Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary:  Have you ever thought about the fact that God doesn’t need us to accomplish things in this world, but that he offers the opportunity for us to partner with him? Have you ever pondered what partnering with God means, or how to go about it? In this episode, I chat with Kim Avery about partnering with God in the nitty, gritty details of business and life. Quotables from the episode: I took a long, hard and honest look at my business and my client’s businesses and had to ask myself these questions: if our business partner is the Almighty, all-knowing, all-providing God why don’t our businesses look any different than the businesses of those who don’t know God? More than that, we don’t we look any different than entrepreneurs who don’t know God? We are just as hurried, worried, and stressed as they are. We try to do things for God, but the invitation is to have God with us. That’s a totally different game when we make God our CEO. I’m so thankful to be learning that God really does care about all the details of my life and that He is available and waiting to help me with it. As Christ-centered entrepreneurs, God wants us to be bold, humble, joyful, peace-filled, so that what overflows out of us onto others will be consistent with His character. Partnering with God in prayer doesn’t have to be complicated, fancy, or heroic. Instead it can be BRIEF: Business-Related: Abandoning our default mindset of if it’s going to be, it’s up to me, we invite God into our daily work, seeking his supernatural presence, purposes, and power. Relevant: Exchanging our typical global requests, “Bless this business, Lord,” for our granular reality, such as “Help me to be humble and self-forgetful in today’s meeting with Bob,” we ask God to work in and through every specific attitude, activity, and engagement of each particular day. Inside out: Shifting our prayer focus from a results-only orientation, we pray in cooperation with the way God most likes to work—from the inside out: In us In our relationship with him In our relationships with others In our relationship with our business The results our work has in the world   Expectant: Acknowledging that God is always at work, even when things are not what we’d hoped, each day we watch for his moment-by-moment movement, trust his promises, and celebrate his answers. Frequent: No longer compartmentalizing our relationship with him to discrete times of the day, we practice the presence of God throughout each day, ceaselessly interacting with him as we partner with him to change the world. We all have a head knowledge that God is for me, but we need to take God’s grand principles into our small, granular reality. The failure rate in small business is so high because we need to shift our focus to what God is doing in us rather than because of us. Failure comes when our contribution outpaces our character. We live in a largely unchurched world, so as entrepreneurs, God gives us the opportunity to reach those who might not otherwise be reached because they don’t set foot in a church. When we are not trusting God with every aspect of our business, and instead default to worry and hurry, we are essentially being a functional atheist, because we are believing God will not provide. Start super small with very specific requests that you know God also wants for you, then walk expectantly through your day watching for how He is at work. It’s a treasure hunt and a grand adventure. Scripture References: Jeremiah 33:3 NASB ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Isaiah 28:16 ESV “Whoever believes shall not be in haste.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NASB "And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;" Recommended Resources:  The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur by Kim Avery www.prayerquiz.com Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson 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 Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Kim Avery: Website / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube   Guest:  After leaving her career as a counselor to become a Professional Life Coach, Kim also became an accidental entrepreneur. Coaching was in its infancy then, so it took her years of trial and error and training to create a path to success. Since that time, she’s made it her goal to help other Christian coaches and entrepreneurs shorten and streamline the business building process.  Kim is now a successful business coach, Vice-President of Marketing at the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, co-host of the Professional Christian Coaching Today podcast, author of The Prayer Powered Entrepreneur: 31 Days to Building Your Business with Less Stress and More Joy.  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 long to feel a closer connection to God? To discern His voice, experience His peace, and live in His joy? Erica Wiggenhorn and I talk about how to experience God’s faithfulness when surrounded by uncertainty, how to reignite our hope instead of losing heart, and how to realize the call of God, reawakening our purpose when we experience revival in our own hearts. Quotables from the episode: Revival is a personal heart cry before God, asking Him to meet us in our desperation and brokenness. We tend to doubt our beliefs and believe our doubts because of distraction, and as a result, God feels far away. Doubt can be the doorway to intimacy with God. Revival brings us to God who can do anything and is always doing the best for us. The enemy’s desire is to cause us to doubt God’s character. There is no intimacy without first an investment of time. Faith is always intermeshed with fear. What we see as punishment, like God saying no to a request, may actually be God’s protection for us. Scripture References: Ezekiel 11:19-20 “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from then their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 20:42 “Then. You will know that I am the Lord, when I bring. You into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors.” Recommended Resources:  The Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God’s Goodness Through Disappointment and Doubt by Erica Wiggenhorn Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson 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 Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Erica Wiggenhorn: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Erica Wiggenhorn is an award-winning author and the founder of Every Life Ministries, bringing you the truths of Scripture to transform your life. By digging deeply into God’s Word, Every Life Ministries encourages you to discover your unique purpose, accept God’s promises, and live by His power. She loves to bring God's Word to anyone who’ll listen, whether it’s a large women’s conference, a church women’s retreat, her own kitchen table, or across your computer screen with her teaching series or YouTube Channel.  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 get in a rut with your Bible study? Have you ever wondered “how can I make my Bible study more creative?” Or perhaps, “what’s the most effective way to study the Bible for me?” You won’t want to miss this week’s episode. My friend Pam Farrel and I will talk about how to make our Bible study time more creative! By the time the podcast is over, you’ll want to grab a copy of one of her Bible studies so you can start reaping the benefits! Quotables from the episode: Creative Bible study helped me memorize scripture better. You can’t think of your problems while you’re in the midst of being creative. Creative Bible study slowed me down to help me pause to ponder God’s word. The most effective way to study the Bible is whatever method gets you engaged and consistent. Hope is waiting expectantly for God to show up and show off for your good and for His glory. The good news is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Good=beautiful, best, bountiful, and blessed Scripture References: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 “…I [Jesus] came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” John 10:10 AMP  Recommended Resources:  Discovering Good News in John: a Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher Discovering Hope in the Psalms: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher 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  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 Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Pam Farrel: Website / Discovering the Bible Series / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / 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: Pam Farrel is an international speaker, author of 57 books including bestselling "Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti" translated into over 15 languages. Her newest creative bible study, co-authored with Jean E Jones and Karla Dornacher, is Discovering Good News In John: A Creative Bible Devotional Study Experience,  an Amazon #1 bestseller.  Pam and her husband, Bill, together run Love-Wise, and Proverbs 19:8 ministries to equip, enrich and encourage people in their most vital relationships. Pam's favorite role is being Mom to 3 sons, 3 daughter-in-love’s and Nana to her 5 grands and two new grand babies soon to arrive. Pam and Bill make their home on a live aboard boat docked in Southern California so she also loves biking, a beach walk, kayaking or a paddleboard adventure.   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're approaching that time of the year again where the stress and overwhelm of the holiday season can take our emphasis off the reason for the season. We're sharing a replay of a popular podcast episode with Marcia Ramsland, the Holiday Pro. She shares how we can get organized and simplify our Christmas holidays. And the good news is, we can start now! Quotables from the episode: Getting organized is something that can be learned and will save you time, give you focus, and mental clarity. It’s always too early to start preparing until it’s too late to begin! So start your holiday preparations now. Part of what makes our holidays stressful is the fact that we already fill our days 24x7, then have to add more to our schedules for the holidays. Simplifying our holidays and our lives starts with decreasing our expectations. The problem with the poverty in the world is not God’s provision but our distribution.    Scripture References: Proverbs 13:4 “The sluggish crave and have nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 14:1 “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”   Recommended Resources:  8 Week Online course: “Simplify Your Holiday Season” to take the stress out of the holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Simplify Your Holiday Season by Marcia Ramsland Simplify Your Holidays: A Christmas Planner to Use Year After Year by Marcia Ramsland Simply December Devotions by Marcia Ramsland Simplify Your Space: Create Order & Reduce Stress by Marcia Ramsland Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay That Way by Marcia Ramsland Organizing Your Workspace for a Productivity Boost (Instant Insights) by Marcia Ramsland Simplify Your Time by Marcia Ramsland Free Time Tracker: Marcia’s Famous 168 Hour Time Tracker Ways to Create a More Peaceful Holiday Season – Part 1 ep 35 Ways to Create More Peace During the Holidays – Part 2 ep 36 How to Stress Less at Christmas ep 88 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Marcia Ramsland: Website / Facebook / Instagram / 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: Marcia Ramsland is well known as The Leading Online Organizing Coach, a Business Productivity Expert, and author of the Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Marcia is a nationally recognized media guest appearing in Woman’s Day and Real Simple magazines, the Wall Street Journal, and Martha Stewart radio. Marcia believes anyone can become more organized – even you – with the Motivation, Momentum, and Mastery which she provides in her Online Courses and Fast Track Coaching!  For more information or a free consultation visit her website www.organizingpro.com. 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:  Christmas time can be so stressful. Would you like to experience calm in the midst of the holiday chaos? What if I told you that you could enjoy a more simple Christmas and, in doing so, reconnect with the real reason we celebrate the holiday? Join me with Tama Fortner as we talk about how to have a Simple Christmas. Quotables from the episode: “Simple Christmas” is the book I wish someone had written for me when my children were little, before I had all these life experiences under my belt. So many things about “how Christmas is supposed to be” just didn’t work for my family. I want to give moms permission to chart their own course, while also providing some thoughts to draw them closer to God and His Son.  It’s important to learn to be more thoughtful and intentional about what we allow into our life and our family time, especially at the holidays. Just because we’ve always done this or everybody does that, doesn’t mean it’s right for us this year. As you launch into this holiday season and start filling up calendars and to-do lists, ask yourself three questions: Does it make me smile? Does it make my loved ones smile? (Because aren’t those the things that makes us mamas smile?) And, most importantly, does it make God smile? When you filter everything through these three questions, the things that really matter quickly rise to the top.  If a holiday tradition is no longer working for your family, kick it to the curb! The need to keep up with what everyone else is doing is overwhelming. Give yourself permission to simplify, to let some things go to savor the most important things this holiday. Recognize that as a child or daughter of God, you are loved regardless of what you do, how perfectly wrapped the gifts are, or how beautiful the holiday table is. When you reach yours or others’ expectations for yourself, the bar moves, the level increases, and you’re under more stress to continually be doing even more. Always start with reading the Bible! That is where God talks to us, where His will, His way, and His peace are found. Quiet time can be hard to carve out for moms, so I suggest that quiet time doesn’t have to look “perfect”—with a cozy chair, coffee, Bible, and an hour of uninterrupted silence. Sometimes quiet time is a state of mind that we carry with us into the chaos. And sometimes it has to be snatched up in a moment here and there. So keep a Bible with you always. I love an actual paper Bible, but apps on the phone are so convenient to soak up a verse waiting in carpool or whenever you have a moment.  When we start our day off in the word, and allow Him to set our intentions, we will get done what HE deems important for the day, and we will feel more at peace. Jesus’s ministry was centered around interruptions. When we allow ourself to be interrupted and look for the possibility in those interruptions, we will find the people in need and what they need, so that we’re accomplishing God’s to-do list for the day. Let other moms be good at what they are good at without the need to compare yourself to them. You’ll shine in the areas that you are good at. Consider what it is that you want at the end of the holiday season, and then your to-do list will begin to reflect what you ultimately desire. Scripture References: Luke 2:19 (NIV) — Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) — You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Luke 1:47–48 (NIV) — My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Acts 17:28 (NIV) -- For in him we live and move and have our being. Recommended Resources:  Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional by Tama Fortner Christmas is Coming by Tama Fortner Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young, adapted by Tama Fortner 100 Things God Loves About You: Simple Reminders for When You Need Them Most by Tama Fortner 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tama Fortner: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Tama is an ECPA award-winning author with more than forty titles to her credit. She is the writer behind the bestselling Indescribable for Kids series with Louie Giglio, as well as a number of books in the Jesus Calling children’s line, including the wildly successful Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids, which has sold more than 1,000,000 copies to date. Tama has collaborated with such well-known authors as Max Lucado, Rebekah Lyons, and Emily Ley to create inspirational books for all ages.  Tama has been working as a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and editor for more than twenty-five years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of the Cumberlands and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University. Tama and her husband have two children who are growing up much too fast for their mama’s liking. They live on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee, where they enjoy sampling new restaurants, watching old movies, and eating lots of popcorn with far too much butter and salt. 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: Life is busy. There always seems to be more to do than time to do it. We often miss the special moments because we rush through life. Resting allows us to savor those moments. If you struggle to rest effectively so that you can refill and refuel, this episode is for you! Marci Siether shares the art of how to rest effectively. Quotables from the episode: We often miss the special moments because we rush through life. Resting allows us to savor those moments. Resting is often about pacing and prioritizing…like the difference between sprinting versus running a marathon—those runners don’t start off at the same pace. We need to pace ourselves, with moments of rest so we can make it through the things that must be done. If we don’t take time to come to a full rest and refuel, we end up “bleeding out” on ourselves and those around us. Too often we reserve rest and relaxation for vacation because we feel guilty for resting. But God offers us rest as a gift. We need to give ourselves buffer in our lives to create margin, which reduces our stress when things don’t go as planned. We need rest, we deserve rest, and we will be more productive for taking time to rest. Rest is something God set as an example for us from the beginning. It isn’t something that we HAVE to do..it is something that refills and refuels us. When we don’t fully rest..it is like the lesson of the bell ringer.. that knows an unsilenced bell allows the sound to “bleed’. Don’t wait. Put it on the calendar. Take time and MAKE time to set apart a moment to rest. Rest and peace are often interchangeable. In a world so desperate for peace..set the pace in your own heart, with your own family. Whether it is at the cabin on a lake or on the back porch with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Take time to rest in the Lord today. Peace and patience go hand in hand. Scripture References: Psalm 62:1-2 NIV “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”   Matthew 11:28-29 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”   Recommended Resources:  Lakeside Retreat: Life-Giving Devotions from a Restful Shore by Marci Seither 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Marci Seither: Website / Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article was published in a small-town newspaper over twenty years ago. Since then, she has authored two books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as Guideposts, Focus on the Family, and Clubhouse Magazine. Her biggest joy, besides being married to John for 37 years and raising six kiddos is spending time with her grandkids in the kitchen.   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:  Kristine Brown and I talk about learning to trust God, especially in our decisions. Making decisions is a process, and it can seem overwhelming at times. Kristine shares what she learned in order to move from decision fatigue to trusting God with her decisions. Quotables from the episode: So often we trust God with the big things in life, when it’s the little things that seem so hard to trust Him with. When my pastor said, “You know God’s got this, right?” I realized I wasn’t so sure I did. That’s when I realized something needed to change. I wanted to go from saying I trusted God to actively living it out in my life. In order to fully trust God, we have to trade our “what ifs?” for “living as if!” I came to the place where I prayed, “Lord, show me what you want me to learn through the hard stuff.” We struggle to trust God because we want the assurance that everything will be okay. We must make our decisions in good faith to trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding us. The best thing we can do as we learn to trust God more with our decisions is to make a daily commitment to release control to God. Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”  Psalm 73:24 ESV “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.”  Hebrews 10:23 ESV “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”  Recommended Resources:  Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God and the companion workbook by Kristine Brown 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Kristine Brown: 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: Kristine Brown is a ministry wife, mom, stepmom, and Mimi. A former chronic worrier, Kristine loves connecting women today with women of the Bible and sharing lessons learned through her website, freelance writing, and speaking to women’s groups. Any given day you can find her texting her young adult kids, taking a walk through her neighborhood, or ordering another new book to read. To connect with Kristine, visit kristinebrown.net. 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:  Lee Ann Mancini and I talk about raising children to have a strong foundation in Jesus. It’s her passion to equip parents with valuable resources so they can raise their children to have a strong foundation in Jesus—the only foundation that will last. This is such an important topic given the world we live in and the influences our children are under. We talk about how to help kids with bullying, why forgiveness is important, why kids are walking away from their faith and more. Quotables from the episode: I see how children are walking away from their faith – first priority is the salvation of our children and the preservation of Christianity. Kids are leaving home and being influence by a humanistic perspective from their professors and peers. The enemy of our soul and our children’s souls likes to attack at the foundation. We need to give our children spiritual meat, not mild. If our children don’t have a solid foundation in Jesus by the age of 10, they are significantly more likely to walk away from their faith. I believe His will for me is to equip all who are raising the next generation to have a strong foundation in Jesus that will last a lifetime. Don’t look at the world and have despair – With God’s help, we can overcome. God’s word tells us the whole narrative, and we only need to walk in faith and spiritual sight. Your kids will reflect the mirror of your character. Our children are our future. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit for their transformation and do all we can to teach them the ways of the Lord. One of the most important things we can teach our children is how to forgive each other. Play is the highest form of science and education for our children. Make today the day that you decide what is most important for raising our children to have a strong foundation in Jesus.  Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Psalm 78:5-6 NIV: He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Psalm 51:6 NIV: Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Recommended Resources:  What a Bragger!: Adventures of the Sea Kids by Lee Ann Mancini Forever With Jesus by Lee Ann Mancini A Servant Like Jesus: Adventures Of the Sea Kids by Lee Ann Mancini God’s Gift: Adventures of the Sea Kids by Lee Ann Mancini God’s Easter Miracles: Adventures of the Sea Kids by Lee Ann Mancini I’m Not Afraid: Adventures of the Sea Kids by Lee Ann Mancini 8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Your Child’s Intelligences by Kathy Koch, Ph.D.  Five to Thrive: How to Determine if Your Core Needs Are Being Met by Kathy Koch, Ph.D. Start with the Heart: How to Motivate Your Kids to Be Compassionate, Responsible, and Brave (Even When You’re Not Around) by Kathy Koch, Ph.D. Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World by Kathy Koch, Ph.D. Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes…in You and Your Kids by Scott Turansky  Parenting is Heart Work by Scott Turansky Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids! by Scott Turansky  Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told by Scott Turansky The Christian Parenting Handbook: 50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child’s Life by Scott Turansky Toddlers on the Move: Parenting Wisdom for Ages 12-36 Months by Scott Turansky  No More Perfect Kids: Love Your Kids for Who They Are by Jill Savage The Grumble-Free Year: Twelve Months, Eleven Family Members, and One Impossible Goal by Tricia Goyer Calming Angry Kids: Help and Hope for Parents in the Whirlwind by Tricia Goyer BiblicalParentingUniversity.com How to Overcome Grumbling, Complaining, and General Negativity – Episode 64 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Lee Ann Mancini: Raising Christian Kids Facebook / Facebook Group / Instagram / Podcast / Website Sea Kids Facebook / Instagram Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Lee Ann hosts the award-winning Raising Christian Kids podcast, which can be found on all major platforms, including CounterCultureMom.com, Pray.com, and Edifi.app. Raising Christian Kids is a five to ten-minute podcast that equips and empowers parents, grandparents, teachers, and all who are raising the next generation to have a strong foundation in Jesus. Lee Ann also has an informative webinar presentation that highlights her research and biblical knowledge in this area. “It is first about the salvation of the children and then about the preservation of Christianity.” There is truth to the adage, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!” Lee Ann is an award-winning Christian children’s author and Executive Producer of the new animation series Sea Kids, which can be seen on Trinity Broadcasting Network, Pure Flix, Right Now Media, and SeaKidsTv.com.   Lee Ann Mancini received a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Regent University, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Trinity International University), and two Master’s degrees from Knox Theological Seminary in Biblical and Theological Studies and Christian and Classical Studies. She is a professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary teaching Apologetics, Romans, Ministerial Ethics, Prison Epistles, and The Bride of Christ. She holds a board position with South Florida Bible College & Theological. She also holds a board position with the Alexandrian Forum, under the tutelage of Dr. Warren Gage Th.M., J.D., Ph.D., an organization seeking to bring a greater understanding of the Bible by hosting annual Typology Conferences in South Florida dedicated to the theme of Christ as the center of scripture. Her God-given mission and desire are to serve all who are raising the next generation of Christians by preparing the soil to be rich from the womb to age three in which to plant the seeds that grow deep roots from ages four to ten. 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:  How do you forgive someone who hurt you emotionally? How do you forgive someone who traumatized you? How do you forgive someone who isn’t sorry? Our guest, Mark Sowersby, shares a gripping testimony of forgiveness, God’s grace, and overcoming in the midst of life’s hurts, pains, and abuses. Join us as we talk about how to forgive someone who has hurt you and isn’t sorry. Quotables from the episode: I was an abused victim but I learned that was not my identity. My identity was a child of God. I came to realize, I’m not a victim—I’m victorious because I made it through. The first casualty of trauma is the loss of trust. When you ask God hard questions, you get hard answers, but you get the right answers for you. If you start by moving a pebble, then a stone, then a hill, eventually with faith you will move mountains. God became bigger than my mountain of pain, abuse, and trauma. Forgiveness comes through Jesus. Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. Trusting God is where forgiveness begins. Scripture References: Psalm 10:14 NIV “But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”  Acts 10:34 KJV “Then Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.’”  Recommended Resources:  Forgiving the Nightmare by Mark Sowersby 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Mark Sowersby: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram /YouTube Connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson for more hope: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Pastor.  Husband.  Father.  Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children.  Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA.  Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College.   In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing.  He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God’s grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life.  He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare.   When he isn’t serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. 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:  Latest statistics indicate that about 20% of Americans have experienced attempted or completed rape. That is over 430,000 American victims each year, 1 rape every 73 seconds. Yet only 5 out of 1,000 rapists go to jail. What has led to tolerance of sexual violence and trauma? Why is this the most underreported and under-prosecuted crime in this nation? Why are so few perpetrators held accountable? What can we do to end sexual violence, compassionately meet the needs of victims and show perpetrators that we take this crime seriously? Our guest, Lisa Saruga, is going to share how to heal from sexual trauma and violence. Quotables from the episode: Not everyone who is the victim of sexual assault is a survivor. This title is used to empower victims, but some victims carry a burden of trying to live up to that title. Do the hard work of surviving. God doesn’t forget our experiences. He wants to heal us, but we have to be open to the work that healing entails. God didn’t purpose for you to be abused, but he can use all things for his purpose. I have learned to trust God, his timing, and his faithfulness. He showed me in a powerful way that when we are working to chip away at walls that stand in the way of healing, we have no idea what kind of powerful work he is doing on the other side of that wall. Often justice doesn’t look like we think it should, but God is just! Only 2.5% of all rapists go to jail. Sadly, in our justice system, if there is no conviction of a perpetrator, there is no protection of the victim. While God does not purpose for us to experience trauma, he can use our trauma for his purposes if we let him. Sometimes he is up to great things when we don’t even sense that he remembers our trauma. I encourage victims to find a support network and talk about the experience. Hiding it away on a back shelf in our brain does not work forever. If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you first have to decide what is right for you. Some people want to report the assault, but others don’t because of the resulting blaming and shaming. But definitely seek a support system to walk you through the healing process. Know that it takes hard work to be a survivor. We all experience bad things in our life. We can heal from trauma with appropriate help, but tragedy results when we don’t heal from the trauma. Scripture References: Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. Psalm 27:13 (NLT) Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Recommended Resources:  Lisa’s Journal: Writing a Bright Future (Upside Down and Inside Out) and the white gel pens are available in her shop at LisaSaruga/Shop 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 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Lisa Saruga: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Shop Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Lisa is a licensed professional counselor, keynote speaker, author, and legal and ethical specialist. She specializes in therapy for victims of sexual violence. Her own story resulted in the reopening of her thirty-five-year cold case, when someone finally reported the identity of the man who wore a ski mask when he assaulted Lisa as a freshman in college. The man was never arrested because of archaic laws and loopholes that protect perpetrators over victims. Lisa regularly meets with legislators to advocate for laws to protect victims of sexual violence. She believes that, although God doesn’t purpose for us to experience trauma, he can use every event in our lives for his purposes. 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.