Temple Care

Hi Sweet Friend, Today is the last episode of the Temple Care Podcast. While my heart is a little sad, I know God does have new things in store for my ministry. Today I want to share with you how He helped me make the decision, and how sometimes endings are necessary.  It has been such a joy for me to share these past three years with you! Each message has been very dear to my heart, and the support you've given me has meant the world. Now onto whatever God has next :) To keep up with my ministry sign up for my email list here: http://eepurl.com/hIObMr So much love to you sweet friend! 

Hi friends! Today I am tackling two tough stories in the Bible and how they relate to our mental health: Peter's betrayal of Jesus and the ultimate betrayal of Judas.  *Trigger warning* - this episode does cover some heavy topics that are not suitable for young listeners. We will be talking about death and suicide. I hope that seeing the difference between these two stories will help give you clarity to the power of restoration that Jesus so freely gives. I love you dear friends! Erika 

Let's unpack the scene with Jesus in the Garden. What can we draw from this and learn from His character? How did He face the excruciating moment of His impending death on the cross? I love this passage in particular because it shows us Jesus' humanity. He is fully God and fully man. He experienced every human emotion and therefore knows all of our emotions as well. Quieted by His Love Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0dDiza6A

Today we are covering the epic story of Mary Magdalene. From her deliverance of seven demons, to her loyal heart and reckless worship of Jesus, Mary has quite the story to tell.  Let's focus in on three major points from her story: 1. At the moment she met Jesus, Mary was healed instantaneously  2. Mary had a deep, abiding love for Jesus and she showed it in action, not just with words 3. Mary was loyal to Jesus until the very end Praying you are blessed and encouraged by Mary's story and to remember that Jesus loves to use the outcasts to bring Him glory!!

Every year as the seasons change I reevaluate with the Lord and ask - what do you want to teach me? How can I listen more deeply to your voice? This summer He is calling me to delight - to let Him lavish love and goodness over me. He cares about me and wants to delight in me! I'm also realizing that God wants me to be faithful in the little things and the big things...but most of life is spent tending to the little things. And in that, He watches to see how I am walking out my faith.  What has God called you to be faithful in? Where is He asking you to go deeper?

This week I'm joined by my dear friend, Gaby, to talk about Elijah!   His story is something we can all relate to…in a moment of pure exhaustion he raised his hands to heaven and said, “It is enough, Lord!”    In this series on mental health and the Bible, Elijah's moment with the Lord serves as a good model for us as we face seasons of depression and wanting to give up. What was the Lord's answer to Elijah and how did He tenderly meet his needs?    Join us as we unpack the meaning behind this Elijah moment and how we can press on in our faith through seasons of doubt, sadness, exhaustion and overwhelm. 

Hi friend, Today I'm sharing how God has been working on my heart through this verse: “Don't despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Zechariah 4:10 And how even the small, mundane things we do are actually very important to God and a tool He uses to build and forge our character. In my life I struggle to stay focused on the small things, (my mind is typically in the clouds!)...so God has used a few key verses to bring me back down to earth and remind me of just how important this season is.  I hope this message encourages you as you are in tough seasons or relationships or feeling like things can be so meaningless at times...God always has a purpose behind it. Sending love to you sweet friend! 

Today we are covering John the Baptist and the moment where he questioned and asked Jesus, "Are you really the Messiah?" There is so much to unpack here, but here are a few points we are covering today: - Why did John ask this question? Didn't he already know who Jesus was? - The direct and compassionate response Jesus gave - How we can expect Jesus to respond as we face our own crisis of faith - What it means to truly bring our doubts before Jesus 

Today we are tackling the story of Mary and Martha! Before you think this episode might be a guilt-trip, tune in and listen to what God has laid on my heart about the way He has uniquely made each of us.  Today we will cover: - God's love for both Mary AND Martha - How God can use the Martha types in His church - What to do if you struggle with being a "doer" and not having quiet time  - The specific set of words here that correlate to our current-day word "anxiety" 

Hi friend! We are kicking off a series on "What the Bible Says About Mental Health" and I am super excited to journey through these stories with you and dig into God's Word on this topic.  Today I want to share with you a few points of what the Bible actually says about mental health. Take these three truths with you as you face your own battles this week: 1. God loves to reason with you. 2. Emotions are a gift from God. 3. God wants to restore you.  I am praying that this series will encourage your heart and help you relate more deeply to the Bible characters we discuss!  If you want to send me a person/story you want covered, please send me a message through my Instagram account: @erikaruthpizzo 

Hi friend, As I'm working through writing a new book on spiritual warfare, I am processing with the Lord what it looked like for Him when He faced great temptation by the enemy in the wilderness.  We see that He was tempted through the use of scripture, so it made me wonder...does the enemy do the same thing to us? God has been revealing so much to me, and I want to share with you some of the ways that I have been tempted to despair because of the enemy's lies.  The truth is, the closer you get to Christ, the harder the attacks start to come. But there is great hope in the midst of these attacks, because we become more and more attune to the Shepherd's voice.  Praying for you as you face your own attacks this week and different trials and temptations. You are more equipped than you even know! 

Hi friend, As a believer, stepping into Holy Week carries a certain amount of weight doesn't it? We want to experience what Jesus experienced, feel what He felt, and give reverence to the awesome act of dying on the cross for our sins. Let me encourage you today with these 3 truths to meditate on this week: 1. Our relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship and the most eternal relationship  2. Jesus just wants to spend time with you 3. It's OK to bare your feelings before God and before close friends - that's what Jesus did! Praying for you as you head into this Easter week, that it would be a time of great reflection with your Savior in the quiet moments of listening to His heart for you.

Hi friend! Today I'm sharing some thoughts on what to do when you feel really attacked by the enemy. Sometimes life just feels hard, and I want you to know that God loves you right where you are. Be encouraged today that even though God is building you up to be a mighty warrior, it's ok if you don't feel like a "warrior" right now :) He loves you anyway!

Today I am joined by two very special guests - licensed marriage and family therapists Matt and Leah Heim. Join us as we cover these important topics: - What are attachment styles and how do they affect my parenting? - How can I be a better parent and trust God in the process? - Will my child need therapy one day? - Removing the pressure from needing to do and be everything for our kids, and letting others pour into them  Matt and Leah have started a nonprofit called The Open Table where they minister to others by promoting and facilitating hoisting and lasting change for individuals, couples, families and communities.  Today, Matt shares about his dissertation on Attachment styles and if you are a parent of kids age 5+ he invites you to participate in this brief survey: Survey Link For more info on Open Table visit their website here. It was a joy and privilege to have Matt and Leah on the podcast and to hear their wisdom! Share with any parent who needs just a little extra encouragement to keep going and keep seeking the Lord.   

I'm so excited today to do something a little different and dive into my creative process behind writing books!  If you've ever wanted to write a book before, or have felt led to share your story, I am praying my words encourage you to press into that God-given gift and let Him do the writing and leading! He is a good Father who gives us such wonderful creative gifts.  Today we'll talk about: - How I go about deciding what to write about, the chapter titles, the content, etc. - Asking for feedback during the writing process - Praying for wisdom from the Holy Spirit as I write - Going back and editing/re-writing things  - Making time to write when life feels so busy To be the first to hear when my new book comes out sign up for my e-mail list on my website!

Hi friend, I am sharing a poem today from my book "Quieted by His Love". I hope today's message encourages you to bask in God's love for you, to let His love wash over you this coming week, and to slow down and be still in His presence.  Love you friend! Erika  Buy the Book Here

Today I am joined by RaeAnne Porte, who shares her story of freedom from food and body image struggles through the power of Christ.  Most of us are thinking about starting a diet in January, but for many of us, we are tired of the endless dieting cycle and want to do things differently.  RaeAnne takes us through God's plan for our eating, which may be different than what you expect! She shares how God has transformed her fear and shame with food to a beautiful new journey.  Be encouraged and inspired to get off the dieting roller coaster and surrender this area of your life to the One who cares about you most!  RaeAnne's Youtube channel: Food Fitness and the Gospel RaeAnne's Instagram: @food.fitness.andthegospel 

So excited to have my dear friend Angel on the podcast today! We are talking all about brain retraining and how God led her out of years of symptoms and anxiety with a simple method of rewiring your brain. Angel shares her story, the new program she created to make the method more faith-based, and a really simple and easy tip to get you started on brain retraining yourself.    Link for last year's podcast on Brain Retraining with Angel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/temple-care/id1587217426?i=1000599074463 Angel's FREE training video: https://www.anxiety-rewired.com/rewire    Angel's Website:  https://www.anxiety-rewired.com/anxiety-rewired   Angel's IG: @anxietyrewired

This week I'm sharing my thoughts on Craig Groeschel's book "Power to Change" and how it has impacted me in the area of faithfulness. What does God ask of us when it comes to the hidden areas of our lives that no one sees?  He keeps convicting me over and over again to pursue faithfulness in these little things, to not neglect those small steps of growth. It's in these little things, over time, that we see big changes. And so instead of just praying big prayers with no action behind them, I am working towards faithfulness that will produce big changes in the long run.  I hope today encourages you sweet friend as you pursue faithfulness in the little things God has put right in front of you. 

As we head into the New Year I wanted to give you a word of hope and joy that will encourage your heart. Jesus has been challenging me this past year with throwing away old thought patterns and embracing a confident hope in the reality of His goodness. Let my words and prayers today encourage you to walk into this year with an extra dose of joy, ready to conquer any mountain you might face. Verses Mentioned: Philippians 1:20-21 "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."   Join the Membership site: here

Today I'm sharing with you a very special year-end tradition that I do with God. I spend time sitting with Him, asking Him about the previous year and what His plans are for the year to come. I bring my bible, my prayer journal, books and songs that have impacted me, and a willing heart to listen to His direction and guidance. Join me as I share these steps with you and hopefully you will be inspired to spend some time reflecting with Him as well! Happy 2024, sweet friend.    Want to do your own year-end inventory? Download the PDF here!    Books Mentioned:   Winning the War in Your Mind   Battlefield of the Mind   Full   40 Day Sugar Fast    Songs Mentioned:   Meet with You by Ethan Nathaniel   Waiting by Nonah   Wait by Phil Wickham    This is Love by Stars Go Dim   The River Bows by Nonah   Assurance by Nonah    Fear Is Not My Future by Brandon Lake   Take It All Back by Tauren Wells    

Today Mari from @mealprepmuchacha joins me as we talk all things meal prep during the holidays! It can be a crazy time, and I'm sure meal prep is the last thing on your mind, but my conversation with Mari is a huge encouragement for you to care for your body in this way even at this time of year.    We also talk about body image struggles, learning to lay down our idols before God, and surrendering control over our eating and workouts. God was so present in this podcast friends, I can't wait for you to listen!    Mari's Instagram: @mealprepmuchacha    Other Instagram Accounts Mentioned:   @food.fitness.andthegospel    @diet.breaker.dietician    @feedingfaith

Today I have a special guest on, my sweet friend Emily, founder of Learning to Live Beloved Ministries. Emily is sharing today about her new book "Dear Beloved" that are a collection of love letters from God. Hear Emily's heart behind writing this book, how God brought all the puzzle pieces together, what the letters are about, and how you too can step into the calling God has over your life.  Find Emily at: livebeloved.org Instagram: @emilykarc  Emily's book: Amazon link 

The start of December means we are beginning our advent devotional "Invited to Worship" that I just released! Listen along as I explain how God put this idea on my heart, what the writing process was like, and this very special first devotional that inspires you to use the gifts God has specifically put inside you.  If you haven't ordered your copy yet, it's not too late! Order on Amazon today: Link here  Need a good Christmas gift? Check out my new Christmas merch here! 

This week I'm sharing a way that God showed me His tender heart towards me and my struggles. I believe He wants to sit with you in tenderness too my sweet friend.  I'm also announcing my new Christmas devotional today and reading a portion of one of the stories! I hope you enjoy it. Get your copy of "Invited to Worship" here: amazon link

Do you ever feel like you're not "fighting the good fight"? Maybe your heart feels tired, your thoughts are wandering, and you don't feel like you are enough or that you do enough for Christ. Today I want to encourage you and share with you what God has been revealing to me about that fighter mentality. What does it take to be a good warrior? It's probably not what you expect! Quote on Matthew Perry taken from Christian Post. Book referenced: Praying Through the Names of God by Tony Evans Shop my new faith-based clothing line here. 

Hi friend! Today I want to share with you a new book I'm reading that has taught me so much about the spiritual battle going on in our minds. God is revealing a lot to me through this book and I believe He has something here for you too. His heart is to make things clear for us, to help us win the war on our minds, and to live in the peace that He so freely gives. Let's dive in together! 

Today I want to share with you one of my all time favorite quotes that I actually included in my recent book, as well as some of my thoughts on what it means to go deeper with God.  I don't know about you but I am not content having a surface-level relationship with Jesus, and I am always wanting to go deeper with Him. In the last six years of my life I saw major growth in this area, and I want to share with you what I think it takes to develop intimacy with the Creator. I haven't arrived yet, and neither have you, but the closer we grow to Jesus the easier it is to let the things of this life go and to embrace the eternal. I pray my words encourage you today to open up to God and let Him in like you never have before.  Buy Quieted by His Love 

Today I'm joined by a special guest, RaeAnne from @food.fitness.andthegospel !  RaeAnne shares her journey with the Lord through overcoming bondage to food struggles. From one extreme to another, RaeAnne felt like she could never overcome her struggles until she encountered Jesus, and invited Him into this very personal and dark space. RaeAnne shares how the gospel transformed the way she fought her food battle, how God met her in the process, and how you can find encouragment for your struggles too!  RaeAnne's Instagram: @food.fitness.andthegospel RaeAnne's Youtube channel: Here To receive RaeAnne's free e-book send her a message through her instagram page @food.fitness.andthegospel     

This week I've been in the process of writing a new resource that helps people fight anxiety by praying the armor of God. Today I want to share some of the things I wrote in there to help you with whatever battle you face. Maybe it's not anxiety, but each of us do face our own personal battles and God has so much for us in this area. He wants us to fight this battle well, and come out even stronger on the other side!!    Want more encouragement like this? Join the membership! 

Do you ever feel like you face the same struggles over and over again? Like you can't stop the cycle of sin or shame in your life? I felt like that this week. But God so gently encouraged me (as He always does) to take a different approach and stop looking back.  He is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43) and it is up to us to look up and see the goodness He is working on in our lives.   Buy my latest devotional "Quieted by His Love" here: amazon link   

Have you ever wanted to start a prayer group? God kept putting the idea of a prayer group on my heart and over the past year I've watched Him do powerful things in this small space where two or more are gathered. Today I have my two friends Emily and Lily on the podcast as we discuss what God has done in our friendship and through our prayers.  We are celebrating this 100th episode with a giveaway!! If you entered, please go check my Instagram page to see the winner!    Instagram: @erikaruthpizzo

What I've found is that most of life is spent in the waiting. We wait on God as He does His work in our lives, and a lot of times, that looks like prayers unanswered. Moments of pouring our hearts out to Him and sitting in the silence. But how do we wait well? How do we wait with expectant hope?  Today I want to share with you one of my favorite devotions from "Quieted by His Love" called Trust in the Waiting. My prayer is that it encourages you to wait well, to wait with hope and confidence, and to wait with gratitude that this is the time where you grow even closer to your Savior.  Buy the book here: Amazon Link

Today I am joined by a long-time friend and special guest Sherill Piscopo. Sherill's ministry is focused on healing lives through the power of Jesus and His Spirit.    We dive into:   - What inner healing prayer is - The barriers that cause people not to pray for healing - How an encounter with Jesus can change everything - What you can do today to start moving towards emotional healing  This conversation is packed with hope and so much joy. Sherill shares her heart behind what she does and how God has met her so tenderly in some of the darkest places in her life. Buy Sherill's book here: Spiritual Warfare 

Hi friend, Have you ever struggled with self doubt? Not knowing who you really are or if you're on the right path? Sometimes, we even doubt God's love for us or if He is pleased with us. Today I want to share with you some quotes from a book I'm reading that has helped me see with more clarity why I go through these periods of doubt and what to do about it.   Pull up a seat and join me as we talk about losing ourselves and what that looks like as we walk with Jesus.    Buy Quieted by His Love here: Amazon 

This week I've had some big decisions on my plate, and I'm sure you can relate to that uneasy feeling of...am I doing the right thing?! Today I want to share with you some steps I take when facing a big decision. God wants our heart at the end of the day, and the more we invite Him in to each and every part of our decision making process, the more we will see the fruit of His will in our lives.  Be encouraged that big decisions don't have to be terrible, they can actually feel really good and fulfilling! God will lead you my friend.  Purchase my new book here: Quieted by His Love

Do you ever feel like you are living a version of your life you never expected or wanted? You know the Christian life is a victorious one, but you are struggling to even make it through your days. Friend, I can SO relate! I have been walking through a very tough season of health challenges with not many answers...but I have a message of hope to share with you today to bring you back to God's will for your life. You CAN live a victorious life in Christ, and it starts how you choose to fight this battle. 

Have you wondered if God can ever stop loving you? Most of the time I am asking this question out of fear. Fear that somewhow He could stop loving me. But friend, there is a much better response. Once we accept that His love can never change, we are free to worship, to love, and to stop the hustle that the world slams in our face. Join me today as I invite you to accept His love, and to walk in the rhythm of rest.  Want to be part of the membership?? Join here: Temple Care Membership

We are on our very last summer replay episode!! This is a very special one, with my guest and dear friend Elizabeth. In this episode we talk all about spiritual warfare and how we can keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to the attack happening all around us. God has given us the tools to fight this battle well, and today's episode will encourage you to be equipped for the battle and to rely on Him through it all.  Next week we will resume with a brand new episode!! See you there :) Elizabeth's IG: @hereandnowconsulting   

We are back with one of our last countdown episodes! This episode is one of the most popular of all-time, where I sat down to discuss brain retraining with my friend Angel. Angel shares with us what led her to try brain retraining for her symptoms of anxiety and depression and how God truly met her in the process. Angel also shares a simple and practical tip for you to start rewiring your brain today! Angel has a heart for those who suffer because she has been through it herself. You will undoubtedly walk away from this podcast feeling inspired and motivated to live out your faith in all areas of mental and physical health. 

Hey friend! I am interrupting the summer replay to share some thoughts with you on the start of summer. As the clouds have lifted here in California, God has been lifting my spirit to see His beauty and love all around me. If you were to focus on one thing this summer, focus on this: Admiring and enjoying God as the Master Artist. I pray my words encourage you today to look up and see His beauty all around you. You are so loved my sweet friend.  

This week we are diving into the topic of mental health, and the shame that often comes with it inside Christian circles. Emily Karc joins me and vulnerably shares her heart and how she walked through a season of depression with Jesus. Be encouraged that if your story includes mental health struggles, you are not alone and God is waiting to welcome you with open arms.  Emily's website: emilykarc.com

Hi friend, Welcome back to the summer replay!! I am counting down the top episodes ever played on Temple Care and this one is an incredible reminder of God's goodness even in our health struggles. Emily shares candidly that God met her right where she was in the midst of debilitating health symptoms and her faith was only strengthened in the middle of it all. If you are in a season of suffering or know someone who is, let these words encourage you to keep moving forward, God has wonderful plans for your life!  Emily's website: emilykarc.com Emily's instagram: @emilykarc

Hi friend, Welcome to the summer replay! I am counting down the top 5 episodes ever played on Temple Care, and I want to share with you why I think these episodes have made such an impact. Temple Care turns 2 this year!! Can you believe it?! And I've had some amazing episodes so far. This one on the 40 Day Sugar Fast was the most listened to episode of all time. Listen in to hear my thoughts on why :)  Join the Temple Care Insider Club: here

This week's podcast is all about the ways that God renews our strength daily in His loving provision and care. Let me encourage you that He is always working out the good in your life and He promises to show up in each and every detail. I've been noticing a theme lately - of eagles! God keeps bringing up these beautiful verses where He talks about our strength being renewed like "the eagles" and I believe He is doing that in your life as well. Be encouraged today my friend, God is always up to something in your life! 

Sometimes we are tempted to look back on the "good old days" and wish for a more simple time. I know I have felt that way over and over again as I face health challenges. But this week I want to share with you a life-changing moment I had with God where I sat with Him and talked about going back. What He revealed to me surprised me, and also greatly encouraged my heart. I pray that today's podcast will encourage you to stop looking back, and to fix your eyes on Jesus, as He shows you the great growth He has ahead. 

We are celebrating Mother's Day this year by talking about two incredible women of faith in the bible - Ruth and Naomi. Join my mom Carin and I as we discuss their story and how it has made an impact on us.  This special episode is dedicated to all the mamas out there, biological and spiritual - what you do matters, your faith matters, and your legacy is being built. Be encouraged by the story of Naomi's faith as it is passed down to Ruth.  Please rate and review the podcast so it can reach other women just like you! 

Maybe you've asked God why He chooses to heal and restore certain and situations and others are just...stuck. Me too friend. I have asked God so many questions lately, and I want to let you in on some answers He has been sharing with me. Let's take a look at 3 major areas today: - The role our faith plays in our healing - Why God sometimes chooses to allow suffering  - What it means to pray bigger prayers and expect answers    Join the Temple Care Membership right here! 

Emily is back on the podcast! One of my dear friends joins us today as we talk all things motherhood. Emily recently wrote the book "Dear Mama" where she shares her heart in effectively breaking the bondage of guilt and shame over our role as moms and helping us walk in the light of God's love. We talk about all things mom guilt, post partum depression and anxiety, and what it means to walk forward and parent in God's grace. Don't miss this life-giving episode!   Emily's IG: @emilykarc Purchase Emily's book "Dear Mama" here

Do you ever feel like you need a game plan when you find yourself in the midst of a really hard day? I know I need this and especially this week, I was struggling to find solid ground. Let this episode give you hope to keep pressing on in the midst of those hard days!   Have you joined the membership yet? Join here

Today we are diving into the concept of affirmations - is it ok to say these things out loud as a Christian? What does God think of this? How does it stack up to what we see in His word? All these questions and more are answered as we share our thoughts on declaring God's love over our lives each and every day.  Follow Elizabeth on Instagram - @hereandnowconsulting    Examples of Affirmations/Declarations of God's Love:   My body is the Lord's temple. I am healthy and strong.   I praise you God for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.   I love my body and I am so happy and grateful I am taking the steps to be at my ideal weight. Lord, teach me how to be content in the process.   I wake up early, drink lots of water and give my day to the Lord by praising Him and reading His word.   I eat the right amount of food for my body. I never starve myself and I never binge.   I do not hold everyone else's emotions inside me. I release that to God and let Him build a fortress around my heart.   I am a great parent, wife, and daughter of the King. I walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh.   I am healing, I am getting stronger.