Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: Today, my guest, Tricia Thirey, and I talk about how to find joy even in the midst of life’s most difficult circumstances. My guest knows pain, loss, and grief, and yet, God challenged her to find the joy in her every day despite her circumstances. She’ll be sharing how to find joy even in the midst of pain. Quotables from the episode: It’s important to grieve well, which includes not just the loss of the person, but also acknowledging everything else that loss represents. It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to want to stay there. When God is all you have, you have all you need. Even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, God never withholds good things from His children, including things that bring us joy. Scripture References: Psalm 30:5b “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” 2 Timothy 4 :7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 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 Tricia: 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: Tricia Thirey is a mom to three and an educator in the DFW area.  A former military spouse, she lost her husband to brain cancer after a 4.5 year battle in the summer of 2017.  During the last year of his life, she felt the Lord calling her to live a life of joy, and now she makes it her everyday purpose to try to instill that joy into her eight-year-old twins and six-year-old daughter.     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 my 30 years in mental health, one of the most prevalent issues I’ve seen in my office has been not truly knowing our identity in Christ. So many look to others and their accomplishments, only to come up short and lacking in the joy Christ came to give us. Too often we spend our efforts trying to be better, and in the end, we just carry around a burden we were not meant to carry. In The Burden of Better, Heather Creekmore uses her characteristic humorous style to help us learn how a comparison-free life leads to joy, peace, and rest. She helps us understand how “the life of comparison is the old nature, not our new nature,” and then helps us see how living comparison-free lets us rest in the joy that is ready for our pursuing. If you’ve struggled with comparison, and constantly trying to be better (and who of us hasn’t?), then you’ve tuned in for the right episode. Today we’re going to be talking about how living a life striving to become “better” steals our joy, peace, and rest. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk with Heather Creekmore, author of “The Burden of Better: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest”. Quotables from the episode: Too often we don’t realize it but we are enslaved to the “burden of better.” Adam and Eve already had perfect, but Satan convinced them to sin so they could find “better.” Slowly we turn our hearts away from the source of all that is good and toward the illusion of self-made satisfaction. You can’t be fully present in the life God designed for you when you constantly wonder what life would be like if it were more like hers. Comparison’s ladder has no top rung. The concept of “better” is elusive. Comparison can turn into a heart of envy. Comparison is the opposite of contentment. When I’m robbed of peace, joy, and contentment through comparison, I’m robbed of strength. Comparison can become an idol. When we idealize, we idolize. It’s not about you, it’s about me, we convince ourselves. Comparison is not a big deal, we reason. It’s necessary for my self-improvement. It doesn’t actually hurt anyone. How close can we be to someone who we constantly size up In comparing we add on to what God asked of us. It doesn’t matter what you think of you. It only matters what God says of you. If the enemy convinces us we are the only ones, he gets us isolated and powerless. If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a Savior. Perfection keeps us trapped by arbitrary measures. God’s sustaining grace comes in our suffering. Suffering builds character and makes us more like Jesus. Are you seeking to be better or are you seeking Jesus? The first step in a comparison-free action plan is to practice gratitude. Scripture References: Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God as set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Galatians 6:4-5 “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” Recommended Resources: The Burden of Better: How a Comparison Free Life Leads to Joy, Peace, and Rest by Heather Creekmore Compared to Who: A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image by Heather Creekmore Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller How To Overcome Workplace Comparison 4 Steps Toward Conquering Comparison Do You Know Who You Are In Christ? The Sting of Comparison: 8 Tips While Waiting for Your Special Order How To Overcome Workplace Comparison 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 Heather Creekmore: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube 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: Originally an East Coast native, Heather is a pastor’s wife now living in Austin, Texas. Heather spent over a decade working in politics and marketing for non-profits before marriage and children. Now, through her own ministry, Heather speaks and writes to encourage Christian women who struggle with body image and comparison.  I love her byline that says “Stop comparing. Start Living.” Her first book titled “Compared to Who? A Proven Path to Improve Your Body Image” helps people find new freedom from comparison struggles. In her free time, Heather homeschools four children, drives the soccer practice shuttle, makes sometimes edible freezer meals, competes on Netflix baking shows and breaks grammar rules. That’s why we’re friends! 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 what it’s like to be a recovering adult child of two alcoholic parents, and how even in such a difficult situation, God pursues us. Today we are going to be talking about God’s grace and love for us no matter where we come from or what our lives have been like. Quotables from the episode: You don’t have to be the same as someone else to serve as a valuable mentor. We must drop the blame and stop feeding the anger if we want to heal. You can change no matter what age and stage you’re at. Recovery is not a sprint, it is a lifetime marathon. Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”   Recommended Resources: Dolores, Like the River by Laura Padgett 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 Laura Padgett: Website / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / 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: Laura is a multi-published, multi-awarded author and dancer. Her two nonfiction books “Dolores, Like the River” and “Jesus in Shorts: Twenty-five Short Stories of Life-Changing Jesus Moments” are among her many published works. With a passion for helping others see their worth and value through the lens of Jesus, she shares stories of God’s love and lessons in her journey of almost seven decades as a writer, dancer and teacher. Through her monthly blog, “Livin’ What You’re Given” she speaks with humor and authenticity into the truth that we are valuable and have purpose at every age and every stage. She also has been published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul” as well as many online Christian publications. As she shares stories in written word and dance, she encourages others to find healing and inspiration for their life’s purpose in the Risen Christ. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and proud native of Colorado who lives in Montrose, Co with husband Keith. She holds an MA in storytelling through creative movement from Regis University. 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 talking about how we can become brave, think big, dream wildly, and live without fear. While most of us may desire this, few know how to get there. My guest today, Tracey Mitchell, will show us how. Quotables from the episode: Every storm has a valuable takeaway. You have to learn to sail in every season Never believe things won’t improve. Sow what you want to receive. Pay courage forward. Scripture References: Joshua 1:9 “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Recommended Resources: “Becoming Brave: How to Think Big, Dream Wildly, and Live Fear-Free” by Tracey Mitchell “The Invitation to Intimacy with God” compiled by Tracey Mitchell “Downside Up: Transform Rejection into Your Golden Opportunity” by Tracey Mitchell 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 Tracey Mitchell: Website / Facebook / Twitter / 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: Tracey Mitchell is a renowned and well-respected Bible teacher and international conference speaker. She travels 40 plus weeks a year speaking to diverse and cross-cultural groups throughout America and internationally, including Cuba, South America, Africa, Canada and the Middle East. Tracey Mitchell is a published author with Harper Collins and Thomas Nelson. Titles include The Invitation to Intimacy with God, Becoming Brave and Downside Up. She is the executive producer and co-host of Life From DFW, Executive Vice President of Christian Women in Media, President of Global Media Summit, and the CEO of The Winning Woman, a ministry-based consulting firm. 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: Have you ever experienced financial loss? Or wondered how you might handle it if you did? What if I told you that there could actually be hidden blessings from a financial catastrophe? My guest today, Patricia Durgin, shares how she maintained hope in the face of financial catastrophe, and how you can too. Quotables from the episode: “We lost everything except our family, our home, and our Savior.” No matter what we can lose in life, we can’t lose God. God sends His most trusted soldiers into the deepest darkness so we can be reminded that no matter what happens, He is with us. I don’t believe in hopelessness. Because of Him, #HopePrevails. We see God better in the dark. Don’t leave God’s side. He is the only hope we’ve got and the only hope we need. Scripture References: Psalm 6:3-4 “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord? How long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” 2 Corinthians 1:9 “But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.” 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 Patricia Durgin: Website / Facebook Profile / Facebook Business 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: Patricia Durgin began studying online marketing in 1995, the year Amazon sold its first book. Since then, she’s invested thousands of dollars to learn from leaders in the field, and countless hours adapting those principles for Christian writers and speakers. Online marketing is a confusing tangle of technology and messaging. Patricia helps Christian communicators cut a straight path, so they can escape the maze and fulfill their true calling, which is to reach more people for 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: Every one of us has a story to tell that others need to hear. Today’s guest is going to help us know if we’ve been called to write that story, and how understanding the different personality types will help us connect better with our readers. Quotables from the episode: “If you want to change the world, pick up a pen.” Martin Luther You have to know your reader’s personality to connect with them Honesty encourages hope. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:3  “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” Habakkuk 2:2 “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Recommended Resources: Called to Write by Linda Gilden Words to Live By by Linda Gilden Called to Speak by Linda Gilden Articles, Articles, Articles! by Linda Gilden Personality Perspectives – Clues to Building Better Relationships by Linda Gilden Mommy Pick-Me-Ups by Linda Gilden Mama Was the Queen of Christmas by Linda Gilden 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 Linda Gilden: Website / Facebook / Twitter / 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 / Podcast Guest: Linda Gilden is an experienced writer, speaker, editor, writing coach, and personality consultant. Author of the popular Love Notes series, she is also the author of several dozen books including Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas, Personality Perspectives – Clues to Building Better Relationships, Called to Write, Why You Do What You Do, Words to Live By, Called to Speak, Articles, Articles, Articles!, the LINKED Quick Guides to Personalities series, and many ghostwritten books. With over a thousand magazine articles to her credit, she is a prolific writer who loves to share a great story. She speaks nationally throughout the year, is a frequent radio and television guest, and welcomes the opportunity to help others become better communicators. Her favorite activity is floating in a lake or pool reading a book surrounded by splashing grandchildren, a great source of writing material. 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: I was raised in the church since I was born. We were there every time the doors were open. And in my teen years, we helped plant churches, so we were there before everyone else arrived and stayed after everyone else had left. I consider myself very fortunate because I was given a solid spiritual foundation. But not everyone is so fortunate. Today we’re going to be talking to a guest who grew up an atheist before coming to know Christ in her young adult years. If you have been praying for someone to come to know Jesus as their personal savior, today’s guest’s story will encourage you. Quotables from the episode: Some think that if you are strong, you don’t need God. But it’s just the opposite. You cannot have hope apart from who God is. Love is both who God is and what He does. Scripture References: Philippians 3:8-10 “I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” Exodus 33:18 “please let me see Your glory.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Recommended Resources: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell Prodigal God by Tim Keller Knowing God by JI Packer My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers 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: Website / Podcast / 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: Stephanie Rousselle has lived the last two decades on three continents, four countries and five cities. This former atheist, now on fire for Christ, is a wife, mom, podcaster, public speaker, writer, and women’s ministry director. And completely, 100% French. She thrives on Bible-centered inspirational writing and speaking, and dark chocolate. She loves few things more than a good laugh, especially at herself, because she understands that grace is real, and life is short. She wants to inspire others to see that God is beautiful. “God’s glory. Our delight” is her motto! 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: Have you ever considered that our life is a series of doors? Our guest, Cindy LaFavre Yorks, helps unpack how to navigate God’s doors: the closed door, open door, side door, trap door, and locked door. Quotables from the episode: Sometimes God has to close a door before we will become ready to walk through a new open door. Scripture References: Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 2:10 “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Recommended Resources: “The Side Door: Welcoming God’s Divine Detours” by Cindy Yorks “The Trap Door: Embracing God’s Divine Deliverance” by Cindy Yorks 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 Cindy LaFavre Yorks: 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: Cindy is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in the LATimes, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, and People Magazine. After decades of covering fashion and the red carpet, she traded in her stilettos for sandals and entered into an unexpected door that led to special needs parenting. Married to husband Ben for 37 years, she is now the empty nested mother to two sons and lives in Southern California. 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 talk about the fact that no matter what we’re going through, God is always there, and He cares. My guest today knows pain and loss. She experienced miscarriage, the murder of her sister (a victim of domestic violence), the loss of two brothers within a short period of time, and the death of her 14-month old granddaughter to Trisomy 18. Yet, she still maintains her hope. In this episode, she shares how she finds hope in the midst of grief.  Quotables from the episode: No matter what we’re going through, God is always there, and He cares. Two phrases to never say to someone who is grieving: “At least…” and “You should…” Scripture References: Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are    comforted by God.” Recommended Resources: Always There: Finding God’s Comfort Through Loss by Anne Peterson Broken: A Story of Abuse, Survival and Hope by Anne Peterson Droplets: Poetry for Those in Grief by Anne Peterson He Whispers: Poetic Talks With God by Anne Peterson 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 Anne Peterson: Website / Facebook  / Twitter /  Pinterest  / 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: Anne Peterson is a Christian poet, speaker, and published author of 15 books and numerous articles. She has written for Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Woman, as well as other publications. She has also written Bible studies for christianbiblestudies.com. Currently she is a regular contributor to crosswalk.com, and a writer for their couples devotionals. Since 1995, Anne’s poetry has been sold through gift stores and online in both the U.S. as well as other countries. Married for 44 years to her husband Michael, they have two grown children, as well as four grandchildren here and one in heaven. 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: Although we never want to think about it, life can change for any of us in an instant. My guest in this episode shares how on an ordinary day, her life changed in the most horrific way when she was involved in an accident that killed another individual. We never think something like that will happen to us. She shares the struggles that result after a moral injury, and how she continues to find hope despite being involved in an accidental death. Quotables from the episode: God uses broken things. Fruit comes after suffering. The minute you share your testimony, it is never in vain. Instead of asking “Why me?”, ask “Why not me?” and “What can I do now?” If God forgives us, we have to forgive ourselves. Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves  receive from God.” Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Acts 20: 24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Recommended Resources: Half a Life: a Memoir by Darin Strauss Accidental Impacts 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 Jennifer Eikenhorst: 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: Jennifer Eikenhorst, host of Accidental Hope is a wife, mom and middle school teacher from Waco, TX. She and her husband of 18 years, Chris, have four amazing children ages 7-17 years. In their 18 years of marriage, Jennifer and Chris have faced many trials, some involving life-altering experiences, even death. She declares God's glory and reflects through her testimony of beauty from ashes each time a challenge came. She hopes to inspire hope that God will always show Himself faithful in all circumstances. She would tell you she loves Jesus and helping others know Him as their hope and redeemer.    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.