In this episode, we take a journey into the heart of a question every believer wrestles with at some point: Is following God’s will really better than following my own?
Through real stories, Scripture, and honest conversation, we explore what it looks like to:
Trust God when life feels inconvenient
Surrender control and release your own plans
Hear God’s voice amid the noise of doubt
Step into obedience, even when it stretches you beyond comfort
Along the way, we dive into biblical stories of faith, sacrifice, and unexpected doors that only obedience can open. If you’ve ever hesitated, questioned, or wondered whether your path should bend to God’s calling, this episode is for you — a reminder that when we align our steps with Him, the journey transforms everything: our faith, our purpose, and even our identity.
🌿 Reconnect With Purpose
Hey — if you’ve been feeling disconnected from who you are or what God’s called you to do, this is for you.
Our Skool Community isn’t just another program. It’s a space to reconnect, grow in faith, and walk out our purpose with confidence.
We move, pray, and grow together.
Join us for $19/month — your transformation starts here:
👉 Join The Word + Wellness Community
🛍️ Shop With Mika
Be empowered with style and purpose:
🎧 Listen to the Life With The Cost Podcast
Faith. Family. Real growth.
Life is full of its fair share of frustrations, from handling kid stories and parenting challenges to managing adult responsibilities, work stress, and maintaining healthy relationships. In this blog post, [Names Redacted] dive into how they handle everyday frustrations and offer practical insights into finding emotional balance, stress relief, and peace in these challenging moments.
We kicked off our conversation on frustration with some personal anecdotes that brought a smile to our faces. From a 6-year-old's creative pedicure session to the unexpected path to Dunkin' Donuts, these stories highlight the joys of parenting, family life, and everyday moments. These little parenting experiences remind us how humor, patience, and perspective can help manage stress and family dynamics.
Frustration can take on many forms, from work stress and financial pressures to relationship conflicts and parenting challenges. It often stems from unmet expectations or delays in life’s plans. Whether it’s dealing with customer service issues, car repairs, or miscommunications with loved ones, frustration is a universal human experience. We discussed the importance of emotional intelligence, identifying triggers, and developing strategies for stress management and constructive problem-solving.
In a fast-paced world filled with daily frustrations, maintaining emotional control and practicing mindfulness can be difficult. We shared personal experiences where past impulsive reactions created more stress, emphasizing the value of keeping long-term goals and family harmony in mind.
Parenting naturally brings its own set of frustrations and requires patience, understanding, and compassion. Real-life examples of gentle parenting show that acknowledging both parent and child emotions can improve behavior management, build stronger bonds, and create a calmer home environment. Practicing positive discipline, active listening, and empathy helps parents navigate challenges and reinforce healthy family communication.
Frustrations within marriage can also add layers of complexity to life. Understanding each partner’s emotional needs, encouraging open communication, and showing empathy can strengthen relationships and reduce conflict. Couples can benefit from conflict resolution techniques, marriage counseling tips, and proactive strategies for maintaining intimacy, trust, and mutual respect during stressful times.
From a spiritual perspective, frustration often tests our patience, faith, and identity. Our journey with God teaches perseverance and trust, even when life feels uncertain. Reflecting on Philippians 4:6 encourages believers to replace anxiety with prayer, bringing concerns and frustrations to God while cultivating spiritual peace and emotional resilience.
Family routines, chores, and trips can create stress when balancing different needs and age groups. Setting realistic expectations, clear boundaries, and effective family planning are key strategies for reducing household stress. Understanding family dynamics, fostering teamwork, and prioritizing self-care can make daily life and shared experiences more enjoyable.
God, what are we doing today?“Every morning I wake up and ask, ‘God, what are we doing today?’ Because every day we get to decide what energy we’re putting into the world. I choose positivity — not because life is perfect, but because I know Who I’m walking with.” Donna Middlebrooks ✨ Join the Word & Wellness Community$47/year for monthly workouts, motivation, encouragement, and upliftment — come grow with us!https://www.skool.com/the-word-wellness-community-6348/about💛 Helping your little one navigate big emotions?This 8-page digital workbook makes it easier for them to understand their feelings — and for you to understand them.https://www.drewcost.com/product-page/my-anger-thermometer-printable-for-kids-faith-based-emotion-worksheet-calm
Join us as we hit the road on our unexpected RV journey! In this episode, we share our RV camping preparations, lessons learned, and the excitement of exploring the outdoors.
From solar panel tips to battery maintenance, we cover everything new RVers need to know. Plus, get a peek at our Costco run and why their pizza is a must-try!
Highlights include:00:00 Impromptu Road Trip Adventure
🚗00:20 RV Camping Plans & Prep
🏕️01:07 Learning the RV Lifestyle
⚡08:08 Family Fun & Costco Pizza 🍕We also give a shout-out to
YouTube resources like The Harveys, and talk about our goals: reconnecting with nature, meeting new people, and even a potential outreach project.
🔔 Subscribe for more RV adventures, camping tips, and family road trip fun!
Join us on a 25-minute road trip as we delve into our recent experiences and thoughts on parenting, marriage, and chasing dreams. We discuss the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with family responsibilities, parenting dynamics from raising a 20-year-old to a 6-year-old, and the importance of maintaining a united front as a couple. Reflecting on our journey, we share insights on how God’s guidance and flexibility have shaped our paths. Please tune in for candid conversations, personal growth stories, and the lessons we've learned on this ongoing adventure.00:00 Introduction and Road Trip Tease00:24 Camping Preparations and Tips01:09 Aaliyah's Swimming Milestone01:56 Parenting Reflections and Challenges04:38 Balancing Dreams and Family09:15 Homeschooling Insights10:39 Faith and Family Dynamics19:55 Business Ventures and Lessons21:55 Conclusion and Viewer Engagemen
In this episode of Count Up the Cost, we dive deep into facing fear and embracing new adventures — from planning our first family camping trip to tackling the emotional, spiritual, and relational challenges that fear brings.We talk about what it really means to overcome fear in marriage, parenting, and personal growth, and how to trust God when stepping into unfamiliar territory. Whether you’re learning to let go of control, navigating fear in relationships, or preparing for new life experiences, this conversation will inspire you to take bold steps of faith.💬 What you’ll learn:How fear shows up in marriage and family lifePractical ways to confront and defeat fearSpiritual insights on trusting God through uncertaintyThe link between control, trust, and peaceLessons from our first family camping trip and what it revealed about courage🎧 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Video Plans00:36 Preparing for the First Camping Trip02:47 Discussing Fear and Overcoming It05:43 Personal Experiences with Fear08:04 Facing Fear in New Environments11:01 Control and Fear in Daily Life21:28 Trust and Decision Making in Relationships25:55 The Burden of Control26:55 Mentorship and Marriage29:07 Roles and Responsibilities31:16 Facing Fear in Marriage33:22 The Impact of Fear47:16 Practical Steps to Overcome Fear50:37 Family and Future Plans
In this powerful episode, we have real talk about spiritual bypassing, emotional healing, and faith-based growth. We unpack what spiritual bypassing really means — using faith or spiritual practices to avoid emotional pain — and how it quietly affects our relationships, family life, and personal growth.
We also share personal stories from our marriage, insights from hard family conversations, and honest reflections on answering tough questions from kids about life and death. This episode dives deep into emotional intelligence, accountability, and inner healing through faith.
If you’ve ever struggled with avoiding your emotions in the name of “staying positive”, or if you want to learn how to face your feelings and grow spiritually without suppressing what’s real — this is for you.
✨ In this episode you’ll learn:
What spiritual bypassing is and how to recognize it in your life
How to navigate emotional pain, relationships, and personal growth
Why faith doesn’t mean avoiding hard emotions
How to have real, healing conversations in your family and marriage
Practical steps for emotional and spiritual healing
🙏 Whether you’re on a faith journey, working on emotional maturity, or seeking healthy family communication, this conversation will help you grow stronger inside and out.
00:00 – Family Updates & New Mics
00:48 – Answering Kids’ Hard Questions
02:31 – What is Spiritual Bypassing?
07:53 – Our Personal Experience with Avoiding Pain
11:39 – Why Hard Conversations Heal
19:08 – Marriage Lessons & Emotional Growth
32:23 – Spiritual Bypassing and Faith Maturity
44:11 – Practical Steps for Inner Healing
51:59 – Reflections on Marriage & Community
In this episode, we explore the concept of anointing and what it means to be chosen by God for a specific purpose.
We delve into biblical examples like David, Moses, and Esther to illustrate how anointing requires us to confront challenges and fulfill our divine callings.
The discussion emphasizes that anointing is not about personal gain but about helping others and following God's plan.
Through various anecdotes and personal reflections, the message encourages viewers to lean into their anointing, trust in God's support, and embrace their appointed tasks with confidence.
Hey fam—remember how COVID stopped everything? Schools, churches, our plans…all of it.In this episode, we unpack what God was really doing when the world went silent:family stretched thin, fear everywhere, faith getting tested.I share the lessons I missed in the moment, what I’d do differently now, and why God’s plan still wins even when nothing makes sense.Pull up a chair, let’s talk faith, family, and the kind of trust that only grows when life gets stripped bare.👉 Watch now, hit subscribe, and share this with someone who’s still trying to make sense of those years.
Join Jermika on a heartfelt journey of repentance, healing, and overcoming prejudice. On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, she shares how trauma, fear, and societal biases shaped her thoughts and how she is actively working to confront internal biases through prayer, self-reflection, and faith.
In this video, you’ll learn:
How to identify and address personal prejudices
Practical steps for healing from fear and anxiety
Ways to foster love, unity, and understanding in your community
Jermika’s story is raw, honest, and meant to inspire viewers to examine their own biases and take action toward personal growth and reconciliation.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Purpose
01:31 Reflecting on 9/11 and Its Lasting Impact
02:58 Personal Experience with Anxiety & Fear
04:20 Confronting Personal Biases
08:41 Seeking Guidance & Finding Peace
13:17 Call to Action: Promote Love & Understanding
Keywords/Tags: repentance, healing, overcoming prejudice, confronting bias, racism, self-reflection, faith-based healing, 9/11 reflection, personal growth, emotional healing, Jermika story, unity, community building
Jermika shares the power of saying yes to God—and how it transforms salvation, relationships, prayer, and healing. This message will challenge and encourage you to embrace faith, trust His plan, and step into divine purpose.
Ever felt stuck, like you’re pushing but nothing is moving? 👊🏽 Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge. In this episode, we share a powerful story about our daughter Aaliyah and how small steps forward lead to big breakthroughs.
We connect her journey to timeless biblical stories that remind us: God doesn’t always move with a shove—often, it’s just a gentle push that changes everything. 💡
👉 If you’re looking for encouragement, faith-driven parenting insights, or a reminder that your progress matters (even when it’s small), this is for you.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
00:00 – Introduction: Seeking Help
00:34 – Aaliyah’s Story: Overcoming Challenges
01:48 – The Lesson: Small Progress is Still Progress
02:18 – Parental Guidance: Teaching Resilience
03:16 – Spiritual Insights: God’s Nudge
05:20 – Biblical Examples of Divine Assistance
07:36 – Conclusion: Embrace the Push
✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who just needs a little encouragement today.
#Faith #Parenting #Breakthrough #Family #BiblicalWisdom
Today’s Episode
Drew shares how his former business slowly became his identity—
and what happened when he realized it.
💪 Conquer From the Inside Out
Stop fighting yourself when it comes to losing weight.
(Hint: you don’t need to diet harder—it starts with acceptance.)
Learn more
🙏 Hear God More Clearly
Grab the free 7 Steps to Hear God Better guide:
Download here
🛍 Shop With Mika
Be empowered with style:
shopwithmika.com
Apple Podcasts:
Listen on Apple
Spotify:
Listen on Spotify
3 Ways We Can Help YouSubscribe to Life With The Cost Podcast
Today’s Episode
We’re talking about shifting and navigating marriage in real life.
Is there a “right” way to do this thing? Subscribe and dive in!
🎙 Launch or Grow Your Podcast
Get clarity and a game plan:
Book a session
🙏 Hear God More Clearly
Grab the free 7 Steps to Hear God Better guide:
Download here
🛍 Shop With Mika
Be empowered with style:
shopwithmika.com
Apple Podcasts:
Listen on Apple
Spotify:
Listen on Spotify
0:00 Introduction & Greetings
0:22 Discussing Shifts and Changes
0:32 Rediscovering the Love for Preaching
2:43 Balancing Marriage and Ministry
3:55 Personal Reflections and Experiences
7:00 Challenges and Adjustments in Marriage
9:52 The Importance of Letting Go
16:06 Aligning Life and Ministry Goals
18:32 Reflecting on Spiritual and Personal Growth
19:22 Challenges of Balancing Faith and Daily Life
20:00 Rediscovering Passion and Purpose
21:02 Overcoming Insecurities and Finding Identity
22:44 Impact of Conquer Fitness on Lives
24:15 Lessons from Past Experiences
26:05 Navigating New Directions with Faith
32:48 Concluding Thoughts & Encouragement
3 Ways We Can Help You Subscribe to Life With The Cost Podcast Episode Timeline
Hey—if you think marriage is all honeymoon, think again. In this raw episode, I share the 3 brutal truths I wish someone had warned me about before tying the knot. 👉 Hit Play to stop guessing and start growing your marriage (no fluff, just faith-anchored, practical steps).Here are three ways we can help you:Want to get clear on how to launch or grow your podcast? Link with us here https://www.drewcost.com/bookingGrab the 7 Steps To Hear God Better Guide For Free:https://www.drewcost.com/product-page/addd**Shop With Mika** – Be empowered with style: [shopwithmika.com](https://www.shopwithmika.com/)Subscribe to the Life With The Cost Podcast:Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-the-cost/id1829257585Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4V2O3Ayyp3lGSqkdOf1nFf?si=6b6cb9a59deb46d51👍 If this helps, like, subscribe, and leave a comment on which truth hit you hardest. Let’s build stronger marriages together.
Sometimes it’s not that God isn’t speaking… It’s that our own desires are louder.In this episode, Jermika and I get real about a decision we made with our dream car that taught us what happens when you want something so bad, you start overwriting God’s voice.
We talk about the prayers, the missteps, and the crazy way God still showed His hand in the middle of our mess. If you’ve ever wrestled between what you want and what God is actually saying, this one’s for you.👉 Watch now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.
We thought the Range Rover was a blessing from God. Turns out, it was the beginning of a wild ride—literally and spiritually.
In this episode, we share the full story: the move from Connecticut to Georgia, the costly breakdowns, the moment we thought the car was a gift from heaven, and the tough lesson in obedience we didn’t see coming.
You’ll hear how God challenged our idea of provision, comfort, and what it really means to trust Him—even when it hurts.
🎙️ Want to share your message? We help creators start podcasts and YouTube channels that actually get heard.
DM “PODCAST” on Instagram [@YourHandleHere] or click the link in the description to get started.
Timestamps:
00:00 Starting the Journey: Driving the Range Rover
01:15 Reflecting on Sacrifice and Obedience
02:11 The Move to Georgia
03:09 The Range Rover Dilemma Begins
…
29:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement