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

158. Taking Action with the Holy Spirit | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 158 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
I had no idea this would become a series when I sat down to record the first episode a few weeks ago. Yet, here we are in the third installment.
I was thinking about the first two episodes where I talked about listening to the Holy Spirit, and confirming (and being obedient to) the Holy Spirit's Whisper, and it felt incomplete.
Then I had a meeting with someone who was a referral from someone else. It was my first "high-profile" meeting with someone in the nonprofit space, someone who had the possibility of helping.
I felt out of my league, so I sought advice from someone whose knowledge in this space is far beyond mine. That act of acknowledging what I didn't know and humbly asking for help calmed my nerves.
The meeting went fabulously. I met a new faith-filled person, and left with resources I didn't know existed.
This is only part of the story. The story is really about taking action. It's about after you've confirmed what the Holy Spirit is asking you to do, you need to move your feet. You can't sit home and just pray about it.
Don't get me wrong, you should still "pray without ceasing," but it can't be the only thing. When you are partnering with God on assignment, you need to DO something. 
Listen. Confirm. Do.
 
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Armor Up.
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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
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Catholic Owned (aff): Get 10% off any Business 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.

157. The Impossible Whisper of the Holy Spirit | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 157 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
What do Gideon and Noah have in common?
Both were tasked with impossible or perhaps seemingly ridiculous tasks.
We are told that one balked at the idea, but we're not told how the other one initially responded.
Gideon asked to test God multiple times before his obedience. We only know that Noah was obedient.
Both risked stares, laughs, taunts, and, of course, failure to listen and do what the Holy Spirit asked them to do.
These two Biblical men are inspirational to me, and I think of them often when I reflect on and actually work on the things I've been asked to do.
I don't claim to understand all the reasons. I just know that when I look back, I can see the Spirit's involvement in so much. I see things I never would have, or could have, done. I see things I wouldn't even have considered.
And yet, here I am.
God's not done with me - or you! 
I'm back this week, expanding on my two metaphors from last week: germinating seeds and ladder rungs. For good measure, I throw in a third.
Being open to the Holy Spirit opens us all up to those stares, laughs, taunts, and failures, but it also opens us up to a ride we never envisioned.
Listen to the next rung on the ladder and how a tiny seed was planted, lay dormant, and has begun to grow.
 
Trust the Whisper: https://amzn.to/49KUag9
 
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
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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
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 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.

156. Do You Find It Hard to Listen to the Holy Spirit? | Heather Gaffney

Welcome to Episode 156 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
For much of my life, I think I just went through the motions in my faith: doing things out of duty, checking the boxes, punching my timecard. 
Can anyone relate?
I had this mindset that God needed to hit me over the head with a 2x4 or flash a neon sign to get my attention. I'm sad to say, I got that 2x4 a few times.
Preaching on the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, discussing the first apostles, my priest talked about a simple line in verse 39. A line many people may not pay attention to: "It was about 4 in the afternoon."
Why is that there? In his interpretation, my priest said that it was a significant enough event that they wanted to remember the moment they met the Messiah.
Then he asked us to think about when we first encountered Jesus, really met Him.
I'd have to say, for me, it was when I began to homeschool my kids and teach them the faith.
It's not that I didn't have faith or believe before that. It's that I didn't internalize it. It wasn't personal.
So, no wonder I needed that 2x4.
In this week's episode, I talk about listening to the Holy Spirit. We can't truly hear the Spirit's whispering if we're not paying attention. I share part of my story of hearing the Holy Spirit, paying attention, and eventually listening.
 
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
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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
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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.

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.
 
Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
 
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
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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
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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.

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/
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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.

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.