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

I couldn't believe what Blue allowed me to do. Bleu’s kittens were not safe, leaving my wife and me with a tough decision to make. We hoped that Bleu would cooperate with us, but what happened next was beyond belief. I was able to do something that I never thought possible.

Hi Neighbor,

Join us in this special unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement as we continue to explore the heartwarming story of my cat Bleu and her kittens. This is not your typical adoption story that you usually hear on our podcast, but it's a tale that will warm your heart nonetheless.

Bleu's story provides an important illustration of how building trust, whether it’s with animals or adopted children, takes love, compassion, and grace.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Have you ever thought about creating your own podcast but don’t know where to begin? That was me until I discovered Stefanie Gass and her excellent training.

I started with Clarify Your Calling and then took Podcast Pro University.

Now, I have a Top 2.5% Global Podcast in over 60 countries. Stef shows you how. This episode is an example of how easy it can be. If I can do it, you CAN too.

Disclaimer: The links I include in my show descriptions may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for listening to Anchors of Encouragement. 

I went over to the area of the barn where I suspected they were, when all of a sudden, I heard a sound. It was a growl. Bleu was letting me know, you are not welcome here!

Hi Neighbor,

Could you use a break from all of the negativity in the news? I know I can. Don’t let the growl in the intro scare you off. This story has a happy ending… promise.

In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share a story with you, an adoption story, but not the typical adoption story you are used to hearing on this podcast.

I’ll also share with you how easy it is to become a podcaster using JUST your phone. 

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Have you ever thought about creating your own podcast but don’t know where to begin? That was me until I discovered Stefanie Gass and her excellent training.

I started with Clarify Your Calling and then took Podcast Pro University.

Now, I have a Top 2.5% Global Podcast in over 60 countries. Stef shows you how. This episode is an example of how easy it can be. If I can do it, you CAN too.

Disclaimer: The links I include in my show descriptions may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for listening to Anchors of Encouragement. 

Hi Neighbor,

Have you ever had a friend going through difficult times? We all have. Maybe they have health issues. Maybe there has been a death in the family. Maybe they are struggling with their adopted child. Whatever it is, you want to help them.

When you do reach out, the conversation usually goes something like this. “Let me know what I can do.” I’ve said that before and I’ve had it said to me. And more times than not, that’s where it ends. Nothing happens.

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, we’re going to consider a topic that has really frustrated me in the past.

But when you consider it through the anchor of a kind gesture, that frustration goes away.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. 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. Thanks Neighbor!

When the final curtain drops on your life, how do you want to be remembered? It ultimately will be based on the choices you made.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, we’ll consider the anchor of choice and the tragic story of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. Despite gaining critical acclaim for his acting abilities, Booth's last words are a chilling reminder of the consequences of bad choices.

Also, regardless of your background, you get to write your own story. Don't let someone else's opinion define you. Ensure that people remember you for your good choices.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. 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. Thanks Neighbor!

Hi Neighbor,

In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share a story about the hardest first in a year of firsts following the passing of my Mom.

I believe this perspective can help you and I encourage adopted children. 

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. 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. Thanks Neighbor!

How can adoptive parents who are exhausted and stressed out feel comfort and support? A young teenage girl shared one way to do this over 70 years ago.

Hi Neighbor,

The release date for this episode is March 31st. That is the day recognized by Dutch authorities as the day Anne Frank and her sister Margot died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945.

I want to remember Anne Frank and share 3 entries from her diary with the hope that they will encourage you to take up the practice of journaling.

We’ll consider those entries with the concept of a paper anchor. 

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. 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. Thanks Neighbor!

The car ride to visit Jonny at residential treatment took four hours.. one-way. Those trips were usually emotional and exhausting. For my wife and me, the staff encouraged us to make sure and take care of ourselves. But we weren't our number one focus. Our focus was on him. Thankfully, we had anchors who cared and focused on us.

Hi Neighbor,

Today I want to speak primarily to those of you who are friends of adoptive parents and encourage you to throw a lifeline to them. 

The story I’m going to share is about when our anchors showed compassion and care for us in a very simple, encouraging, and doable way.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. 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. Thanks Neighbor!

When your life seems out of control, maybe that’s your clue to surrender total control to God.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share an anchor inspired by the psalmist David in Psalm 37:5.

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and He will help you.” (NLT)

Tether yourself to this anchor and your life will be a lot less stressful.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. 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. Thanks Neighbor!

The days immediately after we took Jonny to residential treatment are still a blur. I don’t remember a lot from that time. After all these years, there is ONE thing that stands out. ONE thing that encouraged us when we were discouraged. ONE thing I haven’t shared with many people. But I’m going to share it with you today.

Hi Neighbor,

Today I want to speak primarily to those of you who are friends of adoptive parents and encourage you to throw a lifeline to them.

I’ll share a story about how our friends did that for us, a passage from the book of Isaiah, and much more! 

Doing this ONE thing might just be the thing that gets your adoptive friend through a difficult day.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. The Bible passage I read is from Isaiah 43: 2-3 NLT “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown... For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...”

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. Thanks Neighbor!

There’s a difference between being right and being well. Being well takes a different kind of journey.

Hi Neighbor!

This is Part 2 of my interview with Keisha Wright. In Part 1, Episode 57, Keisha shared a very personal and traumatic story with us.

In Part 2, Keisha is going to share some of the tools she and her husband used and are still using today to heal their family. 

We’ll pick up the conversation a little bit from where we left off in Episode 57 to establish the context for today’s episode.

Make sure and check the show notes for a special discount for listeners of this podcast.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Contact Keisha...

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.