Saved And Strong Podcast

Discovering Faith and Purpose: A Journey with Kaitlin Childress on the Saved in Strong Podcast

In a world where many seek clarity and purpose, Kaitlin Childress shares her inspiring journey of faith, growth, and resilience on the Saved in Strong podcast with Carrie Watts. From her experiences with nonprofit work to navigating personal relationships, Kaitlin's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and obedience to God.
Kaitlin's describes herself as a Christ follower a daughter (the only, so, therefore, the favorite), a friend, and a soon to be wife! She's also a die-hard Ole Miss fan and a longtime advocate for adults with disabilities. Her day job is granting wishes at Make-A-Wish MS. And at night, she's a very proud cat mom. 
 
Her instagram handle is: @kaitlin_childress
On Facebook: Kaitlyn Childress
 
She manages the social media for Make-A-Wish, which is @ makeawishms. And she previously worked withe The Mustard Seed @mustardseedms. 
 
You can reach Kaitlyn at her email: kchildress@ms.wish.org
 Kaitlin recalls, "I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in college... but when the job became open, they called me and said, 'Hey, consider doing this.'" This pivotal moment led her on a fulfilling path, culminating in her current role where she grants wishes to children with critical illnesses.
Kaitlin’s faith journey reflects the struggles and triumphs many experience. Growing up in church, she had a foundational understanding of faith but realized that true understanding came later in life. "I would say I was saved... but really grew an understanding into adulthood," she explains. A significant turning point in her faith occurred during her college years, particularly after ending a long-term relationship with someone who did not share her Christian values. This decision required immense courage and faith, as she recognized the need for a relationship grounded in shared beliefs.
 Now engaged and preparing for marriage, Kaitlin emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency in her faith practices. "Once you've entered your promised land... don’t neglect that time with me," she advises, reflecting on the lessons learned during her transition into a new phase of life. She strives to dedicate each morning to quiet time with the Lord, seeking guidance and strength in her daily life.
Kaitlin also opens up about her experience reconnecting with her biological father after years of estrangement. This reconnection brought unexpected pain and disappointment, yet she leans on her faith to navigate these complex emotions. "I have to go back to that faith and that belief that I have because I'm not seeing it right now," she shares, illustrating her commitment to trusting God’s plan even in difficult times.
A favorite scripture that resonates with Kaitlin is Isaiah 41:14, which says, "Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob; little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will redeem you, declares the Lord." This verse provides her with comfort and strength, particularly during moments of self-doubt. She recalls a mentor who helped her articulate her feelings of inadequacy, leading her to this powerful scripture that reassures her of God’s presence and redemptive power.
Kaitlin Childress's journey highlights the intricate relationship between faith, personal growth, and the importance of community. Her story encourages listeners to embrace their faith journeys, seek consistent connection with God, and trust in His plans, even when faced with uncertainty. Key takeaways include the significance of obedience to God's calling, the value of nurturing relationships in faith, and the comfort found in scripture during challenging times.
More about the host of the Saved and Strong Podcast at www.carriewatts.com or https://www.link.me/carriewattswrites
#FaithJourney #NonprofitWork #PersonalGrowth #MakeAWish #Christian #Podcast #SpiritualDevelopment #Community #Resilience #Scripture #TrustinGod #relationships #mother #daughter #fiance #wedding #career #followingGod #obedience #stepfather #birthfather #savedandstrong #testimony #wisdom #youngadult

How to Leave a Legacy of Love: Gwen Christeson's Guide to Legacy Love Letters

Gwen Christeson's new book, Legacy Love Letters: How To Leave a Legacy Gift Of Love, Faith, Hope, and Gratitude can be purchased online where books are sold to include Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart. This book is truly a gift to the world about an elevated way to approach estate planning. Who doesn't love letters?
Gwen's professional advice mixed with Legacy Love Letters is a complete end-of-life-plan. 
Gwen Christeson, a probate attorney and legacy advocate, shares her insights on the importance of legacy love letters—personal messages of love, faith, hope, and gratitude that help loved ones grieve and remember. This guide shows readers how to leave meaningful final messages and the impact of these letters on grief and remembrance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Legacy Love Letters
03:21 The Importance of Legacy Planning
05:50 Who Should Write Legacy Love Letters?
08:43 Gwen's Journey to Becoming a Probate Attorney
11:37 The Heart of Legacy Love Letters
13:55 Real-Life Impact of Love Letters
16:37 Faith and Legacy Planning
19:23 The Power of Prayer in Legacy Writing
22:22 Future Goals for Legacy Love Letters
24:57 Challenges in Writing and Sharing Letters
27:32 Encouragement for Writing Letters
30:24 The Therapeutic Nature of Letter Writing
32:49 Conclusion and Call to Action
Buy the Book and follow Gwen:
Purchase a copy: https://a.co/d/0f3thVzI
Website: https://www.legacy-love-letters.com
Facebook: Legacy Love Letter Project
Instagram:  @LegacyLoveLetters 
Do you have a book idea too? More about the host, Carrie Watts, Hope*Books and all things Saved and Strong can be found at https://www.link.me/carriewattswrites
Thank You for watching and listening!
#savedandstrong #podcast #legacyloveletters #estateplanning #endoflifeplanning #grief #faith #personalmessages #memory #loveletters #christianlegacy #gwenchristeson

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Faith-Driven Business Owner: Constance Shelby's Journey

Constance Shelby, MS, RDN, LD, owner of Perfect Fit Nutrition, shares her inspiring journey from a stay-at-home mom to owning a successful online weight loss business rooted in faith. Discover practical strategies for balancing life, faith, and entrepreneurship, along with insights on overcoming discontent and embracing God's plan.
Constance's Say Grace Podcast serves women with forever weight loss tips for overwhelmed women. She provides consistency strategies using realistic mindset and motivation with no restrictions. 
Check out the Perfect Fit Nutrition website for a free guide to losing weight eating foods you love:
www.perfectfitnutrition.com
FB: Perfect Fit Nutrition
Instagram: @perfectfitnutrition
Open Enrollment begins this month!
Or for a personal plan, email Constance at support@perfectfitnutrition.com
For more about the Saved and Strong podcast host, Carrie Watts, see https://link.com/carriewattswrites
#WeightLossJourney #HealthyLiving #NutritionTips #WomenEmpowerment #PerfectFitNutrition #stayathomemom #entrepreneurship #grace #fatloss #healthyhabits #faithdriven #womenoffaith #podcast #savedandstrong #openenrollment #freeguide #loseweight #community #retreat #balance 
 
 
 

Empowering Women: You're invited to the Worthy Woman Summit

In a world where women strive for empowerment and support, the Worthy Woman Summit stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
In the latest episode of the Saved and Strong podcast, hosts Carrie Watts and Amy Ramsey delve into the details of this transformative event, designed to equip women with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Vision Behind the Worthy Woman Summit: Amy Ramsey, a high-performance business coach, shares her vision for the Worthy Woman Summit, which will be held from March 19th to 21st in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
This summit aims to create a sacred and energetic space for women to connect, learn, and grow. Amy emphasizes the importance of alignment with one's purpose and the activation of potential, ensuring attendees leave feeling inspired and ready to take action.
Speakers and Activities: The summit features an impressive lineup of speakers, including Carrie Watts, who will serve as an emcee alongside Attorney General Lynn Fitch. Lynn will address the role of women in leadership, drawing inspiration from Biblical figures. Other speakers, such as Paula Farmer and Katie Horner, will focus on personal development and authenticity in various roles, from homemakers to business executives. The event promises engaging activities, including interactive workshops and dance, catering to a diverse audience of women.
Community and Charity Impact: A unique aspect of the Worthy Woman Summit is its commitment to community service. Attendees will learn about the Gabby Strong Foundation and the fight against human trafficking in Cambodia. This mission-driven approach underlines the importance of giving back and leveraging personal success to uplift others.
Coaching Insights from Amy Ramsey: In the podcast, Amy shares her extensive experience in coaching women to achieve their dreams. With over 25 years of experience and numerous certifications, she emphasizes the effectiveness of systems and strategies in personal development. Her coaching group, 90 Day Accelerate Her, focuses on setting and achieving goals in a supportive environment. Amy's upcoming planner, designed to help women align their daily actions with their identities, is set to be a game changer in personal organization and growth.
Conclusion: The Worthy Woman Summit is more than just an event; it is a movement aimed at empowering women to embrace their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. With a powerful lineup of speakers, engaging activities, and a strong focus on charity, attendees are bound to leave inspired and equipped to take action.
Key takeaways include the importance of alignment with purpose, the value of community connection, and the effectiveness of structured coaching in achieving personal goals.
Get your ticket to the Worthy Woman Summit: https://worthywomansummit.com/?am_id=carrie
More about Amy Ramsey: www.amyramsey.com
FB: Amy Hill Ramsey
Instagram: amyramsey_
Instagram: worthwoman_summit
YouTube: Amy Ramsey or  @amyramsey 
More about your Saved and Strong host, Carrie Watts at https://link.me/carriewattswrites
FB: Carrie On
Instagram: @carriewattswrites
substack: @carriewattswrites
#podcast #savedandstrong #faithinaction #walkworthy #tickets #WorthyWomanSummit #Empowerment #WomenInLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #CommunityImpact #Coaching #Inspiration #WomenSupportingWomen

Dawn Ward, Author of From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Mom of Addicted Children

From Guilt to Grace: Hope for Christian Moms of Addicted
In this powerful and compassionate episode of Saved and Strong, host Carrie Watts sits down with Dawn Ward, speaker, writer, Bible teacher, and founder of The Faith to Flourish—a ministry devoted to helping women live transformed lives through biblical truth, mentoring, and faith-filled encouragement.
Dawn shares her heart and personal insights from her new book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, offering hope to mothers carrying the heavy burden of loving a child caught in addiction. Together, Carrie and Dawn discuss how addiction impacts the entire family, the spiritual and emotional toll it takes on parents, and the quiet guilt many Christian moms wrestle with behind closed doors.
This conversation dives deep into:
How faith sustains us in seasons of heartbreak
Why community and support are essential—not optional
Practical wisdom for parents navigating addiction with grace
The importance of self-care, empathy, and surrendering outcomes to God
Dawn gently reminds listeners that they are not alone, that shame has no place in God’s story, and that healing begins when we step out of isolation and into grace-filled community.
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dawn is married to Steve and is the mom of three adult children. When she’s not serving in women’s ministry or writing, she enjoys scenic mountain hikes, time with her dogs, and reading a good book.
💛 This episode is for every mom who loves deeply, prays fiercely, and needs the reminder that God’s grace is sufficient—even here.
🌿 Website:👉 https://www.thefaithtoflourish.com
📘 Facebook:👉 https://www.facebook.com/thefaithtoflourish
📸 Instagram:👉 https://www.instagram.com/thefaithtoflourishblog
▶️ YouTube:👉 https://www.youtube.com/thefaithtoflourishwithdawnward
💼 LinkedIn:👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-ward-93975b266
 
More about host, Carrie Watts: link.me/carriewattswrites 
Do you enjoy writing and wish you had writing friends to learn from? 
http://www.hopewriters.com/a/2148183199/sY22Dv2U
Want to publish your book too? http://www.hopewriters.com/a/2148100459/sY22Dv2U
Join us at the Hope*Story Conference: http://www.hopewriters.com/a/2147984805/sY22Dv2U
#SavedAndStrongPodcast #FaithToFlourish #FromGuiltToGrace#ChristianMoms #AddictionRecovery #FaithOverFear#HopeAndHealing #ChristianParenting #WomenOfFaith#GraceWins #TraumaInformedFaith #YouAreNotAlone

Sarah S. Brown, Author of Even the Ashes Bloom

Join us on this week’s Saved and Strong as we welcome Sarah S. Brown, Christian author, speaker, and encourager of women to find beauty in their broken places. Sarah’s debut book, Even the Ashes Bloom, invites readers into a faith-filled journey from brokenness to spiritual renewal, offering honest stories, biblical insight, and gentle reminders that God meets us in the mess and the ashes of life.
In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah shares her own story of loss, healing, and the transformative power of God’s presence. Whether you’re carrying grief, disappointment, or just walking through a tough season, this episode is an invitation to discover that nothing is wasted in God’s hands.
Sarah lives in Tennessee with her husband and two sons, and she believes strong coffee and shared stories can change the world — especially when they remind us of the God who makes even the ashes bloom.
☕ Connect with Sarah:📸 Instagram: @authorsarahsbrown 📘 Facebook: authorsarahsbrown 💼 LinkedIn: authorsarahsbrown
Tune in and be encouraged — because healing isn’t just possible, it’s happening as we choose faith over fear.
#SavedandStrong #ChristianPodcast #sarahsbrown #ChristianAuthor #DebutAuthor #FaithBasedBooks #ChristianBookLovers #ChristianNonfiction #EvenTheAshesBloom #StoriesThatHeal #faithpodcast #christianwomenpodcast #testimonypodcast #faithjourney #healingjourney #ashestobeauty #frombronkenesstohealing #redemptionstory #Godrestores #fireflowers #ashestobeauty 

Author of The Dove Series, April Timms

In this powerful episode of the Saved and Strong Podcast, host Carrie Watts sits down with author and licensed professional counselor April Timms for a hope-filled conversation about writer life, her new book in The Dove Series, and freedom from trauma and addiction.
April Timms is a dedicated professional and community member of Lake City, Arkansas. She and her husband of 22 years, Anthony Timms, share a deep calling to ministry and service. Anthony serves as a General Baptist youth pastor, and together they have spent over two decades pouring into youth and families through ministry. Their passion for helping others extends beyond the church, as they co-own A Time for Peace Inc., a small group counseling practice. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, April specializes in treating trauma and addiction disorders, offering compassionate, faith-informed care to those seeking healing and restoration.
In this episode, Carrie and April discuss:
How faith and counseling work together in the healing journey
Why sharing our stories brings freedom to both the author and the reader
This conversation is for anyone who feels unsure of the next step forward, and for those who want to walk alongside others on the road to healing. You are not alone. Healing is possible. And strength is found in Christ.
Please share this podcast with a reader, mom, counselor, or writer  who needs encouragement.
Connect with April Timms
🌐 Website: www.doveauthor.com📘 Facebook: Soiled Dove – Dove Series📸 Instagram: @dovebookseries✉️ Author Email: dove.series.author@gmail.com
Connect with Carrie Watts
🎙 Host of the Saved and Strong Podcast🌐 Website: www.carriewatts.com
If you feel called to write your story—or finally begin the book God placed on your heart—check out this trusted resource from Hope*Writers:
📘 Write Your Book Guide👉 http://www.hopewriters.com/a/2148223330/sY22Dv2U
✍️ Need a community of writers to learn and write alongside?👉 http://www.hopewriters.com/a/2148183199/sY22Dv2U
📚 Ready to get your book published?👉 http://www.hopewriters.com/a/2148100459/sY22Dv2U
Your story matters. Your healing matters. And God isn’t finished with you yet.
#AprilTimms #SavedandStrong #TheDoveSeries #SoiledDove #FreedDove #humantrafficking #prostitution #freedom #healing #addiction #depression #novel #fiction #counselor #traumainformed #book #dream #God #speaks #HisStory #awareness

Courtney Courtney, a Faith Based Beauty Educator, Helping Busy Women Simplify Makeup with Truth

In this encouraging episode of the Saved and Strong podcast, host Carrie Watts sits down with beauty educator and faith-filled entrepreneur Courtney Johnson Courtney to talk about the powerful intersection of beauty, faith, confidence, and calling.
Courtney shares her personal journey from feeling overwhelmed and unsure with makeup to becoming a trusted guide who helps women simplify beauty and rediscover confidence—inside and out. Together, Carrie and Courtney explore how makeup can enhance God-given features rather than mask them, how faith shapes business decisions, and why community is essential for both personal and spiritual growth. The conversation also dives into real-life rhythms of motherhood, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship, offering practical wisdom for balancing family life with purpose-driven work. At the heart of it all is a shared belief that faith, when lived out daily, transforms not just how we look—but how we live.
✨ If you’re a woman seeking confidence, clarity, and Christ-centered encouragement, this episode will leave you feeling strengthened and inspired.
00:00 – Introduction to Beauty and Faith
02:28 – The Journey to Makeup Confidence
06:44 – Faith in Business and Calling
11:53 – Family Faith Practices
17:41 – Community and Bible Study
19:42 – Encouragement Through Scripture
24:52 – Balancing Work and Family Life
Connect with Courtney, shop, and take the color science quiz:
🌐 Website: https://msha.ke/courtney_courtney#links
📘 Facebook: Courtney Johnson Courtney
📸 Instagram: @courtney_courtney2
link.me/carriewattswrites.com for more about the Saved and Strong Podcast host, Carrie Watts 
on instagram: @carriewattswrites
#savedandstrong #restorecollective #courtneycourtney #makeup #beauty #faith #confidence #women #empowerment #homeschooling #community #business #self-esteem #Christian #podcast #faithbasedbusiness #balancedlife #psalm139 #fearfullyandwonderfullymade

Linda Erley, Author of Rainbow Over the Bayou: Jim Crow Through the Eyes of a White Girl

Linda Erley shares the moving redemptive facts behind the fiction in this emotional but spirit-filled episode of Saved and Strong. 
Linda admits, "This book chose me." as she shares the story behind the story of becoming a debut author of Rainbow Over the Bayou: Jim Crow Through the Eyes of a White Girl, a historical fiction rooted in her Louisiana upbringing and inspired by the influence of a beloved Black housekeeper who helped raise her through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s in Southern Louisiana.
A Christian author and speaker now living in Colorado, Linda writes with a heart for Jesus, justice, and reconciliation, encouraging conversations that build bridges across barriers. 
Follow Linda on Instagram @linda.lowe.erley
on Facebook Linda Lowe Erley
And join her book launch team on her website: www.lindaerley.com or email her direct: llerley@me.com
Join us at the Hope*Story Conference January, 29 - 31, 2026 Use Code: CARRIE9444 for 10% off http://www.hopewriters.com/a/21479848...
Interested in Hope*Writers? http://www.hopewriters.com/a/21481831...
More about your Saved and Strong host, Carrie Watts link.me/carriewattswrites
#author #fiction #booklaunch #debut #novel #jimcrow #racialreconciliation #hope #healing #forgiveness #faith #rainbowoverthebayou #savedandstrong #podcast #lindaloweerley
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Linda Early and Her Book04:34 The Inspiration Behind 'Rainbow Over the Bayou'08:15 Linda's Faith Journey and Its Impact10:43 The Writing Process: Challenges and Joys14:23 The Role of Community in Writing and Faith15:47 Daily Faith Practices and Their Importance18:30 Researching Jim Crow: A Journey of Healing21:15 The Healing Power of Writing26:53 Conversations on Forgiveness and Redemption31:30 Encouragement for Aspiring Authors34:34 Life as a Pilgrimage: Lessons from the Camino

Karen Bedells, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner shares her faith, family, and caring for others

In this episode of the Saved and Strong Podcast, Carrie Watts interviews Karen Bedells, who shares her inspiring faith journey, the challenges she faced, and her calling to nursing and wellness. Karen discusses her upcoming Healthy Living Extravaganza event, her writing aspirations, and the importance of community and quiet time with God. She emphasizes the significance of generational faith and offers encouragement to listeners, reminding them of the blessings found in obedience and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community.
The Healthy Living Extravaganga is Wednesday January 21, 2026 2:30-6:30 at Flowood Family Healthcare !!!  We will begin  spot lighting each of our vendors to help you learn more about the services that they offer our community for healthier living.l! We can’t wait for this exciting time!! Make  plans now to attend. Please share to reach our community! Our heart is to share ways. We can all promote wellness in our own lives and families. These vendors will give you ideas on ways to help meet those goals in the new year for a healthier lifestyle! They will also have items for sale at their booths!
Follow Karen on FB: Karen Bedells Join us at the Hope*Story Conference January, 29 - 31, 2026 Use Code: CARRIE9444 for 10% off http://www.hopewriters.com/a/21479848...
Interested in Hope*Writers? http://www.hopewriters.com/a/21481831...
#savedandstrong #christianpodcast #faith #testimony #wellness #nursing #community #writing #healthyliving #motherhood #spiritualgrowth #generationalfaith