Warrior Words | Stories of Hope | Finding Beauty After Battles & Thriving After Surviving Trauma

155. The Body of Christ: The Vine and Its Branches | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 155 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
To kick off our stories this year, I am starting with one of my own.
Are you familiar with the term: "The Body of Christ?" Jesus said that He was the vine and we are the branches. That speaks to me of a divine connection to form a body.
A body, human or a grapevine, is connected and has many members or parts. And I love this connection between Christ and us.
But I got to experience the design of the Body of Christ in action during the month of December. And, in this case, this body spanned multiple states.
Join me as I share the beauty I experienced at the hands of several members of the Body of Christ.
 
Episodes I mentioned:
Tonya Kubo - Episode 28
Kerri Bishop - Episode 44
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
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Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
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Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

154. State of Warrior Words: 2026 | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 154 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
It feels good to be back! I recorded this episode in my office because I can walk again. It's not perfect or pain-free walking, but it is walking.
The 2.5 weeks of zero weight-bearing were tougher and longer than I thought they would be!
But like our storms and traumas, I survived and am ready for another year of stories.
In this episode, I talk a little about the past and a little about the future.
Toward the end, I outlined a few ways you can help the podcast move forward into its third year:
Leave a 5-star review.
Share an episode, or the whole show, with friends, family, on social, or in your newsletter.
Use the affiliate links in the descriptions & show notes; sometimes they are things I personally use, and others, they are someone who has put their trust in me to share, plus I likely use them as well.
A note about Amazon. For those who don't know, if you click on an Amazon link, the person only gets credit for that sale if the purchase happens within 24 hours of the click. The fabulous thing about Amazon is that you don't have to purchase the item you clicked. You can click through and then purchase something completely different.
All this to say, I would love to be able to have the podcast pay for itself, because it's not free to run. I'd also love to grow it into something that can pay a bill or two.
So, if you have a business, book, product, or service you'd like to promote, let's talk. I don't want to turn on generic ads; I'd rather support the businesses of my listeners!
I hope your 2026 has begun beautifully! And I look forward to the stories we will share in this new year! 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

153. Bits Of Biblical Beauty (BoBB)

Welcome to Episode 153 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I talk about the future of the Bits of Biblical Beauty - or BoBB - episodes.
 
Donate to Star of the Sea Guild through our new fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Become a Warrior Words Insider: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

152. Advent Beauty: Peace (BoBB)

Welcome to Episode 152 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I talk more about the beauty of Advent. This fourth week focuses on Peace, and we light all four candles; the fourth candle is known as the Angel's Candle. What peace we have knowing that Jesus has come to save us! His name is Emanuel - His name literally means "God is with us!"
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

151. Advent Beauty: Joy (BoBB)

Welcome to Episode 151 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I talk more about the beauty of Advent. This third week focuses on Joy, and we light the pink candle, known as the Shepherd's Candle. This Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday - Gaudete means rejoice. We rejoice because Christmas is almost here, and the Scripture referenced in this episode has God reminding us that we do not need to be afraid because He is coming to save us!
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

150. Merry Christmas | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 150 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
This week, I have an early Christmas message.
Christmas was meant to be the most hope-filled, the most love-filled time of the year. But for many of us, walking through the various storms of life, it's difficult to see the hope or the love.
Sometimes the pain and loss blind us to the blessings so freely given to us by God.
Don't let the enemy win. Don't let him steal the joy and blessings God has for you.
It is my wish that my message offers you some hope, but know that if it does, that hope may have come through me, but it came from Him - The King of the Universe. The King of All Creation. The King Who came to us as a little baby in a stable in Bethlehem. He is the one Who offers you hope, beauty, and love.
At Christmas. And every day.
So spend time with Him:
In prayer
In worship
In Adoration - even if you're not Catholic. If you are open, find an Adoration Chapel and sit with Him. Pour your heart out to Him.
Have a Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year celebration! 
 
Donate to Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Become a Warrior Words Insider: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

149. Advent: The Beauty of Righteousness (BoBB)

Welcome to Episode 149 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I talk more about the beauty of Advent. This second week focuses on Faith, and we light the second purple candle, known as the Bethlehem Candle. It's about how Jesus judges with righteousness and mercy, not on appearances, even though He experienced the opposite from the moment He began His human life in the womb of Mary to the moment He gave up His human life in obedience on the cross.
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

148. How Did My Surgery Go & a Couple Updates | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 148 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
I have a very short episode for you this week. As I mentioned in a previous episode, I had an ablation for my lower back and an ankle reconstruction surgery last week. Yes, both procedures occurred less than 48 hours apart.
That scheduling was actually a blessing in disguise.
I am home and able to do most things. Except I can't walk. At all. No weight at all on the ankle, and the splint is huge. I'll post a photo on my community tab over on YouTube.
Let me just say that my toes are freezing because none of my extra-large, super-warm socks are big enough to cover them.
I am super grateful for everyone who has prayed, sent messages, helped with rides, and helped with groceries. Everything has been a blessing.
I look forward to getting back to my normal routine in January.
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

147. Advent Beauty (BoBB)

Welcome to Episode 147 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I talk about the beauty of Advent. Advent is a season of approximately four weeks. The first week focuses on Hope, and we light the first purple candle, known as the Prophet's Candle.
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

146. How Do You Begin Again When You Say Words You Regret? | Kylie Hein

Welcome to Episode 146 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
Have you ever said or done something you later regretted? My guess is that most of you reading this answered, "Yes."
I think we all do it.
Sometimes we are able to fix it - make amends - and sometimes, we can't. At least not the way we might want to fix it.
This week, I speak with a woman who said some harsh words and made a decision for which she had some regret. And before they had a chance to come face-to-face, something awful happened.
Like so many times on this podcast, Kylie took that situation and changed her life. Instead of wallowing in the "why," she started asking, "What now?"
That perspective shift, and her developing faith in God, put her on a path to learn from this situation - to find beauty in her suffering - and to use it to help other women through coaching and spiritual direction.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kylie!
 
Learn more about Kylie:
Website: www.kyliemhein.com
Persistence in Prayer podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2135786
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kyliemhein
Daily Examen for Every Temperament (free for everyone!): https://kyliemhein.kartra.com/page/examen
 
Donate to the Star of the Sea Guild through our fiscal sponsor! https://raisedonors.com/xaviermissionfund/star-of-the-sea-guild
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People and sponsors/affiliates who helped make this podcast possible. Please support them and help keep Warrior Words on the air!
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Podcast to Profit Podcast Course (aff): https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting (aff): https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Gabriella Batel's Editing Services: https://bonepiercer.com/editing/first-chapter-packages/
1st Phorm for your Health Goals (aff): https://1stphorm.sjv.io/K01j3e
Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business or Speed Networking membership with my code WARRIOR at https://catholicowned.com/
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Links marked with (aff) are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.