Episode 25: Death’s Design or Divine Destiny? | Final Destination on Ink & Impact 🎙️

Hey my lilies 🌺

Have you ever felt like your intuition warned you before something happened?

In Episode 25 of Ink & Impact, we dive into the Final Destination series — a cinematic reminder that fate isn’t something to run from… it’s something to understand.

🎧 Listen before you reflect:

Before diving into this week’s Watering Hole prompts, make sure to listen to the episode. You’ll hear how fate, destiny, and divine timing intertwine in the moments where life and death meet.

✨ Stream Now: [Insert Link to Episode]

🪶 Then, join the conversation below.

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Watering Hole Reflection Questions (listen first!)

🎧 Please listen to the episode before answering. These questions are meant to deepen your reflection and open dialogue after you’ve heard “Faith Waiting for Fate.”

1. Which scene in Final Destination stood out most to you — and what emotion did it stir?

2. Do you believe fate is something that can be changed, or is destiny already written?

3. How does fear shape the way we live when we think about life’s unpredictability?

4. What does “faith waiting for fate” mean to you personally?

5. In what ways can embracing fate actually give you peace about life’s unknowns?

If I Don’t Get to Feel It

I don’t know if love was written for me in this lifetime.

But if it isn’t, I pray that others get to feel it — truly feel it — so I can at least see it alive in the world.

That would be enough for me.

To witness love breathing through someone else’s story, even if it never found its way home to mine.

Because even from a distance, love still has a light.

And maybe that’s what I’m meant to hold —

the reflection of it, glowing quietly through others.

🌺 Episode 23: Faith vs. Fear — Walking Through the Dark with the Warrens

When you strip away the fear and Hollywood’s jump scares, what remains in every Ed and Lorraine Warren story is faith. These were two people who looked at the impossible — hauntings, possessions, curses — and saw opportunities for deliverance. Their courage wasn’t built on bravado; it was built on belief.

The Warrens weren’t chasing fame — they were chasing freedom for families bound by spiritual torment. And whether you believe in the supernatural or not, their story is a reminder that fear is often the first door to faith.

Every family they helped — the Perrons, Hodgsons, Glatzels, Smurls — faced darkness that could have destroyed them. But through prayer, discernment, and courage, they became living proof that faith doesn’t erase fear — it gives you the strength to stand in it.

Psalm 91 whispers protection. Ephesians reminds us to put on the armor. Romans 8:28 declares purpose through pain. Each verse was alive in their work — and in the stories that followed.

So tonight, my lilies 🌺, as we sip and reflect, let’s talk about what faith means when fear feels real.

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The Watering Hole Reflection Questions

1. What moment in the Warrens’ journey stood out to you most — their courage, their calling, or their conviction? Why?

2. In The Conjuring or The Devil Made Me Do It, did you notice how faith acted as the unseen weapon against fear? How can that truth apply to your own life?

3. Have you ever dismissed something spiritual that you couldn’t explain? How do you discern between superstition and divine warning?

4. Which scripture (Psalm 91, Ephesians 5, or Romans 8:28) speaks most to where you are in your journey of faith right now?

5. What does it mean to you to “put on the armor of God” when facing something that shakes your belief or peace?

6. The Smurl family found healing by sharing their story — how has your own testimony become a form of healing for others?

Episode 22: Strength of Street Knowledge: Truth, Dreams, and Legacy

When we talk about inspiration, we can’t leave music out of the conversation. Music is more than a melody—it’s a reflection of our lives, our struggles, and our victories. It has the power to put into words what our hearts can’t always say.

In the late 1980s, a group of young men from Compton, California—Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC Ren—used their voices to turn their reality into rhythm. Known as N.W.A., they pioneered a sound that shocked the world, challenged authority, and gave millions a way to say, “this is my truth too.”

Their story, retold in the film Straight Outta Compton, reminds us that following your dreams requires more than talent. It requires courage, conviction, and holding fast to your morals even when everything around you tempts you to let go.

Each member’s journey teaches us something about life and legacy:

• Dr. Dre shows us the power of evolution, building beats that became empires.

• Eazy-E reminds us of the danger of misplaced trust, but also the influence of vision.

• Ice Cube proves what happens when you bet on yourself and stay true to your message.

Like lilies pushing through the soil to bloom, N.W.A. rose from a place that tried to silence them. They teach us that when we believe in something deeply enough, others will begin to believe too.

So, what about us? Are we willing to stand tall in our own story, to speak truth, and to let our passions ripple into the world?

🌸 Reflection Prompt for You:

What’s your “truth anthem”—the song, poem, or phrase that reflects who you are and what you stand for today?

🌊 Watering Hole Blog Prompt Questions

1. Music has a way of shaping who we are—what song or artist has had the biggest influence on you?

2. N.W.A. told the truth of their reality through lyrics. If you could put your current truth into a song, what would the theme be?

3. Dre, Eazy, and Cube each brought something different to the group. What unique “something” do you bring to your community or circle?

4. The group believed so strongly in their vision that others couldn’t help but believe too—when was the last time your confidence inspired someone else?

Episode 21 – The 300 Legacy: Courage, Leadership, and Legacy

Hey my lilies 🌺, welcome back to another episode of Ink & Impact. Today we’re not just talking about a movie, we’re talking about history, sacrifice, and what it means to carry courage in your heart no matter the odds.

We’re stepping into the world of 480 BC Greece, the clash of free states against an empire, and the stand of the 300 Spartans that has inspired generations. But we’re also tying it back to us—what it means for our lives today, for how we lead, how we fight for what we believe in, and how we build a legacy that lives beyond us.

So let’s dive into this journey—The 300 Legacy.”

Take a dive into the episode first then come back and reflect on each question below 👇

For community reflection:

1. What does courage look like in your life right now? Where are you being asked to stand even when outnumbered?

2. The Spartans lived by discipline and honor. What values are you committed to living by, no matter the cost?

3. King Leonidas led by example. Who in your life has shown you what it means to lead with courage and discernment?

4. If you had to define your legacy today, what do you want to be remembered for?

5. “Remember this day. Let them take nothing from you but take everything from them.” — How does this quote speak to where you are in your journey?

🪷 The Watering Hole: Episode 20 Fear is a Choice: Reflections from Ink&Impact

Fear is a Choice: Reflections from Ink&Impact

In Episode 20 of Ink&Impact, we journey into the reality of fear—how it creeps in, how it shapes us, and how we can choose to rise above it. Fear often feels automatic, but what if we stopped treating it as a command and began seeing it as a choice?

Through layered conversations and cinematic soundscapes, this episode pulls you into the heartbeat of our human experience, reminding us of God’s power in the midst of our smallness. From the steady rhythm of the earth to the hush of waterfalls, each scene becomes a mirror for how mighty He is, and how intentional our perspective can be.

At The Watering Hole, we go deeper. Journal prompts and reflections wait for you to explore your own dance with fear, courage, and divine alignment. Step in, grab your pen, and let your spirit flow.

👉 Listen now to Episode 20, then come visit The Watering Hole for your journal prompts.

1. Fear as a Choice

• When was the last time you recognized fear rising in you?

• In that moment, what choice did you make? Looking back, would you choose differently?

2. Growth in Transition

• How do you see the difference between who you were and who you’re becoming?

• What relationships in your life have been shaped by your willingness (or unwillingness) to grow?

3. Courage & Faith

• Joshua 1:9 calls us to be strong and courageous. What does courage look like for you right now?

• How do you hear God’s word speaking to you in your fear?

4. The Ghosting Method

• What “URSA” (fear, trauma, or insecurity) are you facing right now that tries to overwhelm you?

• If fear is a choice, what does choosing to “ghost” it look like for you in practice?

5. Closing Reflection

• Matthew 4:4 reminds us that we live by every word from God. Write down one verse or scripture that you can hold onto as an anchor when fear tries to creep in.

Paid in Full: Lessons on Greed, Hustle, and Finding True Wealth

Hey my Lilies 🌺

This week on Ink & Impact, we dug deep into Paid in Full — a film that gives us a raw mirror into hustle culture, greed, and what happens when the “come up” becomes the end-all.

Ace, Mitch, and Rico each tell a story about choices, loyalty, and how the streets can pull you in with promises of fast success. But beneath the flash, there’s the chaos theory at work: the more you try to control the hustle, the more it controls you.

Ace tried to stay lowkey, Mitch loved the game, and Rico’s greed consumed him. And yet, woven into all of it is a spiritual reminder — that God’s voice doesn’t always sound like thunder from the clouds. Sometimes it’s the warning signs, the close calls, or even the silence that tells us it’s time to shift.

The deeper question we wrestled with is this: what is the real price of being paid in full?

🌱 Watering Hole Journal Prompts:

1. When have you mistaken “success” for peace?

2. Which character do you see yourself in most — Ace, Mitch, or Rico? Why?

3. What does it mean to build wealth on your own terms, without mocking or tearing others down?

4. Where do you hear God speaking in your everyday choices, and are you listening?

5. What would it look like to live life to your fullest potential — not through society’s standards, but your own?

Sometimes, the price tag of the hustle is higher than the check we cash. And sometimes, the most radical move is choosing peace over power.

🌊 The Watering Hole Reflections — Episode 18

1. Fate vs. Free Will

Do you believe your life is fully shaped by destiny, or do you believe your choices carve your path? How do you see God’s hand in that balance?

2. Oswald vs. Jake

Both Oswald and Jake had determination — but one toward destruction, the other toward prevention. When you think about your own determination, where is it currently directed? Toward building or tearing down?

3. The “What If” Question

If you could go back in time to change one event in history (personal or global), would you? Why or why not?

4. Relief in God’s Control

How does it feel to know that you don’t have to hold the burden of changing the past — that God already knows every step before you take it?

5. Ink & Impact Takeaway

“The actions of one person with determination can shape the world.”

What small action can you take this week that might create ripples of impact?

Finding Strength in the Storm: Lessons from Hurricane Season

🌺 The Watering Hole – Journal Edition

Hey my Lilies,

Resilience isn’t just a word—it’s a lifestyle. Life has a way of throwing storms our way, and sometimes those storms look like hurricanes—messy, destructive, and unexpected. But even in the chaos, there’s a story of survival, of courage, and of unity.

In Episode 16 of the Ink & Impact Podcast, we talked about Hurricane Katrina and how, despite the devastation, there was still hope. One of the most powerful examples of resilience came from the true story behind the movie Hurricane Season. A high school basketball team from New Orleans came together after the storm, despite losing so much, and fought their way to a state championship. That wasn’t just a game—it was a symbol of what happens when we refuse to give up.

When you’re in your own storm, remember this: Your strength doesn’t show up in calm waters—it’s revealed in the wind and the waves.

Now, let’s take a moment for reflection. Grab your journal, a pen you love, and sit with these prompts.

Journal Prompts for The Watering Hole 🌊

1. What has been the biggest “storm” in your life so far? How did you survive it?

2. What does resilience look like for you right now?

3. Who or what kept you grounded during difficult times?

4. When you think about community, what role does it play in your ability to overcome challenges?

5. Write a letter to yourself as if you’ve already made it through your current storm. What would you say?

The Giants Walk the Earth: Facing Big Things with Bigger Faith

When you hear the word giant, what comes to mind? A mythical creature, a towering figure, something so big it makes you feel small? In Episode 15 of Ink & Impact, we dive into the concept of giants—both literal and metaphorical—and explore why they matter in our stories today.

Why Giants Captivate Us:

From Goliath in scripture to the Titans of Greek mythology, humans have always been fascinated by giants. But here’s the truth: giants aren’t just in ancient stories—they show up in our lives every single day. That overwhelming debt? Giant. That fear keeping you from stepping out? Giant.

The Real Question:

What do you do when the giants come walking?

3 Steps to Facing Your Giants:

1. Name It: You can’t fight what you won’t acknowledge. Identify your giant.

2. Use What’s in Your Hand: David didn’t pick up a sword—he picked up a stone. What resources do you already have?

3. Shift Your Perspective: Giants look big because of where you’re standing. Move closer to God’s view.

Watering Hole Prompts to Reflect On:

• What giant in your life feels unshakable right now?

• What small stone do you already have to face it?

• How can you remind yourself that giants aren’t invincible?

Final Thoughts:

Giants will always exist. But when you recognize your own strength—and your divine backing—you realize the giant isn’t there to crush you. It’s there to call you higher.

Listen to Episode 15 now on iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart. Join the Watering Hole for free at iLilyInk.com and keep blooming where you’re planted.

What are some new skills or knowledge areas that I want to develop?

🌺Professional and career-focused🌺

These skills are directly relevant to the modern workplace and can increase your value to employers. 

1. Analytical and critical thinking: The ability to analyze facts, ask thoughtful questions, and use logic to create innovative solutions. This is an essential skill, especially with the rise of automation.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): As AI becomes more integrated into industries, understanding its fundamentals and applications can give you a major competitive edge.

3. Coding and digital literacy: Proficiency in coding languages (such as Python or JavaScript) and comfort with new workplace technologies are critical in almost every industry.

4. Data analysis and statistics: The capacity to gather, interpret, and draw meaningful conclusions from data is vital for making informed business decisions.

5. Project management: The ability to plan, execute, and manage projects from start to finish. This helps streamline workflows and improve efficiency in any team setting.

6. Digital marketing and social media:Understanding these platforms is key for any role involving audience engagement, brand promotion, or business growth.

   🌺 Personal and adaptability-focused

   These skills help you manage yourself and stay flexible in a changing world.

   Adaptability and cognitive flexibility: The ability to adjust to new technologies, processes, and unexpected situations. This is increasingly important in a rapidly evolving professional world.

   Creativity and innovation: The capacity to think of unique solutions and develop original ideas. This fosters innovation and helps companies stand out.

   Time management and organization: Effectively managing your time and organizing tasks helps increase productivity, reduce stress, and meet deadlines.

   Resilience and stress tolerance: The ability to stay calm and methodical while handling pressure and setbacks.

   🌺How to decide what to learn🌺

   To choose which skills are best for you, consider the following:

   Reflect on your goals: What do you want to achieve professionally and personally? Focus on skills that align with your long-term aspirations.

   Assess your current role: What are the most valuable skills in your current job or industry? Is there an area where you consistently face challenges?

   Look to the future: What trends are impacting your field? For example, if you are in marketing, staying on top of AI and new digital platforms is essential.

   Choose one area to focus on: Pick a single skill or knowledge area that you are most excited about and commit to learning it. Choosing a focus area can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.