Elle Cardel

In the heart of Tennessee, you’ll find Elle Cardel busily writing, speaking and creating free Scripture study resources for her growing community of 170,000 women and counting. As an author, founder of Daughter of Delight and host of the ministry’s namesake podcast, Elle seeks to help women proactively seek God through his Word and revel in his truth. To that end, she’s written several devotionals, her latest being “She Delights: Cultivate a Life of Joy for the One Who Reigns & Sustains.”

Keep reading to learn what she does in her downtime to stay refreshed (hint: it involves lots of coffee and board games) and the daily habits and resources that help her nurture an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

The meals we enjoy are about so much more than the food we eat. So how does a “go-to” meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind your web bio?

Growing up, family dinner was not just a meal — it was a sacred rhythm. No matter how busy our days were, as long as we were home, my parents made sure we gathered at the table together. As a kid, I did not always enjoy this. However, looking back as an adult, I would love to step back in time to cherish it the way I do now. Some of my sweetest memories are of sharing laughter and stories over my mother’s white beans, turnip greens and cornbread — her Southern cooking never disappointed! But more than the food itself, the consistency of our time together nourished my heart.

Now, as a wife and mother, I carry this tradition forward in my own home. Cooking from scratch and gathering around the dinner table with my husband, Michael, and our two little loves, Selah and Aidan, is one of my greatest joys. It’s not just about preparing a meal; it’s about creating space for conversation, connection and the kind of fellowship that truly feeds the soul. I cherish the intentionality of these moments — these daily gifts from the Lord — because the best meals aren’t just about what’s on the plate but about who’s around the table.

Joshua Hoehne; Unsplash

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity do you love engaging in that also helps you find essential spiritual renewal?

One of my favorite ways to unwind and reconnect is through my husband’s and my shared love of board games. It’s so nice to press pause and be fully present with one another in this way.

There is a board game cafe in East Nashville that we like to venture into occasionally. Their walls are packed with games upon games. Recently, we played a game we both enjoyed called Harmonies and added it to our collection. The first time we played this game, I won. Since purchasing and enjoying it several times now, however, I have yet to win again. I have somehow started a tradition of winning games the first time we play through them and struggling to win them anytime after that. (At this point, I think my best strategy is to just keep buying new games!)

Beyond our own game nights, Michael and I love inviting others to the table — both for a homemade coffee and/or meal and to introduce them to the vast world of tabletop games that exists beyond Monopoly and Catan. There’s something really special about gathering, playing and laughing together. To me, it reflects a deeper truth: life isn’t meant to be rushed through or played alone. We thrive in connection, in intentionality and in shared experiences. Whether it’s through breaking bread, brewing coffee or strategizing our next move in a game, these moments remind me that rest and joy are gifts from God — ones that often show up in the simplest of places.

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness; every human too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re all broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you confront its power head-on?

In this particular season of my life, I’d say my kryptonite lies in priding myself on being a natural nurturer. I love tending to the needs of those around me, especially my family. But if I’m not careful, I can slip into idolizing the act of caregiving itself, basing my worth on how much I do rather than who I am in Christ.

It shows up in small but telling ways. If my husband steps in and does something I had planned on doing for one of our kids, I sometimes catch myself feeling unnecessary — like I’m somehow failing in my role as a mother. Deep down, I know I’m not meant to carry every single need on my shoulders. I know my family is not sustained by my efforts alone but by God’s grace. And yet, in the moment, my heart doesn’t always beat like it believes that.

Confronting this looks like repentance, surrender and a daily reminder that my worth isn’t found in how well I manage my home, how needed I feel or how much I accomplish — it’s found in Christ alone. I am learning to delight in the truth that God’s design for family isn’t about one person doing it all but about bearing burdens together as a reflection of his love and provision. And honestly? Letting go a little makes room for the joy that often gets buried under the weight of self-imposed expectations.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

Let’s take it back to my sophomore year of college — back when Instagram filters were still a thing. I was studying theology at a private university in Nashville, Tennessee, when the Lord interrupted my plans with his own. One day, as I sat in class, he tuned me out of what was being taught to tune me into his voice. He revealed that I was meant to start an online women’s ministry.

At first, I resisted. I put it off for weeks, trying to ignore the stirring in my heart. But the more I ignored it, the heavier it weighed on me. The Lord, in his patience, refined me through the process, and what started as a hesitant step of obedience has now turned into over a decade of ministry through Daughter of Delight. (No regrets — only gratitude!)

I’m deeply passionate about helping women grow in their understanding of God’s Word. One of the greatest joys of my life is equipping everyday women of faith with tools and resources that teach them how to read, study and apply Scripture to their daily lives. Because here’s the truth: everyone is a theologian. The question is, are we faithful ones? Biblical theology isn’t just for scholars — it’s for all of us. And when we embrace the pursuit of knowing God through his Word, we realize that theology isn’t dry or intimidating; it’s life-giving and, dare I say, fun.

I’m so honored to share about the work the Lord has done through my new book and Bible study, “She Delights: Cultivating a Heart of Joy for the One Who Reigns and Sustains.” Writing it has been both humbling and life giving. The heartbeat of this project is joy — not the fleeting kind tied to circumstances but the unshakable joy found in Christ alone. Through “She Delights,” I walk alongside women in their pursuit of this joy, inviting them to slow down, sit in Scripture and see the beauty of God’s Word afresh. It’s an invitation not just to read about delighting in the Lord but to actually experience it, even in the messy, mundane and hard places of life.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

My prayer is that every word I write, every resource I create and every conversation I have in ministry is inspired by the Holy Spirit. I am but the pen in his hands. Before stepping into any work, I do my best to prayerfully consider the direction of it. I know that if I immediately step right into my work, I will likely miss out on wisdom, direction and clarity and thus be tempted to take things in my own direction. I know this because I’ve lived it more than I’d like to admit.

When I am living in tune with the Spirit, there are moments when divine inspiration feels like a fresh wind, filling me with words and ideas that I know are not my own. When this happens, there is no questioning where — or whom — it came from. There are also moments of deep wrestling and distraction — oftentimes spiritual warfare — where discouragement, doubt and physical circumstances threaten to steal my focus. The enemy knows the power of God’s truth, and if he can’t stop the work, he’ll try to make me question my ability to carry it out.

But in the midst of it all, God’s presence, power and strength are both unmistakable and unmatched. I know it’s him when peace settles over my heart — a peace that surpasses understanding, even in uncertainty. It reminds me that this work is not about me but about making much of him. Apart from him, my efforts are empty. But when he leads and I yield, he gives me the eyes to see that even the simplest task carries eternal weight.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you in this season?

One of the most life-giving spiritual practices for me has been War Council, a marriage initiative my husband, Michael, was recently prompted by the Lord to create. We wanted to be more intentional about preparing our hearts and minds for the daily battles the Lord has set before us. Instead of bumbling our way through the challenges of life, we wanted to talk and pray about how to serve the kingdom to the best of our ability.

Every week, we set aside time to sit across the table from one another, giving thanks to the Lord for his provision and discussing the things that shape our lives and faith. We talk about our personal struggles, kids, finances, big goals, the needs of our local community, what’s heavy on our hearts and what the Lord is impressing upon us. We wrap up our time together by praying over our children, our church and those the Lord places in our path.

To help guide our conversations, we created a template that we print out and fill in as we go. It’s simple, but the impact has been profound. War Council has not only strengthened our marriage but has also deepened our individual walks with the Lord. It reminds us of the bigger picture in which we are living — the call to be heaven-minded in all we do. In a world that constantly pulls our attention elsewhere, this practice anchors us in the truth of who we are in Christ and the mission he has entrusted to us.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed reality and your heart?

1. “How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

This book completely shattered me in the best of ways. It revealed just how much more there was to Scripture that I was missing out on. It helped me understand the importance of reading the Bible in its proper context, recognizing literary genres and interpreting Scripture faithfully. The more I’ve learned to study the Bible correctly, the more I’ve come to treasure it — not just as a source of comfort but as divine truth meant to shape every aspect of my life.

2. “Ask Pastor John” at Desiring God

This podcast has been a truly invaluable resource for answering tough theological questions and navigating faith in today’s world. I struggled with asking the hard questions growing up and wish I would have had access to a resource like this. The wisdom and biblical insight shared in each episode have challenged me, encouraged me and equipped me with a deeper understanding of how to apply Scripture as I seek to live out the gospel.

3. CityAlight

CityAlight’s music has been an instrumental companion in my walk with the Lord! Their lyrics are saturated with Scripture, offering deep theological truths wrapped in beautiful melodies. Worship is more than just a song — it’s a response to who God is and what he has done. Whether I’m singing along in the car, with my church body or using their songs as a backdrop for personal devotion, CityAlight’s music has helped direct my heart toward Christ in both joyful and challenging seasons. (“His Glory and My Good” is my current favorite of theirs!)

Each of these resources has not only strengthened my faith but also deepened my hunger for biblical literacy, theological depth and a greater love for the Lord. They have changed the way I study Scripture, the way I worship and the way I seek to live out the gospel daily. I am thrilled to share them with you today!

We all have things we cling to to survive or even thrive in our fast-paced, techno-driven world. How have you been successful in harnessing technology to aid in your spiritual growth?

In a world that often feels fast paced and noisy, technology has been both a challenge and a gift. While it can be a source of distraction, I’ve found that when used intentionally, it can also be a powerful tool for spiritual growth.

One of the greatest ways I’ve harnessed technology in my faith journey is through podcasts. Whether I’m folding laundry, going for a walk or driving, I enjoy listening to biblically rich content that meets me where I am and deepens my understanding of God’s Word. A few of my favorites are: “Risen Motherhood,” “Ask Pastor John” and the “She Proves Faithful Podcast.”

I’ve also benefited greatly from online ministries like Desiring God and Daily Grace Co., which provide a wealth of biblically sound articles and resources. In an age where so much content is available at our fingertips, I’m grateful for ministries that prioritize truth and help believers stay grounded in sound doctrine.

Another way technology has aided my spiritual growth is through worship and sermon recordings on YouTube. Faithful pastors and worship teams — those who exposit Scripture with care — have provided teaching and heart-stirring melodies that challenge and encourage me in my walk with the Lord. While nothing replaces the local church, these online resources have been a helpful supplement in my daily pursuit of knowing God more.

QUESTION #8: dream

God’s continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

If there’s one thing I love, it’s dreaming with God. He is always stirring new things in my heart, and right now, one of the greatest joys he’s given me is a deepened passion for encouraging moms in the truth of the gospel. Motherhood is a beautiful, refining and deeply sanctifying journey, and I love coming alongside fellow moms to remind them that they are seen, strengthened and sustained by the Lord. I’ve been pouring my heart into resources designed to uplift and equip moms in their faith, and I’m excited to share them soon.

As I prepare to launch these resources into the world, I’m holding onto two important truths. First, the weight of it feels bigger than me because it is — and that’s a good thing. It reminds me that I am simply a vessel in the hands of the Lord, dependent on his strength, not my own. Second, I am learning the beauty of surrender. It’s easy to shrink back from big dreams when we fix our eyes on ourselves — when we fear what others may think or doubt our own abilities. But the call to obedience isn’t about our qualifications; it’s about God’s faithfulness. His plans will unfold as he intends, and my job is to trust him, step forward and watch and rejoice in him as he does what only he can do.

Beyond that, I’m also living a dream the Lord planted in me years ago — being an author and Bible teacher for women. Writing “She Delights” has only deepened my love for teaching God’s Word, and I know he’s not done with me yet. There are more projects on the horizon, and while I don’t know exactly how they will unfold, I do know this: the Lord’s plans always prevail, and I am here to serve him as he deems fit.

My greatest hope is that everything I create continues to point women back to him — because at the end of the day, it’s all for his glory. Soli Deo Gloria!

Even in today’s age of technology, where countless Bible study tools and resources are at our fingertips, it can be easy to think that theology is someone else’s domain, not ours. And while there is certainly value in listening to experts who have spent years studying Scripture and its original languages and cultural contexts, this doesn’t mean we can skip over digging deep into God’s Word for ourselves.

Does studying God’s Word in depth feel intimidating? Then let the apostle John’s words encourage you: “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie — just as it has taught you, abide in him” (1 John 2:27, ESV).