PRN: Pause, Renew, Next

This month on the podcast, we’ve been reflecting on specific ways that we can, “set our minds on things above, not on earthly things,” as Paul writes about in Colossians 3. In this episode, we’ll look at how we can accomplish this by meditating on God’s Word.

Since it’s the week of Thanksgiving, we’re going to meditate on a Psalm all about giving thanks: Psalm 100. Read along with me, as we reflect on Psalm 100, using an exercise I learned from Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline. I hope this particular way of meditating on Scripture is a practical exercise that you can take with you and use again in your own personal Bible reading time.

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

Pause, Renew, Next!

We all know that gratitude is an incredible spiritual practice, but did you know that it makes an actual impact on your mood, thought-life, and even your health?

This month on the podcast, I am looking at three ways that we can renew our minds and reset them on things above. This week we look at how the practice of gratitude can help to reframe and reshape our outlook. We’ll talk about realistic ways that you can practice gratitude on an everyday basis. Get ready, because we’ll also talk about Fred Rogers and practice one of his gratitude meditations together. I’m not crying, you are!

Below are the articles, videos, and books referenced in today’s episode:

• Neuroscience Reveals: Gratitude Literally Rewires Your Brain to be Happier
• Fred Roger’s 1997 Acceptance Speech
• One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

Pause, Renew, Next!

So much good can happen in our brains and body when we focus on positive thoughts. Unfortunately, our brains are wired in such a way that they like to ruminate more on the negative. Dwelling on the good sometimes requires intentionality.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

In the month of November, I want to focus on setting our minds on things above and choosing to dwell on the good. In this first reflection episode, we will talk about delighting in beauty and look at how beauty impacts our brains.

I’d love to hear from you about where you’re finding beauty these days. Please comment under today’s show notes or find me on Instagram or Facebook!

Below are the articles referenced in today’s podcast episode:

• Can Brain Scans Really Tell Us What Makes Something Beautiful, from Smithsonian Magazine
• This 12-Second Trick Trains Your Brain to Be More Positive, from PureWow.com

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

Pause, Renew, Next!

Today’s guest, Carrie Givens, is a woman of many talents. She has worked in ministry and communication for many years, is an author of two books, and recently helped to found a new publishing company, Bandersnatch Books. Carrie and I met last summer, and it was so fun to sit down and chat with her about the writing life, the publishing world, the Enneagram, her faith, and how she balances her busy life!

I had the pleasure of listening to Carrie’s newest book, Rosefire, on Audible this fall. We talk in this episode about how she dreamed up the characters of her novel and the long and winding journey of the book from formation to publication. We also take an unexpected dive into talking about the Enneagram, because recently Carrie contributed to an Enneagram devotional series. This is such a fun conversation!

If you’d like to learn more about Carrie and her writing, please visit her website: carolyncgivens.com. You can also learn more about Bandersnatch Books by visiting bandersnatchbooks.com.

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

Pause, Renew, Next!

What do we do when the problems are too big for us? Many of us can relate to feeling overwhelmed these days.

Join me today as we meditate on Psalm 131, and learn what it means to rest in our Father’s lap. We will do a slow down activity and listen to Scripture. Added bonus: I even throw in a little attachment and regulation info. into this episode! I hope you come away from this 10 minute podcast feeling renewed.

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

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Today’s episode is a first! I’m talking about boundaries and social media on both the podcast and the blog today. Why? Because it’s an important topic, and it’s one that I find myself navigating constantly.

In this episode, I will list four boundaries that I am finding helpful for forming my own healthy relationship with social media. I hope you’ll find them helpful as well! To read the transcript of today’s episode, visit my blog at: pauserenewnext.com.

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

Pause, Renew, Next!

Feeling a bit fragile? Join me for today’s reflection episode as we focus on one of my all-time favorite Scripture passages: 2 Corinthians 4.

We’ll start with a grounding exercise, then use the mindfulness practice of deep reading as we pay attention to the themes of the text.

I hope you come away from this episode reminded that even in your fragility, as a fellow jar of clay, you are filled with the light and life of your Savior, and that your light and momentary troubles are working towards an eternal weight of glory.

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

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Grab a cup of coffee or tea and come sit down for a conversation among friends. On today’s episode, my real-life friend, Amber Benge, joins me for a chat about life transitions, homesteading, and faith. You will come away from this conversation so encouraged.

Amber explains how the Lord, through health issues and an overload of stress, helped her pare down her life to the essentials. A couple of years ago, she and her husband bought some acreage and began a new family adventure called Grace Walk Farm. Amber has learned and grown so much through tending her garden, and in this episode she shares how much the Lord is teaching her in that sacred place.

To learn more about Amber, Grace Walk Farm, and her upcoming book, please visit her website. If something you heard on today’s podcast resonated with you, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment under today’s show notes or join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook.

May you be encouraged on your journey with Jesus.

Pause, Renew, Next!