Real Talk with Rachael Podcast

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with Max Lucado. Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. His trade books all begin as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all start with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He's been dubbed “America's Pastor” by Christianity Today, “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader's Digest, and the “Ted Lasso of Pastors” by the Dallas Morning News. Max Lucado has penned more than 40 works of adult nonfiction, standing alongside dozens and dozens of bestselling children's books, gift books, Bible studies, commentaries, and collections. His books have been published in 56 languages worldwide and regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. Key Points from Our Conversation: Biblical teachings are meant to prepare, not scare. Focus on preparation, maintaining faith, and trusting God's guidance rather than being overwhelmed by fear. Rather than fearing the end times or personal endings, view them as beginnings of something greater. This shift in perspective can bring peace and reduce anxiety about aging or the future. In moments of fear or uncertainty about the future, trust in God's character and the promise of eternal life by focusing on faith and spiritual growth rather than dwelling on fears. The concept of the rapture is meant to be comforting, offering hope and healing. Rather than focusing on fears of being left behind, we should see it as a moment of divine reunion and restoration. The rapture is described as the next major event on God's timeline, where believers will be taken up to avoid the chaos of the tribulation. This encourages believers to live in readiness, keeping faith and trust in God's plan. The Antichrist will emerge after the rapture, charming people and leading them during a time of chaos. The tribulation is a seven-year period of great suffering following the rapture. During this time, Satan will empower the Antichrist, but there will also be a Jewish revival led by 144,000 evangelists. This calls for believers to be prepared for difficult times while holding onto hope. Believers should test the teachings they receive, especially regarding end-times prophecy, to ensure they align with Scripture. If something doesn't feel right or biblical, it's okay to set it aside and trust that God will reveal truth in His timing. Upon death, believers enter paradise, a place of healing and peace, which is like the front porch of heaven. This encourages Christians not to fear death but to view it as a transition to eternal rest and joy. After the tribulation, Christ will return to reign on earth for a thousand years (the Millennium), followed by a final judgment. Believers will not face this judgment because their sins have been forgiven, reinforcing the importance of faith in Christ. H - Hang in there: Life's troubles are temporary compared to the eternal glory ahead. O - Overcome pessimism: Fight cynicism, especially with age, and embrace optimism. P - Pray expectantly: Focus prayers not just on personal needs but with the bold hope for Christ's return and greater things. E - Explore eternity: Keep the perspective that this life is temporary, and greater joy and fulfillment are promised in the next. Let's Get Real Practical: Get a copy of Max's book What Happens Next, then share and discuss it with someone Become familiar with the end times timeline What's one thing God spoke to you in this episode? Process it by journaling or talking with a counselor Resources: You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Join the Joy Mail community for monthly updates and exclusive resources by visiting RachelGilbert.com and clicking the freebies tab. Be sure to leave a review or share the episode on social media by tagging @RachaelJGilbert for your chance to win a copy of What Happens Next Connect with Max: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm having a conversation with Dr. Robert Paul. Robert Paul is Vice President of the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute. He is both a marriage therapist and an accomplished speaker who presents regularly at professional conferences and enrichment events both nationally and internationally. He has co-authored six books, including “The DNA of Relationships,” with Drs. Gary and Greg Smalley, and “9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the truths that will save it and set it free,” with Dr. Greg Smalley. He is a former professor at Evangel University where he taught in both the biblical studies and psychology departments, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling, Human Sexuality, and the integration of faith into all areas of life. Bob and his wife, Jenni, live in Springfield, Mo., have been married for over 43 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: Addressing deep-seated desires and achieving relational success offers relief and freedom. Recognizing and breaking the reactive cycle in relationships can empower individuals to improve their dynamics by understanding and halting predictable conflict patterns. Group support can provide reassurance that marital challenges are universal and not unique. Faith and personal transformation, as highlighted by Robert's and his wife's journey, play a crucial role in sustaining relationships. Utilizing available resources for counseling and self-improvement, such as those mentioned in the episode, can be immensely helpful. Emotions are morally neutral and serve a purpose in signaling areas needing attention; understanding this helps in better managing them. The care cycle emphasizes the importance of balancing personal care with nurturing the relationship, leading to healthier interactions. Practical advice on nurturing oneself and the relationship, including suggestions for summer activities and self-care strategies. Recognizing the subtleties of negative thoughts and maintaining a 'no losers policy' promotes a healthier team dynamic in marriage. The need to build trust and address past relationship baggage and family influences for better current interactions. Let's Get Real Practical: Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment Catch up on previous episodes Create a summer "being" list Resources: You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Join the Joy Mail community for monthly updates and exclusive resources by visiting RachelGilbert.com and clicking the freebies tab Connect with Dr. Paul: website Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

If you've been around the show long, you might remember that God asked me to lay down the Talk Therapy episodes at the beginning of 2024. However, as I was out for a run the day after my 40th birthday, He dropped a word about finishing with excellence so strongly on my heart that I knew I had to share it with you in this episode. How do we achieve excellence? To put it into simple words, do the right thing. Excellence is the result of caring about what we do, and of putting our very best effort into what we care about. Key Verses: Colossian 3:22-25 (MSG), "Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Process:  God, what are you asking me to finish with excellence? Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with Stefanie and Caleb Rouse. Stefanie and Caleb are dynamic relationship mentors and digital creators passionately guiding singles and couples toward fulfilling and resilient relationships anchored in faith. With their master's degrees in marriage and family therapy with an emphasis in theology (Stefanie) and in education (Caleb), they offer tailored courses, mentorship, and guidance. These are all rooted in prayer, backed by training in psychology and biblical counseling, encouragement from Christ, and practical strategies for love that lasts. Speaking to an engaged audience across multiple social media platforms, Stefanie and Caleb provide daily insights into the transformative power of faith across all relationship stages. Their vision is a world where we learn to love each other out of God's abundance of love, leading to impactful and joyous relationships. Key Points from Our Conversation: Stefanie and Caleb wrote Wholehearted Love for those who have put up barriers attempting to avoid disappointment or getting hurt. At some point, those barriers can spread to our relationship with God and stop us from experiencing His love like we did before. But He wants us to live wholeheartedly - a life where we are fully known, deeply loved, and vibrantly alive. "Wholehearted" love is all-encompassing. God loves all of you - even the parts you attempt to hide. When we experience trauma, we can develop the sense that we're not worthy of love. The beautiful truth of Christ is we cannot earn love because it is a gift He freely gives. However, it can be difficult to accept. To move to a place where we can receive love, we must allow God's truth to "rebreak" us into a reflection of His image. The lies we believe about ourselves can be deep-rooted and painful. Many of these lies are based on the responses of the people around us, so if the pain becomes too much, we may choose to hide behind a mask that ultimately isolates us, rather than engaging in vulnerability that would lead to fostering healthy relationships. You can retrain your negative thought patterns by engaging with God's Word as a habit. Express gratitude, start small, and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Let's Get Real Practical: Take the Reactive Cycle Assessment and share it Connect with Stefanie: website | Instagram Connect with Caleb: website | Instagram Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm speaking with the authors of Pastors' Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty and Humor, Stephanie Gilbert, Jessica Taylor, and Jenna Allen. They are also the cohosts of the Pastors' Wives Tell All podcast - a podcast by pastors' wives for church leaders and anyone desiring to peek inside their proverbial glass houses. As best friends from three different churches and denominations, they are breaking down walls within the Church and crushing pastor wifey stereotypes with a little ministry therapy and a whole lot of Jesus—plus the occasional Instagram dance party! Key Points from Our Conversation: So often people pressure pastor's wives to meet certain expectations. When they don't, it can leave congregants feeling disappointed. The best way to not get lost in other's expectations of you is to remember who you are and who you belong to. We do not seek the approval of man, but rather to serve Christ. It's common for people to assume pastor's wives are too busy or that they have a large community they spend time with, but truthfully being a pastor's wife can be lonely. Support your pastor's wife by checking on her and including her in your events. When you're part of a pastor's family, it puts your life on display. People always seem to catch you in your worst moments and it can create disillusionment. The best solution is to create a new culture of vulnerability. Only then will walls start to break and change will happen. Seeking counseling is unfortunately still a taboo subject in the church. Some consider it a sign of weak faith and others believe that it's an attempt to replace God's counsel, but seeking therapy is not an either/or, it's a both/and. Faith is our foundation, but the Bible advises us to seek wise counsel. Lay down your pride and seek counseling from God and a professional therapist. What you don't talk about owns you. Changing the stigma around therapy in the church starts from the top. Your pastor is not a licensed counselor and there are times when it's wise to seek a licensed professional therapist. Let's Get Real Practical: Do you have a negative stigma about seeing a counselor? Ask the Lord if He's directing you to see a counselor. You can find a list of Christian counselors at The American Association of Christian Counselors or through Focus on the Family's Christian Counselor Network. Connect with Pastors' Wives Tell All: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael in talking with Jess Connolly. Jess is the author or co-author of several books, including Wild and Free, You Are the Girl for the Job, and Breaking Free from Body Shame. Along with her husband, Nick, she planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. Jess is a woman who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She is passionate about family, God's Word, and seeing women take their place in the kingdom. Key Points from Our Conversation: We live in a defeated acceptance of exhaustion. Living right now is too much. Life is tiring and we're accepting defeat because we think this is just how things are. Women often feel they need permission to rest, but we don't need permission. God invites us to rest - He even commands it. He wants rest for us. There will always be more to do. Ask yourself if you need to see accomplishment more than you need to feel at home in your body and soul. Do we need acceptance from others more than we need communion with God, our bodies, and our people? God integrated rest into life. We work from rest, not rest from work. We'll never be prepared if we don't start from a place of rest. Spiritual exhaustion occurs anytime we trade abundance with God for obligation. We are not obligated to do things for God. He can act independently of us. God asks us to help and join in His good works, but His love for us is not based on our actions or inaction. Our society has reached a point where exhaustion is normal – maybe even something to be proud of. Yes, there are life factors that affect sleep, but many of us aren't victims of fatigue, we're volunteers. Consider this - would God praise you for working past the point of exhaustion or would He want you to be a good steward of your body and energy? There are a lot of practical ways to get more sleep like turning off the TV, putting the phone down, using blue light blocking glasses, or journaling. Pay attention to your pace during the day. Did you overcommit? Are you consistently feeling rushed? Notice the cues your body is giving you and give yourself what you need. Don't overcomplicate the sabbath. It's simply 24 hours of enjoying God and the life He has given us. How you enjoy Him is your choice, but don't try to get ahead. Let's Get Real Practical: What area of rest do you need to lean into with the Lord and reevaluate this season? What beliefs do you have about rest and do those beliefs line up with God's Word? Connect with Jess: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Calvin Burns. Calvin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, Texas, who is deeply committed to guiding individuals through their challenges with eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma. His approach is built on a foundation of empathy, understanding, and a personal dedication to each client's journey. Key Points from Our Conversation: Calvin struggled with suicide and addiction until God blessed him with the opportunity to walk away from it, but walking away wasn't easy. Stopping his addiction felt like a significant loss, but the truth is the addiction was blocking what God had in store for him.  If you have chosen addictions that help you numb the hard things you're facing, choosing to stop will come with a lot of complex feelings. It's important to anchor yourself to things that have been proven true, right, and trustworthy. Calvin began his career counseling individuals with alcohol addiction but soon noticed similar thought processes in people who struggled with eating disorders and body image. When we face hardships, it's easier to numb through a variety of addictions rather than process our thoughts and feelings. It can be more complicated when it comes to food addiction as you can't avoid eating like you would other substances. Disordered eating is a pattern of eating habits or an approach to food that is inconsistent or driven by insecurity, fear, or uncertainty. Disordered eating is the first stage of an eating disorder when those insecurities become identity. Behind most men struggling with eating disorders is a fear of weakness. Their value gets distorted and they believe that their strength is their worth. But it's not limited to men. Both men and women struggle because of a desire to be in control or desired, sometimes it's an attempt at emotional management, and other times it can be a struggle to ask for help. If there is a man in your life struggling with body image issues, be consistent and direct in addressing him about it.  If you are struggling with body image, it can get better. You can have a life where you enjoy yourself and your body. When you can be present in your life, your relationships will be better. Community and support are crucial when you're working to change your thought processes around body image. You will not always have the internal motivation you need to succeed. If you see that someone you love would benefit from counseling, practicing vulnerability yourself is a great invite for them to feel comfortable opening up. Men can feel that showing emotions is a sign of weakness, but true strength is acknowledging what's wrong and the willingness to do something about it. Change offers growth, opportunity, and momentum. Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope doesn't lead us to shame. Our hope in a good God that loves us and is for us is everything.   Let's Get Real Practical: What suffering have you endured? Have you allowed Jesus as your high priest to embed hope in your heart in the darkest situation? Connect with Calvin: website Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm speaking with a woman who was key in releasing Image Restored, Susan McPherson. Susan is an author acquisitions editor for David C. Cook Publishing and their Esther Press imprint for women. She is dedicated to encouraging and equipping women to courageously stand strong in the truth of God's Word through her work leading the women's community for Esther Press. She loves Jesus, coffee, college football, and her life as a wife and mother in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. Whether you're interested in becoming an author or not, this conversation with Susan is such an encouragement for women to pursue what God has called them to. In this episode, we discuss how authors are chosen for publishing, why being servant-minded is crucial when partnering with others, and not missing out on God's plans because we feel inadequate. Don't miss the est.HER conference happening April 11 - 13, 2024 in Spring Hill, TN! Let's Get Real Practical: Your "why" has to be greater than your "what-ifs." What's your why? What's your what-if? Which voice is louder, your why or your what-ifs? Connect with Susan: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with a very special guest - my husband, Dr. Matthew Gilbert. Matthew Gilbert, DC, of BBC Health in Lewisville, Texas, is passionate about taking a collaborative, integrative approach to health care. He believes that patients receive the most health benefits when medical and chiropractic doctors work together to provide a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. Dr. Gilbert established BBC Health to integrate his expertise in chiropractic techniques with family medicine to provide patients of all ages in the Lewisville area with the best medical, chiropractic, and rehabilitation services around. He fosters a warm, caring, family environment in an easily accessible, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Gilbert specializes in multiple chiropractic techniques and spinal rehabilitation, and he's an expert at evaluating and treating sports-related injuries.  When not at the office, Dr. Gilbert enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachael, and their three children, Ellie, Olivia, and Zeke. Key Points from Our Conversation: We all struggle with some form of comparison. In my case, I was comparing my current body to a previous version of myself when Matt offered this life-changing perspective - "Stop comparing yourself to other women, including your younger self. She's another woman." Fear of aging indicates a fear of death. But when we have hope of eternal life with Jesus, there is nothing to fear. Everything else will fade away, but we can have confidence in our relationship with Christ.  To be able to extend unconditional love to our spouse, we must experience the unconditional love of Christ ourselves. Our ability to love is an overflow of His love for us. We often believe that our toxic body image only affects us, but what we believe about ourselves greatly affects our marriages, families, sex life, and relationships.  Husbands are called to tend to their wives as a gardener would tend to his garden. You cannot beat a plant into growth, you must provide a supportive environment for it to flourish.  Let's Get Real Practical: Break the comparison yardstick with the 3 Rs: recognize, repent, and rejoice Resources: BBC Health Image Restored Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with mother and daughter, Debbie Morris and Elaine Fisher. Debbie Morris is an author and pastor in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, who delights in helping women understand who they are in God so they can discover their destinies and experience victory in life. Elaine Fisher is an author, speaker, and pastor in Houston, Texas, and is passionate about sharing authentic revelation from the lessons she is learning as God writes her story of redemption and freedom. Key Points from Our Conversation: Debbie and Elaine wrote The Good Mess to give an honest account of God's goodness amid a messy life. Elaine experienced her own "prodigal son" story by confessing her struggles and sins to God and a trusted community that helped her find freedom.  If you've walked away from God, He is still waiting to welcome you home. Not just that, He will meet you where you are and walk with you every step. If you allow Him, God will enable you to dig into your mess and find encouragement.  Debbie and Elaine's relationship changed when Elaine was able to authentically treat the friendship with respect and honor and when Debbie was able to move from the role of instructor to counselor.  When we feel God is calling us to something, we often have expectations of what that should look like. But God honors those who trust Him, regardless of the outcome.  If you are a wife who is experiencing a messy marriage, better days are coming. Finding ways to bond is difficult and not all days will be good. Remember to guard your words and influences on the hard days and sow seeds of joy and life into your marriage.  In the moments when things feel abnormal ("irregular heartbeats") you can choose to let things go or evaluate further what is happening. Do you notice these moments? And if you do, do you care enough to love the other person back to health?  God is good and no matter what mess you're in, He can and wants to redeem it. He has a purpose and plan for the mess if you'll allow Him to use it.  When you encounter God, your situation may not change but your perspective will. He will give you the encouragement you need to thrive. Let's Get Real Practical: What messes can you rejoice in today? Buy The Good Mess: Finding Beauty in Imperfect Moments Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with my friend, Cynthia Yanof. Cynthia is a wife, mother, podcaster, blogger, and everyday girl who is ridiculously committed to not taking herself too seriously. She currently hosts the popular MESSmerized podcast; many Christians are familiar with her work for ChristianParenting.org, as well as her time as the creator and host of the ministry's Pardon the Mess podcast. Cynthia worked as an attorney before pursuing a career encouraging and equipping women in their God-given callings. She loves speaking, writing, foster care, and hanging out in Dallas with her husband Mike and three kids. Key Points from Our Conversation: Cynthia wrote the book after growing up in a Christian household and realizing she had faith on Sundays and in big moments but struggled to understand what everyday faith looked like; faith in the messy middle. "If your theology doesn't meet up with your reality then it's not a theology at all, it's just good advice.” Often in the messy times, it seems the Lord is quiet when you know He could act. In those moments, it's important to remember all the time God has been faithful. He doesn't remove the hardship from us, He uses it to show us His faithfulness. Don't focus on the promising future, live in the cherished present - that is where God has intentionally placed you. Lies are being fed to us and we need to slow down and assess how they're impacting our faith. Question what you believe and assess if it's true. With self-awareness and input from her trusted community, Cynthia identified 3 lies that were shaping her life - ordinary isn't enough, everyone has to love and accept me, and her worth is determined by the success and failure of her kids. We have to start valuing quality over quantity, especially with friendships. You cannot be all things to all people. Be driven by what is significant at the moment and what has eternal value, not something you're holding from the past. Wherever life is off-script, God is still in it. Lean in now; don't wait for a better time to do the hard important stuff. Allow God to create His bigger picture out of the mess. Let's Get Real Practical: Read Matthew 19 and consider these two questions - What do you need to let go of? What are you holding on tightly to? Connect with Cynthia: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. We have covered plans, time, rest, and health. This week God put it on my heart to bring in a new topic - our words. Key verses: Proverbs 16:24, "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Exodus 24:3, "Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, 'All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do'.” Job 19:2, “How long will you torment me and break me in pieces with words? Psalm 12:6, "The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times." Psalm 17:6, "I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words." Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." Process: Lord, how is my heart? How are my words? Are there any words I need to stop listening to? How would You like me to use my words this year? Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. So far, we have discussed plans, time, and rest. This week, we are giving the Lord the first of our health and wellness. Since we are four weeks into the new year, chances are many of you listening have already started some form of New Year's resolution to eat differently or move more. Chances are also high that those resolutions have already been broken. If that's you, there is no shame here. Just a chance to give this area to the Lord once and for all, in a way that is honoring to the Lord. The world offers us quick fixes and promises about our bodies but the Lord shows us how to steward our bodies in a way that feels life-giving and full of joy and peace. Key verses:  1 Corinthians 3:16-22, "Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God." Romans 12:1-2, "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Process: God, what does honoring my body look like in this season? What is a simple step you are asking me to take that will improve my health this year? What habit do I need to start or stop this year, as an act of worship to You? Resources:  Learn more about our integrated medical practice BBC (Building Better Care) Health at bbchealth.com Take the What is Your Body Trying to Tell You? quiz at rachaelgilbert.com/quiz Check out my book Image Restored at imagerestoredbook.com

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we brought the first of our day and time to the Lord. This week, we are bringing the first of our labor to the Lord in the form of rest. Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This is not a religious checklist; rather, it's a gift from God.  It's convicting to remember that not entering Sabbath rest is an act of disobedience. Honoring the sabbath day is a commandment, that's how deeply the Lord knows we need it and we trust Him when we set aside that time to enter His sacred rest. Process: Repent - God, I repent for not taking a Sabbath day of rest. Please forgive me for not receiving this gift of rest. I receive your grace and forgiveness today. Rejoice - Thank God for rest. It was His idea. Revisit - What does rest look like for me in this season? Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this series, we are coming together every Monday morning and giving the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we gave our plans to the Lord and this week, we are dedicating the first of our day and our time/energy throughout the day. We cannot pour from an empty cup. If you want secure confidence this year, start by spending time with the Savior. It's in this sweet space that He imparts peace and tells us who we are. It's something we can't earn, yet He freely gives. Process:  What can I do to remind myself to give the first of my day to the Lord? What is taking my energy that is not fruitful? What is a time thief in my days? Pray:  "Lord, I yield to you as my shepherd today. Thank you for your goodness, mercy, love, and supernatural favor and wisdom that follow me everywhere I go. Enlarge my family's territory in all that we do. Keep your hand upon us and deliver us from evil. Show us the way we should go, for to you we entrust our lives. In Jesus' name, amen." Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

Welcome to the first episode of 2024! Last year, God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. We wrapped up our December Process and Pray series. If you missed it, you can still go back and listen. In this First Fruits podcast series, we will take every Monday and give the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. The first area God put on my heart was our plans. Key verses: Proverbs 19:21, "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Psalms 33:11, "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Giving our first shifts our plans to His purpose. We give Him our first plans by pausing to ask for wisdom and discernment before moving forward. It's not complex and doesn't require much time, but it does mean being intentional in our planning. Process: "God, what plans do I need to submit to You?" Think of a specific plan you have in mind. Ask God for His timing on moving forward with this plan. "God, show me any of my plans that are not from You. I don't want to move forward if you aren't in it." Resource: If you are not yet in our JOYmail community, I want to invite you to join today. Once a month I send an email with a personal note from me, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Go to rachaelgilbert.com and click the freebies tab to join the community.

Back by popular demand is our annual Process and Pray series! If you're new here, in December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. As a therapist, I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future. Thus far, we have discussed victories, boundaries, and prayers. We are finishing the series by reflecting on words, or promises, from God we are standing on. Process: What word did God give me for the year? What promises has God spoken to me and my family? Pray, "God, what word are you giving me for the coming year?" Resource:  Thank you for joining me in the month of December as we praised, processed, and prayed through the year. I would love it if you would take the time to share this series with a friend so we can walk boldly into the new year. If you haven't already, please leave a review for the show so other listeners can join us on this journey through life with Jesus as our guide.

In December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week, the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. We started this series by looking at the goodness of God by reflecting on our victories and last week we reflected on boundaries. Today, we are pausing to process answered prayers. Process: What prayers have I seen answered this year? Write them down. What am I still praying for? Don't quit. Pray, “Jesus, what bold prayers do you want me to pray this coming year?” Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Resource: Do you still need a Christmas gift for someone? Two resources mentioned in today's episode that would make great gifts are the Radjoy Surrender Cross and my book, Image Restored. Give it as a gift and invite them to join you in a small group to read it and pray together.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking once again with Lee Strobel. Lee is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. He earned a journalism degree at the University of Missouri and was awarded a Ford Foundation fellowship to study at Yale Law School, where he received a Master of Studies in Law degree. He was a journalist for fourteen years at the Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, winning Illinois' top honors for investigative reporting (which he shared with a team he led) and public service journalism from United Press International. Lee also taught First Amendment Law at Roosevelt University. A former atheist, he served as a teaching pastor at three of America's largest churches. Today he's founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. Lee and his wife, Leslie, have been married for more than fifty years and live in Texas. Their daughter, Alison, and son, Kyle, are also authors. Key Points from Our Conversation: Lee wrote Is God Real? at the request of his publisher after realizing how many Google searches have been performed on the topic. People are deconstructing or leaving Christianity due to increased skepticism and less popularity among younger generations. Evidence for the resurrection is the key tenant of the Christian faith. We can have confidence in this evidence based on execution, early reports, empty tomb, and eyewitnesses Many people will point to suffering as a case against a good, loving God, but true love involves free will. We as imperfect humans have allowed evil and suffering to exist, but in His goodness, He fixes the things He had no part in breaking. It can be easy to feel as though God is too hidden, but often it's not that He isn't instructing us, it's that He's saying something we'd rather not hear. A majority of Christians tend to rely on their personal experiences as validation of His existence, which is a valid expression of faith. However, we need to know the evidence as we will be challenged by those who have had different experiences. The "apologetic pyramid" involves looking logically through the evidence that points to Christianity from three different world views  - theism, atheism, and polytheism. Only Christianity passes the test of logic and livability. Let's Get Real Practical: As we move into the new year, I'm pausing, processing, and praying about where the Lord wants to take the show in 2024. In the meantime, please take some time to process and pray through 2023 with my latest Talk Therapy series. Resources: Ep. 144: The Case for Heaven with Lee Strobel Connect with Lee: website | Instagram | Facebook  Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

In December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week, the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. We started this series by looking at the goodness of God by reflecting on our victories. In this episode, we are pausing to process our personal boundaries this year. Pray: “Jesus, what boundaries do you want to encourage me to set in my life?” Process: What boundaries did I establish that went well this year? What unspoken boundaries did I find myself frustrated with when people broke them? Sometimes, a boundary is not a boundary unless it is spoken.  What areas of my life might need new boundaries this coming year? Boundaries can change with seasons. Resource: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud

Back by popular demand is our annual Process and Pray series! If you're new here, in December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing and praying will remain the same. As a therapist, I believe in the power of pausing and reflecting so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future. We are starting this series by looking at the goodness of God. Today we are looking at what worked and what victories we experienced this year. Process: What victories or breakthroughs came this year? There is nothing too small to celebrate. What went well that I want to carry into the new year? (Consider how time was spent, relationships you want to invest in, etc). Thank God for these victories with your voice. Tell someone about the goodness of God. Resource: One of my victories this year was my book, Image Restored. If you don't yet have a copy, learn more or grab one at imagerestoredbook.com.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm speaking with J. Warner Wallace. He is a Dateline featured Cold-Case Detective, Author, Speaker, Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and Adjunct Professor of Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University) and Southern Evangelical Seminary. Key Points from Our Conversation: As a detective, J. Warner couldn't commit to Christianity without being convinced it was objectively true. In his book Cold-Case Christianity, he applies ten common rules of evidence he used as a non-believer to make the case for Christianity. There are two broad categories of evidence - direct and indirect. Direct evidence includes an eyewitness account; broad (or circumstantial) is everything else, including what is there and what's missing. They are not different in terms of quality. You can make a solid case with completely indirect evidence, but we have an unreasonable expectation of evidence. Jesus was an evidentialist. He provided both forms of evidence through several eyewitness accounts and through the miracles he performed. Faith isn't blind. The authors of the New Testament were eyewitnesses to Jesus and He stayed with his disciples 40 days after the resurrection as irrefutable evidence. If you examine the gospels, you will determine that what they say about Jesus is true. But if you want to allow that truth to change you, you have to examine what the New Testament says about you. There is one factor that contributes to flourishing – humility. That's why it's vital that the first step into Christianity is submission. Let's Get Real Practical: Lean into whatever form of knowing or believing in God that makes you uncomfortable – experiential or evidential Connect with J. Warner Wallace: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We are in the Friendship Series. The first week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation of looking at past and current friendships, as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. The next two weeks we discussed gossip and jealousy. We are finishing the series by discussing grace and healthy communication. Scripture: John 1:16-17, "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Have you received God's grace? Or are you still living under condemnation and unrealistic expectations for yourself? You can't extend what you haven't received. Grace does not give permission for people to walk all over you like a doormat. Honest communication gives space for grace while also setting spoken boundaries. Process: Do I need to receive God's grace? Who in my life extends me grace? Who do I need to practice extending grace to? Challenge: Pray, "God, I receive Your grace today." Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the Community Wheel. If you own the book, I suggest you use that activity throughout this friendship series. You can also use the Comparison Yardstick activity with today's episode. If you don't have the book, go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a PDF download of the community wheel to the community this month. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

We are currently in the Friendship Series. The first week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation of looking at past and current friendships, as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. Last week we discussed gossip. This week we are going after another sin that is sure to bring friendships down - jealousy. Andy Stanley describes the problem with jealousy in his book Enemies of the Heart - "Jealousy is dangerous. It's dangerous because it shapes our attitudes toward other people. It's hard to actively love someone you're jealous of. It's hard to serve (or submit to) someone who's a constant reminder of what you're not. Eventually, jealousy takes control of our attitudes toward people who have done nothing more than pull ahead of us in a race they're not even aware of." Scripture: Proverbs 27:4, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" James 3:13-18, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." Three Rs to eliminate comparison: RECOGNIZE REPENT REJOICE Process: Ask God if there is anyone in your life you need to recognize and repent of jealousy Challenge: Pray over the person you are tempted to compare or notice a jealous spirit come over you when you think of them.  Consider sending your friends a text or note telling them why you are grateful for them. Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the Community Wheel. If you own the book, I suggest you use that activity throughout this friendship series. You can also use the Comparison Yardstick activity with today's episode. If you don't have the book, go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community this month. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with author, Natalie Runion. In 2019 after watching many of her peers walk away from the church and their faith, Natalie began Raised to Stay, a ministry for those who have wandered, wondered, and wrestled with the Church and the challenges of full-time ministry. Known for her black boxes of hard truth on social media for the Church and church leaders, her heart is to see a generation finish their race as they partner with a good Father who is faithful to complete the work He began in each of us. Key Points from Our Conversation: It can be difficult to distinguish between church hurt and church abuse as the line will be different for everyone based on past traumas. Abuse is any harm that causes psychological damage. You can be assured that as part of the Church, you will be hurt and it will take hard work to resolve, but if we stick with it, we can experience the hope and the holy. He is faithful and He will finish what He has started. Celebrity culture has become prevalent in the church. We have to stop putting so much weight on people and put the focus back on God. When we are vulnerable and share our wounds, we point people to Jesus and remove ourselves from the pedestal. It's okay to wrestle with your role in the Church. People admire those who persevere. Continuing to engage in a relationship with Jesus despite the hurt can help to build the faith of others. It's important that the older generation mentor and disciple the younger generations. They are not competition, they are collaborators. Offense has become a pandemic in the church. If you are offended, start by looking internally. Take it to God and ask Him to help you discern why and if you're living with a spirit of offense. Even if you can't stay in the church, you can still abide in God. He doesn't disconnect from you when disconnect from the church. Let's Get Real Practical: Have you ever considered how you came to your faith? What's your salvation story? Connect with Natalie: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We are currenly in the Friendship Series. Last week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation for looking at past and current friendships as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. Speaking of unhealthy, let's address one toxic trait that will bring every friendship crashing down- GOSSIP. Scripture: Proverbs 26:22 (MSG), "Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?" Process: Who do I need to stop gossiping about? Is my main form of communication with friends gossip? Challenge: Be mindful of leading with gossip. When you are tempted to gossip, ask, "What do I really need in this moment?"  Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the "Community Wheel." If you don't have the book, go to ImageRestoredBook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week we're starting new series on Talk Therapy all about friendship.  Scripture: Proverbs 18:24,"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." Process:  Draw a friend timeline What themes did you notice in your friendships? Who do you need to forgive? Challenge: Forgive whoever God asks you to release. Bless them. Consider writing them a letter you never mail or use the “empty chair” technique and read the letter aloud to them, then shred it. Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the "Community Wheel." If you don't have the book, go to ImageRestoredBook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren't yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with someone whose words changed my life, Dannah Gresh. Dannah is the founder of True Girl, bringing moms and daughters closer to each other and closer to Jesus, and co-host of the Revive Our Hearts podcast. Dannah has authored over 27 books including And the Bride Wore White, Lies Young Women Believe (with Nancy Leigh DeMoss) and Lies Girls Believe. More than 20,000 leaders and 100,000 moms have taught her curriculum and over 500,000 people have attended her live events and retreats. Dannah and her husband, Bob, live on a hobby farm in central Pennsylvania. They have four adult children and four grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: Dannah wrote Happily Even After about her and her husband's experience after he revealed an addiction to pornography - a more common problem than we typically believe, even in established marriages. It's easy to be upset with our spouse's actions, but they're often not personal, rather they are a coping mechanism learned in childhood. Sexual addiction can be as addictive as drugs because of the way our brains respond to the stimulant. Shame will wreak havoc in our relationships. James 5:16 tells us, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." If you want true intimacy in your relationship, it will require facing hard truths. As Christians, we believe that our marriage should reflect Jesus' love for the church. We are uniquely that picture when we choose to play the role of Jesus in forgiving our spouse. When we seek comfort through "forbidden fruits" like porn, drinking, or overeating, it's an alert that we are not finding our satisfaction in Christ. Find a Christian counselor to talk to and dig out the root of the lie that you're choosing to believe and hold it to the truth of Jesus. Sometimes it takes setting hard boundaries in order for people to recognize the depth of their actions and the effect they're having on others. If you are in a relationship that is affected by a pornography addiction or infidelity, you are not alone. Though you do need to give grace while setting difficult boundaries, you also have to tend to your own heart. If you are waiting on your spouse to heal you're heart, you've got things out of order - only God can heal you. One essential truth your relationship will need to survive is that trust is a gift you choose to give. It can be built by consistent action over time, but ultimately you must choose trust. Let's Get Real Practical: If you're holding on to a sexual secret, get help from a professional so that you can be set free. Resources: Ep.29: Lies We Believe & the Truth That Sets Us Free with Dannah Gresh American Association of Christian Counselors Connect with Dannah: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

Last week on Talk Therapy, I asked kind of a strange question - what are you wearing? If you missed that episode, please go back and listen. This week, I have another question for you - do you have a mental shield? Throughout scripture we are reminded about the importance of the Lord acting as our shield. The Hebrew word for shield is rooted in a verb meaning "to defend, cover, or surround." I love this because the fact that it is a verb shows that God is actively defending us. Pick up your mental shield by asking the Lord to protect your mind as you surrounded by negative people or environments. Sometimes we can't change the environment but we can put up a mental shield against it. Resource: Please take advantage of the free resources offered on the "Freebies" page of RachaelGilbert.com

Today is not a series, but is in line with the "Finish Strong" theme. I felt God tell me to ask, “What are you wearing?”  Ephesians 6:13, "Put on the full armor of God, so that… you may be able to stand your ground."  Process: What are you wearing? Are you daily putting on the full armor of God? Resource: Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Katy McCown. Katy is a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, host of the Best Day Ever podcast, and author of She Smiles without Fear. Katy left her job as a television news reporter to join her husband, Luke, on their adventure in the National Football League. Luke and Katy have six children. Key Points from Our Conversation: There's a difference between a life that's handled and a life that's whole. A life that is whole is attainable and God has given us what we need to fulfill that life.  Our quest to keep it together eventually causes us to fall apart. Belonging begins with brokenness. If you'll admit it, we share a common brokenness. When we understand we're all broken, it dissipates the feeling of not belonging. Our common brokenness leads us to Jesus; that's where our belonging begins. We don't know when life will get difficult, but when it does, it's important who we have with us. You may not feel like you have time to invest in others, but there will come a time when you need a community. There will also be a time when someone needs us to be there for them. Build community by integrating others into what you're already doing – grocery shopping, etc. If you've been burned in a church community, understand there's a difference between hurt and confrontation. You can practice forgiveness, separate, and agree to keep preaching Christ. Ask these things – what about this is between me and God? What about this is between them and God? What needs to happen between them so that God is glorified? Jesus was focused on unity for his disciples. He wants us to live in unity with others. Belonging in the body of Christ is what was of his heart before the crucifixion. Let's Get Real Practical: Watch out - check your heart, and allow other trusted people to speak into your life Work it out - take your bitterness to God, don't let it harden Resources: Episode 102: She Smiles Without Fear with Katy McCown The One Thing that Will Devastate Any Relationship Connect with Katy: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

rOur series this month is called “Finish Strong.” The first week, I shared a funny story about how my marathon coach taught me the value of RPE (a.k.a. rate of perceived exertion) so I could finish my race strong. If you missed that episode, please go back and listen as it laid the foundation for this series. We are discussing our spiritual RPE: Rejoice, Pray/Practice, and Embrace Embrace: Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." And just after this sermon, he says the verse we have all recited from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse is so much more than a cute coffee mug inspiration. It's a reminder that our spiritual RPE (rejoice, pray/practice, embrace) empowers us to receive the strength we need in Christ to keep moving forward. Embracing helps us enjoy the NOW and it builds character for the future. Embracing hidden seasons of little empowers us for the spotlight seasons of much. Keep running, my friend. The finish line is worth the intentional RPE. Process: What do I need to embrace in this season? Am I content in every circumstance? Challenge: Embrace the now moments. Resource: There is a chapter about my running story in my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

Our series this month is called “Finish Strong.” Last week, I shared a funny story about how my marathon coach taught me the value of RPE (a.k.a. rate of perceived exertion) so I could finish my race strong. If you missed that episode, please go back and listen as it laid the foundation for this series. We are discussing our spiritual RPE: Rejoice, Pray/Practice, and Embrace Pray & Practice I hope you listened to our guest interview with Mary Jo Pierce a few weeks ago because we discussed being consistent prayer warriors. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul goes on to remind us in Philippians 4:8 to practice what we witnessed him do, thinking only on things that are true and worthy of praise. He knew to be finishers, we would have to learn the art of taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ. I believe one of the many reasons prayer is so powerful is because it shifts our focus to things that are true and worthy to be praised. Process: Am I growing weary in redirecting my thoughts and concerns through prayer? Challenge: Practice prayer when you notice your thoughts are not focused on what is true and worthy of praise Resource: Do you ever color while you pray? Coloring isn't just for little kids. It's a great way to calm our nervous system while talking to God or meditating on a verse. This is why I included coloring pages in every chapter of my book. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today. If you are looking for a free resource, you can head to rachaelgilbert.com, click the freebies tab and download the body image coloring book.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with Holly Wagner. Holly and her husband, Philip, are the senior founding pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, multi-cultural, church located in Los Angeles. They have been married for over 38 years, love life, and enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Jordan and Paris, and their 4 grandchildren! Holly is passionate about seeing the Church grow strong and relevant to the culture surrounding it and for women to become who God has designed them to become. She founded She Rises (formerly GodChicks), and has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has appeared on many television shows and is currently one of the hosts of TBN's Better Together. She has written several books; her newest is Find Your Brave, an honest look at navigating storms, and has been an encouragement to the thousands who have read it. Key Points from Our Conversation: Starters' and finishers' strengths and weaknesses will complement one another. Sometimes God instructs us to let go of things we've started, but other times there is no one who can complete something but the person who started it. Even when you get what you've been working for, you'll find you're at the beginning of something new. Take one step at a time. Maturity isn't linked to age, it corresponds with what we persevere through. We're afraid to share our failures and what we've been through, but that's what helps others overcome. Your past can be used to give someone else a future, but only if you share your story. The Bible is the living Word of God meant to direct and convict us. You can't expand the kingdom of God without a fight. Battles never come one at a time, they come all at once so you must remain prepared. If you don't share the love of God, who will? But first, you must receive the love of God to be able to love others well. Who we are is being forced and formed in the valley. If you're struggling to make it through, take the focus off of yourself and serve others. Let's Get Real Practical: Make a list of the things you've started, then ask the Lord what He's calling you to finish now or later and what to let go of. Connect with Holly: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

Today starts a new series called Finish Strong. Growing up, I wasn't much of an athlete. I ran track because all my friends were on the team. I was so slow that on one particular long run, even my coaches packed up and went home by the time I finished the course. With this glimpse of my running background, you can imagine my surprise when God called me to run a marathon.  Running a marathon sounds like a strange “call,” but in hindsight, God was teaching me several spiritual lessons by getting my attention through doing something bigger than anything I could do in my strength. I have learned much about running since completing this race and several others. RPE (rate of perceived exertion) is what my coach used that day to get me in the right group so I could finish my race. We are all in a spiritual race. The best way to run with endurance in order to finish strong is to stay in tune with our spiritual RPE. In this scenario, RPE stands for Rejoice, Pray/Practice, and Embrace. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Notice it doesn't say, “Rejoice when everything is going right, and you have no troubles.” If we want to run our race with endurance, it will require a heart posture that rejoices even when things are hard. Process: Psalm 118:24, "This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it." Are you a rejoicer? Challenge: Practice rejoicing at least once a day this week Resource: There is a chapter about my running story in my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

We are in a three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can't quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. So far we've explored the questions "How is your heart?" and "How are your words?" This week I want you to consider, "What foundation am I standing on?" (If you missed it, I recommend that you go back and listen to my Stand Firm Series.) Read: Matthew 7:24, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Exodus 14:13, "Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again." 2 Chronicles 20:17, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you." Psalm 33:11, "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Luke 21:19, "Stand firm, and you will win life." Process: What are you standing on? Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Mary Jo Pierce. Mary Jo served as pastor of prayer and Intercession at Gateway Church for 17 years and is passionate about helping you find your voice in and through prayer! An accomplished author and public speaker, Mary Jo combines her love of prayer, scriptures, and baking bread through her ACTS 2:42 seminars. Her books Let It Rise, Adventures in Prayer, and Follow Me, have unlocked the joy of living prayer for readers across the world. Key Points from Our Conversation: Prayer is so much more than what we do or say, it's who we are. It's the essence of abiding in God. Prayer is often put in a religious box, but each of us has a prayer life that's unique to us. Prayers aren't always words. Prayer connects people to God. Engaging God in your tasks, whether they're hobbies, errands, etc., transforms those acts into worship because they glorify Him. There's so much to pray about that we can get overwhelmed, but we are uniquely created to carry God's burdens in certain areas, i.e. our "prayer assignments". If you don't know what your assignment is, ask the Lord how you should pray, then listen to His response. We think of rest as a vacation, but rest (Sabbath) is God's gift to us. Ask the Lord what rest should look like for you. Sabbath is a spiritual discipline. Ask how you want your Sabbath to look from your other days.  Rest is a weapon. Designate a space for meeting with the Lord. Let's Get Real Practical: What does practical, simplified prayer look like for you? How can you bring prayer into what you're already doing? Connect with Mary Jo: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We are in a new, three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can't quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. Last week we explored the question "How is your heart?" This week I want to know - how are your words? Luke 6:45 reminds us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” When you aren't sure about the answer to the previous question about your heart, listen to the words you speak. Proverbs 12:18, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 18:8, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." Process: How are your words? Pray: Psalm 19:14, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

We are in a new, three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can't quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. The first question I want you to ask is this - How is my heart? “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Proverbs 4:23 We guard our heart by submitting them to the Lord for His protection and doing our part with routine heart checks, just like you would with a medical doctor. If your heart doesn't feel right about an area, ask the Lord to place a pin on what is off. Process: How is your heart? Pray: Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.    

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I chatted with Nancy Houston. Nancy is an Executive Leadership Coach, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Sex Therapist, and author of “Love and Sex: A Christian Guide to Healthy Intimacy" and "Then God Made a Woman: Unwrapping Female Sexuality.” Nancy developed and leads Next Level Leadership Groups which is a relational approach to leadership. She is also a former adjunct at DBU and Concordia University and a fellow at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University. Key Points from Our Conversation: If you've experienced sexual trauma, the beginning of healing is understanding that what happened wasn't your fault and you don't need to carry shame. If you've survived a trauma, show yourself some gratitude for enduring something hard. Then address the effects of that trauma. It's hard work, but God is asking you to press in. God designed us to be sexual creatures. We can experience so much freedom if we have the courage to have great conversations around the topic of sex. When speaking to our children about sex, using proper medical terms for genitalia creates a sense of authority on the topic.  Women are just as sexual, if not more sexual, than men but the process of arousal is different. Women tend to feel guilty about taking time to get aroused, but receiving pleasure guilt-free is good for you. We have to own our bodies as women, therefore we have to know our own bodies. Take time to explore. God created sex to be both extremely pleasurable and bonding. If you're struggling with shame, stop hating yourself. You are so worth loving. Be kind to yourself. Let's Get Real Practical: Ask God if there is any area of your sexuality that needs to be restored. Connect with Nancy: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We just wrapped up our Stand Firm series. If you missed it, go back and tune in. I pray it makes your faith arise as you stand firm on the Word of God. Today, I want to have a heart-to-heart with you about why you might not be ready for change. Stages of Change: Stage 1: Precontemplation Stage 2: Contemplation Stage 3: Preparation Stage 4: Action Stage 5: Maintenance Stage 6: Relapse Stage 7: Termination Process: What stage are you in? Pray: Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Resource: Are you ready to see a change in how you view your body? I highly encourage you to get a copy of my book, Image Restored. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today. If you already own a copy, today is your reminder to take action and read it!

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Luke 10 Stand Firm in Action: Stand your ground! Process: What are you standing on? Do you believe you have been given authority? If so, use it! If not, ask the Holy Spirit to awaken the desire in you to be a bold believer in Christ. Resource: Did you know I wrote a book? It's called Image Restored, and I believe it will help you take your authority back over your body, in Jesus name. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Dr. Shanna Crawford. Dr. Crawford is the CEO of Crawford Clinics, Leadership Performance Psychologist, executive coach, podcast host of Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford, and speaker with over 20 years of studying psychology and a decade of applying empirically supported strategies to optimize performance for executives, she has innovated the Restoring-Self-Cohesion approach. Dr. Crawford and her team of psychotherapists at Crawford Clinics have provided life-transforming counseling for thousands of business leaders, couples, families, and adolescents. As founder and CEO, she has established a holistic practice with a team of highly vetted and trained therapists to ensure every client achieves success in their life, relationships, and business. Crawford Care is an HR benefit offered to organizations providing mental health counseling for employees and their families. Key Points from Our Conversation: Self-cohesion is the methodology of syncing your inner world - spirit, soul, and body - to resolve inner feuds, i.e. "I want to lose weight, but I also want to eat the donut". When we feel the need to seek pleasure in order to minimize our unpleasant feelings, we need to slow down, create space to get curious, and have an "internal board meeting". We can compartmentalize for a time, but if the root remains unaddressed, it becomes a door where the enemy can attack your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Many fear that by acknowledging hard truths they will become stuck in bad feelings. However, honoring our honest thoughts and feelings rather than trying to ignore them or cover them with numbing activities allows us to experience the present with the appropriate level of emotion. Pause and ask what your soul is actually needing. Until you work though it, the fears will come back at times you're out of control. If you're feeling too overwhelmed to examine your emotions, it's okay to take a break. Be kind in stewarding your soul. Take some time to calm down, come back, and find compassion for yourself. Ask yourself what you're protesting too much about or attempting to avoid. Dieting attempts to address a symptom, but long-lasting change will not come from willpower and self-hatred. We have to start by finding compassion for ourselves and addressing what our soul is truly craving. Let's Get Real Practical: When was my last internal board meeting? How are my spirit, soul, and body? Connect with Shannan: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given you a spirit of fear or timidity, but power, love, and a sound mind." Process: What are you standing on? Resource: Have you downloaded my guide with three steps to overcome fear and pursue your God-given dreams? It's what I used alongside this key verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 to step out in faith when God called. Go to rachaelgilbert.com/overcomefear to download it for free.

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Stand Firm in Action: Where your eyes go, your body will follow. Where your mind goes, your life will follow. The enemy loves to get us so focused on looking down at ourselves that we forget to look up at Jesus. Looking up looks like talking to Him (especially when you fail), worshiping, praying, reading the Word, and thinking about things that are true and worthy of praise. Process: How can you look to God this week? What are you standing on? Resource: Did you know I send a monthly Therapist Thoughts email? I promise It's not your average newsletter. Each month I share a personal note from me that you can't find anywhere else on the internet, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Join the community for free today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Morgan Jackson about her new book Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You're Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten. Ashley Morgan Jackson is an author, speaker, and social media expert. She works full-time for Proverbs 31 Ministries and has ministered to her own online community for over ten years. She is passionate about women learning to let go of the lie that they have to perform for God's love and instead realizing that they can receive His love, just as they are. Ashley is a wife of fourteen years to her wonderful husband, Daniel, and a mom to two growing boys. The family lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you asked Ashley what her favorite thing to do is, she would say it's laughing till it hurts! Key Points from Our Conversation: Ashley wrote Tired of Trying after a hard transition period where she struggled with identity loss. Once she surrendered, God broke away the things that she identified herself with and told her who she was in Him, regardless of anything she accomplished. But nothing changed until she was honest and surrendered to the Lord. When we go through hard things, we're marked by them. But making it through gives us the authority to encourage others on the other side of our struggles, so it's important to share our stories with others, whether it's in a public forum or one on one. Sometimes was have to stand with our good God in our discomfort and grieve the things He's chosen not to do; He knows what's best for us even if it hurts for a while. Choosing to love and trust God does not take away the hard parts of life. But He will bring peace and purpose. If there's a lie you continue to believe about yourself, let the Lord reveal the patterns so that He can address the root of what's hurting us. If you're in the thick of a hard season, don't fake it. If it hurts, acknowledge that and grieve it with the Lord. Your honesty is safe with God. Let's Get Real Practical: What am I trying to prove? What am I afraid to lose? Is God telling you to lay down the trying because you're striving in your strength? Or are you burnt out and need a fresh perspective? Connect with Ashley: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Psalm 1:2-3, "but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Stand Firm in Action: When tempted to strive, this verse reminds me that it's being rooted in God's word that makes me thrive. Process: What are you standing on? Create a stand firm album Resource: Did you know I send a monthly Therapist Thoughts email? I promise It's not your average newsletter. Each month I share a personal note from me that you can't find anywhere else on the internet, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Join the community for free today.

We aren't in a series right now, but I am sharing words God is putting on my heart each week. Today's topic is a time to speak and a time to be silent. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:7, "There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be silent and a time to speak." Luke 12:12, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11, "...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you." Questions to ask when questioning whether to be silent or speak: 1. Have I checked my heart? In other words…what are my motives? 2. Do I need to process my own pain first? 3. What's the end goal? Reconciliation or revenge? 4. Have I listened? (hint: you shouldn't speak or be silent until you truly listen) 5.  If I choose silence, will I get resentful? 6.  If I speak, is it out of love? 7.  Have I spoken with the Lord about it first? 8.  Have I sought wise counsel? Final thoughts: I've noticed the Lord often asks us to do whatever is outside our comfort zone. If you are used to being silent, He is likely calling you to learn to speak up.

We just wrapped up The Restored Series. Be sure to take the time to listen if you missed any of those episodes. We aren't in a series right now, but I am sharing words God is putting on my heart each week. Today's topic is shame vs. sorrow. Shame says, “Keep this a secret.” Sorrow says, “It's time to surrender.” Shame stays in the dark; sorrow is an opportunity to step into the light. Shame condemns. Sorrow convicts. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Romans 8:1-2, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Process:  Reflect on Godly sorrow in your life and receive it

We just wrapped up The Restored Series. Be sure to take the time to listen if you missed any of those episodes. We aren't in a series right now, but I am sharing words God is putting on my heart each week. Today's topic is letting go and I've invited a very special guest to share with you - my daughter, Ellie. In this episode, she shares her own struggle to let go of a good thing and trust that God has a purpose in moving her into a new season.  Process: Why are you afraid of leaving? Remember to BOOGIE – be outstanding or get involved elsewhere

My book, Image Restored, was released in March and we are in a Restored Series here on the podcast. While this series can address body image struggles, I am teaching how you can apply it to ANY area of your life. We have covered a lot of topics in this series, so if you missed any, now is a great time to go listen to any you missed. This week our theme comes from chapter 18 where we discuss healthy and unhealthy community. Therapist Thoughts: "We are made in the image of God; therefore, we have His relational DNA. We're wired for connection. When something or someone damages our “wiring,” it doesn't have to be fatal or final. Taking the risk to restore relational cords can move us from isolation to consolation." - Dr. Linda Hoover Process: Create a "community wheel" Resource: The resource I recommend for all of these episodes is my book, Image Restored. (If you've already purchased the book, join the private community on the book page. We will email you free resources and printables you can use right away.)