Recourse

Rewind episode: Helen is one of the founders of The Whispering Willows -which is a Women’s Empowerment program they aim to provide effective solutions, in a safe space for women experiencing gender based violence, injustice, discrimination, and exploitation. They provide opportunities for economic stability & freedom through Employment, Education & Restoration. They walk closely with women & children who are at-risk, vulnerable, exploited, in crisis or impacted by trauma.

Please find out more about this amazing ministry at https://thewhisperingwillowministries.org/

I am so glad to welcome back Trisha Dahlheimer- she was the very first person to join me on the podcast 3 years ago! Today she shares about a different season of life she and her husband are in- launching their children out of the home. We also get some updates on her ministry Audience of One and the upcoming conference Radiant, which I am blessed to be apart of.

For more information please go to: https://ao1ministries.com/

Radiant Conference: https://ao1ministries.com/radiant

April 13th 2024 At River of Life Church Elk River, Minnesota

Erika Kelly is back to start season 3, she is sharing about her son and his journey with apraxia. It was wonderful to have her back on the podcast and hear her sons story. Please make sure to check out the end of the episode where a special guest joins us in the library.

Want to learn more about Apraxia?

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a neurological disorder that affects the brain pathways involved in producing speech- you can learn more at:

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/apraxia-speech

https://www.apraxia-kids.org/

Welcome to Season 3! I am so glad to have you listening. This is just a quick intro to the season- Tune in next week to hear the first episode featuring Erika Kelly.

This weeks episode features my friend Brenda sharing about a very difficult season in her life. Though this time she recalls how her growing faith helped heal herself and her marriage.

This weeks conversation is with Melissa Maasjo- the founder of The Matthew 25 project in Minot, North Dakota. She shares how the project was started and how it has benifited the community.

You can find out more and support this amazing organization at their website- https://minotm25.com/

My good friend Tasha Goudy shares her rewarding but unexpectedly dangerous journey as a surrogate.

More info can be found at IARC Surrogacy- https://www.iarcsurrogacy.com/

My friend Laura Cottington shares about Church Planting and her church Saint Michael Community Church where she is the lead pastor.

To learn more about Saint Michael Community Church please visit: https://www.saintmichaelcommunitychurch.com/

My friend Erika Kelly shares her journey to sobriety. We hope that this episode will be an encouragement for you or anyone who might be struggling with their relationship with alcohol- Erika is an amazingly positive and thoughtful person and I was honored to have this conversation!

I am so excited to have Sean and Kay Levesque back on the podcast- they are founders and executive directors of Love2Hope, a family non-profit that works with audiences across America to understand human trafficking and their role in fighting it. Human trafficking was a hot topic this year with the release of the movie Sound of Freedom and we wanted to have a conversation to clarify and help others understand ways to support their communities.

*Just a warning this is a very sensitive topic and we want you to listen with care

*Also the audio quality of this episode was not up to our usual standard- despite the frustration/disturbance with the audio I still felt it was worth publishing this amazing conversation. Thank you for your grace while listening.

RESOURCES:

https://www.love2hope.com/resources

This weeks episode features an old family friend. Nicole Johnsrud shares about her and her families experience with grief, as they lost their college aged daughter, Gracie 2 years ago. While grief is a universal emotion it affects us all so differently, Nicole is honest and very vulnerable in sharing during this conversation. I know you will be blessed when listening.

If you want to reach out or connect with Nicole you can at:

Facebook: COPEConsultingNJ

Website:https://www.copeconsultingnj.com/?fbclid=IwAR2gRtBzpmhbUEiHf-DaGTibqGvjjqJ8U6dv1cwAUPKtIS6O28_piMsCqR4

Email:johnsrudnik@gmail.com

With school starting this week, what a wonderful time to listen to this episode if you missed it. Amy is an amazing inspirational speaker and has an wonderful non-profit that offers a in-school therapy Dog Program as well as events and workshops. Amy is doing great things to support our students and community!

Check out her website at : https://ynausa.org/

This week's episode features Rachel Kennedy- She shares about Gathering Hope, an organization here in Minnesota that helps support women and children escape oppression and abuse. She also shares about her life and her mediation work to support others in her community.

Gathering Hope site: GatheringHopeMN.org

Connect with Rachel directly at her mediation site: RachelKennedyMediation.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dvallies5785

DV Hotline: thehotline.org or 800-799-SAFE

Tubman: Tubman.org

I am going on a quick summer break- look for new episodes in August!! Enjoy your summer everyone!

This week my friend Kate shares her experience with love and loss. She shares her story while still in the process of healing, which offers a unique and very vulnerable perpsective. Please be aware that this episode does mention and share about abuse so please listen with care.

Resources:

Lysa TerKeurst- https://proverbs31.org/

Leslie Vernicks- https://leslievernick.com/

Tracie Miles- https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2022/03/01/divorce-doesnt-have-to-break-you

ThrivaNica can now be found on Instagram-@thrive_nica

Give them a follow and stay up to date on with this amazing organization!

This is a conversation with my friend Nicole W. about her experience as a missionary in Nicaragua and the organization she and her husband have created to continue to support the people of Masatepe.

You can find out more about ThriveNica at the following Webstie-https://thrivenica.org/ Please support this great organization!

This week Kayla Walker was in the library to share about her amazing 6th child Miles! He was born with Down Syndrome and has had a very intense first year of life- Kayla walks us through Mile's first year and the amazing way they leaned on God for peace, joy, mercy, and support. Kayla shares Mile's story and her families story with such grace and joy I know you will be encouraged!

You can see pictures of Mile's journey at- https://www.facebook.com/kayla.walker.148553

This weeks episode features Rae Harris, who you might remember from Season 1 when she talked about Worship and her Music Journey- I am so happy to have Rae back on the podcast. Today she talks about her recent diagnosis of Lupus and the health struggles she has had. She is authentic and has a heart for Jesus even during this difficult time.

Resources:

Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org

Lupus Research Alliance: https://www.lupusresearch.org

Connect With Rae Harris:

Instagram: @raeharrismusic

https://www.facebook.com/raeharrismusic/

Disordered eating: https://thedorm.com/signs-of-disordered-eating/

1. Obsessive thoughts about food, eating, or weight

Intrusive, obsessive thoughts and behaviors that interfere with daily life,

such as: engaging in diets, counting calories, body checking, micro-biting

at meals, compulsive exercise, and avoiding social outings that involve

food.

2. Struggling to eat in front of others

People with all forms of eating disorders experience high levels of anxiety

or feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment eating in front of others:

feeling as though others will judge them for what or how much they eat.

This could result in binging after the meal or only eating in private. Please

note that anxiety around eating in public can start in adolescence such as

in school cafeterias or social events, so it’s important not to write off these

behaviors.

3. Developing rigid rituals or rules around eating

Shame, anxiety, guilt, or obsessive feelings around food can lead to strict,

self-imposed rules such as: eating foods in a certain order, cutting foods

into small pieces, excessive use of condiments to make food less

appetizing, or not eating certain foods entirely.

4. Body dissatisfaction that interferes with daily activities

If insecurities or discomfort with one’s weight or shape are so persistent

that they interfere with everyday activities and enjoyment, it’s a strong red

flag of disordered eating. Individuals may wear baggy clothes, engage in

disordered behaviors to manipulate body size, body check in mirrors, often

weigh themselves, and avoid social activities due to feeling shame around

their body.

5. Eliminating food groups or experimenting with diets

Changes in diet, such as cutting down on sugar or trying new foods, can

be healthy in a lot of circumstances, but drastic changes in diet may point

to a problematic relationship with food. For example, people with eating

disorders may become obsessive with new diet trends or dietary

restrictions (i.e. “all carbs are bad”). If someone is constantly basing their

diet on external trends and not their own nutritional needs, it is worth

seeking help.

6. Exercise is an antidote or “reward” for eating

Another symptom of an eating disorder is not in what they consume, but in

how they exercise. Obsessive thought patterns, shame, and guilt around

what or how much they’ve eaten can cause someone to exercise

excessively or purge as a form of punishment, or only eat as a “reward” for

exercising.

7. Other unexplained physical symptoms

Some warning signs of disordered eating are not related to behavior or

symptoms, but instead manifest as physical symptoms. People may

experience chronic stomach issues, feeling cold all of the time, or frequent

gastrointestinal symptoms may link to a lack of proper nutrition.

What I thought would heal my brain:

Avoiding binge foods

Having more discipline to stay within my calorie goals

Finally losing weight for good.

What actually healed my brain:

Eating my fear foods regularly

Eating until mentally satisfied (not just physically full)

Finding meaning in more than my body image

Body issues:

Stopped looking in the mirror

Stopped checking out sizes

Stopped saying hurtful things to myself

Stopped weighing myself until

Stopped clicking on before and afters (as best I can) cuz it tells the algorithm to

Accounts to follow:

@Binge.nutritionist

@Realrecoveryuk

@kristinabrucecoach

@breeelenehan

@break.binge.eating

@soheefit

For this weeks episode, being that mother's day is this coming weekend, I have decided to republish last years amazing conversation with Ann Johnson-

Our pastors wife, Ann Johnson was in the library to share about motherhood. Ann has been a mother, a single mother, a step-mother, a daughter in-law, a mother-in law, and now a grandmother- such a wonderful conversation about motherhood.

My friend Milissa Kitzberger was in the library for this weeks episode. We had a very candid and insightful conversation where she shares her journey through breast cancer. She really did an amazing job sharing her journey with medical care, family and work life, and where she found joy throughout this difficult time.

My husband Matthew joins me in the library to give updates and discuss some of the choices we have made over the last year in regards to homeschooling.

Bobbi shares her story of how she refined a stillness and journaling practice to encounter God and listen/learn what He has for each day. Bobbi also has experience as a life coach. During our conversation she shares how she has had to listen and trust God through unexpected changes. I was very blessed by this conversation as I also started thinking and reflection on my intentional practices, I know it will be encouraging for you as well!

You can learn more about Be Still at https://bestillwithbobbi.com/

Connect with Bobbi on instagram @bestillwithbobbi

Listen to Be Still with Bobbi Podcast - https://bestillwithbobbi.com/category/podcast/

Sally shares her health, wellness, and fitness journey. 
You can also connect with Sally on instagram @salgal71

Email:
sally.fitclub@gmail.com

Snap Fitness Fitclub
https://www.snapfitclub.com/
https://www.snapfitclub.com/meet-the-team
Try us FREE for 14 days- https://tinyurl.com/2s7acax3

Katie Shatusky is one of the founders and Executive Director of Thumbs Up in Elk River, MN. During our conversation she shares about programs that Thumbs Up offers and the ways you can support them. 

THUMBS UP MISSION:

We value LIFE and we ASPIRE to help others in our community by TALKING about MENTAL HEALTH.

https://thumbsupformentalhealth.org

You can also connect with Katie and Thumbs Up on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok

You can buy her book The Ladybug Hug- https://a.co/d/elOxA6C

Tiffany Anne shares about her family of 12.  Our conversation includes how Tiffany manages and supports her larger family and the abundant  and everyday blessings that come along the way. 

My friend Jen shares her journey through life and business and how God has helped her through lots of changes. She shares about knowing your strengths and the power of prayer. 

You can connect with Jen at:

www.jenhickle.com
www.facebook.com/jenhickle1
instagram.com/jenhickle

My friend shares her journey in marriage and divorce- Please note this episode does reference physical and verbal abuse. This is an inspiring conversation about where we fine hope, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. If you or someone you know needs help or support please check out these resources.

Locally: https://riversofhope.org/     -Rivers of Hope is a domestic violence center serving Wright & Sherburne Counties

Minnesota: https://www.vfmn.org/get-help      Find a program near you or call a free, confidential domestic violence hotline like
Minnesota DayOne at (866) 223-1111 

National: https://ncadv.org/get-help    For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) 

Pam Mertz shares about her book The Truth about Church Wounds- During our conversation Pam shares about her ministry and how she came to write this book/devotional. There are lots of ways you can learn more- please click on the link below

Website-https://blueprintlife.com/

Instagram-@blueprintleadershiplife

Facebook-BluePrint Life Christian Coaching Pamela Mertz

To purchase the book- https://a.co/d/5xneUmQ

Join a small group-https://www.jotform.com/inbox/222755491371055/5415026117148227075

This episode features David & Crystal Ballard- they were kind enough to come and share about their family life. David is not only in the Military but also a police officer, Crystal shares how his job choices impact their family and how they work together to get through difficult times and times of separation. Both David and Crystal were very honest and vulnerable during our conversation about the things that have worked well and thing they have struggled with. 

Maridel Sandberg is the President/Executive Director of Together for Good a non-profit that focuses on creating pathways for the church to come alongside vulnerable families in Christ-centered ministry. Our conversation focuses on our families and journey with adopting. Maridel also shares about the work and purpose of the organization she created Together for Good. 

If you want to learn more about the amazing work that Together for Good does or want to support please check out these links

Website: https://tfgood.org/

Instagram: tfgood_org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tfgood.org/

This weeks episode features Sarah Nelson. Sarah wrote a 28 day devotional called "A Perfect Storm", which chronicles a time when their two-year old daughter suffered a stroke while on a family vacation. Our conversation is focused on the writing of that devotional as well as the ways God calls us to do things that we may not feel prepared for. 

You can find out more about Sarah at 

Website: https://sarahnelsonblog.com/

Instagram: @sarahnelsonblog

You can purchase her devotional on Amazon at - https://a.co/d/2ZmnvEq 

This is part two of Erkia's story. While you don't need to listen to part 1 before listening to part 2 you might enjoy it. This week we were in the library and talked through her families story much more in depth. 

This episode features Erika Rgnonti. Erika shares about her life after her mother's Debbie's sacrifice to delay treatment for cancer in order to have Erica. Debbie passed away 5 months after Erica's birth as a result of that decision. Our conversation focuses on the legacy that we leave for our children. This was a special episode recorded live at the Women's Brunch at River of Life church in Elk River, MN on December 3rd, 2022.

In 2016, while Kaycee was working as a youth pastor, they began dreaming about how to change the narrative around foster care adoption, especially within faith communities. Five months later, The Reel Hope Project was born and they began telling the stories of Minnesota’s waiting kids. Our conversation is focused on the work that Kaycee and the Reel Hope Project is doing for adoption and foster care in the faith community. 

Please check out their website at- https://www.thereelhopeproject.org/

Instagram- @reelhope_midwest

Link Tree-https://linktr.ee/reel_hope

Anna Christian shares about her influencer life. She has a wonderful website, blog, & Instagram- Call it Christian- where she shares about interior design, styling, and how to steward your home well.  Our conversation was focused on how she became and influence and what influences her. Anna also shares some wonderful tips and inspiration for everyone, I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Website- https://www.callitchristian.com/

Instagram- @call.it.christian

Inspiration- @nataliewalton & @kailee_wright

Bogging Neighbors- @ablissfulnest, @thedaintypear, @raelenewier, & @housesprucing

My friend Melissa is in the library to share about Mental Heath, Suicide, and her work with Thumbs Up. While this is a heavy topic to talk about, we believe it is important and valuable! Melissa shares her story and does an amazing job being encouraging and empowering offering help and hope for those who might be struggling. Please if you or anyone you know is struggling please reach out, either to someone you know/trust or please call 988 for support. 

Resources: 

Thumbs Up Elk River, MN- https://thumbsupformentalhealth.org/

SAVE: Suicide Prevention- https://save.org/

Suicide Hotline- https://988lifeline.org/

My new friend Kalla joined me over zoom from Georgia to share her unique story of motherhood and the difficult and wonderful choices their family have made recently. Kalla shares about her daughter and a unique medical condition that has given Kalla new perspectives and deeper faith.  Join us for this conversation about the unexpected trials motherhood can bring. 

You can find more information about the Roff family and support them by clicking on these links:

Fund raiser for Kalla and her family-https://www.gofundme.com/f/ivy-goes-south

Living with Paramyotonia Congenita SNEL- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Soy306ul550CsF92xuvsw

Helen is one of the founders of The Whispering Willows -which is a Women’s Empowerment program they aim to provide effective solutions, in a safe space for women experiencing gender based violence, injustice, discrimination, and exploitation. They provide opportunities for economic stability & freedom through Employment, Education & Restoration. They walk closely with women & children who are at-risk, vulnerable, exploited, in crisis or impacted by trauma.

Please find out more about this amazing ministry at https://thewhisperingwillowministries.org/

My friend Miranda was in the library this week to share about her family's decision to homeschool their children. As a recent homeschool parent as well I really enjoyed the conversation and appreciated the advice and wisdom Miranda shared!

Resources: 

Facebook Groups: Minnesota Homeschoolers, MN Homeschool Classes & Co-ops, Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace, & Homeschool Minnesota Discussion Group.

https://hslda.org/legal/minnesota

https://education.mn.gov/mde/fam/nphs/home/

Kay Levesque is an Executive Directors of Love2Hope – a non-profit committed to raising awareness on human trafficking – with a special emphasis on sex trafficking – across America. her background includes being trained, volunteer ambassadors with Shared Hope International, former public-school educators, and national speakers and presenters.

Resources: please click the link below to learn more 

https://www.love2hope.com/resources

My friend Ashley joins me in the library to share about her recent lifestyle changes and how she has combined her faith and fitness to  become the best version of herself all while encouraging and empowering others. 

My new friend Bert Anderson came to the library to have a conversation about the stage of motherhood she calls the "Executive Assistant" - Bert and I are in similar seasons with our children so I appreciated talking through this new perspective. 

Who is Bert Anderson?- As the creator of the lifestyle blog Me Before Mom, Bert supports millennial moms facing the challenges and changes of motherhood. Me Before Mom is an online community that offers support through real life stories, encouraging advice, and answers to questions about how a woman maintains herself during this self-sacrificial time of parenthood.

You can find more information and listen to Bert's podcast on her website- www.bertmanderson.com

My sister in-law Amber and I got to sit down and chat while we were together in North Dakota this summer. We focused our conversation on our faith and our family. 

I'm taking a quick summer break! New episodes will be out in September! 

Thank you so much for all of your support, thank you to all my guests who have been willing to share their lives and stories on this podcast. If you have missed any of the episodes, now is the perfect time to go back and listen. 

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!