The Breathing God Podcast

Peace is a gift that the Lord has for all of us. So, why is it so difficult to attain at times, and what can you do to receive it? The answer may surprise you. For more ways to connect, please check out:

In this episode, we delve into the Song of Songs to uncover what the Lord is saying about nurturing our vineyards with Him. This is an invitation to know Jesus more deeply and experience new freedom levels. This is a live teaching recorded with my Breathing God Mentorship Community, where we explored this beautiful revelation together.When the session ends, I hope you will take time to contemplate the final questions with Jesus. If you'd like to learn more about contemplation, please check out my new book, Encountering The Divine, The Transforming Power of Being With Jesus, or explore my Encounter God Workshop.

We are hours away from stepping into 2025, and I am very happy to be back with you! Today, let's talk about something that I believe will help you go from pressure to peace. I'll lead you in an encounter at the end of this episode. You can find the written form of this podcast here: https://www.gretchenrodriguez.com/post/from-pressure-to-peace-who-god-says-you-are-changes-everything

Today is an invitation from the Lord to experience a truly transformative encounter. Take this time to rest in God's loving presence, allowing Him to fill your spirit, soul, and body to overflowing with the fullness of Christ. Looking for more calming audio to ease anxiety and escort you into the presence of God? Check out my soaking sessions, Be Still.

We all want to live in joy and peace, to have our prayers answered, and to have all God has created us to have. But many of us don't walk in the fullness of God. Today, I unpack one of the reasons why this is so. If you need additional help with anxiety or need something to escort you into the presence of God, consider my audio soaking sessions, Be Still.

Do you ever struggle to connect your words with what God has done in your heart? Do you feel called to minister to others, but every time you try to encourage someone, it comes out much different than you meant it to? Today, let's talk about how to get free from that and what ministry really looks like for ordinary people. For more goodies, go to my website, www.GretchenRodriguez.com

An episode about discovering the hidden beauty of wilderness seasons. (2-16-24) Find additional help for anxiety in my audio soaking sessions, Be Still. https://www.gretchenrodriguez.com/help-for-anxiety

Today, I invite you to ask the Lord a few important questions that may change your life.

Over the years, I have learned the power of being captivated by the Lord. Looking into His eyes and letting Love hold our gaze has the power to set us free and change our lives forever. To learn more about The Breathing God Mentorship Group, email me through my website, GretchenRodriguez.com.

Today, I share a story about a very special encounter I had with the Holy Spirit. It is also an invitation to you.

Throughout the month of September, the Lord has shown me a repeated image. Countless times, especially when I'm praying for someone, I see Him kneeling before His beloved (that's you and me) and gently blowing upon the embers of our hearts. He is awakening a passion in His bride that cannot be quenched. He invites us to walk more closely to Him and hear His whispers for ourselves. To live from our hearts and not our heads. To be transformed in a way that ruins our desire for the lesser things of this world.  He is calling us back to the power of first-love surrender but with the maturity and character of those who walk the narrow path. This is a call to deeper consecration to Him. Not because we feel obligated to forced obedience but because every fiber of our beings is yearning to know Him in ways we never have. And this longing is a gift from our faithful Father.

Today's episode is taken from a recent session of my mentorship group. It is beautiful, personal, holy, and an ongoing, unfolding, life-changing revelation for me.

Honestly, I'm struggling to write a description for this episode because I'm an ooey gooey mess in His glory. I'll tell you this-- if you've experienced God's radical love and want more, this episode is for you. And if He seems distant and mysterious, and you're dry and weary, this episode is for you too. ;)

"I want and I choose what better leads to the deepening of God's life in me." This quote from St. Ignatius sums up what this episode is about. Having just returned from 8.5 days on a silent retreat, I am soooo full and cannot wait to share this episode with you.

Do you future-trip? Do you live with one foot in today and one in tomorrow? Or next week? Next year? Or are you living in the past, constantly thinking of what was? The Lord encountered me so sweetly with a word He wants me to share with you. Join me on Episode 15 as we talking about living with God, "The Eternal Now," one moment at a time. Please note, this episode is best watched on YouTube because I have a visual for you. You can find the episode here: https://youtu.be/Yup5QB2qDA4

Today I chatted with Rachel Faulkner-Brown of Be Still Ministries and co-host of the amazing There Is More podcast. We had so much fun talking before recording that our conversation continued on this podcast. We dive into a smorgasbord of thought that centers around catching a fresh vision for our lives. You can find her here ⁠https://www.bestillministries.net/⁠ And don't forget to listen to the podcast here ⁠https://www.bestillministries.net/podcast⁠ For their 8-part video-based study designed to position you for an intimate encounter with the Father's love, go here⁠ https://fathershousestudy.com/⁠ Here is a bit about Rachel: Rachel Faulkner Brown is a girl with a past like your worst nightmare and a present that is pretty darn fun. After marrying Rod in 2013, Rachel began Be Still Ministries in Atlanta, Ga. Never Alone Widows is the outreach ministry of Be Still Ministries. Rachel and her ministry partner, Karen McAdams, published their first Bible study in January 2021 called Father's House and the Never Alone team created a devotional for widows called 'His Name-Our Hope in Grief.' Father's House and How to Widow Well, a 20 video curriculum for widows, is now available on digital platforms reaching 4 million women and in 20,000 churches. Be Still Ministries has hosted over 1200 widows for their curated retreats over the last three years and received a grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2020 to expand the outreach ministry for military and first responder widows. Although Rachel stays busy telling the story of Be Still Ministries and Never Alone Widows, she still would say her greatest role is that of wife and mother.

This episode is for those surrounded by chaos, afflicted by anxiety, or feeling dry and weary. God is not shocked by your emotions or confessions, and He wants to talk to you about them. He wants to heal you and set you free, not just so you can temporarily feel better but so that you can live free and release healing to others. For help with anxiety, consider my audio soaking sessions, Be Still. For my 5-Minute Reset on YouTube, click here. For 2 hours of soft rain sound, click here. For my worship playlist on YouTube, click here.

In today's episode, we have a time of soaking in the presence of God. Be Still Soaking Sessions were created to help you navigate out of stress and anxiety and back into the presence of God. ​ Both volumes contain two sessions (sold separately), each approximately thirty minutes long, set to soft music.   In the prophetic sessions, you will hear God's heart to encourage your soul and strengthen your spirit. In the prayer sessions, your spirit will rise in faith and hope, as you reconnect with the truth of His love. (Note: The Prayer & Encounter Session of Vol. 2 also includes an additional encounter time.) Here is the link: https://www.gretchenrodriguez.com/help-for-anxiety

Today I bring a powerful friend on the podcast. I met Annette Biggers when we lived in Redding, CA, and the anointing of this woman, entrepreneur, creative, and minister impacts me every time we chat. I believe you will find yourself rising to new levels of glory as you listen to what she has to share today. You can find Annette here: https://www.dovecreekfilms.com/ https://www.annettebiggers.com/ For my audio-soaking sessions that help escort you out of anxiety and into the presence of God, click here: https://www.gretchenrodriguez.com/help-for-anxiety

Today, I lead you into an encounter with the Lord who has a gift for you! Come see what it is and let His love enable you to see clearly.

Today, Karen McAdams and I talk about getting free from false identities and shame so we can be who our Father created us to be. Stay tuned to the end when Karen leads us into a powerful encounter with Jesus. You can find Karen on Instagram here: @KarenMcadams1111 @bestillministries To learn more about her 8 week video-based bible study designed to position women for an intimate encounter with the Father's heart, go here: ⁠www.fathershousestudy.com⁠ Here's more about Karen: How does one write their own bio? I've lived in Atlanta for forever with my husband of 28 years, Kevin, and have 2 amazing sons Connor (27) and Cade (24). My family and friends would tell you that I am passionate about Jesus, Truth, vulnerability, and naps. Oh, and that I always know where to take a good Jesus-field-trip! I would say that they are pretty much right. But you have to know that's not who I have always been.  Although I walked the aisle and prayed “the prayer” at 17, I didn't really know Christ. In fact, I didn't know that you could. I was handed a bible, given the list of do's and don'ts, and deduced that it was up to me to impress God. Let's just say, it didn't take very long to fail at that endeavor.  By the time I was in my late 20's, I had become a professional “hider” – I knew how to play the part on the outside, but I was completely falling apart on the inside. Childhood trauma, 2 failed engagements, and a backpack of shame and masks had taken their toll on me. I was convinced I was unlovable and a spectacular disappointment to God. Until. Well…you know what comes next. Until I met HIM. Like really met HIM.  The words He spoke caught me off guard – they were breathtaking words for someone like me. That encounter with HIM became the catalyst for a journey into a life that I didn't know was possible. I discovered that “good” isn't really sufficient to describe just how good He really is! And that the abundant life isn't a metaphor or a Christian slogan, but an invitation for all people, anywhere, anytime – as long as you are willing to come to HIM on his terms. He gives bear hugs and throws parties before listening to apologies. That's the Papa God I know. Let's just say I want you to know Him too.  Oh and then there's the other stuff… Co-author of Father's House, an 8 week video-based bible study designed to position women for an intimate encounter with the Father's heart Co-host of There is More Podcast Director of Equipping for Be Still Ministries 

Hey, over-thinker! Let's talk.

Today's conversation is going to stir your heart! My friend, Chuck Maher, joins me to talk about releasing heaven into the hearts around us. The more we get to know the One who is Love, the more we want to walk in partnership with Him. Chuck is a husband, dad, speaker, author, revivalist and a prophetic voice. In the early 1990's he was dramatically impacted by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Eastern Canada. Since that time, his life has been marked by hunger for God and a ministry that puts the love and power of Jesus on display. His desire is to help people understand their identity, walk in their destiny and impact society with the message and demonstration of the kingdom of God. Chuck recently released his first book, Kingdom Perspectives: Seeing Yourself, Others, and the World Through the Lens of Heaven. For more information visit Chuck and Anna's website: https://maherministries.com/

We've become so addicted to mental stimulation and busyness that we don't realize how distracted we are until we try to settle down and exhale. We are constantly going. Planning. Working. Shopping. Scrolling. Inhaling every tidbit of information thrown at us through social media, online searches, and news. Today, the Lord invites you to exhale with Him.

Today, we walk through an encounter with the Living Flame, and discover that our desire, whether strong or weak, captures God's heart. . . . . . #burningbush #songofsongs #encounteringGod #encounteringtheDivine #Christianpodcasts #gretchenrodriguez #beloved

Today I talk about the Asbury College revival meetings and the desire of God to revive every heart with Love's awakening kiss. If this episode has been a blessing to you, please consider downloading it and subscribing to this channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . #asburyrevival #asburycollege #contemplation #whatisrevival #awakenedbylove #thepowerofhungryhearts #gretchenrodriguez #humility #spiritualhunger

Today we chat a bit about the vision I shared a couple of episodes ago about stepping into the Light. Everything looks difference once our eyes adjust to the brightness. We see things we never knew were there before. And we find that even in the darkness, God never left our side.

I'm thrilled to bring Dr. Johnnett Thatcher into the conversation today, discussing what happens scientifically when we spend time with God. The episode is filled with practical ways to dial down into peace and live the life you were created to live. Dr. Johnnett Thatcher is a board certified chiropractic physician and along with her husband, has over 25 years of experience. She has a passion for health and she excels as a nutritional health coach and lecturer for patients around the country. She believes that health is a body, soul and spirit work. You can find her here: https://www.drjohnnettthatcher.com/

The Lord gave me a vision for His beloved bride. A door has opened to us and He is inviting us to step in, baggage and all. This is a life-transforming encounter for us that will change the way we look at everything in our lives.

On this last podcast of 2022, I share the number one most popular episode of the year, Does God Really Care? I also share a brief update regarding The Breathing God Podcast. Merry Christmas, everyone!

The Lord recently took me into a vision where I saw a tidal wave of healing being released to the body of Christ. Emotional wounds, soul wounds, and places that have held trauma, are going to receive profound healing. This is a right now word that I believe will encourage your heart and usher you into the healing and freedom you've been crying out for.

This has been strong in my heart this week. God is inviting us into a new season. For some, it has to do with natural shifts–jobs, relationships, living situations, etc. It also pertains to a new depth of intimacy with the Lord. Whether you have felt stuck in the mundaneness of life, been overwhelmed with busyness, or are in a time of comfort and peace, this word is for you. Come, turn aside to see what the Lord wants to say to you. If you'd like to say thank you with a financial gift, you can click here. I really appreciate it.

God is inviting you into a rhythm of life that transforms you at the deepest level. When I accepted this invitation from the Father, it literally changed my life, and I believe it will change yours too. Contact me through my website, GretchenRodriguez.com to be placed on the waiting list for my mentorship course.

This is one of the longest episodes I've done but it is so good! I could have talked to my guest, Laura Duncan, for hours about connecting to our hearts, showing ourselves compassion, and healing emotional pain. I hope you will be as blessed as I was. Laura Duncan is a life consultant out of Redding, California. She is passionate about helping people heal from emotional pain through the art of self compassion. Through workshops, retreats, and one-on-one appointments, Laura teaches people the tools they need to work through their triggers and connect with their hearts. Her goal is to help each individual engage the world from their true self: clear minded, tender hearted, and at peace. You can find Laura here: LauraDuncan.com The Compassion Method can be found here: CompassionMethod Laura's Instagram: Instagram

Today I share an easy and powerful tool that tunes you back into God's presence where He offers perfect peace. This is something you can do throughout the day to help you de-stress. I think you'll love it! For the song I mentioned, click here. Here are the examples I give in this episode. Ex. 1 IN: I love you. OUT: You love me. IN: I love you. OUT: You love me. Ex. 2 IN: You are here. OUT: And you love me. IN: You are here. OUT: And it makes me smile. Ex. 3 IN: Beautiful One. OUT: Fill my thoughts. IN: Beautiful One. OUT: Fill my thoughts. Ex. 4 IN: You're in me. OUT: I'm in you. IN: You're in me. OUT: I'm in you. To sow into this ministry, click here. (Please note that once you click it says, Breathing God Mentorship. It is just a way to sow into the ministry and does not indicate that you are part of my mentorship group. You can increase the amount you give by upping the quantity. Thank you SO much for your gift!)

This is part two of living in face-to-face relationship with the Lord. Through an encounter in Exodus ch. 33, I was ushered into a new understanding of the power of His presence in the midst of darkness. I pray this episode will be a blessing to you!

Recently, I've been drawn to an old Don Potter song, "Show me your face, Lord," and He has recked me in the best possible way. I believe the Lord is inviting us into a lifestyle of living face-to-face. Let's talk about that today! If you'd like to worship with the Upperroom's incredible version of the song, here is the link: Show me your face, Lord.

Is love leading your relationship with God or is something else? Let's talk about how religion has snuck into a relationship that is meant to be beautiful, meaningful, and freeing. Let's break free from religion in a way we may not have known we needed to.

Today, Gretchen leads you through an encounter that unlocks that chains of fear and anxiety.

In this episode, we encounter the Lord together so that He can do a deeper work of healing in our hearts.

We all get tempted with fear, worry, and stress. Perhaps, like me, you get tempted to FIX the things (or people) that feel out of control. However, the Lord wants us free from carrying the heavy burden of trying to be a rescuer because He is the TRUE RESCUER! Today, I unpack an encounter I had with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one of the most powerful encounters I've ever had. Love is running to YOU today to rescue you and set your heart free!

If your mind has been running on a "hamster's wheel," you've been distracted, overly busy (physically OR mentally), or discouraged, this episode is for you. For more help navigating OUT of anxiety and stress, check out my one hour prophetic and prayer soaking sessions, here: Be Still If this episode has been a blessing to you, please consider sharing it and/or leaving a review.

Today I share two visions the Lord gave me to encourage you. The first has to do with finding hope when the storms of life are raging. The second vision has to do with the people in our lives who have been heavy on our heart. I believe this session is going to help bring a fresh perspective to what you're going through.

The Lord gave me a prophetic picture for those who are sitting in the darkness of turmoil, waiting for the Lord to come through. Take a good look at the podcast photo for this episode and then join me as I share what He showed me. I believe it will encourage your heart.

I saw the Lord erasing our boundary lines concerning faith. He is about to WOW us and do things we wanted to believe He'd do but were scared to fully believe because we didn't want to be disappointed. We are about to rise to a new level of faith because of His great love! Join me today as we dive into this prophetic word and talk about our real struggles with faith.

The Lord gave me two visions for those who are going through the fires of adversity. Join me today as I share God's heart with you. If you know someone who may be blessed by this episode, please share it with them. And if you've been encouraged, please consider leaving a review. You can find other resources or sign up for my encouraging emails at https://www.gretchenrodriguez.com/ .

Right there, in the center of your being, is the Lord. He is in you and you are in Him. You are the merging of divinity and humanity. You are a new creation in Christ and you have been created to know and experience Him. Today, I lead you into the Word and as you engage with it, you will encounter the Lord's holiness, beauty, love and reality.

We all want a full life, saturated and overflowing with all God has for us. Today, I unpack what the Lord spoke to my heart for us. He is inviting us into a life so full that we drip with Him wherever we go.

Today, I lead you into an encounter with Jesus, the Light of the world.

Today I share a portion of a prophetic word and talk more about contemplation. One of the biggest hindrances to silent prayer (contemplation) is our minds. For most of us, it takes time and patience. Stillness comes more naturally as we practice it, and soon it becomes a home we easily return to.

Today I begin to unpack a little more about contemplation and how it can radically change our relationship with the Lord for the better!