In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Ashcraft, author of Mission-Ready Marriage, to explore the unique challenges and rewards of military family life. Ashley shares insights and practical advice on building a resilient marriage and family despite the demands of constant moves, deployments, and career sacrifices.

We discuss:

• How to balance love and resentment when sacrifices feel overwhelming
• Strategies for pursuing career aspirations while constantly relocating
• Parenting effectively when going it alone
• How to navigate questions like "Did I marry the right person?"
• Approaching combat trauma with compassion and support
• Helping extended family understand the military lifestyle
• Establishing financial health in your marriage
• Maintaining intimacy despite long periods of separation
• Planning for the transition out of military life

Whether you're part of a military family or simply looking for inspiration to strengthen your relationship, Ashley's wisdom will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged. Tune in for this heartfelt and empowering conversation!

• WEBSITE: AshleyAshcraft.com

In our third episode, we push the conversation further by exploring how communities evolve over time and what it takes to sustain meaningful connections. Building on the themes of the first two episodes, we focus on navigating challenges like conflict, changing dynamics, and maintaining trust as groups grow and shift. We’ll discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of leadership in fostering resilience, and practical tools for ensuring both individuals and the collective continue to thrive. Whether you’re a leader in your community or simply looking to strengthen your bonds, this episode will leave you with valuable strategies to sustain and enrich your connections.

In our second episode, we’re taking things deeper as we explore what it truly means to thrive within a community. Building on the foundation of Episode 1, we shift from the basics of connection to focus on how to create support systems that actively enhance personal and collective growth. This episode covers how belonging influences mental well-being, the power of a shared purpose, and hands-on strategies for cultivating spaces where everyone can flourish. Whether you're part of a professional network, creative team, or neighborhood group, this episode offers fresh insights to deepen your connections and fully embrace the strength of community.

• AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book
• WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs

In this episode, we explore what it means to truly thrive within a community, from fostering meaningful connections to building support systems that uplift personal growth. We dive into how belonging impacts mental well-being, the power of shared purpose, and practical tips for creating environments where both individuals and the collective can flourish. Whether you're part of a professional network, creative group, or neighborhood circle, this conversation will leave you inspired to deepen your connections and embrace the beauty of community living.

Courtney Joseph Fallick is a passionate follower of Jesus and proud mother of two college students—her 20-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. She also shares her life with a beloved 9-year-old dog named Snowball. Living in Ohio, she and her family are devoted fans of Ohio State.

For seven years, Courtney homeschooled her children before they transitioned to a Christian school, and now both are pursuing higher education. She holds a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship from the Moody Bible Institute, though she humbly describes it as a reflection of her deep love for studying God’s Word and serving others.

Raised in a strong Christian household as the youngest of three sisters, Courtney married her high school sweetheart after four years of dating, sharing 19 years together. In 2015, the end of her first marriage brought unexpected challenges, but Courtney’s journey took a surprising turn in 2023 when she remarried a widower from her church. Now, she is joyfully blending families, embracing the new adventure with her husband, his two daughters, and a son-in-law. While life brings challenges, Courtney remains deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness through life’s storms.

In her day-to-day, Courtney finds joy in coffee, good books, fresh flowers, lighting candles, and walks with her dog. While not a fan of exercise, she still commits to working out 4–5 times a week. She describes herself as an optimistic idealist who sees the glass half full, though she wishes for better cooking skills and more organized closets. Her favorite place to recharge is by the ocean.

Galatians 6:9, “Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up,” serves as Courtney’s life verse, grounding her faith and purpose. With a heart full of gratitude, she approaches each opportunity to share encouragement with humility and prayer, always reminding others of God’s unfailing love: "Keep walking with the King!"

• FACEBOOK: @womenlivingwell
• INSTAGRAM: @womenlivingwell
• WEBSITE: COURTNEY J FALLICK

Paul Weigel is a father, a six-time Ironman triathlete, a college professor, and a self-described professional dabbler. A lover of the outdoors and hiking, he spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest, finishing countless races and climbing many mountains including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. Now living in Arizona, he is exploring different ventures while checking things off his bucket list with regularity. But his real passion, and his real inspiration, is creating unforgettable memories with his daughter.

• FACEBOOK: /paulweigel
• INSTAGRAM: @paulformesa

Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author who specializes in topics of faith, mental health, and relationships. She is known for her insightful writing on emotional and spiritual well-being, blending her clinical expertise with a compassionate, faith-based perspective. Debra's works often explore themes such as dating, marriage, self-care, and personal growth, with a focus on helping readers navigate life's challenges while deepening their faith. She is the author of several popular books, including True Love Dates, Choosing Marriage, and Are You Really OK?, offering practical advice for building healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Debra also hosts a podcast, "Love + Relationships," where she continues to share her wisdom on living a balanced and fulfilling life.

• WEBSITE: DebraFileta.com
• INSTAGRAM: @DebraFileta

You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.

• AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book
• WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs

I explore the essential yet often overlooked practice of resting, a cornerstone of thriving in all facets of life. Through personal reflection and experiences, I emphasize the multi-dimensional aspects of rest—spiritual, emotional, and physical—that together, support a vibrant and fulfilling existence.

• Spiritual Rest: I delve into the importance of reconnecting with one’s spiritual roots to find peace and direction. I share how moments of solitude, prayer, and meditation not only rejuvenate the spirit but also fortify us against life's tumults. It's about creating spaces to listen and respond to what God might be whispering to our hearts.
• Emotional Rest: Here, I discuss the necessity of emotional boundaries to maintain balance and health. I talk about the power of saying no and the freedom found in prioritizing personal mental health. Through practices like journaling and engaging in meaningful conversations, I've found ways to declutter my emotional world, making room for more authentic joy and less imposed stress.
• Physical Rest: I emphasize how vital it is to respect our bodies through restorative practices. Whether it's committing to regular sleep schedules, integrating gentle exercises like yoga, or simply taking time to breathe deeply, I highlight the importance of listening to our physical needs and responding with kindness and care.
• Integrating Rest into Everyday Life: I conclude the chapter with practical strategies for incorporating rest into a bustling lifestyle. I share how small pockets of rest can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of our daily routines, enhancing overall well-being without compromising our commitments and productivity.

• AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book
• WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs

You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.

The closer a courageous, rooted, and thriving woman gets to realizing her life’s purpose, the more she understands that abundant living is nothing like what she once thought it was. It’s not perfect circumstances; it’s perfect peace within those circumstances. Thriving Beyond Belief gives women practical tools to improve every relationship they have by doing the hard work of knowing “the real you” and learning to be vulnerable. Deep satisfaction comes from women knowing who they are, overcoming their fears, facing the difficult stuff of life, and making lasting change. And it all starts with the journey of knowing and understanding who God made them to be.

No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.

• AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book
• WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs

The closer a courageous, rooted, and thriving woman gets to realizing her life’s purpose, the more she understands that abundant living is nothing like what she once thought it was. It’s not perfect circumstances; it’s perfect peace within those circumstances. Thriving Beyond Belief gives women practical tools to improve every relationship they have by doing the hard work of knowing “the real you” and learning to be vulnerable. Deep satisfaction comes from women knowing who they are, overcoming their fears, facing the difficult stuff of life, and making lasting change. And it all starts with the journey of knowing and understanding who God made them to be.

No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.

• AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief BOOK
• WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief PODCAST