2021 Podcasts
Show Archives
Midlife Hero
December 31, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
At some point in our lives, we will go through what many call a "midlife crisis." We all get to that point where we feel that things are not the way we thought they would be. Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we talk about some of those midlife crises. Plus, you'll hear how a midlife crisis also affected one important man in the Bible - Moses. Come sit at the table; we've been waiting for you.
Lost In The Blessings
December 24, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
We each have a story to tell... a memory to share... a lesson to be learned. Think about this for a moment. How do we remember those stories? Do we look for the many good things, or do we remember the one bad thing that happened? This week at the Cafe, Luann and Rachel share their experiences while encouraging you to get "lost in the blessings."
When Marriage Gets Hard
December 17, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Maybe you've heard that phrase a time or two before. This week at the Cafe, Luann and Rachel share stories from their own marital experiences. Remember, friend, you're not alone in this journey. Join us this week as we talk about the successes and the struggles of marriage.
Appreciating Our Pastors
December 10, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
Pastors bear a heavy responsibility to lead God's people -- a task that can be very demanding. Showing appreciation to our pastors is vitally important to a healthy church! Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we talk about ways to show those special men and women that we care. Come to the table as we share life together at the Encouragement Café.
Walking With Jesus
November 19, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
Have you ever had a 'Road to Emmaeus' moment in your life? This week, come to the table as Luann and Rachel discuss some of the eye-opening moments that they and others have shared with Jesus. Perhaps, you, too, will be reminded of your own 'Emmaeus' moments!
Wise Up
November 12, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
We are often at a crossroads in life. Do we allow God to lead us, or do we do it ourselves? This week, pull up a chair at the Cafe as Luann and Rachel share their stories of how allowing God to guide us is truly the wise thing to do.
Acts Of Kindness
November 5, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
When we allow God's love to pour into our hearts, many times the overflow is seen in random acts of kindness. Don't those stories warm your heart and renew your faith? How has a "just because" act of kindness impacted your life?
Go Big Or Go Home
October 22, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
We often want to go further in life. We want to do grand and glorious things, and yet, we are afraid to take that next step. God has even promised that He would be with us throughout our lives, and we still remain in our comfort zone. Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as they share their stories of taking a leap of faith.
Medicine To Our Bones
October 15, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Are you a happy person? If so, you should let your face in on it :-)! Smile, let the world know that you are joyful. And if there isn’t much to smile about in your life, girlfriend, just hold on joy is coming! Luann Prater and Tracey Eyster invite you to laugh, cut up, and giggle around the table today.
Attitude of Gratitude
October 8, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Your attitude is a choice not a feeeeling. There are plenty of days you don’t feeeel like being joyful, but it’s your decision. Luann and Tracey encourage you today to be joyful even when life is tough.
Freedom in Christ
October 1, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Is it time to let go and let God? Luann and Tracey discuss the freedom that comes from putting down the controls and turning things over to God.
Perfection Is A Game
September 24, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Do you remember the game Perfection? You know the one with all the tiny pieces that you had to get in just the right spot while an annoying timer buzzed at you, then if you didn’t finish in time the whole thing blows up in your face. I’m getting anxious just thinking about it! Why are we still playing the game of Perfection with our life? Luann Prater and Tracey Eyster are going to help us put down all the tiny pieces we are trying to put in just the right place and start the journey to freedom.
Only Mention Good
September 17, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
At some point we’ve all tried the power of positive thinking. How long did that last, an hour maybe two? Negative thoughts are going to flood our minds on occasion, but there are good thoughts mixed in too. What if we only mention the good thoughts? The thoughts that lift our sisters up and encourage each other as we walk through this life together.
Tell Me I'm OK
September 10, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Tell me I’m okay…no seriously, tell me I’m okay! We all want to know we’re okay or that everything will be okay. Ladies, you are okay! Even if your world is upside-down you can still be confident. Join us in the cafe to find out how.
Top 10 Fears of Women
August 27, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Throughout the Bible, we see the words "Fear Not." Yet, we continue to worry over things in life. What are those things that make us afraid? Luann and Tracey talk about the Top 10 Fears of Women, as requested by Encouragement Cafe listeners.
God's Call
August 20, 2021
Luann Prater & Matthew Sink
Sometimes God opens doors and other times we break them down, because we WANT it to be God’s call on our life. After all, He wants to give me the desires of my heart, right? What about when God opens a door and it’s not the door we wanted… well then God is obviously a man, because He is reading my signals all wrong, right? Pull up a chair as Luann Prater and Matthew Sink talk about God’s call for our lives and how we can live it out… even when it’s not exactly the way we planned it.
Cultivating Friendships
August 13, 2021
Luann Prater & Tracey Eyster
Luann Prater and Tracey Eyster talk about the idea of cultivating friendships. So many times we seem to be too busy to attend to one of the most important things in our lives - friendships. Here, Luann and Tracey share their experiences on how they made and invested the time for their friends.
For The Love
August 6, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
Athletes play the game because they love it. They are willing to sacrifice and work hard. What do we do because of our love for our Heavenly Father? How can His love motivate us?
Baptism: A Story of Faith
July 30, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen & Noelle Okolowicz
In this week's broadcast, Luann Prater and Rachel Olsen are joined by special guest Noelle Okolowicz. You'll hear them share stories of how baptism shaped their faith journey. For some, it was an experience similar to that of the Ethiopian eunuch. For others, it was an answered prayer.
Talking to Unbelievers
July 9, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
What do you say when you are talking to an unbeliever? Luann and Rachel discuss how we can better understand the unbelievers mindset and help them take their next step toward God.
My Purple Pants with Samantha Jackel
July 2, 2021
Luann Prater & Samantha Jackel
Funny how a symbol like purple pants can change your perspective on life. Have you ever thought your past is too bad to overcome? Luann talks with Samantha Jackel, author of "My Purple Pants," about God's transforming power.
Jarring Conversations
April 30, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
If we were to take a moment, we would realize that not everyone sees things the same way. We all come from different backgrounds and different creeds; yet, how do we interact with others in light of our differences? Join Luann and Rachel at the Cafe as we discuss those "Jarring Conversations" with others.
Out of the Blue
April 16, 2021
Theresa Mills & Pete Dechat
While living with his family in Florida, Pete Dechat was startled by the sound of a loud crash. An airplane had crashed into his neighbor's home, and the engine's fuel tank had exploded into his own home. Pete Dechat went back into the home to rescue his daughter; he was not successful and his efforts resulted in 96% of his body being burned. He would spend the next few months in a coma. Join guest host Theresa Mills as she shares the story of Pete Dechat - a story of healing and discovery.
Faith When We Are Faithless
April 2, 2021
Luann Prater & Allison Harrison
The faithfulness of God is on display as Luann and Allison recall personal stories of God showing up in their past and even as Allison faced recent loss.
Social Drama
March 12, 2021
Luann Prater & Theresa Mills
We are all one click away from making a lasting impression. Luann and Theresa discuss the slippery slope that is social media.
Holy Sandpaper
March 5, 2021
Luann Prater & Holly Holton
The voices of our children can be raw and unfiltered to the point of leveling us emotionally. Luann and Holly look at the importance of listening to those we love when they seek to speak truth into our lives.
Making Smart Financial Decisions
February 26, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
It's time to get smart about your money. Luann and Rachel discuss how to make good decisions about your finances.
To Be or Not To Be
February 19, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
It can be hard living an authentic life in an airbrushed, lit-just-right, look-at-my-great-life, selfie-culture. Luann and Rachel talk about trying to be and not just seem.
What If You Could
February 12, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
What's the thing you want to change or the thing God's nudged you to do that you don't think is possible? Luann and Rachel discuss the one thing change always requires.
Be Still
February 5, 2021
Luann Prater & Theresa Mills
There are seasons where we simply need the quiet. Luann and Theresa discuss Psalm 46:10 and how we can let God minister to our souls.
Silly Girl
January 29, 2021
Luann Prater & Holly Holton
Not every journey toward faith is typical. Luann and Holly discuss Holly's new book, why she wrote it, and why it matters for those struggling with faith.
It Takes Two
January 22, 2021
Luann Prater & Holly Holton
Are you feeling lost and alone? Luann and Holly share their thoughts and feelings on struggling with unintended alone time.
Serve With The Windows Open
January 15, 2021
Luann Prater & Theresa Mills
It's so easy to complain when life doesn't go the way we had hoped. Luann and Theresa look to Daniel as an example to all of us who choose to serve the God of the universe and the people He has placed in our paths.
Brave Enough to Stink
January 8, 2021
Luann Prater & Rachel Olsen
Sometimes it just feels easier to stay put than to step outside of our comfort zones. Luann and Rachel discuss the importance of trying new things in the New Year.
God Is Better Than Bacon
January 1, 2021
Luann Prater & Theresa Mills
Pray and Fast. Luann and Theresa talk about the benefits of fasting in a spiritually productive way.