The Choosing Cheer Podcast

Join Nicolet Bell as she welcomes Ainsley Richardson to the Choosing Cheer podcast. Ainsley's incredible story takes us from her childhood in Mississippi to her work with Ddembe Ministries in Uganda. This episode explores the joy found in serving others and how Ainsley's faith has guided her through life's ups and downs. Learn about the impactful work being done in Uganda and be encouraged by the message that joy is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in Jesus.

In this enlightening episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell welcomes Eddie Rester to discuss the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Eddie shares his experiences, from his call to ministry to his current role in advancing the church. Listen to discover how the Holy Spirit shapes our lives and brings joy regardless of life's challenges. Don't miss this conversation that will leave you inspired and encouraged.

Join Nicolet Bell on this episode of "Choosing Cheer" as she sits down with Emily Sullivan, a woman whose life was transformed by her faith. Emily recounts how the unexpected events of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a career upheaval and health crises, led her to a deeper understanding of joy and purpose. Through Emily's story, you'll learn how to find joy even in the most challenging moments and how God's presence can guide you. Take advantage of this powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and the unshakeable joy we have in Jesus.

On this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell sits down with Kristen Eargle, sports reporter, host of The Coach’s Wife Life Podcast and founder of Ruler of Hope, to explore the concept of joy rooted in Jesus in her powerful story. Kristen's journey with her daughter, who has a rare and severe genetic disorder, is a powerful example of finding joy through faith. Kristen discusses how her trust in God and support from her community helped her navigate through financial and emotional struggles and how she now works to support others in similar situations.

In this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell and Emily Wierenga explore the depths of joy found in Jesus. Emily, a writer and philanthropist, shares her transformative journey from a life of self-promotion to one dedicated to serving others in need. Hear how Emily's experiences in Africa, as well as her battle with an eating disorder, reignited her faith and brought her closer to understanding the joy of the Lord. This episode is a beautiful illustration of finding joy in all life's moments, grounded in Jesus' enduring presence.

In this inspiring episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell welcomes Julie Busler, a remarkable woman whose journey through profound grief and trauma led her to discover the unshakable joy of Jesus. Julie shares her personal story of overcoming depression and PTSD, the loss of her parents, and her unexpected ministry path. Her testimony highlights how Jesus' presence brings joy that transcends circumstances. Tune in to hear how Julie's faith journey can encourage you to find joy and hope in your own struggles.

Join host Nicolet Bell and special guest Katie Ginn, editor of Mississippi Christian Magazine, as they explore the profound joy found in Jesus in everyday moments. In this episode, Katie shares her journey from a childhood in Arkansas to leading a prominent Christian magazine, emphasizing the role of faith and storytelling. Discover how embracing Jesus' joy can transform your daily life, no matter your circumstances. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and find joy in the routine. Tune in for an inspiring conversation rooted in Romans 12:1-2.

In this episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell is joined by licensed professional counselor Sarah Beth Walker to explore the profound impact of communication on our daily lives and relationships. Learn how effective communication can nurture joy and connection, and find practical tips for overcoming miscommunication. Discover how to view life's moments through empathy and understanding while grounding yourself in the unchanging joy of Jesus' presence.

Discover the unchanging joy of Jesus with Nicolet Bell on this week's Choosing Cheer episode. This episode explores the unshakable peace found in Jesus' presence that persists in both trials and triumphs. Through engaging narratives and scriptural exploration, Nicolet offers encouragement and wisdom to help you see beyond your circumstances and embrace joy rooted in spiritual truth.

This episode of Choosing Cheer features Brooke McGlothlin, who discusses how prayer has anchored her through the turbulent waters of parenting two boys. Brooke discusses her ministry, 'Million Praying Moms,' and provides insights on using prayer not as a last resort but as a first response to parenting's daily trials. Listen as she and host Nicolette Bell discuss how embracing one's weaknesses can lead to discovering the strength found in Christ's presence.

Join Nicolet Bell and guest Maghon Taylor on Choosing Cheer as they explore finding joy in life's ordinary moments. In this episode, we learn how Maghon's journey as an author and entrepreneur intertwines with the deeper joy rooted in her relationship with Jesus. Discover uplifting stories and insights that will inspire you to see the extraordinary in the everyday.

Explore how to harness the power of your mindset to enhance life's joy with Nicolet Bell and guest Dr. Ronnie Kent. They discuss critical concepts like growth and fixed mindsets, backed by scripture and science, providing insights that will empower and uplift you. Tune in to learn how adopting a growth mindset can transform your approach to challenges and increase your spiritual fulfillment.

This week, our host Nicolet Bell is joined by Brian Hinnant to talk about the joys that come from discipleship, particularly within the family. This episode dives into the importance of leading with faith within the home, and why it’s so important to cultivate intentional discipleship within families. They remind us that joy transcends circumstances when rooted in Christ's presence. A must listen for anyone seeking to infuse their life with genuine cheer and purpose.

In this episode of Choosing Cheer, we share an interview from the You Matter podcast where Shane Stanford turns the table on our regular host, Nicolet Bell. She brings a powerful message about the joy of Jesus in every season of life. Join Shane and Nicolet as they discuss how joy is a choice anchored in our relationship with Jesus, not in our external circumstances. Through inspiring personal stories and scriptural insights, they reveal how to cultivate a cheerful heart even in the most challenging times.

This Holy Week, Nicolet Bell, our host, offers a profound look into finding lasting joy in Jesus amidst life's challenges. This special episode bridges the gap between biblical events of Holy Week and contemporary struggles, showing how Jesus' journey to the cross and resurrection provides a blueprint for embracing joy in all circumstances.

This week, Nicolet Bell, our host, is joined by her best friend Lauren McMaster for a closer look into the essence of Christ-centered friendships. These two friends share personal stories, highlighting how these friendships enhance our spiritual journey and everyday cheer. From shared laughs at Costco to profound moments of accountability, discover how to cultivate friendships that anchor you in Jesus' joy, no matter what life throws at you.

In this week’s conversation, our Host Nicolet Bell dives into the transformative practice of prayer journaling with her guest Kim Clark! They explore how this intimate form of prayer can deepen your relationship with Jesus, offer peace amidst chaos, and root your joy in something beyond circumstances. Learn practical tips to start your own prayer journal and discover the boundless joy awaiting in God's presence through prayer.

This week our host Nicolet Bell is joined by Rev. Cynthia Davis for an uplifting conversation on the unwavering joy found in Jesus' presence as we pray. They talk about what it means to truly hear from the Lord, the importance of practicing gratitude, and the beauty of the power of prayer. Through stories of personal faith, prayer, and overcoming life's challenges, they remind us that true joy isn't dependent on our circumstances, but deeply rooted in Christ.

In this week’s conversation, Nicolet Bell is joined by her husband, Preston Bell, as they explore the profound joy that comes from observing the Sabbath amidst the hustle of life. This episode dives into how taking intentional rest strengthens our relationship with God and enriches our daily lives and relationships with others. Discover how Nicolet and Preston have been impacted by the power of Sabbath rest and how it can lead to a more joy-filled, journey with Jesus in your own life, too!

In this week’s epsiode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet shares on finding the joy of Jesus in our service to others. She opens up about her own convictions in serving her community, and offers practical ways to start looking for ways to serve like Jesus around us. She reminds us that we can choose cheer in our acts of service because in the ways we give and do unto the least of these, we also are doing for Christ!

They say food is the fuel for life. On this week’s episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet is joined by chef and restauranteur, Katie Dixon to talk about choosing cheer in how we fuel our bodies! Nicolet and Katie talk about the importance of having a healthy relationship with food and practical ways to maintain well living. They discus Katie’s experience on Master Chef, and how holding true to her convictions meant sacrificing her role. They end by reminding us that we can choose cheer in what we eat because food is a gift from the Lord!

When we think about the whimsy and wonder of childhood, it often brings us to the joy of life's everyday moments. This week, Nicolet is joined by Laurel Donahoo, a lifestyle influencer from Mississippi to talk about what it looks like to celebrate and find the joy of Jesus in those little, often overlooked moments. They talk about Jesus's call for us to come to him with that child-like faith, and Laurel shares about what it looks like to cultivate that within her home with her kids by celebrating everything from Valentines to snow days. They remind us that each day we have the chance to wake up and ask Jesus to give us his joy for the everyday moments in the day ahead.

In this week’s episode of choosing cheer, Nicolet is talking about choosing cheer in our interruptions! Interruptions are an everyday occurrence in most of our lives, and Jesus was no exception. Nicolet uses His example of slowing down and allowing the deviations in our days as divine appointments and an opportunity to show Him to others. She reminds us that we can choose cheer in the interruptions because God is a God of MORE, and we can look to these moments as an opportunity for more of his peace, joy, and holiness.

Ministry starts at home. In this week’s episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet is joined by artist and homemaker MK Decker! They have a truly beautiful conversation on choosing cheer inside the home. Nicolet and MK discuss the importance of our homes as a way to glorify God and how keeping a clean, safe space sets the tone for and is a way to serve our families. They talk about the struggles with comparison and the dangers in placing our value in our possessions but also about the joy that comes from decorating and keeping a home and the special heart God has for beauty. Nicolet and MK encourage us that we can choose cheer in our homes because our ministry starts there, and what a joy it is to create a space that worships and celebrates Him!

This week on the Choosing Cheer Podcast, our host Nicolet Bell sits down with her mentor and friend Kim Clark to talk about choosing cheer in studying scripture and reading the Bible. This episode is filled with truths about the importance of a daily routine of study and the rich benefits that come from delighting in God’s Word. They share some of their own habits and routines and provide encouragement for those wanting to start their own! Nicolet and Kim remind us of the gift it is just to be able to read our Bibles and the joys that can come from storing away His Word on our hearts.

Welcome to the third season of Choosing Cheer! This week, our host Nicolet shares about choosing cheer in the new year and introduces our focus topic for this season! She dives into the importance of the transition into the new year by getting rid of what is old and dead in our spiritual life in order to make way for the beauty and newness God has in store. She shares our theme for this season, choosing cheer in the everyday. Nicolet takes a look at the importance of the ordinary in Jesus’s ministry and how he uses ordinary moments and objects as an opportunity to display his goodness. She reminds us that God wants us to bring the everyday to him because even in the normalcy of our lives, we have great opportunity for joy.

In our second season’s finale, Nicolet shares a word of encouragement on choosing holiday cheer! She talks about the struggles we face when comparison creeps into our seasons and offers a reminder about where our true holiday joy is found! Nicolet reminds us that amidst the chaos of the holiday season, we can find joy because Jesus is cheering us on!

The holiday season can be a time of much joy but also much stress. In today’s conversation, Nicolet sits down with LPC Sarah Beth Walker to talk about choosing cheer amidst the stress of the holiday season. They talk everything from navigating family dynamics to combating the pressure of “keeping up with the Joneses.” They discuss the beauty found in the seasons of waiting as mirrored in Advent. Most importantly, Nicolet and Sarah Beth remind us that our joy of the season comes from the gift in the manger, and that alone is worthy of celebrating!

This week on Choosing Cheer, Nicolet has the joy of sitting down and talking with Michelle McKinney Hammond, author of “When Shift Happens,” speaker, and worship leader. Their conversation is truly filled with joy, the Holy Spirit, and so much encouragement for what happens when life hands us the unexpected. Michelle and Nicolet talk about choosing cheer in mastering the mundane, seeing the world for its opportunities rather than limitations, and the joy you receive when you cheer on others!

In this week’s episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet sits down with Drs. Shane and Pokey Stanford to talk about choosing cheer in our daily walk with Jesus! Their conversation dives into the importance of intentionally making time for Jesus every day and, most importantly, how that in turn helps us to better cheer on one another. Shane, Pokey, and Nicolet give practical encouragement for beginning that journey and relay their personal experiences of the impacts of walking with Jesus every day for a year.

In this week’s conversation on Choosing Cheer, Nicolet is joined by her husband, Preston Bell, to talk all about choosing cheer in encouragement, especially when cheering on your spouse! They discuss the importance of fully listening to and affirming one another and the effects of creating a "Sabbath space"--or a space to rest--in your marriage. Nicolet and Preston also discuss why it’s essential to carve out intentional time with one another in order to truly encourage each other. They remind us that while they certainly don’t have it all figured out, we can cheer each other on confidently when it’s coming from a place of love and backed by truth.

This week’s conversation is for everyone who has the privilege of loving on children, no matter what that role looks like. Our host Nicolet sits down with retired pediatrician Dr. Ronnie Kent to talk about what it looks like to choose cheer in parenting! Their discussion ranges from his top parenting tips to the dangers of comparison (other kids and siblings). They talk about the importance of abiding in Christ and leaning on the Holy Spirit for discernment and direction in parenting. Dr. Kent shares so much wisdom in how we can cheer our kids on, too. Nicolet and Dr. Kent remind us the importance of staying the course, though it will be tough, it will bear much fruit as you encourage, comfort, and urge your children to live in the love of Jesus.

Hey friends, it’s Nicolet, your host! This week’s conversation on Choosing Cheer is a little bit different, but I also I think it’s extra special. I pray that it blesses you in the same way these women and this experience have blessed me! I got the chance to sit down and recap with a recent missions trip to a women’s conference in Honduras with five incredible women of faith. We talk about the impact that the experience had on our journeys, the lessons we learned along the way, and the ways the Lord moved in each of us while on this trip. I pray this episode encourages you to choose cheer in the relationships and opportunities the Lord places before you because you never know the life-giving, truly joyous impacts they will have.

This week, Nicolet has a beautiful conversation with returning guest and licensed professional counselor Sarah Beth Walker! Their discussion revolves around our theme of cheering people on and how we can best encourage our children, spouses, and friends---with and without words! Sarah Beth and Nicolet remind us that we can turn to scripture to model the best example--God's example--for guidance in the realm of cheering others on.

Welcome back to Choosing Cheer! In his week’s episode, Nicolet speaks on priorities. She shares some of her current health struggles and how that has led her to a total shift in her own priorities and the lessons that have come with it. Nicolet shares so much truth in that where we find our identity and where we place our priorities relates to the joy that we experience in our lives. She reminds and encourages us that we can choose cheer in confronting our priorities because when we allow God to work in and shape us, He can change our desires and priorities to root our identities in Him and grace us with inner peace and inner joy.

Welcome back to Choosing Cheer! This week, Nicolet has a beautiful conversation with author Natalie Runion about her book “Raised to Stay” and what it means to choose cheer in the church today. Natalie shares her heart for the brokenness of people vs. the church, accountability vs. church hurt, and making an active decision to stay with the church during tumultuous times. Finally, she encourages us that we can choose cheer and cheer OTHERS on in staying with the church because God’s church is HIS idea, and we know that His ideas are good.

Welcome back to Choosing Cheer! This week, Nicolet’s conversation is special and relevant on choosing cheer in the world of social media with our guest, author and speaker, Grace Valentine! Nicolet and Grace talk about the importance of approaching social media from a biblical perspective, and what a difference it can make when battling comparison. She encourages us that we can choose cheer even in social media, because GOD can take a BAD THING & make it a GOOD THING if we make it a GOD THING.

Welcome back to a new season of the Choosing Cheer podcast! In today’s episode, our host Nicolet is walking us back through our theme for this season, “Who are you cheering on?” She discusses Ephesians 4:29, and the importance of our words when talking to and about others. Nicolet reminds us there is power in our words, and how we should be using them to be kind and compassionate to one another in our journeys. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

It’s our final conversation of Season 1! In this week’s episode, Nicolet is continuing our conversation about John 16, especially when we are struggling with finding joy! She talks about the correlation between our relationship with the Holy Spirit and our Cheer. She encourages us that we can choose cheer in knowing that we do not walk alone in our struggle and on our quest to seek joy in this world, for Jesus has overcome and given us his spirit as our helper. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  

In this week’s conversation, Nicolet is joined by her friend Macy! Macy’s story is unique in that she experienced a traumatic scalp burn in high school that lead to permanent hair loss. Macy is absolutely beautiful on the inside and out, and shares about how this experience grew her relationship with the Lord, and challenged her meaning of beauty. She encourages us to remember that joy doesn’t always mean happiness, but contentment in the season you are in. Nicolet and Macy remind us that we can choose cheer in knowing that our worth and our beauty do not come from the standards set by the world, but from the reflection of Jesus in our hearts. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  

This week’s conversation is all about choosing cheer in the world of motherhood, specifically as a foster mother! Nicolet is joined by foster mom and advocate Loren Wilkerson, and they have a beautiful conversation about what it means to choose cheer in the midst of not knowing our tomorrows. Loren answered the call to foster care with such obedience at 24 as a single mom, and shares of the joys and lessons this season has brought her. Foster care often means navigating a myriad of relationships, relinquishing control, and loving without a promise of tomorrow. Sounds a lot like our relationship with Jesus, right? Loren and Nicolet remind us of how this, and other mother-figure roles beautifully mirrors the gospel. They remind us that we can choose cheer daily in remembering that no matter how much we love and want to hold on to our little ones, God loves and treasures them more than we could even imagine! John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

This week, Nicolet and her long-time friends and mentors are talking about parenting! Brian and Christy are parents to an almost 13-year-old and 11-year-old boys, and they bring so much wisdom and truth on biblical parenthood to this week’s conversation. They share their stories and experience with their kids asking hard questions and how to respond as Jesus when they get frustrated. They also share about how they keep joy flowing in their boys and in their home. Brian and Christy encourage parents by reminding us that we can choose cheer because Jesus is our biggest cheerleader in parenting! John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

This week’s conversation is all about grace. As Believers, we can choose cheer in the ultimate example we have for grace: Jesus! Nicolet leads us in a further discussion about what it means to choose cheer in showing that same grace to others even when we have been wronged. We know this can be a sensitive topic, and there are some of you listening who have had tragedies inflicted upon you by others that we can’t even begin to image. This episode is not meant to invalidate ANY feelings you might be experiencing, but instead encourage in moving towards grace and forgiveness. We’ve all experienced situations where a spirit of anger and unforgiveness can hinder our joy, but Nicolet reminds us that by responding as Jesus did with a spirit of undeserving Grace, we are able to find cheer through Him.   John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  

This week’s conversation is about choosing cheer even when we are not feeling very cheerful. Sometimes it can feel like putting on clothes that just don’t fit right. This world gives us many reasons not to take on joy, but Nicolet encourages us to look to the who not what that supplies our cheer. Choosing cheer when we don’t feel like it doesn’t mean faking anything, but turning to Jesus for that true, supernatural joy. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”

This week, Nicolet is joined by her friend and licensed professional counselor, Sarah Beth Walker! Today’s conversation is about choosing cheer in anxiety and this topic is so relevant. Did you know that 1 in 4 adults wrestle with anxiety? They have a beautiful discussion about what it looks like to walk with anxiety as a believer. Sarah Beth emphasizes that the shame we feel from struggling with anxiety does NOT come from God, and encourages us to seek that help and guidance that comes from counseling and therapy. She reminds us that we do not walk alone in our struggles, of the importance of taking care of our mental health, and provides practical applications and tools for dealing with anxiety daily.   John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

This week, Nicolet is joined again by her husband, Preston Bell! Today their conversation dives deeper into the theme verse for the show, John 16:33. Specifically, they have an in-depth discussion about the section “for I have overcome the world.” They talk about what we define as “the world,” and how impactful this part of the scripture truly is. They share about how this plays out in their own life, and encourage us that choosing cheer in this world is about an inward perspective shift that has ramifications in the rest of our life. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her friends Timmy and Nicole Ruhnke! These two share their story of loss and grief and finding joy in a season of obedience and then confusion on what’s next. Timmy and Nicole remind us that joy isn’t a byproduct of our circumstances, but of the Holy Spirit, and that we shouldn’t feel guilty in our rejoicing through him. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her friends Timmy and Nicole Ruhnke! These two share their story of loss and grief and finding joy in a season of obedience and then confusion on what’s next. Timmy and Nicole remind us that joy isn’t a byproduct of our circumstances, but of the Holy Spirit, and that we shouldn’t feel guilty in our rejoicing through him. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her friends Anse and Courtney Rigby! These two share their family’s powerful story of choosing cheer each day amidst an unexpected diagnosis of Cri Du Chat for their daughter. They share the importance of being surrounded by community, and what it means to choose joy in a circumstance the world says otherwise. Courtney and Anse remind us that even in the brokenness of this world, the lord shows up and works through it all. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

In this week’s episode, Nicolet is joined by her husband, Preston Bell! We get to know Nicolet better as the two share the sweet story of how they met, and how they choose cheer in their marriage each day. They encourage us by sharing that choosing cheer in our relationships comes from an outpour of joy that comes from Jesus. It’s through that extension that we are able to share that joy with others.   John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

In today’s episode, Nicolet is joined by friend and former teammate, Haleigh Mullens. Haleigh shares about her unique life as wife to NFL Minnesota Vikings QB, Nick Mullens. After living much of her life as a Mississippi girl, newlywed and married life brought about a new level of uncertainty as Haleigh and her family navigated this life of surrendering control to lean fully into God’s will. She reminds us to choose cheer in knowing that God is always faithful with his promises and placing us exactly where we are supposed to be. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 

Today Nicolet is joined by friend and extremely talented artist and business owner, Mary Kathryn Decker. On today’s episode, Mary Kathryn shares her captivating story of growing up with a life that looked perfect on the outside, but was disrupted by divorce and brokenness. She shares how seeking Jesus through his word in this dark time molded and shaped her into the woman she is today. She encourages us to “own your story” not living ashamed of things in the past, but confident of God’s work in and through it. MK and Nicolet both remind us that when we give God control during the seasons of disruption, he blesses us with immeasurably more. John 16:33 “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

If you were asked - Do you want more joy in your life? Your answer most likely wouldn’t be “nah, I’m good!” We all have a deep desire for joy that was placed there by God and designed for only him to fill. Jesus tells his disciples in John 16:33 to “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” This cheer, this joy is what we are after! Welcome to the Choosing Cheer podcast with your host, Nicolet Bell. Nicolet is a Wife, Mama, Bible Teacher, business owner and friend, who is seeking to find joy and cheer in Jesus in the small and big things in life. In this first introduction episode, spend a few minutes getting to know Nicolet, learning about what Choosing Cheer means, and why it can make a difference in your life.