Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode we’re talking to licensed professional counselor, Michelle Nietert, about how to recognize depression in children, what parents can do to help, and how parents can know when it’s time to seek outside help for their children. Quotables from the episode: One in four children will have mental health issues by the time they are 18 years old. We’ve gotten things confused with our children. Too often we see them as human doings rather than human beings. There is nothing that you, I and God can’t face together. Kids need a chance to fail under your own safe roof. Children will have a better chance of managing social media well when they understand the purpose of it. The best way parents can help their depressed children is by listening, empathizing, and validating their feelings. Scripture References: Psalm 43:5 “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Recommended Resources: More Than Moody by Harold Koplewicz 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 Hope for Depression in Children and Teens Social Media Links for Guest and  Host: Connect with Michelle Nietert: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast About Michelle Nietert: Michelle Nietert is a licensed professional counselor and has been providing therapeutic interventions to children and their families for over 20 years. As a previous educator, public school crisis counselor, she interacts regularly with parents and students at public school assemblies, PTA meetings, local churches, and is the mental health consultant for a local private Christian school. Michelle also provides trainings for school counselors, teachers and homeschool parents. She joins her audiences in the parenting trenches as a happily married mom of two school-aged children. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about how to find joy in the midst of life’s painful situations. In fact, our guest today is going to help us understand how joy can be found in any situation. Adria Wilkins enjoys telling a story, adding sprinkles of joy and a few extra dollops to liven it up. After suffering the unthinkable—the death of her 3-year-old son Blake, she found that Jesus sustains, and even surprises His followers with joy. If you need hope for finding joy in the midst of pain, this episode is for you. Quotables from the episode: If nothing else, nature can bring us joy. We all go through struggles, but joy can be found if we are willing to look for it. Faith is our sustaining power. Happiness comes and goes, and is dependent on our circumstances, but joy is internal, and a gift from God, that we can have despite our circumstances. Joy often comes from changing our perspective about our circumstances, and looking for the good amidst the rubble. Scripture References: Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Psalm 100:1, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.” Recommended Resources: The Joy Box Journal by Adria Wilkins Fight for Joy From Joy-Immune to Joy-Full Are You Seeking Joy? How To Raise Teenagers with Confidence and Joy You Can Have Joy Don't Let Comparison Steal Your Joy 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 Adria Wilkins: 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 / Podcast About Adria Wilkins Adria Wilkins enjoys telling a story, adding sprinkles of joy and a few extra dollops to liven it up. After suffering the unthinkable- the death of her 3-year old son Blake, she found that Jesus sustains, and even surprises His followers with joy. Adria has an accounting degree from Western Kentucky University. She and her husband, Erik, live in Northern Virginia and have three children: Katie, Blake, and Anthony. 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 about the reality of spiritual warfare and the fact that we can be securely held in the midst of such battles. Quotables from the episode: If you are living and breathing, you will experience spiritual warfare in some way. We were not born on a playground—we were born onto a battlefield. Our previous wounds coupled with bitterness and resentment give Satan access to our hearts and lives. The longer we nurse our wounds, the more they become an idol in our lives. Scripture References: 1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Deuteronomy 33:12 “About Benjamin he said: ‘Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.’” Recommended Resources: The Invisible War by Chip Ingram Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself by Ruth Graham 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 Cheryl Lutz: Cheryl's Facebook / Securely Held 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 Cheryl Lutz: Cheryl Lutz has an infectious laugh, and smiling is her favorite! She is a trained and experienced Speaker, Lay Counselor, and founder of the ministry, Securely Held. Her passion is helping others realize Christ firmly holds them amid spiritual warfare. She is married to her pastor and best friend (who has transitioned to a full-time teaching ministry), has four adult children, a bonus son by marriage, and is Mimi to her oldest daughter's dog and youngest son's cat. 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, Christina Custodio and I talk about experiencing joy despite our circumstances. Today’s guest knows what it’s like to face trials and triumph, and experience joy despite her circumstances. Her son almost died from a brain aneurysm. I hope you’ll be encouraged as you listen to today’s episode. Quotables from the episode: I believe that all things can work together for good, especially when we trust God to work in our lives without getting in the way and trying to take control. Though things may not look the way we had hoped, we can change the way we look at them and find peace. When we are in times of crisis, when we will look at the needs of others over our own, we can experience His joy and peace. Even when things don’t turn out the way we want, they can still be good! Peace comes from trusting God. We cannot experience peace apart from Him. We have to remember that God covers us even in our weaknesses. If we will look for God in every circumstance, we will not only find Him, but we will experience the joy that only comes from Him. Read scriptures that specifically talk about who God is and why we can trust Him. Start acting as if you trust Him until you really do. Scripture References: James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Recommended Resources: Believing God by Beth Moore Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen 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 Christina Custodio: 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 / Podcast Guest: Christina Custodio is a wife, mother, teacher, writer, photographer, and whatever the Lord asks her to be from day to day.  She is an inspirational speaker and writer who shares her own story as well as inspires her audience to share their stories, connecting and becoming a part of the community of 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, my guest Christine Trimpe and I talk about Transformation of Body, Mind, Heart, & Soul. Christine has an inspiring transformation story. Not only did she lose over 100 pounds, but she gained a rich relationship with her savior. Listen in to hear how she did it, and you can too. Quotables from the episode: Sometimes weight loss journeys aren’t about physical weight at all. God met me in my worst despair. Insecurity and fear holds us back from God’s best for us. God gave me a voice I didn’t recognize. I was very good at masking my feelings, and feeding them with food. God loves us so much He wants us to live our best life. Scripture References: Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (NIV) Recommended Resources: The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss by Jason Fung, MD. 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 worship leader, writer, speaker, and joy seeker. Christine journeyed recently through an amazing life transformation of body, mind, heart, and soul. God flipped her cravings, blessed her with massive weight loss, but most importantly, redeemed her daily walk with Jesus. Now He’s calling her to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to pursue their best health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Her transformation story and social media links can be found at ChristineTrimpe.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: Today we’re going to be talking about how we can exchange our physical addictions to food/sugar for spiritual transformations. My guest today is friend, Wendy Speake, author of The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation. Today we’ll explore what is fasting, why should we consider it, and what are some of the surprising benefits. Quotables from the episode: Sugar is a stronghold for many people. Unfortunately, no sugar fix can fix you. When we stop going from sugar high to sugar high, we turn to the Most High. The goal of fasting is always to lay down that which is temporary and pick up that which is eternal. Let every hunger pain act like church bells calling you to pray. Fasting from anything reminds us of what we want to hunger for. When we run to things to satisfy, they hold us back from His strong hold on us. Trust God to do what he’s going to do before he does it. Shout the victory in advance, obey, and watch what God does with your submission. Take out the temptation before tempted. The first step, before fasting, seek first the kingdom of God. He will change our health with a diet, but our life with a fast. Our desire is to find Christ as the only option. When we turn to Him to be our joy and peace, we don’t need the sugar. Fasting is about turning away from anything that gets between our relationship with God, and turning back to Him. Sometimes you need to go fast in order to slow down. The power of fasting is stopping and watching God deliver us. Fasting opens the door for the supernatural work of God. Keep in mind, with fasting, this is going to hurt before it feels better. Fasting isn’t easy—this is just the brand of your hard in this season. As you seek Him first, He’ll transform other areas of your life as well, bringing renewed hope. Scripture References: Psalm 34:8-10 NIV “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The Lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who see the Lord lack no good thing.” Jonah 2:8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” Matthew 6:33 “These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” Joel 2:12 “That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.’” Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” Recommended Resources:   The 40-Day Social Media Fast: Exchange Your Online Distraction for Real-Life Devotion By Wendy Speake The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation by Wendy Speake 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 Wendy Speake: 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 / Podcast 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: If you have ever felt overwhelmed, worn out, or overcome by holiday pressures, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about soul care: how to reduce anxiety with tips on tending to your soul and remaining unruffled during the chaos of the holidays. Whether we have a lot of time or a little time, our Heavenly Father delights in spending time with us. When we spend time with Him, we can rid ourselves of worry, fear, and anxiety, and remain in His peace. When we think about Jesus’s three years of ministry, he walked into the most chaotic environments but brought His peace with Him. So we can walk into any situation, allowing God’s peace to dominate us, and then it will spread outward. As believers with the Holy Spirit, we do carry God’s peace with us, but too often we forfeit that peace by becoming consumed by the chaos around us. Peace is not the opposite of chaos, it comes from inside so it’s not dependent on our circumstances. We need to look at situations from God’s vantage point. We are all capable of bringing His peace to our situations but we have to be more deliberate and less easily influenced by our circumstances. Anxiety comes from looking at our circumstances rather than up at our heavenly Father. We lose our peace when we’ve gotten our focus wrong. We never see the entire situation, but He can because He’s already gone before us. So often we become consumed by focusing on the details when He wants us to leave the details to Him and trust Him with the big picture. Try to make time for family, friends, and memory making. Be sure to make sure you are already plugged into God, before the chaos takes over. Taking time at the end of the day to still our thoughts and give God our cares of the day can help us sleep more peacefully and wake up unruffled the next morning. By looking over the plans of the next day, we can wake up prepared instead of in a panic about the day. Understand that your wellbeing is paramount to God, as well as the wellbeing of those around you. You cannot get water from an empty well. It’s just not possible to pour out when we ourselves are dry and empty. He wants us to be taking care of our own soul, and taking care of our physical body so that it doesn’t give out on you. Quotables from the episode: “Find your voice, live your story.” Edie Melson Whether we have a lot of time or a little time, our Heavenly Father delights in spending time with us. When we think about Jesus’s three years of ministry, he walked into the most chaotic environments but brought His peace with Him. Scripture References: John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Philippians 3:16 “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Recommended Resources: Soul Care When You’re Weary by Edie Melson Soul Care for Writers by Edie Melson Unruffled: Thriving in Chaos by Edie Melson and Rhonda Rhea 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 Edie Melson: Website / Bold Vision Books / Instagram / Twitter / 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 Guest: Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers experiencing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to readers, fellow creatives, or writers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Edie has this to say about her heritage, “I’m creative out of self-defense. As the daughter of an artist-mother and musician-turned-photographer-father, I’d have been a disgrace if I hadn’t been true to my own creativity.” Edie’s a popular speaker and a board member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and the social media director of Southern Writers Magazine. Connect with her on her website, www.EdieMelson.com and through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. She and husband Kirk have been married 38+ years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in SC where they love to hike and wander the mountains. 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 put the world on halt, and tell those you’ve committed to that you just can’t do? How do you draw the line between enough and too much? Who determines what is adequate and appropriate and when we cross the line to excessive? Have you ever wrestled with any of those questions? I think it’s common for us to hope for, and even strive for, a picture-perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas. But the reality is, that picture is fictitious and the longer we strive for that, the more exhausted we become, and the less we enjoy the holidays. Today we’re going to be talking about stressing less at Christmas. Quotables from the episode: So much of our stress at Christmas comes from several key areas: Keeping tradition for tradition sake People pleasing Unrealistic & often unvoiced expectations of ourselves and others Trying to prove something to someone (or yourself) It’s easy to talk about Christmas and refocusing on Christ at Christmas but what does that look like? Resting in His presence Spending time with The Gift (Jesus) and The Gift Giver (Our Heavenly Father) Letting Him take care of us Trading in our to-do list for rest Recognizing what the busyness means/truly reflects Practical Tips for Stressing Less This Christmas: Let each family member choose ONE kind of cookie to be baked and let them help make them Let the lights on the tree, and Christmas cards received, be the tree decorations Let the wrapping of the gifts be the love with which they were purchased Make the Christmas dinner be comprised of each family member’s favorite dish Consider catering the Christmas meal Resolve to be okay with paper plates and napkins so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love A hope-filled perspective for a less stressful Christmas: God doesn’t put these heavy burdens on us God invites us into His rest, not for Him but for our benefit God offers us the chance to choose His rest, but He doesn’t force us Fewer expectations means fewer disappointments Scripture References: Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Hebrews 4:1 “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it…” Recommended Resources: Ways to Create a More Peaceful Christmas Quit Striving for the Picture Perfect Christmas When Doing Less is Actually Doing More at Christmas How to Relieve Stress This Christmas What I Really Want This Christmas Content at Christmas 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: 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 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 about moving from brokenness to wholeness, and maintaining our hope in God. A misguided search for love & acceptance lured Maureen Hager into the life of an outlaw motorcycle gang. Caught up in a violent gang war, she sustained two gunshot wounds from M16 rifles. While severely wounded, this act of violence was the turning point God used to give her a restored life in Him. Quotables from the episode: If you are experiencing any pain or hardship right now, and wonder what good could come out of this, you’ve tuned in to the right episode. Sometimes a grieving heart will lead us to look for love in all the wrong places. When we’ve had a wounding to our heart, we will seek acceptance from whomever will fill it. It’s a universal search we all have: looking for love. But there is only one true source that will satisfy. So often people stay in unhealthy environments and relationships because they feel trapped. I had no idea of the journey ahead, all I know looking back is that that bullet was my escape from that gang. God saved my life. Often circumstances we find ourselves in is an opportunity for God to reach into that pit and pull us up to higher ground. If you end up in the hospital, you need an advocate! When you feel alone, it’s easy to believe the lie that God has abandoned you. The biggest lesson I learned was that God did love me, and my hardened heart started to melt. In our places of desperation that is when we become most willing to listen to God. I experienced the God of hope and that made all the difference in my life. When I sought out the gang, I was looking for love and acceptance but never found it, but when I began going to church I learned what true love was. What the enemy intended to harm me, God has used for my good. God is waiting for you to come to Him. He loves you. The extent of His love for us is unfathomable. Accepting that He does love us makes all the difference. You are never too broken for God to heal you. Scripture says Jesus was broken for you and for me. If we were not broken human beings, we would never have needed a Savior. Jesus came because we are broken. Your past does not define you. Scripture References: Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. Revelation 12:11a And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Recommended Resources: Love’s Bullet: A Wounded Victim in a Biker Gang War Transformed by God’s Love by Maureen Hager Healing the Soul of a Woman by Joyce Meyer God Loves Broken People by Sheila Walsh The Heartache No One Sees by Sheila Walsh 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 Maureen Hager: Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / 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 / Podcast Guest: A misguided search for love & acceptance lured Maureen Hager into the life of an outlaw motorcycle gang. Caught up in a violent gang war, she sustained two gunshot wounds from M16 rifles. While severely wounded, this act of violence was the turning point God used to give her a restored life in Him. Today she lives in western NC with her husband. They enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters and their grandchildren. 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: Today we’re going to be talking about how life often doesn’t go the way we planned for it to go, which often makes us wonder where God is or if he sees or cares. My guest today, Tracy Steel, is a lover of both interior design and theology who combines these two passions to creatively help women find peace and understand who God is and his purpose for them whenever their life doesn’t go as they hoped or planned for. Quotables from the episode: We can’t find comfort, security, and contentment in anything but God. The only thing that remains constant is God himself. Sometimes when we experience greater loss, it sets the stage to experience more of God’s comfort. Is God your focal point? Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:58 “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. Psalm 33:11 “But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.” Hebrews 2:10 “God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.” Recommended Resources: “A Redesigned Life: Uncovering God’s Purposes When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned” by Tracy Steel A 5-Day Reading Plan for Uncovering God's Purpose For You by Tracy Steel - Bible.com Reading Plan “Praying God’s Word” by Beth Moore 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 Tracy Steel: 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 / Podcast Guest: Tracy Steel graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in interior design in 1998 and has a master’s degree in biblical and theological studies from Phoenix Seminary. As a project designer, Tracy created and coordinated the design and space planning of commercial spaces for clients such as Bank One, Wells Fargo, Express Scripts, DHS, and Lockheed Martin. Moving from one type of interior design to another, Tracy then worked in full-time youth ministry, serving as the director of female students at Scottsdale Bible Church. God’s true design for Tracy now involves improving the interior space of the hearts and minds of women around her. Currently stationed in Washington, DC, this military wife and mother of two enjoys linking up with other bloggers, leading Bible studies at her local church, and speaking at various moms’ groups and women’s ministries events nationwide. She is also the author of Images of His Beauty, a 10-week Bible study for young women that focuses on identity, overcoming and healing through Christ, and bearing the image of 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.