In this episode of Curious for Christ, I welcome Jennie Goutet, an accomplished author of over 13 historical romance novels, to discuss her journey of faith, creativity, and life in a small town outside Paris. Jennie shares her remarkable story of discovering Christ, her marriage, and how her experiences across the globe shaped her relationship with God.

The conversation delves into Jennie’s writing career, from penning her memoir Stars Upside Down to becoming a full-time novelist. Jennie opens up about how her Christian faith influences the depth of her characters and stories, emphasizing love, goodness, and integrity. She also provides valuable advice for aspiring Christian writers, balancing authenticity and creativity in a world that often challenges faith-based values.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
1. Jennie’s journey to Christ through moments of humility and divine intervention.
2. How a dream of marrying a Frenchman led Jennie to meet her husband on the first day they attended church.
3. The inspiration behind Jennie’s writing and how grief propelled her into storytelling.
4. The influence of author Georgette Heyer in Jennie’s transition to historical romance.
5. How Jennie’s faith shapes her creative process and the values in her novels.
6. Advice for aspiring writers, including the importance of persistence, discipline, and trusting God’s guidance.
7. Jennie’s thoughts on navigating the secular literary world while maintaining integrity.

Resources Mentioned:
• Jennie’s blog: A Lady in France (faith articles available).
• Get Jennie's books: https://jenniegoutetbooks.com/
• Join Jennie's Reader Facebook Group

Connect with Jennie Goutet:
• Website: https://www.jenniegoutet.com/
• Sign Up for Jennie's Newsletter
• Follow Jennie on BookBub


Episode Takeaways:
1. God is the ultimate storyteller, and He is the author of each of our lives.
2. God has placed dreams in our hearts, according to His divine plan, and only through Him can we see how our story unfolds. These dreams ultimately draw us closer to Him, as our greatest dream is to know God and have an eternal relationship with Him.
3. God’s plan for our lives often emerges through seasons of grief or hardship.
4. While not explicitly Christian, the qualities we admire in characters and heroes in any story actually stem from the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, loyalty and faithfulness
5. Prayer is an invitation to bring God into every aspect of your life and work.
6. Creative tip: First, create, then edit. These are two distinct processes that require different mindsets.
7. Matthew 12:36 says that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken - this reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it to honor God.
8. Ultimately, God is our King and our greatest reward, far beyond any success we might gain in this world!


If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Curious for Christ and leave a review to support the podcast!

- Start living a life built on the unshakable foundation of God: Connect with me today!

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In this episode of Curious for Christ, we explore how seemingly harmless spiritual practices, often rooted in New Age philosophies, can subtly pull us away from a Christ-centered faith. From manifestation techniques to energy healing, we discuss how to discern these influences and realign with God’s truth. Using biblical examples and practical tools, we uncover how to confidently walk in obedience to Christ in a culture filled with mixed messages.

Key Points:
1. What Is New Age?
• The New Age movement blends spiritual ideas like self-enlightenment and universal energy, often contradicting Scripture.
• Examples include astrology, crystals, and visualization techniques.
• Biblical Anchor: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
2. Blurred Lines – Harmless or Misleading Practices?
• Manifestation vs. Trusting God’s Will (James 4:2)
• Astrology and Horoscopes vs. God’s Guidance (Leviticus 19:26b)
• Crystals for Healing vs. Trusting God (Psalm 121:2)
3. Biblical Examples of Straying and Realigning with God
• The Golden Calf (Exodus 32): Fear and impatience led to idolatry.
• Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24): Misunderstanding God’s power led to repentance.
4. How to Discern New Age from Faith-Based Practices
• Key Questions:
• Does this practice lead me to trust God or myself?
• Does it point to Christ or other sources of power?
• Biblical Anchor: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
5. Practical Steps to Align with Christ
• Renounce unbiblical practices (1 John 1:9).
• Seek Scripture-based alternatives like biblical meditation (Psalm 119:15).
• Surrender your plans to God’s will (Proverbs 16:9).

Reflection Verse:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Join the Conversation:
• Facebook Community: Connect with others for support and accountability.
• Resources Mentioned: Listen to Episode 59 on Sabbath rest for practical guidance.


Stay Connected:
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends. See you next week as we continue to explore faith, truth, and a Christ-centered life.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode, I am joined by Joel and Christy Peed who share their remarkable journey in ministry, from their early days in the campus ministry to church planting, and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. With honesty and wisdom, they discuss the challenges they faced, including burnout, people-pleasing, and the importance of prioritizing a healthy spiritual life. Joel and Christy delve into how they found balance between ministry work, marriage, and family life, emphasizing the need to stay connected with God and follow His guidance.

Some Key Takeaways:
• Understanding Sabbath: the Sabbath’s deeper purpose is to provide a time for rest, delight, and communion with God. Rather than merely a day off, Sabbath is a gift designed to nourish every part of our humanity, drawing us closer to God’s presence.
• Sabbath as Liberation: Sabbath observance helps free us from the “Pharaonic” mindset of productivity and work-centric value. By embracing Sabbath, we resist worldly pressures, find peace in God’s presence, and bring joy to our lives.


Quote to Reflect On:
• “Bible eats first.” – The importance of putting God’s word at the forefront of our day-to-day lives.


Connect with Joel and Christy:
Joel and Christy founded The Eremos Way, a ministry focused on guiding believers toward a life enriched by Sabbath principles and spiritual rest. To learn more about The Eremos Way, their books, and resources on practicing Sabbath rest, visit their website.
You may also find Joel's book A Sabbath Map HERE - for practical guidance to help Christians find rest amidst modern-day restlessness.

Lastly, subscribe to the Eremos Ministry Youtube Channel to access exclusive content, get updates on new episodes and connect with the ministry.

Call to Action:
Plan your week ahead and select a time when you will cease work and reflect on Matthew 11:28-30.

- Email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com to share your experience with Sabbath!

- Ready to start living a life built on the unshakable foundation of God? Connect with me today!

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this Q&A episode of Curious for Christ, I dive into the powerful practice of saying “no” and how it can help us prioritize God in our busy lives. Saying no is more than just setting boundaries—it’s about making room for God and allowing Him to guide our decisions.

Key Takeaways:
• Why Saying No is Hard: Our culture values busyness and productivity, making it hard to say no. But when we’re too busy, we risk crowding out God and losing sight of His plans for us. Jesus calls us to seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), and sometimes that means saying no to distractions.
• How to Know When to Say No: If we’re feeling overwhelmed and lacking joy or peace, it’s a sign we need to reassess our commitments (Galatians 5:22-23). Saying no to something allows us to say yes to more time with God.
• The Power of No in the Bible: Jesus practiced saying no by retreating to pray (Mark 1:35), and Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet over being busy like Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Both examples show us how saying no can help us focus on what matters most—our relationship with God.
• Practical Steps to Prioritize God:
1. Seek God’s guidance in decision-making.
2. Create margin in your life for quiet time with God.
3. Learn to say no without guilt.
4. Prioritize God-centered commitments.
5. Set boundaries that honor God.
• Spiritual Rewards of Saying No: Saying no creates space for peace, prayer, and a deeper connection with God (Psalm 46:10). It helps us realign our priorities and live with more clarity and intention.

Bible Verses Mentioned:
• Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• Galatians 5:22-23 - “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
• Mark 1:35 - “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
• Luke 10:38-42 - Mary and Martha: “Mary has chosen what is better.”
• Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Challenge for the Week:
Reflect on what you can say no to today to create more space for God in your life. Trust that when you make God your priority, everything else falls into place with more peace and purpose.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that it’s okay to say no. And as always, stay curious, stay connected to God, and keep seeking His will for your life.

Thanks for listening!


Book your Free Discovery Call to start living on Christ's solid foundation: bit.ly/curiousforchristdiscovery

Have questions? Simply email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Annie Mayfield as she shares her faith journey. We explore the power of a personal relationship with God, the importance of community, and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• The Personal Nature of God: God knows us intimately and has a unique plan for each of us.
• The Power of Faith: Faith is more than belief; it's a lifestyle that impacts every aspect of our lives.
• The Importance of Community: Connecting with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and encouragement.
• The Transformative Power of God's Word: The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and guidance.
• The Beauty of Ordinary Life: God can use everyday moments to shape us and prepare us for His purposes.

Call to Action:

• Consider your own current challenges and struggles. Might these experiences be a call from God to grow closer to Him and draw peace from His presence?
• Connect with a faith community and find a mentor: Seek out a supportive community of believers who can encourage and challenge you. Schedule a Discovery Call and begin your journey with God today!
• Prioritize time with God: Spend time in prayer, meditation, and Bible study.
• Embrace the ordinary: Find God in the everyday moments of your life.

Connect with Annie:

• Podcast: Made to Shine
• Instagram: @anniebmayfield
• Check out Annie's Books

Scripture References:

• Jeremiah 1:5
• Esther 4:14

Let's continue the conversation! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In today’s episode, I explore the essential topic of discernment in faith. How can we truly know if an opportunity, relationship, or experience is from God? I share personal stories, including moments of both excitement and disappointment, and how these experiences have taught me to trust God’s timing and direction more fully.

Tune in as I discuss practical ways to recognize God’s guidance, make aligned choices, and deepen your relationship with Him.

Key Points for Discerning God’s Will

1. Prayer and Seeking Guidance
Begin with prayer and an open heart. Ask God to reveal His direction and be willing to hear His answer, even if it requires letting go of personal plans. (Philippians 1:9-10)
2. Scripture Alignment
Ensure your decisions align with biblical principles. God’s Word provides wisdom and a clear standard, guiding us back to His character. (Isaiah 30:21)
3. The Fruit of the Spirit
Assess the results of your choices: do they bring peace, joy, and other fruits of the Spirit? True guidance from God leads to positive spiritual growth. (Galatians 5:22-23)
4. Peace and Conviction
Pay attention to inner peace. God’s peace often confirms His will, while unease or conviction can signal the need to pause and reassess. (Philippians 4:7)
5. Wise Counsel
Seek advice from trusted mentors or fellow believers. Gaining perspective from others can reveal angles you hadn’t considered. (Proverbs 15:22)
6. Long-term Perspective
Look at situations over time rather than rushing. God’s plans often become clearer with patience and consistency. (Proverbs 4:18)
7. Desire for God’s Will
Be honest about your motivations, allowing God to refine your intentions. True alignment with God’s will brings fulfillment beyond personal ambition. (Proverbs 16:2; Psalm 139:23-24)
8. Testing the Spirit
Test feelings and messages to ensure they align with Scripture and God’s character, protecting against influences that lead us away from Him. (1 John 4:1)

Call to Action

Feeling unsure about a decision? Write down your questions this week and pray over them. Share in the comments what resonated with you about discerning God’s will, or email me at hello@alexandraalvarezcoaching.com. You can also join the conversation in our Facebook group for additional encouragement and support.

If you’re looking to deepen your relationship with Christ but aren’t sure where to begin, book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with me at bit.ly/curiousforchristdiscovery.

Closing Verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6 - “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

As popular as manifestation has become, the pursuit of our own plans can often leave us feeling exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from true peace. Instead, this episode explores what it means to find fulfillment and rest in God’s providence, letting His purpose unfold in our lives.

If you’ve ever felt worn out by constantly chasing your own vision of happiness, this episode is for you!

Personal Story:
I share my own experience of wrestling with manifestation—how doubts and self-reliance sometimes replaced faith. Yet, through it all, God’s Word reminded me of His unfailing love and perfect timing. We’ll discuss powerful Scriptures like Psalm 127:1 and Psalm 16:6 that re-centered my heart on His plan, freeing me from the pressure of “doing it all” on my own.

Main Topics:

1. The Appeal of Manifestation: Why it feels empowering, but how it often keeps us self-focused and disconnected from God’s peace.
2. The Hidden Burden of Self-Manifestation: Why relying on ourselves can lead to fear, guilt, and a sense of isolation.
3. God’s Alternative—Surrender and Trust:
• Examples from Scripture: Hannah, Paul, and Jesus, each showing how peace comes through trusting God’s perfect timing and purposes.
4. Practical Steps to Trust God Over Manifestation:
• Shifting from manifestation to prayer
• Cultivating discernment to recognize God’s guidance
• Finding peace in uncertainty, anchored in His promises

Invitation to Connect:

If you’re looking for support on this journey, I invite you to join my Facebook community, Curious for Christ. We’re a group of believers walking together, encouraging one another to find joy in God’s plan.

If you’re new to faith or simply curious, consider booking a free Discovery Call with me. You’re not alone on this path—there’s a reason you’re here, and I’d love to connect.


Key Scripture:

Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

Thank you for joining today’s episode, and may God’s peace fill your heart as you trust in His plan.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.

In this episode, we dive into a question that may resonate with many listeners: “Can we experience good things in life without having a relationship with God?” God’s goodness can manifest in our lives, whether or not we’re actively pursuing Him, and what it might mean for us.

1. Definition of Goodness and Its Divine Origin

• What do we mean by “good”? We explore the concept of goodness as rooted in God’s very nature, reflecting qualities like kindness, justice, and compassion.

• From Genesis to the New Testament, the Bible reminds us that “good” is more than just a label—it’s an alignment with God’s perfect standards.

2. Understand Common Grace• We discuss common grace—the blessings that God extends to all people, regardless of faith (Matthew 5:45). God’s sun rises on both the just and the unjust, and His goodness is woven into the world for everyone to experience.

3. Unexpected Sources of Goodness

• Can goodness come from those who aren’t following God? We look at examples like the Good Samaritan, Cyrus the Persian king, and others who reflect God’s character, showing that goodness can emerge from unexpected places.

4. Recognize God’s Goodness as an Invitation

• God’s blessings can serve as invitations to recognize His presence and draw closer to Him. Even in times of doubt, good things in our lives may be gentle reminders of His care and compassion.

5. Success, Challenges, and God’s Favor

• Good outcomes or success aren’t always indicators of a relationship with God, just as challenges don’t mean a lack of God’s favor. From Job’s story to the Beatitudes, we see that true blessing often transcends outward circumstances.

6. Choose Goodness and Its Ripple Effects

• Our choices, even if not consciously made with God in mind, can align with His principles and lead to positive experiences. Living out values like kindness, forgiveness, and patience often brings about peace, stronger connections, and well-being, revealing God’s wisdom in our lives.

• God’s Goodness is All Around: Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, God’s goodness is present. Recognizing it can open doors to deeper spiritual growth.
  
  
• An Invitation Through Blessings: The good things we experience may be invitations from God to know Him better and build a relationship with Him.
  
  

Closing Thought:

Reflect on the good things in your life. How is God showing His love and presence, even in the small blessings? Whether you’re new to faith or searching for answers, know that God’s goodness is a steady invitation to come closer.

Scripture to Reflect On:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” (James 1:17)

If this episode sparked something in you, and you're ready to explore a deeper relationship with God, I can help! My 1:1 coaching sessions can guide you as you:

• Uncover God's fingerprints in your life's experiences.
• Develop a stronger understanding of your faith.
• Learn practical tools for daily spiritual growth.

Visit bit.ly/spiritualgrowthcoaching to schedule a free consultation and start your most fulfilling life journey today!

Thank you for listening, and may God’s goodness gu

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement.