Perspective Shifts: The One Thing Desired

Do you ever feel guilted into gratitude? You know you're supposed to be thankful, but it feels impossible in the midst of your trial, suffering, or loss. In this episode, we'll uncover the unique opportunities hidden in these seasons and explore how gratitude can become a gift—not just for God's heart, but for ours as well. Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or YouVersion! Or, sign up to receive periodic updates delivered straight to your inbox or send a message to mine (cara@theonethingdesired.com). And don't forget to follow the show!

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet, if we're honest, it often comes with family tensions and challenging dynamics. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say about relationships. Using Joseph and his family as a backdrop, we're reminded to remain hopeful in God's sovereignty and power. And through Paul's instruction in Romans 12:18, we're encouraged to stay purposeful in our pursuit of peace. If you're seeking encouragement in difficult relationships or practical steps to navigate them well, this episode is for you! Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or through email! Sign up to receive periodic updates delivered straight to your inbox. And don't forget to follow the show!

What are "Martha moments"? How can we have a "Mary postured heart" in busy and stressful seasons? In this episode, we consider these questions as we look at four applications from the beloved biblical account of Martha and Mary. Together, let's learn how we can trade our stress for God's serenity. Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or through email! Sign up to receive periodic updates delivered straight to your inbox!

In this episode we consider Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (or the darkest valley), I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." We will see the purpose and significance of the valley as well as discuss how we can trust God, find comfort, and overcome fear when surrounded by the darkness of one. This episode is part of the series entitled, "The Pathway of His Presence: A Look at Psalm 23." Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or online, where you can sign up to receive periodic encouragement delivered straight to your inbox (scroll to the bottom) or send an email to mine! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

In this episode we continue our discussion of Psalm 23:2, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters" as we look at the final three needs a sheep has in order to find rest and to be fulfilled. If you want encouragement to examine your thought life, stop comparing, and find satisfaction in Him, this is for you. This episode is part of the series entitled, "The Pathway of His Presence: A Look at Psalm 23." Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or online, where you can sign up to receive periodic encouragement delivered straight to your inbox or send an email to mine! (Click here for the Psalm 119 prayer cards and other resources mentioned in this episode.) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

As we consider Psalm 23:2, "He lets me rest in green meadows..." we learn that sheep need certain things in order to lie down and rest. In this episode, we will consider the first of their, and our, requirements for finding peace and contentment - in other words, for being at rest. If you are overwhelmed by life's unknowns or tempted to fill in the blanks of your "what ifs," this is for you! This episode is part of the series entitled, "The Pathway of His Presence: A Look at Psalm 23." Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or online, where you can sign up to receive periodic encouragement delivered straight to your inbox or send an email to mine! (Click here for the video devotional based on Isaiah 43.) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

An important part of our growth, though usually unwelcome and unanticipated, is pruning. In this episode we consider what pruning is, why it is necessary and how we can respond, remembering that because our lives are in the hands of a caring Master Gardener, we can praise Him for the pruning. For more encouragement and Biblical resources, let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or The One Thing Desired where you can sign up to receive periodic emails delivered straight to your inbox! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Do you find it hard to sing "peace on earth" when you don't have peace in your heart? Do you celebrate the Prince of Peace but wonder how He can impact the stress-filled days of the Christmas season (and beyond)? In this episode we consider what it means to have peace with God and how we can practically experience the peace of God regardless of our circumstances or seasons. For a free download of the principles discussed in this episode, click here. For more Christmas themed devotionals or episodes, click here. Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or online where you can sign up to receive periodic encouragement delivered straight to your inbox! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

What does it mean to know the Lord as our Shepherd? How does His care lead to our contentment? In this episode, we answer these questions as we consider Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." If you long to find satisfaction in Him or are tired of searching for it elsewhere, this is for you! This episode is part of the series entitled, "The Pathway of His Presence: A Look at Psalm 23." Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or online where you can sign up to receive periodic encouragement delivered straight to your inbox! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

In this introductory episode to the series, "The Pathway of His Presence: A Look at Psalm 23," we briefly consider the heart and life of David, who penned this beloved psalm, and lessons we can apply to our own lives. To download the daily reading plan, Cultivating Gratitude, click here: https://theonethingdesired.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cultivating-Gratitude-Revised.pdf Let's connect on Instagram, Facebook, or online where you can sign up to receive periodic encouragement delivered straight to your inbox! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

In this special episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Jessica Ludwig of Together Freedom. Together Freedom provides long-term care and support for American girls rescued from child sex slavery. Jessica shares information relevant for all who have children in their lives they care about as well as important statistics and signs. She also discusses the mission and tells inspiring stories of those Together Freedom has served. She concludes our conversation with ways we all can get involved and offers a hope-filled word for anyone who has felt discarded or forgotten. I pray you are encouraged as we conclude our summer series. I can't think of a better way to end than with an encouragement to step into another's story in order to offer the hope that is found in Christ alone. For more information or to support Together Freedom, please visit togetherfreedom.org or connect with them on Facebook or Instagram. This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Whitney Akin is the author of Overlooked: Finding Your Worth When You Feel All Alone. Her heart is to see and celebrate the purpose and potential of the overlooked and invite them to live seen by the God who loves them. Whitney's writing has been featured in (in)courage, Her View From Home, Proverbs 31 Ministries and more. You can find more of her writing and speaking on her website at www.whitneyakin.com and can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouVersion for more encouragement. In this episode, Whitney shares the lessons she learned through Genesis 16 and the life of Hagar. As her understanding grew and she came to believe she is seen by the One who sees her (El Roi), she began a journey that led to incredible transformation. She was finally free to truly love others and live fully for God. If you long to grow in freedom, love, and service, this episode is for you! This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. For further encouragement on the topics discussed in this episode, you may be interested in checking out these earlier episodes: The Secret of True Strength (a message on meekness) and Getting Value or Giving Value: A Look at Worth, Identity, and Usefulness. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Tara Borgonah is a writer, speaker, teacher, and founder of the Girl Read Your Bible Study Group and the host of the Author in the Spotlight and the Christian Café Podcasts. Tara's surprising journey began shortly after experiencing a traumatic life-changing accident. Instead of giving in to despair, she turned to her faith in God and His Word for solace and strength. During her recovery and year-long journey through the Bible, she experienced the transformative impact of the Bible in her life and felt compelled to share these life-changing truths with others. In this episode, we are reminded that God's plans often unfold through circumstances and seasons that are initially unwanted, difficult, and marked by suffering. Through it all, however, He is working to unfold His plan, present to offer His grace, and faithful to reveal Himself. If you are longing to see a glimpse of the unexpected beauty God can work through an unwanted season, this episode is for you! By the end, you will be encouraged to not only let God write your story, but to trust He has a purpose for each and every chapter within it. You can connect with Tara on The Girl Read Your Bible Study Group, Instagram, and Youtube. This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Pamela Henkelman is a Life Coach for Midlife Moms, speaker, writer, and host of The Midlife Momma Podcast. She is passionate about encouraging moms of adult children as they navigate their changing roles in order to build stronger relationships with their grown children. As a mom of five grown kids and two grandsons, Pamela has first-hand experience with the challenges and joys of navigating the empty nest phase of life. In this episode, Pamela addresses common challenges moms of adult children face and why it is important to go from holding our adult kids tightly to surrendering them to the Lord regularly. She challenges us to entrust them to God as He writes not only our story, but theirs. Pamela offers special encouragement to the moms who are in a season of transition due to a child going off to college or getting married. You can connect with Pamela on her website and social media (Instagram and Facebook) as well as through her podcast. To view her resource, "Your Kids Are Grown...Now What?" click here. For more information on her upcoming workshop, "Hope for Moms of Prodigals," click here. This episode is part of A Story Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, thinker, and question-asker who lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa. She and her family raise crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. As a journalist, she covered crime, politics, and natural disasters. She now uses her reporting skills to chase after the biggest story ever: the redemptive story of Christ. Her books include It's All Under Control, Growing Slow, Stuff I'd Only Tell God, and more. In this episode, Jennifer discusses themes from her two recent books (Growing Slow and Stuff I'd Only Tell God). Using the analogy of her family's farm and the importance of adapting a growing slow mindset, she shares how to identify your season of life and why each season is significant. She also encourages making deeper connections with God by being deeply honest with God, explaining as we take everything to Him, we grow in intimacy with Him. To connect with Jennifer, please visit her website or Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or TikTok pages. This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Twyla Franz loves to help women uncomplicate missional neighboring as she encourages them to "make God big" right where they are in their everyday lives. Through writing and podcasting, she shares the heart as well as the how-to's of intentionally getting to know your neighbors. In this episode, Twyla offers insight into why you don't need to go overseas to live out the Great Commission, how missional living can become a rhythm of life, and how to overcome commonly believed hindrances to knowing your neighbors well. Twyla is the author of "Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30 Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors," host of The Uncommon Normal podcast, and can regularly be found sharing encouragement on her website as well as her Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook pages. For Twyla's series on addressing the biggest hurdles to missional neighboring, click here. This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook or her website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Jen Kosuda is passionate about encouraging women to connect Biblical truth to everyday life. Through writing and podcasting, she reminds her readers and listeners that no heart, mind, or situation is too difficult for the Lord to transform. In this episode, Jen shares how she overcame a life of anxiety and worry through God's Word and why we shouldn't give up when discouragement sets in. Jen is the author of The Art of a Messy House book series, which helps families connect life lessons with God's Word, and is the host of The Art of a Messy House podcast. Additionally, she can regularly be found sharing devotionals and other encouragement on her website and Instagram. This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on Instagram, Facebook, or her website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Rachael Adams loves to encourage women to live out their faith, inspiring them to believe that their everyday offering and "yes" to God truly matters. Through writing, speaking, and podcasting, she reminds her readers and listeners that just as nothing was too insignificant in Jesus's life, nothing is too insignificant in theirs. In this episode, Rachael shares how the "good works" of Ephesians 2:10 are important regardless of how big or small they appear. If you long for the assurance that your life has purpose and significance, take a listen. You will find encouragement to give God what you have, right here and right now. Rachael is the author of A Little Goes A Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life, host of The Love Offering podcast, and can regularly be found sharing encouragement on her website as well as her Instagram and Facebook pages. This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. Cara would love to connect with you on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, or her ⁠website⁠. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Grace McCready is passionate about sharing words of hope with those who are walking through seasons of darkness. Through her own eating disorder recovery, she learned the importance of having realistic expectations and seeing the value in her small, everyday choices. She discovered that even when she doubted God's presence or wondered why He wasn't working, He was with her all along. Grace is the author of Real Recovery: What Eating Disorder Recovery Actually Looks Like and shares personal stories and Scripture to encourage young women on her blog, Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth. To hear Cara's testimony or access her other eating disorder resources, please click here. Cara would love to connect on Instagram (@the_one_thing_desired), Facebook (theonethingdesired), or online (www.theonethingdesired.com) This episode is part of A Story-Filled Summer: A Podcast Series Offering Hope, Wisdom, and Encouragement to Let God Write Your Story. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

This summer, through the sharing of our guests' stories and the lessons and subsequent messages birthed in their hearts because of them, we will be reminded of the goodness, faithfulness, and beauty of our God. It is my prayer that through their stories, we would be led to marvel at our God and encouraged to let Him write OUR stories. Follow the show so you don't miss a single episode! Let's connect on Instagram (@the_one_thing_desired), Facebook (@theonethingdesired), or online (www.theonethingdesired.com)! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Do you long to be a faithful friend, one who loves well and protects and guards the hearts of your friends? In this episode we look at the important role our words play in our friendships and how through guarding our mouths, we can guard our friends' hearts. We consider three specific areas to guard against: complaining, gossiping, and slandering. This episode will challenge us to deal with our own hearts and encourage us to see the influence of our words. I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired) or online (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

How would you describe a strong woman? Is it found in her personality, physical ability, or determinedness? In this episode, we travel to the days of the ancient Greek army and learn the secret of true strength and how we, like the Proverbs 31 woman, can be clothed with strength and dignity. The secret may surprise you! I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired) or online (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/perspectiveshifts/message

Do you ever feel as though you're just too ordinary; that there's nothing particularly exceptional about your days, your talents, or your life? If so, I can't wait for you to meet Tabitha, otherwise known as Dorcas, and to hear what the Bible says about her life. She was an ordinary woman who served an extraordinary God. If that sounds like you, be encouraged: Tabitha leaves a great lesson - and example - for us today. I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired) or online (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Have you ever wondered what signs you should look for - or what you should do - if you suspect your child has an eating disorder? Do you long to create a healthy home environment yet struggle with your own body image? And if your child is currently in treatment, are you desperate for hope and the assurance that healing is possible? In this special episode in recognition of the annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Jessica Peck as she addresses these topics and many more. Dr. Peck is the author of Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life's Toughest Issues. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and is a Baylor University professor. She is married and is the mother of four teens. You can connect with Jessica at drnursemama.com and on Instagram (@dr.nurse.mama) or Facebook (@dr.nursemama). You can hear more by listening to her podcast, the Dr. Nurse Mama podcast, or by listening to our previous conversation, found here. To listen to my testimony and more, please click here. I would love to connect with you on Instagram (@the_one_thing_desired) or Facebook (@theonethingdesired) and look forward to hearing from you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Just as we receive comfort from our Heavenly Father in order to comfort others in their time of trouble, we experience the hope and healing of God in order to give Him glory and impart hope to the hopeless. In this episode, I share my testimony of finding hope, experiencing healing, and discovering the harmony that He alone brought from the shattered pieces of my life through my battle with anorexia. Whether you currently have or once had an eating disorder, have a friend or loved one struggling with one, or have experienced any kind of shattering in your own life, I pray this will remind you to look up instead of give up as it renews your belief that God is not done with you yet! For a written version and links to more resources, please click here. I would love to connect on IG (@the_one_thing_desired), FB (theonethingdesired), or through my website (theonethingdesired.com) and look forward to hearing from you soon! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Do you long to know why the mundane matters and to be convinced there's purpose in the ordinary? I do, and my guess is you do, too. In this episode we discuss the importance of asking - and answering - two key questions to help us find this assurance and live intentionally every day. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

What are you waiting for? Everyone is waiting for something: whether it is to meet your spouse, have a baby, buy a home, find a new job, achieve a dream - or yes, even, for a prayer to be answered -- we are all, to some degree or another, in a season of waiting. The question isn't "if" we're waiting -- but "how" we're waiting: are we waiting well, gleaning everything there is from this particular season? Or are we so discontent and disgruntled that we're missing the very thing the Lord is seeking to do in our hearts and lives right now? In this episode I'm joined by special guest, Ashlyn Lanni, as we discuss all things waiting. We uncover common lies we may believe and discuss the truth, hope, and purposes for these seasons. By the end of the conversation, we pray you are encouraged through her story and reminded that God is still writing yours! Connect with Ashlyn here: http://www.AshlynLanni.com http://www.Instagram.com/AshlynLanni http://www.Facebook.com/AshlynLanni Find the printable of Ashlyn's favorite verses by clicking here. (If this is your first time tuning in, I encourage you to subscribe to the show so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And I'd love to connect on Instagram @the_one_thing_desired!) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

As we continue our Proverbs 31 series, this episode considers the STYLE of our mothering as we glean Biblical principles applicable for mothers in all seasons. If you've ever wondered what's your "style" or wished you could mother more (or less) in one particular style or another, this will encourage you to know His "STYLE" and allow Him to fashion you accordingly. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Do you want to faithfully build your home (your family) like the wise woman of Proverbs 14:1 but feel overwhelmed by all the things you "ought" to do? Do you wonder what such a woman might look like and if it's even possible for you to attain to such a status? In this episode we "travel" to the lumberyard, vineyard, olive grove, and more to learn of some key building blocks, and their applications, in order to answer these questions and find the encouragement we need regardless of our season of mothering. Join me as we continue our Proverbs 31 series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In the third part of the three-part series, "Numbering Our Days: Making Every Day Count in December", we continue to glean insight from the responses of Mary in the Christmas account as we look at the importance of being a hostess this Christmas season (and no, it doesn't involve cooking and cleaning!). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In the second part of the three-part series, "Numbering Our Days: Making Every Day Count in December", we consider the importance of receiving and responding to the greatest gift ever given - Christ Himself - and how our response to His gift will ultimately affect our responses to the interruptions, changes, and unknown details we are bound to encounter this Christmas season. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In part one of this three-part series, we briefly consider what it means to make every day count as we number, or prioritize, our days during what is typically the busiest month of the year, and we consider three important questions to set the tone for a purposeful Christmas season. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In this episode we talk with Jessica Peck, otherwise known as "Dr. Nurse Mama" and author of Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life's Toughest Issues. Jessica holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and is a Baylor University professor. She is married and the mother of four teens. She is passionate about encouraging parents that a healthy relationship with their teen is possible and shares a glimpse of the tools and conversation starters found in her book. You can connect with Jessica at drnursemama.com and on Instagram (dr.nurse.mama) or Facebook (dr.nursemama). You can hear more from Jessica by listening to her podcast, the Dr. Nurse Mama podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

The Proverbs 31 woman was a woman who blessed her family and honored her God. From a quick reading of the chapter, we can see that despite leading a busy and full life, she was above all a devoted wife. In this 3rd episode of the Proverbs 31 series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman," we consider eight subtle, practical shifts that can help us prioritize our marriages in the midst of our own busy and full lives. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In the second episode of the Proverbs 31 series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman," we consider verse 10 which describes this woman's worth as far above rubies. Does this mean that her worth is derived from being such an incredible wife, mother, or business woman, and if so, what does it mean for us? This episode serves as a reminder of where our worth, value, and identity is truly found as we consider two key "perspective shifts." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In this episode we talk with Katie J. Trent, homeschooling mom and bestselling author of Dishing up Devotions: 36 Faith-Building Activities for Homeschooling Families. Katie is a leader in the Christian homeschool community and draws on a wealth of knowledge and experience from over a decade of counseling, ministry, and church planting in order to equip women to grow their faith, strengthen their family, and simplify their homeschool. You can connect with Katie at KatieJTrent.com, @KatieJTrent (Facebook and Instagram), and @GrowYourFaith (Pinterest). For Katie's free family faith-building bundle, please click here. For Cara's 5 day YouVersion plan, "Bearing Fruit in Your Home(school)" please click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In this first part of our series, "Finding a Woman of Worth: A Portrait of a Woman", based upon Proverbs 31, we aim to answer the questions: what does it mean to be a woman of virtue, can even I become this kind of woman, and why would I want to. Whether you have no interest in becoming a virtuous woman - or you think you can't possibly measure up to such a woman, this episode will challenge your thoughts as to what it means, what it looks like, and why it's a privilege to be such a woman. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In this episode we are joined by author, blogger, and YouVersion contributor, Cara Ray, as she discusses the concept of holy leisure. Cara shares with us what holy leisure is and what it can mean for our lives. To connect with Cara and to access her book and YouVersion plans, please visit: www.cara-ray.com https://www.facebook.com/pursuingotiumsanctum/ https://www.instagram.com/pursuingotiumsanctum/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for this episode's show notes. All it took was one look at a flock of sheep to know everything you needed to know about their shepherd - whether they were well cared for or whether they were neglected. In fact, the hallmark of a shepherd was the attentive care given to his sheep. It's no wonder that Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd! Yet, just like it was for His disciples and even His friend, Martha, it is easy for us to forget - or question - if He truly cares for us, especially when faced with difficult situations or difficult (or perceived as difficult) people. In this episode we consider the special ways in which our Shepherd takes care of us, His children, even when faced with difficulties of our own. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for this episode's show notes. Just as there are various by-products of physical rest, in this episode we look at the by-products of "soul rest" and how we can attain rest for our souls. If ever our soul - our mind, will, and emotions - needed rest - it is now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for this episode's show notes. In this episode, we answer the questions: what is biblical joy, why does it matter, and how can we cultivate it? Regardless of what you are experiencing right now, it is possible to rejoice - in Him. This episode will not leave you feeling discouraged if you aren't currently "feeling" joy but rather will examine the conditions that allow joy - the fruit of the Spirit - to grow. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In this episode, Cara discusses her recovery from anorexia with her mother in order to offer insight from the parent's perspective. To view the original interview on Youtube, click here. To read Cara's testimony, click here. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Could our busy seasons actually be used to expand our devotional life? What happens to our "quiet times" when we don't have much time and it certainly isn't quiet? What can we learn from a widow's meager gift? This episode is for those in busy, pressing seasons of life - new moms, caregivers, seasons of illness - or any who wish to be encouraged to move from "having devotions" to "living devotedly." To print the referenced Scripture prayer cards taken from Psalm 119, please click here. Click here for this episode's show notes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

In this second and final episode taken from Luke 23, we consider the final three points of the series: the reality of the crucifixion, the results of the crucifixion, and our reaction to the crucifixion. The heart of this episode is to examine the implications of the cross and to ask how will we respond. Click here for this episode's show notes. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus." Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan. In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Matthew 28 and John 20-21. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus." Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan. In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Luke 22:54-71 and Luke 23. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus." Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan. In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Luke 22:7-30, John 13:1-30, John 14:1-31, John 15:1-11, John 16:7-15, John 17:1-26, and John 18:1-11. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus." Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan. In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Matthew 24, 25, and 26:1-16. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus." Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan. In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Matthew 21:23-41, Matthew 22-23, and John 12:20-50. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled, "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying With Jesus." Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan. In this episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read from Mark 11:15-19 and Matthew 21:12-22. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message

Click here for the YouVersion devotional series entitled "Glimpses of the Journey: Journeying with Jesus" Click here for the Scripture references for this Passion Week Reading Plan In the first episode of the Passion Week Reading series, we read Matthew 21:1-11 and Luke 19:29-48. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/perspectiveshifts/message