We live in an instant results society. Most of us, admittedly, aren't that great about being patient and holding out for the things or results we most want. Contentment isn't exactly our strong suit. But when it comes to certain things in life, waiting is the only way forward. There are situations that come up where all we can do is pray... and be still until God gives us an answer. And sometimes it can be extremely difficult if, after doing all that - and maybe for an extended period of time - God's outcome or response isn't what we hoped for. This episode aims to help us learn how to wait well. To exercise patience and to practice contentment when it feels like time is running thin on if (or when) you'll get an answer or resolution. If we're going to grow as people and know how to keep the faith when it seems like God is dragging His feet in certain areas of our life, we need to understand what it means to have hope when God delays.

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Music has been shown to be a powerful aid in the maintenance and rebuilding of mental health. Scientific tests show that listening to music and specifically, the art of singing, do wonders for calming down our central nervous system and resetting the functions of the brain in times of stress. This obviously isn't a new concept as many passages of the Bible were written around varying aspects of song: praise and worship as well as laments. In this episode, we discuss the power of music to ground us in difficult times, using the chorus of a recently-released Christian song. You'll be reminded about the things that hold true regardless of the challenges life brings and that a risen and reigning Lord who loves you is always something worth singing about.

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

The unpredictability of life can often make us feel like we're at the whim of uncontrolled chaos and pain, left to fend for ourselves on a sea of suffering with no end in sight. Hard times happen and sometimes, they come in ways that confuse us and make us question the hand of God in their midst. How you view the sovereignty and rule of God over the happenings of the world and your own individual life will often determine how you interpret the meaning behind what is happening to you, someone you love, or even the world in general. And this episode will specifically focus on Psalm 97 as a blueprint of how to better understand the workings of a righteous, just, and loving God amidst the sin and suffering of a fallen world. Your heart will be comforted as a result.

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Life has a way of crushing our spirits, and many of us often find ourselves wanting to quit... or, at the very least, take a break... from the constant effort of trying to manage ourselves in the midst of the challenges we face. Taking care of our mental health, fighting against the forces that want to rob us of our peace and joy and faith, can be extremely taxing. Endurance and perseverance can be hard. But they are necessary. In the struggle for hope, there are no days off and in this episode, we're going to look at some of the key principles and tools that are critical to being able to withstand the heat of life's battles and overcome them victoriously.

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

This world offers us so many opinions, perspectives, unsolicited advice, and agendas. There can be a whole lot of voices that speak into our lives, framing our identity (for good or bad!) and shaping our inner voice by which we talk to ourselves. Both our own inner voice and the voices of others can be extremely powerful, creating the lens through which we see life. And those voices can also be projected onto God and determine how we think He talks to us as well. What voices you are most tuned into and how you speak to yourself, as well as how you think God speaks to you, impact your outlook more than you know. That's why this episode will unpack the weight behind these voices and help you figure out how to untangle the ones that need to be muted in your life so you can better hear the voices that matter. 

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Most of us look at healing of any sort - physical, emotional, spiritual, mental - as being a destination. We picture it looking a certain way and find ourselves incredibly disappointed or even angry when it doesn't go the way we hoped. We've been taught to see healing as this end in itself rather than realizing that it's actually a process, a journey. Healing doesn't always mean the wound goes away or the cure is found. Healing is actually about trust and growth and learning to be refined in the midst of what we go through, even if the scars remain or the pain never go away. Reframing our view of recovery is vital to making sense of our suffering and how we change in the midst of it. If you are wanting to adjust how you look at healing in your own story and life, then today's episode is for you! 

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Do you struggle with finding the humility to admit when you're wrong? Are you always blaming your issues or behavior on somebody or something else instead of owning up to the fact that you might be missing something? Do you have a hard time accepting other perspectives and welcoming information that contradicts your long-held views? This episode will show you how to grow in your ability to see other sides to a subject, to embrace different points of view and know when to admit that you got it wrong. Having the maturity to change and learn is essential to a healthy life and mental state, so you will find this very helpful in understanding how to humble yourself and accept the insights of others and the truth of God. 

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Carey Conley's life was pretty normal...until it wasn't Within a couple short years, she lost both her husband, Ross and her son, Cole to suicide, leaving her and her daughter to carve out a life they never imagined - one without two of the people they loved the most. In the years since losing the two men in her life, Carey has shared her story of heartache in hopes of drawing awareness to mental health issues, including suicide, as well as helping people understand the journey and reality of grief and how to navigate it. Carey joins the podcast today to talk about how she's managed to survive her tragedy and how she's learning to transform loss into hope. You won't regret joining my incredible guest and me today as we talk about her story! 

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Since today's episode falls on Valentine's Day this year, its focus is around the larger concept of loving well - of what we ought to be praying for and desiring for one another, regardless of what sort of relationship we may be in. We were designed BY Love and FOR Love, and it is imperative that we reflect that in the way we invest in each other as friends or family. We are created to exhibit the heart of God in how we interact yet sadly, most of us practice relationship on a far more superficial level than He intended. Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers so many centuries ago still rings true as a model of how God wants us to intentionally invest and build connection with one another. Today's episode will offer a lot of perspective and motivation when it comes to going deeper with the people in your life! 

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer

Leaders of any kind play a bigger role in the mental health of those they're in charge of than perhaps they really realize. Many don't understand how certain policies or approaches to running things may be negatively affecting those under their direction, causing unnecessary confusion, frustration, or emotional hurt. This episode is primarily aimed at leaders who want to better understand how to make changes in their workplace environment so that those who work for them are able to thrive and enjoy their job rather than be crushed by it. If you're a business owner, executive, pastor/ministry leader, athletic coach, military officer or NCO, teacher, or even just a parent or somebody looking to create a healthier atmosphere for those you care for, this is really worth a few minutes of your time. You'll take away some ideas that just might totally transform the work experience for those you lead! 

Visit and subscribe to my blog at: www.graceopens.blogspot.com Twitter: @opentograce2015 Instagram: @opentogracealaska Parler: @Opentogracealaska MeWe: Katherine Singer