Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: Danna Demetre and I talk about seeing our health and body from God’s perspective. God wants us to be healthy so we can live out His purpose for our lives. How do we change our mindset so that we can look at our physical body and health and wellbeing as God does? Quotables from the episode: We aren’t defined by an eating disorder, what we eat or what we look like. There’s a misconception that if we are a Christian we should be able to control this. The fear of death made me wonder “what will happen when I die?” and that lead me to find God. Even if you don’t know God, He still knows you. In Christian circles, food seems to be the “acceptable addiction.” We need to stop turning to food to be our comforter instead of Christ. Ask God, “please shine a light in the dark corners of my life on what isn’t healthy.” We need to forget about self-confidence and have Christ confidence. God wants us to be healthy so we can live out His purpose for our lives. We need to spend more time wallowing in grace than in shame. One way of worshipping is by taking care of our bodies. Follow the trail of your persistent negative thoughts and emotions and ask God what He has to say about them and you. Do the right things for the right reason and trust God with the results. Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2 NASB: “Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJ “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.” Recommended Resources: Revive & Thrive Fall Virtual Women’s Conference Eat, Live, Thrive Diet: a Lifestyle Plan to Rev Up your Midlife Metabolism by Danna Demetre and Robyn Thomson Health Rules We Need to Break for Our Good – Episode 133 How Does Exercise Reduce Stress? Hope for Healthy Living – Episode 65 How To Give Yourself GRACE in Your Health Weight Loss Journey: Hope for a Healthy Body, Mind, and Soul – Episode 104 Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award   Social Media Links for Guest and  Host: Connect with Danna Demetre: Lean Healthy Ageless Website / Eat Live Thrive Diet Website / Facebook / YouTube / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast About Danna Demtre A former registered nurse, Danna Demetre has been a popular retreat and conference speaker for over 25 years. She’s the author of several books to include her latest – Eat Live Thrive Diet – co-authored with Robyn Thomson. Women all over the country are praising their biblical and practical approach to health and weight loss as they discover how to lose weight and improve their health in a way that is realistic and sustainable. Danna and Robyn share weekly posts and videos addressing issues of concern to women covering body, soul and spirit. Their online virtual and live coaching program, Eat Live Thrive Academy, helps women discover a path to victory over unhealthy habits. 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 only get one life to live, and we don’t want to take it for granted. In this episode, my friend, Tracie Miles, and I talk about how to find joy when life is hard, how to trust God in difficult times, how to live life unbroken and how to reclaim your life and your heart after difficult circumstances like separation and divorce. Tracie is an author, speaker, and Director of COMPEL training for Proverbs 31 ministries. She has walked through several difficult valleys in recent years and took the time to share not only the journey she has been on, but how she learned to cope and find joy again. Quotables from the episode: To learn to trust God more, we have to open our eyes to watching Him work around us. Often, it’s in the looking back that we see God was faithful, even when we can’t feel it in the moment. God doesn’t put a timetable on our grief. One of the stages of grief is acceptance. It doesn’t mean we like what has happened but we accept that God will use it in His perfect plan. It’s okay to feel anger when you’ve been mistreated, but we want to ask God to free us of anger so bitterness and resentment don’t take root in our hearts. The end of your marriage is not the end of you. Ask God for spiritual eyesight to see His hand at work in your life. Scripture References: Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Recommended Resources: Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce by Tracie Miles Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard by Tracie Miles Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live by Tracie Miles Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past To Create A Beautiful Future by Tracie Miles Stressed Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles How Testimonies in the Bible Bolster Your Faith During Hard Times Trusting God in Hard Times -7 Lessons Learned 5 Tips to Cope with the Hard Times Never Alone: 15 Bible Verses When You Feel Alone 10 Scriptures for When You Need Strength Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and  Host: Connect with Tracie Miles: Website / Facebook / Facebook Community / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast About Tracie Miles Tracie Miles is a national Speaker and Author with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She is the author of four best-selling books, Unsinkable Faith: God-Filled Strategies for Transforming the Way You Think, Feel and Live. (2017), Your Life Still Counts: How God Uses Your Past To Create A Beautiful Future (2014) and Stressed Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World (2012). Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard released in 2018. Tracie is a contributing author to the popular Zondervan NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, and the Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today Daily Devotional Book, in addition to being a monthly contributing writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today daily devotions which reach over one million people per day around the globe. In addition to her speaking and writing, Tracie is the Director of COMPEL Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, has 3 adult children and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Christine Trimpe and I talk about preparing our hearts for the advent season and the Christmas holiday. My guest is a former casual Christian who is now passionate about God’s word and just released a book about how we can seek joy through the gospel of Luke as we prepare for the advent season. Quotables from the episode: Advent is the great expectation and anticipation for the birth of our Savior You can do anything hard for 21 days, so let’s expand it to 24 days and intentionally celebrate the advent season The gospel of Luke shows us how relatable Jesus is to us Scripture References: Luke 2:19 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Hebrews 12:1–3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Luke 24:52–53 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Recommended Resources: Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke: A Christmas to Calvary Advent Countdown by Christine Trimpe Free Bonus Chapters of Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke Weight-Loss Hero: Transform Your Mind and Your Body with a Healthy Keto Lifestyle by Christine Carter Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and  Host: Connect with Christine Trimpe: Website Christine Trimpe / Website Joyful Keto Life / YouTube / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook Christine Trimpe / 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 / Podcast About Christine Trimpe: Christine Trimpe is a former casual Christian who is now passionate about Christ, coffee, and connecting one-on-one with you for some joy-centered conversation. Christine’s transformation story and victory over obesity and chronic illness of her body, mind, and spirit will inspire you to strengthen your own joy-fueled adventure with Jesus. She’s been where you’ve been, where you are, or where you want to be through seasons of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Whether you need physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, she encourages you to delight in God’s Word daily for lasting life transformation to step up and into God's calling in your life. 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: In this episode, I talk with Elisa Pulliam about how we can know Jesus better, gain insight and wisdom through believing God’s word, and what it truly means to live by faith, Unblinded Faith. Quotables from the episode: “Unblinded Faith is both for those who have never met Jesus before and want to know, who is God and how do you get to know Him, and what is His truth. But I think there’s too many of us that as believers that live blinded, we don’t see by faith what God has for us. And so, it was kind of a, two pillars, is the best way to describe it.” “I was trying to live out the hope of Christ, the story of Christ, the promises of God, without allowing them to apply to everything I had already been through in my past…” “My life has been built upon the principles of what I call trap and transform. So, trap is ‘take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ’ which is 2 Corinthians 10:5 and then transform is Romans 12:2, ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’” “How do we get ourselves into God’s Word and have a deeper desire to have a fresh encounter with God every day, not just for the past but for the now and the future?” “I began to realize that the foundational principles of God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness, His kindness, His anger, His wrath, all of it, was shaped through the 18 years that we lived at the boarding school and because of that many of the truths that I was drawn to write about had stories that were related to those years where we lived there.” What can a reader expect when she reads this book? “That people would not walk away feeling like they knew me better but that they knew Jesus better.” How is this devotional different from others? “My hope would be that it creates a pattern for women to end Unblinded Faith and say, hey, I can continue to do this on my own in the Word. And at the same time, it provides a tool for when they’re feeling flat, and distant from God and they feel lost, they can pull it out and say I’m going to go through this again and she what God has for me next time” “You don’t get spiritually connected to God if you don’t connect with God” “I would like to see women walk away and realize that they’ve seen Him move in their life in a new way that they wouldn’t have seen, because they weren’t previously looking.” Scripture Referenced: 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Recommended Resources: Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Insight Through Believing God’s Word by Elisa Pulliam  Impact Together: Biblical Mentoring Simplified by Elisa Pulliam  Brave Together: Devoted to God and Each Other by Elisa Pulliam  Journey to Freedom: A Bible Study on Identity for Teen Girls by Elisa Pulliam Meet the New You: A 21-Day Plan for Embracing Fresh Attitudes and Focused Habits for Real Life Change by Elisa Pulliam Holy Whole: Guiding You Into Wellness Through Wholehearted Devotion to God by Elisa Pulliam  Do You Struggle to Believe God? Revive & Thrive Online Women's Conference Trusting God through Cancer 1  Trusting God through Cancer 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Elisa Pulliam: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube   Guest: Elisa Pulliam is passionate about helping women experience a fresh encounter with God and His Word for the sake of impacting the next generation with Kingdom Hope. Her latest book, “Unblinded Faith: Gaining Spiritual Sight through Believing God’s Word,” is described as “more than a devotional, it’s a tool for growing deep spiritual roots.” Elisa is the founder of More to Be, a ministry devoted to equipping women with biblical resources, coaching, and mentor training. She also is the owner of the Kaleo Agency, and as a creative strategist, she helps female entrepreneurs, coaches, and writers develop their brand marketing in order to convey their message and maximize their mission with ease. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Every year the holidays bring stress, chaos, and disorganization when one considers all the additional to-do’s added to our already over-crowded days and schedules. Today we’re going to be talking about how to get organized and simplify your holidays with holiday pro, Marcia Ramsland.   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  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 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 (scroll down to the Better Homes and Gardens magazine cover) Revive & Thrive Online Women's Conference Trusting God through Cancer 1  Trusting God through Cancer 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Marcia Ramsland: Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn / Website   For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube   Guest: 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! 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: Amy Connell and I talk about health “rules” we’ve heard but need to be broken for our good! Not all health rules are healthy. Amy is a personal trainer on a mission to help women realize that their eating and the way they move their body doesn’t have to be perfect. Your body is worthy of being taken care of! The reason we take care of our body is so we can do what we are called by God to do.   Quotables from the episode: Am I taking care of my body the way God wants me to? Perfection will enslave us when it comes to taking care of our bodies. There are certain health “rules” we’ve all heard that need to be broken, for our good. Our mindset is our fall back when things don’t go right, so we have to have an appropriate mindset about our health and wellness. I’m taking care of my body so I can do what God calls me to do. When it comes to health and wellness, something is better than nothing. We tend to self-sabotage ourselves with respect to our health and wellness through perfectionism, all or nothing thinking, and trying to do too much at once. The moment we become slave to our to-do list, it becomes detrimental to our well-being. Working towards better health is NOT a waste of time even when we don’t lose weight. Your body is worthy of being taken care of. There is no perfect body! Scripture References: Isaiah 43:19 NIV “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Galatians 1:10 NIV “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”   Recommended Resources: Your Worthy Body: Find Freedom in Health by Breaking All the Rules by Amy Connell The Joy of Movement by Dr. Kelly McGonical, Ph.D. How To Give Yourself GRACE in Your Health Hope for Healthy Living – Episode 65 Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award   Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Amy Connell: Website / Instagram / 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: Amy Connell is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and has been in the fitness industry almost 15 years. She’s a recovering step counter and an imperfect eater living in God’s perfect grace. Amy encourages women to strive for balanced, sustainable health and appreciate their God-created bodies, no matter what that looks like. She lives in the Houston, TX area with her husband, two always-hungry teen boys, and her stray-turned-princess put bull named Grace.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Niki Hardy and I talk about thriving not just surviving when life falls apart. Niki has faced times of loss, grief and cancer and discovered how to live well when life falls apart. She shares what God taught her through her experiences. One thing she learned is you can breathe again and thrive! Quotables from the episode: Too often we want God to give us revelation, when what we really need is realization. Often our beliefs limit us through personalization, permanence, and pervasiveness. The abundant life isn’t in the future waiting for us. God gave us to enjoy right now. Don’t wait for life to improve to live it fully. Live life to the full today. In times of suffering, lean in, not lean away. Too often we act as if heaven is pie in the sky, but the truth is we can have cake on our plate while we wait. God not only loves you, He likes you. Scripture References: John 10:10 NIV I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Psalm 62:1-2 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Recommended Resources: Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart by Niki Hardy Listening Guide for the Freshly Diagnosed Audio How to Handle anything Life Throws at You 10 Day audio devotion Grab a couple of free chapters of her book HERE Register for her FREE Trusting God Through Cancer Summit HERE Trials that Strengthen our Faith Two Essential Tips for Navigating Life’s Trials When Things Seem Hopeless What To Do When Trials Come Storms of Life: You’re Meant To Go Through, Not Camp Out There Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Niki Hardy: 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: Niki Hardy is an author, speaker, podcast host, and lover of hot buttered toast. As the author of Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart and host of the podcast Chemo Chair Prayers, her goal is to help you discover life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full, then go live it. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about the tie between self-sufficiency and our fear of inadequacy. My guest today is Erica Wiggenhorn who knows what it’s like to live under the shadow of the imposter syndrome, but who has learned how to untangle herself from the fear of inadequacy and let God be enough for her. She shares how she did it. Quotables from the episode: Early on in my faith walk, I cried out, “Jesus, how am I supposed to follow you if I don’t understand you?” We have multiple barometers of success, but if it isn’t based in what God says about us, we will continue striving until we are exhausted. The imposter syndrome is when you feel like a fraud or a fake and are waiting to fail and be rejected. When we feel like an imposter, inwardly we isolate and that creates a setup for great loneliness. Rather than striving, we have to rest in who God is and who He says we are. When I face circumstances in this life that are overwhelmingly huge I will know for a fact that I’m not enough and I’m not supposed to be God is enough. When I stop striving to be enough to everyone and in everything and allow God to be enough, I surrender in trust over to Him. When I make peace with my limitations, I find peace in my relationships. No human can thwart a divine plan. God’s plan doesn’t rest on our performance but on His promises. God is faithful to fill in our gaps. Our limitations provide an invitation for His limitless power. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB “Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. Exodus 3:11 ESV But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon Me.  Recommended Resources: Free eBook set The Busy Woman’s Bundle to Grow Closer to God Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free by Erica Wiggenhorn Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew by Erica Wiggenhorn An Unexplainable Life by Erica Wiggenhorn The Unexplainable Church by Erica Wiggenhorn Who God Says You Are: 17 Scriptures About Our True Identity Finding Your Identity in Christ: 20 Truths from God’s Word Lies We Believe vs. Truths From The Bible About Our Identity – Episode 100 Our Identity in Christ is Certain Hope for Living in our True Identity in Christ – Episode 38 Remember Who You Are: 10 Scriptures to Remind You of Your True Identity Revive and Thrive Summit 1 Revive and Thrive Summit 2 Revive and Thrive Summit 3/4 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Erica Wiggenhorn: 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: 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. Erica is the author of three Bible studies released by Moody Publishers: An Unexplainable Life, The Unexplainable Church, and Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God you Thought You Knew. Her latest release Letting God be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free just hit the shelves. Erica’s first trade book through Moody Publishers examines Moses’ fear of inadequacy and how God invites Moses to rest in his identity and God’s sufficiency. Erica serves on the women’s ministry leadership team for her church and regularly teaches in various venues. She’s also taught women in the Arizona State Prison system, and overseas. 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, or her own kitchen table. A graduate and post-graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Erica lives in Phoenix with her husband, Jonathan, and their four children only two of which are human, and the others furry and adorable. You can connect with her and find out more about her ministry at ericawiggenhorn.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: Amy Joob and I talk about how to get unstuck in life and move forward into the season God has for you. Amy Joob and her husband found themselves stuck in the recent pandemic and made the successful transition into a new path for their careers and ministry. She shares what she learned in the process. Quotables from the episode: One of the keys to getting unstuck and moving forward is to be humble and accept help. Give yourself permission to grieve your losses. Getting unstuck requires being willing to change and adapt, in faith. When you’re really feeling stuck, consider a time of fasting and prayer. Getting unstuck often requires being intentional and willing to do something completely different. Getting unstuck requires us to surrender to God’s will and His way. Loss of favor in an old place of position may be a sign it’s time to step into the new. In the midst of pain, invite Jesus in to meet you in your pain. Scripture References: Psalm 73:23-24 NLT “Yet, I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. You will keep on guiding me with your counsel; leading me to a glorious destiny.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Recommended Resources: Amy’s new 40-Day Prayer Journal, Unstuck: Step Into the New by Amy Joob Model Behavior: Make Your Career Path Your Calling by Amy Joob The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson Fasting by Jentezen Franklin Fasting Edge by Jentezen Franklin The New Era by Lana Vawser Revive and Thrive Summit 1 Revive and Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Amy Joob: 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: Amy is a motivational speaker and an award winning author of Model Behavior: Make Your Career Path Your Calling (Redemption Press, 2019). Amy and her family are passionate about advocacy and she is the host of Support Someone Saturday, a podcast that highlights charities, ministries and non-profits across Chicago and the US. Amy and Eric live in the Chicago suburbs, have been married for over 20 years and are parents to Arianna and Asthton. Amy’s new 40-Day Prayer Journal, Unstuck: Step Into the New  released on September 22, 2021. She hopes her family’s story will inspire you to get unstuck and move into the new season God has for you! 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: In this episode, we talk to author Kelly Balarie about how to train your mind to conquer challenges, defeat doubt, and live victoriously in a world where we have a very real enemy and we must always be battle ready. Quotables from the episode: “A simple girl who loves Jesus and who is just fighting on her own to figure out all of this with God and to learn these battle lessons.’ “We know God is the one who validates us.” “Our thoughts are everything. Our thoughts really are our life. If our thoughts go off kilter, our life goes off kilter which is what I was experiencing.” "We are all in a fight to receive God’s best for ourselves.” “It’s easy to make an idol out of an outcome.” “I don’t need an outcome to define who I am. I’m fully loved, I’m adored, I’m chosen, God is with me, God is using me.” “You have to go into the discovery with God. He wants to unveil to you who you really are. And so that’s the joy, that’s really what our joy is.” “I’ve got to find out the strategies, and the weapons and the tools and the insights and the wisdom and the new thoughts so that rather than letting myself be hit by the enemy all the time, and just sucker punched behind my house, I’m going to learn how to respond on offense rather defense, proactively rather than reactively and with my every emotion.” “It’s not impossible to live victoriously, we can do it. It’s a fight but God equips us with peace to do it.” “I need to adjust my game a little and so this book helps us all to get into the right game so that we can really live victoriously.” “I am at peace; I am not anxious; I am strong; I am believing what I never have before, and this is real.” “We get our mind in line with Jesus; we become Battle Ready. “ “The truth is all the power belongs to God and all the grace is His so He loves us when we do and He loves us when we don’t. right. And humility is not what we do for God or how much we give to others, yea, like that might be a by-product of humility but true humility is saying, I love you so much Jesus, I love you so much God, I want to be with you and receive from you.” “Let’s focus on what matters. Let’s get after the real depths of what brings contentment to our hearts.” “It’s time now, ladies, for us to rise up like we never have before. You know what, it’s time, it’s time for us to believe for who God says we are; it’s time for us to love like we never have; it’s time for us to know how much God loves us.” Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Recommended Resources: Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt, and Live Victoriously by Kelly Balarie Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears by Kelly Balarie Rest Now: 7 Ways to Say No, Set Boundaries, and Seize Joy by Kelly Balarie 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 How To Fight Fearful Thoughts and Win 5 Battle Tools to Help in Hard Moments How to Effectively Fight Fearful Thoughts Ask Dr. B: How To Combat Fearful Thoughts How to Control Worry, Fear, and Anxiety to Keep Your Peace Fear or Faith: You Choose Your Rx: 40 Scriptures that Combat Worry, Fear, Anxiety and Panic 5 Truths to Defeat Fear Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Kelly Balarie: Website / 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: Kelly Balarie is a speaker, blogger, and author of the books Fear Fighting, Battle Ready, and Rest Now. She comes alongside women to help them live wholeheartedly, rather than in uncertainty, fear, and doubt. When Kelly is not writing, she is chilling at the beach with her husband, a latte, and two young children who rightfully demand she build them awesome sandcastles. 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.