Today I interview Jen DeFrates of Heaven Not Harvard: Heaven Focused Parenting and Living. Jen and I talk about her story, homeschooling, life as a military spouse, and--of course, body image, comparison, and so much more!

Hear Jen talk about how she's learning to accept the skin she's in, how she's journeyed through mean girls, body image, and comparison issues and how she's learning to make peace with her body!

Links from today's show:

https://heavennotharvard.com/

https://themamapologist.com/

www.comparedtowho.me/follow

Loving this podcast?

Consider supporting Compared to Who on Patreon:www.patreon.com/comparedtowho

Today I interview Jen DeFrates of <a href="https://www.heavennotharvard.com">Heaven Not Harvard: Heaven Focused Parenting and Living</a>. Jen and I talk about her story, homeschooling, life as a military spouse, and--of course, body image, comparison, and so much more! Hear Jen talk about how she's learning to accept the skin she's in, how she's journeyed through mean girls, body image, and comparison issues and how she's learning to make peace with her body! Links from today's show: <a href="https://www.heavennotharvard.com">https://heavennotharvard.com/</a> <a href="https://themamapologist.com/">https://themamapologist.com/</a> <a href="http://www.comparedtowho.me">www.comparedtowho.me</a>/follow Loving this podcast? Consider supporting Compared to Who on Patreon:www.patreon.com/comparedtowho

The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!

Are you a Christian woman who’s tired of measuring yourself by the world’s standards? Have you tried to “fix yourself” with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clichés—but still feel like you’re falling short?Do you know the truth of God’s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?

Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret’s safe here.)

If you answered yes, then Compared to Who? is the show for you!

Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face—comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more—through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.

I’m Heather Creekmore—best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.

Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck—and start living free in Jesus.

Find out more about me and the ministry of Compared to Who? at: https://www.improvebodyimage.com

Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024

The go-to podcast for Christian women who want to grow stronger in their faith and stop living stuck in comparison!
Are you a Christian woman who&rsquo;s tired of measuring yourself by the world&rsquo;s standards? Have you tried to &ldquo;fix yourself&rdquo; with willpower, self-help, or even Christian clich&eacute;s&mdash;but still feel like you&rsquo;re falling short?Do you know the truth of God&rsquo;s Word, yet struggle to believe it in your daily life?
Bonus: Have you ever wished you could just pray your struggles away in an instant? (Your secret&rsquo;s safe here.)
If you answered yes, then&nbsp;Compared to Who?&nbsp;is the show for you!
Each week, we tackle the real issues Christian women face&mdash;comparison, body image issues, performance pressure, insecurity, identity, spiritual maturity, and more&mdash;through a practical, grace-filled, gospel-centered lens. You&rsquo;ll find encouragement to trust God&rsquo;s Spirit, rest in His promises, and grow deeper in your walk with Christ.
I&rsquo;m Heather Creekmore&mdash;best-selling author, speaker, and follower of Jesus. After decades of chasing approval and perfection, I discovered that true freedom only comes through surrendering to Him. Now I help women like you exchange striving for peace, insecurity for identity, and comparison for confidence in Christ.
Every episode is packed with relatable stories, biblical truth, and honest encouragement to help you stop living stuck&mdash;and start living free in Jesus.
Find out more about me and the ministry of&nbsp;Compared to Who?&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.improvebodyimage.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1758629449501000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CbbfkEG9w0k4Z9QBqp5C5">https://www.improvebodyimage.com</a>
Want to join our podcast community on Facebook? Visit us here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1758629449501000&amp;usg=AOvVaw08LV1DuGuu8Nv6oa8m3RKp">https://www.facebook.com/groups/764271297116024</a>

Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

Making Peace With Your Body: Interview with Jen DeFrates

Today’s conversation explores the profound and transformative topic of DELIGHT—what it means to truly delight in God and, perhaps even harder to believe, what it means that God DELIGHTS in you.

Our special guest, Stephanie Rousselle of Gospel Spice, is a Bible teacher, author, and founder of the Gospel Spice ministry. With her signature warmth (and lovely French accent!), she unpacks how the Christian faith is meant to be both flavorful and vibrant—not bland, boring, or stale. You’ll learn why delight isn’t merely a fleeting feeling, but a spiritual reality you can awaken to, even in the hardest seasons of life.

In This Episode:


What is REAL delight?
Stephanie Rousseau explains how the French word "délice" weaves together both "delight" and "deliciousness," inviting us to taste and see the goodness of God (04:23).


The problem with vanilla testimonies:
Heather Creekmore shares how she used to think her story was “vanilla,” and how Stephanie  reframes the idea that every faith story is a reason for delight (05:45).


Eating disorders & delight:
Why is it so hard for many women to see deliciousness as a good gift from God? Learn how our relationship with food often mirrors our relationship with delight, shame, and God (06:43).


“Awaken Delight”—Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God:
Discover why Stephanie chose the phrase “awaken delight” and how this perspective moves us from duty to genuine enjoyment of God (10:53).


Does God really LIKE you?
We discuss how Scripture invites us to go beyond intellectual acceptance to heartfelt experience, resting in God’s unwavering delight in us—even on our worst days (18:21).


Moving from duty to delight:
Are you stuck in a checklist, “onward Christian soldiers” mindset with God? Stephanie Rousselle shares how awakening delight brings you from drudgery to vibrant, embodied relationship (15:41).


Practical steps & a special giveaway!
Find out about Stephanie’s new book, practical ways to apply delight to spiritual disciplines, and how to get her exclusive 5-day devotional & enter a giveaway for a beautiful jewelry prize (34:51).

Resources & Links:


Get your FREE 5-Day Devotional & enter the Giveaway:
Visit gospelspice.com/heather for your exclusive resource from Stephanie Rousselle and a chance to win jewelry created by survivors of human trafficking.


Order “Awaken Delight”
Stephanie Rousselle's new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God, is available wherever Christian books are sold.**  (Amazon affiliate link -tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who's ministry)
Join the 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge
Check out Heather Creekmore's books here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Key Takeaways:


God’s delight in you is not tied to your performance. He loves and enjoys you on your best and worst days.


Delighting in God isn’t something you force; it’s something you AWAKEN to.


Every story of coming to Jesus is DELICIOUS—never “vanilla” or boring.


Understanding delight can transform both your spiritual life and your everyday experiences—the sensory, the beautiful, and even the hard.

If you feel stuck in spirituality as duty, or if you wrestle with your sense of “delightfulness,” this episode is for you.

 

Today&rsquo;s conversation explores the profound and transformative topic of DELIGHT&mdash;what it means to truly delight in God and, perhaps even harder to believe, what it means that God DELIGHTS in you.
Our special guest, Stephanie Rousselle of Gospel Spice, is a Bible teacher, author, and founder of the <a href="https://www.gospelspice.com">Gospel Spice</a> ministry. With her signature warmth (and lovely French accent!), she unpacks how the Christian faith is meant to be both flavorful and vibrant&mdash;not bland, boring, or stale. You&rsquo;ll learn why delight isn&rsquo;t merely a fleeting feeling, but a spiritual reality you can awaken to, even in the hardest seasons of life.
In This Episode:
<ul>
<li>
What is REAL delight? Stephanie Rousseau explains how the French word "d&eacute;lice" weaves together both "delight" and "deliciousness," inviting us to taste and see the goodness of God (04:23).
</li>
<li>
The problem with vanilla testimonies: Heather Creekmore shares how she used to think her story was &ldquo;vanilla,&rdquo; and how Stephanie &nbsp;reframes the idea that every faith story is a reason for delight (05:45).
</li>
<li>
Eating disorders &amp; delight: Why is it so hard for many women to see deliciousness as a good gift from God? Learn how our relationship with food often mirrors our relationship with delight, shame, and God (06:43).
</li>
<li>
&ldquo;Awaken Delight&rdquo;&mdash;Satisfying Your Soul&rsquo;s Longing for God: Discover why Stephanie chose the phrase &ldquo;awaken delight&rdquo; and how this perspective moves us from duty to genuine enjoyment of God (10:53).
</li>
<li>
Does God really LIKE you? We discuss how Scripture invites us to go beyond intellectual acceptance to heartfelt experience, resting in God&rsquo;s unwavering delight in us&mdash;even on our worst days (18:21).
</li>
<li>
Moving from duty to delight: Are you stuck in a checklist, &ldquo;onward Christian soldiers&rdquo; mindset with God? Stephanie Rousselle shares how awakening delight brings you from drudgery to vibrant, embodied relationship (15:41).
</li>
<li>
Practical steps &amp; a special giveaway! Find out about Stephanie&rsquo;s new book, practical ways to apply delight to spiritual disciplines, and how to get her exclusive 5-day devotional &amp; enter a giveaway for a beautiful jewelry prize (34:51).
</li>
</ul>
Resources &amp; Links:
<ul>
<li>
Get your FREE 5-Day Devotional &amp; enter the Giveaway: Visit <a href="https://gospelspice.com/heather">gospelspice.com/heather</a> for your exclusive resource from Stephanie Rousselle and a chance to win jewelry created by survivors of human trafficking.
</li>
<li>
Order &ldquo;Awaken Delight&rdquo; Stephanie Rousselle's new book, <a href="https://amzn.to/468d6CI">Awaken Delight: Satisfying Your Soul&rsquo;s Longing for God, is available wherever Christian books are sold.**&nbsp;</a> (Amazon affiliate link -tiny portion of your purchase goes to support Compared to Who's ministry)
</li>
<li>Join the 40-Day Journey here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</li>
<li>Check out Heather Creekmore's books here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image</li>
</ul>
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
God&rsquo;s delight in you is not tied to your performance. He loves and enjoys you on your best and worst days.
</li>
<li>
Delighting in God isn&rsquo;t something you force; it&rsquo;s something you AWAKEN to.
</li>
<li>
Every story of coming to Jesus is DELICIOUS&mdash;never &ldquo;vanilla&rdquo; or boring.
</li>
<li>
Understanding delight can transform both your spiritual life and your everyday experiences&mdash;the sensory, the beautiful, and even the hard.
</li>
</ul>
If you feel stuck in spirituality as duty, or if you wrestle with your sense of &ldquo;delightfulness,&rdquo; this episode is for you.
&nbsp;

Awaken Delight: Embracing a "Delicious" Life with Jesus featuring Stephanie Rousselle

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/1fefd39e-dc7a-43f9-b09c-b4a90145f4ef/transcript

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was — and wasn't — and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture!

Key Scripture references:
2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (the thorn in the flesh)
Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry")
Colossians 3:9–10 (put off the old self, put on the new)
Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master)
1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing)
2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation)

Discussion questions for listeners / community:
Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change?
Try praying both prayers from this episode — the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you?
What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession?

Timestamped Guide to Episode

00:00 Exploring body image and faith

03:38 Addressing body image issues

09:41 Biblical thorns and grace

12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture

16:32 Understanding body image issues

19:00 Inviting women to join workshop

22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help

27:39 Choosing the right prayer

28:45 Dealing with aging and grace

A note: This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession — this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth.

Links:

Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

 

Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was &mdash; and wasn't &mdash; and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture!
Key Scripture references:
<ul>
<li>2 Corinthians 12:7&ndash;10 (the thorn in the flesh)</li>
<li>Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry")</li>
<li>Colossians 3:9&ndash;10 (put off the old self, put on the new)</li>
<li>Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master)</li>
<li>1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing)</li>
<li>2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation)</li>
</ul>
Discussion questions for listeners / community:
<ol>
<li>Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change?</li>
<li>Try praying both prayers from this episode &mdash; the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you?</li>
<li>What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession?</li>
</ol>
Timestamped Guide to Episode
00:00 Exploring body image and faith
03:38 Addressing body image issues
09:41 Biblical thorns and grace
12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture
16:32 Understanding body image issues
19:00 Inviting women to join workshop
22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help
27:39 Choosing the right prayer
28:45 Dealing with aging and grace
A note:&nbsp;This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession &mdash; this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth.
Links:
Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image</a>
Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
&nbsp;

Body Image Issues Aren't Your Thorn —They're Something the Gospel Can Actually Cure

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e4588570-aa3b-4fec-8dea-b4a900f208ac/transcript

We've all done it — the new plan, the new resolve, the "this time I mean it." So why does it never stick? In this episode, we dig into why willpower and self-discipline can't fix a body image struggle, because the real issue was never really about the body at all. In this episode best-selling author and podcast host, Heather Creekmore discusses the distinction between managing behavior and addressing the root, why trying harder can subtly become its own idol, and what practical, lasting change actually looks like when it emerges from being already loved, rather than striving to earn it.

Take this with you quote of the episode: 

"We quietly switch the engine to self-effort, as if right information could finish what only Christ began."

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 Struggling with conflicting diet advice

04:42 Sarah's frustrating morning routine

07:47 Myth of a perfect fitness answer

12:06 Jesus and the Woman at the Well

14:32 Breaking free from earning mindset

18:03 Self-effort versus grace in faith

21:42 Practical steps to inspire change

26:18 Embracing rest over striving

27:44 Finding peace in ordinary choices

Discussion questions for listeners / community:
What's your "well" — the thing you keep going back to, hoping it will finally satisfy?
When has "trying harder" worked short-term but failed to last? What happened?
What would it look like this week to ask "what am I actually thirsty for?" instead of "how do I white-knuckle this?"

Links: 

Join the 40 Day Journey - learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge

Learn more about Heather's books and resources here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image

 

 

We've all done it &mdash; the new plan, the new resolve, the "this time I mean it." So why does it never stick? In this episode, we dig into why willpower and self-discipline can't fix a body image struggle, because the real issue was never really about the body at all. In this episode best-selling author and podcast host, Heather Creekmore discusses the distinction between managing behavior and addressing the root, why trying harder can subtly become its own idol, and what practical, lasting change actually looks like when it emerges from being already loved, rather than striving to earn it.
Take this with you quote of the episode:&nbsp;
"We quietly switch the engine to self-effort, as if right information could finish what only Christ began."
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Struggling with conflicting diet advice
04:42 Sarah's frustrating morning routine
07:47 Myth of a perfect fitness answer
12:06 Jesus and the Woman at the Well
14:32 Breaking free from earning mindset
18:03 Self-effort versus grace in faith
21:42 Practical steps to inspire change
26:18 Embracing rest over striving
27:44 Finding peace in ordinary choices
Discussion questions for listeners / community:
<ol>
<li>What's your "well" &mdash; the thing you keep going back to, hoping it will finally satisfy?</li>
<li>When has "trying harder" worked short-term but failed to last? What happened?</li>
<li>What would it look like this week to ask "what am I actually thirsty for?" instead of "how do I white-knuckle this?"</li>
</ol>
Links: 
Join the 40 Day Journey - learn more here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge</a>
Learn more about Heather's books and resources here: <a href="https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image">https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Why Trying Harder Isn't Enough (And What Actually Works)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/7196a02e-1863-4e8d-af84-b4a900f1f73b/transcript

Making Peace With Your Body: Interview with Jen DeFrates

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Compared to Who? Body Image for Christian Women

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