Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about how we can exchange our online distractions for real-life devotion. My guest today is friend, Wendy Speake, author of The 40-Day Social Media Fast: Exchange Your Online Distractions for Real Life Devotion. She’ll be sharing what she has learned through her periods of social media fasting and why we may want to consider doing the same. Quotables from the episode: “Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear.” A. W. Tozer Exchange your online distractions for real-life devotion. It is possible that what we are turning to, in order to cope with stress may actually be increasing our stress. God never called us to a sugar sacrifice, but to a living sacrifice. The goal of fasting is always to lay down that which is temporary and pick up that which is eternal and extraordinary. When we give God our ordinary hunger, we get a hunger for Him. He will satisfy our hunger. The only thing that doesn’t trip us up is running to Him. The conviction of God is kind. Digital minimalism: Choosing which hours to open up social media instead of what hours to shut down. When we take the details of our fast to the person of Christ, He will personalize the process for us. We set down social media so we can get social with the Lord. The more time we spend on social media, the more we compare ourselves to others,  the more we feel like we are missing out, and the more depressed and anxious we become. Johan Wolfgang Von Goethe warned, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” We live in a culture that values beautiful pictures but isn’t comfortable with beautiful brokenness. When you put your phone down it’s easier to lift your eyes up. While our smart devices offer us an easy way to find anything in the world, they can also be a distraction from the things that can’t be found with a Google search. If you want to learn to walk right up to God, start by considering how close He already is. We run to Him not to get a fix, but for Him to fix anything broken in us. Scripture References: Colossians 3:2 MSG “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is.” Jonah 2:8 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” 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 2:13 “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!” 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: In this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about how to be thankful for the little things in life when the big things seem to be falling down around us. I remember a time when God spoke to my heart and was really challenging me to examine my heart and answer the question, do I trust God in ALL things? Today, as we approach what is generally considered a holiday at which time we give thanks, He challenges us to thank Him for ALL things. This is a tall order. So we’re going to be talking about how to do that. Quotables from the episode: One of the best ways to be thankful for the little things is to remember the grateful prayers of our children. It’s easy to thank God when things are going well. It’s a sacrifice to thank God when things are hard. How can we flip the narrative in our mind and be thankful for the hard situations? The snoring means he is breathing, the dirty socks on the floor mean our children are home, the dishes in the sink mean we have food to eat. Looking at the lack of others will stir gratitude in our hearts for what we have that others don’t. This is a very unusual year. Sometimes it isn’t just a matter of what we have to be thankful for, but who we can be thankful to. Tips for practicing gratitude when you don’t feel like it: Appreciate the kindness of others Shift your focus away from the pain Be thankful for learning opportunities (more tips given in the podcast) God honors our gratitude, our thankfulness, our praise, especially when it is an offering and we don’t “feel like it.” Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Matthew 18:3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Recommended Resources: Thanksgiving: Thoughts on Gratitude Thanksgiving: The Not so Little Things   Gratitude Over Grumbling 6 Ways to Practice Gratitude When You Are Depressed A Surprising Lesson in Gratitude 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: Today we’re going to be talking about the well-known women of the Bible, Mary and Martha. Have you ever seriously considered them? Which one do you identify with most? I’ll confess, I’ve always been more of a Martha wanting to live like Mary. I spent my earlier years very much like a Type-A, driven, achiever, and prized myself on how long my to-do list was, and how much of it I accomplished every day. And yet, when I read the account of Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha, I always felt a bit of disappointment and discouragement because it felt like Jesus favored Mary and her personality and temperament more than Martha. But my guest today has good news for you whether you identify more with Mary or with Martha. Quotables from the episode: When worry grows and appeals to the appetite of our hearts, may be grow sick of it, and feast on faith. We must starve worry, and feast on worship. Jesus disciplines those He loves—He guides us because He cares about us. Instead of striving for perfection, rest in the perfection of Jesus! Since God has forgiven us, we have to forgive ourselves. God is personal in His relationship with us. Grace is a gift to be received, mot a prize to be earned. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can pause and celebrate the work that has already been done. Our souls can be at rest even when our hands are busy. Scripture References: Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits where while I do all the work? Tell her to come help me.” But the Lord, said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Ephesians 2:8-10 “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this: it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so one of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Romans 3:23-24 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Recommended Resources: Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done by Katie Reid 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 Katie Reid: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Guest: Katie Reid is a national speaker, and author of the book, Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done. She is a pastor’s wife and mother to five (loud and wonderful kids). She encourages women to find grace in the unraveling of life and live out their unique purpose. Katie is a fan of musicals and cut-to-the-chase conversations over tea. 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 I’ve got a guest with a riveting story. By all medical accounts, he should not still be living. He is a true miracle man, and shares hope with us. Today we’re going to be talking about how God takes the worst of situations and works them for our good, and how we can find hope and peace in that. Quotables from the episode: When all else fails, God never fails us. Scripture References: James 1:2-4 “Dear brother 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." James 1:12 “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Recommended Resources: They Call Me Miracle Man: a Life of Success, Tragedy, Betrayals, and Hope by Jay Straub The Mystery of Catastrophe by Joel Richardson and Nathan Graves 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 Jay Straub: 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 Guest: Unbeknownst to either of them, at the age of 12, Jay Straub was put on a path by his best friend that would lead him to fulfill the wildest dream he could have ever imagined. Fourteen years later, Jay would be a pilot, becoming a captain, for what is today the largest airline in the world. That path started with his first flying lesson at the age of 12, followed by his first flying job at the age of 18, which progressed to flying for several corporations and culminated with being hired at American Airlines at the age of 26.  In that career, Jay experienced two inflight emergencies that he gives God the credit for in his survival, followed by the grand crescendo, an on the job injury that ended Jay’s career and would have ended his life were it not for the power and grace of God. In the almost two decades since that event, Jay has spent a good deal of his life traveling to parts of the world speaking and giving the glory to his Lord, his Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He and his wife Letha both take joy in that. 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 finding our purpose. Did you know that God created you with a very specific purpose? He has plans for you to fulfill that ONLY you can do. Quotables from the episode: “Your emotions will make you second guess yourself, but your confidence in God will make you stand upright.” Dr. Marina McLean “Knowing your purpose starts by identifying your passion.” Courage is seeing something is possible. The depth of pressure that you can handle distinguishes you from being good to being great. Most people find their purpose in the midst of their pain. Scripture References: Psalms 8:4-6 “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” Proverbs 31:30-31 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Recommended Resources: 3 Power Moves to Make Your 2020 Mega, Free Download  An Appetite for Worship by Dr. Marina McLean 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 Dr. Marina McLean: Website Mega Women / Instagram Mega Women / Website Dr. Marina McLean / Instagram Dr. Marina McLean / 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 / Podcast Guest: Dr. Marina is a Keynote speaker, Life coach, Master Coach, worship leader, songwriter and award- wining author for her first book Appetite for Worship. She is the editor and chief of Mega Women Magazine. Dr. Marina has recorded three worship albums, In the Glory, Synchronized, and Encounter with Worship. She is the Director of iCultiv8 LLC life coaching services. Dr. Marina has been married for thirty-six years to Renny McLean, they have three adult children, Maranatha, Caleb and Zoe, and she resides in Texas. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Episode Summary: Today we’re going to be talking about the fact that even in spite of hardships and difficulties that God has allowed, He also shows us how to find hope. My guest today has been through trial after trial, but Julie Holmquist shares with us how she maintained her hope despite her hardships. Quotables from the episode: Scripture says “Hope is an anchor for the soul.” Anchors steady us, and hope pulls us forward, out of the storm. Faith is the driving force in our lives. Without faith, we have no hope. We maintain our hope despite our hardships by remembering God’s faithfulness in the past. God is NOT afraid of our feelings. He can handle our honest emotions. Waiting on God is NOT passive. It is actively intertwining our hearts with His. Waiting on God is actively watching with expectation for Him to move and act. It is an eager anticipation. When someone is hurting and struggling to maintain hope despite their hardships, don’t try to fix it for them. Trying to fix it short-circuits God’s plan for them. Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 4:8-12 “You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! I wish you really were reigning already, for then we would be reigning with you. Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. We work wearily with our own hands to earn a living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us.” Job 13:15 “God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.” Job 2:10 “But Job replied, ‘You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?’ So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.” 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 Julie Holmquist: Website Stuff of Heaven / Facebook Stuff of Heaven / Instagram Stuff of Heaven / Facebook Group Kairos Moments / Instagram Kairos Moments 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: Julie Holmquist is an author and Bible teacher. She hosts the podcast Kairos Moments — helping people recognize and respond to the moments God has carved out for them for radical growth and amazing transformation. She and her husband live in North Carolina with the two youngest of their four sons. 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: Nelson Mandela said “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” Today we’re going to have a bit of a different episode. I’ve invited a friend to join me on the program to talk about hope for overcoming racism. Christina Custodio and I recently sat down over a three hour lunch and had a very honest, open dialogue about the issue of racism, and what we can do to be more sensitive to the pain and insults received by our brothers and sisters of a different race. Quotables from the episode: When someone is hurting, don’t brush it off or try to mitigate it, rather express that you believe them. You may not have experienced racism but you can express “I don’t understand but I want to.” For us to heal from racism, we must offer forgiveness even when it’s not asked for. Christ offered love and forgiveness for ALL, despite skin color, nationality, or cultural bias. Scripture References: Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-4 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Colossians 3:11 “There is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” Acts 10:34 To summarize: “God shows no partiality.”= Romans 10:12 “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” John 3:16 His grace is universal: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 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 Christina: 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: 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.