Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: Anyone can become more organized, even you! Marcia Ramsland, The Leading Online Organizing Coach and a Business Productivity Expert, shares how to get organized and stay organized in this podcast episode. Think of organizing as a tool – it helps you accomplish what you want to accomplish in life. So, if you’re looking around at the piles of laundry and dishes in frustration and realize it’s time to make a change, you won’t want to miss this podcast! Quotables from the episode: Getting organized is something that can be learned and will save you time, give you focus, and mental clarity. The time management of the Proverbs 31 Woman: She did it all in a lifetime, but not in one day! Getting organized improves your outlook, improves your self-esteem, improves your stress level and lets you use your gifts and talents more. Organization weeds out the less important to focus on the more important. Start your organizational efforts where it makes the most impact: your closet, kitchen, and bathroom. Take pictures in your home and of your desk and calendar and ask yourself: Is calming or cluttered? Do I want to keep living this way, or do I want to be a growing person and take action to change it? The problem with the poverty in the world is not God’s provision but our distribution. Leverage your work before play. Spend 10 minutes organizing and cleaning up clutter before watching your favorite show. Proactively get control of the 10 minute bookends of your day in the morning and the evening so that the rest of the day you can be reactive to immediate needs.   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: Online course: “Fresh Start to a New Organized You” to get organized and stay that way in 6 weeks  Simplify Your Space: Create Order & Reduce Stress by Marcia Ramsland  Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay That Way by Marcia Ramsland  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  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 1 Revive & Thrive 2 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: In this episode, we talk with a guest who found herself in one of the worst situations a parent could face. Her son had been arrested, charged with murder, and incarcerated. Shonda Whitworth shares how she learned to pray for an incarcerated son and how you can too. She discovered how to maintain her hope and continue to pray even when it seemed God wasn’t answering. Quotables from the episode: In the courtroom of heaven, God is the judge, Jesus is our advocate and represents us, and Satan is our accuser. Limiting negative thoughts come from our accuser, who uses us to God “day and night.” Satan is the prosecutor in the courtroom of Heaven, accusing us day and night to God, our judge. As we enter the courtroom of heaven, we repent for our thoughts and actions, Jesus covers us with His shed blood, God forgives us and washes away the charges against us, and the accuser has been silenced. There’s only one advocate who is able to come to our defense in the courtroom of Heaven: Jesus. Jesus couldn’t do miracles in His own hometown because of the disbelief there. We must pray, believing. Freedom is a person, not a location. Scripture References: Romans 8:1 TPT "So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One." Hebrews 4:16 TPT "So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness." Luke 18:1 TPT "One day Jesus taught the apostles to keep praying and never stop or lose hope." Luke 18:8 TPT "God will give swift justice to those who don’t give up. So be ever praying, ever expecting, in the same way as the widow. Even so, when the Son of Man comes back, will he find this kind of undying faith on earth?” Recommended Resources:  Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven by Shonda Whitworth Life as a Mother of a Convicted Felon: From Shattered Hope to Confident Hope Hope for Parents of Incarcerated Children Operating in the Courts of Heaven: granting God the Legal Rights to Fulfill His Passion and Answer Our Prayers by Robert Henderson Assessing the Courts of Heaven: Positioning Yourself for Breakthrough and Answered Prayers by Robert Henderson Receiving Healing from the Courts of Heaven: Removing Hindrances that Delay or Deny Healing by Robert Henderson Unlocking Destinies From the Courts of Heaven: Dissolving Curses that Delay and Deny Our Future by Robert Henderson Shadowboxing: The Dynamic 2-5-14 Strategy to Defeat the Darkness Within by Dr. Henry Malone From the Courtroom of Heaven to the Throne of Grace and Mercy by Jeanette Strauss with the companion prayer guide A free downloadable PDF of 8 Prayers to Pray for Your Incarcerated Loved One is available at FortressofHopeMinistries.com Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Shonda Whitworth: Website / Facebook Shonda / Twitter / LinkedIn Shonda / Facebook Fortress / LinkedIn Fortress / Twitter Fortress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Shonda Whitworth writes, teaches, and speaks at conferences and retreats to share the hope of healing and restoration we have in Jesus. After her son landed in state prison, she realized the hardships families of prisoners encounter. She and her husband, Eldon, founded Fortress of Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization that offers hope to families affected by incarceration. Shonda transparently shares her testimony of living with a son in prison at ShondaWhitworth.com and FortressofHopeMinistries.com. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: We have all made mistakes in our life. We’ve all done things we regret. We’ve all gone through hardships that have hurt and scarred us in some way. In short, we’ve all gone through brokenness. In this episode, my guest, Amy Elaine Martinez, and I talk about hope for moving from brokenness to victorious living. Amy admits to having grown up in the church, but then having made some devastating life choices. She shares what her breaking point was—when she knew something had to change. And she shares a bit of her journey from brokenness to victorious living and what that looks like. Quotables from the episode: We know we are truly broken when we know that what we do breaks God’s heart. God brings dead things back to life. With God we can rise up and move forward from brokenness to victory. When we have the transforming power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we have everything we need on the inside to move forward in victory. We must realize we can’t change in our own strength, but God can. Too often we put the burden on ourselves to do things in our own strength, but Christ wants to be our burden barer. Victory comes from intimacy with God. Be mindful of what pleases God, and live intentionally. That leads to victorious living. If you think you’re too broken to change, know you can because of Christ. He is our change agent. Scripture References: Psalm 51:17 (MSG) "Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice." Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT) “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Luke 12:49 (TPT) “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already ablaze with fiery passion for God! Recommended Resources: Becoming a Victory Girl: Staking Your Claim in the Kingdom by Amy Elaine Martinez 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 Elaine Martinez: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / 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: Amy Elaine Martinez is an inspirational speaker, radio show host, and gifted teacher. Her ministry is devoted to helping women with heart-shattered lives become whole again in Christ. She lives part time in both beautiful Castle Rock, CO and historic Guthrie, OK. Married 27 years to the love of her life, David, Amy Elaine is mom to Gabriel (22) and Sidney (25) and daughter-in-love, Riley. She’s also a dog mom to an Australian Shepherd, named Maverick. Her heart’s desire is to see women walk in wholeness and develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Living the victorious life is one of the major themes of her ministry. 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 all experience a wide range of emotions. Emotions in and of themselves are not bad—they are God given. But some emotions can be a stumbling block to our relationships, prayer life and our walk with the Lord. In this episode, my guest, Linda Evans Shepherd, and I dive a bit deeper into our emotions to share how to use Scripture to pray through difficult emotions. Quotables from the episode: God created our emotions, and we can turn to him whenever we are struggling with both the word and with prayer. God cares about our emotions—He gave us the fruit of the spirit which includes love, joy, peace, etc. We have to yield our emotions to God and trust Him to see us through them. The Word of God is the solution to every problem. Praying Scriptures that deal with emotions transform those who pray them with the power of the Holy Spirit. We have to be willing to look for the blessing in the midst of every trial—there we will find the unexpected miracles. Scripture References: Psalm 145:18-19 GWT The Lord is near to everyone who prays to him, to every faithful person who prays to him. He fills the needs of those who fear him. Psalm 145:18–20 GWT He hears their cries for help and saves them. The Lord protects everyone who loves him. Psalm 16:8 NLT I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 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.” Job 13:15 NIV “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…” 1 Peter 5:7 GW Turn your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. Isaiah 41:10 NIV 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. Matthew 6:25-26 ESV Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you of more value than they? Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Recommended Resources: Praying through Every Emotion: Experiencing God’s Peace No Matter What by Linda Evans Shepherd www.EmotionPrayers.com Praying God’s Promises: The Life-Changing Power of Praying the Scriptures by Linda Evans Shepherd Experiencing God’s Presence: Learning to Listen While You Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd When You Need to Move a Mountain: Keys to Praying with Power by Linda Evans Shepherd When You Need a Miracle: How to Ask God for the Impossible by Linda Evans Shepherd When You Don’t Know What to Pray by Linda Evans Shepherd 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 Linda Evans Shepherd: Arise Esther / Leading Hearts / Arise Daily / AWSA / Facebook / Twitter / 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: Linda Evans Shepherd is a speaker and bestselling author of over 36 books including Praying Through Your Every Emotion, Praying God’s Promises, and When You Need to Move a Mountain. She founded Right to the Heart Ministries, Arise Esther, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Leading Hearts Magazine, and the Arise Daily devotional. 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 Kim Clark about finding hope during difficult times. We discuss the nature of trials, the reason for trials, why God allows us to experience trials, and how to best handle them. Quotables from the episode: Christianity doesn’t ensure a cake-walk life—Jesus told us to expect to go through many trials and sorrows. But we don’t go through them alone. In the cellar of affliction, God keeps His choicest wine. In our trials, that’s when we grow closest to Christ. There are no shortcuts in God’s refinement process. We can come alongside others in their difficult time even when we can’t understand or relate to their particular trial. Be present. When others are going through the flames of affliction, we can throw living water on their fire. Instead of asking “why me?” we can ask “why not me?” and thank God that He trusts us with these trials, and that He never wastes our pain. God never promises an easy life, but He does promise to work all things together for good when we love Him and are following His will. In the midst of our trials, the most powerful prayer we can pray is to pray scripture back to God. Scripture References: John 16:33 NLT “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Joshua 1:9 ESV "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Romans 8:28 ESV And my all time favorite: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Recommended Resources: Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze by Kim Clark Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze 30-Day Devotional by Kim Clark A free 18 min. Deep Waters: Lift Your Gaze book study facilitator training video on Kim’s website A free 48 min. webinar on how to write, publish, and market your book 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 Kim Clark: Website / Deep Waters Books / Lift Your Gaze / 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: Kim enjoys witnessing the miraculous heart-healing done only by our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, and rejoices as she inspires others to become better versions of themselves. She is a public speaker, bible lecturer, and recovering college marketing instructor. God has used Kim to administrate a child sponsorship organization, where she coordinated the care of close to 1,000 AIDS orphans in Africa. She is an avid runner and has completed two marathons—despite the angry protests from her knees. She and her family enjoy living in sunny Florida, serving in the local church, and playing pool frisbee with their overly active yellow lab, Mango. 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: Karen DeArmond Gardner returns to discuss how God can meet you when healing after domestic abuse. She'll share what God did in and through and for her to focus on our good and faithful God. If you are involved in a domestic abuse situation, a difficult marriage, maybe some other kind of abuse, God is waiting for you to boldly approach His throne and He will give you mercy and grace. If you missed the last episode of YHFP where we talked with Karen about the hope we have for healing after domestic abuse, I highly encourage you to listen to that episode here: Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse – Episode 119. Her story is compelling and important. Quotables from the episode: What I’ve learned to be true is that God loves me even more than He hates divorce. Another term for domestic abuse is intimate terrorism. God isn’t as concerned with our decorum as we are. He wants us to come as we are. So often the effects of abuse leave us viewing God like our abuser. That’s a lie from the enemy. Sometimes part of our healing is deconstructing or undoing what we previously thought we knew to be true. Domestic abuse is NOT suffering for Jesus. Scripture References: Hebrews 4:16 NLT “So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Galatians 5:1 NLT “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”   Recommended Resources: Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse: Reaching for God’s Promise of Real Freedom by Karen DeArmond Gardner Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse – Episode 119 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 Karen DeArmond Gardner: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Karen DeArmond Gardner is a thirty-year survivor of domestic abuse and an advocate for women who’ve experienced abuse and divorce. She is a certified trauma advocate and facilitates Mending the Soul and inner healing through HeartSync. Karen blogs at AnotherOneFree.com. Karen and her second husband Tom are co-owners of a private security company and reside in Texas. 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: Even if you've not been in the situation, you know others who have and need to know there is hope. In this episode, I talk with Karen DeArmond Gardner about hope for healing after domestic abuse. Many women don’t realize they are in an abusive situation because he doesn’t hit her. Only 14% of domestic violence is physical violence. When they get out of the marriage, they don’t know that healing is available. There is hope and healing. Quotables from the episode: So often, our ministry comes out of our deepest pain, Many women don’t realize they are in an abusive relationship. Coercive Control is when someone uses coercion through the threat of violence to control or manipulate someone. Only 14% of domestic violence is actually physical violence. There is often nothing a domestic abuse victim can do to change their abuser. Domestic abuse is NOT suffering for Jesus. Scripture References: Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT “There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” Psalm 107:1-2 NLT “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” Ephesians 5:2 NLT “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:19-23 “When you follow the desires of yur sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Recommended Resources: Hope for Healing from Domestic Abuse: Reaching for God’s Promise of Real Freedom by Karen DeArmond Gardner 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 Karen DeArmond Gardner: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Karen DeArmond Gardner is a thirty-year survivor of domestic abuse and an advocate for women who’ve experienced abuse and divorce. She is a certified trauma advocate and facilitates Mending the Soul and inner healing through HeartSync. Karen blogs at AnotherOneFree.com. Karen and her second husband Tom are co-owners of a private security company and reside in Texas. 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, my guest, Kerrie Oles and I talk about the hope we have for living the best version of your true self. Have you ever felt you were all alone in your struggle? Or that nobody else would understand or relate? Or experienced shame from something you’ve done or didn’t do? Then you’ve tuned in for the right episode. Quotables from the episode: Too often we are self-conscious but don’t want to be self-aware. We put on a persona like everything is fine because we fear we may not be accepted if we’re not. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Emotional DNA is like a blueprint which leads us to a certain reaction and behavior. Inner healing is the freedom from the thoughts and behaviors that hold us back and do some heart work. Your DNA has Jesus Christ running through it. Tears are often a release of woundings and heartache. Let them flow so God can heal. Forgiveness is the key to unlock the healing in your heart. Jesus loves those who hurt us as much as He loves us. Scripture References: Luke 7:47-48 “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.” He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Exodus 14:13-14 “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Recommended Resources: Unlock Now: 6 Steps to Begin Inner Healing by Kerrie Oles For Real: Navigating Truths Through Trials by Kerrie Oles Revived from the Me I Used To Be by Kerrie Oles 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 Kerrie Oles: Website / 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: Kerrie Oles, and husband Phillip have two boys, and have been in ministry for 17 years. She is a conference speaker, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to women’s platforms everywhere. Her humorous approach and in-depth biblical insight is healing hearts and transforming lives as she delivers messages of encouragement, freedom, and victory in Jesus Christ. 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, Nan Jones and I talk about how to maintain our hope when we feel abandoned by God. During those times when we feel alone, we so desperately need evidence of God’s abiding presence. So often when we are in the valley, going through difficult times, it’s easy to feel like God has abandoned us. That’s when we need to pray God will open our eyes so that we can see Him despite our circumstances. Quotables from the episode: Having a temper tantrum with God is demonstrating authentic faith and following the command to come boldly before His throne. We have a choice to step in, to lean in, and to focus on Him. We have to remember that our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Seeking God and His presence is contingent on my attitude. God pursues us with His love in our desert places. Scripture References: Exodus 33:14 “And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Acts 17:27-28 “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being …” John 15:4 (NKJV) “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” Recommended Resources: The Broken Way by Ann Voskamp Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: To connect with Nan Jones: Website / Facebook profile / Facebook page / Facebook The Alabaster Girls / 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: God has called Nan Jones to help others find Him in their darkest hour. Through the written word and the spoken voice of her heart, she shares with you how to see beyond the veil to recognize God's abiding presence—through good and bad, joy and sorrow, peace and anguish. Nan's book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife, was a 2016 Selah finalist and Badge of Honor winner. Her award-winning blog, Beyond the Veil, is touching Christians internationally who feel abandoned or forgotten by God, but want to learn to recognize His presence. Nan delights in ministering as speaker and teacher wherever women are gathered. She travels from the mountains of western 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: As a board certified clinical neuropsychologist, I can say with a fair degree of confidence that probably everyone can relate to experiencing shame and disappointment. We’ve all had high hopes and expectations that didn’t turn out the way we wanted, and we’ve all experienced shame over what we’ve done or said, or failed to do, or because we haven’t met our own or others’ expectations for us. In this episode, we are talking with guest counselor and coach Tina Yeager about hope for overcoming discouragement or shame. Quotables from the episode: It is the enemy of our soul who seeks to get us to isolate ourselves when we are not meant to be isolated. I thought that if I starved myself, I would become acceptable to those around me. My self-esteem improved when I really came to realize that it was God who made me loveable, and He made me worthy. God created each of us to fulfill a specific purpose. God’s standard for success is our obedience, while it’s the world who says that to be successful we have to look or behave in a certain way or accomplish certain things. Self-esteem and shame often result from our negative self-talk, especially when we exaggerate our failures by saying “I always…” or “I never…” Self-esteem and shame often result from the fear of “not being enough.” But God says He has made us enough. Knowing something is a lie really comes back to knowing what the truth is. Comparison often breeds shame, discouragement, and low self-esteem and is rooted in comparing our worst day to someone else’s best day. Scripture References: Ephesians 2:10 NIV: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Philippians 1:6 NIV: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14: NIV “From the beginning God chose you to be saved. . . that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV: “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Matthew 22:37-39 NIV: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Recommended Resources: Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory over the Lies Formed Against You by Tina Yeager Hope for Body Image: How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others Finding Freedom from Comparing Yourself to Others 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 Tina Yeager: Website / Facebook / Twitter / 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: Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast and publishes Inkspirations Online, a devotional for writers. Yeager also serves on the Christian Authors Network board, as a mentor with Word Weavers International, and as an active member of AWSA. Come visit her for a virtual cup of java online at tinayeager.com. Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory over the Lies Formed Against You helps women identify and fulfill their potential as they discover Christ-centered significance. 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.