Nowadays it seems like everyone wants to be “successful”—but how many of us actually feel it?

We may know that true success is found in following the One who made us. And yet, in our increasingly polarized and comparison-rife world, many of us find our hearts yearning for an ever-elusive kind of success: in money, power, influence, or accolades.

My guest on this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, Pete Portal, helps us reframe our understanding of what it means to flourish. In his new book, How to Be (Un)Successful: An Unlikely Guide to Human Flourishing, Pete invites us to consider that success is not about what we have—but about how we live.

This conversation is an opportunity to redefine success, choosing:
* Love over efficiency
* Depth over volume
* Real friendship over cold transactions

Jesus’ life and teaching are the perfect antidote for a world sick with the wrong sort of success. And He invites us again to experience a success that truly satisfies our souls.

I pray this episode encourages you to live a life of flourishing, right where you are.

With love,
Rachael

 

Read the Show Notes: 

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

Nowadays it seems like everyone wants to be &ldquo;successful&rdquo;&mdash;but how many of us actually feel it?
We may know that true success is found in following the One who made us. And yet, in our increasingly polarized and comparison-rife world, many of us find our hearts yearning for an ever-elusive kind of success: in money, power, influence, or accolades.
My guest on this week&rsquo;s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, <a href="https://www.peteportal.com/">Pete Portal</a>, helps us reframe our understanding of what it means to flourish. In his new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/rachaeladamsauthor/list/13T2EM9X66SWV?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_QCNBC287C37H3MVFRB5F">How to Be (Un)Successful: An Unlikely Guide to Human Flourishing</a>, Pete invites us to consider that success is not about what we have&mdash;but about how we live.
This conversation is an opportunity to redefine success, choosing: * Love over efficiency * Depth over volume * Real friendship over cold transactions
Jesus&rsquo; life and teaching are the perfect antidote for a world sick with the wrong sort of success. And He invites us again to experience a success that truly satisfies our souls.
I pray this episode encourages you to live a life of flourishing, right where you are.
With love, Rachael
&nbsp;
Read the Show Notes:&nbsp;
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/">https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/</a>

Encouraging you to love God, others, and yourself—one faithful step at a time.

Each week, host Rachael Adams sits down with inspiring women who are making a difference right where they are. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, you'll be reminded that your everyday acts of love—no matter how small—matter deeply to God.

You were created to live a life of impact.
You were made to be a love offering.

Subscribe today and be inspired to live out the greatest commandment in practical, powerful ways.

Encouraging you to love God, others, and yourself&mdash;one faithful step at a time.
Each week, host Rachael Adams sits down with inspiring women who are making a difference right where they are. Through honest conversations, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories, you'll be reminded that your everyday acts of love&mdash;no matter how small&mdash;matter deeply to God.
You were created to live a life of impact. You were made to be a love offering.
Subscribe today and be inspired to live out the greatest commandment in practical, powerful ways.

The Love Offering

In this episode, Rachael Adams welcomes Pete Portal, who shares his journey from London to Cape Town, where he leads the Tree of Life, a 24/7 prayer community. Pete discusses his transition from a career in children's television to a life dedicated to mission and justice in Manenberg, a community facing challenges like gang violence and poverty. He reflects on the concept of success, challenging societal norms by emphasizing depth over volume and love over efficiency. Pete's insights into faith, community, and redefining success offer a refreshing perspective on living a life aligned with one's values and purpose.

How to Be (Un)Successful: A Conversation with Pete Portal

Most of us want to love people well—especially when they’re hurting—but if we’re honest, we don’t always know how. We worry about saying the wrong thing, doing too little, or showing up too late. And sometimes, because of that uncertainty, we end up doing nothing.

That’s why I’m so grateful for this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast. I’m joined by Christy Gandy, owner of Lovewell Collective, whose own experience with grief shaped a beautiful mission: helping people show up for others with practical love, kindness, and care—especially in life’s hardest seasons.

In our conversation, Christy gently reminds us that loving well isn’t about fixing someone’s pain. It’s about helping them feel seen, remembered, and cared for. Sometimes love looks like presence. Sometimes it looks like a note, a prayer, or a small gift left on a porch. And often, it’s the simplest gestures that leave the deepest mark.

My prayer is that this conversation encourages you—not with pressure, but with possibility. May it remind you that love, offered faithfully and humbly, always counts.

 

Connect with Christy:

https://www.christygandy.com/

Connect with Love Well Collective:

https://www.lovewellcollective.com/

Read the Show Notes:

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

Download your Free Love Offering Calendar:

https://rachaelkadams.com/free/

Most of us want to love people well&mdash;especially when they&rsquo;re hurting&mdash;but if we&rsquo;re honest, we don&rsquo;t always know how. We worry about saying the wrong thing, doing too little, or showing up too late. And sometimes, because of that uncertainty, we end up doing nothing.
That&rsquo;s why I&rsquo;m so grateful for this week&rsquo;s episode of <a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast/">The Love Offering Podcast</a>.&nbsp;I&rsquo;m joined by <a href="https://www.christygandy.com/">Christy Gandy</a>, owner of <a href="https://www.lovewellcollective.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOxFwpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFvTm12d1Axb3JSZ1htNmxGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrSnhO-h3NQODCJ9ZY9WmFLcAR_H9GPnnL89kFSML8RbEmqojy0Y1bHMdJik_aem_pksDJLv4zTOvHD6wIIqAQg">Lovewell Collective</a>, whose own experience with grief shaped a beautiful mission: helping people show up for others with practical love, kindness, and care&mdash;especially in life&rsquo;s hardest seasons.
In our conversation, Christy gently reminds us that loving well isn&rsquo;t about fixing someone&rsquo;s pain. It&rsquo;s about helping them feel seen, remembered, and cared for. Sometimes love looks like presence. Sometimes it looks like a note, a prayer, or a small gift left on a porch. And often, it&rsquo;s the simplest gestures that leave the deepest mark.
My prayer is that this conversation encourages you&mdash;not with pressure, but with possibility. May it remind you that love, offered faithfully and humbly, always counts.
&nbsp;
Connect with Christy:
<a href="https://www.christygandy.com/">https://www.christygandy.com/</a>
Connect with Love Well Collective:
<a href="https://www.lovewellcollective.com/">https://www.lovewellcollective.com/</a>
Read the Show Notes:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/">https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/</a>
Download your Free Love Offering Calendar:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/free/">https://rachaelkadams.com/free/</a>

In this episode of the Love Offering Podcast, host Rachael Adams welcomes Kristi Gandy, owner of Lovewell Collective, to discuss the importance of loving others well, especially during difficult times. Kristi shares her personal journey of grief and how it inspired her mission to help others show support through thoughtful care packages. The conversation explores practical ways to encourage friends, the significance of presence in times of grief, and the power of generosity. Listeners are reminded that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, and that it's never too late to reach out to someone in need. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for those feeling unseen or unloved.

Simple Ways to Love Others Well: A Conversation with Christy Gandy

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/29bfea71-4d61-4079-a5a4-b3b9016067f8/transcript

Have you ever found yourself moving through your days loving Jesus, yet longing to feel truly awake in your faith again? If your heart has been craving a deeper connection with Him—even if you can’t quite name the longing—you’re not alone. And this week’s conversation on The Love Offering Podcast may be just the gentle spark your soul has been needing.

I had the joy of talking with actress, producer, and singer Jen Lilley about her new devotional, Wake Up Your Faith: 365 Daily Encounters with Jesus. Jen’s heart for the Lord shines through every page as she invites us into a more vibrant, Christ-centered life—one anchored in Scripture and strengthened by daily surrender.

In our conversation, Jen shares how this devotional helps us:
reignite our faith when life feels ordinary or heavy,


claim the promises of God with confidence,


experience the nearness of the Holy Spirit in everyday moments, and


walk in the heavenly authority we’ve been given through Christ.



This is an encouraging reminder that we don’t have to drift, settle, or live spiritually weary. God invites us to reclaim the ground the Enemy has tried to steal and to walk boldly in the purpose He designed for us.

If you’re longing for a renewed rhythm with Jesus in the days ahead, I think Jen’s words—and her devotional—will bless you deeply.

Grateful to walk this journey of faith with you,

Rachael

 

Connect with Jen:

Official Website of Actress Jen Lilley

Connect with Rachael:

Lead with Love - Rachael K. Adams, author, speaker and podcaster

Read the Show Notes:

Writing - Rachael K. Adams

Download Your Free Advent Devotional:

Free - Rachael K. Adams

 

Have you ever found yourself moving through your days loving Jesus, yet longing to feel truly awake in your faith again? If your heart has been craving a deeper connection with Him&mdash;even if you can&rsquo;t quite name the longing&mdash;you&rsquo;re not alone. And this week&rsquo;s conversation on The Love Offering Podcast may be just the gentle spark your soul has been needing.
I had the joy of talking with actress, producer, and singer Jen Lilley about her new devotional, <a href="https://amzn.to/4ps7hrX">Wake Up Your Faith: 365 Daily Encounters with Jesus.</a> Jen&rsquo;s heart for the Lord shines through every page as she invites us into a more vibrant, Christ-centered life&mdash;one anchored in Scripture and strengthened by daily surrender.
In our conversation, Jen shares how this devotional helps us:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">reignite our faith when life feels ordinary or heavy, </li>
<li aria-level="1">claim the promises of God with confidence, </li>
<li aria-level="1">experience the nearness of the Holy Spirit in everyday moments, and </li>
<li aria-level="1">walk in the heavenly authority we&rsquo;ve been given through Christ. </li>
</ul>
This is an encouraging reminder that we don&rsquo;t have to drift, settle, or live spiritually weary. God invites us to reclaim the ground the Enemy has tried to steal and to walk boldly in the purpose He designed for us.
If you&rsquo;re longing for a renewed rhythm with Jesus in the days ahead, I think Jen&rsquo;s words&mdash;and her devotional&mdash;will bless you deeply.
Grateful to walk this journey of faith with you,
Rachael
&nbsp;
Connect with Jen:
<a href="https://www.jenlilley.com/">Official Website of Actress Jen Lilley</a>
Connect with Rachael:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/">Lead with Love - Rachael K. Adams, author, speaker and podcaster</a>
Read the Show Notes:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/">Writing - Rachael K. Adams</a>
Download Your Free Advent Devotional:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/free/">Free - Rachael K. Adams</a>
&nbsp;

In this episode of the Love Offering Podcast, host Rachael Adams welcomes actress and author Jen Lilley. They discuss Jen's journey in the entertainment industry, her deep-rooted faith, and the importance of trusting God amidst life's challenges. Jen shares her insights on balancing a busy life as a mother and actress while maintaining a strong spiritual connection. The conversation emphasizes the need for action in faith, the significance of love in the Christian walk, and the urgency of sharing the Gospel in today's world. Jen encourages listeners to wake up their faith and live out their calling with passion and purpose.

Wake Up Your Faith: A Conversation with Actress Jen Lilley

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/8d7252c9-a3a3-4fef-9c62-b3b0016fd037/transcript

Some days, family life feels more like chaos than connection, doesn’t it? There are dishes in the sink, sharp words we wish we could take back, kids who don’t always get along, and moments where we wonder, Is this really what a 'strong family' is supposed to look like?

If you’ve ever felt that tension, this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcastis especially for you. I’m talking with Jessica Smartt about her new book, Come On Home, and her message is such a relief: your family doesn’t have to be perfect to be strong.

A strong family isn’t built on flawless behavior, matching outfits, or a constantly peaceful home. It’s formed in the ordinary, imperfect moments—apologies after arguments, prayers whispered in the hallway, small traditions that make your people feel seen and safe, and a steady love that says, “You belong here, no matter what.”

If you’ve ever:
Wished your home felt more like a haven than a battleground


Wondered if it’s “too late” to change the culture of your family


Carried guilt over what hasn’t gone the way you hoped



Jessica’s words will encourage you. In our conversation, she shares:
Thirteen foundational traits that help families grow strong in real life, not ideal life


Honest stories from her own family and from other families with all kinds of backgrounds


Practical ideas for building a connection between siblings and creating a home your kids want to come back to


Hope for breaking unhealthy family patterns and offering your children a new legacy of faith and grace



What I love most is Jessica’s reminder that God is at work in the middle of the mess. The disappointments, the conflicts, the things you wish you could redo—He can use all of it. Your faithfulness today, even in small ways, can ripple into future generations.

Friend, it’s not too late.
Not too late to start praying more intentionally for your family.
Not too late to repair a strained relationship.
Not too late to create rhythms that make your home gentle, welcoming, and full of grace.

Your family doesn’t need you to be perfect—just present, prayerful, and willing to keep loving.

I hope this episode feels like a warm, “me too,” and a gentle nudge to keep going.

Cheering you on as you build a strong, grace-filled home,



Rachael 

 

Connect with Jessica:

https://jessicasmartt.com/

 

Read the Show Notes:

https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/

 

Download Your Free Advent Devotional:

https://rachaelkadams.com/free/

 

 

 

Some days, family life feels more like chaos than connection, doesn&rsquo;t it? There are dishes in the sink, sharp words we wish we could take back, kids who don&rsquo;t always get along, and moments where we wonder, Is this really what a 'strong family' is supposed to look like?
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt that tension, this week&rsquo;s episode of <a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/the-love-offering-podcast/">The Love Offering Podcast </a>is especially for you. I&rsquo;m talking with <a href="https://jessicasmartt.com/">Jessica Smartt </a>about her new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/rachaeladamsauthor/list/13T2EM9X66SWV?ref_=aipsflist">Come On Home</a>, and her message is such a relief: your family doesn&rsquo;t have to be perfect to be strong.
A strong family isn&rsquo;t built on flawless behavior, matching outfits, or a constantly peaceful home. It&rsquo;s formed in the ordinary, imperfect moments&mdash;apologies after arguments, prayers whispered in the hallway, small traditions that make your people feel seen and safe, and a steady love that says, &ldquo;You belong here, no matter what.&rdquo;
If you&rsquo;ve ever:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Wished your home felt more like a haven than a battleground </li>
<li aria-level="1">Wondered if it&rsquo;s &ldquo;too late&rdquo; to change the culture of your family </li>
<li aria-level="1">Carried guilt over what hasn&rsquo;t gone the way you hoped </li>
</ul>
Jessica&rsquo;s words will encourage you.&nbsp;In our conversation, she shares:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Thirteen foundational traits that help families grow strong in real life, not ideal life </li>
<li aria-level="1">Honest stories from her own family and from other families with all kinds of backgrounds </li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical ideas for building a connection between siblings and creating a home your kids want to come back to </li>
<li aria-level="1">Hope for breaking unhealthy family patterns and offering your children a new legacy of faith and grace </li>
</ul>
What I love most is Jessica&rsquo;s reminder that God is at work in the middle of the mess. The disappointments, the conflicts, the things you wish you could redo&mdash;He can use all of it. Your faithfulness today, even in small ways, can ripple into future generations.
Friend, it&rsquo;s not too late. Not too late to start praying more intentionally for your family. Not too late to repair a strained relationship. Not too late to create rhythms that make your home gentle, welcoming, and full of grace.
Your family doesn&rsquo;t need you to be perfect&mdash;just present, prayerful, and willing to keep loving.
I hope this episode feels like a warm, &ldquo;me too,&rdquo; and a gentle nudge to keep going.
Cheering you on as you build a strong, grace-filled home, 
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/">Rachael&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with Jessica:
<a href="https://jessicasmartt.com/">https://jessicasmartt.com/</a>
&nbsp;
Read the Show Notes:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/">https://rachaelkadams.com/writing/</a>
&nbsp;
Download Your Free Advent Devotional:
<a href="https://rachaelkadams.com/free/">https://rachaelkadams.com/free/</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

In this heartfelt episode of the Love Offering Podcast, Rachael Adams and Jessica Smartt explore the essence of building a grace-filled family. They discuss the challenges and joys of creating a home environment that prioritizes love and connection over perfection. Through personal stories and biblical insights, they emphasize the importance of prayer, intentionality, and the legacy of faith. Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of family life or seeking inspiration for your spiritual journey, this conversation offers wisdom and encouragement for every listener.

How to Be (Un)Successful: A Conversation with Pete Portal

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