Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: Do you ever wonder about God’s calling on your life? What does the Bible say about God’s calling on your life? What does it mean when God is calling you? In this episode, I talk with Rachelle Starr. At the age of 23, she God called her to share the hope of Jesus to women in the adult entertainment industry.  This led her to love people through their pain and her pain as she walked out God's calling on her life in outrageous obedience. You won’t want to miss this episode! Quotables from the episode: One of the best things my parents did for me was to teach me who Jesus was and what he did for me. Learning about God’s calling on your life begins praying for purpose and the people God wants you to reach. Ask God and invite him in to speak to you about your calling. In pursuing your God-given calling, consider prayer and fasting as well as silence and solitude to hear God’s voice and receive his direction. Pray and ask God to give you eyes to see  who God wants you to minister to. Fear, inadequacy, and doubt freeze us from living out our call. Outrageous obedience is about living out the great commission. When you come up against darkness, you become grateful for the salvation Jesus died for you to have. Stepping out in faith and doing something that the world says is crazy can be extremely hard and scary.  But it’s important to remember that if God calls us to something, He also equips us.  Outrageous obedience to God is rooted in a relationship with Him.  Sometimes we over-complicate things.  If you are daily soaking in the Word and spending time with your Heavenly Father, He will guide your steps.  It is God’s faithfulness (and not our own!) that fuels our calling. The best thing you can do is just take it one step at a time.  Before I did anything, I simply prayed. Because our faithful God goes with you, you can be a light where it’s dark. You ARE good enough. When God calls you, he also equips you.   Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) The Great Commission: “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. 1 John 4:19 (ESV) “We love because he first loved us.” Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”   Recommended Resources:  Outrageous Obedience by Rachelle Starr 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 Guest and Host: Connect with Rachelle Starr: Website / Facebook / Instagram Scarlet Hope / Instagram Rachelle 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: Rachelle Starr founded Scarlet Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the hope of Jesus with women in the adult entertainment industry. Rachelle also leads a gospel-centered career development program where women can receive employment and job skills while discovering their God-given gifts and talents. Rachelle and her husband, Josh, have two boys and reside in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more at scarlethope.org and by following @rachellestarr.co on Instagram. 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’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine, but why? When is the best time to laugh? What if I told you that laughter is the best medicine at any time, but even in a health crisis! My guest, Cherie Nettles, is going to help us unpack that a bit.   Quotables from the episode: Doctors give diagnoses but only God can give prognoses! Scripture tells us that laughter is healing! To incorporate more laughter into your life, read funny cards, watch funny tv shows, and plan laughter into your day. The joy of the Lord is my strength and we have the power to choose joy. I live like God is telling the Truth and His joy is my strength. If God can keep the earth spinning without us falling off, he is big enough to handle any crisis that comes our way. God is the only one who faithfully cares for us through the good, bad, and ugly times of life. Ask God to bring more joy and laughter into your life! Begin to take your thoughts captive – 2 Corinthians 10:5, step one is to admit the thoughts are there and that the joy of the Lord is missing in your life.    Scripture References: Proverbs 17:22 NIV “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Genesis 21:6 NIV “Sarah said, ‘God. Has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’” 2 Corinthians  12:9 NIV “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly. About my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV “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.” Nehemiah 8:10b NIV “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”    Recommended Resources:  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 Guest and Host: Connect with Cherie Nettles: Website / Facebook 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: Cherie Nettles believes that all girls in the South arrive in the magnolia lined states in 3 ways; they are safely, sweetly and full of Sass and Cherie likes to place her emphasis on the SASS. Cherie is a Christian comedienne, Bible teacher, motivational speaker, Humorous story teller and writer. Cherie loves all audiences but must admit she really loves her audiences in Hawaii.  Cherie lives in West Columbia, SC with her husband, Mike, their precious little boy, Clarence, at 2 year old , Yorkie Poo. Cherie and Mike also have 2 grown children that have flown the nest. 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: Your past doesn’t define you. Your present doesn’t define you. But who you choose to trust does define your future. We all experience a “meanwhile” in life. Those interminable and challenging moments when God is strategically laboring behind the scenes, yet we find ourselves questioning. Waiting on God to rescue, to answer our prayers, to work in the lives of our loved ones. But God never asks us to do anything that won’t benefit us. Today we’re going to be talking about how to embrace the benefits of waiting upon the Lord. Quotables from the episode: A “meanwhile” in our lives is that time period between the onset of crisis and the time when we can see God’s visible intervention. We are strengthened and our faith is refined in the waiting rooms of life. You get to decide how you will wait in the waiting rooms of life—will you wait on God and his answers, or will you seek things and places that never satisfy? “If it’s not good, God isn’t done.” Elizabeth Elliott Nobody wants to go through painful times in life, but our pain is a platform God can use to reach others. The Bible is not so much for inspiration as it is for transformation. Scripture References: Isaiah 40:31 NIV “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him.” Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.”   Recommended Resources:  Meanwhile: Meeting God in the Wait by Carol McLeod Vibrant: Developing a Deep and Abiding Joy for All Seasons by Carol McLeod 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 Guest and Host: Connect with Carol McLeod: Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouVersion: Significant Women 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: Carol McLeod is a best-selling author and speaker who encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Her commitment to reach women "by any means available" has resulted in a thriving social media presence, 2 top podcasts, an inspiring television program, and even her own mobile app. Carol's 15th book, Meanwhile: Meeting God in the Wait, examines the life of Joseph of the Old Testament and what it means to truly wait well. Her best-selling book, Rooms of a Mother's Heart, won the 2022 Director's Choice Award from the Blue Ridge Writers Conference. In 2021, Carol was honored to receive Oral Roberts University's prestigious “Alumna of the Year” award for distinguished service to God. 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:  There are others like you…you are not alone! In this episode, my guest and I talk about Christians and mental health, as well as the stigma around mental illness for Christians. In my own practice, I’ve worked with thousands of patients who endured mental health issues, yet, I’ve seen some of the greatest shaming come from other Christians. Join me with Paul Gaumer as we talk about Christians and mental health and what we can do to break down the walls of stigma. Quotables from the episode: Looking back, God was with me throughout my life. It is by his grace that I made it through my experience with bipolar disorder. When we keep things in secret in the darkness, it holds power over us, but when we begin to share authentically, it no longer holds is power. In sharing the pain associated with mental health issues, start the discussion with the one person who would bail you out of jail and not judge you. If you don’t have a friend or family member you can vulnerably share with, seek out the help of a mental health professional. Jesus is our hope. He will walk with us through our mental health journey. There are others out there like you—you are not alone. Scripture References: 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.” Colossians 3:12-14 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any. Of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Recommended Resources:  Recommended Resources:  A Walk With the Light in the Shadows by Paul Gaumer   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 Guest and Host: Connect with Paul Gaumer: Website / Facebook 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: Being a.Christian and living with a mental illness is a confusing, frustrating, and emotionally draining daily journey that asks the question, why me Lord? When the demons have a stronghold on your life, God can seem so far away. Paul Gaumer lives with these challenges each day and brings insight into how he continues to focus on God while living with the daily. Struggles of Bipolar Disorder. Paul has written a book, A Walk With the Light in the Shadows, that details his daily journey with the Lord while living with the effects of bipolar disorder. 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:  Human trafficking is a much bigger issue than most people realize. Today we’re going to be talking with an expert who can shed some light on this global epidemic and provide us some hope for better understanding human trafficking, how we can help, and what needs to be done for ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Today’s guest is currently a North American Cloud Strategist with a background in Broadcast Journalism and Coding and Development. She is also an advocate for the complete eradication of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in South Carolina and across the globe. As a Constitutional Republic Preservationist she believes We the People are the solution and through Christ we can do all things. Together we can return our Nation to God, and He can heal our land.  Quotables from the episode: Through many trials and tribulations, I have made many mistakes but have learned from each of them. I now view challenges as an opportunity to overcome and bring glory to God. We often see a misconception in society around Human Trafficking. In order to efficiently combat this atrocity we need to inform, educate, and shift the mindset associated with this issue. We also need to focus on loving one another better, setting one another up for success from the beginning by laying a firm foundation of Faith. This alone will help to combat Human Trafficking. Awareness is where we start the fight against human trafficking. There are four main types of human sex trafficking: peer trafficking, familial trafficking, gang trafficking, and survival trafficking. The United States is the #1 buyer of trafficking victims with over a $90 billion annual revenue stream. Trafficking starts at a point of vulnerability and works to get the victim’s trust, and then start grooming them. If there is a bidirectional interaction there is an opportunity for trafficking. Trafficking is most prominent in coastal and border areas, and in hubs that connect major cities, but it happens in every city. 4 Major Myths about Trafficking: 1) it doesn’t happen to men; 2) all traffickers are men; 3) trafficking only happens in far off lands; 4) trafficking only starts in parking lots. There are millions of individuals who have experienced Human Trafficking and the most important message we can give to these victims is that “You Are NOT Alone”. Their experiences do not define them but instead give them an opportunity to become victors. Sometimes, we must travel through the darkness in order to recognize the Light. Start loving yourself. Every day that we wake up, we are given yet another opportunity to be a better version of ourselves. It is so important that we love ourselves and that we take the time to say to ourselves, no matter what we’ve been through, no matter what mistakes we’ve made, that was yesterday. Mindset is everything. If we constantly degrade ourselves by negative self thoughts, we limit our view of what we can be. However, if we begin to view each day as a gift, an opportunity, then we can start to imagine ourselves being great. Then it will be so.  Scripture References: John 1:4-5 In him was life and that life was the Light of all mankind. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. NIV Isaiah 42: 6-7 I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand, I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the nations, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. NIV Acts 13:46-47 Then Paul and Barnabus answered them boldly, “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a Light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” NIV Recommended Resources:  www.humantraffickinghotline.com  Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 TEXT BeFree to 233733 www.polarisproject.org  https://www.scag.gov/human-trafficking/data-reports  www.justice.gov/humantrafficking 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: 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: Dakota Fitzgerald is a Constitutional Republic Preservationist and advocate for the complete eradication of Human Trafficking. She has a background in Survival Training, Women’s Self Defense, Broadcast Journalism, Coding and Development and is currently a North American Cloud Strategist for a prominent IT company. Her mission is to bring together unique skills and perspectives to grow awareness and address the fastest growing global crime - Human Trafficking. She works within her local community to shine light on this issue, provide inspiration and hope to others and to be a voice for the voiceless.  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:  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.