How long do I have to endure these difficult circumstances? How long can I keep going when I feel overwhelmed and worn out? How long will it seem as though God is silent, distant, or uninterested in what I’m facing? How long can I pray when I don’t even know what to say anymore?

Psalm 13 and Hebrews 4 speak directly into these cries of the heart. They show us that God welcomes our honesty, understands our weakness, and offers real help in our time of need. In these passages we will discover how to navigate and survive the hardest times in our lives.

God saved Joanna Arp at an early age, and from that moment her life became a testimony of His grace. As a young woman in high school, she began teaching the Bible, sharing the truths that had already taken root in her heart. Over the years, through study and teaching, she has been nourished, instructed, and continually strengthened by God’s Word. Joanna is blessed with a beautiful family: five children, sixteen grandchildren, and two great–grandchildren.

Since the passing of her beloved husband, of 51 years, Joanna has found deep comfort in the Psalms. These sacred songs have been her lifeline, a source of strength and renewal in times of sorrow. In them, she has discovered that God Himself is her refuge, her security, and her safety.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation you wanted desperately to control? I have. Releasing our grip on problems or people can make us feel weak and vulnerable. But the reality is that our greatest power comes when we give God control. I hope you will join me as we consider what the Bible tells us about the power of letting go.

Debbie earned a bachelor of science degree in Bible and has enjoyed teaching God’s Word and discipling others on the local church level for over thirty years. She and her husband, Mark, live in northeast Ohio, where Mark serves as the lead pastor at their church. They have been married for thirty-seven years and enjoy spending time with their three adult children, two daughters-in-law, and their grandson. Debbie is the author of two books: “Faith Unhindered: Finding the Freedom to Trust God Completely”, written in a Bible study format; and “Faith Refreshed: A Slow Walk with Jesus”, written as a 30-day devotional through the Gospels.

There is a gap of living between a promise and the fulfillment of a promise, and that promise is based on the Ultimate Promisor—God Himself. Today’s session will help us learn to feel safe in the gap between the already and the not yet…learning to wait on God with hope and embracing the gaps without wasting our life in the waiting. Walking through our fears in faith is more than pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. It’s leaning into the heart of God while we wait for His direction for our next steps. Join us as we ponder His pauses in our life and learn of His character in our waiting. 

Christel hails from Deposit, New York, where she and her late husband planted a church in 1981 after graduating from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She faithfully served as a pastor’s wife for 32 years and is the mother of five and “Grammy” to seven. Over the years, she has served as a home education leader, Sunday School and ladies’ Bible study teacher, women’s ministry facilitator, church secretary, conference speaker, and property manager. Most importantly, she is a devoted follower of Jesus. In addition to serving her Lord, she enjoys gardening, landscaping, working with dairy cattle, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Christel has walked through many storms on her journey of faith. Her commitment to the solid foundation of biblical truth has carried her through many seasons of life and anchored her heart in the peace of the Prince of Peace.

Helping multi-tasking families confront common money myths and replace them with wise, faith-aligned decisions at every life stage. You will explore insurance needs, college costs, business ownership, retirement readiness, and estate and charitable planning through the lens of Biblical stewardship. 

Merri loves working with women and couples in navigating life’s financial challenges. She specializes in transitions like marriage, divorce, retirement and the loss of a loved one. She has been in the financial industry for over 16 years. Merri is a financial advisor and CKA, Certified Kingdom Advisor, with Faithward Advisors. Her favorite people are her four kids and two fur babies.

“By faith Abraham…” These powerful words in Hebrews reflect the true account of a man who was called by God to be the father of His chosen people. Looking at faith giants like these, we might be tempted to think we can never measure up. But let’s glimpse at Abraham’s life, his faith, and his failures. Most importantly let’s learn about his faithful God – because it’s in knowing Him that we can truly have faith like Abraham.

Erika is happiest near sunshine, sunflowers and her family. She loves sharing how God is working as director of communications for BCM International, a global missions organization dedicated to reaching children and strengthening churches. Erika holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clarks Summit University and is energized by collaboration, leadership development and discipleship. A wife and mom, Erika gets to serve in children’s, women’s and young adult ministries at Grace Bible Church (Dunmore, PA).

Most people repeat their vows expecting Happily Ever After. It can be quite a surprise when that loving relationship devolves into conflict and avoidance. But it does not have to be that way. This session will explore biblical and practical steps that can restore the joy and intimacy, while protecting against those sneaky things we do that can sabotage our unity.

Dr. Lynelle Buchanan has been a regular speaker at LYFE for years.  She has taught counseling on the undergraduate and graduate levels for over 25 years, incorporating Scriptural truth into all her classes.  She is often invited to speak at counseling conferences and women’s events, and has a podcast called The Theological Lens.  She is married to a pastor, and she and James share three adult children who give her lots of motivation to pray without ceasing.

In a world that often feels unjust, painful, and unpredictable, many Christian women wrestle with disappointment, betrayal, or suffering that seems unfair. I get it. In this session, we will explore practical ways to stand firm, maintain your testimony, and fix your eyes on your eternal inheritance. Centered on the powerful principles in 1 Peter, you will walk away with renewed strength, fresh perspective, and a deeper trust in the God who sees and redeems every injustice.

Dr. Lynelle Buchanan has been a regular speaker at LYFE for years.  She has taught counseling on the undergraduate and graduate levels for over 25 years, incorporating Scriptural truth into all her classes.  She is often invited to speak at counseling conferences and women’s events, and has a podcast called The Theological Lens.  She is married to a pastor, and she and James share three adult children who give her lots of motivation to pray without ceasing.

Don Catlett has been making technology accessible and useful for over 20 years, working with brands like Amazon and QVC while keeping his heart for everyday people. As a speaker, website strategist, and AI educator, Don has a gift for turning complicated topics into clear, practical conversations. He believes that understanding the tools of our digital world doesn’t require a tech degree — just a little guidance and a lot of good questions. He’s here to provide both.

Do you have people in your life asking difficult questions about God, the Bible, or the world? Perhaps you yourself have struggled with doubt, or you’d like to better understand the Christian worldview. Apologetics, the defense of the Christian faith, provides answers to these questions for each of us. Come to this breakout session to learn what apologetics is, how you can use it, and discover practical tools to strengthen your faith.  

Haley Cleveland is a pastor’s wife, mom, life-long student of God’s Word, Bible study author, and an avid reader. With degrees in writing, communications, and apologetics, she is passionate about equipping Christian women in biblical truth. She is a writer for Women in Apologetics and also writes on all topics at haleycleveland.com. You can find her dabbling in a new craft, serving with her church family, or exploring bookstores in search of additions to her C.S. Lewis collection. 

Are you ready to develop the kind of faith that doesn’t waver when life hits hard? Join us for “Built to Last: Cultivating a Faith That Withstands the Storm.” In this session, you’ll discover how to strengthen your spiritual foundation so that when the winds of doubt, fear, or hardship blow—you remain rooted, resilient, and full of hope. God never promised a storm-free life, but He did promise to be our anchor through every trial. Come and learn how to build a faith that lasts—not just in the good times, but especially in the hard ones.

Don’t just survive—stand firm. Your faith was made for this!

Dr. Rosemarie Downer is an accomplished author of nonfiction Christian books, dedicated to challenging and inspiring the body of Christ. With devotionals written for YouVersion and a total of 11 published books, she has made a significant impact in the Christian community. She is the author and designer of A Closer Look at Me (ACLAM) Cards and Workbook, a transformative tool for self-awareness, self-worth, and self-care. She also facilitates training sessions and retreats based on ACLAM, helping individuals and groups foster emotional wellness. In addition to her writing, Dr. Downer actively shares the Word of God through teaching and speaking at conferences, retreats, and various other settings. She has also provided guidance and coaching to church leaders, while conducting numerous seminars and retreats for both church and business leaders. Having earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology from the University of Maryland College Park in 1997, Dr. Downer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. After serving as a social science researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 20 years and as an adjunct professor for 24 years, she retired in 2019 from both positions. Currently, she is living her dream of writing nonfiction books that uplift and edify the body of Christ. 

This two-part breakout is especially helpful for young women who are discerning their next steps in life—education, career, or calling—and for mothers, mentors, and friends who want to wisely support someone in that season.

Since you were a young girl, people may have asked you: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” That question can be confusing and maybe even a little scary, but we are designed by God and He has a specific plan for each of us. Let’s discuss what God’s word says about your future and how to uncover God’s masterpiece of YOU.

Grace Dyson is the founder of Life Design Careers (LDC), Inc. LDC is a career development company committed to helping people uncover and move with intention toward their desired life and career goals. Grace founded her organization after a long career in corporate media, an interest that God gave her as early as 8 years old. Her desire is for everyone, especially young people, to know how wonderfully God has created them and to uncover His purpose for their lives in Christ. Coach Grace is a full-time career coach, author, and a regular speaker and trainer for colleges, career services teams, church and youth groups, and corporations. She also actively serves in the media ministry at her home church.

Many of us who are called to build businesses, lead teams, and carry vision find ourselves shaken in ways others may not see. Alongside life, family, and community, we are navigating a business world that continually pushes us to rely on our own strength, wisdom, and understanding. The result is leaders who often find themselves silently wrestling with overwhelm, doubt, and anxious striving.

In this eye-opening session, we will discover the hidden reason so many entrepreneurs and leaders feel shaken in their work, unveil God’s better design for building and leading, and learn a clear daily pathway that shifts us from striving in our own strength to becoming truly unshakable in Christ.

Kathleen Fischer is the founder of The Christ-Empowered Movement, where entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams are equipped to work from the power of their oneness with Christ instead of striving in their own strength. Through powerful teaching, practical frameworks, and personal insight, Kathleen helps Christians in business and leadership recognize the unseen pressures that keep them caught in the anxious patterns of this world and discover the freedom, peace, and power that flow from Christ within. As a former systems analyst and woman of deep faith, Kathleen brings a unique blend of spiritual insight and practical wisdom to her work. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband of over forty years and delights in their adult children. Her passion is to see God’s children build their lives and work from the unshakable foundation of Christ.

God has equipped up with emotions. Lots of them. Many can come at once and in unpredictable moments and packages. Sometimes we have no idea where they came from or what to do with them. Sometimes they are a gift we want to return. Sometimes we unleash them on the poor unsuspecting soul nearby. What’s a girl to do?! In this breakout session we will identify emotions, the physiology behind them and some practical godly ways to harness their power before they overpower us.

Heather holds a doctorate in human development and loves interacting with others on the ways we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. When she is not teaching, counseling, or supervising counselors in training, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new cake recipe or cycling with her husband Garry.

We know God’s promises—we quote them, frame them, cling to them when life gets hard. So why do worry and fear still show up uninvited? Why does uncertainty still shake us? In Deuteronomy 31, Moses stood before a nation on the edge of the unknown and spoke words that would either anchor them or leave to face their fears alone. What he said wasn’t just another promise to add to the collection—it was a reminder of the promise that changes everything about how God’s people face what’s ahead. Come discover the truth that steadied Israel’s trembling hearts and still has the power to steady ours today. 

Dr. Sherrie Holloway is a dynamic Bible teacher and sought-after speaker who captivates audiences with her ability to make Scripture come alive. Known for her warm, engaging style that combines deep biblical insight with practical application, Sherrie has a gift for connecting God’s Word with everyday life in ways that inspire, challenge, and transform. As founder of Wellspring Overflow Ministries and co-founder and CEO of LYFE Events, Inc., she is passionate about creating life-changing experiences for women through solid biblical teaching and authentic community. Author of For the Love of God and Everyday Grace, Sherrie brings fresh perspective to familiar passages, drawing from the overflow of her own vibrant relationship with Christ. With a Doctor of Ministry degree and over 38 years of teaching experience, she delivers messages that are both academically sound and deeply relatable. Whether leading a conference, retreat, or workshop, Sherrie’s mission is clear: to teach the truth of the Bible and help others connect it with the reality of their everyday lives—leaving audiences equipped, encouraged, and ready to take the next step in their relationship with God.

Hearing God’s Word taught well is enriching, but learning to study it for yourself will meet your personal spiritual needs. In this session, you will practice foundational skills for Bible study and explore practical tools to interpret and apply Scripture. Whether you’re just beginning or fine-tuning your approach, you can gain confidence, inspiration, and skills for a transformative relationship with God.

In his first year of college, Jim made a life-changing decision to entrust every part of his journey to God—and it’s been fantastic! Through teaching the Bible in college classrooms or hundreds of churches around the world, mentoring young believers, leading and college and planting a church in South Africa, Jim has seen firsthand how God’s Word provides direction and hope. His greatest passion is helping others experience the transformative power of Scripture.

Friendships in the life of a Christian can make or break you. How do we build close friendships and why should we? Why do some friendships last and others fade? What can we do when a friendship changes or ends in order to heal? Join Julie Manwarren for a look at what God’s Word says about our relationships and a frank discussion about healthy and unhealthy friendships. Learn how your inner narrative informs your relationships and the important role your mind plays in how you relate to those around you. Learn tips for strengthening the friendships you have and building new friendships at any stage of life. Gain encouragement to make your primary relationship the one you have in Christ. You have an unshakable friend in Him. Join us as we discover how to make friends for LYFE (Living Your Faith Everyday)!

Julie Manwarren is an author, Bible study writer, speaker, and genealogist. An alumna of Clarks Summit University, Julie makes her home in northeastern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her husband, Phil, and two college-age children. She leads women’s Bible study at her church and speaks at women’s conferences. When she’s not teaching or writing, Julie conducts historical and genealogical research for clients across the country. She likes to read, go antiquing, travel with her husband, and spend quality time with friends, especially when discussing and studying the truths in God’s Word.

Dan & Joy Nichols have a decade of parenting experience that did NOT start the way they had planned. Jump into a conversation with them about what they’re learning about intentional parenting God’s Way: how equally hard & rewarding it is!

Dan & Joy Nichols have been married for 13 years, and they have two boys: Landon (10) and Declan (6). They were ABWE missionaries for 10 years launching Restored Church and Northeast Collaborative with great teams. They’ve lived in Cortland, NY serving Grace Christian Fellowship for 5 years now. Joy has an A.A. degree from Liberty University, and Dan has a D.Min. degree from Clarks Summit University. They love their Friday date days, playing board games, chain restaurants, and laughing together!

Most of us don’t like hearing “no”—and yet life is full of them. But when the One saying no is the Creator of the universe and the Author of our souls, that “no” can feel heavier, more personal, and sometimes devastating. In this breakout session, we’ll explore what Scripture reveals about God’s “no,” and how we can remain steady, rooted, and unshakable when His answer doesn’t match our desires. Together, we’ll uncover the spiritual resources that help us trust His heart even when we don’t understand His plan.

Candice was born and raised on the island of Jamaica. She has been married to her soul-mate James since 1998, and passionately embraces her role as the wife of a pastor. For the past sixteen plus years, Candice and James have devoted themselves to kingdom building in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Candice currently leads worship at their church and avails herself to be used of the Lord in any way she can. When she is not at church, she also enjoys a rewarding career in the field of finance and is a Regional Manager for the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union. Candice has been privileged to be a breakout speaker at several LYFE conferences over the years and joyfully embraces any opportunity the Lord gives her to encourage other women in their faith walk.

We are bombarded with the lie that, if you just had the next thing, you would be happy and satisfied. I love how the Word of God falls fresh on us when we are still long enough for it to do so. I was struck by David’s words in Psalm 27. He speaks of the “one thing.”

When I think of things that bring joy, I picture sunsets, kittens, and grandchildren. Trials don’t even make my top hundred list. Yet James tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials. How can that be? In James 1, we discover the many ways God uses trials for our good. As we learn to see our difficulties from God’s perspective, we can experience true joy—even in the midst of life’s hardest moments.

Jeannie Vogel has studied the Word since she was a teen. After receiving a Masters in Biblical Studies, she still finds the Bible the most impactful and captivating book ever. She has published 4 Bible studies and taught seminars across the US and other countries, most recently in Liberia, W. Africa. She has been married to husband Jim for 48 years and has 5 children and 7 grandchildren. She is also the NY ambassador for Revive Our Hearts ministry. Her goal is to live 4God’sGlory everyday.

Beneath it all, we’re all pretty much alike. The women of the Bible are no exception. From Sarah, who struggled with infertility and anger, to Leah, the unloved wife; from Rahab, the faith-filled prostitute, to Bathsheba, who endured loss and betrayal…We see our own hearts reflected in the lives of these Biblical women. Each one was hand-picked by God and drawn into His family. He is inviting you into His story as well. No matter how messy your story may be, there’s a place for you at His table!

Teresa Whiting is a national speaker, author, trauma-informed life coach, and host of the Beauty in the Brokenness podcast. She’s the author of Graced: How God Redeems and Restores the Broken.  But more than anything, Teresa is a friend—and a fellow struggler. As a pastor’s wife and ministry leader for over 30 years, Teresa has walked alongside countless women through both their highest joys and their deepest pain. Whether speaking to hundreds from a stage or sitting with one woman on her couch, her passion is the same: helping women recognize the beautiful, redemptive work of Jesus in the midst of their broken stories. 

Teresa and her husband, Greg, have five adult children and three grandsons and are recent empty nesters living in St. Petersburg, Florida. In her happy place, you’ll find her walking the beach, spending time with her family, or exploring God’s creation—untethered from technology. Learn more at teresawhiting.com.