Created to Connect Podcast

One of the key factors that influences how we view God, outside of how our parents view God and the church, is the type of religious background we grew up in. Mormonism, in particular, has a strong impact on the people who are part of it. They are often taught that they can become a god and, if that's the case, On today's episode, Madison Palica and I discuss what it was like for her to grow up in the Mormon church. She discusses the struggles and difficulty in needing to deconstruct to truly understand who God is. However, this led her down a path of trying out different religious and spiritual practices that led her further away from God. Thankfully, Jesus opened her eyes and she gave her life to Him a few years ago. We mainly discussing the following topics: - What it was like for her to grow up in the Mormon church- What damaging views the Mormon church has- What it was like for her to deconstruct her Mormon faith- Not deemed worthy enough to enter the temple- Believing that God is emotionally abusive- Turning to other religions and unhealthy spiritual practices - new age, witchcraft, meeting with a medium, crystals, psychedelics, spirit guides, transcendentalism- And lastly, what Madison has learned about Jesus since she was savedIf you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)Support the showFOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:@godattachmenthealingFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Our parents play a key role in our understanding of who God is and how we can relate to Him. Fathers, in particular, play a key role because we refer to God as our Father so the model and example that they set for us really gives us a foundation for we think God feels and thinks about us. On today's episode, Dr. Josh Waltman and I discuss how becoming fathers has given us a greater understanding of God's love and grace for us. Since both of us grew up in strong, conservative Baptist backgrounds, we share how that gave us a strong desire to stand up for the truth of God's Word, but that it also may have blinded us from being able to see God's grace and love towards us and all humanity. We mainly discussing the following topics: - What have we learned about God since becoming fathers? - What was it like to group in a Southern Baptist churches? - We share experiences of how God has shown his grace and love in our own lives- How we can show grace and love to our children while also helping them orient that grace and love with truth- Lastly, we share the importance of understanding the Gospel to have a complete understanding of God's truth, love and grace. If you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)Support the showFOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:@godattachmenthealingFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

So, what is this podcast about? This is a podcast dedicated to helping Christians understand why they relate to God in the way they do. I explore how our early childhood relationship with our parents--specifically with how they met or did not meet our needs--influences how we relate to ourselves, the church, and to God.On today's episode, I discuss the purpose of starting this podcast. I share with you some personal experiences that taught me about how I related to God and how much of it was influenced by my relationship with my parents. Seeing how my parents related to God and the church set a foundation for me to build on, but there were a lot of lessons I had to learn on my own to understand how I related to God, the church, and myself. I'll be discussing the following: - What is attachment theory and who developed it?- What role do our parents have in our understanding of relationships? - How their influence in understanding those relationships also impacts the way we relate to God- How to understand and rewrite your story- Lastly, I'll provide some practical steps you can take to understand your attachment style to better your relationship with God. If you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)Support the showFOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:@godattachmenthealingFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Are you "ready to date"? How about the person that you're considering to date? Are they ready? On today's episode, we'll explore the different kinds of thoughts and beliefs we have about being ready, and hopefully, we'll understand that when people ask if they're "ready to date", they are actually asking a much more deeper, personal, and meaningful question. The question that is really being asked is, "Am I 'good enough' to date?"To help us understand what this can look like in Christian relationships, I'll be discussing the following: - What do we mean when we ask if we're "ready to date"?- How do I know if the person I'm considering to date is "ready"? - Am I "good enough"? - What characteristics and factors should I look for to know that I'm ready to date?, and - Lastly, I'll provide some practical steps you can take to identify in yourself--and others--your readiness to date. If you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

On today's episode, I'll be discussing the red flags in Christian relationships, but specifically on observing how you and the person you're dating relate to one another. Oftentimes, we are so used to behaving the way that we do in relationships without realizing how we may be harming the other person and even ourselves by not being aware of the negative ways in which we relate. If you want to know how people “truly are”, see how they respond when they're under stress or when they're given power.  This is crucial to observe in dating relationships. To help us understand what this can look like in Christian relationships, I provide some biblical advice to implement to counter what John Gottman calls the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: - First, I discuss some obvious red flags that lead you to leave the relationship immediately, - then, we discuss some more subtle red flags, and - lastly, we discuss Gottman's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Scriptures used in this episode: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Eph. 4:29A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Prov. 15:1A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. – Prov. 29:11By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. – Prov. 13:10Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Eph. 4:32But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, - Gal. 5:22Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Eph. 4:2When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. – Prov. 11:2Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. – Prov. 18:12If you have any questions or comments on this topic, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Forgiveness is one of the most important aspect of our relationship with Jesus. It is based off us repenting from our sins, accepting Jesus into our hearts, and accepting his forgiveness for our sins. But, what does accepting this forgiveness look like? What does it look like in our interpersonal relationships? And, what does it look like to to apply self-forgiveness? For those who have experienced shame, forgiveness may be a difficult concept to grasp, be it in their interpersonal relationships their relationship with God, and it often leads Christians to believe that they are not deserving of forgiveness. This is not true. On this episode, Dr. Kim shares with us the different facets of forgiveness as well as the importance of it for healing from hurts:  - Defining forgiveness and reconciliation,- The need to have a sense of right and wrong in order to forgive, - Discussing divine forgiveness, self-forgiveness, and interpersonal forgiveness, and- How shame impacts the way we view forgiveness.If you have any questions or comments on this topic, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

On today's episode, I'll be discussing the red flags in Christian relationships. So many couples today are dating without asking questions that are critical to aligning with some key Christian values that are instrumental to their own personal walk with Christ. I discuss what Christian belief "red flags" to look out for if you're about to enter or are in a dating relationship:  - Deconstruction - "I'm in the process of reconstructing my faith", - Does not see the church as important for Christian growth - "I'm not committed to any local church, but God knows where I stand with Him", and- Family tradition of going to church - "Church has always been very important to me because my family has always been religious".If you have any questions or comments on this topic, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

For my 50th episode, I decided to do an episode on answering questions about shame in relationships. This is an important topic, because I think most couples have something that they have experienced in their past which can be shameful to share in a relationship. It can also breed fear, because if you share this experience from you past, you essentially place the ball on the other person's court and they get to decide whether they want to continue in a relationship with you, or if they want to distance themselves from you. It can be very unnerving to experience rejection after being vulnerable with someone, but in order to grow in intimacy in relationships, these painful experiences must be shared. In this episode, I discuss how shame manifests itself in romantic relationships:  - back to Genesis,- the "hiding" element of shame, - the "oversharing" element of shame, - asking the tough questions about each other's past, and - learning how to move forward. If you have any questions or comments on this topic, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

The Bible warns us about "wolves in sheep's clothing" and one of the most evident ways in which we see them at work is when they prey on women in the church. They find ways to integrate themselves into the functions of the church by being charismatic, ideas-filled, enthusiastic, and articulate speakers. For some, they may not see this as a problem, but for those of us who have encountered the profiles of such characters before, we see it almost immediately.  Even Jesus, Luke, Paul, and Peter warn us about them."Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." - Matthew 7:15"I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;.. - Acts 20:29"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds." - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep." - 2 Peter 2:1-3We have to protect our brothers and sisters in the church from these "wolves in sheep's clothing, and hopefully, by you tuning in today, you can discover how and also how to minister to the women who are scarred by the detrimental effects of clergy sexual abuse. Tune in today as Sandy and I discuss the following:- Sandy's testimony on how she was groomed, sexually abused, and manipulated,- How the church responded to the sexual abuse, - What the church told her to do in response to the sexual abuse, - How this experience changes one's view of church and God, and - How to respond to women who have been sexually abuse in the church. If you'd like to more know about this topic or more about Sandy's story you can visit her website or buy her book below:Sandy Kirkham's website - https://bit.ly/3EHWpza "Let Me Prey Upon You: Breaking Free from a Minister's Sexual Abuse" - https://amzn.to/2Zq1ps8 If you have any questions or comments at all, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Christians love reading the Psalms! It brings us peace, comfort, truth, and joy. But, it also brings to the forefront the various emotions of everyday life: sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, and fear. The Psalms teach us much about how God interacts with us through the difficulties and tribulations of everyday life. On today's episode, Dr. Gary Yates addresses the following questions:- Why do Christians love reading the Psalms?, - What purpose do the Psalms have in the lives of believers?- How should Christians approach reading the Psalms?, - What do the Psalms teach us about God, man, sin, and shame?, and - Do the Psalms address shame and guilt outside of Psalm 51? If you have any questions or comments on this topic or would like me to share your thoughts on future episodes, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

First of all, let me say that my guest, Patrick Hubbard, and I love the church. The church is the Bride of Christ and as Christians, we must learn to love her more and more as the day of Christ draws near when He will return for his Bride. That being said, we also know that Christians who go to church have also caused a lot of pain for our own brothers and sisters in Christ. In this episode, Patrick and I discuss what those issues are. We address the following: - What is the church?- How is the church been a blessing?- How has the church hurt people?- Why does hurt happen within the church?- How can Christians biblically respond to being hurt?, and- How can the church respond? If you have any questions or comments on this topic or would like to share your own story of deconstruction or personal growth, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Deconstruction has been a word we have been hearing more and more in Christians circles, and it is something that I both am empathetic towards but also very concerned for how common its become. Though a stage of questioning one's faith is expected in the life of a Christian, it seems that it has made many today turn away from their long-held beliefs than helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. Tune in today as Josh and I discuss the following:- What is deconstruction?,- Who is deconstructing?, - Is it good for Christians to deconstruct?, - Why are Christians deconstructing?, and - How can the church leaders and mature believers help Christians who are in this stage of deconstruction? If you have any questions or comments on this topic or would like to share your own story of deconstruction or personal growth, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Emotions. They're difficult to talk about, and even more difficult when you grew up in an environment where you were told to suppress them. Intimacy is even more difficult because in order to develop it, you have to be able to identify and regulate what you feel to communicate with others at a deeper level. This ultimately has an impact on how deep our relationship with God can be. Tune in to today's episode as Christian Life and Perspective Coach, Mathew Swinson, and I discuss the many facets of growing in intimacy with Christ. On this episode, we discuss: - What intimacy is, - How important it is to our relationship with Christ and others,  - How to overcome the emotional and historical barriers to developing intimacy, and - Learn how to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ.  If you'd like to connect with Mat for a free session or are interested in learning more about what coaching can look like, you can access his content here: linktr.ee/MathewSwinson INSTAGRAM: @sincearlymathewFACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BigMattLovesJesus If you have any questions for me, you can email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Can your testimony to those around you be an idol in your life? Do you feel like God has been punishing you for past sins? Do you feel like you shouldn't be discipling others because you're not yet "perfect"? Do you feel shame when you have to meet with the person who is discipling you or keeping you accountable? Then, this episode is for you!

One of the most difficult discussions to have within the church has to be the issues surrounding spiritual, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse. So much damage and pain has been done by pastors and leaders who have not learned how to exercise godly authority over the flock they are supposed to protect and lead. This is part 2 of a series where I am covering different elements and situations on how abusers operate within the church. I will continue to focus on helping listeners develop an awareness of the backgrounds of abusers, as well as describe how they relate in relationships, and what situations make them more likely to do so.Tune in today as I describe what characteristics abusers display. Specifically, I discuss: - Some common aspects of their history and upbringing, - Behavioral patterns in relationships (relational characteristics), and - Situations in which abuse is likely to happen (situational characteristics). This was a difficult topic to cover, and I only covered a few points, but if you have any questions or comments at all, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

One of the most difficult discussions to have within the church has to be the issues surrounding spiritual, emotional, and sexual abuse. So much damage and pain has been done by pastors and leaders who have not learned how to exercise godly authority over the flock they are supposed to protect and lead. This is going to be part 1 of a series where I will be covering different aspects of abuse in the church. But first, we must develop an awareness of what it looks like to have a foundating that defines what spiritual abuse is and how we can be more aware of what is going on in our churches today. Tune in today as I elaborate on and explain the following:- Defining what spiritual abuse is,- Providing a biblical worldview of the church, and - How to look out for the warning signs of potential abuse. This was a difficult topic to cover, and I only covered a few points, but if you have any questions or comments at all, please  email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

To understand the origin of sin is to understand the origin of shame. As we see in the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve ate of the fruit that they were prohibited from eating, their eyes "were opened, and they knew that they were naked." This led them to "hide" themselves from God's presence when they heard Him walking in the garden." And why did they hide? They experienced shame--knowing what it meant to be fully known but in a sinful state. Tune in today as Pastor Mike and I discuss the following difficult questions:- How does the Bible define shame?,- How does shame impact our relationship with God and others,- Can shame be used as a means to draw is closer to Christ?, and- What advice can be given to cherished who are currently struggling with shame?Do you have questions? Feel free to email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Christians who have been hurt, disregarded, or forgotten by the church can often conclude that going to church is no longer important, but in this episode, we hope to remind all believers that the body of Christ is essential for our walk with Christ. It is nearly impossible to mature without being able to confess our sins to one another, serve one another, be encouraged by one another, and forgiving one another. Fellowship with other Christ-followers is essential. Tune in today to see how Pastor Travis and I discuss the following difficult questions:- What does the Bible say about what church should be?, - How did Covid change how we do church?, - Is it a sin for Christians not to be involved in church community?, and- Can Christians grow without consistent church community?As Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."Do you have questions? Feel free to email them to me at slconnect08@gmail.com.If you would like to learn more about my guest, Pastor Travis Formoso, you can visit the following website to listen to his sermons and learn about the church he pastors: http://www.westgroton.org Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, I'd greatly appreciate it if you SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​ FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

Are you a parent struggling with managing your child's anger? How about your own anger? Are you someone who wants to understand how your anger was affected by your upbringing? This is an episode you won't want to miss. Tune in today to see how parenting affects one's ability to manage and regulate their anger and overall emotions. We discuss:-Erin Winter's book, "I Love You When You're Angry",-How to help parents and children identify and regulate their emotions, -How anger affects manifests itself in relationships, and -Some discussion on how Christians address negative emotions. Do you have questions? Feel free to email them to me at slconnect08@gmail.com. Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, please SHARE this episode! :)FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa​ FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/​ABOUT ME

How to Untangle the Complexities of Child-on-Child Abuse in the Context of the ChurchThis is a very difficult topic, but a necessary one to protect our families and churches. Sexual abuse in the church has taken many forms, but the complexities grow even greater when children are involved. There are psychological, medical, legal, and spiritual concerns at play, and it can be very difficult to navigate through it all. Vince Hinders did his dissertation on this topic, and he shares some helpful information on how these issues can be addressed in a wise manner. We need God's wisdom when handling these difficult issues, and Vince provides some great steps the church can take to resolve them when they arise. **If you're a pastor, counselor, ministry leader, and/or parent, this is an episode you NEED TO WATCH. If you have any questions or comments, please submit them below. You can also DM me or email me at slconnect08@gmail.com.Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

When you think about the church, you usually don't think about Christians shaming other Christians, right? Or, maybe you do? This has definitely been the case when it comes to the church's involvement in social justice issues. Progressive Christians have strongly criticized and shamed conservative Christians for not being involved, while the concern that conservative Christians have had is that the focus on social justice involvement has moved Christians away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ and preaching the truth of God's Word. My guest, Jon Harris, discusses the dangers of it and how Christians should be responding to social justice prompts. In this episode, we cover::- what the difference is between shame and guilt, - how more progressive churches are shaming Christians who do not take part in social justice programs or activism, - what this means for Christians and the church, and- how to keep Jesus as the focal point of the church and not social justice programs. Hope you can tune in! **To learn more about how social justice issues affect the church and the message of the Gospel, please buy Jon Harris's book, "Social Justice Goes to Church". - https://amzn.to/3lwCokw Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

When it comes to counseling, minority communities face some interesting and dynamic challenges, much of which has to do with messaging that is received from family, culture, social media, and even political sources.It also doesn't help that there is a strong stigma attached to seeking help through counseling. In this episode, John and I discuss:- what challenges are faced by Latino and African-American communities, - how history plays a critical role as to what messages are communicated to minorities about authorities, - how these issues need to be addressed at the family, cultural, and church community levels, and - how counselors can inform and equip themselves to understand minorities when they come to counseling. Hope you can tune in! If you've been looking for a podcast to help you understand how shame impacts your relationship with God and others, then this is the podcast for you. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

Dating has changed quite a bit since the early to late 2000s. In my counseling experience, there is no greater complaint I receive from Christian women about dating than when it comes to understanding whether or not they are actually in a relationship.The stages are so blurred nowadays that no one really knows how to proceed or how to define the relationship. Dating today is better described as people seeking to connect and create intimacy in their relationship while also dealing with their insecurities that stem from previous relationships or core family wounds. In this episode, I address these issues by discussing:- timing of seeking a relationship- defining the relationship- learning to be vulnerable with each other, and - facing your fears in relationshipsThis is one you don't want to miss. If you've been looking for a podcast to help you understand how shame impacts your relationship with God and others, then this is the podcast for you. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

It's really amazing to see how much of our childhood experiences with our parents shape how we view God when we become adults. If our parents were uninvolved, harsh, or absent, then we will tend to see God the same way. If our parents were involved, loving, and present, then we can make an easy transition to seeing God be the same way. The key to understanding God, however, is not through our experiences with how our parents raised us, but rather through filtering those experiences through the truths found in God's Word. It is in and through his Word that He chooses to reveal Himself to us. On today's episode, Dr. O'Hare and I discuss: - how parents influence our view of God, - how parenting styles play a role in how we view God, - how we develop healthy and unhealthy attachments to God and others, and - some ways to develop a secure attachment style. If you want to understand the truth about how God relates to us as his children, and how parents involvement in our lives influences that, this is a show you'll want to tune in to.Remember to please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you're on Facebook and/or Instagram, please SHARE this episode! :)Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

Fear.It was the first emotion experienced after Adam and Eve sinned against God, and it is also the strongest emotion we experience in everyday life, though at different levels. Consequently, it has also significantly impacted how we understand ourselves in relationships. Fear stems from shame as we see in Genesis 3. And the fear that Adam and Eve experienced is that of being FULLY KNOWN which is one of the prominent fears in relationships.For those who are dating, engaged, or married, this is an episode you’ll want to tune in to.Drs. Elias and Denise Moitinho and I discuss: - fears in experiencing intimacy with others, - fears of commitment and what that means for a relationship, - fears of trusting others after being hurt, and lastly, - some practical steps you can take to face those fears. If you are currently dating, engaged, or married, this is an episode you’ll want to tune in to. :)Drs. Elias and Denise Moitinho’s bookDream Home: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/dream-home-how-create-intimate-christian-marriageHogar de tus Suenos: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/el-hogar-de-tus-suenos-como-crear-un-matrimonio-cristiano-intimoFollow Drs. Elias and Denise on Social MediaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MotivationandGrowth Website: http://motivationandgrowth.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/MotivationGrow Instagram: @motivationandgrowth Please LEAVE A REVIEW for the podcast as it helps get the word out to a larger audience, and remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

PORN....again!?!Yep, we're talking about it again this week, because this is an issue that has affected many marriages and families. Our hope with this episode is to bring clarity and wisdom in knowing how to biblically deal with this issue. The feelings are the same (betrayal, not being "good enough", anger, resentment, disillusionment, unworthiness, loneliness, desperation, and of course, shame), but seem to be experienced at a much greater degree. For those who are married or engaged, this will be an episode for you to tune in to. In today's episode, Dr. Thomas and I discuss:- how wives feel when their spouses use porn, - how to address it in marriage, - how to discuss the topic with your children, - shame in discussing sex with each other and where the shame stems from, and - how to develop a biblical view of sex for marriage. If you are currently dating or strongly considering to enter a relationship, this episode is for you. **You can still request Dr. Thomas's list of questions to ask a spouse or give to a married couple struggling with this so they can find healing. Email me at slconnect08@gmail.com, and I'll send it your way. Remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.Want to support the podcast? Visit your Apple Podcasts or Itunes app and Leave a Review for the podcast! I would greatly appreciate it! Book referenced:How Not to Date a Jerk - https://amzn.to/30Quhbo Follow me on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samlanda23/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samlanda23 Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

PORN.Just seeing the word can trigger a lot of emotions. For women, it can often spark feelings of betrayal, "not being good enough", anger, resentment, and disillusionment. For men, it can often stir feelings of unworthiness, loneliness, desperation, and of course, shame. Pornography use has continued to increase with each passing year, and it has negatively impacted how men and women view and treat each other. Sadly, this is even the case for Christian couples. For those who are dating or thinking about dating, this is an issue that needs to be discussed. The question is, when and how? In today's episode, Dr. Thomas and I discuss:- what pornography is,- what it does to the relationship,- when and how to discuss the topic, - whether or not to break up, - myths about sex in marriage, and - practical steps to take if you’re dating a porn user.If you are currently dating or strongly considering to enter a relationship, this episode is for you. **If you would like to receive Dr. Thomas's list of questions to ask the person you're dating, email me at slconnect08@gmail.com, and I'll send it your way. Remember to SUBSCRIBE and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms.If you could Leave a Review for the podcast, that would be awesome!Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

Many books and works of literature have themes and storylines that address culturally-relevant issues surrounding relationships, shame, and fear, and Dr. Prior makes many of those connections for us in today's discussion. In today's episode, Dr. Prior and I discuss:how literature has elements of shame components, class discussion on cultural issues, the "Billy Graham Rule" and opposite sex relationships, and her book "On Reading Well"If you enjoy reading literature and see the many connections it makes to culture, then this is a fun episode for you to tune in to. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. **Dr. Prior has her book, "On Reading Well", available on Amazon which you can access by copying and pasting the following link: https://amzn.to/3gla6Hy Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

It's been said that leaders often travel alone due to feeling misunderstood, and this is especially true when it comes to ministry. Along with the feelings of loneliness and being misunderstood, there are moments where a pastor or leader may feel shame and fears in leading their teams. It is in those times when one can exercise faith and know that "even in our fears, God is at work." In today's episode, Pastor Jeff and I discuss:his book "Called to Cooperate: A Biblical Survey and Application of Teamwork,how leaders experience shame in leadership,fears leaders have when leading, and a biblical application on how to lead a team.If you're a pastor or ministry leader, this is one you won't want to miss. If you've been looking for a podcast to help you understand how shame impacts your relationship with God and others, then this is the podcast for you. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! **Pastor Jeff has his book available on Amazon which you can purchase here: https://amzn.to/3ht3Gqj Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

I hate hearing when abuse happens in the church. The reason for that is because those sins are not reflective of the bride of Christ that is described in the Bible, and every time the church fails in this, it makes Christians appear as though they don't take it seriously. Though there are various other forms in which abuse can take place, sexual and spiritual abuse seem to be the most common. It wasn't until 4 years ago when it became a hot topic, and many types of abuses in the church started to be exposed. Today, we hear Dr. Janyne's story. In today's episode, Dr. Janyne and I discuss:what shame is, her story on the abuse she experienced in the church,how that affected her view of God and the church, and how God used a gifted counselor to help her in the healing process. This is one you don't want to miss. If you've been looking for a podcast to help you understand how shame impacts your relationship with God and others, then this is the podcast for you. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

Shame is such a powerful emotion, and it is seen everywhere, even in places where you would least expect it--the church. People who shame others are often experiencing shame themselves, and when you have a large group of hurt people, then you're likely going to see them hurt others as well. In today's episode, Pastor Rob and I discuss:what shame is,how people can differentiate between shame and guilthow to find safe people we can be vulnerable with, If you've been looking for a podcast to help you understand how shame impacts your relationship with God and others, then this is the podcast for you. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Pastor Rob Shepherd's book, Kill the Jerk - https://amzn.to/2BQXGbB Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

The topic of race is such a sensitive topic to discuss in almost any circumstance, but when you have a solid foundation of trust between the two individuals who are discussing it, it actually makes for an honest and productive conversation. In today's episode, we discuss the following:how the black community experiences racism, how culture affects how we talk about it, and exploring whether or not there is a potential shift in how we view race relations in our country.If you've been having these conversations with your friends, then this is one you don't want to miss. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

Reading through the book of Genesis, specifically through the first four chapters, I found that one of the first emotions experienced after the fall was shame. I then noticed that there were 3-4 characteristics of shame, and these are each experienced by us through different experiences in our lives. As I pondered this earlier this year, I made the decision to change the name of the podcast to focus more on these elements of shame. In today's episode, I discuss:what shame is,what Genesis 3 teaches us about shame and relationships, and discuss what topics you can expect for this season.If you've been looking for a podcast to help you understand how shame impacts your relationship with God and others, then this is the podcast for you. Remember to subscribe and/or follow on Itunes, Spotify, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and all other podcast platforms. If you'd like to support my show, please feel free to donate below. Thank you! Support the show (http://paypal.me/slandajr)

The Gospel. The most important truth a person needs to believe and accept as part of their lives to become a Christian. Then, they must live in obedience as they learn to make Jesus not just their Savior but their Lord. Today, the Gospel has been perverted by many false teachers both from the pulpit and from within the church, and my friend Josh and I discuss how we can protect the church from false teaching and what to do when it is identified. Josh provides some great insights as to how believers can identify the lies that permeate many churches today, how to prepare ourselves in handling it, and makes a great emphasis on our need to defend the Gospel and share that truth with others. Hope you can tune in!

One of the most surprising things I often hear about Christian couples is how they briefly (or sometimes never) discussed the key areas they should agree on before getting married. The three most important ones that I've identified are faith, future, and family. Most hope that with time these things will just work themselves out, but it often ends up leading to frustration and disappointment due to unfulfilled expectations. Avoiding these discussions often leads to plenty of confusion in dating later down the line, and can lead to some strong disagreements later on in marriage. In today’s episode, I elaborate on each of these three key areas. I discuss when is the “right” time to have “the talk”, what questions to ask, some red flags to watch out for, and some final thoughts. Hope you can tune in! Follow me on my pages listed below: FB: https://bit.ly/39kSG9IInstagram: https://bit.ly/2UyNeLa

For years, marriage has been under attack, and the culture has slowly but surely redefined what it is and what it should look like. Instead of reading the Scriptures and putting into practice the prescription for marriage that has been given to us, many Christians have begun to contemplate that maybe it doesn’t have to be the way the Bible tells us. Maybe it can be something else. Maybe it can mean what they want it to mean. However, this can be more dangerous than we think it is and I explain why in today’s episode. Today, I will discuss the following:1. where we obtain our views on dating and marriage,2. personal experience does not trump biblical prescription,3. the Bible is our guide for what roles look like in marriage, and4. the battle for leadership is the real issue at hand.Hope you can tune in!I would greatly appreciate if you could Subscribe to my podcast and Leave a Review in your Itunes or Apple Podcast app. If you have any questions, you can email them to slconnect08@gmail.com.

Church. Politics. Two words that should probably not ever be in the same sentence, but because of where we are in our history, they seem to always be linked to each other in some way shape or form. The concern for me has been, why does it bring so much division? Shouldn’t we be in “full agreement” and of “one mind” when it comes to the issues we must defend and stand for as Christians? Are we not encouraged in the Scriptures to seek unity? If so, then what’s the problem?Today, my friend, John Reid, and I discuss why there is division in the church, what issues we should be agreeing on, and then discussing ways in which we can reach agreement on those issues. Hope you can tune in. Follow me below:Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tourInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samlanda23/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samlanda23 Follow John W. Reid:Facebook: http://bit.ly/37DOmlo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwesleyreid/Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnwesleyreid

The fall had a detrimental effect on the history of mankind. Most significantly, it impacted how we relate to God and each other. We find that Adam and Eve's first reaction after the fall was fear and shame, and these feelings are all too familiar for us in relationships today. For us to understand what to do in our relationships, we need to understand how to address the core problem, and the core problem is our thinking and emotions is centered so much around ourselves that we actually distance ourselves from God and others. Dr. Kevin Corsini, President of San Diego Christian College, and I will be discussing what relationships were like before the fall, what changed after the fall, and what implications it has on our current relationships. Hope you can tune in!Remember to Subscribe and Leave a Review on your Itunes app. Follow me at:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tour Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samlanda23/?hl=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/samlanda23

The Five Love Languages will be impossible to accomplish if the following principles are not established first. These principles set the right foundation in order for these love languages to be displayed in your relationships. The following passage will set the remainder of this discussion for us. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12Compassion - sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate itKindness – of a sympathetic or helping nature3. Humility - freedom from pride or arrogance4. Gentleness - free from harshness, sternness, or violence5. Patience - bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint

Forgiveness is the most powerful representation we have of Christ living and working through us. It is only through Him that we are able to not only forgive others, but also learn how to love them in the midst of our own pain. All Christians have learned that God doesn’t call us to do what we can do in our own strength. He calls us to do what requires his power and strength to do. And extending forgiveness to those who have hurt us is definitely one of the actions that requires his strength to do. On today’s show, I will describe what forgiveness is and what it is not, share some stories of forgiveness, share the pros and more pros of forgiveness, and then a final tip for the week. Hope you can tune in!

Mental health...

Today's episode will explain who you can be pouring into, who can be pouring into you, and how your inner circle is your primary circle of influence. I will elaborate on how your relationship with God is your primary focus in growing as a Christian, and the three areas you'll need to focus on in order to grow in your relationship with Him. I will also discuss the importance of having a mentor in your life, because they are a key connection for your spiritual growth. They have been where you currently are or have seen others where you are. They have learned from their decisions and have the wisdom to help you learn how God can speak to you in your tribulation, but who are also there walking alongside you. And lastly, I'll discuss who you need to dedicate time to in your inner core. Your core can be a source of encouragement, truth-speaking, and sharing your weaknesses and vulnerabilities with them. Spending quality time with your inner circle is abouteach of you giving and receiving, encouraging one another, and spurring one anothertowards love and good deeds. Hope you can tune in!

Today, I will be discussing what we can do when we see our spouse has stopped growing in the Lord. In marriage, we need to be aware of our own walk with Christ to assess where our spouse is in their walk. We must seek to confront and restore our spouse in a loving manner, and then seek to continue in the role God has assigned to each of as husband or wife. As difficult as it may be to see one’s spouse become distant in their relationships to God and them, the key is to be attentive to what God is doing in your own heart. I explain what this looks like in today’s episode. Hope you can tune in! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samlanda23/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/samlanda23

Have you often found that we don’t understand ourselves, and because of that, we struggle in being able to understand others? Even more critical than that is our inability to connect by empathizing with the pain, confusion, and questions others have about life. But, it is difficult to understand others, if we can’t understand ourselves, and that is where emotional intelligence becomes a critical factor. I will discuss how we experience, identify, regulate, and express emotions in our communication with the people we meet and love. I’ll also discuss how it becomes a factor in our relationship with God.

Music has a way of speaking into the deepest parts of our hearts, and it is an effective tool used to communicate feelings, thoughts, and experiences to anyone in the world. Those songs come from the journeys lived by the songwriters so it can be very easy to attach ourselves to people who have experienced the same things that we have. This is true for both secular and Christian music. However, secular music focuses more on us, what we want, and what makes us feel good, while Christian music should lead us to focus more on who God is, what truths are found in his word, and how He is our only hope for life and salvation. Christian music needs to draw us closer to God by teaching us how to follow Him better.

Can you identify lies that Satan uses to move you away from God? Have you struggled lately with understanding whether God is good, whether He loves you, or whether his instructions from his word actually work in your life? Tune in as I discuss the types of lies Satan uses, what three lies he tends to use the most, and what you can do about it. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tourInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/samlanda23/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/samlanda23

Have you ever wondered why you're suffering? Do you wonder if God is punishing you for past sins? What does it mean when the Bible says that God disciplines his children?Tune in for my interview with my good friend, Travis Formoso, Pastor at West Groton Bible Church, as he defines what biblical discipline means, what some misconceptions about God's discipline are, and God's purpose for discipline.

Do you know how your circle of friends impacts you? Would you like to know who you should have in your circle of influence, and who you need in your inner circle to grow in your walk with Christ? Then, this episode is for you.

Do you experience a sense of fear in your relationships with people? How about with God? How do you respond to your fear? Today, we will be learning how fear impacts our ability to relate to people and God. You will see how fear cause you to have one of three types of responses in your relationships with others and God. We’ll also discuss how to counter those intuitive responses, explain how they impact our relationship with God, and learn to trust in God in the midst of our fear. My hope is that the content in today’s episode will help you approach relationships with a mindset that focuses on how to make them work by learning how not to operate on the basis of fear. The key is trusting in God and allowing Him to silence your fears. For more information, please follow my pages below: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tour Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samlanda23/?hl=en

Why is dating so difficult? Why does it have to be so complicated, confusing, and painful? I'll be responding to some of your questions and comments about your ideas or perceptions on dating. In today's episode, I address your questions and comments on:How much time should pass before officially entering a romantic relationship?Are men willing to take the initiative in dating?What does it mean when people say they are "working on themselves"?, and How similar to each other should couples be?Remember to Subscribe and Leave a Review by clicking the stars. When you do this, it helps give my show more exposure. Itunes looks at it and says, Whoa this show is being heavily engaged and has tons of listens, so let’s keep getting it out there. If you listen on Spotify, you becoming a Follower there can help spread the word as well. For more information, please Like/Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Why is dating so difficult? Why does it have to be so complicated, confusing, and painful? These are the questions that are being asked in the Christian dating world. But with Christians having God's Word as a guide to lead us through dating and eventually marriage, what is it that they are getting wrong? In today's episode, I will...share three factors that are absolutely necessary to follow when you're dating,discuss how knowing those can help you determine whether or not to marry that person, andchallenge some popular myths about Christians and marriage. Remember to Subscribe and Leave a Review by clicking the stars. When you do this, it helps give my show more exposure. Itunes looks at it and says, Whoa this show is being heavily engaged and has tons of listens, so let’s keep getting it out there. If you listen on Spotify, you becoming a Follower there can help spread the word as well. For more information, please Like/Follow my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/samlanda23/?modal=admin_todo_tour