Podcasts about christian literary award reader

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about finding our purpose. Did you know that God created you with a very specific purpose? He has plans for you to fulfill that ONLY you can do. Quotables from the episode: “Your emotions will make you second guess yourself, but your confidence in God will make you stand upright.” Dr. Marina McLean “Knowing your purpose starts by identifying your passion.” Courage is seeing something is possible. The depth of pressure that you can handle distinguishes you from being good to being great. Most people find their purpose in the midst of their pain. Scripture References: Psalms 8:4-6 “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Proverbs 31:30-31 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Recommended Resources: 3 Power Moves to Make Your 2020 Mega, Free Download  An Appetite for Worship by Dr. Marina McLean Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Dr. Marina McLean: Website Mega Women / Instagram Mega Women / Website Dr. Marina McLean / Instagram Dr. Marina McLean / Facebook / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Dr. Marina is a Keynote speaker, Life coach, Master Coach, worship leader, songwriter and award- wining author for her first book Appetite for Worship. She is the editor and chief of Mega Women Magazine. Dr. Marina has recorded three worship albums, In the Glory, Synchronized, and Encounter with Worship. She is the Director of iCultiv8 LLC life coaching services. Dr. Marina has been married for thirty-six years to Renny McLean, they have three adult children, Maranatha, Caleb and Zoe, and she resides in Texas. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about the fact that even in spite of hardships and difficulties that God has allowed, He also shows us how to find hope. My guest today has been through trial after trial, but Julie Holmquist shares with us how she maintained her hope despite her hardships. Quotables from the episode: Scripture says “Hope is an anchor for the soul.” Anchors steady us, and hope pulls us forward, out of the storm. Faith is the driving force in our lives. Without faith, we have no hope. We maintain our hope despite our hardships by remembering God’s faithfulness in the past. God is NOT afraid of our feelings. He can handle our honest emotions. Waiting on God is NOT passive. It is actively intertwining our hearts with His. Waiting on God is actively watching with expectation for Him to move and act. It is an eager anticipation. When someone is hurting and struggling to maintain hope despite their hardships, don’t try to fix it for them. Trying to fix it short-circuits God’s plan for them. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 4:8-12 “You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. We work wearily with our own hands to earn a living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.” Job 13:15 “God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.” Job 2:10 “But Job replied, ‘You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?’ So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Julie Holmquist: Website Stuff of Heaven / Facebook Stuff of Heaven / Instagram Stuff of Heaven / Facebook Group Kairos Moments / Instagram Kairos Moments For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Julie Holmquist is an author and Bible teacher. She hosts the podcast Kairos Moments — helping people recognize and respond to the moments God has carved out for them for radical growth and amazing transformation. She and her husband live in North Carolina with the two youngest of their four sons. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Nelson Mandela said “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” Today we’re going to have a bit of a different episode. I’ve invited a friend to join me on the program to talk about hope for overcoming racism. Christina Custodio and I recently sat down over a three hour lunch and had a very honest, open dialogue about the issue of racism, and what we can do to be more sensitive to the pain and insults received by our brothers and sisters of a different race. Quotables from the episode: When someone is hurting, don’t brush it off or try to mitigate it, rather express that you believe them. You may not have experienced racism but you can express “I don’t understand but I want to.” For us to heal from racism, we must offer forgiveness even when it’s not asked for. Christ offered love and forgiveness for ALL, despite skin color, nationality, or cultural bias. Scripture References: Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-4 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Colossians 3:11 “There is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” Acts 10:34 To summarize: “God shows no partiality.”= Romans 10:12 “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” John 3:16 His grace is universal: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Christina: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Christina Custodio is a wife, mother, teacher, writer, photographer, and whatever the Lord asks her to be from day to day.  She is an inspirational speaker and writer who shares her own story as well as inspires her audience to share their stories, connecting and becoming a part of the community of Christ. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Today, my guest, Tricia Thirey, and I talk about how to find joy even in the midst of life’s most difficult circumstances. My guest knows pain, loss, and grief, and yet, God challenged her to find the joy in her every day despite her circumstances. She’ll be sharing how to find joy even in the midst of pain. Quotables from the episode: It’s important to grieve well, which includes not just the loss of the person, but also acknowledging everything else that loss represents. It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to want to stay there. When God is all you have, you have all you need. Even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, God never withholds good things from His children, including things that bring us joy. Scripture References: Psalm 30:5b “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” 2 Timothy 4 :7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tricia: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Tricia Thirey is a mom to three and an educator in the DFW area.  A former military spouse, she lost her husband to brain cancer after a 4.5 year battle in the summer of 2017.  During the last year of his life, she felt the Lord calling her to live a life of joy, and now she makes it her everyday purpose to try to instill that joy into her eight-year-old twins and six-year-old daughter.     Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: In my 30 years in mental health, one of the most prevalent issues I’ve seen in my office has been not truly knowing our identity in Christ. So many look to others and their accomplishments, only to come up short and lacking in the joy Christ came to give us. Too often we spend our efforts trying to be better, and in the end, we just carry around a burden we were not meant to carry. In The Burden of Better, Heather Creekmore uses her characteristic humorous style to help us learn how a comparison-free life leads to joy, peace, and rest. She helps us understand how “the life of comparison is the old nature, not our new nature,” and then helps us see how living comparison-free lets us rest in the joy that is ready for our pursuing. If you’ve struggled with comparison, and constantly trying to be better (and who of us hasn’t?), then you’ve tuned in for the right episode. Today we’re going to be talking about how living a life striving to become “better” steals our joy, peace, and rest. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk with Heather Creekmore, author of “The Burden of Better: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest”. Quotables from the episode: Too often we don’t realize it but we are enslaved to the “burden of better.” Adam and Eve already had perfect, but Satan convinced them to sin so they could find “better.” Slowly we turn our hearts away from the source of all that is good and toward the illusion of self-made satisfaction. You can’t be fully present in the life God designed for you when you constantly wonder what life would be like if it were more like hers. Comparison’s ladder has no top rung. The concept of “better” is elusive. Comparison can turn into a heart of envy. Comparison is the opposite of contentment. When I’m robbed of peace, joy, and contentment through comparison, I’m robbed of strength. Comparison can become an idol. When we idealize, we idolize. It’s not about you, it’s about me, we convince ourselves. Comparison is not a big deal, we reason. It’s necessary for my self-improvement. It doesn’t actually hurt anyone. How close can we be to someone who we constantly size up In comparing we add on to what God asked of us. It doesn’t matter what you think of you. It only matters what God says of you. If the enemy convinces us we are the only ones, he gets us isolated and powerless. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a Savior. Perfection keeps us trapped by arbitrary measures. God’s sustaining grace comes in our suffering. Suffering builds character and makes us more like Jesus. Are you seeking to be better or are you seeking Jesus? The first step in a comparison-free action plan is to practice gratitude. Scripture References: Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God as set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Galatians 6:4-5 “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” Recommended Resources: The Burden of Better: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest by Heather Creekmore Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image by Heather Creekmore Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller How To Overcome Workplace Comparison 4 Steps Toward Conquering Comparison Do You Know Who You Are In Christ? The Sting of Comparison: 8 Tips While Waiting for Your Special Order How To Overcome Workplace Comparison Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Heather Creekmore: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Originally an East Coast native, Heather is a pastor’s wife now living in Austin, Texas. Heather spent over a decade working in politics and marketing for non-profits before marriage and children. Now, through her own ministry, Heather speaks and writes to encourage Christian women who struggle with body image and comparison.  I love her byline that says “Stop comparing. Start Living.” Her first book titled “Compared to Who? A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image” helps people find new freedom from comparison struggles. In her free time, Heather homeschools four children, drives the soccer practice shuttle, makes sometimes edible freezer meals, competes on Netflix baking shows and breaks grammar rules. That’s why we’re friends! Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about what it’s like to be a recovering adult child of two alcoholic parents, and how even in such a difficult situation, God pursues us. Today we are going to be talking about God’s grace and love for us no matter where we come from or what our lives have been like. Quotables from the episode: You don’t have to be the same as someone else to serve as a valuable mentor. We must drop the blame and stop feeding the anger if we want to heal. You can change no matter what age and stage you’re at. Recovery is not a sprint, it is a lifetime marathon. Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”   Recommended Resources: Dolores, Like the River by Laura Padgett Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Laura Padgett: Website / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Laura is a multi-published, multi-awarded author and dancer. Her two nonfiction books “Dolores, Like the River” and “Jesus in Shorts: Twenty-five Short Stories of Life-Changing Jesus Moments” are among her many published works. With a passion for helping others see their worth and value through the lens of Jesus, she shares stories of God’s love and lessons in her journey of almost seven decades as a writer, dancer and teacher. Through her monthly blog, “Livin’ What You’re Given” she speaks with humor and authenticity into the truth that we are valuable and have purpose at every age and every stage. She also has been published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” as well as many online Christian publications. As she shares stories in written word and dance, she encourages others to find healing and inspiration for their life’s purpose in the Risen Christ. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and proud native of Colorado who lives in Montrose, Co with husband Keith. She holds an MA in storytelling through creative movement from Regis University. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Today we’re talking about how we can become brave, think big, dream wildly, and live without fear. While most of us may desire this, few know how to get there. My guest today, Tracey Mitchell, will show us how. Quotables from the episode: Every storm has a valuable takeaway. You have to learn to sail in every season Never believe things won’t improve. Sow what you want to receive. Pay courage forward. Scripture References: Joshua 1:9 “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Recommended Resources: “Becoming Brave: How to Think Big, Dream Wildly, and Live Fear-Free” by Tracey Mitchell “The Invitation to Intimacy with God” compiled by Tracey Mitchell “Downside Up: Transform Rejection into Your Golden Opportunity” by Tracey Mitchell Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tracey Mitchell: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast   Guest: Tracey Mitchell is a renowned and well-respected Bible teacher and international conference speaker. She travels 40 plus weeks a year speaking to diverse and cross-cultural groups throughout America and internationally, including Cuba, South America, Africa, Canada and the Middle East. Tracey Mitchell is a published author with Harper Collins and Thomas Nelson. Titles include The Invitation to Intimacy with God, Becoming Brave and Downside Up. She is the executive producer and co-host of Life From DFW, Executive Vice President of Christian Women in Media, President of Global Media Summit, and the CEO of The Winning Woman, a ministry-based consulting firm. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Have you ever experienced financial loss? Or wondered how you might handle it if you did? What if I told you that there could actually be hidden blessings from a financial catastrophe? My guest today, Patricia Durgin, shares how she maintained hope in the face of financial catastrophe, and how you can too. Quotables from the episode: “We lost everything except our family, our home, and our Savior.” No matter what we can lose in life, we can’t lose God. God sends His most trusted soldiers into the deepest darkness so we can be reminded that no matter what happens, He is with us. I don’t believe in hopelessness. Because of Him, #HopePrevails. We see God better in the dark. Don’t leave God’s side. He is the only hope we’ve got and the only hope we need. Scripture References: Psalm 6:3-4 “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord? How long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” 2 Corinthians 1:9 “But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Patricia Durgin: Website / Facebook Profile / Facebook Business For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Patricia Durgin began studying online marketing in 1995, the year Amazon sold its first book. Since then, she’s invested thousands of dollars to learn from leaders in the field, and countless hours adapting those principles for Christian writers and speakers. Online marketing is a confusing tangle of technology and messaging. Patricia helps Christian communicators cut a straight path, so they can escape the maze and fulfill their true calling, which is to reach more people for Christ.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Every one of us has a story to tell that others need to hear. Today’s guest is going to help us know if we’ve been called to write that story, and how understanding the different personality types will help us connect better with our readers. Quotables from the episode: “If you want to change the world, pick up a pen.” Martin Luther You have to know your reader’s personality to connect with them Honesty encourages hope. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:3  “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” Habakkuk 2:2 “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Recommended Resources: Called to Write by Linda Gilden Words to Live By by Linda Gilden Called to Speak by Linda Gilden Articles, Articles, Articles! by Linda Gilden Personality Perspectives – Clues to Building Better Relationships by Linda Gilden Mommy Pick-Me-Ups by Linda Gilden Mama Was the Queen of Christmas by Linda Gilden Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Linda Gilden: Website / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Linda Gilden is an experienced writer, speaker, editor, writing coach, and personality consultant. Author of the popular Love Notes series, she is also the author of several dozen books including Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives – Clues to Building Better Relationships, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles!, the LINKED Quick Guides to Personalities series, and many ghostwritten books. With over a thousand magazine articles to her credit, she is a prolific writer who loves to share a great story. She speaks nationally throughout the year, is a frequent radio and television guest, and welcomes the opportunity to help others become better communicators. Her favorite activity is floating in a lake or pool reading a book surrounded by splashing grandchildren, a great source of writing material. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: I was raised in the church since I was born. We were there every time the doors were open. And in my teen years, we helped plant churches, so we were there before everyone else arrived and stayed after everyone else had left. I consider myself very fortunate because I was given a solid spiritual foundation. But not everyone is so fortunate. Today we’re going to be talking to a guest who grew up an atheist before coming to know Christ in her young adult years. If you have been praying for someone to come to know Jesus as their personal savior, today’s guest’s story will encourage you. Quotables from the episode: Some think that if you are strong, you don’t need God. But it’s just the opposite. You cannot have hope apart from who God is. Love is both who God is and what He does. Scripture References: Philippians 3:8-10 “I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” Exodus 33:18 “please let me see Your glory.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Recommended Resources: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell Prodigal God by Tim Keller Knowing God by JI Packer My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Website / Podcast / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Stephanie Rousselle has lived the last two decades on three continents, four countries and five cities. This former atheist, now on fire for Christ, is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, writer, and women’s ministry director. And completely, 100% French. She thrives on Bible-centered inspirational writing and speaking, and dark chocolate. She loves few things more than a good laugh, especially at herself, because she understands that grace is real, and life is short. She wants to inspire others to see that God is beautiful. “God’s glory. Our delight” is her motto! Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Have you ever considered that our life is a series of doors? Our guest, Cindy LaFavre Yorks, helps unpack how to navigate God’s doors: the closed door, open door, side door, trap door, and locked door. Quotables from the episode: Sometimes God has to close a door before we will become ready to walk through a new open door. Scripture References: Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Recommended Resources: “The Side Door: Welcoming God’s Divine Detours” by Cindy Yorks “The Trap Door: Embracing God’s Divine Deliverance” by Cindy Yorks Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Cindy LaFavre Yorks: Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Cindy is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in the LATimes, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, and People Magazine. After decades of covering fashion and the red carpet, she traded in her stilettos for sandals and entered into an unexpected door that led to special needs parenting. Married to husband Ben for 37 years, she is now the empty nested mother to two sons and lives in Southern California. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Today we talk about the fact that no matter what we’re going through, God is always there, and He cares. My guest today knows pain and loss. She experienced miscarriage, the murder of her sister (a victim of domestic violence), the loss of two brothers within a short period of time, and the death of her 14-month old granddaughter to Trisomy 18. Yet, she still maintains her hope. In this episode, she shares how she finds hope in the midst of grief.  Quotables from the episode: No matter what we’re going through, God is always there, and He cares. Two phrases to never say to someone who is grieving: “At least…” and “You should…” Scripture References: Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are    comforted by God.” Recommended Resources: Always There: Finding God’s Comfort Through Loss by Anne Peterson Broken: A Story of Abuse, Survival and Hope by Anne Peterson Droplets: Poetry for Those in Grief by Anne Peterson He Whispers: Poetic Talks With God by Anne Peterson Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Anne Peterson: Website / Facebook  / Twitter /  Pinterest  / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Anne Peterson is a Christian poet, speaker, and published author of 15 books and numerous articles. She has written for Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Woman, as well as other publications. She has also written Bible studies for christianbiblestudies.com. Currently she is a regular contributor to crosswalk.com, and a writer for their couples devotionals. Since 1995, Anne’s poetry has been sold through gift stores and online in both the U.S. as well as other countries. Married for 44 years to her husband Michael, they have two grown children, as well as four grandchildren here and one in heaven. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Although we never want to think about it, life can change for any of us in an instant. My guest in this episode shares how on an ordinary day, her life changed in the most horrific way when she was involved in an accident that killed another individual. We never think something like that will happen to us. She shares the struggles that result after a moral injury, and how she continues to find hope despite being involved in an accidental death. Quotables from the episode: God uses broken things. Fruit comes after suffering. The minute you share your testimony, it is never in vain. Instead of asking “Why me?”, ask “Why not me?” and “What can I do now?” If God forgives us, we have to forgive ourselves. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves  receive from God.” Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Acts 20: 24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Recommended Resources: Half a Life: a Memoir by Darin Strauss Accidental Impacts Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jennifer Eikenhorst: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Jennifer Eikenhorst, host of Accidental Hope is a wife, mom and middle school teacher from Waco, TX. She and her husband of 18 years, Chris, have four amazing children ages 7-17 years. In their 18 years of marriage, Jennifer and Chris have faced many trials, some involving life-altering experiences, even death. She declares God's glory and reflects through her testimony of beauty from ashes each time a challenge came. She hopes to inspire hope that God will always show Himself faithful in all circumstances. She would tell you she loves Jesus and helping others know Him as their hope and redeemer.    Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Life is busy, and we’ve got plenty to do for our families, our jobs, and our ministries. But if we’re not careful, burnout can ensue. In this episode, my guest, Patty Scott, and I talk about how to overcome overwhelm. Life is constantly shifting and it can be difficult to find God in the midst of the storm. It is important to find our footing and seek God even when we think we don’t have time. Quotables from the episode: Even Jesus took time off.  Look at the day at hand, it's got enough trouble of its own. Don't look ahead, it's too big for you. God didn't give us the Sabbath as a punishment. He gave it to us as a gift. CS Lewis says, it's not the load you carry, but how you carry it that makes all the difference. Scripture References: Psalm 46:10 “Be still (cease striving) and know I am God.” Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Isaiah 61:1 “…He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Hebrews 4:9-11 “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.  Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.” Recommended Resources: Slow Down, Mama: Intentional Living in a Hurried World by Patty Scott Slow Down, Mama: Thirty-One Days to Help You Slow and Savor by Patty Scott Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Life Without Lack: Living in the Fullness of Psalm 23 by Dallas Willard One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Patt Scott: Website / Blog / Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / Amazon For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Patty writes, speaks, and coaches to encourage your heart, to share effective and transparent parenting tips, and to walk alongside you as you grow as a woman and a mom. Her writing is conversational and approachable. She shares from the heart to the heart. Patty and her husband have two boys aged 11 and 18 and a foster daughter who is now 21. Patty loves coffee dates with friends, ministering to women, escaping into a good book, kayaking on the ocean, and taking spontaneous road trips. Her home and table are an intentional place of welcome. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk about how to live a life of purpose. You can find your God-given purpose even when you feel lost. If you’ve ever wondered how to find your purpose, or what it even is, you won’t want to miss this episode with Dr. Kris Reece. Our guest is an expert in this area and will be sharing practical tips with us for living a life of purpose. Quotables from the episode: God can and will do exceedingly, abundantly, above what you could ask hope or think.  He desires to reveal your purpose even more than you desire to fulfill it. Proverbs 25:2 reminds us that it is the glory of God to conceal a matter, it is the glory of kings to search it out.  God wants to take us on a journey of discovery. On that journey is where we find, truth, purpose and HIM. We cannot find our “do” until we know our “be.” Our purpose often isn’t pretty, but it’s perfectly ours. 3 Ways God often reveals our purpose: positioning, prodding, and pulling. Two common barriers to our purpose: trouble-free thinking and sensational thinking. Our purpose is what we were created for; our career is what we do. We may miss our purpose because we are focusing too much on our career. If you want to know your purpose, ask God for a heart of discovery: to discover more about you and more about God. Without God, we won’t find our God-given purpose. He has to be part of the equation. Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 25:2 “It is God’s privilege to conceal things, and the king’s privilege to discover them.” Psalm 139:13 “You have made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Recommended Resources: Make it Matter—A Roadmap to Living a Life of Purpose by Kris Reece A Free 5 Day Created With Purpose Devotional A Free Guide “Uncover Your God Given Purpose  Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Dr. Kris Reece: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Kris Reece holds a Ph.D in Christian Counseling and a Masters Degree in Theology. As a Counselor, Coach, Author and practical Bible Teacher, her passion is to help others defeat life’s devils,  grow in their faith, and become everything they were created to be. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: Have you ever experienced a trial so great it turned your entire life upside down, inside out, or left you wondering how long you had to live? What would you do? How would you spend your time? To whom would you turn? As a neuropsychologist, I see thousands of patients who struggle with diagnoses ranging from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and learning disabilities to brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. When they receive a diagnosis, there is often a mixture of emotion from relief to fear. Relief often comes from just knowing what has been causing their symptoms and knowing that treatment does exist, and yet the relief is often quickly replaced by the unknown of all that is yet to be faced. I often wonder how anyone faces such difficulties without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and faith in God who promises to be with us at all times. Having been in situations like that personally, and seeing many patients facing such circumstances, I can tell you, we never quite know how we will respond until we are faced with the situation. In her book God’s Best During Your Worst, today’s guest, Robin Luftig recounts her story of her own diagnosis of a brain tumor and the next ten days that ensued from diagnosis to surgery. She shares the real life questions, fears, and other emotions she battled as she faced the very real possibility that the tumor or the treatment could claim her life. And during that time, she had to come to grips with the earlier life influences that shaped many of her beliefs about herself and her God. While I know of no one who would desire to go through such an ordeal, I suspect that if you asked Robin now, she would likely tell you that in many respects, what she gained through the experience was worth anything she lost in the process. For in the process, it drew her closer to her husband, her children, and her God; the very God who desires to use our trials to increase our faith and perfect it so that we will ultimately be complete in Him.  That’s what would allow us to count experiences like this all joy. James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” What a challenge it is, however, to see the joy in the midst of trouble, but our chances of doing so are increased if we will rely on the One who will not only carry us through the difficulties but also perfect our faith in the process. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you only had a few more days to live? Or how you would maintain your hope in the midst of such a devastating diagnosis? My husband and I faced a similar situation when he was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer and were told to get our affairs in order because he was not expected to live. I remember during that time that it really caused me to reassess how I would live each day, not knowing if it was our last. Today we are going to talk to Robin and see what impact that devastating news had on her and how her life is different for it today. Quotables from the episode: I’m not that I'm anything special but my Savior is.  God, thank you for this gift of a new day. I've done nothing to deserve it. This has been just a pure gift on your part. It's easy to approach God like he's a vending machine. I want this and this and this and this. But God wants us to participate with him. Scripture References: James 1:2-4 says dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy for you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow for when your endurance is fully developed. You will be perfect and complete needing nothing Romans 8:28 God works all things together for good. Hebrews 13:5, where I will never leave you nor forsake you. Matthew 28:20 “… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Luke 12:4-7 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. … Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  Recommended Resources: God’s Best During Your Worst by Robin Luftig Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Robin Luftig: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Be grateful in everything--even the bumpy rides ... is Robin Luftig's mantra while either writing for non-fiction readers or speaking to audiences on healing after tragedy. She's an award-nominated columnist for great magazines such as Leading Hearts, CBN.com, and many more. She is the author of two books, Learning to Bloom Again (a journey of healing after divorce) and God's Best During Your Worst and will soon be launching her first novel, Ladies of the Fire in late 2020. She is a leader in Word Weavers International, a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). She lives near Harrisburg Pennsylvania with her best pal/hubster and has five grown children and two grandbabies. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Today we talk about how to approach your health with a spirit of grace. My guest is my friend, Amy Connell, who is a personal trainer on a mission to help women realize that their eating and the way they move their body doesn’t have to be perfect. The reason we take care of our body is so we can do what we are called by God to do. Quotables from the episode: Am I taking care of my body the way God wants me to? Perfection will enslave us when it comes to taking care of our bodies. One of the struggles that we tend to wrestle with regarding our health and wellness tends to be an all or nothing mentality. Scripture References: Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 1 Timothy 4:3-5 “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with Thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Amy Connell: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Amy Connell is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and has been in the fitness industry almost 15 years. She’s a recovering step counter and an imperfect eater living in God’s perfect grace. Amy encourages women to strive for balanced, sustainable health and appreciate their God-created bodies, no matter what that looks like. She lives in the Houston, TX area with her husband, two always-hungry teen boys, and her stray-turned-princess put bull named Grace. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk about how to overcome grumbling, complaining, and general negativity. Think that’s impossible? Our guest, Tricia Goyer, shares how she and her family pursued the grumble-free year! Join us for a candid conversation about how grumbling and complaining is unhealthy for us, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We see plenty of examples in the Bible of people grumbling and complaining, and we also see that God plainly punished grumbling. No one likes to be around those who grumble and complain. But we can learn to defeat grumbling, complaining, and negativity, and Tricia Goyer teaches us how in this episode! Quotables from the episode: Grumbling essentially boils down to telling God, “You aren’t doing enough, God.” ~ Tricia Goyer The root of grumbling is typically unmet expectations. ~ Tricia Goyer Gratitude is one of our best tactics to defeat grumbling. ~ Tricia Goyer Scripture References: Psalm 106:25 “But grumbled in their tents; They did not listen to the voice of the Lord.” Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without grumbling of disputing.” 1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” Recommended Resources: The Grumble-Free Year: Twelve Months, Eleven Family Members, and One Impossible Goal by Tricia Goyer Join Tricia’s free 30-day Grumble Free Challenge.TONS of great information and tips every day. Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Tricia Goyer: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Tricia Goyer is author of more than 70 books, she writes both fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting. This USA-Today Best-selling Author has also won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A beloved author of Amish fiction, as well, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. She has spoken at events such as MomCon, Raising Generations, and Teach Them Diligently conferences and is host of the podcast, Walk It Out.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Theodore Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy.” After my conversation with former print and runway model, Jennifer Strickland, I would have to say the strive for perfection is another thief of joy. In this episode, we talk about how the strive for perfection leaves us empty and lonely, and how our true worth and value can only be found in our true identity as children of God. Former model, Jennifer Strickland tells us her story about being an international model, and how she turned her back on modeling at the height of her career and never looked back after she found something far more precious and life-giving than a life of anorexia, bulimia, and constant striving for the perfect body. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and walked away disappointed, I encourage you to listen to the end for hope and encouragement. Quotables from the episode: Satan works outside in. God works inside out. Jennifer Strickland We need to turn from the mirror of the world to the mirror of the Word. Jennifer Strickland The mirror doesn’t define us. The Creator defines us. Jennifer Strickland Perfection is an empty place to be. Jennifer Strickland We need to look beyond the outward appearance and into the soul. Jennifer Strickland Scripture References: 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Peter 3:3-5 says, “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands.” Recommended Resources: “Girl Perfect” by Jennifer Strickland “More Beautiful Than You Know” by Jennifer Strickland “Beautiful Lies” by Jennifer Strickland “21 Myths (Even Good) Girls Believe About Sex” by Jennifer Strickland Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Jennifer Strickland: Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Jennifer Strickland is a former international model, TEDx speaker, author, wife, mother of three, and the founder of a non-profit called U R More, that helps women and girls discover their value, identity, and purpose. Jen has written seven books and studies teaching women and girls their true worth, including Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, Beautiful Lies, and 21 Myths (Even Good) Girls Believe About Sex. She holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in writing with an emphasis in biblical studies. In her earlier days, Jen worked for 15 years as a professional model, appearing in Vogue, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan. She was featured in ads for Converse Tennis Shoes, Oil of O’lay, Mercedes Benz, Eddie Bauer, and Jordache; and at the height of her career, she walked the runways of Europe for Giorgio Armani and represented Barbie for the 35th anniversary of the doll. But Jen learned beauty is more than what meets the eye when she discovered what she looked like in God’s eyes. Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: This is the anniversary series of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.”    Specifically, we are discussing the concept of “Perspective” and how our perspective impacts how we cope in times of stress and crisis, as well as how our perspective impacts our attitudes, our thoughts, and our behaviors. Your perspective will: determine your attitudes and your actions. dictate what others notice about you. either attract others to or distract others from you. Ezekiel experienced a vision that changed his perspective (Ezekiel chapters 1-3) Our perspective will largely determine our focus, and what we focus on grows. If our perspective is one of doom and gloom, we will focus on the negative in the world. If our perspective is one that believes God will provide, we will be grateful and still experience peace and joy in the midst of difficulty. We need to shift our perspective from we have to vs we get to. Changing our perspective is often not an easy thing to do. It’s often based in the foundation of how we were raised, or how we’ve been treated in the past, and at the root of things, what we believe. When we believe the character of God, we will have a perspective that reflects that. But when we believe the lies of the enemy, our perspective, and thus our attitudes, actions, and words will reflect that. God is good: He only provides good things for His children. God is faithful: He has seen us through every difficult situation 100% of the time. God is trustworthy: He does not lie and always keeps His promises. God is loving: God acts out of love for His children. God is forgiving: If we humble ourselves and pray, confessing our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive us our sins. God is FOR us: His will is good, pleasing, and perfect for each of us. What does it mean to take every thought captive intentionally think about what we are thinking about pray and ask God to reveal any blind spots ask if it lines up with God’s word rebuke anything that doesn’t agree with God’s word replace it with God’s truth ask the Holy Spirit to continually remind you of all truth The question we all have to ask ourselves today is: what is my perspective and is it good, true, and holy? Quotables from the episode: Our perspective will largely determine our focus, and what we focus on grows. “we have to” vs “we get to.” What is my perspective, and is it good, true, and holy? Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For ‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?’ But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we’re in the third of our four-part anniversary series, taking apart the title “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.” Today we’re looking at the word FILLED: what it means, what role we play, what choices we have, and what consequences there will be for such choices. We have a choice of what to be filled with, but we will all be filled with something. Words of Christ--Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. “filling” is a sub-theme of the Bible It is a CHARACTERISTIC of God’s work In creation In redemption Definitions Heb: Fulness, abundance, to accomplish, complete, confirm, SATISFY, replenish Greek: make full, fill up, abound, liberally supply You can’t be neutral—you WILL be filled with something.  What will you choose to be filled with? What will you choose to be filled with?? Quotables from the episode: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What we are filled with, will come out when we are squeezed. Even an empty pitcher is filled with something, even if it’s only air. “Filling” is a characteristic of God’s work in creation and in redemption. What will you choose to be filled with? Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 7:1 “The glory of the Lord filled the house …” Psalm 71:8 “Let my mouth be filled with thy praise…” Psalm 72:19 “… let the whole earth be filled with his glory” Psalm 104:28 “thou openest thy hand, they are filled with good” Proverbs 14:14 (KJV, para) “The faithless in heart shall be filled with his own ways. 2 Kings 24… Manasseh “…filled Jerusalem w innocent blood” Ezra 9:11 “…filled the land w uncleanness…” Ecclesiastes 6:7 “All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.” Romans 1:29 “… being filled with all unrighteousness…” Job 16:8 (KJV) “…thou hast filled me with wrinkles …” Isaiah 55:1-2 “Come, all of you who thirst, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will be FILLED with the richest of foods…” Romans 12:2 (KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” Matthew 5:6 (KJV) “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: This is the second in a four-part anniversary series of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.”    Specifically, today we are discussing the concept of “Hope.” What is hope, how do we get it and how do we display it? And what isn’t it? The Bible has two uses for the term HOPE One is simple but ungrounded expectation that something specific may happen—closest to English vernacular understanding. Second is a CONFIDENCE that something anticipated will come to pass. What is the difference between FAITH and HOPE?  The Bible talks about both, and sometimes the same word is used. The concepts are very closely related. Best illustration: a child is told by her parents that they will be taking her to DisneyWorld soon. FAITH is the quiet confidence that her parents are being truthful and that the promised visit will happen. HOPE is the excited expectancy of the promised visit that has the child bouncing off the walls. FAITH is the basis for HOPE. What are the characteristics of HOPE? Forward looking Positive Expectant/anticipatory of something longed for Patient Focused on sufficiency and abundance ACTIVE HOPE is ACTIVE, it requires PREPARATION.  Think of the Disney example. As the child ANTICIPATES, she will engage in various activities that illustrate this expectancy. In our culture and language, HOPE is understood in a  very passive context—we don’t grant it much power in our lives, yet both the NT and the OT point to HOPE as crucial to our daily existence. HOPE is closely paralleled to FEAR Forward looking Expectant—of something dreaded Negative instead of positive Based on anxiety or worry instead of faith Focused on inadequacy & loss Quotables from the episode: Emil Brunner— “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.” FAITH is the basis for HOPE. Hope is active. Our hope is grounded in the overwhelming abundance and goodness of God. Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.” David in Psalms linked his HOPE in God with courage and strength (Ps 31:24) Paul also (Rom 5:5) describes the abundance and fulfilling nature of HOPE. Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: This is our one year anniversary of producing the Your Hope-Filled Perspective podcast. And we are so thankful to you, our listeners and our viewers for tuning in with us each week as we seek to provide you with a biblically based hope-filled perspective. We thank you for the gift you have given us in terms of your reviews, subscribing to the podcast, and sharing it with others. We started this podcast, and continue this podcast out of a desire to serve you. To bring you a hope-filled perspective for the trials you encounter in your daily life. Because our focus is YOU and YOUR needs, we’d love to hear what topics and guests YOU would like to hear in upcoming episodes. Quotables from the episode: She not only shared her story, but she taught us about how to pray, into the courtroom of heaven. We have an enemy. He's our adversary. And he's our accuser. And so he accuses us day and night to God, who's our ultimate judge. God wants us to use wisdom and to trust him in all things Yet, God has revealed himself personally to each believer. Jesus was an individual, and He cared for the individual. We don't have to fight on a war on two fronts, a front of the earthly issues that are going on and front on the spiritual internal issues that are going on as a believer. Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we talk in depth about how we can fight anxious thoughts and win. Forty million American adults suffer from anxiety, while 264 million suffer worldwide. Chances are, even if you don’t suffer with anxiety, you know many friends and loved ones who do. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to win over fearful and anxious thoughts. The first thing to remember is that we are in a battle, and the enemy of our soul doesn’t play fair. Secondly, we have to recognize that it is the enemy who tempts us with worry, fear, and anxiety. So often the thoughts we have aren’t even our thoughts. But if we don’t actively take them captive, and compare them to God’s word, we all too often readily accept them. Did you know that you can actually talk back to anxiety? You can! In this episode, we talk at length about how to talk back to worry, fear, and anxiety, and reclaim a much more peaceful life. Quotables from the episode: You can talk back to anxiety and make it leave! If we want to rid ourselves of worry, fear, and anxiety, we’ve got to separate the facts from God’s truth. God’s truth always trumps the facts.  Scripture References: John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy, but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we talk in depth about the third weapon God gives us to defeat anxiety: a sound mind. When God says He has given us a sound mind to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety, we can get excited because we have been given the mind of Christ. Before Jesus started his earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness for 40 days and nights. There he was repeatedly tempted by the enemy. It was Jesus’s sound mind that allowed Him to defeat the enemy and not give in to temptation. He knew the word of God and He used it to refute the enemy’s temptation.  We too can refute the enemy’s temptation for worry, fear, and anxiety by using the sound mind God gave us, coupled with the word of God. Psalm 112:8 tells us, “They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” With a sound mind, you are hopeful and confident. In this episode, we discuss how we access and use our sound mind in order to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. Quotables from the episode: With a sound mind, you are hopeful and confident. Part of using our sound mind to refute worry, fear, and anxiety, is standing on God’s word.  Scripture References: Psalm 112:8 tells us, “They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we talk in-depth about the second weapon God gives us to defeat anxiety: His perfect love. John 15:9 tells us, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” In order to remain in God’s love, we must first accept that He gives His love, and we must then receive it for ourselves. But His love is crucial for defeating worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” In this episode, we discuss the things we know to be true about God’s love and the many ways that we can access God’s love to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. Quotables from the episode: One of the greatest issues I witnessed in my private practice was of individuals thinking they were unlovable, and not truly knowing how much God loves them. When we realize that we are loved by the God of the universe and that out of love for us He protects us, comforts us, fights for us, etc., then we can face any situation without worry, fear, or anxiety.  Scripture References: John 15:9 tells us, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” 1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about how to improve mother/daughter relationships and the hope available for restoration and reconciliation. Mother/daughter relationships can be so painful, and especially with Mother’s Day coming up, we can have a tendency to mourn what we don’t have in our own mother/daughter relationship. If you struggle in your mother/daughter relationship, or have been desiring an improved relationship, then you’ll want to stick this program out to the last minute. Experts in mother/daughter relationship reconciliation and restoration, Blythe Daniel and Dr. Helen McIntosh join us to share what they learned, and the lessons they penned in “Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters.” Quotables from the episode: When it comes to relationship reconciliation, we have to put our relationship over any differences. Relationship reconciliation doesn’t just happen. We have to purpose to be healthy in our interactions with each other. Scripture References: Isaiah 61:4 Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,  to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Recommended Resources: “Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughter” by Blythe Daniel and Dr. Helen McIntosh  Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Award-Winning Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Website / Facebook Blythe / Facebook Helen / Instagram Blythe / Instagram Helen / Twitter Blythe For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guests: Blythe Daniel is a literary agent and marketer with more than 20 years of experience in publishing. She has written for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Focus on the Family, Ann Voskamp, Christian Retailing, and she links bloggers with readers through the agency’s blog network. The daughter of Dr. Helen McIntosh, she lives in Colorado with her husband and three children. Dr. Helen McIntosh (EdD, Counseling Psychology) is a counselor, speaker, educator, and author of Messages to Myself and Eric, Jose & The Peace Rug. Her work has appeared in Guideposts, ParentLife, and HomeLife magazines. She resides in Georgia with her husband Jim. They have two children and five grandchildren. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode we talk in-depth about one of the weapons God gives us to defeat anxiety: Power.  There are many ways for Christ followers to appropriate God’s power. Romans 8:11 tells us, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” We have been given the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead, yet too many believers are walking around powerless, not appropriating His power. In this episode we discuss the many ways that we can access God’s power to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. Quotables from the episode: The first of three key weapons that God has given us to defeat anxiety is His power.  Too many Christ followers don’t appropriate the power that God has made available to them.  Scripture References: Revelation 12:10 “…now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, for the accuser…has been thrown down. Romans 8:11 “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we break down worry, fear, anxiety, and crises, and how they are different, and how they each impinge on our lives. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow and be anxious for nothing. He never said “except when my bank account dips, or when the toilet paper runs out, or when you have to work or go to school online.” Anxiety results from living in a place of dread instead of victory. When we become anxious, we have projected dread into our situation. That brings with it an endless supply of “what ifs?” So much of our anxiety comes from us wanting to have control, but the reality is that we have very little control, but God is in control and He isn’t going to wrestle us for it. In this episode, we continue to discuss how to defeat anxiety especially in times of crisis. Quotables from the episode: Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is apprehension and anticipation of some future event. Worry is thinking about problems or fears that may never even come to pass. Worry creeps, anxiety seeps, and crises explode. Faith entails having the courage to give God control. True peace is not the absence of trouble but resting in the sovereignty of God in the midst of it.  Scripture References: Luke 12:26 “And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?” Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of Peace will be with you.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promisesby Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depressionby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Studyby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: With the Coronavirus outbreak, the world is facing astronomical amounts of worry, fear, and anxiety. In episode 50, we discussed ways of defeating anxiety during a crisis like the Coronavirus. In this episode, Scott and I discuss more practical tips to exchange worry, fear, and anxiety for peace during a crisis. Trusting God is key! Quotables from the episode: It’s important not to run on our feelings, during times of crises, but rather, to stand on truth. Instead of saying, “I have to” we can shift the perspective and say “I get to…” For example, instead of I have to stay in the house for the next two weeks or longer you say, I get to spend quality time with my family. Let’s take this opportunity to do some new things, to look at the situation from a new perspective, to consider our feelings and how our feelings are often grounded in the lies that we believe. The truth is, God is still in control. Fear is really the emotional response to either a real or a perceived imminent threat, something that might happen right away. Anxiety is really an abnormal or overwhelming sense of apprehension in anticipation of a future event that may or may not ever happen. Worry is thinking about a problem or fears over something that could happen. Worry is our thoughts about an unknown future. My concern is that when we allow anxiety, worry, fear to rule and reign in our heart and our mind, we lose the chance to respond rationally, and we lose our peace. God tells us in His Word, be anxious for nothing; do not worry about tomorrow; do not be afraid. God knows what's going on in the world today. I believe that what has allowed us to get through these recent circumstances is being able to look back and recognize where God has been faithful each and every time before. Peace really comes from living in the present and remembering what has already been accomplished in the past, to assure us of our future. We tend to approach life thinking, “Show me, then I'll trust you.” But God tells us to “trust Him, then he'll show us.” Trusting God really takes the responsibility for the outcome off our shoulders and places it on God’s. How do we trust God? T-Take God at His Word (Numbers 23:19) R-Rest in His presence and promises (Matthew 11:28-30) U-Understand the outcome doesn’t depend on us S-Acknowledge that God is Sovereign (Psalm 84:11) T-Turn to the testimony of previous experiences (Revelation 12:11) An attitude of gratitude when we recognize all that God has already blessed us with amazing blessings makes it easier to trust Him. God inhabits the praises of his people. Find ways to praise Him during this time. Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promisesby Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depressionby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Studyby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been doing a series on the podcast recently of episodes all related to helping defeat anxiety during times of crisis. Given what so many of us have been experiencing with the current crisis and the disruption of anything normal, it would be natural to realize that our children’s lives are being significantly impacted as well, and this may breed worry, fear, and anxiety. This episode is about how to help a teenager with anxiety during a crisis. Join me as I interview my teenager, Bryce. We discuss ways that help us understand worry, fear, and anxiety in our teens and children and what we and they can do about anxiety. For many of our children, the Coronavirus is the first major crisis they have ever had to face, at least on such a global level. This episode is unique in that I have the opportunity to interview a teenager to help understand their perspective and what they might be doing to try to manage the emotional impact that crises have on them. While this episode was recorded during the COVID19 pandemic, the truths contained therein are applicable regardless of the situation prompting a child’s anxiety. Quotables from the episode: Coronavirus didn’t take God by surprise, and He promises He knows the plans He has for us: to prosper us and not to harm us, plans for a hope and a future! Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube   About the Host About Dr. Bengtson Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places. Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third award-winning book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises,” released in 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Everyone will fight challenges and trials at some point in their life, and at the time of this recording, the world is facing the Coronavirus outbreak, and with that has come astronomical amounts of worry, fear, and anxiety. In this episode, we discuss ways to defeat anxiety during a crisis like the Coronavirus. This may be the first real crisis our children have had to face in their lifetimes, and it’s important for us to remember that they will take their cues for how to respond to crisis from watching and listening to us. In today’s society, our ready access to news and information can fuel anxiety. In our current situation, we need time to absorb this, but that is made difficult because the information is changing day by day, or sometimes hour by hour. It’s important not to run on our feelings, during times of crises, but rather, to stand on truth. Quotables from the episode: We need to absorb this. Anxiety comes because we want to know it all. We want to control it all. We want to influence it all…but we can’t. Our feelings are really just the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe. We may not be able to control the situation, but we can choose our response to the situation. Scripture References: Exodus 20:2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you’ve ever had suicidal thoughts, have survived an attempted suicide, suffered the loss of a friend or loved one to death by suicide, or experienced depression or anxiety. Join me with my guest, Veronica Sites, as we talk about Hope for Recovery for Suicide Attempt Survivors. The Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If you are feeling broken-hearted, crushed in spirit, or perhaps, hopeless, stay with us and listen to the conversation between a board certified clinical neuropsychologist and a first response crisis chaplain. More importantly, we are two individuals who have been there. My guest, Veronica Sites, is a first response crisis chaplain. She grew up in a family of first responders. Sadly, she lost a family member to death by suicide. Afterward, the experience caused a shift in how she responded in those situations. Experiencing tragic life experiences brought her to the point where she began to believe some lies that took her down the path to attempt to end her own life by suicide. When she woke up she told a friend, “The Lord is going to use this for His glory. You just watch.” That is what has happened!. She now serves as a first response crisis chaplain and tries to educate others about suicide prevention. The word success, commit, failed, and complete are dangerous words with respect to suicide. When God brings us through a suicide attempt is not a failure. The enemy will use those words to make the individual feel shame. Success is not in death. Success is in who we are in Christ, and how will we respond. To commit, means a crime against humanity. God says thou shalt not kill. It is better to say that someone died by suicide or attempted to die by suicide in order to help with healing. We have to recognize the power of our words and use them in a sensitive manner. Peer support is so important in recovery for survivors and suicide attempt survivors.  Proverbs 17:17 says “A brother is born for a time of adversity.” And “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other” (Proverbs 27:17). When a brother stumbles, we are called to come alongside and pick them up and run the race with them. Recognize that relationships are going to change because trust has been broken after a suicide attempt. Every relationship becomes shaken, including their relationship with themselves and the Lord. Recent research has found that suicide has to be dealt with in the church because it still remains an elephant in the room. We must be bold and courageous and enter into the conversation. We can’t always refer out to mental health if they aren’t addressing the spiritual foundation or else it won’t be a full continuum of care that is addressed. When it comes to suicide, you would much rather ask an individual “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or committing suicide?” than you would have to ask the question “Why didn’t they say anything?” or “Why didn’t I ask them?” It’s okay to ask God how we are to get through our most difficult circumstances. When God’s children submit to Him, He will often send us back to give others hope. We must be so very careful of the words we speak. When we speak things like “I can’t do this anymore,” we forfeit in the spiritual, and give the enemy an open door to bring havoc into our lives. The enemy takes just a seed of truth and twists it to try to deceive us. That is why it is so crucial that we truly know the truth of God’s word. Use the truths of God’s word. Meditate on scripture, listen to praise and worship. When the stinking thinking sets in, speak it out and ask the Lord to unpack it like a trunk. He has given us power, love, and a sound mind. Quotables from the episode: The Lord never wastes a hurt. God transforms pain that was meant to be destructive into something that can be productive for His namesake and the healing of others. People don’t necessarily want to die…they just want the pain to end. You are the temple of the living God. We can always trust the Lord, even when we don’t know what the outcome is going to be. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Proverbs 17:17 says “A brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 27:17 “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." 2 Timothy 1:7 "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and (self-discipline. NIV), (NASB - discipling / sound judgement) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Recommended Resources: TALK Suicide Hotline (800) 273-8255 Suicide Text Line: 741-741  https://www.crisistextline.org/textline Hope Line Suicide Prevention Network (800) 784-2433 Elijah App –helps people struggling to reach their support system with one text Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://drmichellebengtson.com/i-have-a-confession-im-a-christian-and-i-was-suicidal/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-sadness-behind-suicide/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/suicide-theres-another-way/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/yes-christians-get-depressed-there-is-hope/  https://drmichellebengtson.com/this-thing-called-depression-signs-and-symptoms/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-verses-of-hope-for-when-you-are-down-or-depressed/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-ways-to-help-depressed-husband-wife/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/dear-patient-now-i-understand/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-promises-from-god-to-the-patient-i-didnt-meet/ Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Veronica Sites  Website: https://www.conflictresolutionspeaker.com/ FaceBook https://www.facebook.com/conflictresolutionspeaker/ Twitter link https://twitter.com/VeronicaSites Pinterest link https://www.pinterest.com/veronicasites/ Vimeo link https://vimeo.com/veronicasites Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPDc6__zg_pGKmRlhJL_m0Q? For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Veronica Sites is a chaplain, motivational speaker, and life coach. Military Gold families have given her the nick name of “The Happy Chappy.” Ministry care ranges from the womb (as a mentor to expectant moms) to the tomb, and coming along side individuals on some of life’s hardest days. Her passion is helping people in places of pain and penetrating hearts with hope and help to empower those seeking freedom and how to navigate traumatic events.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk with my guest, Shonda Whitworth, who found herself in the worst of situations…the kind of situation no parent ever wants to experience. She received a call that her son had been arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon under the Texas Law of Parties. She shares not only her heartache but what the Lord has taught her through it, how her prayer life has changed, and the hope available for parents of incarcerated children.  Quotables from the episode: When tragedy comes, God’s word has to be inside of us in order to come out of us during those hard times. You have to know what you believe before a crisis hits, because when it does you have a split second before you fall back on what you really do believe. Only God can make something good come out of a good situation. And He promises that in His word. We can take a situation that the enemy tries to shame us for, and say “No!” to his taunts and jeers because the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) God used the most unlikely people and the most difficult circumstances to fulfill His promises. For example, God used Samson even though he wandered off, but God ultimately used him for good. We need to pray for those who are in prison as if we were in prison ourselves. Appealing to the courtroom of heaven is praying. God is judge of all. The enemy is our accuser. Because Jesus died on our behalf, we can enter the courtroom of heaven at any time. But the enemy doesn’t like we can petition our Father for those things that are rightfully ours. The blood of Jesus covers our sin when we come to the Father and repent and confess. We may not have a loved one in prison, but the enemy so often holds each of us in our own prisons through worry, fear, anxiety, depression, discouragement, shame, sin, etc. Confession and repentance sets us free! Jesus already paid the price for every sin we have or will ever commit, but it is up to us to go to our Heavenly Father, the only one worthy of judging us, to repent and confess our sin so that he will declare us not guilty. And that sets us free. Scripture References: Romans 8:28 NLT "And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Hebrews 4:16 NLT "So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Romans 15:13 NLT "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Recommended Resources: Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven by Shonda Whitworth A free downloadable PDF of 8 Prayers to Pray for Your Incarcerated Loved One is available at FortressofHopeMinistries.com Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Shonda Whitworth: Website / Facebook Shonda / Twitter / LinkedIn Shonda / Facebook Fortress / LinkedIn Fortress / Twitter Fortress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Shonda Whitworth writes, teaches, and speaks at conferences and retreats to share the hope of healing and restoration we have in Jesus. After her son landed in state prison, she realized the hardships families of prisoners encounter. She and her husband, Eldon, founded Fortress of Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization that offers hope to families affected by incarceration. Shonda transparently shares her testimony of living with a son in prison at ShondaWhitworth.com and FortressofHopeMinistries.com. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: It is so easy for us to go about our daily life oblivious to the hurt and pain and bondage of others around us. But human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse are happening to people in our own cities and neighborhoods. In this episode, my guest, Brenda Harkins, and I talk about this troublesome issue, and how victims can find hope and healing. Quotables from the episode: So many of us have no idea that trafficking happens right here in the United States, and in our own cities. There are over 300,000 trafficked victims in the United States. California is the most trafficked state, and Texas is second. Within Texas, Houston is the most trafficked city, and Dallas/Ft. Worth is the second most trafficked city in Texas. Once it gets on your radar, you begin noticing girls/women with a more controlling adult who won’t let them speak for themselves, and they avert their eyes. As parents, we need to be having discussions with our children to help safeguard them. We must talk about it. We must explain the dangers of social media, and trusting strangers…even those who seem extremely interested and friendly. People pose as people they are not. They need to know never to give personal information out online. People are sent into schools to befriend those who may not have friends, and then they will groom them until the children believe they are truly their friend, but their real intentions are otherwise. We must talk to our children about the reality of this, and we must be involved enough to know our children’s friends and their families. We all have an Egypt, a wilderness, and a promised land. With Egypt we think of the slavery of the Israelites, but it was a place that saved their lives because during a famine it was a place they could get food.  Often, in our lives, what starts out as a safe place, can become a place where we are trapped or in bondage (like addictions, or unhealthy relationships). The Israelites left Egypt and were about to enter a place of freedom, when they stepped into the wilderness which was unfamiliar to them. Sometimes the unfamiliar can seem worse than what we know because we don’t know what to expect. The wilderness experience is where we can come alongside and tell others that we are with them and they do not have to walk their journey alone, as they walk toward their Promised Land. Too often, we become comfortable in our discomfort because it’s what we know, and we fear the unknown because we don’t know how to navigate that. But we don’t have to know how to navigate that if we are trusting our heavenly Father. There is often a relationship between being trafficked, exploited, or abused, and those never knew the love of their earthly parents. The enemy manipulates people into believing that others can be trusted who will violate that trust. People in abusive situations don’t always recognize that they are being abused, frequently because it’s all we know. Or we downplay our own situation thinking it isn’t as bad as someone else. But the truth is, what hurt you, hurt you…regardless of what anyone else is going through. Once we become aware of it, we need to take care of our pain. If we grow up with relationships that aren’t loving or that are abusive, we often get involved later in unloving or abusive relationships because it’s all we know. What we experience feels normal for us until we are shown something different. It takes quite an awareness and it’s hard for those in an abusive situation to see it on their own, but others can help them. Check your relationships and ask, “Am I control of the decisions I make, or is someone else making those decisions for me?” “Am I fearful of standing up for myself or voicing my desires or opinions?” Frequently we mistake love because we listen to others’ words rather than paying attention to their actions. Ask yourself if there is anyone in your life, who you know loves you, who are speaking to you about concern they have about your relationships? Open up your mind to the possibility that if this sounds familiar, then ask those around you who you trust, “You know I just want to be sure that I’m as healthy as I can be, and that I’m seeing the situation for what it is, and I’m wondering what you see?” If you are feeling like you don’t have a safe person, I promise you, the Lord is safe. If you sit still with Him in the quiet and listen, He will speak in your heart. There will be thoughts in your mind that you didn’t think of…those thoughts are from the Holy Spirit. You are not alone…God is there. If your gut is saying, “Could it be?” Then that’s enough reason for some exploration. Love requires a choice. If God had made everyone to love him, we would all be robots. Because He gives us choice, there are some who choose evil. In the midst of the most difficult situation, we live in a broken world with people who make poor choices, but He is still present with us.  He wants us to choose love, and for those who don’t choose love, God will ultimately hold them accountable for their actions, and they will have to answer to Him. God wants a relationship with us so badly, but He won’t force us to stay there with Him, yet He always has open arms waiting for us to come back to Him. What about submission? Isn’t a wife supposed to submit to her husband? The Lord tells us to submit to one another, so we cannot always focus on the woman. God says the man’s responsibility is to love his wife like Christ loves the church. When he does that, then a woman would willingly submit to her husband if she knew he would die for her. Submission is an act of the will, that we choose to do to someone else. If someone demands that we submit, then they are attempting to get us to yield to evil. Submission is an act of will that we choose to offer. There is healing available. Trauma can affect us on so many levels. But there is healing and hope through counseling, through ministries. The pain and emptiness and fear you feel doesn’t have to stay there. God can remove even the trauma from our brains. The hope is that there is healing, and that there are relationships who do not desire to manipulate but instead to truly love you. If you are feeling guilt and condemnation, that does not come from God. Instead, God offers opportunity. That opportunity might be for healing, and for you to understand your true identity in Christ. Reach out: Reach out to organizations who are willing to be your advocate. Reach out to the National Trafficking Hotline. Reach out to a counselor or a pastor. Scripture References: Isaiah 61:1- 4: “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners…so they will be called oaks of righteousness…they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations…the desolations of many generations. I Corinthians 2:9 – “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has the mind conceived all that God has prepared for those that love Him.” Revelation 12:11 – “They overcame…by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” Recommended Resources: “Crossing Over: Living Your Purpose on Purpose” by Brenda Harkins Courageously You e-book by Brenda Harkins is available free here:  https://brendaharkins.com/courageously-you-ebook/ If you are in a trafficking situation, the National Trafficking Hotline number is 888-373-7888. If you are in a situation of domestic violence or rape in Tarrant County, contact the Women’s Center hotline that is answered 24/7 at 817-927-2737. General counseling is also offered at the Women’s Center.  For more info on that you can call 817-927-4000. If you desire ministry for heart wounds you want the Lord to heal you are welcome to message me at https://transformteaminternational.org/contact/. That form will send me an email. Just please put HELP in the subject line so it won’t slip by me. If our ministry is able to help you, we will.  If not, we have plenty of excellent resources where we can refer you.  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Brenda Harkins: Website / Facebook Brenda / Facebook Arukah Houses / LinkedIn Brenda For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Brenda Harkins is a believer in seemingly impossible possibilities.  As a Mediator, Coach, Minister, Author and Speaker, Brenda works to clear the way for people to walk in the fulness God has prepared for them. She believes in the dreams God has put in each heart and takes joy in helping people fulfill those dreams by helping dismantle roadblocks and build super highways to their Destiny. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever experienced an unforeseen trial and wondered how God could possibly use it for good, then this episode is the perfect show for you. I talk with my guest, Gina Kelly, about how God can use the absolute worst circumstances in our life for good and for His glory. My guest today experienced a significant tragedy as a young child that threatened her life. Doctors expected her to either die, or to have significant brain injury and to never walk or talk again. You’ll want to hear her story and what she learned about God’s faithfulness. Even in our most difficult circumstances, God can use them to comfort others who are going through difficult trials. During those times, God will show us how He can be trusted. Children can be so cruel to other children who are different in some way, but when we can maintain our faith in God, they will come to see that and admire it. And God will bring circumstances in our lives to help us value our own differences. Furthermore, God will use our differences for His glory. God truly does give beauty for ashes, and what the enemy intends for harm, God will use for good. Sometimes God uses our adversity to help us learn that He can be trusted. Ultimately God has to be our source of hope, and our source of peace, and our source of confidence. The enemy is defeated by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. So our testimony has the power to impact the lives of others. Quotables from the episode: God is big enough and patient enough to handle our reactions to our trials. Healing often starts when others love on us and speak truth into our lives. God will use our differences for His glory. God truly does give beauty for ashes, and what the enemy intends for harm, God will use for good. Sometimes God uses our adversity to help us learn that He can be trusted. Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Recommended Resources: Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award The Faithfulness of God Our God is Greater God Will See You Through Trusting God in Hard Times -7 Lessons Learned About Gina Kelly Gina Latta Kelly is wife to her husband Brian, and mother to her two teenagers, Joy and Joseph. She works as a pediatric physical therapist in an outpatient clinic and also does some contract work in a cyber school system where she lives in south central Pennsylvania. She served as a missionary in Peru, South America prior to getting married. Gina says she still feels as if she left a piece of her heart in Peru with the families she worked with when she was there. Gina loves to be active and breaking boards in TaeKwonDo is one of her favorite ways to spend a Friday night. Gina and her family serve in their church by teaching the 4 and 5-year-old Sunday School class. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube  

Episode Summary: If you have ever struggled with depression or loved someone who struggles, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about how my guest was able to break the bonds of depression, and wants to offer that same hope to you. So many people suffer with depression in silence because they are ashamed to share their pain. Many who struggle with depression wear a protective mask as a protective barrier, but it can really weigh you down. So much of social media portrays a perfect life when really things were falling apart behind the scenes. Nobody wants to admit that they are depressed. Most often depression starts months or years before we recognize it for what it is.  And depression often turns us into someone we, nor our friends and family members recognize. Some who are depressed get to the point of feeling helpless and hopeless, which is a tool of the enemy of our soul, making us believe that suicide is the only way out of the pain. God can use others to speak life and wellness into our lives. Their testimony of overcoming life’s darkest circumstances can lend us hope. God wants to be all we need. Sometimes we have to get so desperate or even flat on our back that the only place we can look is up and trust God in the hardest of times. Unforgiveness can contribute to depression. We need to forgive those who have hurt us, otherwise bitterness and resentment build up and contribute to depression. Forgiveness isn’t denying what has happened but it is saying, “God you are in a better place to deal with the situation” and allowing God to redeem the situation. It releases us from carrying that burden.  There are times we may have to forgive repeatedly. Sometimes forgiveness is a process over time. Jesus offered me forgiveness freely. When our view of God changes, our life will also change. Our view of God affects our mental health whether it is a false view of God or a right view of God. So often when circumstances are hard, we can accuse God and assume He doesn’t care about us or love us, but that is a false view of God. You might consider praying three things: 1) that you’d have an accurate perception of God, 2) that he would show you his perception of you, and 3) that he would help you have the same perception of yourself that he has of you. For families who have a depressed loved one, even if you don’t understand depression, just listen because you play an important role in your loved one’s healing. You don’t have to have the answers or try to fix the situation. Just offer to be there for them and go through the journey with them. Know you are not alone. Even though you feel alone, God is with you, God sees you, He loves you, He cares about you, and you are not the only one to feel that way. There is hope. When you don’t know what else to do, cry out to God. Admit your need for Him. Quotables from the episode: Most often depression starts months or years before we recognize it for what it is. Depression often turns us into someone we, nor our friends and family members recognize. Sometimes forgiveness is a process over time. Scripture References: Job 33:28 “God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.” Psalm 42:5 “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 30:5b “…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Recommended Resources: “Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression without Drugs” by Patty Mason  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest:  Connect with Patty Mason: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Website For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest Patty Mason: A wife, mother, grandmother, author, national speaker, and founder of Liberty in Christ Ministries, Patty Mason has shared her story of God’s redeeming grace and deliverance from depression before numerous audiences, in several books, blogs, and magazines, such as Lifeway’s “Living More,” as well as radio and television programs, including American Family Radio, Moody Radio, and The 700 Club. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever had marriage struggles or have friends or loved ones who struggle in their marriage, or just want to improve your marriage, then today is the perfect show for you. In this episode, my guest, Pam Farrel, and I discuss how to thrive, not just survive, in marriage. Relationships are hard, but marriage is on an entirely different level. And sometimes the things we loved about our fiance’ is the same thing that we grow to dislike or resent in marriage. But Pam will discuss how to grow our love for our mate. Quotables from the episode: Sometimes wisdom breeds willingness to change. The Farrels encourage a confident covenant, which are rules of engagement during disagreements. Don’t be interested in just solving a marital problem, but also fall in love with that person again. Men are like waffles, women are like spaghetti. Women move from one issue to many different issues, but then tie it all up together, like spaghetti, but men like to keep individual issue in separate boxes, and resolve each box before moving on to another box. Men park in their boxes, often not thinking about anything, while women misinterpret their silence. In olden days, you pulled together because you had to just to survive. So emotional needs were not high on the list at that point. Today we have a different view of survival and includes “Am I feeling satisfied? Am I feeling peaceful? Am I feeling fulfilled?” If our spouse isn’t making us happy, we mistakenly believe someone else out there will. We live in a social media driven society, where we only get to see others’ highlights, and people don’t see the real work that has to be done, and how God meets our needs to pull us through.Valentine’s Day is like a double-edge sword. For singles and widows, get a plan in place before Valentine’s Day. There are many around you who are feeling the same way. Ways to encourage your spouse: Let your spouse you know you admire them. Commend your spouse in front of their friends or colleagues. Warm up to an idea by asking questions for more details of their idea. Let you know you are praying for them. Enthusiastically embrace one of their opinions. It only takes one breakthrough. You’re only one breakthrough away from a stronger relationship. The last thing we should do when we’re struggling in our relationships is to isolate. We need community and the support of others./ Scripture References: Proverbs 19:8 “The one who gets wisdom loves life.” 1 John 4:19 “We love each other because he loved us first.” Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Recommended Resources: Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences by Bill & Pam Farrel Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher  Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle by Bill and Pam Farrel Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest:  Connect with Pam Farrel: Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter / Website For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube   Guest Pam Farrel: Pam Farrel, with her husband, Bill, are international speakers, and authors of over 50 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti.  They are relationship specialists and seek to help people become “Love-Wise.” Pam has experience as a Pastor’s wife and Women’s Ministry Director. Pam is a cheerleader, challenger and coach that believes that "The one who gets wisdom loves life." (Proverbs 19:8) Her new creative Bible studies are Amazon bestsellers: Discovering Hope in the Psalms ; Discovering Joy in Philippians and Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament. When the Farrels are not traveling for speaking, you will find them on their live aboard boat or enjoying their 3 sons, 3 daughters in law and 5 grands.  www.Love-Wise.com  

Episode Summary: If you have ever struggled with your thought life or wondered what it means to transform your thought life, then today is the perfect show for you. Join me with my friend, Sarah Geringer, as we talk about how to change your thoughts and transform your life. Paying attention to our thought life is important! As a neuropsychologist, I can tell you we have between 50-70,000 thoughts a day. That’s a lot of taking thoughts captive but so worth it. God’s word is the ultimate truth. While other books can help us, there is no comparison to the power of God’s word to change us into someone more like Him. The answer to all our problems lies within Scripture. God said in His word that He has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. We can break the stronghold Satan has put on our lives by using Scripture. Jesus was the son of God and the son of man, He was the word and He chose to use the ancient scriptures to counter Satan’s attacks. When we come up against anxiety-provoking situations, or worrisome thoughts, or feelings of insecurity, we can come against them with scripture. God would love nothing more than to give us His peace in exchange for our anxiety. It’s crucial that we pay attention to the thoughts we are having, and the words we are speaking. We can be condemning ourselves with our own words. As we read our Bible, it’s helpful to ask three questions: What does this verse tell me about God? What does this verse tell me about myself? What does God want me to do with this information for others (personal application)? So many of our thoughts are careless thoughts because we don’t pay enough attention before we have them. By being intentional about examining our thoughts and asking God to search our minds and hearts, God will teach us things we weren’t previously aware of. We need to also be careful about the shows we watch and the music we listen to, because we’re putting information into our minds that do not mesh with the truth of God’s word. As you examine your thoughts, you’ll be surprised by all the things God wants to reveal to you. Our emotions are the outward manifestations of the thoughts we believe. But we must take the time to monitor the thoughts we believe. It’s too easy to get caught up in our emotions and believe them and let them influence us in nonproductive ways. God’s word is our anchor, our guide, the one true thing when so much of what we encounter is not true. Whatever our thought life struggles are, is where Satan is likely to strike. That’s where we are most vulnerable to believing his lies. Any of these places are weak places in our stress.  A stronghold is any area where Satan has a hook in a certain area to try to distract you, make you more miserable, and make you less effective for God’s kingdom. Christian meditation is thinking about God’s word, taking scriptures and mulling over them. What does it tell me about God’s character? What does it tell me about what to do? What does it tell me about how I can help other people? Quotables from the episode: It’s crucial that we pay attention to the thoughts we are having, and the words we are speaking. Our emotions are the outward manifestations of the thoughts we believe. But we must take the time to monitor the thoughts we believe. Scripture References: Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 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.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace, those who are steadfast because they trust in you.” Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Recommended Resources: “Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus” by Sarah Geringer Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: You can follow Sarah on social media here: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest / YouTube / LinkedIn / Goodreads For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Sarah Geringer writes about finding peace in God’s Word at sarahgeringer.com. She is also on the writing teams for Encouragement for Today, Woman 2 Woman Ministries, A Wife Like Me and Devotable. Sarah also writes for Hope-Full Living, a quarterly publication for senior citizens. When she’s not reading over 100 books per year, Sarah enjoys prayer walks, gardening, baking, painting and playing the flute. She lives in her beloved southeast Missouri with her husband and three children. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt like God gave you direction and maybe even a path to take but then life didn’t look like you expected or desired, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about maintaining hope even when life doesn’t go or doesn’t look like we expected it to. On today’s show, we’re going to be talking to my friend, Abby McDonald who is going to share with us how she finds hope in Christ in the midst of life’s messes and struggles.   So often we think we hear from God for our direction, but then we question Him when things don’t go the way we thought they were supposed to go.  We can see God during those seasons, but we have to shift our perspective. Scripture gives us example after example of people who held onto that hope and held onto their faith when they were encountering adversity. They felt called by God, they received a word from Him, and they persevered, but still they encountered struggle and opposition and obstacles. When Jesus called the first disciples, they didn’t see a miracle or anything from Him other than the request to follow Him. Yet they dropped everything and went—it wasn’t until later that they saw Him reveal himself as the true Messiah. We have to look at God’s character and His attributes when we don’t see what we expected. When we receive Christ, we receive a new spirit, but our minds aren’t new. They have to be continually renewed and transformed for our entire lives because we have an enemy who fills our minds with lies. Abby explained how after going through some pretty tumultuous times, she faces life now with much more peace. When situations come up in her life now, she doesn’t always default to fear or doubt anymore, but now recognizes it as an attack and knows what to do now. We talk about how so often we focus on the short term conveniences and happiness rather than the long term rewards that come from faith in Jesus. Surrender is often so hard because it has a passive connotation to it, and when we think of surrender, we think someone is laying down and letting people walk all over them. Our culture hasn’t given us a popular view of surrender. But surrender really brings peace, and that only comes through trusting God. If we will let things go, and not demand we understand all the why’s of our experiences, we can experience His peace when we no longer hold onto that need for control. First, pray, and then know that God has such a beautiful plan for each of our lives. It goes far beyond what we can see in that moment and goes into eternity. He sees all of it and He is knitting all of it together as He works even when we cannot see it. If you prayerfully surrender to God, He will lift that weight. When we try to control things, we are holding on. As long as we hold on (to the bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, need to control, etc.) our hands are not open to receiving God’s best for us. We have to open up our grasp onto the situation and trust God. When we start acting on what we can’t see yet, we give room for God to move. Quotables from the episode: If we are certain we heard from God, we just have to be obedient and the end result is up to God, not us. We have to hold onto the promises of God. It helps to say Scripture out loud, pray it out loud, and write it down. When you see God deliver you from something or you see an answer to a prayer no matter how small it may seem, write it down, record it, tell someone about it because when you’re in the thick of it, you need to remember it and recall how God has been faithful in the past. If God has been faithful before, we have no reason to doubt that He will be faithful again because that is who He is. He is faithful. Nothing else can stand against the enemy when we have the truth underneath us as our cornerstone. We have to declare God’s truth in those circumstances. We all like the mountain top experiences, but fruit grows in the valley, and it’s there that we learn valuable lessons. Often we focus on the short term conveniences and happiness rather than the long term rewards that come from faith in Jesus. Surrender is essentially telling God that we no longer feel the need to be in control anymore and we are going to trust God enough to give Him control of the situation. Security is only found in Christ alone. We think that if we had answers we would be secure. But faith is not based on what we see, but on what we don’t see. Faith is active, it’s not passive. When we start acting on what we can’t see yet, we give room for God to move. Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:9-11, “What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s word from beginning to end.” Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” Recommended Resources: It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst  Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God by Abby McDonald Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Abby McDonald: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Abby McDonald is a blogger, speaker, wife and mom whose work has been featured Proverbs 31 Ministries, (in)Courage, For Every Mom, and more. Her passion is to empower women to grow in faith and hope, even when life is messy. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of South Carolina, and loves to teach about writing at conferences each year. Abby lives with her husband and three children in western Maryland. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: It’s a common phenomenon: presents are unwrapped, resolutions are made, decorations are put away, bills arrive and with them often come the post-holiday blues. We often feel deflated, let down, and perhaps weighed down by a few extra pounds. Are you having a hard time resuming your normal activities? Has your energy been replaced by the winter sluggishness? Does it seem no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to find your joy in the aftermath of the holidays? Then stick with us today as we talk about hope for overcoming SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder or the post-holiday blues. Quotables from the episode: There is a diagnosis called SAD “Seasonal Affective Disorder” which often happens to people during the winter months when it is often dark, gloomy, and less sunlight during the day. The lack of sunlight does contribute to seasonal affective disorder which is a form of depression during the winter months. ALL depression is significant. But often we experience a let-down following the holidays which contributes to mild, post-holiday blues. And frequently we experience expectations that aren’t met during the holiday season that leave us feeling inadequate or unappreciated or devalued which can leave us feeling down after the holidays are over. To make matters worse, not everyone experiences a merry Christmas, which can make going into a new year even more difficult. Grief and depression are NOT the same thing, but often, those who are grieving also experience a bout of depression. We serve a God who is rich in mercy and grace, but so often we don’t extend the same grace and mercy to ourselves or others. I’m grateful for the Biblical greats who we can read about who have struggled with depression. Just like David or Elijah. David often cried “why so downcast oh my soul?” and in the next moment he was praising God. “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” was written to encourage others who are struggling with the blues or a more significant case of depression. It’s the kind of book I wish I had had when I was depressed. If you are experiencing a change in mood, a change in appetite, energy, or sleep, and have been experiencing such changes for more than a couple of weeks, you may be experiencing SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder, the blues or a more significant depression. But that is not something to be ashamed of. And you need to know you are not alone. There isn’t a magic bullet for depression. It’s something we have to walk through. But God walks with us and can bring us through it. There is no right or wrong experience of depression. Everyone’s experience is different, and it can change from time to time. Not everyone who is depressed feels down all the time…many experience depression as irritability, agitation, or anger. Overcoming SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression or the blues is a process. You didn’t become depressed overnight and it won’t go away overnight. But small baby steps will make a difference. To help mitigate the effect of SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder or the post-holiday blues: Plan one thing each day that you enjoy. (i.e. take a bubble bath, read for 15-20 minutes) Write it in your day planner. It prioritizes self-care. If you don’t take care of yourself, you have nothing left to pour out to others. When we feel depressed, we can feel like we have nothing left to look forward to, especially after the holidays, but this can give us something small to look forward to. Instead of listening to the news, listen to calming music or text a friend to give yourself an emotional holiday for a few minutes. Sometimes when you are the one experiencing the blues or depression, you want others to reach out to you. It’s easy to believe the lie that no one understands or cares. But be the one to reach out to someone else. Start the dialogue. Don’t let yourself give in to the enemy of your soul who wants you to isolate. (Karl Meninger gave the advice to get up off the couch, go out their door, go across the railroad track and find someone else to help because when we invest in others it brings joy. Today we don’t even have to go across the railroad tracks…we can text, email, or share with others through social media). Establish a set bedtime. This allows your brain to replenish it’s naturally occurring neurotransmitters that we often take medication for. A consistent bedtime is crucial. Enjoy a balanced diet with an emphasis on sufficient protein. Without protein, your brain cannot think clearly or regenerate those naturally occurring neurotransmitters. Just 10-15 minutes of exercise can make a positive difference in our mood. Many people who are depressed don’t feel like they have any energy. But the less you do, the less energy you will have. If you start with 5 minutes of exercise a day, you will get more energy and you can extend that to 10 minutes a day, and then 15 minutes, etc. Find some form of exercise that you enjoy, that will help you continue with it even when you don’t feel like it. You might also consider exercising with a friend. That helps with accountability, as well as the social aspect which can help our mood. Pay attention to the thoughts you have. Our feelings are the outward manifestation of the thoughts you believe. Scripture tells us to take every thought captive. That means pay attention to your thoughts and ask if they agree with what God says. If they do not, you must replace those thoughts with the truth of God’s word. When you read God’s word and come across scriptures that really hit you in the heart, write them down and repeat them out loud. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Then when you need them, the Holy Spirit will remind you of those truths, but he can only remind us of those things we’ve already known. Consider listening to our other podcast episodes about depression. Consider reading Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the Hope Prevails Bible Study for more information and advice written from the perspective of both a doctor who has diagnosed and treated patients, as well as one who has walked through the depression journey herself. If you have experienced any of the signs and symptoms of depression mentioned above, for more than a couple weeks, consider consulting with your general practitioner to rule out any contributing medical condition, or to see if depression is the cause of such symptoms. If any and all medical conditions have been ruled out, and depression deemed to be the reason for your struggle, consider seeking out the advice and wisdom of a mental health practitioner for ongoing support. Scripture References: Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 30:5 Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Recommended Resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK [8255]) is a United States-based suicide prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. After dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the caller is routed to their nearest crisis center to receive immediate counseling and local mental health referrals. The Lifeline supports people who call for themselves or someone they care about. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org 6 Tips for Coping with the Post-Holiday Blues Is It the Blues or Something Else? When You Have the Blues The Post-Holiday Blues Two Triggers for the Post-Holiday Blues A Fast Track to the Holiday Blues Pro-Actively Beat the Winter Blues Part 1 Pro-Actively Beat the Winter Blues Part 2 Pro-Actively Beat the Winter Blues Part 3 Pro-Actively Beat the Winter Blues Part 4 Pro-Actively Beat the Winter Blues Part 5 Pro-Actively Beat the Winter Blues Part 6 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube About Dr. Michelle Bengtson: Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the newly released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promise.s” She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at Apple Podcasts. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever struggled with comparing yourself to others or wishing you were someone else, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about how we get trapped in the comparison cycle and what effect that has on us. All of us struggle with comparison from time to time. Comparison can be used as a tool, but not when we use it to determine if we are worthy and okay. Even before we know there is something different about us or doesn’t measure up, Satan uses that to hold us down. It all boils down to lies and we believe him. This often happens to us early in childhood before we can recognize the lies for what they are. Think about Mary and Martha. That is one of the most classic examples of comparison. But Jesus held both Mary and Martha in such high regard. The root of comparison often comes down to insecurity, but it usually comes back to the enemy of our souls. We all long for and look for love. So we look for assurance and our insecurity prompts us to look around. Sometimes the deeply ingrained comparison stemming from insecurity often comes from the way our faith is distorted. Every good Christian woman knows about the virtuous Proverbs 31 woman and feels like she doesn’t measure up. After a while, we become burdened with the need to become always better without the assurance that we are loved just as we are. God loves us so much that we are adopted as His children and loved as we are, where we are. True humility is accepting what God says about us. We often choose the most outstanding attribute in others and wish we were like that and then take all those outstanding attributes and created a mythical person who doesn’t exist. Often we then project our insecurities onto others around us which can create real problems in relationships. One of the reasons we hold others in such high esteem while we struggle to accept ourselves is because we know all our own sin, but we don’t know about the sin of others. So they look spotless while we feel tarnished. Social media can be used for so much good, but we must not let it be a tool that causes God’s image-bearers to doubt their place. Comparison can be used for good: doctors compare our status to the expected outcome and compare our numbers to the ideal because often someone’s life depends on it. Comparison often helps to ensure social justice. Comparison can be used as a teaching tool during which we compare our efforts with someone who is more knowledgable to learn from it. But comparison often results in isolation to keep us from the fellowship and communion that we were designed for. Comparison is the thief of joy. God himself is about relationship. We were created for relationship because we were created by relationship. We were not intended to stand alone. You are enough. You are more than enough. You were intended to be one part of a beautiful puzzle. You are needed. You are necessary. You are an essential part of a beautiful whole and the rest of us are less without you. Jesus’ father is also your father. He wants only good things for you.  Quotables from the episode: We often look around to determine if we measure up and if we belong. Comparison often results in isolation to keep us from the fellowship and communion that we were designed for. Comparison is the thief of joy. We were created for relationship because we were created by relationship. Comparison is a tool that can be used for good or used for bad. Scripture References: Ephesians 5:1 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Proverbs 3:1-2 says “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying.” Recommended Resources: Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison by Richella Parham. Anyone interested in looking a little further into the book before deciding to buy can read the first chapter at https://www.ivpress.com/mythical-me. Anyone who purchases the book can download a companion prayer guide; it’s available at com. Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award. Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Richella Parham: Website / Book / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube  Guest: Richella Parham is a speaker, a blogger at ImpartingGrace.com, and the author of Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison and A Spiritual Formation Primer. The mother of three young adult sons, she lives in Durham, North Carolina with her husband, Jack. She serves in leadership and worship planning at The Gathering Church. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:  If you have ever failed at accomplishing a New Year’s resolution and then felt bad about yourself, then today is the perfect show for you. The New Year always seems to impose a “re-set,” if you will, on our lives, and often it brings with it the expectation of life-altering changes in the form of resolutions which days later have a tendency to usher in feelings of defeat and failure. But that doesn’t have to be and today we will discuss some healthy alternatives to the fateful New Year’s resolution. Quotables from the episode:One of the problems with New Year’s resolutions is that they largely depend wholly on us. Too often we exclude God from the picture or the process. Resolutions short-circuit the process of discovery of what’s really important to you, or to God. Consider instead, giving yourself a concept to consider and use January to think about why that is appealing to you, and keep in mind the ultimate goal and how you want to achieve that. If we focus less on a specific goal, and more on the overarching theme that is driving the resolution, then we can have more grace with ourselves. Another problem with setting resolutions is that too often when we achieve those resolutions, we realize it’s “not all that and more.”  We often find out that reaching that goal hasn’t fundamentally changed us and we still feel like we have missed out. Too often when people mess up and miss our resolution within days or weeks, we settle in a place of failure instead of recognizing God’s grace. One alternative to New Year’s resolutions is to focus on one word or theme for the word and embrace the discovery of what God wants to teach us throughout the year. Such words or themes often require us to look beyond our circumstances to see how God will work or change us in the process. We go into the New Year with ourselves…we haven’t fundamentally changed, and the turn of the calendar is already imprinted with who you are. So if you haven’t made the changes before, you’ll have to do more than change the calendar to make such changes. But including God in the process lets us ask “God, what is it you want to do in me, through me, and around me?” and partner with Him in that. Another alternative to New Year’s resolutions is to believe in, operate in, and appropriate God’s promises (i.e. worry less about pleasing others, and focus more on doing what pleases God). Something that we often forget in making our New Year’s resolutions is that we often forget that when Jesus died on the cross, He declared that all those things that are the focus of our resolutions “is finished.” Greed, gluttony, selfishness, procrastination, (fill in the blank________) is finished because we have inside us the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  We try to do things in our own strength, but nothing is impossible with God.  So if we go into the New Year, recognizing what Christ accomplished for us on the cross, and has already declared what His will is, then when we are focused on His will, He will help us make the necessary changes. One way to usher into the New Year is to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, as a way of remembering what Christ did for us, and how we want to change to be more like Him. And we can take this time to offer thanksgiving for all God has done in, and through, and for us this past year. May you experience a New Year blessed by Him. Scripture References: Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” John 19:30, “When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.” Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Isaiah 43:19, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Recommended Resources: https://drmichellebengtson.com/new-years-aspiration/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/new-years-goals-getting-back-to-what-matters/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/ask-drb-goals-for-the-new-year/ Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:If you have ever questioned who you are, what your purpose is, or how God views you, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about Embracing who we are, and becoming all God created us to be. And in order to know who that is, sometimes we have to dispel some of the lies we have believed about ourselves. My guest on today’s show is author, speaker, and life coach, Holley Gerth. Holley helps us understand some of the most common lies we believe, where these lies come from, and how to replace these lies with life-giving truth about our true identity in Christ. We often have the tendency to believe lies such as “I am not enough…” or “I’m all alone,” or “I’m invisible.” Yet God’s word assures us, that in our humanness we aren’t enough but having Him living inside us is enough and makes us more than conquerors. Furthermore, God sees us, He promises to always be with us, and that He thinks about us constantly. Scripture tells us to guard our heart and our mind and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. This means it’s important that we examine our thoughts, determine where they come from and the source of those lies, repent of believing the lies and receive God’s truth. Holley suggests that instead of focusing on all of our flaws, that we focus on the strengths God has entrusted into us, the skills we’ve been given, and those whom we can serve from our strength. It’s so important to know God’s word so that we can recognize the lies when we encounter them, and so that we realize God loves us just as we are, as His children, but that He also loves us so much He doesn’t want to leave us where we are. Quotables from the episode:If you have ever questioned who you are, what your purpose is, or how God views you, then today is the perfect show for you.  We all have lies that we have come to believe about ourselves. One very common lie that people believe is “I am not enough (pretty enough, talented enough, educated enough…).” The truth is, we’re not enough, but Jesus is enough in us. His word says that he will give us everything we need for life and godliness. Another common lie that many believe is “I’m alone” or “I’m invisible.” A U.S.A. Today study said that half of Americans said they had one or fewer people that they could talk to about meaningful things, and that includes spouses and family. So if you have more than one close person in your life to share things with, consider yourself blessed. Sometimes we feel especially alone when we go through transitions (like a move, or a new job, or we’ve become a new parent with a young baby in the home). If you truly have no one to share with or discuss meaningful things with, that’s an especially good time to seek someone out in the mental health field. The lies that we’re prone to believe really started back in the Garden of Eden when the enemy said, “Did God really say…” When we begin hearing those thoughts, we can pause and ask “What is the source of this?” If God is not the source, and the message is not spoken with love, then we can know it’s not the truth. We need to pay attention to our thoughts. The lies we’ve believed become automatic thoughts.  Go to God’s word to find the truth, and be honest with friends when you’re having trouble remembering the truth so they can speak truth to you. Taking every thought captive is an act of war. It’s okay if it’s a battle. It is hard work. It’s easy to fall prey to the imposter syndrome because as long as we’re on this earth, there’s a gap between our real self and our ideal self. We know deep down in our hearts that we are not all we are made to be.  And we think that’s our responsibility to make that happen on earth. Scripture says that He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion. That takes the weight off our shoulders because God is the one who is responsible for doing that work. We’re often prone to asking “Who do I think I am?” In the Bible when Moses argued with God and tried to convince God that he wasn’t up to the task God was calling him to do, God didn’t answer with a reassurance of who Moses was, He answered with a reassurance of who God was. God basically told Moses, and us, not to focus on who we are, but instead focus on who God is. Sometimes it comes down to us trusting God. We can have an honest dialogue with God and admit “I don’t know if I can trust you, God, but I want to.” God says that when you seek Him with your whole heart, you will find Him. Start by looking not at what has to happen but at what strengths you already possess. What characteristics of God show up in your life? What are some of the skills God has given you? And who is God asking you to serve in this season of your life? Put those three things together, and those overlapping circles in the middle of those three is probably your God-given sweet spot. These Bible Verses describe how God sees you. They will help you see yourself as God sees you. God says you are created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” God says you are a loved child of the Most High God. (John 1:12) “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” God thinks you are beautiful. (Song of Solomon 4:7) “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” When God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” John 1:12, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Song of Solomon 4:7, “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Recommended Resources: You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who We Are, Becoming All God Created Us to Be by Holley Gerth https://amzn.to/2MOM7DU Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely by Holley Gerth https://amzn.to/36kBT62 Strong, Brave, Loved: Empowering Reminders of Who You Really Are by Holley Gerth https://amzn.to/36jKdDe You’re Going to Be Okay: Encouraging Truth Your Heart Needs to Hear, Especially on the Hard Days by Holley Gerth https://amzn.to/2rKtr0S See Yourself as God Sees You Who God Says You Are: 17 Scriptures About our True Identity Rejoice! You are Not Alone! God is With You! YourRX 17 Bible Verses: Who God Says You Are and What God Says About You 10 Scriptures for When You Need Strength Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Holley: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog / Facebook /  Instagram  / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  / Pinterest / YouTube  Guest: Holley Gerth Holley Gerth is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You’re Already Amazing as well as several other books. She’s a follower of Jesus, wife to Mark and mama to Lovelle. She loves encouraging the hearts of women and you can connect with her at www.holleygerth.com. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt overwhelmed, worn out, or overcome by holiday pressures, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about soul care: how to reduce anxiety with tips on tending to your soul and remaining unruffled during the chaos of the holidays Whether we have a lot of time or a little time, our Heavenly Father delights in spending time with us. When we spend time with Him, we can rid ourselves of worry, fear, and anxiety, and remain in His peace. When we think about Jesus’s three years of ministry, he walked into the most chaotic environments but brought His peace with Him. So we can walk into any situation, allowing God’s peace to dominate us, and then it will spread outward. As believers with the Holy Spirit, we do carry God’s peace with us, but too often we forfeit that peace by becoming consumed by the chaos around us. Peace is not the opposite of chaos, it comes from inside so it’s not dependent on our circumstances. We need to look at situations from God’s vantage point. We are all capable of bringing His peace to our situations but we have to be more deliberate and less easily influenced by our circumstances. Anxiety comes from looking at our circumstances rather than up at our heavenly Father. We lose our peace when we’ve gotten our focus wrong. We never see the entire situation, but He can because He’s already gone before us. So often we become consumed by focusing on the details when He wants us to leave the details to Him and trust Him with the big picture. Try to make time for family, friends, and memory making. Be sure to make sure you are already plugged into God, before the chaos takes over. Taking time at the end of the day to still our thoughts and give God our cares of the day can help us sleep more peacefully and wake up unruffled the next morning. By looking over the plans of the next day, we can wake up prepared instead of in a panic about the day. Understand that your wellbeing is paramount to God, as well as the wellbeing of those around you. You cannot get water from an empty well. It’s just not possible to pour out when we ourselves are dry and empty. He wants us to be taking care of our own soul, and taking care of our physical body so that it doesn’t give out on you. Quotables from the episode: “Find your voice, live your story.” Edie Melson Whether we have a lot of time or a little time, our Heavenly Father delights in spending time with us. When we think about Jesus’s three years of ministry, he walked into the most chaotic environments but brought His peace with Him. Scripture References: John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Philippians 3:16, “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Recommended Resources: Books in the Soul Care Series Soul Care When You’re Weary by Edie Melson https://amzn.to/2EK2Io2 Soul Care for Writers by Edie Melson https://amzn.to/2tIPgyH Soul Care When You’re Grieving (releasing January 2020) Soul Care When You’re an Empty Nester (releasing August 2020) Unruffled: Thriving in Chaos by Edie Melson and Rhonda Rhea https://amzn.to/2PP52AN “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Edie Melson: https://ediemelson.com/ https://www.boldvisionbooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/Stop2Pray/ https://twitter.com/EdieMelson https://www.facebook.com/edie.melson For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to readers, fellow creatives, or writers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Edie has this to say about her heritage, “I’m creative out of self-defense. As the daughter of an artist-mother and musician-turned-photographer-father, I’d have been a disgrace if I hadn’t been true to my own creativity.” Edie’s a popular speaker and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and the social media director of Southern Writers Magazine. Connect with her on her website, www.EdieMelson.com and through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. She and husband Kirk have been married 38+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in SC where they love to hike and wander the mountains. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: We all want a peaceful Christmas, but, “life gets busy.” Sometimes we’re forced to slow down, and guess what? We discover we actually CAN let go of some of the tasks and duties that not only weigh us down, but also steal our peace. Don’t we all desire more peace during the holidays? From November first until the decorations come down sometime in January, and then the credit card bills start coming in, stress and anxiety rise and with it, our peace dwindles. What a shame when the reason for the holiday is the celebration of the Prince of Peace. What if I told you that you really can let go of some of the anxiety and overwhelm of the holiday season with some simple ways to create more peace during the holidays? It’s true. I’ve been there and have been so grateful for making some simple changes so that I could celebrate from a peaceful place. You can too as you read about ways to create a more peaceful holiday season. Last week, on Ways to create a More Peaceful Holiday Season Part 1 - Episode 35, we talked about the fact that in order to create a more peaceful holiday season, we need to remember who the source of our peace is. We also started talking about ways to recognize and reduce our expectations of ourselves and others in order to experience less worry and anxiety and more of His peace during the holidays. So often Paul addressed the people in his letters by saying “Grace and peace to you from God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God wants us to experience His peace, But we cannot experience true peace apart from God’s presence.” So much worry, fear, and anxiety are a result of trying to maintain control of things that we cannot control. And we certainly cannot control others’ expectations. If all the holidays' preparations are a burden to you, whose expectations are you trying to live up to? Consider sitting the family down to determine what expectations they have. If you didn’t do ____, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas to them. This could mean just sending digital Christmas cards instead of physically mailing cards. Or perhaps you reduce your baking to just baking the family’s absolute favorite treats. Consider lessening the amount of decorating you do to the favorite décor for your family. You might also consider cutting back on the holiday meals to just the favorite dishes or buying a precooked meal to reduce the stress you encounter during the holiday season. Limiting the gift-giving not only simplifies things, but helps you be a good steward of what God has given you, and lets you enjoy people over presents. Assess why you do what you do? Is it because you’re trying to live up to someone else’s expectations? Is it bringing you joy or draining yourself of joy? In our gift-giving, I think it’s so important to teach our children that Christmas isn’t about them, but about the greatest gift God could ever give in the birth of His son. And it’s great to take a lesson from the wisemen and limit our gift-giving to those that are the most special way to communicate our love to each other. We try so hard to set the perfect table, cook the perfect meal, and give the perfect gifts. But one great gift to give others is to release them from our expectations of how they will respond. They will never live up to the expectations in our mind anyway. Another way to maintain peace during the holidays is to choose our focus.  It’s crucial that we focus on maintaining our healthy routines during the holidays. Consider continuing to make time for a daily quiet time, getting in your regular exercise, make rest a priority, and eat well. But it’s also important to maintain a nightly routine: review your calendar for the next day or two so you aren’t taken by surprise the next day, record the new tasks that come up that must be completed, consider reading an advent reading or similar devotion each evening before going to bed, and pray thanking God for what He enabled you to do during the day and giving him your cares for all your tomorrows. Another way to choose our focus is to limit technology during the holiday season. It’ll free up your time to get some of the holiday-specific tasks completed. Another way to choose our focus is to limit negativity and negative inputs. Also consider helping those who are alone or are going through a hard time during the holidays. Even when you are feeling down, you’d be surprised how helping others will encourage your own heart and bring a sense of peace to your heart and mind. Quotables from the episode: We cannot experience true peace apart from God’s presence. In our gift-giving, I think it’s so important to teach our children that Christmas isn’t about them, but about the greatest gift God could ever give in the birth of His son. Even when you are feeling down, you’d be surprised how helping others will encourage your own heart and bring a sense of peace to your heart and mind.  Scripture References: Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Isaiah 26:3 “He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on thee.” Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Recommended Resources: “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Breaking Anxiety’s Grip free study guide https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip-study-guide/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the soon to be released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Sept 2019). She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Holidays are a busy time, and we experience an increase in stress, commitments, and chaos. But what we really want is to be able to experience the holiday joy while keeping our peace. Today we’re going to discuss some practical ways to keep our peace during the holiday season. Don’t we all desire a more peaceful holiday season? From November first until the decorations come down sometime in January, and then the credit card bills start coming in, stress and anxiety rise and with it, our peace dwindles. What a shame when the reason for the holiday is the celebration of the Prince of Peace What if I told you that you really can let go of some of the anxiety and overwhelm of the holiday season with some simple ways to create a more peaceful holiday season? It’s true. I’ve been there, and have been so grateful for making some simple changes so that I could celebrate from a peaceful place. You can too as you read about ways to create a more peaceful holiday season. Sometimes we go into the holidays with expectations we have of ourselves, expectations we have of others, and feeling the weight of expectations others have of us. After my mother died, I felt the weight of being the new matriarch of the family, and the pressure to do things the way my mother had done it. But over time, I realized that living up to those spoken or unspoken expectations was stealing my peace and joy during a time when the commercials and Hallmark movies tell us should be the most wonderful time of the year. 1. It’s so crucial that we remember who the source of our peace is. If we were to really understand the nature of God, not only would we not have to worry about peace, but all the other worldly concerns we have would go away. Jesus came not just as our savior, but also the Prince of Peace. In my newest book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises,” one of the chapters talks about “God Is” our peace. We sacrifice our peace when we take our eyes off God and put our focus on the circumstances going on around us.   A regular discipline of spending time with God and in His word, will remind us of who we are in Him. During the holiday season before you do any of the holiday tasks, take a moment, stop where you are and mentally go through the list of who you are and who the source of your peace is.  When we realize how much God cares for us, and the fact that nothing takes Him by surprise, we can rest in His peace. One way to remember the source of peace, is remembering Jesus only had three years on this earth to complete his heavenly mission, his kingdom assignment. Yet, we never saw Jesus running from appointment to appointment. He walked everywhere, and He walked at the pace God set for Him. We sacrifice our peace because we make a long list of to do’s that we think we must get done each day. We can get caught up in anxiety when we think of all the demands we put on ourselves. Yet Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. What if we started off the day asking God what HE wants us to do today? We’ve been invited to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. It’s something we get to do. Sometimes the most important thing on our agenda is seeing the people around us. 2. It’s important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. We can try so hard to buy the perfect gift, to cook the perfect meal, or set the most elegant dinner table. But we cannot control how others will respond to our best efforts. In the familiar story about Jesus visiting Mary and Martha, I’m grateful that Jesus didn’t say that what Martha was doing wasn’t important. In fact, scripture said that Martha was doing the preparations that needed to be done. But Martha sacrificed her peace by worrying about all the details, whereas Mary kept her peace because she made Jesus her priority. Too often we continue rituals and traditions because we feel like that’s what is expected of us. But when we do, we sacrifice our peace. We want to spend time around the table not focused on the details, but on creating memories for our families to enjoy. Quotables from the episode: To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, it’s crucial that we remember the source of our peace. Sometimes we preach the loudest just by taking time for the person in front of us. To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, It’s important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke 10:40-42 “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Recommended Resources:  “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Breaking Anxiety’s Grip free study guide https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip-study-guide/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:  http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the soon to be released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Sept 2019). She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We only get one life to live, and we don’t want to take it for granted. In this episode, we sit down and talk with author and speaker, Tracie Miles, about trusting God in Difficult Times, and how to find joy in the hard times. Today’s guest is my friend, Tracie Miles. Tracie is an author, speaker, and Director of COMPEL training for Proverbs 31 ministries. Tracie has walked through several difficult valleys in recent years and took the time to share not only the journey she has been on, but how she learned to cope and find joy again. Tracie shared that a key to loving life again and finding joy when life is hard, recording those times in our history when God was faithful to encourage our hearts when life gets difficult again. Tracie also suggested finding a support system, which may or may not be in the church. She further shared the importance of getting enough rest, sleep, eating well, and perhaps even seeking out a Christian counselor. Tracie pointed out that frequently a stumbling block to our joy is our attitude and perspective. She talked about the difference between complaining to God and lamenting as we share our sorrows with God. Tracie pointed out that if we truly want God’s joy, that it’s crucial we recognize our value and know that God truly loves us. Tracie talked about the importance of having God’s perspective: When Jesus looks at us, He sees us through the lens of mercy, and grace. Quotables from the episode: If you’ve been going through a hard time trusting God in difficult times, then this is the show for you to listen to!  During those really difficult, painful experiences in life, it helps to look back and remember all those other times before when God was faithful and brought me through, and trusting that He will bring us through the current situation as well Make sure you find a strong support system. Friends, family, people in your church who can also give you spiritual support, to help keep you grounded in your faith so you are strong enough mentally and physically to be able to do the hard things. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Especially if others (like children) are depending on you, you’ve got to take care of yourself in order to be able to attend to the needs of others. Eat well, exercise, and do what it takes to sleep. We have to choose not to let our circumstances dictate our joy. It’s so important that we let God renew our thoughts and renew our mind, because only then can the real healing begin. Besides our circumstances (which are often largely outside of our control), another stumbling block to keeping our joy is out attitude and perspective; the thoughts we entertain. We have to be intentional about the thoughts we have. If we keep having the same negative thoughts we had yesterday and the day before, we’ll end up having the same negative outcome. If we truly want to experience joy, it’s crucial that we not only recognize our value, but that we also love ourselves. When Jesus looks at us, He sees us through the lens of mercy, and grace. He doesn’t look at what we’ve done or haven’t done, or all our mistakes or regrets, or sins or failures. We can’t have joy and love other people, and love on other people, really until we love ourselves. There’s no way we can experience joy and happiness when we complain frequently. Complaining is really against God but lamenting is sharing our sorrow with Him. We need to keep in mind that divorce results in grief, just like after losing someone to death. The difference is that you mourn the loss of someone who is still living. You mourn the loss of the relationship, and the dreams you had. People going through a separation or divorce need to be treated with tenderness or sympathy rather than judgement or condemnation, or even rather than offering advice or taking sides. Being content in all situations doesn’t mean that we necessarily like or approve the situation, but that we trust that God has us right where we are supposed to be and He will provide for my needs. Scripture References: Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”   Recommended Resources: Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard by Tracie Miles https://amzn.to/2RlCxeS Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live by Tracie Miles https://amzn.to/33WBbtD Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past To Create A Beautiful Future by Tracie Miles https://amzn.to/2YjoHLL Stressed Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles https://amzn.to/38apQcZ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-testimonies-in-bible-bolster-faith-during-hard-times/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/7-things-learned-from-hd-times/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/5-tips-to-cope-with-the-hard-times/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/never-alone-15-bible-verses-assure-you-when-you-feel-alone/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/scriptures-when-you-need-strength/ Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p31traciemiles/ Facebook Live Life Again Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/683895538615656/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traciemiles/ Twitter: @traciesmiles https://twitter.com/traciewmiles Blog: www.traciemiles.com     For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: http://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson Pinterest:  http://www.Pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Tracie Miles Tracie Miles is a national Speaker and Author with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is the author of four best-selling books, Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live. (2017), Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past To Create A Beautiful Future (2014) and Stressed Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World (2012). Her latest book released in 2018 called Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard. Tracie is a contributing author to the popular Zondervan NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, and the Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional Book, in addition to being a monthly contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotions which reach over one million people per day around the globe. In addition to her speaking and writing, Tracie is the Director of COMPEL Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, has 3 adult children and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: If you have ever been abused by someone in the church, been manipulated by the church, or been under abusive authority within the church, or want to know how to avoid all the above, then this show is the perfect show for you. In this episode, I speak with Athena Dean Holtz about spiritual abuse. Those at greatest risk of being the victim of spiritual abuse appear to be those who don’t truly know what the Word of God says. Manipulators thrive on control and thrive on converting others to their way of thinking. Intimidation is another characteristic of abusers, leaving their victims feeling all alone, powerless, defeated, and victimized. While most situations of abuse are not the victim’s fault, it can nonetheless be so helpful for the victim to ask God the Father “What role did I play in this?” When we take responsibility for our own behavior, it strips the abuser of their power. Furthermore, learning what behaviors and patterns are recurring and leaving victims wounded, helps us take responsibility for the roll we played, and it makes us more responsible for having honest dialog with the one who is wounded by agreeing in prayer, and agreeing with what God says about us, and often has the added benefit of helping us not repeat behaviors and patterns in relationship that would lead to future abuse. Quotables from the episode: It’s so crucial that we know the Scripture and know when it is being taken out of context. Furthermore, when we aren’t familiar enough with the scriptures for ourselves can make us easily intimidated by the scriptures when others proclaim them. If we leave wounded areas in our life unhealed, leaves us open to further work by the enemy of our soul. Intimidation is a common strategy used by those who are abusive. And that’s just like the enemy, who is a big bully and is intimidating when Jesus isn’t like that at all. When we have been hurt and wounded by people, that can leave a void in our lives that can leave us open to being wounded by others and be drawn in by others in the future, and manipulators are good at observing and figuring out what our triggers points and vulnerable weak spots are, so they can use those to their advantage. Abusers often begin with a grooming process, where they take a special interest in someone and go out of their way to make that person feel special. But at the same time, they also make it seem that anyone who questions, or challenges, or who points out anything that could be negative as the enemy. The abusers will often make it sound righteous by cutting off anyone who disagrees with their position. In the grooming process, they also want to isolate you and cut you off from friend, family members, and anyone who might point out the fallacies of their beliefs and help you see truth. If a spiritual leader is not humble enough to allow people to challenge them on their opinions or teachings, but instead intimidate or get angry, that’s a very dangerous place to be. To aid in our healing, we have to be willing to ask God, “What was my role in this? Where did I open the door for the enemy to come in? What do I need to take responsibility and repent for?” God’s way is for us to be teachable and humbling ourselves to his conviction. Another useful thing to do when you want to ensure that you know truth, is to ask the Holy Spirit “What do you say about this?” The Holy Spirit’s job is to remind us of all truth. But He can’t remind us of the truth if we haven’t already been exposed to it by reading God’s word. If you have a friend or loved one who is being spiritually abused, pray for them. Because of the brainwashing that takes place, they are not likely to listen to your concerns. You might gift them a copy of Athena’s book because it comes from the perspective of someone else who has been there. If you’ve been in a position of having been spiritually abused, do not allow it to steal your trust with others. Not all churches, pastors, or spiritual leaders are abusive. You need to find a safe community of believers who believe the truth, and help you get healed from the past abuse, whereas the enemy would like to use this to isolate you further. Scripture References: Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do." Isaiah 30:20-21 “Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left.’” Recommended Resources: Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God by Athena Dean Holtz https://amzn.to/37WpiaC Twisted Scriptures: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told by Andrew Farley https://amzn.to/33q1Y1f The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen https://amzn.to/2Drv6Li Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement by Ron Burks https://amzn.to/2DsJWRs “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N\ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://athenadeanholtz.com https://facebook.com/athena.dean1 https://facebook.com/redemptionpress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Athena Dean Holtz Athena Dean is a publisher, speaker, former radio host and pastor’s wife. For the last 30 years she has worked in the industry, spearheading the independent publishing movement in the Christian publishing market. In 2014 Athena co-founded Redemption Press to fill an author-centered niche in publishing. She was president of the Northwest Christian Writer’s Association from 2016-2018, is a president’s club member of Christian Women in Media Association (CWIMA), a member of Advanced Writer & Speaker Association (AWSA), and recently retired host of a weekly radio program, “Always Faithful” on AM 630 KCIS, where she shared God’s faithfulness with women across the globe.  Her newest book recounts the story of her twelve-year Job-like experience and the modern day Cinderella story she is now living. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: If you have ever felt broken, worthless, or unable to be used by God, then today is the perfect show for you. (And by the way, if it sounds like thunder in the background, there IS thunder in the background. Both Suzie and I were in the midst of terrible storms when we recorded this. But the show must go on. In this episode, I spoke with my friend, Suzie Eller, about how God can heal our broken places. Suzie and I discussed how we all have areas of brokenness in our lives, and so often God uses those areas of brokenness to become areas of ministry after God has come in and healed us. By inviting God into those broken places, God changes us, our direction, our heart, and even the future generation Healing is always a process. While we never become completely healed this side of heaven, we can experience increasing levels of healing over time. Healing was exactly part of the reason Jesus came, and the closer we become to God, the greater the levels of healing we receive. The power of Jesus’s death on the cross is not in anything we do, but instead in what He did for us. By healing us in our areas of brokenness, we can then comfort others who may go through similar situations. Suzie discussed three things we don’t have to do for our healing: earn God’s love, do this alone, or run away. Quotables from the episode: Whenever we see the word “will” in Scripture, that is a promise from God. Knowing God changes us. But it doesn’t just change us, knowing Him changes our direction, it changes our heart, and it changes the next generation. Healing goes on for a lifetime. We never become fully healed this side of heaven. Our story matters a lot, and our woundedness looks different from person to person, but Jesus came for us.  We begin the healing process by embracing the truth that no matter what it looks like, He has us on His heart, and He also knows how to heal us. Our woundedness can look very different from person to person. We can be wounded from people, from the church, from sin, from loss... Jesus knows where our woundedness lies and how to heal us. If we could have healed ourselves, we would have. Jesus meets us where we are. 3 Things You Don’t Have to do for Your Healing: You don’t have to earn God’s love. You don’t have to go anywhere. He meets you right where you are. You don’t have to do this alone. God’s got you. Just like when Peter began to sink, Jesus reaches out to help us. You don’t have to run away. We run away from a lot of things. We run toward comparison and away from God. We run away when we think we’ve made a mistake. But we never have to run away from God. Jesus said He has come for us. If you are running away, you don’t have to run anymore. Just stop, turn around, and move toward Him. When God says “I have come…” or “I have overcome the world…” or “I will fight for you…” takes the pressure off our own shoulders, and puts the responsibility on God’s shoulders. Part of Jesus’s mission statement was to come to heal us. A relationship with God is a discovery process of becoming who He knew all along that we would be. Forgiveness is crucial in order to mend our heart. It’s hard, but it’s not something we have to do, but rather, that we get to do. It’s a surrendering process to what God wants to do in us. Forgiveness is opening the door to say, whether you apologize or not, whether you understand or not, I’m going to release you so that I can run wholeheartedly after who God wants me to be. We tend to ruminate in our thoughts on how we want situations to go. We give way too much mental real estate to unforgiveness, which keeps us from being free. That’s when we need to pray, “Lord, do in my heart what I cannot do for myself.” God will change our heart as we surrender it. Our heart is a little bit like a jigsaw puzzle, and bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness are pieces of the puzzle. As we hold onto those pieces, our heart (the puzzle) can never become whole until we give God all the pieces so that He can come in and mend and then it becomes a beautiful picture. How frustrating is it when we go to put a jigsaw puzzle together and we get to the end and one or two pieces are missing? It’s up to us to allow God to have all the pieces of our broken heart in order to mend it and allow it to become a beautiful picture. We are not limited by one chapter of our story. We can live in that one chapter, or we can look at that one chapter and see it as just a short portion of our life. That one chapter doesn’t have to be our destiny. Our broken heart doesn’t just impact ourselves. It also impacts those around us. We aren’t meant to heal alone. We can take advantage of good Godly counsel, and friends who will speak the truth in love. Go to the people who will shine a light into our dark places that will help us grow. You are worth fighting for. The one truth is: God sent His son for us so we can be free. He said you were worth fighting for. Imagine yourself in a competition in a boxing ring, but picture God in that ring with you, wearing boxing gloves to fight for us. He is greater than us, and knows the perfect way to help. The power of the cross is not in what we can do, but in what has already been done for us. He loves you like crazy. You are not alone. He’s in this with you. Scripture References: Luke 4:18-19, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Matthew 6:8, “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Ephesians 1:19-21, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.” Recommended Resources: “The Mended Heart: God’s Healing for Your Broken Places” by Suzie Eller https://amzn.to/2KJoZpA “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host and Guest: https://tsuzanneeller.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mended-heart-sample-1.pdf www.facebook.com/SuzanneEller www.instagram.com/suzanne.eller www.pinterest.com/suzieeller www.twitter.com/suzanneeller.com For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Suzanne Eller Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is an ECPA bestselling author, podcaster, and popular media guest. She co-hosts, along with Holley Gerth and Jennifer Watson, the More Than Small Talk podcast. Suzie has written 10 books and is writing her latest, Joy Keeper, which will be launched in 2020. She’s mom to three grown children and their spouses, wife to Richard, and “Gaga” to six beautiful littles under the age of eight. When she’s not writing, she’s with her family, hiking, cycling, kayaking, dancing with her littles at the Farmer’s Market. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson