In this episode of Steps to Trusting, host Erin Michele discusses the journey to finding freedom from a performance-based identity with guest Becky Beresford. Becky, an author and coach, shares insights on moving from self-reliance to God-reliance, embracing Christ-centered empowerment, and the importance of surrendering to God. They touch on practical steps to experience freedom, the significance of recognizing God's faithfulness, and the transformational power of relying on God's strength rather than our own. Becky also introduces her book, 'She Believed He Could So She Did,' which delves into these themes.

We would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

Connect with Becky Beresford at https://www.beckyberesford.com/

    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/becky.beresford/

Becky’s book: She Believed HE Could, So She Did:  https://www.amazon.com/She-Believed-Could-Did-Christ-Centered/dp/080242998X

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:25 Guest Introduction: Becky Beresford

00:57 Becky's Journey and Message

01:42 The Pressure of Self-Reliance

05:03 Biblical Perspective on Empowerment

08:29 Personal Testimonies and Struggles

15:19 Practical Steps to Finding Freedom

20:03 God's Faithfulness and Love

31:10 Final Thoughts and Prayer

34:02 Book Details and Closing Remarks

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting', host Erin Michele discusses the common frustration of disrupted plans and how to trust God in challenging circumstances. Through biblical stories of the Israelites in Exodus 14, 15, and 17, Erin highlights the importance of shifting our trust from our circumstances to God. She emphasizes the significance of turning to God with our frustrations and relying on His provision. Key takeaways include the need to refocus on God's presence during tough times, the value of prayer in seeking guidance, and the assurance that God is with us even when our plans don't succeed.

I would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

00:00 Welcome to Steps to Trusting

00:23 A Story of Changed Plans

01:44 Trusting God Over Circumstances

02:20 Lessons from the Israelites

03:43 The Parting of the Red Sea

06:00 Bitter Waters Made Sweet

07:17 Water from the Rock

09:16 Invitation to Trust in God

14:37 A Prayer for Trust

15:31 Final Encouragement and Farewell

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' host Erin Michelle discusses the struggles of people pleasing and the importance of shifting our trust from people to the Lord. She shares personal anecdotes and reflects on scripture, particularly Jeremiah 17, to illustrate the difference between seeking validation from others and finding true identity and value in God. Erin encourages listeners to let disappointments serve as invitations to deepen their trust in God and act out of love rather than a need for approval. The episode concludes with a prayer and a reminder to root our worth in God's truth.

I would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:11 The Struggles of People Pleasing

00:47 Personal Reflections and Expectations

04:32 Scriptural Insights from Jeremiah

06:43 Trusting in the Lord vs. Trusting in Man

08:44 Invitation to Trust in God

15:47 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

16:56 Final Encouragement and Contact Information

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' host Erin Michele continues her enlightening conversation with Mary Rooney Armand. They delve into how 'identity thieves'—pride, fear, unforgiveness, and disappointment—negatively affect our relationships and faith. Mary also introduces 'identity restorers' like gratitude, prayer, and setting boundaries, which help us live confidently in our identity in Christ. With actionable insights and personal anecdotes, this episode provides practical guidance on navigating your faith journey and maintaining healthy relationships. 

We would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

Connect with Mary Rooney Armand at www.butterflyliving.org 

www.facebook.com/bfl2022

www.instagram.com/butterflyliving_

www.twitter.com/maryrarmand

www.linkedin.com/in/maryrooneyarmand

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:21 Continuation of Conversation with Mary Rooney Armond

00:51 Impact of Identity Thieves on Relationships

03:09 People Pleasing and Boundaries

05:14 The Importance of Boundaries

13:16 Identity in Christ and Daily Living

15:58 Identity Restorers

24:36 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

25:33 Connect with Mary and Erin

27:03 Final Encouragement and Goodbye

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' Erin Michele is joined by Mary Rooney Armand, author, and creator of the blog ButterflyLiving.org, to discuss the concept of secure identity and 'identity thieves.' Key takeaways include understanding how fear, unforgiveness, pride, and disappointment can undermine our sense of identity in Christ and practical steps to overcome these obstacles. Mary shares personal anecdotes, including her encounter with a barracuda, to illustrate how faith can help us 'spear the fear.' The discussion also touches on distinguishing between identity and value, and the importance of living authentically in alignment with God's design.

We would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

Connect with Mary Rooney Armand at www.butterflyliving.org 

www.facebook.com/bfl2022

www.instagram.com/butterflyliving_

www.twitter.com/maryrarmand

www.linkedin.com/in/maryrooneyarmand

00:00 Introduction to Steps to Trusting

00:10 Understanding Identity with Mary Rooney Armand

00:50 Defining Identity and Value

03:13 Overcoming Identity Thieves: Fear

08:50 Overcoming Identity Thieves: Unforgiveness

12:17 Overcoming Identity Thieves: Pride

17:13 Authenticity and Connection

21:18 Overcoming Identity Thieves: Disappointment

21:44 Conclusion and Next Steps

Welcome to Steps to Trusting. In this episode, we continue exploring the topic of beholding God, as introduced in Episode 64 with Teresa Whiting. Starting with a definition of 'behold' from Oxford Languages, we'll dive deep into what it means to observe and recognize God's presence in our lives. Anchoring our discussion in Psalm 23 and Psalm 27, we'll explore the tension of seeking God when we can't see Him physically and how to cultivate awareness of His presence through gratitude and constant prayer. We'll also discuss practical ways to turn our eyes to God daily, inspired by verses from 1 Thessalonians 5. If you're looking for actionable steps to deepen your faith and trust, you won't want to miss this episode. Join me as we explore how to behold God together.

I would love to hear from you.  

Links:

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

Want more information about Alpha? https://alphausa.org/

Want to check out the purpose planner?  https://thepurposeplanners.com/

Want to check out the episode I mentioned?   Living in Another’s Shadow - Season 2 episode 43 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steps-to-trusting/id1532625610?i=1000558108150

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:33 Opening Prayer

00:51 Understanding 'Behold'

03:03 Exploring Psalm 23

04:45 The Tension of Beholding God

06:48 Practical Steps to Behold God

09:24 Rejoicing and Thankfulness

11:58 Personal Reflections and Encouragement

18:48 Final Thoughts and Prayer

19:58 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' host Erin Michele is joined by speaker and podcaster Teresa Whiting to discuss the fundamental human desire to be seen, known, and understood. They delve into the unhealthy and healthy ways of meeting this need, highlighting the biblical perspective of turning towards God for validation. Teresa shares her personal struggle with feeling insignificant and how reading Isaiah 40 provided comfort and shifted her focus to God's greatness. The conversation covers topics such as social media's impact, people-pleasing, and the importance of reflecting God's image rather than our own. Practical steps to focus on God and integrate His presence into daily life are discussed, emphasizing the benefits of spending time in scripture and practicing Sabbath. The episode concludes with a reminder of God's abiding love and presence, encouraging listeners to find their identity and worth in Him.

We would love to hear from you.  
Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net
      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 
Connect with Teresa Whiting at: [email protected]
      Website: https://teresawhiting.com/
      Bible Study: DisGraced: How God Redeems and Restores the Broken
      Podcast: Find Hope Here 


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:33 The Desire to Be Seen and Known
00:52 Personal Stories and Struggles
02:58 Biblical Perspective on Being Seen and Known
04:53 Cultural Impacts and Social Media
09:50 Finding Comfort in God
27:57 Practical Steps to Shift Focus
30:34 Conclusion and Prayer
34:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode, Erin Michele focuses on putting God's truth first in your life by quieting the internal and external voices that create pressure and doubt. She emphasizes letting God's voice and truth be the loudest, thereby facilitating a deeper trust in His character and actions. Erin shares practical steps for silencing negative thoughts and distractions, highlights impactful scripture verses, and offers insights from previous guest Rose Ward. Key takeaways include understanding God's unwavering love, the importance of scripture, and recognizing trustworthy voices that echo God's truth.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:20 Understanding the Voices in Our Lives

03:03 Identifying and Silencing Negative Voices

04:08 Embracing God's Truth

09:26 Practical Steps to Amplify God's Voice

11:18 Final Encouragement and Prayer

12:57 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

In this episode of Steps to Trusting, Erin Michele and guest Rose Ward explore letting go of societal and self-imposed expectations, and finding true identity in what God says about us. Rose shares her ministry journey helping Christian women overcome spiritual stagnation, practical steps for deepening one's relationship with God, and setting healthy boundaries. They discuss the ACTS prayer model, the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit, and the significance of maintaining joy and peace even in challenging times. Biblical references such as Philippians 4 and Psalm 143:8 are highlighted, along with information about Rose’s ministry and upcoming book release.

We would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepstotrusting/ 

Connect with Rose you can go to her personal blog www.ministrymoms.org to access her free content.

If you love clean fiction reading and would like to be a part of Rose’s current Author Journey, you can join her by going to www.roseward.org and subscribe to find out more about her latest fiction book “Prophecy Changer." The book is for both youth and adults.

 Time stamps

00:00 Welcome to Steps to Trusting

00:41 Introducing Rose Ward and Her Ministry

01:14 Finding Balance in Ministry and Life

02:58 Heart Checks and Identity in Christ

04:51 Listening to the Holy Spirit

05:17 Practical Steps to Deepen Your Relationship with God

06:35 Managing Expectations and Boundaries

13:40 The Power of Joy and Overcoming Hardships

16:52 ACTS Prayer Guide and Spiritual Growth

28:41 Final Thoughts and Resources

29:34 Closing Prayer and Farewell

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' Erin Michele discusses the how friendship, points our attention to God. Flourishing in friendship points to God’s blessing and failure in friendship points to our need for God. Erin recounts her personal journey, emphasizing how her own struggles in friendship illuminated her dependence on God's grace. She cites scriptures like James 1:17 and Colossians 1:17 to underscore that both the successes and failures in relationships point to the need for God's intervention. Reflecting on Peter's walk on water in Matthew 14:22-33, Erin encourages listeners to fix their gaze on Jesus amid challenges. She ends by stressing that our value lies not in our efforts but in our God given identity, urging listeners to abide in Him as per John 15:5.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:20 Series on Friendship

01:33 Friendship as a Gift from God

03:18 Friendship's Failures and God's Role

04:34 Biblical Lessons on Friendship

05:46 Peter Walks on Water: A Lesson in Faith

07:55 Personal Reflections and Struggles

13:08 Dependence on God in All Aspects

17:13 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

18:36 Final Encouragement and Farewell