320 // Be the Light in a Dark World | Standing Firm in Faith Through Persecution!

In a world growing darker by the day—where churches are being burned, believers mocked, and truth twisted—God still calls us to be the light. In this episode, we dive into 1 John chapters 1–4 to rediscover what it means to walk in the light, even when surrounded by persecution, fear, and confusion. This isn’t the time to hide your faith—it’s the time to shine brighter for Christ. 💛 Whether you feel weary, fearful, or unsure of what’s ahead, remember: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5 Join me as we talk about: ✨ Standing firm in your faith amid chaos ✨ How to keep hope alive when the world feels dark ✨ Why walking in God’s light brings peace and clarity ✨ The power of love and truth in 1 John 🌻 Scripture Focus: 1 John 1–4, John 1:5, Matthew 5:14–16 👋 I'm Stacey Ziegler — a Catholic wife, mom of 3, and certified life, health, and fitness coach. I help women walk in healing, peace, and purpose—body, mind, and soul. ✨ What you’ll find here:  • Scripture-based reflections • Wellness & menopause support • Faith-filled routines & holy habits • Real-life stories of transformation 🕊️ **New episodes every Tuesday** – subscribe & join me on this journey! 🔗 Let’s stay connected:   📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith 📝 Get devotionals + inspiration in your inbox: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries  📸 Join me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfu... 💌 Have a question or prayer request? Leave in the comments  #CatholicWomen #FaithOver40 #FitAndFueledByFaith #MenopauseWellness #HolyHabits #CatholicPodcast #FaithAndFitness #ChristianWomenOver40

Can one truly forgive, even the unforgivable? Discover how faith leads to freedom through forgiveness, inspired by an incredible act. It's powerful!  👋 I'm Stacey Ziegler — a Catholic wife, mom of 3, and certified life, health, and fitness coach. I help women walk in healing, peace, and purpose—body, mind, and soul.   ✨ What you’ll find here:  • Scripture-based reflections  • Wellness & menopause support  • Faith-filled routines & holy habits  • Real-life stories of transformation  🕊️ **New episodes every Tuesday** – subscribe & join me on this journey!   🔗 **Let’s stay connected:**  📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith 📝 Get devotionals + inspiration in your inbox:  https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries 📸 Join me on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/fitandfu... 💌 Have a question or prayer request?  Leave in the comments   #CatholicWomen #FaithOver40 #FitAndFueledByFaith #MenopauseWellness #HolyHabits #CatholicPodcast #FaithAndFitness #ChristianWomenOver40

Have you ever felt like you were chasing something - attention, success, or validation only to end up feeling more drained than ever? That was my life.I used to do everything "to be seen," believing that's where I'd find my worth. But all of that left me in a place of emptiness and despair.Now, my journey is a complete U-turn. In a world that tells us we need to be seen, I've found a life of joy and purpose in not being seen at all.This podcast is where I share my heart, my faith, and the unconditional love of Jesus that rescued me from that darkness.This is my story of giving up the spotlight to live for Christ and finding true fulfillment.📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries  📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith

✨ Want to burn fat without logging every single bite? You can. In this episode of Fit and Fueled by Faith, I’m sharing how women over 40 can simplify fat loss without obsessing over calorie and macro tracking.  If you’ve felt overwhelmed by MyFitnessPal, food scales, or tracking apps… this episode will give you freedom and peace of mind. You’ll learn: ✔️ The hand-portion method that works anywhere (no app required)✔️ How to build a balanced plate that supports fat loss and hormones✔️ Why protein + fiber are your secret weapons for satiety✔️ How to eat with consistency and grace, not perfection✔️ The faith-based mindset shift that removes guilt around food 💡 This isn’t about control, it’s about trust. You don’t need to track every bite to see results. You can fuel your temple with wisdom, simplicity, and joy. 📖 Proverbs 31:25  “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs without fear of the future.” 💬 Want my free Visual Plate-Building Guide for Women 40+? Click for Free Guide - https://bit.ly/45WGU4Z⸻ 👉 If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who needs this message.📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries 📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith

Struggling to track your macros without feeling overwhelmed?In this episode, I’m breaking down how to simplify the process so you can reach your fat loss or muscle goals, without obsessing over every bite. You’ll learn:✅ How to set realistic macro targets✅ My simple system for tracking without losing your mind✅ Learn how to eat what you want like dessert without guilt  This isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and freedom. Grab your notebook and let’s make macro tracking a tool, not a stress trigger!Want my beginner-friendly macro cheat sheet (with tips for women 40+)?Click for Free Guide - https://bit.ly/Macrocheatcode 📖 Scripture of the Week: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31 ⸻ 📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries 📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...

Grief is heavy. Tragedy shakes us. Death can leave us speechless. But even in the middle of heartbreak, God is near. 💛 In this episode of Fit & Fueled by Faith, I share from the heart about grief, loss, and the sadness we’re all feeling — but also the hope, light, and courage we can cling to in Christ. Together, let’s remember: ✨ Our pain has purpose. ✨ Our tears are seen by God. ✨ Our hope is unshakable in Jesus. If you’re mourning, if you’re searching for peace, or if you just need a reminder that light shines even in the darkest valleys, this conversation is for you. 🙏 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 ➡️ Listen in, share this with someone who needs comfort today, and let’s walk in faith together. 📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries 📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfu... 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith

Are your workouts leaving you feeling drained, inflamed, or stuck at a plateau? If you’re a woman over 40, it might not be about doing more—it’s about doing what’s right for your changing body.   In today’s episode, we break down:  • What types of workouts actually support fat loss, muscle tone, and hormone health  • Why intense cardio and bootcamps may backfire in midlife  • How to create a weekly rhythm of strength, walking, mobility, and rest   You don’t have to choose between results and rest — you need a strategy that works with your hormones, not against them.   🎧 Tune in and discover how to train wisely, recover fully, and feel stronger than ever. Want a simple 3-day strength training split for hormone balance? Click for Free Guide - https://bit.ly/3daystrengthspl... 📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries  📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith

If you’re over 40 and still trying to lose weight by eating less, skipping meals, or cutting carbs — this episode is for you. 🙋‍♀️ In today’s conversation, I’m sharing why “eating less” can backfire in perimenopause… and what to do instead to fuel your body for fat loss, balanced hormones, and all-day energy. We’re moving beyond diets and into nourishment — with practical, faith-aligned tips that support your metabolism and your spirit. 💪🏽 ✨ What you’ll learn: • Why “eating clean” isn’t enough • How to fuel your body without tracking every bite • My favorite shift from shrinking → strength • The 3 macronutrients your hormones need • A scripture that reminds us to honor our bodies ➡️ Head to my Instagram for a visual recap of today’s episode in a swipeable post you can save and share!Want a sample day of meals that supports fat loss and hormones?Click for Free GUIDE - https://bit.ly/Fatlossmeals📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https: //substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries  📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith  📺 Watch on YouTube: https: //youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith

Are you tired of doing more and seeing less?If you’ve been pushing harder with cardio but still feeling stuck, exhausted, or frustrated with fat loss — this episode is for you.In today’s conversation, we’re talking about how to burn fat smarter — without burning yourself out.You’ll learn about NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and why it’s one of the most underrated (and powerful) fat loss tools for women over 40.We’ll explore:✔️ Why more cardio isn’t always better✔️ The power of daily movement that doesn’t feel like a workout✔️ Easy, stress-free ways to increase fat-burning movement in your day✔️ How honoring your body is part of honoring God💛 Bible Verse: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…? Therefore, glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20🎧 Prefer visuals? Check out the matching post on Instagram: @fitandfueledbyfaith📲 Subscribe to stay encouraged every Tuesday with new episodes on faith, fitness, and fueling your life with purpose.Watch 👀: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith📝 Get devotionals + inspiration in your inbox: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries📸 Join me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfu...

🎧 RESET & RISE: Your Midlife Comeback in Christ Feeling behind in your faith, health, or purpose? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, I share how Catholic women over 40 can reset spiritually, rebuild holy habits, and rise again with Christ at the center. 💛 Let this be your moment to step out of the guilt and into grace. ✨ Topics:- Midlife healing through faith - Starting again when you’ve lost momentum- The power of small, holy habits- Why your comeback is spiritual, not superficial📬 Get devotionals + encouragement every week: https://substack.com/@thechurchgirldiaries 📸 Follow along on Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitandfueledbyfaith 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@fitandfueledbyfaith #ResetAndRise #CatholicWomen #MidlifeComeback #FaithOver40 #HolyHabits