In this episode of "Rhythms That Restore," we are going to explore the journey of navigating emotional transitions we exeperience in Life: End of the Summer, Back to School, Sending Kids off to College and Job Transitions. As August ushers in significant changes, I want to warmly encourage our listeners to bring their emotions to God. He can handle all of it.

 Also, in this episode we are recognizing that more days than not can feel like a BATTLE. But let us realize where the arrows are coming from and be able to Suit Up together! In this episode we are going to talk about the "Armor of God" from Ephesians 6:10-20 that we have already been given to put on daily. Now it is our turn to understand why it has been given to us, what it protects us from and how to put it on and take a firm stand. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Introduction (00:00:02)**   Cherisse Hixson welcomes listeners to the podcast and sets the tone for the episode.

**Acknowledgment of Transition (00:01:14)**   Discussion on August as a month of emotional transitions due to back-to-school routines.

**Deep Breath Exercise (00:02:13)**   Encouragement to take a deep breath and be present amidst the emotional turmoil.

**Bringing Emotions to God (00:03:20)**   Emphasizing the importance of presenting all emotions to God without feeling burdensome.

**Opening Ephesians 6:10-20 (00:04:18)**   Introduction to the scripture passage being studied, focusing on spiritual armor.

**Personal Reflections on Spiritual Battles (00:06:45)**   Sharing personal experiences of feeling attacked by the enemy in various life aspects.

**Context of Ephesians (00:10:57)**   Providing background on the Book of Ephesians and its author, Paul, writing from prison.

**Importance of Being Equipped (00:11:53)**   Highlighting the necessity of being spiritually equipped for life's challenges.

**Strength in the Lord (00:12:54)**   Encouragement to rely on God's strength rather than our own during struggles.

**Action of Putting on Armor (00:15:14)**   Discussion on the active role of putting on the armor of God for protection.

**Recognizing Spiritual Struggles (00:19:53)**   Clarifying that struggles are against spiritual forces, not against people.

**Introduction to Armor of God (00:20:55)**   Discusses the importance of actively taking up the full armor of God for spiritual readiness.

**Belt of Truth (00:21:52)**   Explains the significance of truth from God's word as a foundational support in spiritual battles.

**Breastplate of Righteousness (00:26:54)**   Defines righteousness as living in right relationships with God and others, reflecting God's image.

**Sandals of Peace (00:27:54)**   Describes the gospel of peace and the importance of sharing this message with others.

**Shield of Faith (00:29:53)**   Covers faith as a protective shield against spiritual attacks, emphasizing trust in God's promises.

**Helmet of Salvation (00:31:10)**   Highlights the necessity of protecting one's mind and thoughts through salvation and God's word.

**Sword of the Spirit (00:33:20)**   Identifies the word of God as the primary offensive weapon against spiritual warfare.

**Call to Prayer (00:35:24)**   Encourages persistent prayer and alertness in spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of community.

**Conclusion and Encouragement (00:38:40)**  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join our "Rhythms that Restore" Community: Click below and pull up a chair with us and walk through life IN COMMUNITY and beside others who are learning and putting these new Rhythms in place. Click: https://www.facebook.com/groups/339272845793051/ -------------------------------------- Follow "Rhythms that Restore Podcast" on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythmsthatrestorepodcast?igsh=Z3lmY2UzcXZzMTlq&utm_source=qr -------------------------------------------- Tune In- Subscribe, Rate, and Share: If you found value in this episode, be be sure to subscribe, rate, and share with "Rhythms that Restore" Podcast with a friend who can be encouraged through the message. Help us share this incredible transformative message of Gods word through the beautiful act of "ceasing to strive" and learning to "simply BE". ------------------------------------ Connect more with me on Instagram, Facebook and Email: Lets Chat: [email protected]  Facebook: Cherisse Mathias Hixson  DM on Instagram: @cherissehixson01  https://www.instagram.com/cherissehixson01?igsh=dDY4ZWNrcWowb2Vx&utm_source=qr

Reinforces the message of being equipped to walk forward in faith and trust in God's provision.