External Validation vs. Being God’s Favorite

In this heartfelt episode of Bible-Curious, Amber-Lee Lyons sits down with Sian McKeever the founder of Holy Rest Retreats, for an honest conversation about slowing down, healing the nervous system, and finding peace through faith.Sian shares how her relationship with God deepened as she reprogrammed her mind and embraced healing from the inside out, reminding us that the body and the Spirit were never meant to be separate. Amber-Lee and Sian share their struggles of identity on their walks with God, having faith-filled community, and their journeys with alcohol. If you’ve ever craved a faith-based approach to wellness, this one’s for you.Amber-Lee also shares a special update at the top of the episode, letting you in on the God’s Favorite launch, which is going live Nov 12! Join the Early-Access List to shop the upcoming Kingdom Collection → godsfavorite.coFollow God’s Favorite on IG → @godsfavoriteshopKey Topics* The power of community and faith-based connection* How rest and breathwork restore body and spirit* Sobriety as a pathway to peace* Healing the nervous system through stillness* The link between emotional and skin health* Forgiveness as a cornerstone of wholeness* Finding beauty and balance through graceGuestSian McKeeverFaith-based breathwork facilitator and founder of Holy Rest Retreats, where women are invited to pause, breathe, and meet God in the quiet.Follow Sian → @siannaayExplore her retreats → @holyrest.retreatsConnect with Amber-LeeHost: Amber-Lee Lyons — creator of Bible-Curious and founder of God’s Favorite, a faith-meets-fashion jewelry line reminding women of their divine identity.Follow → @amberleelyonsFollow the brand → @godsfavoriteshopJoin the Early-Access List for the upcoming Kingdom Collection → godsfavorite.co This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

I wanted to share a Toronto recap with you! I got home last week totally exhausted and craving a reset. So I decided to spend the day slowing down, unpacking, cooking my favorite healing chicken soup, and finally unboxing our new God’s Favorite packaging.Get my raw reactions to our packaging that we waited weeks to receive, including a divine delay that ended up turning into a revelation about the brand’s mission.God’s Favorite is launching so soon with a very exclusive, limited first drop.Join the early-access list to shop before it sells out! This vlog feels like we’re just hanging out at my house, getting our lives together. Here’s to cozy resets, divine timing, and things unfolding exactly when they’re meant to.xo Amber-LeeP.S. If you missed my first vlog, that one I kept hidden, for the real ones, it’s where I shared the full story and faith behind God’s Favorite. You can still watch it when you join the early-access list. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

You were made to prosper but your toiling is getting in the way. I’ll be real with you…I’ve been hustling hard, toiling away on the God’s Favorite launch, and sometimes neglecting the one thing that actually matters: hearing from God daily. And of course…He called me out (again). Because while we were made to prosper, our toiling is what blocks the blessing.In this episode we’re getting into:* The difference between toiling vs. Spirit-led work* Why the foolish virgins’ lights went out + what it means for us* Mary & Martha vibes: intimacy with God over busywork* How old habits, distractions, and striving keep us from wisdomAnd because I can’t keep secrets from you guys, I’m sharing the tentative launch date for God’s Favorite (!!). The waitlist is officially open at godsfavorite.co and our first drop is super small, just for my OGs. Get on the list so you can shop it a day early before it opens to the public! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

This week’s episode is all about validation. In a world of comparison and competition, I realized what people think doesn’t matter. All I care about is being God’s Favorite, which is exactly why I’m launching a new jewelry brand called, yep, God’s Favorite. You get to be the very first to sign up for our members list at godsfavorite.co to lock in early access to the collection!In today’s convo, I’m breaking down the sneaky ways we seek validation, why worldly approval will never fill us, and how anchoring your worth in God changes everything. From beauty standards to identity to that constant pull to measure up, we’re going there, and I promise, freedom on the other side feels way better.xo Amber-LeePS: Make sure you: * Join the waitlist here* Follow God’s Favorite on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

Feeling low-key spiritually attacked lately? Like no matter how much you pray, repent, or try to “vibe higher,” something still feels off? You might be in the spiritual courtroom and not even know it. In this episode, we’re talking God as Judge, Jesus as your lawyer, and why the enemy is obsessed with accusing you. Oh, and how to counter-sue for your lost blessings plus interest?Want to live in “Heaven on Earth” mode 24/7? My Heavenly Habits Lifestyle Guide is your roadmap for looking hot, staying holy, and actually feeling grounded. This week only, you’ll get a free 7-day spiritual detox when you grab the guide. GRAB IT HERE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

This one goes deep. Like… Spirit-led rabbit-hole deep. We’re talking about the difference between worldly knowledge and divine wisdom and who’s been collecting your data since day one to keep you trapped in the matrix (spoiler: it’s not Bill Gates, think “spirit realm”.If you’ve been feeling spiritually foggy, caught up in the scroll, or trying to “figure things out” with your human brain, this is your nudge to SURRENDER to the guidance from above and pray for supernatural peace. I’m breaking down how God actually restores our minds, why fighting over politics is by-design (yep, we’re going there) and most importantly it actually means to walk by the Spirit (it’s not the same as being “high vibe”).Come hungry. Come curious. Leave covered in holy wisdom! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

Jesus turned water into wine, and we’re here for it. In this episode, I sit down with Gisela Kreglinger, theologian, life-long vintner and co-author of “Wine in the Word” (you have to check it out). We dive into the biblical significance of wine, why it’s more than just a drink. Gisela brings her unique perspective on wine as a sacred gift from God, and we get real about the modern-day tension between enjoying a glass guilt-free and the pressures of alcohol culture. Spoiler: Wine isn’t the problem, how we drink it is.So, should you drink wine? That’s between you and God—but this convo might just change how you see that next glass. Make sure you check our Gisela and her books!Gisela’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giselakreglinger/Wine in the Word Study Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Study-Guide-Streaming-Video/dp/0310172764I’ve spilled some tea to my “inner circle”…Incase you missed it…I am launching something new…I’ve been keeping this one close to my heart for a while, but it’s finally time to give you a peek behind the curtain. I’ve planted the seeds, moved in silence, and shared whispers of it with a select few. And now, I’m ready to say it out loud:Introducing: God’s Favorite—a lifestyle brand for the chosen.Launching this summer, God's Favorite will debut with a premier collection of jewelry and apparel designed to remind you of exactly who you are: chosen, anointed, and already blessed.I want to show you more BTS…Make sure you join the broadcast channel where I am showing you BTS sketches and ideas I am working on and getting your input and feedback to create exactly what you want and need!📢 Hop into my Broadcast Channel for unfiltered updates📲 Follow me on IG: @amberlee.lyons👕 Follow @godsfavoriteshop on IG to see what’s coming📩 Join my Substack for weekly faith, lifestyle & real talk This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

In this episode, we’re covering a lot, including why I’m actually taking Lent seriously this year, how mindless habits sneak in and dull our connection with God, and my new revelations on “metaphysics” and “frequency” and how parts of it might be biblical (but of course, we know New Age likes to twist things). We’re also talking money, poverty mindset, and why true wealth isn’t about how much you have but who you’re trusting.Oh, and adult friendships? They’re weird. Let’s get into confidence, self-acceptance, and how to avoid looking desperate for connection in new friendships and dating situations. Also, if you’re currently ignoring red flags in a relationship, consider this your intervention.And yes, I’m launching something new. God’s Favorite is officially happening, and if you like the idea of an elegant faith-based brand without the cheesy “Jesus is my homeboy” energy (even though he is), you’ll want to be the first to follow @godsfavoriteshop on IGTakeaways from this Episode:* Lent isn’t just about giving up chocolate. It’s a reset.* Mindless habits = sneaky distractions from spiritual growth.* The Holy Spirit is the only “high vibes” I want* Money issues are a symptom of the spirit of poverty* If money is your whole personality, you’re missing the point.* Confidence makes adult friendships easier.* Don’t fall in love with the stories you made up in your head after a first date.* Red flags don’t disappear just because you ignore them.* Forgiveness isn’t for them, it’s for you, and it gets you closer to GodIf you liked this episode, share it with a friend or just DM me your thoughts!Stay Connected: Join my Substack for weekly faith, lifestyle & real talk: Hop into my Broadcast Channel for unfiltered updates Follow me on IG: @amberleelyons Follow @godsfavoriteshop on IG to see what’s coming This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

Amber-Lee brings on special guests co-host, Taylor Stone for a deep, no-fluff conversation about faith, spirituality, navigating the shift from New Age to a REAL relationship with God, what practices they left behind. They unpack the supernatural and metaphysical sides of the Bible, the battle between good and evil, and why material success doesn’t always equal spiritual fulfillment. Learn what happened on the cross (whether you're down with the visual of blood or not), the agenda behind biohacking (yep, we went there), and why the Devil wants us feeling guilty all the time. They also tackle relationships with partners who may not share your beliefs, their take on alcohol, and the importance of leading by example in faith.This episode is packed with insights, personal revelations, and practical steps to help you deepen your spiritual walk. Get ready to question, grow, and shift.DM me on Instagram and let me know how you liked this episode and what questions you have! https://www.instagram.com/amberleelyons/Connect with Taylor on IG! https://www.instagram.com/iamtaylorstone/Check Out My Substack:For more inspiration, tools, and personal insights, don’t forget to check out my new Substack blog, God's Favorite. I’ll be diving deeper into this journey, sharing behind-the-scenes updates, and giving you even more resources to keep the momentum going.Key Takeaways:* Faith journeys are personal, messy, and ever-evolving.* Worship and community are game-changers for spiritual growth.* The Bible is more supernatural than people realize.* Abundance rooted in the fruits of the Spirit hits different.* Alcohol can cloud spiritual clarity.* The words you speak shape your reality.* Biohacking might not be the shortcut you think it is.* Action and obedience are key to hearing God’s voice.* Discernment is everything—especially when it comes to media, music, and relationships. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com

God's Favorite by Amber-Lee Lyons is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Ever feel like you’re gripping the steering wheel of your life way too tight? In this episode, I’m getting real about surrender, why it’s so hard, why it’s so necessary, and how letting go of control is actually the key to real peace and living every day in God’s holy Kingdom. I’m sharing my own struggles with slipping back into old routines, the self-control trap, and the messages I’ve received from God that shook things up in the best way. Plus, we’re talking about how constant reflection is a must, and what’s next for this community.If you’ve ever wondered how to align your plans with His plans (without losing your mind), this episode is for you.Takeaways:* Let God be the CEO of your life—His plan is better than yours.* Your old habits might be blocking your blessings.* Self-control ≠ controlling everything. Listen for God’s direction.* Dreams aren’t just random—they might be messages. Pay attention.* Surrender daily. It’s not a one-and-done thing.* Just because something is good doesn’t mean it’s God’s plan.* A strong faith community is a game-changer. Don’t go at this alone.* Stay flexible…God’s timeline > your timeline.Ready to shift from forcing to flowing? Let’s dive in. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amberleelyons.substack.com