Quiz: https://www.lorigmelton.com/ To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

What happens when the house grows quiet and the children are gone? For many parents, the empty nest years can feel uncertain—but they can also become one of the most meaningful and purpose-filled seasons of life.

On this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Charlotte Guest shares her heart for encouraging others to embrace their encore years with faith, courage, and expectation. Charlotte opens up about her personal journey into writing and podcasting, reminding us that God is always calling us forward. Together, we talk about what it looks like to live life fully, stay spiritually equipped by putting on the full armor of God, and remain open to the new passions He places within us.

If you’re navigating the transition of an empty nest—or sensing God calling you into something new—this conversation will encourage you to move forward with confidence, purpose, and joy.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• How to embrace the empty nest years as a season of opportunity
• Why God continues to invite us into new callings at every stage of life
• The importance of putting on the full armor of God

About Charlotte Guest:

Having a passion for people and a desire to encourage others during the encore years, Charlotte Guest hosts the international podcast ministry Empty Nest Guests. She is an author and creator of four YouVersion Bible plans, including The Blessed Empty Nest. Charlotte and her husband are preparing to release an empty nest devotional and serve together as marriage mentors.

Charlotte lives in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area with her husband, Gordy. They enjoy time with their three adult children, their spouses, and four grandchildren. Charlotte is energized by sunshine, serving others, prayer, pet therapy, publishing, and helping people uncover their personal mission statement.

🔗 Learn more: https://charlotteguest.com

Resources mentioned: Empty Nest, Full Life by Jill Savage

Captivating by Stasi Eldredge

Jim Burns with HomeWord

Podcast interview with Joni Topper: Yes to God for a Surprisingly Joy-filled Way

To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Change is one of the few guarantees in life—and yet it’s something we often resist, fear, or fight. In this encouraging episode of A Woman’s Heart, host Lisa Granger welcomes pastor, author, and podcaster Courtney Ellis to talk about her book Weathering Change and how we can learn to move through life’s transitions with greater peace and purpose. Together, Lisa and Courtney explore how to “weather” change through intentional preparation, curiosity instead of fear, adaptability in uncertain seasons, and resilience rooted in faith. They also acknowledge an often-overlooked truth: every change carries some element of grief. Naming that grief, honoring our limits, and leaning into community can help us navigate transitions with honesty and hope. Courtney Ellis is a pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, California. She is the author of six books, including Weathering Change and Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief. Courtney also hosts The Thing with Feathers, a podcast about birds and hope. She lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and three children. courtneybellis.com To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com