Return to Jesus Podcast

Hey friend,
I think you're going to feel like you're sitting in on a coffee date with this week's guest.
I had the joy of talking with my friend Jeanette Tapley about what peace actually looks like in the middle of everyday life. Not a perfectly quiet life or a life without challenges, but a life that's full of motherhood, work, transitions, financial pressures, and all the beautiful, messy moments in between.
Jeanette shares how she's learned to find peace through movement, her gym community, and creating intentional rhythms that keep her connected to Jesus. We also talk honestly about launching kids into adulthood, resisting the temptation to compare our lives to everyone else's, and learning that contentment isn't something we stumble into. It's something God grows in us as we trust Him one day at a time.
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing about Jeanette's simple practice of reading her Bible before unlocking her phone each morning. It's such a practical reminder that what we turn to first often shapes the rest of our day.
Here are two takeaways I hope you'll hold onto:
✨ Peace isn't about having everything under control. It's about staying rooted in God's presence through every season, whether you're building, grieving, celebrating, or simply showing up for another ordinary day.
✨ Contentment grows when comparison loses its voice. As we focus on God's faithfulness instead of someone else's story, we begin to notice the gifts He's already placed in our own lives.
This conversation reminded me that peace isn't something we finally arrive at. It's something we practice, protect, and return to every single day. I hope it encourages you to slow down, open your Bible, and trust that God is faithfully meeting you exactly where you are.
Truly Yours,
Jen
About Jeanette Tapley:
Jeanette Tapley is a content creator who is passionate about encouraging women in faith, motherhood, and everyday life. Through honest conversations and practical encouragement, she helps women pursue Jesus with authenticity while embracing the joys and challenges of every season.
 
Follow Jeanette on Instagram⁠ here! ⁠
Follow Jeanette on TikTok ⁠here! ⁠
 
Grab your copy of Return to Jesus ⁠here! ⁠
Grab your copy of Grace in All Places ⁠here! ⁠

Hey friend,
Have you ever found yourself craving peace but feeling like your mind just won't slow down?
If you've been carrying anxiety, stress, or the weight of uncertainty, I think this conversation is going to be such a gift.
This week I'm joined by Kelli Becerra, a licensed therapist, author, and someone who beautifully blends biblical truth with practical mental health tools. Together we talk about what peace really looks like, not as the absence of hard things, but as a deep trust in God's presence even when life feels uncertain.
Kelli shares practical ways to manage anxiety, how surrender plays a role in experiencing God's peace, and why faith and emotional wellness don't have to exist in separate conversations. I loved how honest and hope-filled this discussion felt, reminding us that we can bring every anxious thought to Jesus while also using the tools He's given us to care for our minds.
Here are two takeaways I hope stay with you:
 Peace isn't found by controlling every outcome. It grows as we surrender what we can't carry and trust God with what comes next.
 God often meets us through simple, practical rhythms. Healthy habits, honest prayer, and caring for our mental health can all become ways we experience His peace more deeply.
Whether anxiety has been part of your story for years or you're simply walking through a stressful season, I hope this conversation reminds you that you don't have to face it alone. Jesus offers peace that meets us right where we are, and sometimes He provides that peace through both spiritual practices and practical wisdom.
I'm so thankful you're here, and I pray this episode leaves you feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that God's peace is always available.
Truly Yours, 
Jen
About Kelli Becerra:
Kelli Becerra is a licensed therapist, author, and speaker who helps people navigate anxiety, emotional health, and faith with honesty and hope. Drawing from both clinical experience and a deep love for Jesus, Kelli equips others with practical tools and biblical encouragement to experience lasting peace, resilience, and healing in everyday life.
 
Connect with Kelli!
Follow along on Facebook
Follow along on Instagram 
Check out her Website!

Hey friend,
Have you ever felt like you're juggling a hundred things at once and wondering if peace is even possible in the middle of it all?
This week, I sat down with Sarah Knepper, a teacher, photographer, candle maker, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of three. Sarah has spent more than two decades teaching while also pursuing creative passions and building a small business. What I loved most about our conversation was her reminder that peace isn't found when life finally slows down. It's something we can cultivate right in the middle of our busy seasons.
Sarah shares how quiet mornings, time in nature, and simple spiritual rhythms help her stay grounded. We talk about the importance of recognizing small pockets of peace, setting healthy boundaries, and giving ourselves grace when life feels overwhelming. She also offers practical encouragement for anyone who has a dream on their heart but isn't sure where to begin.
Here are two takeaways I hope you'll carry with you:
Peace is not the absence of chaos. It's the ability to find calm, gratitude, and God's presence in the middle of it.
Big dreams often begin with small steps. You don't have to have everything figured out before you start. Follow what brings you joy, lean on your community, and trust God with the next step.
Sarah's story is a beautiful reminder that every season won't look the same. Some seasons are for building, some are for surviving, and all of them can hold moments of peace when we intentionally look for them.
I hope this conversation encourages you to take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and keep moving forward in the things God has placed on your heart.
Truly Yours,
Jen
About Sarah Knepper:
Sarah Knepper is an educator with more than 23 years of teaching experience, a photographer, entrepreneur, and mother of three. She is the founder of a hometown-inspired candle company and is passionate about helping others pursue their dreams through small, intentional steps. Sarah loves encouraging women to embrace joy, cultivate peace, and build a life that reflects their values and calling.
 
Connect with Sarah: 
Photography Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/connecting.lens/
B-Town Candle Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btowncandle/
B-Town Candle Company Website - https://www.btowncandle.com/

Hey friend,
 
This conversation with Kristy Lavin felt like sitting down with someone who gently reminds you that healing doesn’t have to be rushed and that Jesus truly meets us in the middle of our struggles.
 
Kristy is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and someone deeply passionate about the intersection of faith and psychology. In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to pursue peace in a world that often feels loud and overwhelming. Kristy shares parts of her own story, including walking through an autoimmune disorder and overcoming struggles with alcohol, and how those experiences brought her back to deeper dependence on Jesus.
 
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Kristy describe Jesus as a psychologically safe healer. Someone who never shamed people for their emotions, questions, or pain, but instead met them with compassion, truth, and love.
 
Here are two takeaways I hope encourage you today:
 
 Vulnerability is often where healing begins. When we stop hiding our struggles and allow trusted people into our story, we create room for connection, growth, and grace.
Peace is built in the small, daily moments. Grounding practices like prayer, slowing down, stepping outside, or simply being still with God can help anchor us when life feels uncertain.
 
This episode is a beautiful reminder that Jesus cares deeply about our emotional and spiritual well-being. He is gentle with us in our healing, and we don’t have to have it all figured out before coming to Him.
 
I hope this conversation helps you breathe a little deeper and remember that you are not alone in your journey.
 
Truly Yours,
Jen 
 
About Kristy Lavin:
Kristy Lavin is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and speaker who is passionate about helping people experience healing through both faith and psychological tools. Through her work, Kristy encourages others to embrace vulnerability, pursue emotional wellness, and rediscover the compassionate heart of Jesus in every season of life.
 
Follow Kristy on Facebook HERE
 
Grab your copy of Return to Jesus HERE 

Hey friend,
 
This conversation with Jenny Albers felt like exhaling after holding your breath for a long time.
 
If life has felt loud, heavy, or overwhelming lately, I think this episode is going to meet you right where you are. Jenny and I sat down to talk about peace, not as something perfect or unattainable, but as something we can gently cultivate in the middle of real life, grief, motherhood, and all the unexpected twists in between.
 
Jenny shares so honestly about her experiences with pregnancy loss, navigating hard seasons, and learning how small rhythms like prayer journaling, stepping outside, and creating space from technology can help us reconnect with God and ourselves. We also talk about the importance of laughter, community, and having honest conversations as women walking through midlife and motherhood.
 
One thing I loved so much about this conversation is how Jenny reminds us that peace is often found in the simple things. A quiet morning. A walk outside. A prayer whispered in the middle of chaos. God is present in all of it.
 
Here are two takeaways I hope encourage you today:
 
Peace often grows in the spaces we intentionally protect. Slowing down, setting boundaries with noise and technology, and creating room for stillness allows us to hear God more clearly.
 
Grief and healing can exist together. There is no “right way” to walk through loss, and giving yourself permission to grieve is part of allowing your heart to heal.
 
This conversation felt like sitting with a wise friend over coffee, reminding each other that we don’t have to carry everything alone. I hope it encourages you to slow down, breathe deep, and return to Jesus in the middle of whatever season you’re in.
Truly Yours,
Jen 
 
About Jenny Albers:
Jenny Albers is a writer, speaker, and encourager passionate about helping women cultivate peace and connection with God in everyday life. Through honest storytelling and practical spiritual rhythms, Jenny creates space for conversations around grief, motherhood, faith, and emotional healing. She loves encouraging women to embrace authenticity, community, and the quiet presence of God in every season.
Links to connect:
 Courageously Expecting: https://amzn.to/4vLj7kx
 
 Follow along on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/jennyalbersauthor/
 
And the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-mid-life/id1860371069
 
Grab a copy of Return to Jesus HERE! 

Hey friend,
I’m so grateful you’re here for the start of this new season. This one feels especially close to my heart because we’re talking all about peace,  not the kind the world offers, but the kind Jesus promises us. The kind that steadies you, even when life feels anything but calm.
In this episode, I’m sharing a bit more personally about what this season has looked like for me. From navigating big life moments like parenting shifts and graduation, to walking through the quiet and not-so-quiet challenges that come with change, I’ve been learning what it really means to hold onto peace when life feels uncertain.
We’ll talk about the words of Jesus in John 14:27 and how His peace is available to us right here, right now. Not when everything is perfect. Not when life slows down. But in the middle of it all.
Here are two things I hope you carry with you into this season:
 Peace is something we practice, not just something we hope for. In the quiet moments, in prayer, in stepping outside and noticing God’s creation,  we make space for His peace to meet us.
You can trust God even when life feels unclear. His peace isn’t dependent on your circumstances. It’s rooted in His presence and His promises.
This season is an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and return again and again to the One who holds it all together. I’m so glad we get to walk through it together.
Truly Yours,
Jen 
Jen is the host of The Return to Jesus Podcast, a writer, speaker, and spiritual encourager who is passionate about helping women slow down and reconnect with God in their everyday lives. Through honest reflections and meaningful conversations, she gently reminds listeners that peace is always available when we choose to return to Jesus.
 
Check out her book, Return to Jesus here
Check out her website here 
Connect with her on Facebook here
Connect with her on Instagram here 

Hey friend,
This conversation with Raleigh Sadler felt like a gentle invitation to breathe deeper, look around, and return to what matters most.
Raleigh is the founder and executive director of Let My People Go, a ministry that equips churches to serve those who are vulnerable to exploitation. In this episode, he shares so beautifully about the difference between happiness and joy, how slowing down has helped him grow in creativity and connection, and why vulnerability is essential for meaningful relationships. We also talk about his experiences with pilgrimage, and how being present in our bodies and stories is one way we reflect God's love to the world.
This episode reminded me that sometimes the deepest joy is found not in fixing everything, but in being with, with God, with others, and with ourselves.
Here are two takeaways I hope you hold onto:
✨ Joy is rooted in identity, not circumstance. It’s less about what’s happening around you and more about who you’re becoming as you return to Jesus.
✨ Vulnerability invites connection. When we slow down long enough to be honest with ourselves and others, we create space for real community to grow.
Raleigh’s gentle wisdom and deep compassion make this episode one to revisit whenever life feels rushed or disconnected. I hope it meets you right where you are.
Truly Yours,Jen
 
Raleigh Sadler contact information:
Website: https://www.lmpg.org/
Podcast: https://www.mercycast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercycastpod/
 
Jen Thompson contact information:
www.trulyyoursjen.com
www.jenthompsonauthor.com
email - jen@trulyyoursjen.com
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @trulyyoursjen! 
 
Grab your copy of Return to Jesus! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747877/return-to-jesus-by-jen-thompson/

Hey friend,
You’re in for such a rich conversation this week. I sat down with Lauren Fernandez — author, mother of five, and a woman who knows what it means to hold both joy and pain in the same breath.
Lauren shares so openly about her journey of faith, what it looks like to keep showing up in dry seasons, and how joy isn’t about everything being perfect. It’s about trusting that God is still working, even when things feel messy or mundane. Together we talked about the power of remembering God's promises, the importance of sharing our stories honestly, and how we can each find purpose right where we are — dishes in the sink and all.
Here are two takeaways I hope stick with you:
Joy isn’t the absence of pain. It’s rooted in hope — and you can hold both joy and grief at the same time.
 Your ordinary matters. God meets you in the carpool line, the quiet morning moments, and even in the overwhelm. None of it is wasted.
This conversation felt like a deep breath and a gentle reminder that faith isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s just the quiet decision to keep showing up.
Truly Yours,Jen
 
Check out Lauren’s Website here! https://momfaithfumbles.com/
Follow her on Facebook here! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562080695394

Hey friend,
This episode is a little different,  it’s just me, and I’m inviting you into something personal.
As the holiday season unfolds, I wanted to pause and reflect with you. No guests, no plans, just an honest conversation from my heart. This year has brought some unexpected challenges, the heartbreaking loss of my mother-in-law, some health scares, and the kind of moments that remind you how much we need rest, community, and the peace only Jesus can give.
If the holidays feel a little heavy for you too,  if the joy is mixed with grief, or the traditions feel like pressure instead of comfort,  I want you to know you’re not alone. In this episode, I share what I’m learning about accepting help, letting go of the stress I usually carry, and finding the sacred in the simple.
Here are two things I hope you’ll carry with you:
You don’t have to do it all. Let the simplicity of Christ’s birth remind you that peace often comes when we release expectations and return to what truly matters.
It’s okay to need help. Community is a gift, and learning to receive is just as holy as learning to give.
I close this episode with a prayer for peace and acceptance,  for you, for me, and for all of us navigating the holidays with tender hearts.
Let’s keep returning to Jesus, together.
Truly Yours,Jen
 
Jen Thompson contact information:
www.trulyyoursjen.com
www.jenthompsonauthor.com email - jen@trulyyoursjen.com
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

Hey friend,
I’m so excited to share this beautiful and deeply honest conversation with Jillian Benfield. She’s a writer, speaker, disability advocate, and mom who knows what it’s like to walk through unexpected seasons — and still find joy on the other side.
Jillian and I talked about the idea of living with awe not in the big, flashy moments, but in the ordinary rhythms of life. She shared how her morning routine overlooking the river grounds her, how she's learned to hold grief and gratitude together, and why it’s okay if your life looks different than you imagined.
We also talked about the danger of toxic positivity and how important it is to let our scars remind us not only of what we’ve endured, but also of how we’ve healed.
Here are two takeaways I hope land gently in your heart:
You can hold both joy and sorrow. Life isn’t either-or it’s, both-and. And God meets us in that sacred in-between.
 Pay attention to awe. When we slow down enough to notice beauty, even in the chaos, we remember that God is still near.
Jillian's vulnerability, wisdom, and truth-telling will stay with you long after the episode ends. I pray this one helps you breathe a little deeper and return to Jesus, no matter what kind of season you're walking through.
Truly Yours,Jen
 
Grab a copy of my book, Return to Jesus, here! https://amzn.to/4oOhvCb
 
Jen Thompson contact information:
www.trulyyoursjen.com
www.jenthompsonauthor.com
email - jen@trulyyoursjen.com
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @trulyyoursjen! 
 
Jillian Benfield contact information:
FREE Ebooks: www.JillianBenfield.com
Facebook: @jillianbenfield
Instagram: @jillianbenfieldblog