Welcome to episode #34, reflecting on hope and sharing some thoughts I’ve been writing about lately.

I open to Psalm 23 and a few other verses that encourage us to keep choosing to anchor ourselves in God’s goodness.

Because today also marks 25 years since 9/11, I take some time at the end to remember that day, share part of my own experience.

The episode ends with a spontaneous prayer for anyone who may need a reminder today that God will meet us wherever we are.

Scripture:

Psalm 23

Psalm 27: 1-5

Psalm 46:1

Welcome to episode 33 of OPEN to Encourage.

This one is extra special because I’m recording from Mallorca with my favorite person as we celebrate 15 years of marriage.

Before we got married, we wrote down seven golden rules for our marriage. So today, we pulled them back out to see which ones still hold up after 15 years, which ones have changed a little with real life, and what we would add now.

We also share a few things we’ve learned along the way and the advice we would give a couple getting ready to say “I Do.”

A conversation about marriage, growth, friendship, grace, and what has mattered most to us over the years.

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:26-27

Nehemiah 8:10b

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Welcome to episode 32 of OPEN to Encourage.

Apparently the first version of this recording was between me and God because I forgot to record, but it fits today’s message.

Reflecting on this quote: “You cannot say ‘No, Lord’ and mean both. One annuls the other. If you say no to him, then he is not your Lord. ‘Yes, Lord’ is always the answer.”

Saying “Yes, Lord” sounds beautiful in theory. But what does our yes actually look like when it involves surrendering our plans, our timing, our comfort, or something we really want?

I’ll leave you with four questions to reflect on this week, and end with a prayer.

Scripture:

Mark 14:36

Luke 6:46

Luke 9:23

What happens when God challenges the way we respond to difficult people?

This week, Deborah was convicted by a simple thought: you can’t bless and curse someone at the same time.

So instead of complaining about someone who has been especially difficult, she decided to pray for them.

Romans 12 reminds us about blessing those who make life difficult, and why James 3 challenges the way we use our words, and what it means to overcome evil with good.

There are four reflection questions at the end to help us take an honest look at how we speak about people, where bitterness may be hiding, and what it could look like to choose blessing instead.

You do not have to approve of someone’s behavior to pray for God’s good in their life.

And you can have boundaries without carrying bitterness.

Praying that this episode encourages you to let God transform not only how you respond to difficult people, but also what comes out of your mouth when you talk about them.

Scripture:

Romans 12: 9,14,17,18,21

James: 3:8-10

Numbers 6: 24-26

We have all probably heard the saying, “You can’t out train a bad diet” but what if that applies to more than food?

What are you feeding your faith? Your fear? Your discipline? Your excuses? Your mind?…

Because we cannot continue to feed something an and then be surprised when it grows.

In this episode, Deborah shares about being intentional with what we consume and challenges us to take an honest look at the habits and choices shaping our lives.

There are also a few questions to reflect on and a closing prayer over everyone listening.

You don’t have to feel like it to do it. Growth can simply start with making the next right choice.

So this week let’s ask, what are you feeding?

Scripture:

Philippians 4:4-9

Galatians 6:9

Hebrews 12:11

Isaiah 40:29-31

Isaiah 41:10

Today’s encouragement is a little different. Perspective and encouragement from a 10-year old. Especially with what really makes us rich in our heart.

It is not polished or perfect and it was tempting to record again but there is something special about a first take.

Scripture:

Nehemiah 8:10

Psalm 139:14

Psalm 46:5

What was supposed to be an interview with a friend, encountered some technical issue (e.g., operator error) which led to the subject of refinement.

Deborah will share what God has been teaching her over the last six months through the process of creating a podcast.

Refinement is not easy. It exposes our fears, our doubts, and the places where God is inviting us to surrender. As gold is refined in the fire more than once, God will continue to shape us throughout our lives.

Together we will reflect on whether we are willing to let God refine our character before expanding our influence.

Finishing with four questions to reflect on this week.

Scripture:

1 Peter 1: 6-7

Isaiah 48:10; 40:29-31; 41:10

Psalm 34:18

What do you do after hope returns?

In this episode, Deborah shares her journey of feeling hopeless to learning how to walk in hope. Referencing the two followers on the road to Emmaus and wisdom from the book of James, we will explore how God often changes our perspective before He changes our circumstances.

Sometimes we are grieving the loss of our plans, while God is unfolding His.

Keep taking the next faithful step. God is still writing your story.

Scripture:

Luke 24:21

James: 1:2-3, 17, 19,27; 3:13,18; 4:6,7; 5:16

What are you still carrying that God never asked you to carry?

In this episode, Deborah shares a personal experience that led her to confront old hurts, unhealthy patterns, and the lies she had been holding onto for too long.

Through scripture, a portion of her own letter of release, and powerful declarations rooted in God’s truth, she invites listeners to consider what they may need to lay down in order to move forward in freedom.

You will also be challenged with four reflection questions designed to help you indenting what you are carrying, embrace your identify in Christ, and take one step closet to the life God has called you to live.

You do not have to carry yesterday into tomorrow.

Scripture:

Philippians 3: 13-14

Isaiah 43: 18-19

2 Corinthians 5: 17

Romans 8: 37-39

Have you ever struggled to keep going simply because you did not feel like it?

In this episode, Deborah reflects on the difference between living by our feelings and living with faithfulness. While our emotions are a gift from God, they were note meant to lead our lives.

Through practical examples, personal reflection, and four thought provoking questions, Deborah encouraged listens to consider what their future self might thank them for starting today. Whether it is exercising, reading the Bible, or pursuing a dream, small acts of faithfulness can have a lasting impact.

Feelings are wonderful but they make terrible leaders!

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 11:6, 3:11

Psalm 94: 18-19,22