In this Season 2 finale of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman reflects on the deeper meaning of shalom—God’s holistic peace that touches every part of life, including spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational well-being. Karen revisits how God’s grace sustains us during seasons of struggle and transition, drawing from personal stories and insights from her book, Thriving in Grace.

Using powerful imagery from nature’s ability to regenerate after devastation, Karen reminds listeners that renewal is possible—even after loss. She also introduces the spiritual practice of bara, the intentional act of letting go of what no longer serves us in order to make space for God’s restoring work.

The episode closes with a look ahead to Season 3, where Karen will focus on practical, grace-filled tools for wellness across every area of life. This short but meaningful wrap-up invites listeners to pause, reflect, and step forward with hope, peace, and expectancy.

Perfect for listeners who want to slow down, reset, and prepare their hearts for what’s next—without striving, just grace.

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:55 Exploring the Concept of Shalom

02:01 God's Grace in Difficult Seasons

03:32 Beauty from Ashes: Lessons from Nature

04:49 Embracing Wholeness and Restoration

05:36 The Christmas Season and Jesus' Sacrifice

06:55 Encouragement and Stories of Grace

07:56 Looking Ahead to Season Three

08:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

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

Connect with Nancy Mitchell on Instagram @lifeof_puresilliness

In this powerful episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman sits down with her sister, Nancy Mitchell, a middle school teacher from Oklahoma, to share a deeply personal story of God’s sustaining grace in the midst of family crisis.

Nancy opens up about walking through her child’s severe depression and multiple suicide attempts—an experience marked by fear, heartbreak, and countless unknowns. Through it all, she describes how God met her in the darkest moments, guiding each step with His presence, peace, and provision.

Karen and Nancy talk honestly about what it looks like to cling to faith when circumstances feel overwhelming, the role of prayer, and the quiet but powerful ways God strengthens parents carrying heavy burdens. Nancy’s story is a testament to God’s nearness—and a reminder that His grace is always enough, even in the most desperate seasons.

Perfect for:

• Parents supporting kids through mental health struggles
• Anyone seeking hope in crisis
• Listeners looking for real stories of God’s faithfulness
• Christian women navigating family challenges

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:53 Special Interview with Nancy Mitchell

02:07 Nancy's Story: God's Grace in Difficult Times

03:42 A Mother's Struggle and Faith

13:46 Encouragement for Other Parents

21:09 Supporting Dysregulated Kids

22:03 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement for Kids

24:15 Balancing Life and Writing a Book

25:04 Finding Faith in Difficult Times

28:09 The Prodigal Son and God's Unconditional Love

32:29 A Conversation with a Former Believer

36:35 The Power of Faith and Overcoming Doubt

39:53 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Visit https://fruitofgratitude.com for your copy of The Fruit of Gratitude

Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb

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

Connect with Jenn and find her book Fear, Faith and Freedom at www.abundance-books.com

In this episode of The Grace Cycle Show, host Karen Dittman sits down with Pastor Jenn Dafoe Turner—life coach, speaker, and Aquisitions Editor at Abundance Books—to explore how God meets us in seasons of loss, transition, and unexpected change.

Jenn shares her deeply personal story of being asked to resign from her pastoral role, the grief that followed, and the surprising freedom and renewed calling she discovered through God’s grace. Karen and Jenn unpack what it looks like to trust God’s process when life feels shaken, how to walk through disappointment without losing hope, and why surrender often becomes the doorway to healing and purpose.

Jenn also introduces her book Fear, Faith, and Freedom, offering practical insight for anyone navigating fear or feeling stuck. Karen closes the episode by inviting listeners to take the Hamster Wheel Quiz—a simple tool to help identify what’s keeping you overwhelmed and how to slow down into a more grace-filled life.

Perfect for:

• Anyone navigating transition, burnout, or disappointment
• Women in ministry or leadership roles
• Listeners seeking spiritual clarity and renewed purpose
• Those learning to trust God through unexpected life changes

00:00 Welcome to the Grace Cycle Show

00:52 Interview with Pastor Jenn Dafoe Turner

02:10 Jenn's Story of Overcoming Challenges

05:00 The Healing Process and Finding New Purpose

18:26 Embracing a New Pastoral Role

24:50 Jenn's Book: Fear, Faith, and Freedom

29:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Visit https://fruitofgratitude.com for your copy of The Fruit of Gratitude

Want to be a guest on The Grace Cycle Show? Send Karen Dittman a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1733503318442796293a1fecb