Makin' Macon: Encouragement in Chaos

This Thanksgiving, my heart is full — not because life is perfect, but because God has been faithful in the middle of every chaotic, ordinary, exhausting moment.

In this heartfelt episode, I share the deeper story behind Thanksgiving that we don’t always talk about — the hardship, the sacrifice, the survival, and the unexpected help that made that first celebration possible. And woven through it all is a reminder we all need this se...

Have you ever prayed for something so long that you started to wonder if God still heard you? I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most personal stories of my life—the miracle that taught me what tangible faith really means.

This is the story of my daughter… my living, breathing reminder that God still performs miracles today. From the pain of “you’ll never have children” to the joy of holding my tiny red-headed ...

Have you ever been in a season where you’re grateful for what God’s doing—but completely worn out by it too? That’s where I’ve been lately. Between running a new bakery, homeschooling, and serving in ministry, life’s been full of blessings… and a little chaos.

In this episode, I’m opening up about what it looks like to find peace when life feels like too much—to rest, surrender, and trust God even in the busyness. Because peace isn’...

This month has stretched me more than I ever expected—and I’m tired. From launching the bakery to back-to-back events, car trouble, and family life, I’ve felt overwhelmed. But through it all, God’s been faithful.

In this honest episode, I’m sharing the real, behind-the-scenes story of how Macon Sweet Farms started, the doubts I’ve wrestled with, and the miracle that still reminds me to trust—even when I can’t see what’s next.

If you’...

Feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or emotionally drained? You’re not alone.

In this heartfelt, off-the-cuff episode, I open up about what it’s really like to juggle motherhood, ministry, perimenopause, and a brand-new business—all while trying to be still before the Lord.

If you’ve been in a season where life feels like too much—where you’re wondering how to show up for your family, your marriage, your church, and still have somet...

If you’ve ever felt like life was offbeat—like you’re clapping along to a rhythm that no longer fits—this episode is for you.

From parenting personalities that don’t match to God-initiated life shifts that catch you off guard, this episode dives into the spiritual discomfort of disrupted rhythms—and how to find grace in the middle of it.

I share a personal story of unexpected ministry moves, the lessons of Joseph in Genesis 50:20, an...

Feeling out of sync lately? Like life shifted gears and forgot to tell you? Whether you’re juggling school routines, ministry changes, or just trying to get dinner on the table without burning it—this episode is for you.

In today’s heartfelt conversation, I’m sharing how learning to drive a stick shift taught me something about timing—and how God often uses unexpected gear changes to grow and prepare us. We’ll talk about parenting t...

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we prayed it would—and in those hard moments, faith can start to feel shaky. In this episode, we talk about how to keep trusting God when the outcome doesn’t change, how to rejoice even when things still feel heavy, and how to hold on to hope like Habakkuk:

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…”

This one’s for the weary heart that’s still waiting, still believing, and wondering if any of it matters. (S...

Waiting on God can feel paralyzing—especially when nothing seems to be changing. In this episode, we talk about what it means to trust God in the middle of the wait, when fear creeps in and faith feels fragile.

You’ll hear real stories, Scripture-based encouragement, and a gentle reminder that you’re not alone. God sees. He sustains. And He still keeps His promises.

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Feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Makin’ Macon: Encouragement in Chaos, we’re getting real about those heavy seasons when it feels like the weight just keeps piling on. If you’ve ever wondered how much more you can take, or if God is still listening—you’re not alone. Let this be your gentle reminder that He will sustain you, even when the weight won’t lift.

✨ Grab the free printable: 10 Biblical Steps to Learn Contentment

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Ever felt unqualified for what God is calling you to do? In this first episode of Makin’ Macon: Encouragement in Chaos, I’m sharing how I stopped making excuses and stepped into obedience—even when I didn’t feel ready. If you’ve ever doubted your calling or felt like a mess in the middle of God’s plan, this one’s for you.

More encouragement on the blog:

👉 https://makinmacon.com

Related blog post:

👉 Being a Mary in a Martha World

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Welcome to Makin’ Macon: Encouragement in Chaos—the podcast for women who are doing all the things and wondering if they’re doing any of it well.

I’m Susan Raynor—pastor’s wife, current homeschooling mom, and writer at makinmacon.com—and I created this podcast as a space for you to pause, breathe, and find faith-filled encouragement in the middle of your real-life mess.

This trailer gives you a peek into what’s coming: every other we...