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Everyone has a unique story of how the Lord has touched their hearts and shaped their journeys. The ”Women Behind the Words” podcast highlights women who have bravely navigated life’s challenges, harnessing the strength and courage to answer God’s calling. Listen to inspiring accounts of overcoming fears and achieving more than they ever imagined possible. These personal narratives will inspire, uplift, and offer hope, changing the course of history, which will affect the outcome of eternity, one heart at a time.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
Date: November 19, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Solo episode with your host Debbie Dufek
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words. This week, Debbie Dufek shares a deeply personal and heartfelt story that underscores the sanctity of life and the power of grace. In this solo episode, Debbie takes us back to a pivotal moment in her life as a 15-year-old facing an unplanned pregnancy. Through vulnerability and honesty, she recounts the challenges, fears, and societal pressures she experienced during that season. Yet, through the love and support of her incredible mother and her faith in God's sovereignty, Debbie chose life—and that choice changed the course of her life and generations to come.
As Debbie shares her journey, she reflects on the 2019 passing of New York’s Reproductive Health Act, a law that deeply impacted her heart and called her to speak up for the unborn. She navigates this sensitive topic with love and understanding, highlighting the profound reality of life in the womb and the God-given purpose in every child’s story.
Drawing from personal experience, Debbie encourages listeners to become a voice for the voiceless—not through judgment but through compassion, grace, and truth. She reminds us of the power of family and community to surround young mothers with love and support, offering hope and practical help. She also highlights the beauty of adoption, calling it one of the greatest acts of love and selflessness.
With Scripture from Psalm 139 and insights from her life, Debbie paints a vivid picture of God’s intricate design for every human life, emphasizing that no matter how messy or unexpected the circumstances may seem, God’s plans are always perfect.
Whether you’re a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, or simply someone with a heart for the unborn, this episode will inspire you to be bold yet tender in sharing your voice and standing for life.
Key Takeaways:
- Debbie's testimony of choosing life amidst an unplanned pregnancy and how that decision has impacted her life and family.
- The power of support systems, like her loving mother, who walked with her through every step of her journey.
- The importance of speaking life and hope into the hearts of young mothers who may be struggling with fear or societal pressure.
- The value of adoption is an extraordinary act of love for both the child and the adoptive family.
- Encouragement for listeners to use their voices with grace and truth, becoming advocates for the voiceless.
Debbie also emphasizes the need for believers to stand firm on the Word of God and the truths of science, which reveal the miracle of life from conception. With a reminder that God’s plans for us are written before we are born, she calls us to reflect His love by supporting those facing difficult choices.
Scripture Reflection:
Psalm 139:13-18 reminds us of God’s intimate involvement in the creation of life. Debbie shares the beauty of this Scripture, encouraging us to recognize the incredible plans and purposes God has for every life, even from the womb.
Resources Mentioned:
- Debbie’s book: Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder
- Dr. Ben Carson’s video on the unborn (available on YouTube)
How You Can Help:
- Share this episode with anyone who might be touched or encouraged by Debbie’s story and message of hope.
- Be a voice of love and support to those facing unplanned pregnancies, whether through emotional support or offering resources and guidance.
- Consider ways to get involved in ministries or organizations that support life and adoption.
Book Spotlight: Holy Interruptions: When God Taps You on the Shoulder by Debbie Dufek
In Holy Interruptions, Debbie Dufek shares powerful stories of God’s unexpected invitations to step into His plans. With honesty and wisdom, she shows how seemingly ordinary moments can lead to extraordinary blessings when we say yes to Him. Through her journey, readers are encouraged to see interruptions not as setbacks but as opportunities to experience God’s grace and purpose.
Discover more about Debbie's story and how God’s plans have shaped her life by picking up your copy of Holy Interruptions here.
Connect with Debbie:
Website: www.debbiedufek.com
Social Media: Engage with Debbie and fellow listeners to continue the conversation.
Closing Encouragement:
Debbie closes this powerful episode with heartfelt prayer, thanking God for His grace and provision in her life and the lives of others. She prays for courage, love, and wisdom for all listeners as they share the hope and truth of life with those around them.
“Use your story, your voice, and your love to change the course of history—one heart at a time.”
Thank you for listening and for being part of this meaningful conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Date: November 12, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Karen Porter and Cherry McGregor
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! We’re thrilled to have you with us for a heartwarming and festive episode featuring a truly inspiring mother-daughter team, Karen Porter and Cherry McGregor. For over twenty years, Karen and Cherry have upheld a remarkable Christmas tradition, touching lives around the world with their generous hearts and love for baking. Every December, they roll up their sleeves to bake an incredible 6,000 cookies, transforming Cherry’s home into a festive gathering space on a Sunday afternoon around the third week of the month. Friends, neighbors, and their extended community come together to admire, purchase, and enjoy these beautifully decorated cookies, which make for perfect gifts or holiday treats. Every dollar raised supports a beloved school in India that Karen and Cherry have been ministering to for over two decades. One year, they even raised an astonishing $8,000!
It’s a massive undertaking, but over the years, Karen and Cherry have streamlined their process, making it a cherished and manageable tradition. Cherry highlights the importance of organization, suggesting that those inspired to start a similar tradition could consider gathering a group of friends to share the effort. The cookies are not only delicious but true works of art, and their recipes have been collected in a cookbook co-authored by Karen and Cherry, titled Cookie Extravaganza, available at Bold Vision Books. They have also co-authored Make Your Heart a Manger, a beautiful retelling of the nativity story from the unique perspectives of those present at Jesus' birth, inviting readers to experience the Christmas story in a fresh, inspiring way.
Karen and Cherry’s Christmas tradition has brought joy and purpose to their holiday season, turning it into a time of global impact, blessing others with fewer resources, and creating treasured family memories. We hope this episode encourages you to start your meaningful traditions, perhaps with a few less than 6,000 cookies to begin with!
As a special treat for our listeners, the first person to email deb@debbiedufek.com with their favorite Christmas cookie will receive a copy of Cookie Extravaganza in the mail, so don’t forget to include your mailing address. Happy baking!
About the Guests (Bio):
Karen Porter and Cherry McGregor are the dynamic mother-daughter team behind several collaborative projects, including an annual Christmas cookie event and two co-authored books. Every holiday season, they bake over 6,000 cookies to support a cherished school in India. Their books include Make Your Heart a Manger and Cookie Extravaganza.
Karen Porter is a renowned international retreat and seminar speaker, successful businesswoman, and author of ten books, including I’ll Bring the Chocolate and If You Give a Girl a Giant. She is dedicated to coaching aspiring writers and speakers and training communicators globally. Karen, along with her husband George, also owns Bold Vision Books, a traditional Christian publishing company. Karen serves on the board of multiple non-profits and considers her marriage to George her greatest accomplishment. She loves talking about her five grandchildren and spends her spare time on an endless quest for the perfect purse.
Cherry McGregor brings a warm, creative touch to every project. Her life is full, balancing the joys of motherhood with her work in the family business. Cherry plays an active role at her church, where she helps plan events, leads a hospitality team, and teaches a new member’s class. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. A true Texan at heart, Cherry enjoys basketball, college football, family game nights, and all things Texas A&M. She is married to Craig, a local dentist, and together they have three children—Garrett, Gracen, and Gabriella—as well as a playful Basset puppy.
Book Spotlight:
Cookie Extravaganza is a delightful guide to hosting a cookie party for both fun and fundraising. With a step-by-step approach, Karen and Cherry offer their tried-and-true strategies for organizing a cookie walk, sharing tips on everything from preparation and volunteer recruitment to making each cookie a show-stopping treat.
The recipes in Cookie Extravaganza are easy to follow, delicious, and impressive. Whether you’re planning to raise money for a cause or just want to host a festive gathering, this cookbook will inspire you. Inside, you’ll find tips on hosting a cookie party, creative cookie decorating ideas, and guidance on recruiting and engaging volunteers. The cookbook includes recipes for bar, cutout, rolled, filled, pressed, piped, no-bake, and drop cookies—each one tested, refined, and perfected by Karen and Cherry themselves. This mother-daughter duo has truly mastered the art of cookies for a cause, and they invite you to join in the fun, even if you start with fewer cookies!
Connect with Karen Porter:
Facebook: facebook.com/kaeporter
Twitter: twitter.com/karenporter
Instagram: instagram.com/karen.j.porter
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Date: November 5, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Edie Melson
Story Highlight:
Welcome to Women Behind the Words! Today, we’re delighted to welcome Edie Melson to our conversation. In this heartfelt episode, Edie shares her journey of transitioning into the empty nest phase, a journey she’s experienced in multiple ways—each time learning to let go and find strength in her faith. Edie’s insights reflect her deep connection with Jesus, whom she leans on during emotionally challenging periods. Rather than focusing on loss, Edie emphasizes that the empty nest stage is an opportunity for growth, new roles, and cherished family traditions to maintain bonds.
To support her transition, Edie developed the “Five-Fingered Prayer,” a simple exercise that helps ground her in trust and gratitude, reminding her of the strong foundation she and her children share. She also openly discusses past parenting mistakes, encouraging self-compassion and faith in God’s ongoing guidance. For those facing a similar phase, Edie offers advice on discovering new passions, connecting with others in the same season, and asking God for fresh opportunities. Her book, Soul Care When the Nest is Empty, provides insights and practical tools to help empty nesters navigate this time with a strong focus on Jesus and His blessings. Edie’s message is one of resilience, faith, and expectation for the new chapter ahead.
About the Guest (Bio):
Edie Melson has walked through the empty nest season several times, each time relying on her faith to see her through. From sending her son off to war at 18 to supporting another son’s global mountain-climbing trek, Edie’s life experiences have taught her about God’s unwavering faithfulness. As an author, speaker, and creative, Edie uses the lessons God has shown her to empower others. Through her books, retreats, and workshops, Edie encourages people to connect with God, often using creativity to strengthen that bond. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married for over 42 years, have three grown sons and three grandchildren, and live in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Book Spotlight:
Soul Care When the Nest is Empty By Edie Melson
The empty nest experience is unique to each parent—some may celebrate, others may grieve, and many experience a blend of emotions. Soul Care When the Nest is Empty is Edie Melson’s heartfelt guide to navigating this season with faith and creativity. With devotions, prayers, and activities, Edie provides ways to reconnect with God and find solace. This book encourages tactile creativity as a means of soul care, helping readers release their emotions and embrace God’s strength in new ways. Warning: This book is designed to be well-loved! Draw in it, explore your creative passions, and allow it to become a true heart treasure on your journey.
Connect with Edie:
- Website: www.EdieMelson.com
- Twitter: @EdieMelson
- Facebook: Edie Melson
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Date: October 29, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Michelle Lazurek
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In this special episode, we’re thrilled to host Michelle Lazurek, award-winning author, speaker, and literary agent. Michelle joins us to discuss her latest book, Hall of Faith: Remembering Ordinary People Who Trusted an Extraordinary God, releasing today! Michelle opens up about her difficult childhood, sharing how a sense of unworthiness and seeking approval shaped her early life. When she found Christ in her early 20s, her conversion caused a painful rift in her family, leading her parents to ask her to leave home. Despite the hardship, Michelle found strength in her new faith, leaning on a supportive church family and eventually reconciling with her own family.
Michelle’s story reflects her journey of resilience and obedience, stepping out in faith to follow God’s call and sharing the importance of small acts of kindness as demonstrations of our love for Christ. In Hall of Faith, Michelle emphasizes that showing faith doesn’t mean grand gestures; rather, it’s choosing godly actions over worldly responses in daily life. By doing this, we point people to Jesus and the way He showed us to live a godly life. Whether helping a friend, supporting family, or praying together, each small action reflects a powerful faith.
About the Guest:
Michelle Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother. She contributes regularly to iBelieve.com and Crosswalk.com and reviews films for Movie Guide Magazine. She is also a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. Michelle’s writing journey began at a ladies’ retreat in 2009, where she felt God’s call to write. Since then, she’s authored numerous books, including Becoming the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved and her latest release, Hall of Faith. Michelle’s work is all about engaging her audience in a way that makes them feel valued and connected. She and her family reside in Connecticut, where they enjoy collecting ‘80s memorabilia and time spent with their spirited dog.
Book Spotlight:
Hall of Faith: Remembering Ordinary People Who Trusted an Extraordinary God by Michelle Lazurek
Releasing today, Hall of Faith is a transformative devotional that encourages readers of all ages to recognize that demonstrating faith doesn’t always require grand gestures. Michelle emphasizes that simple acts of kindness, standing up for others, and selfless service in daily life can point others to God. Through powerful stories of biblical and modern figures, Michelle shows how we can find purpose and express our faith in seemingly small actions. Each devotion includes reflection questions and scriptural insights to help readers align their lives with God’s teachings. A perfect reminder for families, this book provides practical ways to live out the faith with intentionality, compassion, and love.
Key Takeaways from Hall of Faith:
One of the central messages in Hall of Faith is that children and adults alike don’t need to perform huge acts to show their faithfulness to God. Instead, demonstrating faith often happens in everyday interactions—whether it’s being kind to a friend, standing up for someone, or helping a person in need. Such actions reflect the belief that God is real, His Word is true, and that Jesus serves as our ultimate example of godly living.
- Small Actions Matter: Acts like sharing, kindness, and standing against bullying are ways to live out faith. By choosing compassion over cruelty or peace over retaliation, we mirror Christ’s love to others.
- Faith in Everyday Moments: Small acts of generosity and service, like donating supplies or sending a card, create ripples of God’s love in our communities.
- Family Faithfulness: Families can model faith through communal prayers, volunteering, and simply living out God’s Word in daily routines.
- Living Counter-Culturally: When we respond differently than the world might expect, we point others to God and His truth.
Connect with Michelle:
- Website: Michelle Lazurek
- Social Media:
- Facebook: Michelle Lazurek Author
- Instagram: @michellelazurek
- Twitter: @MichelleLazurek
Michelle’s story and insights in this episode remind us of the power of small, everyday acts to make a lasting impact. We hope her message encourages you to look for opportunities to share God’s love in your own life and with those around you.
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Date: October 16, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Naomi Fata
Story Highlight:
Welcome back to The Women Behind the Words! Today, we are blessed to have Naomi Fata return to share her journey and the incredible story of mentorship and discipleship that deeply transformed her life. Naomi takes us back to her early years when she desperately longed for a father figure after losing her father to cancer at the age of seven. She prayed for years, believing that her mother might remarry and she would have a new dad, but that was not to be. Instead, in an unlikely setting—a gas station convenience store—God brought someone else into her life.
Naomi shares the beautiful story of how an older man named Walt stepped into her life, becoming a mentor, spiritual father, and friend. This unique and non-traditional relationship spanned many years, with Walt continually investing in Naomi’s spiritual growth. He not only provided wisdom and guidance on her spiritual journey but also played a key role in her personal life, including advising her on whom to date and eventually marry. Naomi’s story reflects the profound impact that intentional discipleship and godly mentorship can have on one’s life, especially in terms of experiencing God’s love in the small, everyday moments.
Walt’s gentle, fatherly influence helped Naomi see the importance of being available, aware of others' needs, and investing in the small things—reminding her that true ministry often happens in everyday life. Through this mentorship, Naomi grew in her understanding of Christ’s love, healing from past wounds, and learning what it means to walk with Jesus in daily life.
About the Guest:
Naomi Fata is an author, professional sewist, and homeschool mom of three. She writes God’s Corner for her local newspaper and has a passion for inspiring others to use their God-given gifts in their circles of influence. Naomi’s first book, Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts, dives into the depth of truly knowing Christ beyond intellectual belief. In addition to being an author, Naomi has also created two sewing-themed journals.
Naomi’s next project is her upcoming 13-week devotional, Stitching Your Story Piece by Peace, which will be released in February 2025. This devotional focuses on pursuing the peace of God in all areas of life while weaving in sewing themes that reflect Naomi’s creative background.
Beyond her work as an author, Naomi enjoys the role of a homeschool mom, sewing, and encouraging others through her ministry.
Book Highlight:
Beyond Head Knowledge: Knowing Christ Who Satisfies Our Hearts
In her book, Beyond Head Knowledge, Naomi explores the difference between intellectual belief in Christ and truly knowing Him on a heart level. This book is an invitation to go deeper with Jesus, moving beyond surface-level faith and experiencing the personal and intimate relationship He desires to have with each one of us. Naomi provides practical insights, reflective questions, and encouragement to those seeking to go beyond just knowing about Christ and truly living for Him.
Connect with Naomi:
- Website: Christian Resource Ministry
- Sign up for Naomi's Newsletter: Christian Resource Ministry Newsletter
- Bi-weekly Sewing Circle Email: Sewing Circle Email
Stay tuned for Naomi's upcoming devotional, Stitching Your Story Piece by Peace, coming in February 2025!
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Date: October 8, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Heather Smith
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! We’re thrilled to have Heather Smith with us today, a talented and prolific fiction writer whose storytelling journey is truly inspiring. Heather’s unexpected venture into fiction began during a day at the beach, when a character came to life in her imagination while her children played in the ocean. The experience felt so real that she began taking notes, wondering if meeting fictional people like this was normal! This spark ignited her love for writing, and she’s embraced the creative journey ever since.
As Heather enters a new season of life, she’s discovering a passion for speaking, which feels like a natural progression for her. In our conversation, she encourages all of us to stay faithful to the calling God has given us, trusting that He will equip us with everything we need to fulfill His plans. Heather reminds us never to underestimate God or limit what He can do—our job is to be willing and to go, leaving the outcome in His capable hands.
Romans 8:28 is a recurring theme in Heather's books: while life may not always be easy, God works all things together for good for those who love Him. Her joy and passion for storytelling are contagious, and you won’t want to miss this delightful and faith-filled conversation with Heather!
About the Guest:
Heather Norman Smith is a gifted author of five novels, all set in her beloved home state of North Carolina. Through her writing, Heather aims to both entertain and encourage readers, while shining a light on God’s redemptive love. In addition to fiction, she has published a 30-day devotional and contributed to numerous nonfiction collections, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. A passionate speaker, Heather loves encouraging believers to use their unique gifts and talents to serve the Lord.
She lives just outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her husband, their four active children, and a menagerie of pets. Along with writing and spending time with her family, Heather enjoys singing about Jesus and spreading joy through her speaking engagements.
Book Highlight: 'Songs For A Sunday' By Heather Norman Smith
Two sets of sisters, generations apart—can one big sister’s sacrifice teach the other about love and forgiveness?
1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister, who has special needs, becomes pregnant, Annie is forced to put her dreams on hold to care for her family.
Present Day: Missy Robbins has always felt overshadowed by her younger sister. Now, as a stay-at-home mom of four, Missy steps out of her comfort zone to pursue her own dreams and prove she’s as talented a singer as Erica. This new journey leads Missy on a path of self-discovery and renewed faith—until she uncovers a 60-year-old family secret from her grandmother’s past. Will Missy protect Grandma Annie’s hidden truth, or will she be forced to reveal the deception?
Connect with Heather:
Website: www.heathernormansmith.com
Instagram: @heathernormansmith
Facebook: Heather Norman Smith
X: @hnsblog
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Date: October 1, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Christine Trimpe
Story Highlight:
Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! Today, I’m thrilled to have Christine Trimpe join us to share her remarkable journey toward weight loss victory and life transformation. Christine broke free from her "sugar shackles," shedding over one hundred pounds, and embraced a life overflowing with joy, health, and freedom through what she calls her "take ownership experience."
After her transformation, God instilled in Christine a deep passion for inspiring and motivating women to live healthy lives, both physically and spiritually. She invites women everywhere to experience the life-changing power of living "SugarFreed." As a multi-award-winning author, speaker, and health coach, Christine’s story is a powerful testament to what it means to live well in both body and soul. Learn more about her journey at ChristineTrimpe.com.
About the Guest:
Christine Trimpe spent decades living as a casual Christian until one day, she picked up her Bible, and Jesus transformed her life. Her faith deepened, and she found new joy, calling, and purpose in sharing the freedom found in Christ.
Christine's journey led to a dramatic 100-pound weight loss, and her story has been featured on numerous podcasts and in major publications, including a cover feature in Woman’s World, and articles in First for Women and Reader’s Digest. Her inspiring journey is also highlighted as one of the top inspirational success stories on DietDoctor.com, the world’s largest low-carb website.
This transformation catapulted Christine into a new career as a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, where she has guided hundreds of women to successful weight loss and a deeper spiritual connection. As the founder of The SugarFreed™ Me Method and Community, Christine offers a program and membership site for women who want to live healthier, Christ-centered lives. Beyond coaching, she’s also an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and speaker.
Christine passionately encourages others to shed the extra weight they’ve been carrying, both literally and figuratively, and step into a life of joy. God’s Word can satisfy every craving—body, mind, and spirit. Connect with Christine at ChristineTrimpe.com.
Book Spotlight:
SugarFreed: Stop Losing the Weight Loss Battle, Start Gaining the Victory
Are you tired of battling with weight loss? Do sugar cravings and unhealthy eating habits keep you feeling chained and discouraged? Christine Trimpe, a Certified Christian Health and Wellness Coach, invites you to join her on a transformative journey from being weighed down to claiming victory in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
In SugarFreed: Stop Losing the Weight Loss Battle, Start Gaining the Victory, Christine shares her personal journey from struggling with food addiction to embracing holistic health. Her story carries a powerful message of hope, offering practical steps to break free from the cycle of yo-yo dieting and embrace freedom.
In this book, you'll discover how to:
- Confront chronic health issues and begin the healing process.
- Fuel your body with wholesome choices that honor your health.
- Transform your mindset to break destructive food behaviors and patterns.
- Feast on God’s Word to satisfy the true cravings of your soul.
"For almost five decades, I craved freedom but couldn’t name the missing piece of my soul. It took me fifty years to find it, and once I did, I couldn’t share it fast enough. Jesus offers the freedom we need, and He is everything to satisfy the hunger of our entire being—in body, mind, and spirit. Living SugarFreed transformed my health, which can transform yours, too." — Christine Trimpe
Connect with Christine:
- Invite Christine to Speak: Christine Trimpe, Speaker
- Website: www.christinetrimpe.com
- Advent Book: Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke
A Free Gift for You: The “Crush Your Cravings Guide” gift: Crush Your Cravings: The Ultimate Wellness Guide for Christian Women
Social Media:
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Date: September 24, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Cheryl Schuermann
Story Highlight:
We're excited to welcome Cheryl Schuermann, author of Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary, to this episode of "The Women Behind the Words." This year, Cheryl's book was honored as the 2024 Devotional Book of the Year at The Golden Scroll Awards Banquet. Her devotional takes readers on a heartfelt journey, sharing the real-life story that God wove into the construction of her family's farmhouse.
Many years ago, Cheryl's in-laws purchased 55 acres of farmland, praying that it would one day become a generational homestead. Though they didn’t see it fulfilled in their lifetimes, their vision lived on through their son, Stan, his wife Cheryl, and their four sons, who would eventually bring this dream to reality.
After caring for both sets of parents until their passing, Cheryl and her family began building their farmhouse in 2016, despite facing the emotional challenges of losing all four parents within months of each other. Amid grief and Cheryl’s health struggles, God provided peace, giving them "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness" (Isaiah 61:3a). Throughout this process, God taught them valuable lessons about simplicity, comfort, and finding His presence in the ordinary moments of life. Cheryl envisioned the farmhouse as a place of warmth, security, and consistency, inspired by her cherished memories of childhood visits to her grandparents' homes.
One of the most significant moments for Cheryl was discovering old church doors in a shed on the property. These doors became a symbol for everyone who crossed their threshold, representing God’s power to redeem, restore, and repurpose even the most worn-out things. Just as Cheryl and her husband built their farmhouse using old materials, God takes us—broken and discarded—and transforms us into vessels of His glory, ready to make a difference in the world.
Cheryl shares how God continued to teach her lessons at every turn. As they built a spacious pantry, she was reminded of God's endless provision. Unlike her pantry, which constantly needs replenishing, God's storehouse is always full, providing all we need.
Cheryl encourages us to slow down, spend time with Jesus, and seek Him in His Word daily—not only for our benefit but so that His love can overflow to others. Today, "The Farm," as they affectionately call it, is a place of refreshment for family, retreats, meetings, and ministries, and it has become a revolving door of warm hospitality.
Inspired by Habakkuk 2:2, Cheryl and her family wrote down their vision, hoping that future generations would live lives of faith and continue as a family that loves God. They are now witnessing their prayer come to life.
About the Guest (Bio):
Before transitioning to writing full-time, Cheryl Schuermann dedicated her professional career to literacy education as a classroom teacher, consultant, and curriculum trainer across the United States. She is the author of five traditionally published books, including her debut devotional, Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary (Bold Vision Books, May 2024), which was recently named the AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Devotional Book of the Year.
Cheryl is actively involved as a president of Word Weavers International and is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and Christian Authors Network/CIPA. In addition to writing, she facilitates a caregiver support group in her community and, for the past 25 years, has mentored and taught parents at her local church.
Cheryl finds joy in spending time with her family, which includes her four sons, four daughters-in-love, and thirteen grandchildren. They are her inspiration and the source of many of her stories. The Farm is her favorite place to write, be with family, and host ministry groups.
Book Spotlight:
Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary invites readers to embark on a journey that reveals God's truth and wisdom in everyday experiences. From picture rails and antique church doors to prairie flowers and sticktights, this sixty-day devotional blends sound biblical truth with the timeless charm of farmhouse living. The book includes original artwork and family-friendly recipes, making it a delight for readers seeking both spiritual nourishment and a taste of simpler times.
Cheryl Schuermann invites everyone who finds refreshment in shady porches, simpler moments, and comforting truths to join her on this journey. With each devotion, readers are encouraged to grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and meditate on God’s Word. Farmhouse Devotions is a warm invitation to experience God’s glory in the ordinary and discover how He meets us in the most unexpected places. Welcome to The Farm!
Connect with Cheryl:
- Facebook Personal: Cheryl W. Schuermann
- Facebook Author Page: Cheryl Schuermann Author
- Website: https://cherylschuermann.com/