In this inspiring episode of Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations, Cassidy Beck sits down with author, educator, and podcaster Tracy D. Smith to explore what it means to trust God through life’s unexpected turns.

Tracy’s journey is anything but linear. From teaching and homeschooling to navigating serious autoimmune health challenges, her path has required deep faith, resilience, and a willingness to pivot when life didn’t go as planned. What once felt like loss—stepping away from full-time teaching—became the beginning of something new: a calling to write, create, and share powerful, often untold stories from history.

Together, Cassidy and Tracy discuss the emotional and spiritual realities of chronic illness, the courage it takes to begin before you feel ready, and how creativity can become a sacred act of faith. Tracy also shares the story of Sybil Ludington, a little-known Revolutionary War heroine, and how stories like hers inspire her work and mission.

This conversation is a reminder that even when your path doesn’t make sense, God is still writing something meaningful—and your story has purpose.

✨ Key Topics Discussed

• Trusting God through life’s unexpected pivots
• Navigating chronic illness with faith and resilience
• Letting go of plans and embracing new purpose
• The power of storytelling and uncovering hidden history
• Beginning before you feel ready as a creator
• Balancing ambition with grace (“grit and grace”)

• Learning to accept both faith and difficult emotions at the same time

💛 Personal TakeawayThis episode is a powerful reminder that purpose isn’t always found in the path we planned—but in the one God gently leads us toward. Tracy’s story beautifully illustrates that even in seasons of limitation, we are still called to create, to grow, and to trust. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin—just the willingness to take the next step.

🔗 Resources & LinksTracy’s Website: authortracydsmith.com

• First Lady of Jamestown
• Threads of Faith
• The Timeless Adventures of Kiki and George
• Podcast: History’s Unsung Heroes

🌿 Sponsor ShoutoutThis episode is brought to you by SodaBeers, our family-owned premium soda company—perfect for any gathering or everyday treat.

And don’t miss Cassidy’s new children’s book, Sheep Chronicles: Baptism, a faith-filled story designed to spark meaningful conversations with your little ones.

🤝 Connect with the Guest

• Website: authortracydsmith.com

🎧 Connect with the Host

• Podcast: Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations
• Website: SageVersePublishing
• Instagram: Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations
• Facebook: Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations

Lisa Tolk: The Book She Wrote for Her Daughter That Became a Bestseller

In this inspiring episode of Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations, host Cassidy Beck sits down with author Lisa Tolk to explore her remarkable journey from teacher and political professional to bestselling novelist. Lisa shares the heartfelt story behind her debut novel Eden, a book she originally wrote for her daughter that unexpectedly grew into a #1 Amazon bestseller across multiple categories.

Together, Cassidy and Lisa dive into what it means to create with purpose—blending faith, storytelling, and courage. Lisa opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, embracing growth as a writer, and the powerful role her family played in helping bring her book to life. With a passion for writing “brave girls,” Lisa’s work encourages young women to step into confidence, discover their identity, and trust their voice.

This episode is especially meaningful for writers, creatives, and anyone who feels a quiet nudge to finally start the thing that’s been on their heart. Lisa’s journey is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your calling—and that small, faithful steps can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Key Topics Discussed

• The 14-year journey of writing and publishing Eden

• Transitioning from politics and teaching into creative writing
• What it means to write “smart, clean fiction” with purpose
• Blending faith, mysticism, romance, and history in storytelling
• Overcoming fear, vulnerability, and imposter syndrome
• The importance of writing for an audience of one
• How Lisa’s family helped bring her book to life
• Why there’s a growing need for clean young adult fiction
• Lessons learned while writing the sequel The Echoes of Eden
• Encouragement for aspiring writers to start before they feel ready

Personal TakeawayOne of the most powerful reminders from this conversation is that creativity doesn’t require perfection—it requires courage. Lisa’s story shows that even something created quietly, just for yourself or your family, can grow into something that impacts thousands. When we choose to act on inspiration, even imperfectly, we make space for God to magnify our efforts in ways we never could have planned.

Resources & Links

• Eden by Lisa Tolk (available on Amazon)
• Upcoming sequel: The Echoes of Eden
• Teen writing and publishing workshops (local libraries & schools)

Sponsor Shoutout This episode is brought to you by SodaBeers, our family’s premium soda company. If you’re looking for a refreshing, family-friendly drink, be sure to check them out!

And don’t miss my children’s book, Sheep Chronicles: Baptism—a faith-filled story perfect for families to read together.

Connect with the Guest

• Lisa Tolk – Author of Eden

• Follow along for updates on The Echoes of Eden and future projects

Connect with the Host

• Cassidy Beck – Host of Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations

• Founder of Sage Verse Publishing

Katie Bell: A Life Rooted in Faith, Family, and FreedomHosted by Cassidy Beck✨ Episode OverviewWhat does it look like to live with bold conviction at just 17 years old?In this inspiring episode of Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations, host Cassidy Beck sits down with Katie Bell—a young speaker, performer, and creator whose life is rooted in faith, family, and a deep love for America. From speaking at the State Capitol to performing in international folk dance festivals, Katie shares how she has learned to stand confidently in her beliefs while navigating the challenges of being young in today’s world.Katie opens up about what it means to be an “old-fashioned American girl” in a modern culture, why protecting the family matters more than ever, and how her relationship with God shapes everything she does. She also shares powerful personal experiences—from honoring victims of communism to navigating moments of fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome.This conversation is a beautiful blend of conviction and humility, reminding listeners that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means choosing to act anyway.🔑 Key Topics DiscussedWhat it means to be an “old-fashioned American girl” in today’s worldThe importance of faith, family, and foundational valuesSpeaking at the State Capitol and honoring victims of communismFinding courage to speak up—especially among peersThe difference between debate and meaningful civil discourseLessons learned from international travel and cultural exchangeRepresenting America through folk dance and musicHomeschooling and creating a personalized education pathHealth, ancestral eating, and honoring the body as a “vessel”Balancing a full life of creativity, academics, and spiritualityNavigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome as a young creatorTrusting God and stepping into your purpose with faith

💛 Personal TakeawayKatie’s story is a powerful reminder that age does not determine impact. Her ability to speak boldly while remaining grounded in faith and humility is both refreshing and inspiring.One of the most striking themes in this conversation is her perspective on courage—especially the idea that it can be harder to stand firm among peers than in front of a crowd. Her insight into self-doubt and imposter syndrome is equally powerful: you don’t have to feel ready to begin—you just have to be willing.Her words invite us all to reflect: What do we believe, and are we willing to stand for it?🔗 Resources & MentionsBrigham Young UniversityCome Find His RestRandall A. Wright

🌟 Sponsor Shoutout📚 Sheep Chronicles: Baptism by Cassidy BeckA heartfelt children’s book about Joshua, a curious boy learning about baptism through the parable of a lost sheep named Shannon. This faith-filled story is perfect for families looking to spark meaningful conversations about the gospel.🤝 Connect with the GuestKatie Bell is currently sharing her journey through social media, with plans to launch her YouTube and Spotify platforms soon. Stay tuned for upcoming music, creative projects, and more.🎙 Connect with the HostFollow Cassidy Beck and Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations for more inspiring stories from creators, dreamers, and changemakers walking in faith and purpose.