Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  Statistics from Lifeway Research reveal that 49% of pastors admit they rarely or never speak to their congregation about mental illness. And 35% of Americans say mental illness could be overcome with Bible study and prayer alone, revealing perhaps a stigma attached to therapy, meditation, and/or medical treatment needed for the one in five Americans who suffer from mental illness. Join me with Stacey McDonald as we talk about how to be mentally healthy. My guest’s lived experience shaped her to empower others to have open and honest conversations regarding mental health and hope for the 65% of churchgoing family members who desire for their church to talk openly about mental health conditions. Quotables from the episode: Having a father with schizophrenia, as well as my own personal battle with depression, mental health awareness is more than my lived experience—it is my call and passion. Mental health is how effectively you are able to live in your own skin emotionally, psychologically, and socially…it is the one driving force in your life that affects every critical area. When something goes wrong with the body, we do not normally question our salvation. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong with the mind, we often question our faith! Mental health and the gospel have never been mutually exclusive. “Gospel” simply means good news! There is good news among the sleepless nights, intrusive thoughts, broken relationships, and broken hearts. Mental health is your ability to understand and process information and experiences, while emotional health is your ability to manage and express feelings related to those experiences and information. Younger generations have focused exclusively on how they feel rather than on critical information or objective faith. God wants us to focus on His goodness in our lives, show gratitude even in the midst of our struggles, and trust Him that He cares for us unconditionally. There is hope and help to be found in the timeless and precious Word of God. Our Bible never leaves us in the dark concerning good news for our souls, our bodies, and our mental health. God loves us without restraint or conditions.  God loves us well. He loves us when we are sick. And he does not abandon us based on the category, source, condition, or consequences of our sickness. Quite the contrary, God is near to the brokenhearted.  It is okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to ignore the tools and strategies that nourish mental health.  If you do not build your mental health, the big bad wolf of trouble, sickness, change, loss, heartache, and betrayal will blow and your whole house may come crashing down. These winds will blow regardless of your religious affiliation, skin color, socio-economic status, and pedigree, but they do not have to destroy you.  From sleepless nights to anxiety filled days, from the pain of hurt to the shame of mistakes, the heart must heal. The mind must find peace. God reveals the key to happiness: He inspires His people to be grateful! Because you are cut emotionally does not mean you have to settle for an emotional infection. Prevention is better than searching for a cure. Scripture References: Proverbs 6:4 Don’t put it off; do it now! Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body  Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin Recommended Resources:  The Gospel of Mental Health: From Mental Hell to Mental Wellness by Stacey McDonald Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Stacey McDonald: Website / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn / 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 Guest: Stacey McDonald is an evangelist, practicing school psychologist, author, public speaker, and former lead pastor of ten years. She has trained ministers for leadership, equipping them for ministerial success in and out of the pulpit and provided biblical counseling to families, couples, and youth resulting in healthy minds and healthy homes. She provides mental health workshops and seminars for businesses, schools and places of worship and hosts weekly live streamed mental health empowerment sessions on leading social media platforms.   The infinite potential born from pain is nothing short of miraculous, and to be a midwife to such encouraged her writing of The Gospel of Mental Health: From Mental Hell to Mental Wellness with an accompanying journal and workbook. You can learn more about Stacey at www.TheGospelOfMentalHealth.org.  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  Unlock the secrets to thriving as you age. Join me with my guest, Brigitte Cutshall, a beacon of hope and resilience, who defied the odds and found the secret to thriving in the face of cancer and a rare brain tumor. We’ll explore the keys to maintaining a positive outlook, finding purpose, and embracing every day as a precious gift. A focus on hope is powerful!   Quotables from the episode: Hope helped me focus on what was important in life – my health and my family. Hope provided motivation to find the best solutions to overcome two major health crises. Remember to be in the moment and appreciate what you have. Start journaling, basically write your thoughts down. Doesn’t have to be publicly shared. This will help you review your thoughts and patterns. In order to thrive while aging, we have to focus on the good and the positive rather than the negative in our lives. Your body craves proper nutrition and regular physical exercise to heal. Being around others, you learn more about yourself.   Scripture References: Mark 9:23 ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Psalm 71:14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.   Recommended Resources:  YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Brigitte Cutshall: 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 Guest: Brigitte Cutshall is the founder of Gemini Media, host of Real Things Living Podcast, a Health Advocate and focuses on delivering the best solutions to her clients. She’s an accomplished business development professional in the communications, publishing, and print management industry. One of her goals is to inspire (and remind) others to embrace life now by focusing on what’s important to you. Everybody is dealing with something, and having the right perspective helps you deal with those challenges. Brigitte’s happened to be cancer and a rare brain tumor. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  Are you experiencing the empty nest stage of life or finding yourself constantly in close quarters with your spouse? If the 24/7 togetherness feels overwhelming, then this episode is for you! Join us as we delve into the secrets of thriving in marriage with a spouse in the house. Our special guest is Cynthia Ruchti, coauthor of the insightful book "Spouse in the House: Rearranging Our Attitudes to Make Room for Each Other." As fellow hope enthusiasts, I knew she would be the perfect guest on the program. Stay tuned for an inspiring and transformative conversation as we talk about How To Thrive in Marriage with a Spouse in the House. Quotables from the episode: As much as people talk about preparing financially for retirement, and as heavily we emphasis pre-marital counseling, who was talking about preparing relationally for retirement or other life-events and seasons when a husband and wife experience more togetherness than normal. It is an adjustment to share the same space 24/7, work around each other’s routines, communicate expectations, and divide the chores. Not since the Industrial Revolution transformed American life from what had been largely agricultural and family-run businesses has there been such a seismic shift back to two spouses at home. “Any home, large or small, can feel like too tight quarters unless we learn how to relate to, appreciate, and work around each other’s personalities and preferences when a health need, job layoff, retirement, temporary circumstance, or new working arrangement results in both spouses in the house for long stretches of time. “A husband and wife can rub each other the wrong way, find there’s not enough oxygen in the house for both of them, and trip over each other’s physical and emotional ‘stuff.’ But there’s hope for every hurdle, and a joy possibility for every relationship jolt.” It helps to remember that our husband is our brother in Christ, so how the Bible says to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ is how we are to treat our spouse. No human can satisfy you like Jesus, and no human will not satisfy you. But Jesus is your rock. Decide to pre-forgive your spouse of anything they do to you in the future. The best way to handle the spouse in the house is to begin and end the day with them and Jesus. There’s no coasting in marriage. If we stop paddling, we don’t just stay still. We’re carried off to dangerous places or end up where we never intended to go.   Scripture References: Philippians 2:2 NIV—“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2:3 NIV—“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:4. NIV—“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…”   Recommended Resources:  Spouse in the House: Rearranging Our Attitudes to Make Room for Each Other by Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God’s Best for Your Next by Jill Savage Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest by Terri DeBoer Rebuilding Trust Course The Wait Is Not Wasted Course No More Perfect Marriages by Mark and Jill Savage Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences by Bill & Pam Farrel Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle by Bill and Pam Farrel Appreciation: The Key to Unlocking Romance Hope for Marriage Struggles Creative Ways to Show Love During Times of Crisis How Do I Love You? 8 Different Ways to Show Love Great Love Prompts Great Sacrifice: It’s What Love Does Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places You Are Loved by God YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Cynthia Ruchti: 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 Guest: Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed-in-hope through novels, nonfiction, and speaking events for women or writers. Since 2010, she’s released 37 books. Cynthia is a senior literary agent with Books and Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three kids and six grandkids.  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  We are perpetually insecure people. We struggle with self-esteem, recognize our fallenness, and find that in spite of our sinfulness, God chooses to use us…if we let Him. God often steps into our lives and gives us an opportunity to be part of His story. No matter who you are or what your story is, God’s effective grace can resurrect your life and point to Jesus. Join me with my guest, Tamar Miller, for how to receive God’s redeeming grace and live a life that glorifies him. Quotables from the episode: I found myself questioning the goodness and grace of God while begging Him to change my circumstances. There’s nothing you can do to earn God’s grace—it’s a gift to be received. Perseverance is key in any spiritual battle. No matter who or what you are, God can redeem your life. God’s redemptive grace and the timelessness of His goodness because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross and promise of eternal salvation. No matter who they are or what their story is, God’s effective grace has the power to impact and redeem their lives and point their stories to Christ and His gospel message, just like every story of the Bible does, similar to biblical women. The gospel message of Christ continues to change lives with the power to restore, reconcile, rescue, redeem, and resurrect, when all seems lost with no hope, because of God’s faithfulness to His Word and promises in Christ and displayed in His steadfast love, transformative grace, and magnificent mercy towards undeserving sinners. I try to remain honest, transparent, compassionate, but intentional to encourage them to cling to Christ and remain in a study of His Word every day. God’s ways do not always match our preferences, His purposeful and redemptive plan is for the sake of His glory and our ultimate good, even when all looks bleak. Read and study God’s Word and be intentional exploring one book of the Bible at a time. Ask questions, talk about it with other Christian friends, consider what you are learning about God, and then determine how the message of God’s Word might have you respond to your circumstances or relationships. God can choose any person He desires as a grace recipient to display His mercy and love in accordance with His plan of salvation. We are not promised tomorrow so today is the day to receive God’s grace. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 (HCSB): “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me. Therefore, whether it is I or they, so we proclaim and so you have believed.” Romans 15:4 (ESV): “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”   Recommended Resources:  Odd Moms Out: God’s Redemptive Grace in the Lives of Five Biblical Mothers by Tamar Miller New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tamar Miller: 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: Tamar is a pastor’s wife of 25 years to a loving and patient husband, and mom of two wonderfully made teenage sons, one who lives with special needs. She considers marriage and motherhood her primary ministries from the Lord and is grateful for God’s redemptive grace shown to her within these roles. Her desire is to glorify her heavenly Father, faithfully follow Jesus her Savior, and consistently study God’s Word. To help with that, she is thankful for and committed to her local church in SW Florida, where she’s been a member for the past 20 years. Over the past 18 years, she has served in Women’s Ministry as a Bible teacher, ministry leader, and guest speaker at women’s events. Currently, she also serves part-time on staff at a K-12 Christian school and enjoys volunteering in their campus library.    Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  Do you have grown up or adult children? Have you felt that parenting adult children offers different opportunities and challenges than parenting young children? What about the challenges of parenting wayward adult children or parenting adult children even when they choose a different path than you would have chosen for them? Join me with my guest, Mary DeMuth, for an encouraging episode on Parenting Adult Children Even When They Choose a Different Path. Quotables from the episode: Part of the reason parenting adult children is so hard is because we haven’t been given good examples of parenting adult children. Make your conversations with your adult children rooted in curiosity to find a common ground without compromising your theology. When our adult children choose a different path than we would choose for them, we can either blame God or run to God. Shared grief with other parents who understand lessens our grief. God is a perfect parent who had the first rebellious adult children. God understands. He has empathy. He had adult wayward kids, too. I often go back to the book’s structure which is based on 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul unpacks what love is. Studying that has helped me truly connect with and love my adult kids. The enemy has victory when we have wayward children, so we have to determine that he will not have victory over us as well. You can still love your adult child but have a different opinion. Remember, someone else’s choices are not your fault. Prayer is a relationship and oxygen for our lives. If you’re struggling with a wayward adult kid, talk it through with a safe person.   Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NLT Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.    Recommended Resources:  Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy by Mary DeMuth   Resources on Parenting Can the Trajectory We Want for Our Children be Sabotaged? How to Raise Our Children to Have a Strong Foundation in Jesus Trusting Our Children to the Father’s Care How to Reinvent Yourself After the Empty Nest  Moms Raising Sons to be Men by Rhonda Stoppe Empty Nest, Full Life by Jill Savage Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Mary DeMuth: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Podcast 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: Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, a podcaster, and the author of over forty books, fiction and nonfiction, including The Day I Met Jesus. Through God’s healing, Mary has overcome a difficult past to become an authentic example of what it means to live a brand-new story. She loves to help others “re-story” their lives through the books she writes. Mary lives in Texas with her husband of 30 years and is Mom to three adult children. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  Lust is a man’s problem, right? Wrong. When we see lust as an exclusively male issue, it leaves Christian women with nowhere to turn when they struggle with the same things. A 2016 Barna study found 20 percent of Christian women use porn regularly. These women suffer silently and often feel alone with nowhere to turn. There are numerous resources for men struggling, but not women. Today’s guest, Jessica Harris, made it her mission to break the silence, banish the shame, and bring women’s struggles into the light of God’s grace and forgiveness. Jessica and I talk about how Christian women can overcome porn addiction and sexual shame.  Quotables from the episode: With the advent of the internet came pornography accessibility to women. At the core of pornography addiction is loneliness, pressure to go further into other sexual exploits and harm. Often, those who struggle with porn addiction are searching for comfort, for belonging, and even the desire to disappear. Their worth, value, and identity become wrapped up and all about sex. Pornography divorces sex and intimacy. God has grace for women who struggle with pornography and/or sexual shame. Women who struggle with pornography can have a vibrant, abundant, and full life and future. We are image bearers of God, so our worth comes from Christ. He loves us and bought us with a price. The 3 signposts of shame are: 1) warning sign: during which there is an absorption with self; 2) Flight from exposure: we isolate from others to minimize the same; 3) Violence: we lash out and protect what we try to hide. Shame isolates; whereas God welcomes us into holiness. What hope do we have if we believe that the Giver of freedom wants nothing to do with us? The message Christian women need isn’t “stop watching porn” or “porn is bad and contributes to human trafficking” etc. Instead, what they need is a reminder of God’s grace and to know that shame is trying to keep them from the one relationship they need in order to experience true life-giving freedom. Grace is something we need every single day. Every single one of us. It doesn’t matter our backstory, shame is always looking for a way to separate us from God, isolate us, and drive us back into the comforts we once knew (sin). There is grace and freedom to be found by drawing nearer to God not hiding from Him. When you are in the thick of a pornography addiction, or even in the beginning of trying to break free, it can feel like a battle you will never win. It can feel like you are going to spend the rest of your life actively fighting this, and I would want them to know that is not the case. Christ offers us freedom and abundant life and science itself has even proven that our minds and bodies can heal. So while the ideal picture of freedom might seem impossible right now, it’s not impossible. Nothing is impossible with God. Shame, by its nature, isolates. It drives us into darkness and into secrecy and we lie to ourselves when we try to convince ourselves we can find freedom on our own. Part of freedom is found in community.   Scripture References: John 4:13-14 ESV “Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 10:10 HCSB “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 15:4 ESV “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”   Recommended Resources:  Quenched: Discovering God’s Abundant Grace for Women Struggling with Pornography and Sexual Shame by Jessica Harris Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jessica Harris: 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 Guest: Jessica Harris is a writer and international speaker who talks openly and honestly about pornography addiction among Christian women in order to facilitate healing. She is recognized as a leading voice on the topic of female porn use and addiction in the church. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  Our thought life determines our whole life. The enemy wants us to feel defeated, rejected, and defenseless. But Jesus offers a truth that sets us free and when seized in a mind, has the power to transform us to a whole new way of living. The mind of Christ can change everything if you let it. The size of your God far outweighs any issues in your mind. Join me with Kelly Balarie for how to change your thinking and change your life. Quotables from the episode: I believed I was how I thought or how I felt. I had to learn to rule over my emotions with the Word of God. We need to mind our mind. Not taking thoughts captive leaves us dry and parched. Shame comes against us, but Jesus offers grace and mercy. Jesus rejected the shame so we can also with the mind of Christ. Conviction leads to restoration through repentance. Mercy covers our mistakes. God’s grace equips, empowers, and enables us, and God then does the impossible work through us. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Recommended Resources:  Take Every Thought Captive: Exchange the Lies of the Enemy for the Mind of Christ by Kelly Balarie Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt, and Live Victoriously by Kelly Balarie Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears by Kelly Balarie Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Kelly Balarie: Website / Twitter / 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 Guest: Kelly Balarie is the author of Fear Fighting, Battle Ready, and Rest Now. When speaking at women's conferences around the nation, Kelly delights in joining hands with women as they go through life's ups and downs. To see marriages restored, hope recovered, and prayers of faith lifted up to a God on the move are some of her greatest joys. Beyond this, Kelly has led spiritual growth Bible study groups and has been seen on TODAY, The 700 Club, Crosswalk.com, iBelieve.com, and (in)courage. Her work has also been featured by Relevant and Today's Christian Woman. She lives with her husband and two kiddos on the East Coast. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary:  Every TV show, YouTube channel, podcast, social media platform, News broadcast, social media influencer—all strategically want one thing: your attention. In today’s world of endless hurry and distraction, we have difficulty focusing on what's important, and spend most of our days seeing and hearing without truly paying attention. Our lives are full of meaning—yet we miss the giant revelations, ideas, and truths right in front of us because we weren't actually looking for them. We must fight to pay attention period to the right things period to things of worth and meaning period to changing the way we see our day so that we can truly see it for the gift it is. Paul Angone and I talk about living purposefully in a busy chaotic world that’s clamoring for our attention.   Quotables from the episode: In today’s world of endless hurry and distraction, we have difficulty focusing on what's important, and spend most of our days seeing and hearing without truly paying attention.  Our lives are full of meaning—yet we miss the giant revelations, ideas, and truths right in front of us because we weren't actually looking for them. We must fight to pay attention period to the right things period to things of worth and meaning period to changing the way we see our day so that we can truly see it for the gift it is. To intentionally pay attention: turn off notifications, push past the boredom and awkwardness, set limits and be disciplined, ask yourself WHY you are giving your attention to whatever is distracting you. All love starts with paying proper attention to someone. Networking is really relationship-ing—building relationship with others. Attention is a currency that we pay to others.   Recommended Resources:  Listen to Your Day: The Life-Changing Practice of Paying Attention by Paul Angone 101 Secrets for Your 20’s by Paul Angone 101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties by Paul Angone  25 Lies Twentysomethings Need to Stop Believing by Paul Angone  Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Paul Angone:  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 Guest: Paul Angone is one of the nation's most trusted and sought after voices to young professionals, people going through change and transitions, and those looking to live more intentional lives. The best selling author of 101 Secrets for Your Twenties, and 25 Lies Twentysomethings Need to Stop Believing, Paul is a dynamic keynote speaker at universities, corporations, and churches nationwide.  Paul is an organizational consultant with a master’s degree in organizational leadership, a keynote speaker, and a millennial influencer who specializes in helping companies attract, retain, develop, and harness the best strings of the millennial and Gen Z generations. He lives just outside Denver Co with his wife Naomi, and their four children. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Bad things happen. People wound us. Friends let us down. Trust issues with people can become trust issues with God. Scripture tells us to trust the Lord with all our heart. But how do we do that? My guest, Joanna Weaver, invites you to trust in the Lord with all your heart. Relinquishing control and putting your hope in a forever-faithful Father--that's the beautiful secret of unshakeable faith.   Quotables from the episode: Trusting God is the key to a victorious Christian life As you let go in surrender, God will enable you to hold on in faith so that you’re no longer dominated by fear and doubt. As we embrace trust, we embrace God—and it leaves us forever changed. We must learn to believe in God’s love, goodness, and power despite the difficulties we face. We must stop chasing blessings and embrace contentment. Pray God-sized prayers so that He can be revealed in God-sized answers. In a very real sense, trust is God’s love language. Nothing brings Him more joy than when we put our hope and trust fully in Him. Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.    Recommended Resources:  Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God by Joanna Weaver  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God by Joanna Weaver Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Joanna Weaver: 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 Guest: Joanna Weaver is the author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, which has sold over a million copies. Other books include Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, and a devotional, At the Feet of Jesus. Her books and companion DVD Bible studies have been used by hundreds of churches as well as home groups and individuals. Joanna loves being a pastor’s wife and mother of three. The Weavers reside in the beautiful “Big Sky” state of Montana. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Do you ever find yourself falling into a trap of thinking negative thoughts? Have you ever wondered how to control your negative thoughts? It is possible, and that’s what my guest, Tracy Taris, and I talk about in this episode: how to stop negative thoughts.    Quotables from the episode: Our negative thinking usually comes as a result of our life experiences, beliefs, and messages we come into agreement with. Healing comes in layers. When we find it hard to hear from God, we need to assess what is God competing with? Are we quieting distractions to hear from him? Any thought not of God has to obey the name of Jesus. Negative thinking reflects some pain point that needs to be dealt with. We have a tendency to perseverate on negative thoughts, but instead, we can choose to perseverate on positive thoughts consistent with Philippians 4:8. Scripture References: Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (ESV) Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “What do you mean ‘if’? If you are able to believe, all things are possible to the believer.” (TPT) John 4:42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (NIV)   Recommended Resources:  Many Voices, One Truth by Tracy Taris Walk This Way by Byron Parson Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day 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 Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tracy Taris: Website / Instagram Tracy / Instagram Healing the Mind and Spirit / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube / LinkedIn 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: Tracy Taris is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She is president and owner of Healing The Mind & Spirit, Inc. where she leads a team of counselors. Her group practice is located in Santa Clarita, California where psychotherapy services are provided in person and via telehealth in the form of couples, family, individual, adolescent and child therapy as well as coaching services that cover a variety of topics from creative blocks, nutritional problems, and women’s issues.  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.