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

Hi Neighbor,

How do you typically handle mental blocks? Have you tried unplugging?

In this first of a 7-part series on journaling. I want to share how to get unstuck when your brain just won’t cooperate. Whether it’s finding answers or solving problems, sometimes we just need to UNPLUG. Here’s how.

We’ll consider this concept with a jumble of the word JOURNAL. Journaling is my favorite go-to method for getting unstuck. But as you’ll see in this episode, there are other ways I use as well.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

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

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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. Today, I’m coming to you from my backyard studio.

Based on three separate conversations I’ve recently had with adoptive parents, I want to share an important concept with you. The ONE thing adoptive parents NEED to know.

It’s something that makes navigating the highs and lows of the adoption journey doable.

To understand this concept and the power it affords us as adoptive parents, we’ll consider a story about a little bird and three passages from scripture: two from the Book of Matthew and one from the Book of Deuteronomy.

Grab a pen and paper. I have a journaling exercise for you as part of your Daily Doable.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. Let’s talk! To schedule a time for us to chat, reach out to me, [email protected]

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I wish the conversation you’re about to listen to had been available for me years ago, not because I like to hear myself speak. Conversations like this could have helped me navigate some of the challenges my wife and I faced in our adoption journey.

Hi Neighbor,

Returning on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, is my neighbor from Alabama, Erich Nelson. Erich was first on the show in Episode 53.

Erich is back today to discuss an important topic for adoptive parents and adopted children to understand – what it means to be stuck in survivor mode.

You get to be a fly on the wall while Erich and I share our stories and struggles with survivor mode.

Daily Doable: Listen, REALLY listen to this conversation and allow it to take you wherever it does, EVEN IF that place makes you feel uncomfortable. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. Learn more about Erich’s The Dolifebig Project: Facebook and Instagram

“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.” ~Dr. Seuss

Hi Neighbor,

In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share my reaction to the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, brought to you by Angel Studios.

This film is a mirror for so many of us on the adoption journey. As an adoptive parent myself, I saw my own story reflected in powerful ways. Adoption, whether private or through the foster system, presents similar challenges.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most importantly, you’ll UNDERSTAND. Sound of Hope brings attention to the unseen battles adoptive parents face every day. It’s a peek behind the curtains, making you more sympathetic and supportive.

Daily Doable: WATCH THIS MOVIE! If you’re an adoptive parent, it’s a Must-See. If you’re not, it’s still a Must-See. Understanding the adoption journey helps us all become better anchors of encouragement for families in need. Remember, YOU may be the world to ONE person.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. Mentions in this episode:

How can I serve you better?

Hi Neighbor,

As an adoptive parent myself, I’ve walked the path filled with both joy and challenges. My mission is to share stories, offer biblical encouragement, and bring on experts to help you navigate this unique journey. I want to walk you home!

That gets us to today’s question: How can I serve you better? In private conversations I’ve had with adoptive parents, they have told me.

But I’ve never asked that question on the podcast. So, today I’m asking you, as an adoptive parent, how can I serve you better? See the 2 ways you can share your answers with me below. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. Below are the 2 ways you can share your answers with me...

Foster care is intended to be a temporary solution to what should be a temporary problem. The goal is always reunification.

The focus is to find families that meet the needs of the child, rather than finding children that fit the needs of the family. The child comes first!

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement is my neighbor from Atlanta, Dr. Kimberly Offutt. Dr. Kim is an inspirational speaker, author, child advocate, social worker, and adoptive parent.

She has served at Bethany Christian Services for more than 20 years in various capacities in the child welfare field, advocating on behalf of children who are in foster care and available for adoption.

When Dr. Kim started with Bethany Christian Services, she was responsible for recruiting families to be foster and adoptive parents. As a recruiter, the first person she recruited was herself!

Have you ever considered fostering or adopting? Dr. Kim’s story is a testament to patience and love in adoption. Reflecting on adopting 4 children from foster care, she defies conventions and dispels myths about parenting and birth order. Tune in for her heartfelt insights.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

I surprised my friends who went with me. Honestly, I surprised myself too because I never imagined that I would allow myself to do what I was about to do. I was anxious and I was nervous. And not to be overly dramatic, but in some respects, I was scared to death. However, I did it. And it was one of the most exhilarating forms of respite I've ever experienced.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement. In this episode, I would like to build on the concept of respite we first introduced in Episode 40.

Respite is something that adoptive parents have told me is important to them as they navigate the challenges of adoptive parenting.

Today’s story is about how I got out of my comfort zone by allowing a friend to lead me to respite and retreat. I did something I never would have entertained had it not been for her.

Consider this story with me as we look at 3 ways to embrace the Anchor of Retreat.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Thrill-Seeking Neighbor,

P.S. Oops! After I had recorded and published this episode, I realized there was a 5th activity option. I had suppressed it because it caused as much if not more anxiety than the zip line, kayaking in an underground cavern. I can’t swim! I think you can see why I suppressed this option:)

Episodes mentioned today:

Also, I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

When it came time to say goodbye, I couldn’t get the words out. I gently rubbed his head one last time and walked away.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to a special memorial episode of Anchors of Encouragement. I want to share something deeply personal and touching with you today.

There comes a time in every pet parent’s life when we must say goodbye to our beloved companions. This episode is my tribute to Amp, who brought so much joy and comfort into my life.

I first mentioned Amp at the beginning of this podcast in Episode 5. As that story illustrates, he and I had a special connection.

Take a moment to embrace the fur baby anchors in your life. Whether it’s a cat, dog, horse, or any other cherished pet, their unique ability to sense our emotions and provide comfort is truly invaluable.

Let them be your anchor of encouragement, as Amp was for me.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

I couldn't sleep, so I’m up doing what I learned from Jonny to regulate myself. I never know the direction these quiet moments will take, but I know something positive always happens... and that’s what I want to share with you today.

Hi Neighbor,

Do you enjoy unexpected, positive surprises? I do! In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share a story about why I value the anchor of solitude and hope you’ll consider embracing it too.

We’ll also reflect on a passage from the book of Psalms and discuss solitude from episodes 5, 71, and 128. (see links below)

Help, hope, and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. Here are the links to the episodes referenced today.

EP 71 – Sit With the Text? How the Psalms Can Help You Overcome Storms in Your Life

Ep 128 – 4 Simple Tips To Find Peaceful Sleep as an Adoptive Parent

Also, I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

Are you having trouble sleeping? You’re restless. You’re tossing and turning. Maybe you had too much caffeine that day. Maybe you have a busy calendar the next day and you’re concerned about everything you have to do.

For adoptive parents, maybe it’s out of concern for your children. I know this can leave you anxious. Your mind is racing. You’re losing sleep.

What can you do?

Hi Neighbor,

Are restless nights and racing thoughts keeping you up? You’re not alone. In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share 4 practical tips to help you calm your mind and achieve that restful night’s sleep you crave.

We’ll also look at inspiring scriptures from Psalm 77 and Proverbs 3.

Grab a pen and paper. I’ll funnel these tips through the acronym CALM. Think of it as a mental massage for your mind.

Help, hope, and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,

P.S. I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.