Confidence and Coffee

What really happened after the New Testament?In this episode of Confidence and Coffee, Ashley Henriott sits down with Dr. Ward Sanford, hydrogeologist and author of the historical fiction series Cry for Jerusalem, to explore the fascinating history surrounding the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and the events that shaped early Christianity.Dr. Sanford shares how historical fiction can bring biblical history to life by blending real historical events, prophecy, genealogy, and the voices of men and women who lived during one of the most dramatic periods in Jewish and Christian history.His Cry for Jerusalem series explores the years 63–70 CE leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and Herod’s Temple, events documented by eyewitness historian Josephus.This conversation explores the historical context of the New Testament, why genealogy and prophecy matter in biblical storytelling, and how historical fiction can help modern readers better understand the Bible.Guest LinksCry for Jerusalem Official Websitehttps://www.cryforjerusalem.comAuthor Page – Ward Sanfordhttps://www.cryforjerusalem.com/authorCry for Jerusalem Book 1 – Resisting Tyrannyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QG3D5PFGoodreads Author Pagehttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19200906.Ward_Sanford

What does real surrender look like in a world obsessed with comfort?In this episode, Ashley talks with Bishop Daniel Timotheos Yohannan, president of GFA World, about missions, persecution, prayer, and what it means to truly know God rather than just know about Him.Bishop Daniel shares stories of national missionaries serving in some of the hardest places in Africa and Asia, explains why local missionaries are often the most effective way to reach unreached communities, and challenges the Western church to recover repentance, prayer, and simplicity.This conversation is honest, convicting, and deeply needed for anyone who feels the tension between comfort and calling.What you’ll hear in this episode– The story behind GFA World– Why millions still have little or no access to the Gospel– A powerful story of a missionary who returned after being threatened– Why persecution often clarifies faith– The difference between intellectual Christianity and truly knowing God– How prayer, repentance, and worship actually change us– Practical ways believers can support missions nowResources and linksBishop Daniel official websitehttps://bishopdaniel.orgGFA Worldhttps://www.gfa.orgBishop Daniel biohttps://www.gfa.org/about/danieltimotheos/Official GFA World contact and ministry pagehttps://www.gfa.org/about/danieltimotheos/Share this episodeIf this episode encouraged or challenged you, send it to a friend, share it on social media, and tag Ashley so she can celebrate with you.

What if intimacy isn’t something you “get back”… but something you rebuild?In today’s episode of Confidence and Coffee, I’m joined by Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, who share their powerful story of healing after betrayal, recovering trust, and learning how to build true intimacy again.They introduce the concept of the Intimacy Pyramid, showing that intimacy isn’t just physical, it’s a thriving connection built on honesty, safety, trust, vulnerability, and only then, real intimacy.If you’ve been walking through betrayal, marriage pain, or rebuilding after broken trust, this conversation is full of truth, grace, and practical hope.What you’ll learn in this episodeWhy intimacy is a thriving connection that brings lifeThe Intimacy Pyramid and why honesty is the foundationHow betrayal damages safety and trustWhy shame and guilt block healingWhat rebuilding trust actually requires (not just promises)The role of vulnerability in restorationWhy individual healing matters for relationship healingHow grace makes room for recovery and forgivenessKey Quotes“Intimacy is a thriving connection.”“Hope is possible even after betrayal.”“Trust is built through consistent, trustworthy actions.”Episode Keywordsintimacy, relationships, healing, betrayal, honesty, trust, recovery, marriage, communication, graceChapters00:00 The Power of Connection and Intimacy 04:52 Understanding the Intimacy Pyramid 10:42 Facing Addiction and Shame 16:29 The Impact of Honesty on Relationships 22:28 Healing Through Vulnerability 31:58 The Gift of Being Chosen 37:01 The Importance of Individual Responsibility 47:00 The Journey of Healing and Restoration 53:58 The Power of Hope and Grace 01:01:40 OutroIf this episode encouraged you, leave a review and tell me what part spoke to you, I read them and they matter more than you know 🤍Support the showIf this encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube. It helps more women find hope, healing, and bold faith.DisclaimerConfidence and Coffee is a Christian centered podcast. All conversations are approached through a faith based lens that honors Jesus and biblical truth.Connect with Ashley:Order Ashley's New Book Confidence Is An Inside JobApply for Coaching with AshleyConnect with Ashley to be your Next Speaker!Subscribe to Confidence and Coffee here

 Bravery is not the absence of fear, it’s obedience while your hands are shaking. Today I’m joined by missionary and author Heidi Nicole Elizarraraz, who shares how God called her to Mexico, how fear tried to stop her, and what it looks like to keep saying yes to Jesus anyway.Heidi and her husband founded Open Arms Mexico, a Christ centered nonprofit fighting to keep families together by providing no cost childcare to vulnerable families so kids stay out of orphanages and off the streets. In this episode we talk about: • Why you can be brave and still be afraid • How disobedience can quiet God’s voice, and how obedience restores peace • The David and Goliath mindset, your ending is not here • Practical biblical guidance to overcome fear • How the Church can actually protect families, and what sponsorship can doLinks and resources • Open Arms Mexico, learn more and get involved • About Open Arms mission and work: openarmsmexico.org/who-we-are-copy • Heidi’s book on Amazon: Unleash Your Bravery: Saying Yes to Jesus Even When You’re Afraid Call to action If this episode challenged you, leave a review and tell me what brave thing you’re doing this week. I read them, and we celebrate them.SEO keywords for the episode field Christian bravery, faith over fear, overcoming fear as a Christian, obedience to God, hearing God’s voice, Christian confidence, saying yes to Jesus, missionary story, faith and courage, Christian women podcast, breaking fear, trusting GodSupport the showIf this encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube. It helps more women find hope, healing, and bold faith. Disclaimer Confidence and Coffee is a Christian centered podcast. All conversations are approached through a faith based lens that honors Jesus and biblical truth. Connect with Ashley:Order Ashley's New Book Confidence Is An Inside JobApply for Coaching with Ashley Connect with Ashley to be your Next Speaker!Subscribe to Confidence and Coffee here

What if real confidence is not loud, not performative, and not fighting for attention, but calm, grounded, and unshakable? Ashley sits down with Tara LaFon Gooch, host of Grasp Confidence, to talk about confidence that comes from Christ, identity rooted in God’s approval, and how to stop listening to the voice of fear, scarcity, and comparison.This conversation also gets practical about protecting your marriage and legacy by closing the small “gaps” the enemy uses, how gratitude becomes a living prayer, and why surrendering your will can unlock the breakthrough you have been praying for.What you will learnWhy calm confidence is often the strongest kindThe difference between arrogance and depth, the money jar analogyHow to recognize the voice of fear vs the whisper of GodWhy comparison steals confidence, and how to break the cycleCollaboration creates legacy, gatekeeping shrinks your impactA practical way to close “space” in marriage and rebuild connectionGratitude as prayer without ceasingWhat surrender actually looks like when the math is not mathingFavorite Quotes“Confidence is calm knowingness.”“If the jar is full, it doesn’t shake.”“The voice of God is a whisper, the opponent is loud.”“The enemy creates space, close the gap.”“God backed confidence is not worried about a giant.”“I no longer want what I want for myself.”Scripture mentioned or referenced1 Corinthians 13Proverbs 18:21 life and death in the power of the tongue1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasingJames 2:17 faith without works is deadJob 1 and 2David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17Armor of God Ephesians 6Connect with Tara Website: TaraLaFonGooch.com Podcast: Grasp Confidence LinkedIn: Tara LaFon GoochLeave a review If this episode encouraged you, leave a rating and review. It helps other women find these conversations and keeps the show going.Support the showIf this encouraged you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube. It helps more women find hope, healing, and bold faith. Disclaimer Confidence and Coffee is a Christian centered podcast. All conversations are approached through a faith based lens that honors Jesus and biblical truth. Connect with Ashley:Order Ashley's New Book Confidence Is An Inside JobApply for Coaching with Ashley Connect with Ashley to be your Next Speaker!Subscribe to Confidence and Coffee here