Peace in His Presence
Michelle Diercks
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Does your heart become distracted by anxious overwhelm? Does that distraction have you forgetting who you are as God’s Child? Find out how you can rest in God’s promises and receive the peace of His presence. Michelle is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher whose mission is to help you do just that.
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6 days ago
The Gift of the Church with Christa Petzold
Are you comforted by the Church? Are you irritated by the Church? Does the thought of walking into those doors on a Sunday morning bring you peace, or does it bring you anxiety? Maybe you've been hurt by the Church or people who attend your Church.
Societal pressures, frustration caused by bureaucracy and abuse within churches, and the negative perception of institutions today result in pain and confusion around the idea of "church."
In this podcast episode, I sat down to talk to Christa Petzold, author of Gathered by Christ: The Overlooked Gift of Church, to speak with her about her book.
In this episode, we talk about:
The Gifts of the Church
How much Jesus loves the Church
The Church can never be destroyed
How Jesus sees the Church
The comfort and the blessings of the Church
If you would like to learn more about Christa's book click here.
Connect with Christa
Connect with Michelle
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Mar 13, 2023
Meant For Good with Donna Snow
Sometimes life is unfair and we wait for God to work things out.
The life story of Joseph is one of the most beloved and chronicled in the Bible. It's a story of broken dreams and impossible circumstances, of family conflict and unfair treatment. It's a story of the power and necessity of letting God's love and forgiveness lead.
Joseph waited for twenty years for God's plan to unfold. Over and over as we read his story we hear how God was with him.
In the midst of it all, Joseph told his brothers that God used all of it good.
In this episode, Michelle talks to author Donna Snow about her latest book, Meant for good, which is a study of the life of Joseph.
Connect with Michelle
Click here to learn more about Donna's Book
Connect with Donna
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Feb 26, 2023
Limping with God with Chad Bird
Sometimes our faith walk is compared to a race, but as we get bogged down with the struggles and challenges of life, we find ourselves limping, and most days, we sense that the Lord is carrying us and holding us up as we limp through life.
In this episode, Michelle sits down and talks to Chad Bird, about his most recent book, Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship.
Chad talks about:
* Why he wrote the book
* What he learned while writing the book, this was a fun fact to learn.
* How forgiveness is dying to ourselves and how God helps us to forgive
* Chad explains what fruitful winters are.
* We also talk about Jacob's ladder and how the story is different and better than the one we probably learned in Sunday School.
Throughout the conversation, you will be reminded of God's mercy and grace and how he pours it out over us again and again.
Here are links where you can learn more about Chad and 1517.org.
40 Minutes in the Old Testament Podcast
1517.org
Limping with God on Amazon
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Feb 13, 2023
10 Questions To Ask Every Time You Read the Bible with Andy Jones
Do you struggle with knowing how to read the Bible?
Do you wish you knew what questions to ask as you read God's Word?
Do you long for a resource that would be simple to use in Bible Study?
Pastor Andy Jones has written an incredible book that will be a valuable resource to all who read it. He gives the reader ten questions to ask as they read the Bible. You don't have to have a theology degree in order to use them, but even if you do have one, you will love how they help you dig into the text of scripture.
In this episode, Andy and Michelle use the Ten Questions to go through Joshual 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Order Ten Questions To Ask Every Time You Read the Bible
Andy Jones Website
Andy Jones Twitter
Andy Jones Instagram
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Jan 30, 2023
Chosen: You are God's beloved child
How do you see yourself?
How you answer that question makes a difference in how you go through life.
Before the foundations of the world were laid, God chose you to be His very own. His choosing of you wasn't based on anything you would do or accomplish in your life. He chose you because He loves you as His precious child.
Sometimes we get stuck in thinking that we are the sum of our sins or that we are the sum of our good deeds. In this episode, Michelle and Katie Koplin look at Colossians 3, what it means to be chosen by God, and the difference it makes in our daily lives.
If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest you can go here.
Michelle's website
Katie Koplin Instagram
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Jan 16, 2023
When you are afraid you can trust in God's unfailing faithfulness
Michelle sits down with writer and speaker Katie Koplin to talk about what it means to know that you are Hidden in Christ from Colossians chapter 3.
What a gift God gives to you through Baptism that you become Hidden in Christ and the work that He has done for you on the cross. Becasue you are hidden in Him, you have received every spiritual blessing that has been given to Him.
You can face each day knowing that God is your hiding place and that whatever life brings you can trust Him to walk you through it.
God stands guard over you and you can trust Him with every moment. Michelle and Katie talk about the lens on how you view your life and the importance of remembering to view it as God's child.
Michelle's podcast is sponsored by her book, Promised Rest, you can find more about her and book and what people are saying by clicking on this sentence.
Connect with Katie Koplin on Instagram
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Dec 12, 2022
Waiting in the Joy of God's Promises
Advent is a time for waiting, but it’s also a season of trying to cram long to-do lists in our already overbooked calendars.
Maybe like me, you feel anxious by all the expectations you’ve placed on your calendar to have everything done and perfect for the holidays.
Expectations can leave us feeling anxious because what happens when life changes? You can plan everything perfectly, but people can get sick, winter storms come, and travel plans can change.
Maybe we could learn to view life through expectant joy instead of expectations. How do we do that? We can learn from the stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna.
In the midst of all the uncertainties of life, you can rest in the certainty of God’s promises to you. They are unshakeable. God gives you joy as a gift and it cannot be taken away from you.
The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit cph.org/rest.
Connect with Michelle
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Dec 5, 2022
Advent Reflections from Mary's Story
What feels impossible to you in this season of your life?
Health issues, family struggles, grieving the loss of a loved one, work challenges, or problems at church.
I invite you to hold up what seems impossible before the Lord and sit with Him, while we take a look at Mary’s story today. I know it’s not easy to look at what feels impossible but your Immanuel promises to be with you in all things and He will strengthen you and give you His peace. His promises to you are unshakable.
Listen into these Advent Reflections, while we look at Mary's story. Let's ponder how God made the impossible—possible.
The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit cph.org/rest.
Connect with Michelle
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Nov 28, 2022
Waiting in the Hope of God's Promises
What is the cry of your heart? What is the prayer you’ve been whispering over and over again to God until you wonder if you should even keep asking? But the longing lasts, and you wait in the hope of knowing that God promises to hear your prayers and that He always answers your prayers, maybe not in the way you imagined, but always out of His divine love and grace towards you.
Advent is a time of waiting. As we look back to the first Christmas. God's people had been waiting for the Messiah to come for thousands of years. The world was a broken and dark place. God’s chosen people lived under oppression. And then God himself stepped into the brokenness. To bring light into the darkness. We remember their waiting, and now we wait for Jesus to come again to take us home to heaven. Over these past few years, I’ve found myself asking the Lord many times, how long, Lord until you come back? The world feels so broken.
How do we learn how to wait? As I was writing my book Promised Rest, I learned a lot when I slowed down and spent time reading the stories of God’s people. They were familiar stories, and yet there were details I had never noticed before I saw how God was with His people, and I watched His people trust Him in circumstances beyond their control. Promised Rest is five months old, and I’ve heard from different people how they, too, have learned from these stories, and I’ve been asked if I could do more of that with women from the Bible.
And so I thought, let's take a look at the lives of the three women of Christmas and their stories. What can we learn about waiting from them? So I invite you to ponder the promises with me. Let’s look at their stories and rest in the promises. Let's learn from Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by resting in the promises.
The Peace in His Presence Podcast is sponsored by Michelle’s book Promised Rest; if you would like to find out more about the book, you can visit cph.org/rest.
Connect with Michelle
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Nov 21, 2022
Emotions and the Holiday Season
Michelle interviews author and speaker Heidi Goehmann on her newest book, Emotions & the Gospel Created For Connection.
In this episode, we talk about the following:
* why Heidi wrote this book
* what did she learn while writing the book
* processing emotions and why it’s important
We also look at contemplation as a way to process our emotions and at the emotion anticipation in preparation for the Holidays.
Heidi shares some practical tips and tools for using contemplation, to help your process your emotions, as you gather with family and friends.
Check out Heidi's Book
Heidi's Website
Michelle's Website
Michelle's book, Promised Rest.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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Nov 7, 2022
Grace Under Pressure
How do you respond to pressure? Perhaps like me, the last couple of years have weighed heavy upon your heart as the stress of the pandemic, economic changes, the political climate in our country, and the stressors of daily life piled up.
How do you move forward when it feels like you are burdened down by the pressure and stress? The Lord promises his steadfast love and faithfulness to us as we walk through and as He carries our burdens for us.
He also give to us His grace to sustain us through the pressures of life.
Michelle sits down to talk with Pastor and author, Chris Kennedy, about his book Grace Under Pressure, Using Jesus' seven statements from the cross, Chris shows the incredibly stressful situations Jesus endured and how He handled them with grace, giving us a model on how to respond to our stresses with grace.
Michelle's prayer is that you would be encouraged by this conversation.
Grace Under Pressure
Chris Kennedy's Website
Connect with Michelle
The Peace in His Pr…
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Oct 24, 2022
A Conversation About Trusting God
Michelle talked to Margo Heath Dupre about her book, Be Thou My Guide: A Bible Study on Trusting God.
Margo wrote down all of her questions for God in journals for over 18 years. She spent time searching and reading scripture to understand more about how she could trust God. As she studied, she looked at different people in the Bible and learned from them and their stories on what it looks like to trust God in our daily lives.
This book was developed from the journals she kept over the years.
During our conversation, Margo and I talked about a couple of the questions in her study, and I think they are ones that we would all ask ourselves.
* What is happening in my life that I need to be strong and courageous?
* How can we stay focused on God instead of our circumstances?
I loved my conversation with Margo, it was an encouragement to me and I pray that it will to you as well.
Be Thou My Guide: A Bible Study on Trusting God
Margo on Facebook
Margo on Instagram
Promised Rest…
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Oct 3, 2022
Trusting God when you face a problem you cannot fix
Does your hope feel frayed right now? Or do you feel like your prayers are stuck on repeat? You or a loved one is facing a problem you cannot fix, and your mind stirs with "What if" thinking.
In this episode, Michelle shares a simple practice that she learned from Heidi Goehmann during the Reflection Mini Challenge about what you can do with your "what if" thoughts.
Michelle also shares how we can look at our problems through the lens of God's promises to us.
* God holds you in His capable hands
* You are loved beyond measure
* God is your shelter and refuge
* God's power is made perfect in weakness
* God's grace is sufficient for each moment you face
You can click here if you haven't listened to the Reflection Mini Challenge episode.
Please click here if you would like to receive the Reflection Mini Challenge through email.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Michelle's book Promised Rest, click here.
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Sep 19, 2022
Learn About the Reflection Mini Challenge with Michelle and Heidi Goehmann
One of my favorite people to talk to about emotional and mental health is Heidi Goehmann. God allowed our lives to intersect because of our love for words and His Word.
Throughout my life, I've labeled my emotions as positive or negative, and when I perceived my emotions through an unfavorable lens, I would feel ashamed. Through my friendship with Heidi, I learned we don't need to label our emotions as good or bad.
Heidi and I invite you to join us in our conversation about emotions and how we can use reflection and God's Word to help us move through the challenges we face.
We’ve created a Reflection Mini Challenge that we will share on Instagram, Facebook, or email. The challenge will take place September 26 – 30th.
It’s five days, five moments to reflect, simple and created to fit in and around your schedule.
We will teach you a simple way to pause in God's presence through reflection that you can use throughout your day.
Heidi and I hosted a Facebook live to talk more ab…
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Jul 19, 2022
Measured By Grace
Have you ever messed up or made an unfixable mistake? Your failures do not have the final say over you, God does, and I love how Sharla writes about this in her new book, Measured by Grace.
I hope you can take the time to listen in and learn how God sees us as enough in Christ Jesus. I loved my conversation with Sharla; even though I read through her book in preparation for the interview, I learned so much from our time together.
Learn More About Measured By Grace
Connect with Sharla
If you would like to learn more about Michelle's book Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God's Presence, you can click here.
If you want to join Michelle on Facebook to go through her book Promised Rest, you can join this group. The Grace Space
Michelle on Facebook and Instagram
Heidi on Facebook and Instagram
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Jun 27, 2022
Five R's of Reflection
In this episode, I talk to Heidi Goehmann who is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed independent mental health professional about reflection and how it impacts our mental health and how it helps us emotionally and spiritually.
We talk about this through the lens of the Five R’s of Reflection that I have in my book, Promised Rest.
The following is a condensed version of the five Rs:
* Rejoice: what are you grateful for?
* Release: what cares or concerns do you need to give to God?
* Reframe: are there thoughts about yourself, others, and God that need to change?
* Remember: What do you want to remember about God’s name, characteristic, or action?
* Rest: What promise of God can you rest in today?
Heidi and I also want to invite you to join us the week of August 29th for a Mini reflection challenge on Instagram. We will be sharing more details as it gets closer but for now, make sure you are following us there.
Michelle Diercks Instagram
Michelle Diercks We…
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Jun 13, 2022
Trusting God through the uncertainties of life
Often, our worries come from not being able to control a situation. The truth is that we cannot plan for all the uncertainties we will face, but we can trust our Immanuel, the God who is with us, to give us His strength and peace through all the trials and troubles we will face in this life.
When our minds become stuck in "what if" thinking, we see things from our finite viewpoint. We forget that God is infinite and that we can trust Him even when life is uncertain or doesn't make sense.
In this episode, Gretchen Ronnevik interviews Michelle about the eighth chapter of her book, Immanuel. They talk about how God is with us in all things and also some of the Bible verses that can remind us of the promises that we have in God.
If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest, you can go to CPH.ORG/REST
If you would like to connect with you can go to my website, michellediercks.com.
If you would like to connect with Gretchen Ronnevik, please click here.
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May 29, 2022
When your heart is shaken the Good Shepherd gives you peace
Does your heart feel shaken and shattered? Perhaps you feel bruised and battered from all that has happened over the last couple of years. You are weary and tired and you long for peace.
God promises to be your Good Shepherd and you can rest in His unshakable faithfulness towards you today and always.
In this episode, Sharla Fritz, interviews me about my book Promised Rest, we talk about how the Good Shepherd gives us His peace.
If you would like to learn more about my book Promised Rest you can go to CPH.ORG/REST
If you would like to connect with you can go to my website, michellediercks.com.
If you would like to connect with Sharla, you can click on her name.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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May 16, 2022
When Your Heart Is Troubled Jesus Gives You His Peace
Fear makes us forget who we are as God’s children. Our thoughts race with the limitations we have to solve our problems. We face the unfixable and feel shaken.
Jesus steps into our brokenness, and His faithfulness towards us is unshakeable. Jesus gives us His peace and strength. We can rest in His capable hands. He holds all things together.
God's power and strength are not limited to our understanding. We don't need to look to our abilities to solve and fix our problems; we can rest in God's ability and faithfulness. We can rest in His unfailing promises.
Lindsay Hausch interviews me in this episode, and we talk about the 6th chapter of my book, Promised Rest.
If you want to read the first chapter of my book for free, you can go to cph.org/rest.
If you want to connect with Michelle outside of the podcast, you can go here.
If you want to learn more about Lindsay, you can go here.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me
Licens…
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May 2, 2022
When Life Feels Impossible God Gives Us Hope
What are you facing right now? Is it a problem you cannot fix? Friends here is a precious truth I’ve learned over the years, that God’s grace is sufficient for every circumstance. He will provide all you need to get through each moment.
In this episode, Christina Hergenrader, interview's Michelle about how God provides for us, even when life feels impossible.
If you would like to connect with Michelle(clickhere)
If you would like to connect with Christina Hergenrader(click here).
If you would like to read the first chapter of Promised Rest you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me
License code: 1VYEPUIH4UMCZLFG
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Apr 25, 2022
Trusting God When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Have you ever wrestled with these questions?
* How can I trust God when life doesn't make sense?
* How do I trust God when He doesn’t answer my prayer right away?
* How can I trust God when He doesn't fix my problems in the way I thought He should?
If you've struggled with these questions or ones similar you are not alone, I'v wrestled with all of them.
In this fourth episode of the Promised Rest Series, Katie Koplin interview me about God's name of El Shaddai and what does that mean for us in our lives?
How does knowing God as El Shaddai, help me through the joys and sorrows of life?
If you haven’t had a chance to receive the first chapter of my book yet, you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest. If you have read it, can you think of some friends who might be interested in reading it? Maybe you have a Bible Study group that would be interested? If you could share the link with them I would be so grateful for your help in getting the word out about Promised Rest, which will be release…
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Apr 18, 2022
God Sees You and Knows You by Name.
Have you ever found yourself in a story you didn’t choose? Perhaps you have felt unseen by those who should love and care for you. It’s a lonely place, but here is the precious truth, God will never leave you, and He is your El Roi, the God who sees you and knows you by name.
Donna Snow, a great friend of the podcast interviews me about the 3rd chapter of my book, El Roi.
In this episode we talk about:
* The story of Hagar and how she gave God the name El Roi.
* Some of the promises we can find in knowing God as El Roi.
* How does knowing God as El Roi help us in our daily lives?
If you would like the opportunity to read the first chapter of this book, you can go to CPH.ORG/Rest to sign up to receive a copy.
If you would like to connect with Michelle you can go here.
If you would like to connect with Donna and learn more about her ministry you can go here.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/will-you-marry-me
License code: 1VYEPUIH…
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Apr 11, 2022
Find Rest in Being Abba's Child
Do you ever wonder how God could love you?
The world will point out your sins and tell you that you’re not good enough for God to love you. But God steps into your story and shows you through Jesus how much He loves you.
In this episode, Deb Burma interviews me about my book, Promised Rest, and we talk about the name Abba, which means papa or daddy. This means that God’s love for you is beyond measure, like that of a beloved child. Nothing can separate you from His love.
To better understand how God loves you as Abba, we’ll look at how God loves you through the story of the Prodigal son. If you’ve ever struggled with wondering how God could love you, you’ll see through this story how God runs toward you and tells you that you’re enough because of Jesus.
God’s grace and mercy are deeper than your sins; that is His promise towards you.
* Promises we can rest in because God is our Abba.
* Michelle’s favorite passage that uses the name Abba
* Michelle’s prayer…
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Apr 4, 2022
Finding Peace in God's Presence When Life is Uncertain
When life looks uncertain, what do you cling to? Do your thoughts turn towards God or how you might fix what is wrong? But what if—you can’t fix it? What happens then?
What you believe to be true about God changes how you live your life and face each moment.
I write more about this topic in my book, Promised Rest: Finding Peace in God’s Presence. It is a meditation on God's various names and characteristics to deepen your understanding of Him and your identity as His beloved Child.
To get ready for the release of my Bible Study, I’ve invited guests to come on the show, but instead of me interviewing them, they will take over my mic and interview me about a chapter of the book.
In this episode, Michelle's sisters take over the mic to interview her about the first chapter in her book, which is about the name Elohim.
In this episode, they talk about what happens when you can't fix what is wrong? What do you do? How does knowing God as Elohim help you?
Michelle share's a pra…
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Mar 21, 2022
A Conversation About Visual Faith Ministry
When you are weary, do you have trouble concentrating? Perhaps you even notice this struggle when you are reading the Bible, and you find yourself reading the same passage over and over again.
Friends, I don’t ask you these questions to make you feel guilt or shame. I ask a friend who shares in this struggle too.
In this final episode of the Weary Traveler Series, we will share a grace-filled practice called Visual Faith Ministry.
Pat Maier and Connie Denninger, the co-founders of Visual Faith Ministry, join us to talk about why they started this ministry and all that it has to offer.
Here is what they discovered when talking with people about reading their Bible and their prayer time.
Everybody had trouble slowing down, paying attention, and dealing with distractions.
Educational research led them to understand that 75% of all people are visual, kinesthetic learners. And so, based on that and the conversation they had, they started to develop different tools and ideas to help…
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Mar 7, 2022
When you don't know how or what to pray.
Are you weary from all the anxious thoughts you have swirling about through your soul and minds as you look at the brokenness in the world? And do you just wish you knew the right words to pray, or what can you say to God?
Michelle and Deb sat down and talked to Dr. Dan Paavola about his book, Our Way Home: A Journey through the Lord's Prayer. (Click here to learn more about the book.)
In our conversation, we cover:
* Why would God give us a prayer that we could pray over and over again?
* Can we still pray to God even when we feel frustrated that He hasn’t answered our prayer yet or that He didn’t answer our prayers the way we wanted him to?
* How can we use this prayer as the basis for our prayer life?
* How will praying this prayer make a difference when we feel so weary from life right now? God already knows how we feel/think. Does it make a difference when we keep talking to Him about the same things?
Take the time to listen, there is so much more in this episode.…
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Feb 21, 2022
An Honest Conversation About Mental and Emotional Health
Michelle and Deb sit down and talk to Faith Doerr
How do you think about your thoughts and your feelings? Do you try and ignore them and hope they will sort themselves out? Magically get better?
Michelle and Deb wanted to address the importance of mental and emotional health and they invited their friend and fellow author, Faith Doerr to sit with them to have an honest conversation about mental health.
We invite you to sit at the table with us for this important conversation. Here are a few of the topics we cover:
*Naming your feelings (fine and okay are not feelings).
*The importance of talking through your struggles.
*We may not know why we feel a certain way and that is okay
*Practical tools to help you with your thoughts and feelings
I loved this conversation with Faith and Deb and we invite you to share it with others because God created us to live in community with each other and to help each other.
You can learn more about Faith here
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Feb 7, 2022
How God Can Help You When Your Heart is Sorrowful
When sorrow stirs in your soul, how do you face it? Maybe like me, you want to look away because it feels too heavy for you to carry, and you wonder how you will bear its load.
If you have ever been overwhelmed by loss, devastated by a disaster, or weighed down by defeat, you know what sorrow feels like.
It’s no wonder you may want to look away…you may even wonder how you can face a new day.
Jesus steps into your sorrow, and he carries it for you. The sorrow you are facing does not have the final say over the story of your life. As we face our sorrow, we can look beyond it to the Hope that we have in our Savior Jesus, the One who carries our sorrow and gives us His strength.
In this episode, Deb and Michelle, look at when sorrow makes us weary? What can we do? They share five different ways you can express your sorrow to God. Parts of this episode were from Deb Burma's Bible Study Be Still and Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge (Click here to learn more about the study)
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Jan 24, 2022
When life makes your heart ache with sadness, God gives you His peace.
Have you ever grown so weary from waiting that your heart aches with sadness? You wonder if God is still listening. The silence causes your soul to hang heavy with sorrow and the scars run deep. But here are some precious truths:
* God always hears the cries of your heart.
* God’s grace goes deeper than your sorrow
* God will never leave you nor forsake you
* God cannot break His promises to you.
Jesus says come all who are weary and I will give you rest. You will never bear your burdens alone.
In this episode, Michelle and Deb, look at the story of Hannah and how she pours out her heart before God. Hannah was weary from many things and God met her in her weariness and gave her His strength.
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/through-darkness
License code: 27VKNUPK6CPXSHYO
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Jan 10, 2022
How God can help you when your heart feels weary and worn
How do you see yourself walking into 2022?
* Stepping in with confidence
* Sliding in like a ballplayer to home base and hoping you are safe
* Smiling but underneath you feel like you are barely holding on
* Searching for a place to rest and to try and breathe normal again.
Maybe you relate to one or all of these statements. There isn’t a right or wrong answer.
I’ve spent a lot of time listening this past year and I’ve noticed that all of us are weary in some way.
As we peer ahead into 2022 we wonder what life will look like? Do we want to know?
We long for peace.
We long for hope.
We long for connection and to not be divided.
The scars of sorrow run deep through our souls from the past couple of years and we wonder how much more can we handle?
Jesus says come to me all who weary and I will give you rest. We don’t enter this year on our own, but we enter into with our Immanuel, the God who is with us. Jesus gives you His peace and the rest He promises is for th…
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Dec 19, 2021
Because He First Fed Us
Michelle was delighted to sit down with author, Anita McVey to talk to her about her devotional book, Because He First Fed Us.
Before God created mankind, He created a garden. God was preparing a meal for us before we arrived. He gave us our senses to fully appreciate and enjoy this world. He gave us our family and friends and opportunities to share with each other and with strangers. And He gave us His Word.
Food is a love language. It nourishes, heals, comforts and delights the body and the soul. There is a way to make delicious food even better: share it. When food is transformed into a meal, it becomes love in action. All the senses are engaged: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Memories are revived. Stories are told. Gratitude is expressed. Conversations flow and wisdom is gleaned. Even the dirty dishes have a story to tell.
Listen in as Michelle talks to Anita about her book, why she wrote it, and you get to hear from the author about a couple of the devotions in the book…
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Dec 12, 2021
When your thoughts and emotions become tangled
Have you ever noticed how your negative thoughts can become relentless, like a neighborhood bully? Your thought life impacts your emotions.
What can we do when we are struggling? God invites us to sit with Him and to pour our hearts before Him. He wants to listen.
As we empty out our frustrations and grief before Him, God fills us with His peace and surrounds us with His love. God holds you in His capable hands and will give you His strength to move forward.
Take some time to listen in to this episode. Michelle shares how Psalm 25 helped her to work through some difficult emotions.
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Nov 28, 2021
Jesus is our Hope in Uncertainty.
As we enter into this Advent Season, we remember that
the God of all creation steps into our story, which is His story.
Our Immanuel meets us right where we are at, and He loves us beyond measure. He is with us in each moment of our life, holding us in His capable hands.
What did this past year hold for you?
Unexpected joy.
Unspeakable pain.
Anxiety and fear.
Delightful moments.
Managed or unmanaged chaos.
Heart-crushing grief.
Sickness.
Separation from loved ones.
Overwhelming emotions.
Circumstances you did not choose.
In every circumstance, God was with you. He holds you in His capable hands.
Listen in as Michelle talks about the Hope Jesus gives us in uncertainty.
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Nov 8, 2021
When You Cannot Fix Your Problems
Are your thoughts a tangled mess as you try to sort through a problem you face? Your mind and heart grow weary as you struggle to find a solution.
Somethings in life cannot be fixed on our own, and God invites us to put our trials and troubles into His most capable hands.
God offers us Himself as a shelter, and He promises us to strengthen our hearts as we walk with Him to face whatever comes next.
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Oct 25, 2021
Walking in Wonder When Life Feels Weary
Do you feel tension in your shoulders more often than you would like? Have you caught yourself holding your breath as if waiting for bad news? Is there an ache in your heart and at times you have no words to even describe it? Do you find yourself longing for peace?
You will want to listen to the podcast today? We are going to talk about walking in wonder when life feels weary.
November is right around the corner, a month where talk of gratitude is front and center. I don’t have a problem having that as a focus at all, in fact, I think we should be grateful all year round.
But how can we do that when life feels filled with sorrow right now?
What can we do? Michelle offers some encouragement from God's Word and she also talks about a special gift that she has created for you. You can find it here.
May you rest in the promises of God, His grace is sufficient for each day.
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Oct 7, 2021
A Flame in the Dark
In this episode, Michelle sits down to talk with author, Sarah Baughman about her book, A Flame in the Dark. It is a novel set in the time of Luther's Reformation and it's a story of God's grace, love, and mercy.
In this interview, Sarah shares with us what it would have been like to live during that time period and she talks about some of the characters in the book.
If you would like to learn more about the book you can find it here.
sarahbaughman.org
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Sep 23, 2021
When Life Feels Shaken
Life can twist upside down in an instant, and you feel shaken. God is not shaken even when your world is in turmoil, and you don’t know how to move forward. You can rest in His unshakable faithfulness and presence.
In this episode, Michelle talks about how her husband ended up in the Critical Care Unit at the hospital and how God helped her through those moments when life was uncertain.
What causes you to feel shaken? Michelle will offer you some reflection questions, a scripture reading, and a prayer that will help you remember who you are as God’s child. You can rest in His capable hands, safe and secure.
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Aug 28, 2021
Abide in the Presence of El Shaddai
Does your heart feel broken? Do you feel like you have layers upon layers of grief and you are not sure how to deal with all of it? Join Michelle as she talking about abiding in the presence of El Shaddai.
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Aug 16, 2021
When Your Heart Feels Anxious
Does your heart feel anxious or overwhelmed? God offers you refuge in the shelter of His presence. Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 61 and talks about Selah Moments.
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May 23, 2021
God is Your Refuge in the Storm
Deb Burma helps us to unpack all the promises found in Psalm 46. What does it mean that God is our refuge and rest in the storms of life?
We also talk about Deb's New Bible Study: Be Still and Know: A Study of Rest and Refuge(Click here to check out Deb's book and read the first chapter for free).
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May 16, 2021
When life doesn't feel fine. . .
Michelle sit's down with Author and Speaker, Christina Hergenrader for a conversation about her new book, Inspired.
Maybe like me, you are still figuring out how to navigate through life after the long year we've just been through. Perhaps you are surprised by your emotions and you know you do not feel fine but you are not sure where to go or what to do with all of your feelings
My conversation with Christina, helped me to process through some of the questions, I've been trying to work through these past couple of months. It was a gift to me and I pray it will be to you as well. If you would like to connect with Christina, please click on the links above to find out more about her book or how to connect with her.
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May 5, 2021
Finding Hope When Friendship Gets Messy
Have you ever struggled with friendship? Friendships fade, change, and even end—and we are left wondering, am I a good friend?
Recently I sat down with Licensed Social Worker, Heidi Goehmann(click here for her website), to talk about her new book Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration
For this conversation, we talked about when friendships become messy and broken, how can we find hope.
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Apr 5, 2021
Easter Joy
Have you ever been filled with shame over something you did or didn't do? Do you ever wonder if God could forgive you? As we enter into the story in John 21, we see Jesus making breakfast for the disciples. They had abandoned their teacher and friend in his greatest hour of need and yet, we find Jesus serving them.
It reminds me of the table God prepares for us as we gather for worship and we partake of the Lord's Supper. It is given to us even though we do not deserve it and we have not earned it.
Rest in God's grace for you.
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Apr 2, 2021
It is Finished-Good Friday
As we stand at the foot of the cross, may we remember the precious gift we have been given, in Christ Jesus. Your sins are forgiven, your debt has been paid in full.
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Apr 1, 2021
Garden of Gethsemane-Holy Week Reflections
Journey with Jesus into the Garden of Gethsemane. May you be reminded of His great love for you.
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Mar 21, 2021
Ragged
Michelle sits down with Gretchen Ronnevik to talk about her book, Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted. (Click here to check out the book.)
The spiritual disciplines are an act of remembrance of God’s grace, not a means of obtaining it or manipulating it. It's about resting in who God is and His promises to you.
Take some time to enjoy this grace-filled conversation. May it encourage your heart.
Click on the following Links to Connect with Gretchen.
Gretchen's Website
Freely Given Podcast
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Mar 14, 2021
God's Comfort for Anxious Thoughts
In this interview, Michelle talks to Author, Lindsay Hausch about her soon-to-release book, Take Heart: God's Comfort For Anxious Thoughts.
In the interview, we talk about this question? What if God could use your anxious thoughts to draw you closer to Him? We often feel shame over our anxious thoughts because we think God might be disappointed in us, but He isn't. God meets us right where we are at and fills us with His peace and joy.
If you would like to read the first chapter in Lindsay's book for free, please click on this link.
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Feb 27, 2021
God Keeps Track of Your Tears
Your tears matter to God. He meets you right where you are at and collects your sorrow. He loves you beyond measure.
In this episode, Michelle takes a look at Psalm 56.
"You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping.
You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost.
For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance." Psalm 56:8
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Feb 14, 2021
Chosen:A Study of Esther
You have been chosen by God. He loves you beyond measure. I had the honor of talking to Donna Snow about her Bible Study, Chosen: A Study of Esther. Join us as we talk about this marvelous study.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Chosen for free you can click here.
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Feb 1, 2021
When Life Feels Uncertain, Rest in God's promises
Are you struggling with the uncertainty of life right now? Are you worn out and weary from trying to manage life through a pandemic? In this episode, Michelle talks about the promises God has for you, in Isaiah 43.
Lean in and listen and rest in God's promises to you. They are true today, tomorrow, and always.
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Jan 18, 2021
Pouring Out Your Sorrow Before God
When sorrow fills our hearts, God has given us a path through the pain, through Lament. In this episode, Michelle walks you through Psalm 77 to show you what Lament looks like.
God meets us in the brokenness of our lives, and lament takes us from heartache to hope as we remember the promises of God.
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Dec 22, 2020
When Christmas Looks Different
Does Christmas look different for you this year? Perhaps you had plans and now they have all changed. Friends, your sorrow is real. This year has been difficult and the uncertainty is still lingering. There is joy with the sorrow, because our Emmanuel, God with us, has stepped into the brokenness, bringing us His peace. Jesus will be with us as we navigate through this Christmas season, but He is here and He will never leave our side.
Please know I am praying for you.
I will be taking a break until January 18, 2021. Merry Christmas from my family to yours.
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Dec 14, 2020
Advent Reflections: When Joy and Sorrow Meet
Come just as you are; the Lord is near. In this season of joy, we may not feel joyful, and so what can we do? God wants us to come and bring all of our emotions and thoughts before Him. He meets us right where we are at and gives us what we need to face each moment. Join Michelle as she talks to author and speaker, Deb Burma. This episode was originally a Facebook live devotion.
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Dec 6, 2020
Advent Reflections: The Gift of God's Comfort and Peace
God gives us the gift of His comfort and His peace. In this season of waiting, He meets us right where we are at and gives us what we need. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27
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Nov 29, 2020
God's Relentless Love
God's love for you is beyond measure. The God of all creation pursues you and longs to spend time with you. In this episode, I talk to Sharla Fritz about her new Bible Study, God's Relentless Love.
If you would like to download the first chapter of this study for free, please click here.
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Nov 29, 2020
Light in the Darkness: Week One Advent Reflections
Advent is a time for reflection and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Have you ever sat in darkness? The Lord will be a light for you. Whatever you might be facing during this advent season please know God holds you in His capable hands.
Michelle's Newsletter
Advent Wreath
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Nov 22, 2020
Jesus Comes To Us In Our Brokenness
Gratitude isn't about what we do for God. It's about what He is doing and has done for us. Jesus comes to us in our brokenness and gives us what we need. He fills us with the peace of His presence. I loved talking to Heidi Goehmann in this episode and I think you will enjoy listening.
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Nov 16, 2020
Jesus Gives Us Joy Beyond Measure
Does your heart need to be strengthened today? Jesus gives us joy to face each moment. In this episode, Michelle talks to Deb Buma about joy and how it is a gift from God. It is not something that we have to earn, it is freely given. Michelle and Deb also talk about anxiety and how God guards our hearts and give us peace and joy. You can find out more about Deb at her website.
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Nov 8, 2020
How Gratitude Helps Us When We Struggle with Negative Emotions
Michelle talks to Doctor Kim Marxhausen in this episode about gratitude and how it changes our way of thinking. Kim has studied Positive Psychology and how our brains work. If you find yourself struggling with negative emotions you will be encouraged to hear how God has made your brain in an incredible way. My conversation with Kim blessed me and I know it will do the same for you too.
Click here for Kim's website
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Nov 1, 2020
Raise a Hallelujah (Finding Peace in Joy and Gratitude)
What can you do when negative emotions swirl around you? Gratitude can change the neural pathways in your brain, God has given us a gift in being able to practice gratitude.
If you would like to receive the adoration list you can find it by clicking on this link.
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Oct 25, 2020
How to abide in Jesus when life feels uncertain and anxious
Almost everywhere we go we hear about anxiety and overwhelm as we navigate through COVID 19. There are so many uncertainties as we try to make plans to go to church, school, travel, all of the normal activities we once participated in, we now have to look at differently. It causes stress and worries to seep into our souls and we find ourselves worn and weary from our brains having to think through situations we never had to think through before.
This season on the podcast, I am looking at verses that will help us to Pause in God’s Presence so we can remember who God is and remember who we are as His children.
Tara Cole (Click on her name to go to her website) joins me on the podcast to talk about Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." We also talk about her book Abide: 40 Ways to Focus on Jesus Daily (Click on the book title to check it out on Amazon.)
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Oct 11, 2020
How Does God Help You When The Problem Doesn't Go Away?
Sometimes God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want Him too. It's hard when that happens. But God promises us that His grace is sufficient for us. Are you facing a challenge that seems like it will never end? Take some time to lean in and listen to my conversation with Stephenie Hovland(click on her name to visit her website). I know it will encourage you and remind you that you are always wrapped in God's grace.
Listener Survey (Click here to fill it out and be entered to win a $25 gift card from Amazon)
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Oct 10, 2020
Trusting God In And Through The Storms of Life
Are you facing any storms? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated? In this episode, Michelle shares five you can do when you feel overwhelmed by the storms of life.
Please take the time to fill out the listener survey. It will help Michelle create future content for the podcast. You can find it here.
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Sep 27, 2020
Praying Through the Storm
What do you when life feels shaken and out of control? The storms of life can come crashing down on us and leave destruction and devastation. Jesus never leaves our side, He walks with us through the storm and carries us when necessary. Michelle talks about Isaiah 54:10 on the podcast this week.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
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Sep 13, 2020
God Renews Your Strength
Do you feel worn and weary? God promises us in Isaiah 40 to renew our strength. Michelle talks to Dornia Gilmore Young about what it means to soar like an eagle and how God renew's our strength. We also talk about Dorina's book: Walk Run Soar. You can learn more about her book here.
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Sep 7, 2020
God Is Your Hiding Place
Do you ever get stuck in your thoughts? Do you label your thoughts as negative or positive? You can bring all of your thoughts before God and find refuge in Him. Learn how to Pause in God's presence and receive from Him the gifts that only He can give.
If you would like to be a part of my newsletter you can sign up here.
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Aug 27, 2020
Coping With Uncertainty
Life feels uncertain and unsettled right now? How do we cope with all of the emotions and feelings we are dealing with right now? How do we help our children and grandchildren? Please listen into the conversation that I had with mental health advocate, Heidi Goehman. In this episode, she will share practical tips and ideas on how to navigate through uncertainty. If you would like to connect with Heidi through her website you can click here.
If you would like to be a part of my newsletter you can sign up here.
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Aug 17, 2020
Facing the Giants with God's Peace
Have you ever faced a problem you could not fix? You long for a solution but there isn't one in sight.
You can find peace and comfort in knowing that God walks with you the challenge and will give you His strength.
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Aug 10, 2020
God's Peace Surrounds You in the Storm
The storms of life can catch us off guard and we can find ourselves being tossed about. Jesus walks with us through the storm, He is our anchor.
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Aug 4, 2020
God Gives You Peace When Life Feels Impossible
Life is often filled with difficult decisions. How do you make a choice when you don't like the options you have? In this episode, we are going to talk about Red Sea Moments and how God helps us through them.
I've created a Bible Reading plan, with a journal page if you are interested in you can sign up here.
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Jul 24, 2020
The Good Shepherd Will Walk With You Through all of Your Days
God's unfailing love will follow you all the days of your life. God's love will surround you in every moment of your life.
Join Michelle as we look at the final verse of Psalm 23
Michelle's email list
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Jul 20, 2020
The Good Shepherd Overflows Your Life with His Love For you
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. Romans 15:13
God's love for you never ends. The God of the Universe loves you perfectly. He calls you by name, and you are precious to Him.
Join Michelle as we continue to look at Psalm 23.
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Jul 13, 2020
The Good Shepherd Walks With You Through the Valley
Even in our most difficult days, the Good Shepherd walks with us through the valley. I am honored to have Dorina Gilmore as my special guest on the podcast today.
Dorina shares with us how God was a comfort to her as He walked with her family through the valley of the shadow of death.
Dorina's Website
Widow Mama Collective
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Jul 6, 2020
How do you wait when life is hard?
Waiting is hard. Perhaps you are like me and you want your answers now. What if the answers don't come? What if the waiting takes years? How can God help us while we wait?
I sat down to talk to Rebecca Brewster Stevenson about her book, "Wait: Thoughts and practice in waiting on God." I love my conversation with her it was filled with encouragement, wisdom, and the reminder that we never wait alone. God is with us in the waiting.
Visit Rebecca's Website
Buy Wait on Amazon
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Jun 28, 2020
The Good Shepherd Restores Your Soul
God restores your soul even in the most difficult of circumstances. The Good Shepherd walks with you, cares for you, and loves you. Join Michelle as she talks with her sisters in this episode about the 23rd Psalm
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Jun 22, 2020
Last Summer At Eden
Michelle interview's Christina Hergenrader about her Christy-award nominated novel, Last Summer At Eden.
Christina is a gifted storyteller and when you take a beautifully crafted story and apply biblical truths it can be life-changing.
Last Summer at Eden is an unforgettable story about faith-inspired hope.
If you would like to purchase the book you can click here.
Christina's Books
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Jun 14, 2020
Callings For Life
In This episode, Michelle Talks to Jeff Leininger about his book, Callings for Life.
*Do you ever wonder if what you do matters?
*Are you wondering if life has passed you by and you've
missed out on making a difference?
*Are you waiting to do the one big thing you think you are
supposed to do?
*Can God use me to make a difference?
*Perhaps you are a mom with young children, and you spend
your days doing things that no one sees.
As God's child, every moment of your life is part of your callings for life. If you have ever asked yourself these questions or wondered if what you are doing with your life matters, you will want to read Jeff's book.
If you would like to receive a free sample of Callings for Life, please click here.
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Jun 7, 2020
God Leads You Beside Still Waters
God leads us beside the still waters, even in the midst of storms of life. Join Michelle as she continues to look at the 23rd Psalm
Bible Verse Pinterest Board
Seek and Savor Podcast
Joycast Podcast
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May 31, 2020
The Lord is Your Shepherd
When life feels uncertain and unsettled you need to be reminded that the Lord is Your Shepherd. You can rest in the peace of His presence and in His promises. Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 23.
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May 17, 2020
Hope is not canceled!
Perhaps you feel like you are living in a season of loss right now. Our calendars have changed, life doesn't look quite the way we imagined it would. We have all faced loss because of COVID 19.
We want to be people who believe in God's goodness, no matter what. But what do we do when life doesn't feel good? When God doesn't answer our prayers the way we've asked or imagined? Or when we feel like disappointment has taken over a season of our life? What do we do? It's really not about what we do but what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. He has given us the gift of hope and planted it deep within our hearts.
I've invited Kelly Streiff to be a guest on my podcast today to share her story with us. She isn't a stranger to loss or grief and today she is going to share with us about her daughter Imogen, who now lives in heaven. It is a story of heartache and loss, but it is also a story of hope.
Kelly Streiff Website
If you would like to learn more about Hope*Writers click here.
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May 13, 2020
Big emotions: Yours, mine, and ours
"Do you find yourself surprised and overwhelmed by all of the emotions stuffed inside your house right now? Are you wrestling with your thoughts and feelings, while trying to help your kids cope with theirs? Do you long for space, where you can find some peace in God's presence? How can you handle all of the big emotions in your home right now?"
God is bigger than all of the emotions in your house right now.
Sometimes emotions might overwhelm us and we don't know what to do or how to face them.
As God's child, you never face them alone.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
Join Heidi Goehmann (mental health advocate) and me, for an honest conversation on emotions: big and small, yours, mine, and ours.
In this episode, we'll share practical tips for you and everyone in your house, alongside some big hope.
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Apr 30, 2020
Joy is not Canceled!
In this season of uncertainty and cancelations, we find comfort in knowing that God's gifts to us are not canceled.
In this episode, I sit and talk to Deb Burma about the joy we have even in the midst of trials, in Jesus. He is with us in all things.
Click here if you would like to visit Deb's Website.
Click here to visit Concordia Publishing House Facebook page to watch Deb's joy chat.
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Apr 26, 2020
God's Peace has not been canceled.
God's promises to you are always true and will never be taken away.
COVID 19 has changed our lives and plans in ways that we could never have imagined. We are experiencing grief over all of the losses and sometimes we do not know what to do with all of our disappointments.
Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 27. She will also share some ideas to help fill your days with more peace.
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Apr 20, 2020
How can you deal with an Anxious mind?
In the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, we watch the news and we feel the anxiety and it begins to churn in our minds. We wonder if life will ever be normal again. Our lives have changed and there are so many things we do not know. How can we deal with the anxiety we feel? Michelle talks to Doctor Kim Markhausen about how our brains handle anxiety. Dr. Kim also gives us some great tips and ideas on how to help us during this time of feeling unsettled.
Please visit her website here.
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Apr 10, 2020
Good Friday-It is Finished
As we stand at the foot of the cross, may we remember the precious gift we have been given, in Christ Jesus. Your sins are forgiven, your debt has been paid in full.
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Apr 9, 2020
Holy Week Reflections - The Garden Of Gethsemane
Journey with Jesus into the Garden of Gethsemane. May you be reminded of His great love for you.
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Mar 29, 2020
How Can We Be Still in Circumstances Beyond our Control?
Life has changed. We are facing circumstances we cannot control and so much of life as we knew it feels uncertain and unsettled.
Maybe you are like me and your emotions resemble a roller coaster ride.
Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 46. God is our refuge and strength and in Him we can Be Still
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Mar 8, 2020
Forgiveness: Received from God, Extended to Others
In this episode talk to Donna Pyle about her Bible Study, Forgiveness: Received from God, Extended to Others.
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Mar 2, 2020
When Forgiveness is Hard
How do you forgive someone over and over again? How do you forgive someone who isn't sorry?
Maybe you have a difficult relationship where you find yourself having to forgive over and over again.
I invited Kim Marxhausen who has her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and has also studied positive psychology, to talk to us about how can we forgive someone over and over again. You can visit her website by clicking on her name.
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Feb 24, 2020
How to Forgive When Church Hurts
Have you ever stayed away from church because you were hurt over something that happened? Maybe you had to walk away from your church for a while.
What do we do when church hurts? How do we forgive? Can we come back to a church we have left?
In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Keith Speaks, to talk about forgiveness in the church. He was our Pastor many years ago and he helped my husband and I be able to come back to a church that we had left.
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Feb 17, 2020
Forgiveness in the Church
Life in the church can be beautiful and broken at the same time. In this episode, I sit down with Heidi Goehmann, who is a licensed social worker to talk about forgiveness and life in the church.
Please take some time to visit Heidi's website.
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Feb 9, 2020
Family Trees & Olive Branches - Forgiveness in Families
Loving our family and living with them can be complicated. In this episode, I talk to Chistina Hergenrader to talk about her book Family Trees & Olive Branches Creating a Culture of Grace in our Families.
Families are broken and beautiful. How can we learn to live in the messiness that life brings with our families? Please join us for this conversation.
Make sure to check out Christina's website where you can find more information about her books and also her video course.
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Feb 3, 2020
How Deep the Father's Love For Us
God loves you beyond measure. Sometimes we get stuck in feelings of guilt and shame and we wonder if God could really love and forgive us. The answer is, YES!
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Jan 27, 2020
Mystery of Grace
God's ways are not our ways. We struggle with understanding God's grace because we do not think that way. We place limits on God. His love for you has no limits.
Last week I interviewed Sharla Fritz, make sure to check out this blog post she wrote about forgiveness.
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Jan 20, 2020
Love Does Not Throw Stones
Do you struggle with guilt and shame? Do you wonder how God could forgive you?
Sharla Fritz talks to us about looking at scripture to help us understand God's grace and forgiveness. She gives us some very practical ways to sit with God while we read His Word.
Please visit Sharla's Website, she has wonderful resources and tools designed to help you draw closer to God.
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Dec 22, 2019
Abundant Grace
God is with you, right now, my friend. In this moment, whatever you are facing, He gives you abundant grace. His gifts for you are unending. This day and every day He gives you joy, peace, hope, grace, and His unending love.
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Dec 15, 2019
Advent Series: Rejoice
Rejoice the Lord is near. In His presence, there is fullness of joy. As we wait for the coming of the Lord, we can rest in His presence and His promises.
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Dec 8, 2019
God will keep you in perfect peace.
God will keep you in perfect peace in all situations. Sometimes we might think we need to figure out peace like there is a five-step plan. True peace comes from God and He gives it to us. In this second week in Advent, we will focus on peace.
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Nov 30, 2019
Advent Series: Light in the Darkness
Advent is a time for reflection and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Michelle is re-releasing her advent series from last year.
Have you ever sat in darkness? The Lord will be a light for you. Whatever you might be facing during this advent season please know God holds you in His capable hands.
Michelle's Newsletter
Advent Wreath
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Nov 24, 2019
The Lord is Near
Michelle talks to Dorina Gilmore about navigating loss during the holidays. Dorina lost her husband to cancer and she talks about how God provided for her and her three daughters. God met her in each moment and strengthened her heart. She shares about the importance of making space for emotions and grief.
Your hearts will be encouraged as you listen to Dorina share about joy and gratitude. Please check out Dorina's website, she has a lot of valuable tools and resources available there. Dorinagilmore.com
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Nov 17, 2019
The Gift of His Presence
In this episode, Michelle continues the series on Joy and Gratitude by talking to Heidi Goehmann. Life is beautiful and broken, we will have moments of joy and sorrow, but in the midst of all of it, God is with us. The holidays and spending time with family can stir powerful emotions and Heidi gives some practical ideas to help us. Here is the link to Heidi's Website.
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Nov 10, 2019
Immeasurable Joy
Michelle and Deb Burma talk about the joy that is given to us in Jesus. It is a joy that never ends. Joy strengthens our hearts. Michelle and Deb talk about anxiety and how God guards our hearts and give us peace and joy. You can find out more about Deb at her website.
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Nov 3, 2019
A Grateful Heart
Michelle talks to Kim Marxhausen in this episode about gratitude and how it changes our way of thinking. Kim has studied Positive Psychology and how our brains work. God has made our brains in an incredible way and you will be blessed as you listen and learn from this episode.
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Oct 27, 2019
Raise a Hallelujah!
Gratitude and Joy change the neural pathways in our brains. In this episode, Michelle takes a look at Isaiah 61 and talks about the Garment of Praise.
Adoration List
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Oct 24, 2019
Weary Joy:The Caregiver's Journey
Michelle interviews Kim Marxhausen about her book Weary Joy: A Caretaker's Journey.
Order Weary Joy
Kim's Blog
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Oct 17, 2019
Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison
Constant Comparison causes us to forget whose we are as God's beloved children. In this interview, Richella shares her struggles and how God can help us find freedom from feeling like we are never enough.
If you order the book before October 22, you can receive a beautiful prayer companion that goes along with the book. You can find it here.
You can order the book here.
Richella's website
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Oct 13, 2019
God holds you close
Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 139. Find comfort as you meditate on this beautiful passage of scripture. There has never been one moment of your life where you haven't been fully known and loved by God.
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Oct 6, 2019
God is with you
Life is broken. God steps into the brokenness and fills us with His peace. The God all creation is with us in every moment. Rest in His presence. Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 121
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Sep 29, 2019
You Are Hidden In God's Strength
As you face challenges and the circumstances of life you are hidden in God's strength. You are God's child and He invites you to dwell in His presence. God gives you His strength. You never face one moment of your life alone.
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Sep 22, 2019
Where do you find rest?
Where do you find rest when your soul feels troubled? In Psalm 62 God tells us we can find rest in Him. No matter what happens, you will not be shaken.
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Sep 15, 2019
Lead Me to the Rock
God hears our cry and in Him we can find refuge. Michelle takes a look at Psalm 61 in this episode.
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Aug 31, 2019
The Mighty & The Mysterious: A Study of Colossians
Michelle talks with author Heidi Goehmann about her newest Bible Study, The Mighty & The Mysterious: A Study of Colossians
You can download free guide and first chapter here.
You can order a copy of the study here.
Connect with Heidi here.
Life in Relationship Podcast
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Aug 19, 2019
Roll your cares upon the Lord.
Michelle takes a look at Psalm 37 today in this episode. You can give all of your worries and cares to God, you can rest in His promises.
Mom-Care Summit Sign-up
Michelle's Newsletter
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Jun 23, 2019
Be Still and Know that I am God
In this episode, we take a look at Psalm 46. What does it mean to be still? In the original language, it means to loosen your grip. Do you have something or someone that you are holding onto to tightly? Michelle shares one of her favorite prayers; it will help you to learn to Be Still in the presence of God.
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Jun 16, 2019
When Your Heart Is Troubled, Psalm 42
Michelle sat down with her friend, Cherie Endrihs to talk about Psalm 42. Cherie has loved and taught God's Word for over 30 years.
What do you do when your heart and soul are troubled and you feel downcast? Our hope comes from the Lord. He meets us right where we are at and give us what we need to face that moment.
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Jun 9, 2019
God is our refuge
Have you ever found yourself in a pit? God's love is deeper than any pit we might find ourselves in. He doesn't leave you there alone and He will give you the strength for each moment.
Michelle sits down with author and speaker Dorina Gilmore and they talk about Psalm 40.
You can find Dorina on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter @DorinaGilmore and on Facebook at Dorina Lazo Gilmore, Author
If you are a runner and would be interested in the running group please click on this link
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Jun 6, 2019
Shine:Sparkling with God's Love
Do you know and love a teenage girl? Michelle sits down with Author Christina Hergenrader, to talk about her new book, Shine.
This remarkable book is infused with joy and hope for young women. As they read the book they will be reminded that they are enough in Christ Jesus.
Buy Shine on Amazon
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Jun 3, 2019
Perseverance: Praying Through Life's Challenges
If you have ever struggled you know what it is like to feel like a failure, especially when it is something you have faced for years. For this episode, I sat down with Donna Pyle to talk about her new Bible Study Perseverance.
Order Perseverance Bible Study
Donna Facebook
Donna Instagram
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May 30, 2019
God is Close to the Brokenhearted
Michelle sits down with her friend, Shannon to talk about Psalm 34. Shannon shares about her difficult childhood and how her Grandma made a huge difference in her life.
Shannon's Website
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May 28, 2019
Enough For Now: Unpacking God's Sufficiency
Do you find yourself living in a state of wanting more? Perhaps you look at your life and say, if only.... Sharla Fritz in her book, Enough For Now, describes it as having a broken wanter. You will want to take some time to listen to this episode, to hear from Sharla about her book. You will hear words of encouragement and hope from a wise mentor and friend.
http://www.sharlafritz.com/
Order Enough For Now.
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May 26, 2019
The Lord will Strengthen Your Heart
God will give you strength for each moment of your life. He will never leave you. May you find comfort and encouragement, as Michelle takes a look at Psalm 27.
Songs of Hope
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May 19, 2019
The Gift of Joy
Join Michelle as she interviews Deb Burma about her new Bible Study, Joy.
You will want to take the time to listen, Deb shares an amazing story and some special insights from her study of the book of Philippians.
You can order her Bible study at CPH.ORG/Joy
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May 17, 2019
God's grace is enough!
God's grace covers every area of your life. You are safe in His loving embrace. Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 25. You can sign up for the special bonuses she has created for you here.
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May 12, 2019
Song of Joy
Does your heart long for something more? Have you ever noticed how being outside can help you change your perspective? If you listen closely you can hear a Song of Joy.
Join Michelle as she takes a look at Psalm 19 today in the Praying through the Psalms Series. You can sign up for the special bonuses she has created for you here.
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May 5, 2019
Joyance in the Presence of God
Genuine joy comes from Jesus. Is it possible to experience joy even when your heart is filled with sorrow? Joyance means abundant joy. As we rest in the presence of God, He fills us with His joy and His peace.
Join Michelle as we begin the series of learning to pray through the Psalms.
Michelle has created some special tools and resources for you to use and you can sign up here: Praying through the Psalms
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Apr 22, 2019
God's Grace is For You
Have you ever been filled with shame over something you did or didn't do? Do you ever wonder if God could forgive you? As we enter into the story in John 21, we see Jesus making breakfast for the disciples. They had abandoned their teacher and friend in his greatest hour of need and yet, we find Jesus serving them.
It reminds me of the table God prepares for us as we gather for worship and we partake of the Lord's Supper. It is given to us even though we do not deserve it and we have not earned it.
Rest in God's grace for you.
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Apr 15, 2019
It is Finished
Walk with Jesus to Calvary. Stand at the foot of the cross and watch your Savior suffer and die for your sins and the sins of the whole world. Jesus took your place upon the cross so that your sins would not keep you separated from God. You are loved beyond measure by your Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Apr 15, 2019
Garden of Gethsemane
Journey with Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane. Listen to His prayer to the Father as He cries out in anguish asking His Father if there is any other way. Deep sorrow will fill your heart as you sit and remember the suffering Jesus went through for you. May you be reminded of His great love for you.
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Apr 15, 2019
Unimaginable Hope
Michelle interview's Shauna Letellier about her book Remarkable Hope. Have you experienced deep disappointment in your life? What do you do when life does not look like you expected? Can you be disappointed and have hope at the same time?
"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." Romans 15:13
The links for the books will take you to Amazon. They are affiliate links.
Remarkable Hope
Remarkable Faith
Shauna's website
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Apr 8, 2019
God's Unfailing Love For You
God's unfailing love will follow you all the days of your life. God's love will surround you in every moment of your life.
Join Michelle as we look at the final verse of Psalm 23
Michelle's email list
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Apr 1, 2019
Your Cup Overflows!
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. Romans 15:13
God's love for you never ends. He calls you by name and you are precious to Him.
Join Michelle as we continue to look at Psalm 23.
Peaceful Reflections Email List
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Mar 25, 2019
Your Story Does Not End in the Valley!
Even in our most difficult days, the Good Shepherd walks with us through the valley. I am honored to have Dorina Gilmore as my special guest on the podcast today.
Dorina shares with us how God was a comfort to her as He walked with her family through the valley of the shadow of death.
Dorina's Website
Widow Mama Collective
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Mar 18, 2019
He Restores My Soul
Michelle has two very special guests on her show today, her sisters, Jimella and Sheila. They talk about how God restores our souls even in the most difficult circumstances of life.
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Mar 11, 2019
Beside Still Waters
God leads us beside the still waters, even in the midst of storms of life. Join Michelle as she continues to look at the 23rd Psalm
Bible Verse Pinterest Board
Seek and Savor Podcast
Joycast Podcast
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Mar 4, 2019
The Lord is My Shepherd
When anxiety and worry swirl about, you need a prayer tucked deep into your heart to help you at that moment.
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Feb 24, 2019
Gratitude Check!
Studies show that gratitude can change the neural pathways in our brain. How can gratitude help us with our anxious thoughts?
30 Days of Joyful Gratitude
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Feb 17, 2019
The Shadow of Death
We will all walk through the Valley of the Shadow of death. We do not face death alone, God will walk with us.
God surrounds us with His peace and comfort as we face losing our loved ones.
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Feb 11, 2019
God will never forget you
Anxiety, fear, and worry can settle into our minds when we realize we cannot control or fix a situation. We cannot always keep our loved ones within our reach and so how do we handle letting them go?
In those moments we need to rest in the presence and promises of God.
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Feb 4, 2019
Fear is a liar
Fear, worry, and anxiety can control our thoughts and impact how we live our lives. God does not want us to live our lives ruled by fear. He promises us peace in all circumstances.
Fear Not Bible Reading Plan
30 Day Free Audible Trial
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Jan 28, 2019
Facing your giants
Life is difficult sometimes. You face unexpected challenges that are Goliath-sized problems. God has stepped into your story and you don't face your troubles alone. Like David, you can face the giant, trusting in God.
Free Audible Trial
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Jan 21, 2019
Do your thoughts spark joy?
Anxious thoughts clutter your mind. Fear and worry wiggle into your thoughts and steal your peace. Only in God can our minds be at rest and free from the clutter of anxious thoughts.
Michelle's Pinterest Board with Bible Verses
Whispers of Peace Bible Reading Plan
Audible Trial
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Jan 14, 2019
God's peace in the storm.
How can you have peace in the midst of the storms of life? You never face your storms alone. You can rest safe and secure in the hands of your Savior.
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Jan 7, 2019
Whispers of Peace - Be Still
Have you ever found yourself caught in a Red Sea Moment? You have two options in front of you and you don't like either one. What do you do? It is those moments where we need to learn to "Be Still." God give you peace in each moment.
Michelle is starting a new series on the podcast and she has created a Bible Reading plan and a journal page to go along with it. They are a free gift if you would like to have them, it is something extra, you don't need them to listen to the podcast. You can sign up for it here.
30 Day Free Audible Trial
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Dec 23, 2018
In the Shadow of the Cross
As we gaze upon the beautiful nativity scene, we are captivated by our tiny newborn King. The Messiah has come, and it is time to celebrate. Christmas in all of its glory is beautiful and breathtaking, God himself has come to us, to be our Immanuel.
In the background, we see the shadow of the cross. The tiny helpless baby, God himself, is the Savior of the World.
We owed a debt for our sin, the punishment should have been our death, but God in His love for His children sent His son to take our place to receive our punishment.
No one has ever suffered more than, Jesus. He faced hell for us so that we don't have too. The magnitude of the gift we have been given is far greater than we can even begin to imagine.
One day, we will see Jesus face-to-face, and at that moment we will begin to understand the marvelous gift we have been given in Christ Jesus. We will have all of eternity to celebrate God's love for us.
Michelle on Facebook
Michelle on Instagram
Free Audible Trial
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Dec 16, 2018
Pure Joy in Trials
How can we consider it pure joy when we face trials? Can joy and sorrow exist at the same time? In this week's Advent Reflection Michelle talks about joy in all circumstances.
Free Audible Book and Trial
Michelle on Facebook
Michelle on Instagram
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Dec 9, 2018
God Hears You
God hears you and He sees you. He cares about each moment of your life. God keeps you in His perfect peace.
Michelle's Newsletter
Michelle on Facebook
Michelle on Instagram
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Dec 3, 2018
God Holds You in His Capable Hands
As we begin this Advent season, we find hope in Jesus, the Light of the World. He is our Emmanuel, God with us.
Peace-filled Moments with Michelle Newsletter
Michelle on Facebook
Michelle on Instagram
Advent Wreath
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Nov 23, 2018
God calls you by name.
Do fear and worry ever keep you awake at night? Have you ever wrestled with God as you faced an unexpected storm in your life? God walks with you and gives you His peace. You are His precious child and God calls you by name.
Advent/Christmas Resources
Michelle on Facebook
Michelle on Instagram
Michelle's Website
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Nov 23, 2018
God delights in you!
Do you ever struggle with how you see yourself? God sees you as His precious child, He loves you beyond measure. He delights in you.
You can receive the Advent/Christmas resources by signing up here.
Follow Michelle on Facebook
Michelle on Instagram
Michelle's Website
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Nov 17, 2018
Intro to Peace in His Presence Podcast
Welcome to the very first episode, Michelle Diercks will introduce herself as the host of the podcast and share a little more of her heart behind the show.
Michelle will offer a peaceful prayer that will help you to rest in the presence of God, in His most capable Hands.
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