Skip to main content
Soul Anchor

Soul Anchor

By Cynthia Cavanaugh

How do you thrive and flourish in a storm? By holding onto truth and embracing the hope that keeps us anchored. Join me as we gather with friends and gain insight from stories that will help to grow our faith so we can become resilient and strong.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

23. Heidi McLaughlin: Finding Joy in the Midst of Loss and Suffering

Soul AnchorOct 27, 2020

00:00
46:23
77. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 66 Come and See What God Has Done!
Sep 06, 202212:28
76. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 57 Mercy in the Cave of Despair
Aug 30, 202210:06
75. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 55 Friends, Betrayal, and a Faithful God
Aug 23, 202211:27
74. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 42

74. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 42

Welcome back to the Summer Porch Series in Psalms. One of my favorite places is the Southern part of the United States where porches are big and wide and sitting outside is a southern past time with a big glass of sweet tea! This summer, I want you to think of us sitting on a porch in a cozy chair or swing and reading the Psalms together and talking to God through prayer. I am hoping we can slow down long enough breathe in the hallowed words he’s given to us—stopping long enough to savor them and gain courage and strength for the next moments whatever that might be. I invite you to join me each week as I read one of my favorites, sharing a little of why it is meaningful and then praying a portion of the Psalm over all of us. My prayer is when we get up from the porch we will feel renewed and refreshed.

In this episode, we find a lament of a soul in discouragement. David reminds us that even in a time of despair we can look to God who is our hope and He pours HIs steadfast love over us! 

UPCOMING EVENT:

Don't want to miss....On the Road with The Godly Kings! Cynthia and her cousin Andrea, will be traveling to five southern states bringing the message of The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence. August 11-29th. Text ROADTRIP to 33777 to join in on the fun, giveaways, rest stop prayers, sneak previews of events and more!  Receive a free PDF of a chapter preview when you join the road trip.

If you aren’t yet a part of the community I encourage you to join us as I will be sending out a few emails to encourage you through the summer. To join visit www.thesoulanchor.com

By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8

Aug 16, 202208:53
73. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 30 - Joy Comes in the Morning, I Promise!

73. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 30 - Joy Comes in the Morning, I Promise!

Welcome back to the Summer Porch Series in Psalms. One of my favorite places is the Southern part of the United States where porches are big and wide and sitting outside is a southern past time with a big glass of sweet tea! This summer, I want you to think of us sitting on a porch in a cozy chair or swing and reading the Psalms together and talking to God through prayer. I am hoping we can slow down long enough breathe in the hallowed words he’s given to us—stopping long enough to savor them and gain courage and strength for the next moments whatever that might be. I invite you to join me each week as I read one of my favorites, sharing a little of why it is meaningful and then praying a portion of the Psalm over all of us. My prayer is when we get up from the porch we will feel renewed and refreshed.

In this episode, we discuss how Psalm 30 gives us hope that when we are in a dark season, God promises there will be joy. 

UPCOMING EVENT:

You can still join us...On the Road with The Godly Kings! Cynthia and her cousin Andrea, are traveling to five southern states bringing the message of The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence. August 11-29th. Text ROADTRIP to 33777 to join in on the fun, giveaways, rest stop prayers, sneak previews of events and more!  Receive a free PDF of a chapter preview when you join the road trip.

If you aren’t yet a part of the community I encourage you to join us as I will be sending out a few emails to encourage you through the summer. To join visit www.thesoulanchor.com

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

Aug 09, 202211:08
72. Summer Porch Series: Psalm 25 - A God You Can Trust

72. Summer Porch Series: Psalm 25 - A God You Can Trust

Welcome back to the Summer Porch Series in Psalms. One of my favorite places is the Southern part of the United States where porches are big and wide and sitting outside is a southern past time with a big glass of sweet tea! This summer, I want you to think of us sitting on a porch in a cozy chair or swing and reading the Psalms together and talking to God through prayer. I am hoping we can slow down long enough breathe in the hallowed words he’s given to us—stopping long enough to savor them and gain courage and strength for the next moments whatever that might be. I invite you to join me each week as I read one of my favorites, sharing a little of why it is meaningful and then praying a portion of the Psalm over all of us. My prayer is when we get up from the porch we will feel renewed and refreshed.

In this episode, we learn all the ways David tells us we can count on God and how much we can trust Him, even when we feel lonely and sad over our circumstances. God promises that our soul can "abide in well-being" as we lean into God and experience His offer of friendship. 

UPCOMING EVENT:

Don't want to miss....On the Road with The Godly Kings! Cynthia and her cousin Andrea, will be traveling to five southern states bringing the message of The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence. August 11-29th. Text ROADTRIP to 33777 to join in on the fun, giveaways, rest stop prayers, sneak previews of events and more!  Receive a free PDF of a chapter preview when you join the road trip.

If you aren’t yet a part of the community I encourage you to join us as I will be sending out a few emails to encourage you through the summer. To join visit www.thesoulanchor.com

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 25:9,10a

Aug 02, 202212:07
71. Summer Porch Series: Psalm 20 Whom do I trust when in a difficult situation?

71. Summer Porch Series: Psalm 20 Whom do I trust when in a difficult situation?

Welcome back to the Summer Porch Series in Psalms. One of my favorite places is the Southern part of the United States where porches are big and wide and sitting outside is a southern past time with a big glass of sweet tea! This summer, I want you to think of us sitting on a porch in a cozy chair or swing and reading the Psalms together and talking to God through prayer. I am hoping we can slow down long enough breathe in the hallowed words he’s given to us—stopping long enough to savor them and gain courage and strength for the next moments whatever that might be. I invite you to join me each week as I read one of my favorites, sharing a little of why it is meaningful and then praying a portion of the Psalm over all of us. My prayer is when we get up from the porch we will feel renewed and refreshed.

In this episode, we will answer the question, whom do I trust when I am in a hard place? David makes a strong statement that God is one who can be trusted in a difficult season. He is worthy of our trust and is faithful for our every need! 

UPCOMING EVENT:

On the Road with The Godly Kings. Cynthia and her cousin Andrea, will be traveling to five southern states bringing the message of The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence. August 11-29th. Text ROADTRIP to 33777 to join in on the fun, giveaways, rest stop prayers, sneak previews of events and more!  Receive a free PDF of a chapter preview when you join the road trip.

If you aren’t yet a part of the community I encourage you to join us as I will be sending out a few emails to encourage you through the summer. To join visit www.thesoulanchor.com

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

Jul 26, 202213:04
70. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 16

70. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 16

Welcome back to the Summer Porch Series in Psalms. One of my favorite places is the Southern part of the United States where porches are big and wide and sitting outside is a southern past time with a big glass of sweet tea! This summer, I want you to think of us sitting on a porch in a cozy chair or swing and reading the Psalms together and talking to God through prayer. I am hoping we can slow down long enough breathe in the hallowed words he’s given to us—stopping long enough to savor them and gain courage and strength for the next moments whatever that might be. I invite you to join me each week as I read one of my favorites, sharing a little of why it is meaningful and then praying a portion of the Psalm over all of us. My prayer is when we get up from the porch we will feel renewed and refreshed.

In this episode, we will learn five statements David makes in Psalm 16 giving him confidence and assurance to continue on his faith journey with Jehovah God.  Psalm 16 is a good reminder that God is faithful and longs for us to choose Him above all else. 

UPCOMING EVENT:

On the Road with The Godly Kings. Cynthia and her cousin Andrea, will be traveling to five southern states bringing the message of The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence. August 11-29th. Text ROADTRIP to 33777 to join in on the fun, giveaways, rest stop prayers, sneak previews of events and more!  Receive a free PDF of a chapter preview when you join the road trip.

If you aren’t yet a part of the community I encourage you to join us as I will be sending out a few emails to encourage you through the summer. To join visit www.thesoulanchor.com

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. Psalm 16:7

Jul 19, 202214:48
69. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 13, How Long, Oh Lord?

69. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 13, How Long, Oh Lord?

Welcome back to the Summer Porch Series in Psalms. One of my favorite places is the Southern part of the United States where porches are big and wide and sitting outside is a southern past time with a big glass of sweet tea! This summer, I want you to think of us sitting on a porch in a cozy chair or swing and reading the Psalms together and talking to God through prayer. I am hoping we can slow down long enough breathe in the hallowed words he’s given to us—stopping long enough to savor them and gain courage and strength for the next moments whatever that might be. I invite you to join me each week as I read one of my favorites, sharing a little of why it is meaningful and then praying a portion of the Psalm over all of us. My prayer is when we get up from the porch we will feel renewed and refreshed.

In this episode, we are tackling one of the most melancholy of all Psalms of David, Psalm 13. It is here that David opens up his heart and asks God four times, How long, oh Lord? Maybe you have been in a circumstance that feels like it has been going on way too long and God has forgotten you. Psalm 13 reminds us that even in the depths of discouragement, we can trust in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. And like David, He is not afraid of our tough questions.  

UPCOMING EVENT:

On the Road with The Godly Kings. Cynthia and her cousin Andrea, will be traveling to five southern states bringing the message of The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence. August 11-29th. Text ROADTRIP to 33777 to join in on the fun, giveaways, rest stop prayers, sneak previews of events and more!  Receive a free PDF of a chapter preview when you join the road trip. 

If you aren’t yet a part of the community I encourage you to join us as I will be sending out a few emails to encourage you through the summer. To join visit www.thesoulanchor.com

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Psalm 13:5

Jul 12, 202217:15
68. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 5
Jul 05, 202215:37
67. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 62
Jun 28, 202210:05
66. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 142
Jun 21, 202212:58
65. Summer Porch Series in Psalms: Psalm 37
Jun 14, 202217:57
64. Anxiety and Surrender: Michelle Lazurek
May 10, 202234:15
63. Anchor Thoughts: When Mother's Day is Hard
May 03, 202226:27
62. Carole Leatham: Finding Joy in My Messy Life
Apr 26, 202232:04
61. Anchor Thoughts - After Easter?
Apr 19, 202218:21
60. LaTan Murphy: Courageous Women of the Bible

60. LaTan Murphy: Courageous Women of the Bible

Cynthia's guest today, LaTan Murphy shares her heart to help women live courageously as she shares her story of courage and healing. 

Resources:

To connect with LaTan website: www.latanmurphy.com and connect through email latan.murphy@latanmurphy.com 

LaTan's book: Courageous Women of the Bible: Leaving Behind Fear and Insecurity for a Life of Confidence and Freedom 

Knowing God Through the Old Testament Series Bible Studies: The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence, begins on April 27th. To join follow this link: https://bit.ly/godlykingsofjudah and to order at a discount Moody Publishers has 40% off for the month of April, just in time for the study! Click here to get your copy! 

Apr 12, 202233:17
59. Anchor Thoughts: Celebrating—The Godly Kings of Judah Bible Study Release!
Apr 05, 202227:49
58. Guarding Your Legacy

58. Guarding Your Legacy

Whether we are 20, 40, or 80 years old, our faithfulness matters when it comes to choosing an intentional legacy. The decisions we make today impact our future and our ability to choose a godly legacy. Learn as Cynthia shares three ways to guard your legacy and seek to remain faithful. 

Upcoming release of  Cynthia's new Bible study, The Godly Kings of Judah: Faithful Living for Lasting Influence by Moody Publishers releases April 5th. Click here to order your copy from Moody at a discounted rate. 

Join the Faithful Living for Lasting Influence 8 Day Challenge click here to sign-up! Starts April 4th. Each day in your inbox you will receive:

*Faith Bites (short devotional from the book with scripture)

*Faith Prayer (a promise you can apply immediately for the day)

*Faith Challenge (a small action step for the day)

Plus, we will have some fun (stories and guests in a daily FB live) in a private Facebook Group and giveaways everyday! 

Will you join me on this 8 Day Challenge? Sign-up here

Mar 29, 202227:12
57. Tyson Cavanaugh: Never too Young or Old to Serve
Mar 08, 202221:11
56. Anchor Thoughts: A Prayer for Ukraine
Mar 01, 202225:44
55. Anchor Thoughts: Making Space for Rest
Feb 15, 202222:37
54. Rhonda Stoppe: No Regrets
Feb 08, 202238:21
53. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Grace and Wonder
Feb 01, 202218:15
Ep.52 Amy Joob: Unstuck-Step Into the New
Jan 25, 202231:26
51. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores my Soul with Reflection

51. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores my Soul with Reflection

In today's podcast episode, Cynthia shares a fresh perspective she recently came across that has helped her to rethink approaching a brand new year—taking away the pressure and giving space to breathe. 

Resources:

The Next Right Thing Podcast with Emily P. Freeman (Episode 206)

Discovering God through the Old Testament Series 2022 - #1 Study: Ezra: Unleashing the Power of Praise begins January 26th.                      For details visit cynthiacavanaugh.com and look for the banner Discovering God through the Old Testament Series

Cynthia's new planner: Full Focus Planner 

One Word Worksheet for 2022

Jan 18, 202223:39
50. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Creativity
Jan 11, 202230:53
49. Carol Tetzlaff: He Restores My Soul with Worship

49. Carol Tetzlaff: He Restores My Soul with Worship

My good friend and guest, Carol Tetzlaff is joining the Soul Anchor today to chat about what it means to live out worship in our everyday life. She says that, "God created us to be worshippers. Our worship is not defined in a corporate setting of our local church gathering but is found in the common places of our lives. It is the praise of our soul that weaves its way through the very fabric of our days from the kitchen sink to the boardroom."  

Jan 04, 202231:03
48. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with One Word

48. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with One Word

It's our last episode of the year! Cynthia shares three important reasons from the story of Joshua, of why choosing "one word" instead of making New Year's resolutions can help you flourish. Learn how to reset, refocus, and enter 2022 with God confidence and courage. 

Dec 28, 202135:38
47. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Joy at Christmas

47. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Joy at Christmas

Are you just trying to make it through Christmas? Is sadness blanketing your joy? Cynthia shares how to manage the emotion of sadness and still capture the wonder and joy of Christmas. 

Dec 21, 202128:32
46. Erica Wiggenhorn: Letting God Be Enough

46. Erica Wiggenhorn: Letting God Be Enough

Guest, Erica Wiggenhorn, shares with us that in a world where "never enough" is the norm, how do we handle those feelings of inadequacy? Do you strive more or expect less? And how does God fit into the equation? Walking us through the story of Moses, she addresses the feelings of self-doubt, fear, and disappointing circumstances.  Through her own story, she shows us that as God worked miracles through Moses' weakness, he can do miracles in our lives as we quit striving and surrender to the only One who can set us free! 

Dec 14, 202145:04
45. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Joy

45. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Joy

How do we find joy and rise above this season's busyness? Cynthia shares some key steps we can take to recapture the joy and wonder of Christmas and it isn't dependent on our expectations, families, or circumstances.  

Dec 07, 202122:07
44. Kathy Howard - He Restores my Soul: Heirloom

44. Kathy Howard - He Restores my Soul: Heirloom

Guest and author, Kathy Howard, shares from her new book Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith and how those who came before you helped shape the person you are today. She give practical insights and tips to help you leave a legacy of faith for your family. 

Nov 30, 202135:27
43. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Gratitude

43. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul with Gratitude

Misplaced expectations, weariness, and feeling misunderstood can rob the rest we need for our souls. Cynthia shares in this episode four ways to rise above your troubles and turn your concerns into gratitude.  

Nov 23, 202117:29
42. Christine Trimpe - Seeking Joy

42. Christine Trimpe - Seeking Joy

“The weary world rejoices!” These are the words God gave today's guest, Christine Trimpe over and over during a difficult season, inspiring her to go deeper with her study of joy. What she learned was life-changing: God’s joy is more than abundant and carries us through our darkest trials and tribulations—seek, and you will find. Even during times of uncertainty and major changes, the joy of the Lord sustains those who know Him and spend time in His Word.

Nov 16, 202132:49
41. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul

41. Anchor Thoughts: He Restores My Soul

Introducing Season Three, "He Restores My Soul." Listen as Cynthia shares how to stay encouraged and be restored even in the midst of weariness. 

Nov 11, 202111:52
40. Anchor Thoughts: Is God Enough?

40. Anchor Thoughts: Is God Enough?

Have you ever felt like God needs your help in a storm? That He isn't enough? Cynthia explores with honesty and candor why we can trust and believe God is enough in our storm. 

Apr 20, 202120:04
39. Anchor Thoughts: The Struggle is Real—Stuck at the Red Sea

39. Anchor Thoughts: The Struggle is Real—Stuck at the Red Sea

Feeling stuck? Bombarded with life at every turn?  In this episode Cynthia talks about "the struggle is real" circumstance dealing with some recent difficult decisions. She shares three ways from the Red Sea story in the book of Exodus how God is helping her to put one foot in front of the other to keep moving ahead following God one yes at a time. 

Apr 06, 202122:58
38. Angela Hudson: How to Keep Dancing in the Rain

38. Angela Hudson: How to Keep Dancing in the Rain

When a storm has been raging in our life for more than a little while, it's easy to forget how to keep our hope afloat. Angela Hudson our guest, shares profoundly simple and yet practical truths on how we can put one foot in front of the other in the height of the storm—and how we can still dance in the rain! 

Mar 23, 202139:32
37. Kathy Howard: Rooted in Truth

37. Kathy Howard: Rooted in Truth

Our guest, Kathy Howard, gives us a fresh perspective on what it means to be rooted in truth so we can stay anchored when the storms hit hard. She shares her story of discovering how her relationship with God changed when she went from knowing about God and being a good church girl to deeply knowing Him intimately as she interacted with His word.  

Mar 09, 202143:53
36. Cynthia Ruchti: Hemmed in Hope

36. Cynthia Ruchti: Hemmed in Hope

Guest Cynthia Ruchti, shares how God kept her stable in a season when every time she turned around, another disaster appeared on her doorstep. From a fire in her home to a family member going to prison, she was able to hang onto hope in the storm even though it felt like it was more than she could handle. She made a choice to declare that God is her refuge and strength in times of trouble as he kept her "hemmed in hope."

Feb 23, 202154:26
35. Anchor Thoughts: Is Anything Too Hard For God—Let God fight for you!

35. Anchor Thoughts: Is Anything Too Hard For God—Let God fight for you!

When we are out into the wilderness, it's easy to get discouraged when we can't see the path forward, and it appears we are going in circles. We work hard to try and fight so we can escape sooner to avoid the obstacle. However, God sometimes puts us right up against the challenge as he did the Israelites when they camped by the Red Sea, not knowing just how impossible it would soon be to move forward—this was a battle only God could fight for them. Cynthia shares how we can learn the secret strategy of how to move ahead through the obstacle and embrace the future God has planned for our lives! 

Feb 16, 202123:50
34. Wendy Batchelder: Finding Family

34. Wendy Batchelder: Finding Family

As we continue our theme "Is Anything Too Hard for God?—our guest tells the story of finding her family with a hold-your-breath search for belonging. Wendy, who is adopted, grew up in a loving home. Though curious about her birth parents, she has little desire to find them. Until her mother hands her an old yellowed envelope. That little package propels Wendy to look for her maternal biological grandmother, but the trek into her past reaches only dead ends and fizzles in the face of her current life—husband, children, graduate school.

And then the real journey begins, the one that leads to Wendy’s discovery that her true identity is rooted in the One who created her, rather than the “accident” of her birth or subsequent adoption. Secure in the family of God, she gives little thought to locating her birth parents. But her heavenly Father has other plans. 

Feb 09, 202135:54
33. Anchor Thoughts: Is Anything Too Hard for God?

33. Anchor Thoughts: Is Anything Too Hard for God?

Nothing is impossible for God, it may look bleak but help is on the way. Join Cynthia as she shares a story from Genesis 18 that gives us hope while we wait! 

Feb 02, 202117:50
32. Anchor Thoughts: 2021 Reset and Resolutions

32. Anchor Thoughts: 2021 Reset and Resolutions

Many of us are ready to say good riddance to 2020 and push the reset button. Learn three ways from the story of Joshua to reset and choose a "one word" to help you flourish in the New Year!
Dec 29, 202037:33
31. Anchor Thoughts - Emotions of Christmas: Sadness

31. Anchor Thoughts - Emotions of Christmas: Sadness

Sadness can drape over Christmas like a heavy blanket threatening to suffocate the hope and message of Christmas. Even in our sadness joy can be found as we open our heart to receive the gift and the promise of Immanuel, God with us. 

Dec 22, 202025:40
30. Anchor Thoughts - The Emotions of Christmas: Disgust

30. Anchor Thoughts - The Emotions of Christmas: Disgust

Christmas is just around the corner, and have you noticed any cynical attitudes lately? It seems the closer we approach Christmas; those ugly emotions can surface brought on by feeling overwhelm and stress. This can be a hidden symptom of simmering anger expressed in disgust. Join Cynthia as she helps us sees a different perspective through Mary's eyes and how we can overcome those unruly thoughts and turn them into joy.

Dec 15, 202018:13
29. Anchor Thoughts - The Emotions of Christmas: Anger

29. Anchor Thoughts - The Emotions of Christmas: Anger

Ever notice the closer we get to Christmas people get a little grumpier? Learn how you can keep your cool when the chaos and stress threatens to capsize your joy! 

Dec 08, 202025:12
28. Anchor Thoughts - The Emotions of Christmas: Fear

28. Anchor Thoughts - The Emotions of Christmas: Fear

How do we keep the chaos from crowding out the joy of Christmas? As we start the month of December many of us may find ourselves ragged around the edges with unruly emotions.  Join Cynthia as she shares a new podcast series, "The Emotions of Christmas." and how we can keep our sanity and not miss our focus as we anticipate the celebration of that little baby in the manger, our Prince of Peace and Savior, Jesus. 

Dec 01, 202024:55