Shows
Fullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenLiving God’s Word in Everyday Life with Emily AssellThis week’s guest is Emily Assell. Emily shares her journey of understanding pain and suffering through a spiritual lens and experiencing the transformative power of God's word. Our conversation encouraged me for days and weeks afterward, and thinking about her wisdom still brings a smile to my face.FULL SHOW NOTESEmily’s InstagramEmily’s WebsiteFollow along:Jessica’s InstagramPodcast InstagramFacebookWeekly Newsletter2025-05-0634 min
Called to Love: An Adoption Podcast for Christian Parents - Christian Adoption, Trauma and Healing, Foster Care, Parenting Adopted ChildrenWhat Every Christian Parent Needs to Know About Foster CareWelcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by author and adoptive mama, Jessica Mathisen. In light of Foster Care Awareness Month, we discuss Jessica’s profound journey into foster care and adoption. We dive into unique family dynamics, the calling to foster care, the challenges faced by foster parents, and the importance of community support. It is crucial there is unity in marriage before stepping into this calling because the support and foundation is needed when facing the emotional, mental, and sometimes physical demands of this calling. Our conversation also...2025-05-0633 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenFaithful Motherhood in Seasons of Change with Aubrey ColemanIn this week’s episode, Aubrey Coleman shares her journey of motherhood, discussing the joys and challenges of raising three children while also navigating her faith. She reflects on the lessons learned about God's patience and grace, the importance of setting boundaries, and the inspiration behind her new book, When Our New Baby Comes. We talk about how motherhood transforms you from the inside out and the need for self-compassion and understanding in parenting. FULL SHOW NOTESFollow along:Jessica’s InstagramPodcast Insta...2025-04-2435 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenFinding God's Faithfulness in Every SeasonLife comes and goes in seasons, and we find trials and triumphs in each one. Three years ago, I was in a season of profound grief after experiencing several trials within the span of a few months. I wrestled with loneliness, grief, and questions about how to start over in my mid-thirties. But through it all, God was faithful, steadfast, and true.
This week on the podcast, I reflect on the journey from sorrow to joy, share how the Psalms have ministered to my heart in every season, and invite you to consider where God has you...2024-12-1720 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenFrom Striving to Surrender: Learning to Embrace Grace
After taking the summer off of social media and the podcast, I’m back today with a new episode sharing about what God did in my heart and where I’m headed. This year has been a journey of learning to slow down and surrender. I’ve been wrestling with the pressure to build an online platform, but God keeps whispering to my heart: “Not by might, nor by power, only by Your Spirit.”
In this episode, I’m sharing what it looks like to pull back from striving, rest in God’s timing, and embrace the se...2024-10-2932 min
A Little Better137 | Lessons Learned As Foster ParentsToday on A Little Better, host Drew is joined by Northridge Members Daniel and Tiffanie Ball, who have been involved in foster care, to answer the following questions regarding foster parenting:What is involved in the process of foster parenting?What are the challenges and blessings of foster parenting?I’m curious about foster parenting. What do I need to know?Additional Resources Mentioned:Fostering Prayer: A 40 Day Guide for Foster Parents by Jessica Mathisenhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LTCHHMPFostering Love: One...2024-06-1800 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: Navigating Grief with Natasha SmithThis week, I get to chat with Natasha Smith, the author of Can You Just Sit With Me?:Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life. If you’re a human walking on this earth, you have walked through hard things. And if you haven’t known much grief in your life, chances are you know someone who could use some encouragement and a friend in the journey. This conversation with Natasha will give you the tools you need to process grief on your own and with others.
This is the final episode in the Held...2024-05-2828 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: A Living Faith with Anna Mae Groves
In this week’s episode, I chat with Anna Mae Groves about walking out our faith, even when it doesn’t make sense. Anna is such a beautiful light and shares with transparency about her journey with mental health struggles and how the Lord brought her out of the darkness with one simple habit that changed everything. She also shares with us about faith-filled decisions that helped her to see God as trustworthy, faithful, and true. Her stories encouraged me specifically with some situations I have going on in my personal life right now, and I know the...2024-05-1429 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: Celebrating the Life You Already Have with Nicole ZasowskiIn this episode, I chat with my dear friend Nicole about taking the risk of inviting joy into your everyday life. So often, joy can feel like a dangerous emotion to embrace, because when we have walked through hard times, it is easier to always anticipate the next storm around the corner. Through infertility, loss, and a cross-country move, Nicole has found the beauty in learning to embrace joy, even when it feels scary.
If you’re struggling to find joy and don’t want to hold on to hope, this episode will encourage you to find the b...2024-04-3030 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: Anchored in God’s Daily Grace with Portia Collins
This week, I’m chatting with Portia Collins about how God has sustained her through health issues and discouraging times when she wanted to give up. She shares with us how God has used her struggles to draw her to Him and make her more dependent on Him instead of trusting in her own strength.
If you’re in a season where you feel like you just don’t have much to give, this one is for you!
FULL SHOW NOTES
Portia’s Website
Portia’s Instagram2024-04-1633 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: Embracing Hope Through Pain with Laura GodfreyIn this week’s episode, Laura Godfrey shares a powerful, personal story of how God showed up in her weakest moment and let her know that He was for her and with her. Walking with her husband through chronic illness has literally brought her to her knees, but God has given her the strength to walk with her head held high.
Whether you’re walking through chronic illness, job loss, financial difficulties, or strained relationships—whatever your suffering situation is—this episode will encourage your heart. God is for you, too, friend.
Laura’s Ins...2024-04-0232 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: Finding Purpose in Seasons of Waiting with Jules SmoakThis week, I get to introduce you to my friend Jules Smoak. She is a radio talk show host and is such a delight. Jules vulnerably shares with us about her lifelong struggle with dyslexia and how she has learned to see it as a gift from God. She also has a specific word of encouragement for those who feel forgotten by God while waiting for a dream He has laid on their hearts. You’re going to be so encouraged, friend!
FULL SHOW NOTES
FREE: Held in His Hands Prayer and Reflection Guide
...2024-03-1932 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHeld in His Hands: Trusting God in All Things with Jamie KlusacekWhat a joy to be back in your earbuds today! Today we kick off a new series called “Held in His Hands.” We get to talk about how God meets us in our suffering and dark days when it feels like He has left us.
Jamie Klusacek shares with us the beauty of walking with God amid suffering and how to find joy and purpose in the path God has for you, even when it looks different than you thought it would.
If you’re struggling to get into the Wo...2024-03-0531 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms: Finding Joy in Fasting with Cortney NorrisThis week, I chatted with Cortney Norris about the power of fasting as a spiritual rhythm in our lives as believers in Christ. Oftentimes, we neglect to fast simply because we don’t understand it nor see it as a necessity. But Jesus instructed us to fast, and the Bible is full of verses that point to its significance. This rhythm is not simply to get something from God, but rather to get to know Him.
In this episode, we discuss the spiritual benefits of fasting and why so many in the church today hav...2024-02-1341 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms: Fitness Grounded in Faith with Courtney Foster
In this episode, Courtney Foster and I chat about what it looks like to integrate your faith into your fitness journey. So many women struggle with what it looks like to pursue wellness in a Christlike way. Many voices are telling us the “right” way to be healthy, and many of these voices are conflicting. It can be hard to know which way to turn and how to take care of the temple God has given you. Courtney generously shares with us about her journey of being “the bigger girl” among her friends to accepting the body God...2024-02-0631 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms// Living Within Your Boundaries with Carla SibleyIn this week’s episode, pastor’s wife Carla Sibley and I chat about how to live within the boundaries God has given you. She shares with us how learning to steward her time, talents, and treasures has been an act of obedience for her that has helped her to grow in her dependence upon the Lord.
Her wisdom about how to choose contentment is gold! You’ll be so encouraged by this episode.
FULL SHOW NOTES
Coaching with Jessica
Daily Grace Co. Bible studies, journals, and home goods–Use code JESSICAM
Let's connect!
Jessica’s Instagram
Podcast Instagram
Facebook
Weekly Newslet2024-01-3032 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms: Cultivating Healthy Friendships with Bailey T. HurleyFriendship as an adult can feel complicated at best. You wonder if everyone else feels lonely and left out or if it’s just you? Are you doing something wrong? Does everyone else have a best friend? If you’ve struggled with friendships and community, this episode is for you. Bailey Hurley and I chat about where we get it wrong, how to get it right, and why we need each other.
Bailey Hurley and I chat about where we get it wrong, how to get it right, and why we need each other. Bailey is passionate about...2024-01-2228 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms: Memorizing and Meditating on Scripture // A Conversation with Hunter Beless
In this week’s episode, I chat with Hunter Beless about the importance of memorizing and meditation on Scripture. Hunter shares with us how her love for the Word came from a desperate need for joy after a season of not walking closely with the Lord. Instead of a list of to-dos, Hunter leaves us with a practical perspective on how to incorporate memorizing God’s word into our daily lives.
FULL SHOW NOTES
Hiya kids vitamins — get 20% off of your first order
Faith-based Life Coaching with Jessica
2024-01-1628 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms: Learning to Pray // A Conversation with Shekea MorenoIn this week’s episode, Shekea Moreno and I discuss prayer's spiritual discipline. We often think prayer is complicated and too difficult, but it is simply a conversation with God. Through various seasons, God has used prayer in Shekea’s life to show her how to rest and trust Him with everything. She shares some simple yet profound truths that will foster your desire to grow in prayer.
FULL SHOW NOTES
Follow along:
Jessica’s Instagram
Podcast Instagram
Facebook
Coaching with Jessica...2024-01-0925 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenSacred Rhythms: Prioritizing God’s Word in Daily Life // An Interview with Suzanne Chambers
Welcome to 2024! In today's episode, I share a little bit with you about my heart behind this new series: Sacred Rhythms.
This week, I get to introduce you to my dear friend and mentor, Suzanne Chambers. Suzanne is a wealth of wisdom and has been a true blessing and spiritual mother in my life for nearly ten years. You will be so encouraged by her honest and practical thoughts that will help you to get into the Word and learn to savor it for the treasure that it is.
2024-01-0232 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenThe Love of Jesus at Christmas // A Conversation with Heather CoferFor this final installment of our Advent series, I have the joy of introducing you to Heather Cofer. Heather’s unique perspective as a former missionary kid is so encouraging as we consider how to celebrate Christmas and embrace the true reason for this season.
Sometimes, in our world of abundance, we paradoxically feel lacking. But it's in those moments that we can remember: Jesus fills the void. In a world caught up with twinkling lights, so many parties and festivities, Heather invites us to slow down and savor the wonder of Jesus’ love.
2023-12-1928 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenThe Joy of Jesus at Christmas // A Conversation with Ashley Holston
This week, Ashley Holston and I talked about the joy of Jesus. She shares how sometimes, she gets so wrapped up in seeking tools and resources for her faith that she loses sight of the core—Jesus Himself. Even when she couldn't see it during hard times, God was quietly nurturing her faith, growing a supernatural joy within her heart. Her joy wasn't rooted in temporal things, but in the eternal hope of Jesus Christ.
If you’re struggling with all the extra activities, pressures, gifts, and parties thrown at you in t...2023-12-1228 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenThe Peace of Christ at Christmas // A Conversation with Brooke Lovingood
Today I have the privilege of introducing you to my dear friend Brooke Lovingood. Even though Brooke is young (less than 30 years on this earth, y’all!) she has endured great suffering. At just 23 years old, she walked through thyroid cancer during her dating and engagement to her now husband. She honestly shares with us about her mental and emotional state during this time and how God, through His Word, helped her to move from a place of living in sheer panic all the time to experiencing peace and joy.
If you’ve ever dealt with...2023-12-0534 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenThe Hope of Christ at Christmas // A Conversation with Simone Griffin
This week on the podcast, I shared a hope-filled conversation with my friend Simone Griffin. Christmas can feel lonely, exhausting, and overwhelming for those who are walking through grief. As someone who has walked through grief during the holiday season, Simone’s powerful testimony of hope encouraged my heart, and I know it will encourage yours.
Simone shares with us how she lost a loved one just ten days before Christmas several years ago and how God used this experience to help her know Him as her true and only source of eternal hope.
F...2023-11-2825 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenFaith, Identity, and Adoption // An Interview with Iris P. BryantOn this week’s episode, discover how an unexpected revelation reshaped Iris Bryant’s life. Uncovering her adoption papers ignited a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and healing. From confronting her past to meeting her biological mother, Iris's tale embodies resilience, courage, and unwavering faith.
Ever carried a secret not meant for you? Iris's search for her mother wasn't easy. Her emotional journey, conversations with her parents, and the anticipation of meeting her real mother are all captured in her heartfelt story. Most importantly, Iris's narrative highlights the transformative power of faith. Her quest for healing and whol...2023-11-2137 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenOvercoming Trauma Through the Healing Power of Faith, Part 2 // An Interview with Tricia CollinsBe sure to listen to part 1 of this interview from last week!
Born from her own past of unimaginable trauma and abuse at the hands of her adoptive father, Tricia’s story is a raw and deeply moving testimony of redemption and healing. Despite the shadow of abuse at the hands of her adoptive father, Tricia became a foster and adoptive parent herself. Her obedience is just one small part of an incredible story full of God’s love and redemption.
“I know what it is to suffer great pain, and I'm gonna say again, it pale...2023-11-1418 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenOvercoming Trauma Through the Healing Power of Faith, Part 1 //An Interview with Tricia CollinsWelcome to season 3! This mini-series will highlight stories of adoption as we celebrate National Adoption Month through the month of November. Today, I get to welcome my dear friend Tricia to the podcast.
What could possibly lead an individual, who herself was a victim of abuse at the hands of her adoptive father, to become an adoptive parent? Today Tricia shares how her tumultuous journey of adoption and God’s redemption transformed her heart and life.
Despite her painful past, Tricia and her husband opened their hearts and home to foster care and adoption, creating a t...2023-11-0726 min
JourneywomenServing When You Need to Be Served with Jessica MathisenToday we’re chatting with Jessica Mathisen about serving in the seasons in which you feel like you need to be served. We pray this conversation encourages you not to become weary in doing good, knowing that at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. If you don’t know Jessica, she lives outside of Atlanta with her husband and three kids. As a writer, Bible teacher, podcaster, and coach, her passion is to communicate God's love to others through words and relationships. She has written several books, her latest of which is A...2023-10-2350 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenFreedom through Disconnection from Social Media // An Interview with Ashlee Gadd
As someone who's often found herself entangled in the web of social media, my conversation with Ashlee Gadd deeply encouraged my heart. Ashlee is a writer who has spent the last few years gradually untangling herself from social media. We talk about her bold decision to delete Instagram for more extended periods of time, and her journey from a metrics-based approach to focusing on her mission. It is an enlightening conversation about the effects of social media on our lives and how the influence of the Holy Spirit offers a path to freedom and fruitfulness.
FULL SHOW...2023-09-1227 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenA Fruitful Life // Glimpses of Jesus’ Gentleness in Everyday Miracles
This week, we continue our series on the fruit of the Spirit and consider the gentleness of Jesus Christ. We read in the Gospel of Mark about the story of Jairus' daughter, where we witness the depth of Jesus' kindness and love. His miracles are not just a showcase of His divine powers, but a testament to His love. His healing of the woman with the issue of blood and His revival of Jairus' daughter, who was declared dead, are examples of His boundless compassion.
In the second part of this episode, we reflect...2023-09-0515 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenFinding Intimacy and Rest with God Through Suffering // An Interview with Alexis DruryEver wonder how to trust that God is faithful when it feels like life is falling apart? Today I have the joy of introducing you to my dear friend Alexis Drury, who shares her journey of faith through some of her toughest times. Alexis shares how a myriad of trials within her first year of marriage–job loss, a cancer diagnosis, and a death in the family–all brought her to a breaking point. She shares with us the significance of Jesus' unchanging faithfulness and the importance of cherishing His goodness in every season of life, even when it feel...2023-08-2927 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenA Fruitful Life // How can I see God’s goodness in my life?
In this episode, learn from the biblical story of Ruth, a favorite of mine. Her resilience through her decision to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and humble requests to her kinsman redeemer, Boaz help us to see that we are never alone, even when life has completely fallen apart. This episode will help you see the goodness of God through a favorite Bible story of redemption that resonates with us all.
We also discuss the impact of authenticity in relationships and the beauty of being truly known by our Heavenly Father. I share vulnerably...2023-08-2223 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenA Fruitful Life // Discovering God’s Kindness in Daily Life // An Interview with Maryanne HelmsI am so excited to welcome my dear friend, Maryanne Helms to the show today as we discuss God’s kindness in parenting and relationships. You’ll be encouraged as she shares how God's kindness manifested in her family's journey and the formation of her own Christian family. We also discuss how God's kindness is evident in our children's relationships with Him and how it works through our weaknesses and frailties in parenting.
Maryanne beautifully shares how even in our darkest moments, God's kindness can shine through, providing us with hope and resilience. Your heart will be encouraged by t...2023-08-1525 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenA Fruitful Life // How can I have patience while I wait on God?"Waiting is the hardest thing to do, but it seems to be God's favorite thing to ask us to do." These are wise words from my late mother-in-law. Today we take a look at what it means to wait well. We often are in a rush to make things happen on our timeline, but learning to trust God's timing will help us know Him more and will grow our relationship with Him.
This episode features personal stories and Scripture from my book Already Chosen: Loving Your Life in the Midst of Longing. If you're in the middle...2023-08-0817 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHow can I have God's peace when I feel anxious? // An Interview with Kasey ShulerPerfect peace starts with God, but oftentimes we want to believe that we can achieve peace through our striving instead of learning to surrender. In today's interview, author and personal trainer Kasey Shuler shares with us how she has learned to walk in the peace of God.
FULL SHOW NOTES
Connect with Kasey
http://kaseybshuler.com/
@joyfulhealthco
Follow along:
Jessica’s Instagram
Podcast Instagram
Facebook
Coaching with Jessica
Weekly Newsletter2023-08-0126 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenA Fruitful Life // How can I have joy when life is so hard?Sometimes, joy feels unattainable because life is so overwhelming. But the fruit of the Spirit is not something that is special for “super Christians.” The Word is very clear that when we are in Christ, His Holy Spirit gives us these fruits that allow us to shine the light of Christ to others. We can have joy no matter what the circumstances because of Christ.
This week, we are taking a look at the life of Paul as we consider what it means to have joy in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances. It is p...2023-07-2515 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenHow do I love others without losing myself?: An Interview with Dr. Jennie Armstrong, Part 2I am so excited to share the remaining part of my interview with Dr. Jennie Armstrong with you. If you didn’t tune in last week, be sure to stop this episode and listen to that episode first. Jennie is a long time friend of mine and a licensed professional counselor. In this episode, we discuss what it means to be loved by God, love others, and love ourselves in light of the truth of God’s word.
SHOW NOTES
Feelings Aren’t Facts
Follow along:
Jessica’s Instagram
Podcast Instagram
Facebook
Coaching with Jessica
Weekly Newsletter2023-07-1828 minFullness of Joy with Jessica MathisenA Fruitful Life//Understanding God's Love: An Interview with Dr. Jennie Armstrong, Part 1Today I get to welcome a long time friend of mine, Jennie Armstrong, to the podcast. I can’t wait for you to get to know her! Our conversation was so rich and full that I had to split it into two episodes. This week is part 1, and next week I will share with you part 2.
In this episode, we discuss what it means to be loved by God, love others, and love ourselves in light of the truth of God’s word.
Dr. Jennie Armstrong is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who provides therapy for indiv...2023-07-1129 min
Candid Conversations with Dr. Jonathan YoussefEpisode 198: Caring for the Vulnerable: Jessica MathisenHearing about the pressing need for compassionate arms and welcoming homes to accommodate vulnerable children in foster care is heart-wrenching. There are over 11,500 children in foster care in Georgia alone, with a staggering 391,000 nationwide. As believers, how do we help care for the vulnerable? May marks National Foster Care Month, and to honor this, Jonathan is joined by author and Bible teacher Jessica Mathisen. Propelled by the desire to expand her own family, Jessica answered the call to become a foster mom. She and her husband have provided a loving home for six foster children and she h...2023-05-2345 min
Simply WholeheartedSpring Series: What You Need to Know About the Enneagram One! | Jasmine WashingtonShow NotesI would love to invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery and compassion to learn insights about the personality type who might be known as the reformer, perfectionist, principled, and responsibility advocate.And, if you know a One or want others to know more about the One personality Type, go ahead and follow that prompting to share this podcast with them. Just use this podcast platform's share feature so this episode can give others an opportunity to learn more about the invaluable contributions of the Enneagram One. ...2023-04-2427 min