ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption Trauma, Safety, Peace of Mind, Biblical Encouragement, Respite, Journaling

Your body is the first to know. Know what? That it’s time to be still. 

Hi Neighbor,

Are you an adoptive parent struggling with a challenging storm in your life? You might feel out of sorts. You might feel a heaviness about you. You might even feel emotionally drained.

It’s time to listen to your body, step back, step away, and show yourself grace. It’s time to be still.

But how does an adoptive parent do this? That’s what we’ll consider in this episode, along with my personal story and inspiration from Psalms 46 and 121.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. To reach out to me, email [email protected]

Join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

For those times when life has you rattled and you find yourself needing to catch your breath, what do you do? May I suggest you look up and regulate yourself with the anchor of a pause.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share a couple of stories that happened in a span of just one week. Two remarkable events that gave me the opportunity to PAUSE. 

When life feels overwhelming, pauses like these can be incredibly grounding. We’ll consider those stories plus encouraging Bible verses from Psalm 19.

Sometimes when life feels overwhelming, all we need is the anchor of a pause.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. If you would like to see the images that I took of the northern lights and the comet, they’re in our private community. I would like to invite you to become a member. This is a safe space for adoptive parents. We would love to have you.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

In life’s hustle and bustle, how can adoptive parents regulate themselves? May I suggest? There are times when you need to retreat. 

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to a special hiking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 

Today, let’s talk about something crucial for adoptive parents navigating life’s hustle and bustle: self-regulation. Retreating to a place where you’re genuinely understood can work wonders. 

I want to share a story of the impact of being with “your people,” the people who get you, support you, and help you recharge.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Joining a supportive community can make all the difference in navigating your adoption journey. I encourage you to retreat to our safe space for real and raw conversations. Will you take that first step to connect?

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

As an adoptive parent, for those times when you feel anxious or overwhelmed, what can you do to regulate yourself? Sit with that question for a moment.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed as an adoptive parent? It happens to all of us. But today, I have a simple yet powerful tip to cope with anxiety and regulate those feelings. 

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. Join me for this go-to method for regulating emotions as an adoptive parent.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Join our supportive community of adoptive families and allies! The camaraderie and support can offer additional regulation and peace of mind.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Why can't we be like other families?

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 

I have a personal confession to make, something I have wrestled with my entire life. And something that causes me anxiety. But it pales in comparison to the anxiety I want to address in this episode.

Many adoptive parents struggle with this question. I know because you’ve told me. It’s a question my wife and I have asked many times.

Let’s dig into the truth behind that question and how we as adoptive parents can navigate the challenges of adoption trauma to experience real peace of mind.

We’ll unpack a 4-step principle from Philippians chapter 4 that I first mentioned in Episode 152. Peace of mind is possible! 

You Are Not Alone!

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Get support from other adoptive parents and join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” ~The Serenity Prayer

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 

Ever feel overwhelmed by things beyond your control? I understand because I’ve been there. Let’s talk about how to find peace and calm in the storm.

To illustrate this point, I’ll share two personal stories that taught me the importance of letting go of the things I can’t control.

We’ll consider an encouraging Bible verse from the book of Philippians and the principle you can put into play whenever you need support.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Get support from other adoptive parents and join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 4:6-7

“Who are the kids that actually need permanency? Who are the kids that actually need permanency through adoption? It tends to be kids with disability, kids that are older, sibling groups...” ~Brandon Stiver

Joining me today is my neighbor from Seattle, Brandon Stiver. Brandon has worn several hats, but has one vocation, to see God’s kingdom come to Earth through proclamation and demonstration. 

A respected leader in the field of global care for children, Brandon is a professor, a podcaster, and has led nonprofits based in the US and Tanzania. A community builder at heart, he has collaborated with organizations from Central America to Southeast Asia.

In our conversation, Brandon delves into the complex world of adoption, specifically his experiences with domestic adoption in Tanzania. 

From navigating the teenage years of an adoptive child to understanding the true definition of ”orphans,” this episode sheds light on impactful topics that resonate with many adoptive families.

• You’ll learn about key support systems for adoptive parents.

And much more!

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Connect with Brandon:

Is it possible for adoptive parents to feel gratitude even during the struggles they may encounter in their adoption journey? The answer is yes. Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore the concept of gratitude together.

Hi Neighbor,

In this journaling episode, I want to consider with you the concept of gratitude, and how it applies to adoptive parents who are facing the struggles their adoption journey. Because even in the darkest times, there are things to be thankful for.

Today, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you, my listeners. This is episode 150 of the podcast. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your encouraging words as I navigate this podcast journey with you.

It is my hope and prayer that in some small way, this podcast is encouraging you in your adoption journey.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough as an adoptive parent? Maybe you feel like a failure, or perhaps in extreme cases, you don’t even feel worthy to be an adoptive parent. 

I understand because I’ve been there. For those times when I didn’t feel good enough or I felt like a failure or even when I didn’t feel like I was worthy to be an adoptive parent, I knew it was time to put a principle into play. A principle I would like to share with you today to encourage you in your adoption journey.

We’ll consider an encouraging Bible verse from the book of Proverbs and the principle you can use anytime you need encouragement.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

He faced one discouraging obstacle after another, yet through it all, he persisted. How did he do it? Grab a pen and paper and I’ll show you how he first partnered with God.

Hi Neighbor,

In this journaling episode, I’ll show you how you can persist in your adoption journey with a story inspired by one of my favorite Bible characters.

We’ll consider encouraging Bible verses from the books of Genesis, Proverbs, and James.

I’ll also share an easy way to begin journaling even if you have never done it before. It’s based on my own journaling experience. 

Plus I’ll show you how you can persist with pen-to-paper in order to partner with God. 

And so much more.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.

If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Here are a couple of my favorite Bible Apps for comparing translations.