Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode, Suzie Eller and I discuss some truths that just might change everything you thought you knew about joy. I so relate to my guest today because she has experienced one incredibly painful trial after another, and yet through it, she has come to savor the sweet aroma of her Savior walking with her in those trials. Quotables from the episode: After a year of sorrow, I began to search for biblical joy. I found 6 surprising truths that helped me redefine joy, keep joy, and live joy. Biblical joy isn’t a feeling…it’s a knowing. Biblical joy is tied to God’s goodness over our life. Joy is consciously walking into God’s love and care. We have a choice to make: we can turn away from God or turn to Him. While we may not always be able to “choose joy,” we can choose the SOURCE of our joy. We don’t have to limit ourselves to experience either joy or sorrow, but rather, give ourselves permission to experience joy AND sorrow. God is not disappointed by how we feel. Those feelings are indicators. He not only created us to feel, but cares about how we feel. Know that joy is for you and it’s not tied to your circumstances. Scripture References: John 16:22 NIV Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 15:11 NIV I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Romans 8:27-29 MSG He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God isworked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. Recommended Resources: Joy Keeper: 6 Truths that Change Everything You Thought You Knew About Joy by Suzie Eller You CAN Have Joy! The Fight For Joy! From Joy-Immune to Joy-Full! Are You Seeking Joy? How to Raise Teenagers With Confidence and 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: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Joykeeper Book Page 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 Suzanne Eller: Suzanne (Suzie) Eller is a bestselling author, Intl. speaker, and co-host of the popular More Than Small Talk podcast. She has been featured on numerous TV and radio programs. She lives in NW Arkansas with her husband Richard, and is mom to her grown children and “Gaga” to six littles. 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’re talking about how to find hope when things aren’t always as they seem. My guest, Lori Boruff, has been at the place where she felt hopeless, but then found the true source of hope, and has learned that even when life is difficult, things aren’t always as they seem. Quotables from the episode: I know hope because I’ve known what it was to be hopeless. Sometimes hope isn’t really lost, it just gets buried under the emotional rubble. We often think our way is best, but God’s way is blessed. Scripture References: Romans 15:13 NIV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Colossians 1:21-22 MSG “You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. (22) But now, by giving himself completely at the cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that!” Recommended Resources: Hope In The Ruins – A Rescue and Recovery Plan For Hearts In Crisis by Lori Boruff Cell 121: Learning To Never Give Up on Yourself or Your Loved Ones in the Toughest Moments of Life by Rusty Boruff 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: Website Lori Boruff / Website OneEighty / Facebook Lori Boruff 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 Lori Boruff: Lori Boruff knows the power of hope because she experiences it. With a well-kept secret of rape for 23 years, two sons once on difficult paths, and a recent cancer diagnosis – she discovered the right tools to find hope in the ruins. Lori is a trusted, certified life-coach, transformational speaker, author and co-director of the Christian Communicators Conference. Lori’s passion is to connect, comfort and change lives with the power of hope through 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: This is my birthday week, and in this episode, I wanted to give back to you, our faithful listener. I share what was the impetus for my daily social media “Today is a good day…” devotions. With age often comes wisdom. In this episode, I decided to focus on the lies that we often believe, and truths from the Bible about our identity. Quotables from the episode: As long as God is still on His throne, today is a good day for a good day. The lies we believe about ourselves limit us from fulfilling God’s calling for our lives. What matters most is knowing what God says about us and believing that over the lies of the enemy. If we weren’t imperfect we wouldn’t need a Savior. The worth of something is determined by the price we are willing to pay for it. Jesus thought we were so worthy that He paid the price of His life for us. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love. Scripture References: Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. Song of Solomon 2:16a My beloved is mine and I am his. Ephesians 1:5-6 “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.” 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. 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Recommended Resources: 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’re talking about what it looks like to jump out of our comfort zone, have faith and dare with God. My guest today, is Kate Battistelli, mother of DOVE and GRAMMY award-winning Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli, and author of The God Dare. Quotables from the episode: A “God Dare” is always too big for us—we can’t do it on our own without God’s help. The impossible is God’s zone. A “God Dare” often makes no earthly sense. It’s only after the fact that we can look back and see the dots connected. God will equip you for whatever He calls you to. Scripture References: Hebrews 11:1 “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Genesis 15:5-6 “Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the starts if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Recommended Resources: The God Dare by Kate Battistelli Growing Great Kids by Kate Battistelli Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Kate Battistelli: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / Pinterest / Website For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast About Kate Battistelli: Kate Battistelli is living proof God can and will use anyone if they’re willing. Kate experienced infertility, miscarriage, an abortion at age 18, and four failed adoption attempts, which all wreaked havoc in her life. Back in the ‘80’s, Kate had a life-changing experience as a young actress in New York City, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers and the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God dare” and moved out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and a home business. As their daughter Francesca grew and began expressing her gifts in music and songwriting, they realized there was a far bigger purpose in leaving their careers than they could’ve imagined. Kate is the mother of DOVE and GRAMMY award-winning Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli. 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’re talking about the hope we have for moving from trials to triumph. My guest today, Tammy Whitehurst, shares how the hope God gives for today and the new strength He gives for tomorrow turns our trials into opportunities for praise. Quotables from the episode: We often get stuck going backwards, but life is meant to be lived in a forward motion. A broken heart can leave us bitter and wasting our days or better for it. So often our problems turn into praises if we will just hold on long enough. Every mess has a Messiah who wants to see us through it and turn our mess into a message. We can either allow life to get us stuck in a rut, or run toward God. God’s grip doesn’t slip! I’ve never seen the back of Jesus, but he’s seen my back plenty of times. We need to fight with faith, not our fist. Disappointment drove me to the depths of despair. When we swim in a sea of unforgiveness, it pulls us under. The power of forgiveness is huge. Worship while you wait. Don’t concentrate on what you don’t know—focus on what you do know: God’s truth. The enemy is not going to be convinced until you are. Hope comes from Jesus—grab hold of Him. I want to live every day doing my best and letting God do the rest. You may be bent, but you’re not broken! Scripture References: 1 John 4:4 “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” Acts 20:24 “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Isaiah 54:17 “But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Tammy Whitehurst: Website / Facebook / Christian Communicators / 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 / Podcast About Tammy Whitehurst: Author, and full time speaker Tammy Whitehurst encourages and challenges audiences to live life kicked up a notch. She has been described as a hoot with a capital H! While she is the co-owner of the Christian Communicator's Conference, a training conference for speakers, to those who know her best she is simply Davis’s wife, a proud mom to four grown kids, and a former middle school teacher. She struggles like the rest of us with dust, dishes, cellulite, junk drawers, and wrinkles. 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’re talking about our identity in Christ, the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of praying daily for our children. We’re fighting a real battle that we can’t ignore. This is the kind of battle we fight on our knees. Join me with my guest, Tina Chambers Smith, founder of Raising Kids on Your Knees. Quotables from the episode: Our identity in Christ is despite what we do. My identity is rooted in the fact that I am a child of God and that never changes. What I do comes out of who I am. Spiritual warfare is a truth encounter. We see less than 20% of reality with our physical eyes. What lies did you bring from your independent life into your life that is dependent on God? “Lordship” is following no matter what. We grow the most in life’s hardest places. Our goal as parents is to place our child’s hand in the hand of a holy, living, good God. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Matthew 28:18 “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.’” Ephesians 6:12 “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Recommended Resources: Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson The Adversary by Mark Bubeck The Calvary Road by Roy Hession 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 Tina Chambers Smith: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Tina Chambers Smith is a writer, author, teacher, and founder of Raising Kids on Your Knees, a ministry focused on equipping Moms and Dads to pray and parent life into the lives of our children. She has seen the power of prayer in her own children’s lives and believes there is no better way for us, as parents and guardians, to raise our children than on our knees in daily prayer for them. Through her weekly prayer sheets, Tina leads a Prayer Tribe of parents from around the world in daily prayer for their children. To subscribe to the Prayer Tribe, visit RaisingKidsonYourKnees.org. Tina has several children’s books and books on the healing process after abortion available to purchase on Amazon.com. Tina and her husband, Rod, have four children and three 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: In this episode, I’m talking with relationship experts, and the founders of the Living Love-Wise Community, Bill and Pam Farrel, about rebuilding intimacy in marriage. Quotables from the episode: For wives, romance means connection. For men, romance starts with respect. Romance communicates to your spouse “You are worth it.” A loving (and romantic) relationship requires intentionality. Instead of spending money, consider making memories. Give yourself permission to love yourself like God does. The best Valentine’s Day gifts are personalized. If you are in a relationship and don’t feel loved, try treating your partner the way you would want to be treated and watch God change their heart over time. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, 13 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.” Hebrews 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” 1 John 4:19 “We love each other because he loved us first.” Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Recommended Resources: Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti: Understanding and Delighting in Your Differences by Bill & Pam Farrel Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Devotional Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, and Karla Dornacher  Red-Hot Monogamy: Making Your Marriage Sizzle by Bill and Pam Farrel Appreciation: The Key to Unlocking Romance Hope for Marriage Struggles Creative Ways to Show Love During Times of Crisis How Do I Love You? 8 Different Ways to Show Love Great Love Prompts Great Sacrifice: It’s What Love Does Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places You Are Loved by God 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 Pam Farrel: Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter / Website For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube   Guest Pam Farrel: Bill and Pam Farrel are relationship experts, international speakers, and Directors of the ministry “Love-Wise.” They have been married and in ministry for 41 years. Bill has experience as Youth Pastor, followed by 15 years as a Lead Pastor, then was Pastor of Small Groups for Dr. David Jeremiah at Shadow Mountain Church. Pam served alongside Bill in youth work then served as Director of Women’s Ministry during Bill’s years as a pastor. They have written over 50 books including the best-selling “Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti,” and “10 Best Decisions a Single Can Make.” They have spoken for a wide variety of groups ranging from overseas for missions to the military and businesses. Their wit and wisdom make them popular speakers and radio/tv/podcast guests. The Farrels also enjoy helping people with their most vital relationships online in the Living Love-Wise Community. When not in the thick of ministry pursuits you can find them caretaking for elderly parents, spending time with their grown children and grandchildren, or walking the beach, biking, or kayaking from their down-sized home on a live aboard boat docked in Southern California. www.Love-Wise.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: 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.