A Cup of Real
Real. There’s a difference between transparency and being real. While similar, one uses wisdom while the other seeks for wisdom but falls short. Luvie and I seek to be real. Life is hard. There are ups and downs. We speak life and know that there is healing in the sharing. So join us on our journey of sharing.
info_outline
God Is Using This Season to Grow You | Ep 16
02/24/2026
God Is Using This Season to Grow You | Ep 16
We all go through seasons. Spring feels alive. Summer feels intense. Fall brings harvest. And winter? Winter can feel unbearable. In this episode of A Cup of Real, we talk about the spiritual parallels of life’s seasons, job loss, betrayal, health battles, disappointment, delays, and why the season you’re in may be preparing you for something greater. We dive into: Why Peter had to be sifted before he could lead The difference between reflection vs. deflection Why some seasons feel like “bumper-to-bumper traffic” Trusting God’s timing (even when it feels like 70 years) Praying Scripture when anxiety feels overwhelming Why you must walk through the valley, not camp in it If you don’t learn in the season you’re in, you may repeat it. God doesn’t waste seasons. He uses them to stretch you, prune you, and prepare you. No matter what season you're in right now, it will end. But who you become in it is up to you. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may be walking through a winter season.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/40220415
info_outline
Stop Carrying What God Never Gave You | Ep 15
02/16/2026
Stop Carrying What God Never Gave You | Ep 15
We are living in a time where every single day there’s something new to be angry about. News cycles. Social media. Corruption. Injustice. Cultural chaos. And if we’re not careful, we start carrying it all. But here’s the truth: Not everything you feel is yours to carry. In this episode of A Cup of Real, we talk about: • Being informed without being consumed • Why outrage can quietly poison your spirit • “Vengeance is Mine,” says the Lord • Staying grafted into the Vine • Producing love, joy, peace, and self-control in chaotic times • Choosing your battles wisely Jesus said they will know we are His by our love, not by our reactions. It’s easy to get triggered. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But we are not called to carry the weight of the world. We are called to carry His fruit. Nothing hidden stays hidden. What’s done in darkness will come to light. God sees it all. His timing is perfect even when it doesn’t feel like it. If you’re feeling anxious, exhausted, or spiritually heavy… this episode is your reminder: Be informed, but not consumed. Cast your cares on Him. Stay grafted into the Vine. And stop carrying what God never gave you. If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs peace in the middle of chaos. 🙏✨
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/40131070
info_outline
When God Closes Doors: Learning to Trust His Redirection | Ep 14
02/03/2026
When God Closes Doors: Learning to Trust His Redirection | Ep 14
In this episode of A Cup of Real, we talk about what it really means to trust God when doors close, especially the doors you prayed for, prepared for, and believed would open. How do you know when a closed door is rejection… or when it’s actually God’s redirection? What do you do when your plans don’t align with His timing? And how do you release control when the waiting feels uncomfortable? We share personal stories of doors that looked perfect, opportunities that felt flattering, and moments where God gently, but clearly, said no to protect us. From anxiety-filled nights to unexpected peace, from forced plans to divine pivots, this conversation reminds us that God orders our steps, even when we don’t understand the route. Scripture tells us we can make our plans, but it’s the Lord who directs our path. Sometimes trust looks like letting go. Sometimes obedience looks like waiting. And sometimes a closed door is God saving you from something you can’t yet see. 🙏 We pray this conversation encourages you to trust God’s process, listen for His voice, and walk confidently knowing He sees the end from the beginning.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39972740
info_outline
Is It God or a Distraction? How to Know the Difference | Ep 13
01/26/2026
Is It God or a Distraction? How to Know the Difference | Ep 13
In this episode, we talk about one of the most important questions believers wrestle with: how to discern whether something is truly sent from God or simply a distraction pulling us off course. God is not the author of confusion. When He speaks, there is clarity, conviction, and peace, even when obedience is difficult. Distractions, on the other hand, often feel loud, urgent, and anxiety-driven. They pressure us to act without prayer, without patience, and without grounding in God’s Word. In Episode 13, we break down: How to recognize the difference between conviction and confusion Why peace is a key indicator of God’s direction How distractions often imitate opportunity The role Scripture plays in discernment Why learning God’s voice requires discipline, not impulse If you’ve been feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or pulled in multiple directions, this conversation is meant to help you slow down, return to the Word, and refocus on what God is truly asking of you. If this episode encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who may need clarity right now.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39885890
info_outline
How Intention and Discipline Can Change Your Life This Year | Ep 12
01/12/2026
How Intention and Discipline Can Change Your Life This Year | Ep 12
What if real change doesn’t come from setting better goals, but from setting better standards? In this episode of A Cup of Real, we have an honest conversation about intention, discipline, and the daily choices that quietly shape our lives. We talk about why motivation fades, why goals alone often fall short, and how lasting growth is built through consistency, accountability, and spiritual awareness. This episode explores: The difference between goals and standards Why discipline matters more than motivation How intention shapes the direction of your life What you allow to influence you — and why it matters Living out faith practically, not just spiritually If you’re stepping into a new year and asking God for clarity, growth, or direction, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reset the standard for how you live. Subscribe for new episodes and real conversations. Share this with someone who’s ready to grow this year.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39697000
info_outline
Should You Go Where You’re Celebrated? | Ep. 11
01/05/2026
Should You Go Where You’re Celebrated? | Ep. 11
We hear it everywhere: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.” But is that actually biblical? In this episode of A Cup of Real, we unpack this popular phrase and ask a harder question: What if God places you somewhere you’re not celebrated on purpose? Jesus wasn’t celebrated by religious leaders. Joseph wasn’t celebrated in prison. David wasn’t celebrated in the valley. So what does it mean when there’s no applause in the room, but there is a purpose? We talk about pride, boundaries, toxic environments, discernment, and how to tell the difference between a door God is opening and a door we’re forcing open ourselves. Sometimes you’re not in a place to be affirmed… you’re there to plant a seed, be the light, or reach the one person who needs hope. If you’ve ever felt unseen, uncelebrated, or questioned whether it’s time to stay or leave, this conversation is for you. ☕ Let’s get real.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39621015
info_outline
The Truth About Moving On: Why Letting Go Is So Hard | Ep 10
12/23/2025
The Truth About Moving On: Why Letting Go Is So Hard | Ep 10
Have you really moved on, or did you just change locations? In this episode of A Cup of Real, we talk honestly about what it actually means to move on and let go. So often, we leave a relationship, a job, a church, or a season of life believing we’ve moved forward, only to realize the pain, patterns, and wounds followed us. Moving on isn’t physical. It’s emotional. And healing starts at the roots. We unpack why forgiveness isn’t the same as forgetting, how unhealed wounds shape our words and reactions, and why God often asks us to do the internal work before stepping into something new. Through faith, real-life experiences, and Scripture, we explore what it looks like to stop dwelling on the past without pretending it didn’t matter. If you’re in a season of transition, grief, growth, or uncertainty; this conversation is for you. ✨ Key topics in this episode: • Why letting go is harder than moving on • Forgiveness, boundaries, and emotional healing • How the past quietly shapes our present • Isaiah 43 and God doing something new • Why pressure often means preparation Take a deep breath, lean in, and join us for a real conversation about healing, hope, and what comes next. 👉 If this resonates, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who might need it today.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39514110
info_outline
The Truth About Forgiveness: What We Carry Without Realizing | Ep 9
12/08/2025
The Truth About Forgiveness: What We Carry Without Realizing | Ep 9
In today’s episode of A Cup of Real, we’re talking about something that touches every one of us, forgiveness. Not the pretty version… the real kind. The kind that forces you to look at your heart and ask: “Can I still love them? Can I still be kind? Why does that twinge still show up?” Forgiveness isn’t about pretending what happened wasn’t wrong. It’s not about excusing their behavior or ignoring your pain. It’s about releasing the weight that’s been holding you back from your next season. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ What forgiveness actually is, and what it isn’t ✨ How unforgiveness hides even in people who preach, lead, and serve ✨ Why you can be gifted and still secretly hurting ✨ The moment I realized I had unforgiveness in my heart ✨ How choosing to release it changed my life Whether you’ve been struggling with old wounds, complicated relationships, or that little “twinge” when certain people walk into the room… this episode is for you. It’s honest. It’s challenging. And it just might be the thing that frees you. Grab your cup, let’s talk real.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39327795
info_outline
The Truth About Gratitude: What We Forget on Thanksgiving | Ep 8
11/26/2025
The Truth About Gratitude: What We Forget on Thanksgiving | Ep 8
In this Thanksgiving-week episode, we’re talking about gratitude in a real way, not the surface-level stuff but the kind that actually shifts how you see your life. Thankfulness isn’t about pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about choosing to notice what is good, even when your situation isn’t easy. From relationships to everyday moments we overlook, this episode breaks down how powerful gratitude really is when you practice it intentionally. If you need a reminder to slow down, be present, and actually appreciate what’s in front of you, this one’s for you. New episodes every week. Like, comment, and subscribe if you’re rocking with the show.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39187260
info_outline
When Old Wounds Meet New Love: Triggers, Tone, and Learning Each Other | Ep 7
11/24/2025
When Old Wounds Meet New Love: Triggers, Tone, and Learning Each Other | Ep 7
In this episode of A Cup of Real, we open up about something almost every couple deals with but rarely talks about honestly; triggers. What happens when past trauma sneaks into a healthy relationship? How do you tell the difference between real danger and old memories replaying themselves? And what do you do when the person you love has a completely different communication style than what you’re used to? Stephenie shares how the wounds from a past abusive marriage followed her into the early years of their relationship, especially when it came to raised voices, tone, and feeling safe. Asbel opens up about growing up in a loud, passionate Puerto Rican family, and how his natural intensity sometimes collided with her history. Together, we talk about: How past trauma shows up in present relationships Why tone matters more than we think Cultural differences in communication Learning not to shrink back, and not to overpower The journey from triggers to understanding How humor, self-awareness, and counseling changed everything If you’ve ever wondered why you react the way you do… or why the person you love communicates the way they do… this one’s for you. ✨ Thank you for joining us for another episode of A Cup of Real. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39152655
info_outline
How Prayer Carried Our Marriage Through Its Darkest Valley | Ep 6
11/16/2025
How Prayer Carried Our Marriage Through Its Darkest Valley | Ep 6
In this powerful and honest episode, Asbel and Stephenie open up about one of the hardest seasons of their marriage. A season full of pressure, misunderstanding, emotional burnout, and silent wounds that could have pulled them apart. Instead, prayer became the lifeline that held them together when everything else felt heavy. They dive into the real struggles couples face behind the scenes: • what happens when leadership and expectations weigh on your relationship • how unspoken emotions turn into distance • loving each other through frustration, disappointment, and shutdowns • learning what your spouse is actually trying to say • growing past emotional habits that hurt more than help • the moment they realized they needed God to step in • how prayer softened hearts, restored clarity, and rebuilt connection If you’ve ever walked through a valley in your marriage or felt the pressure of balancing love, calling, and emotional health, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that healing is possible. Because the truth is: Prayer doesn't just fix problems, it changes hearts. And sometimes, that's how a marriage survives its darkest valley. ✨ LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more real conversations about faith, love, and the honest journey of growing together.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/39050240
info_outline
I Tried to Fight God and Lost: My Journey from Trauma to Healing | Ep 5
10/23/2025
I Tried to Fight God and Lost: My Journey from Trauma to Healing | Ep 5
In this raw and powerful episode, Stephenie and Asbel open up about the struggles of pride, pain, and past trauma, and how surrendering to God became the turning point in their lives. From childhood abuse and suppressed anger to wrestling with ministry and faith, they explore the journey of healing, forgiveness, and transformation. What you’ll hear in this episode: 🌿 Facing childhood trauma and personal wounds 🧠 Breaking free from pride, victimhood, and self-sabotage 🙏 The power of prayer, surrender, and God’s grace 💞 Navigating relationships while growing and healing ✨ Moving from surviving life to truly thriving This episode is a reminder that no matter how deep the pain, doing the work of healing and surrendering to God can restore, transform, and empower your life.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/38762180
info_outline
Responding vs. Reacting: Choosing Wisdom Over Impulse | Ep 4
10/14/2025
Responding vs. Reacting: Choosing Wisdom Over Impulse | Ep 4
In this episode, Stephenie and Asbel dive into the difference between reacting and responding, exploring how to choose wisdom over impulse in the midst of life’s challenges. Through personal stories and reflections, they show how living intentionally with God’s guidance can transform our interactions and relationships. This time we explore: 🧠 Understanding the hearts and struggles of others ✋ Practicing self-control and responding with patience 🌿 Applying the fruit of the Spirit in everyday life 🙏 Embracing humility, forgiveness, and the power of apology Their conversation is a reminder that how we respond, not just what we say, can reflect God’s love and wisdom, and that choosing response over reaction can make a profound difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/38584330
info_outline
How We Survived Losing Everything: Grief, Depression, and Letting Go | Ep 3
10/03/2025
How We Survived Losing Everything: Grief, Depression, and Letting Go | Ep 3
In this episode we share our deeply personal story of facing grief, depression, and the struggles of marriage, all while learning to lean fully on God. Through the loss of loved ones, family challenges, and personal darkness, we discovered hope, faith, and the strength to hold on. This time we open up about: 💔 Navigating loneliness and marital struggles 🕊️ Finding God as Father and Provider in the hardest moments 🌿 Walking through depression and grief with faith 🙏 Learning to let go and trust God’s plan Our story is a reminder that no matter how much life takes from you, God can hold you together and guide you through the valley.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/38461785
info_outline
The Danger of Listening to the Wrong Voices | Ep 2
09/18/2025
The Danger of Listening to the Wrong Voices | Ep 2
In this episode of A Cup of Reel, Stephenie and Asbel dive deep into the power of voices in our lives—and how the people we listen to can shape our future. From family advice to wise counsel, from stubborn seasons to healing through prayer, this conversation is about learning to discern who speaks into your life and how God uses wisdom and knowledge to bring true understanding. They share their personal journey—marriage, ministry, struggle, and hope—and reflect on how God’s direction and wise voices guided them through seasons that could have torn them apart. ✨ If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize the right voices, how to pray for wisdom, or how to balance calling with relationships, this episode will speak to your heart. 🙏 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-filled conversations that inspire hope and point back to God’s wisdom.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/38263045
info_outline
How We Saved Our Marriage: Deal Breakers, Divorce, and the Prayer Closet | Ep 1
08/29/2025
How We Saved Our Marriage: Deal Breakers, Divorce, and the Prayer Closet | Ep 1
What happens when your marriage hits a breaking point? In this raw and unfiltered episode of A Cup of Real, we share our journey through deal breakers, ministry challenges, and even a near-divorce moment in Las Vegas. From getting married just six months after meeting, to facing the hard conversations that almost tore us apart, we reveal the real struggles behind love, faith, and second chances. Discover how the “prayer closet strategy” changed everything, why the wrong voices can destroy a marriage, and the power of consistency even when love feels impossible. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to not just survive marriage but actually rebuild it, this conversation is for you. 💬 Share this episode with someone who needs hope for their relationship. 🔔 Subscribe for more real talk on marriage, faith, and life.
/episode/index/show/a91c97ef-ca68-4231-932e-9a333b7d5aea/id/38024170