Steps to Trusting

Finding God in Broken Friendships: 
Lessons on Identity and True Need

Join Erin and Jenna in a heartfelt conversation about the lessons learned from broken friendships and the journey toward finding true fulfillment in God. They dive deep into how friendship and identity intersect with faith, sharing personal experiences and struggles. They reflect on the importance of recognizing human limitations in relationships and finding peace and joy through reliance on God. Key Bible verses such as James 1:17 are referenced to highlight the spiritual insights gained. Jenna also shares exciting updates about her upcoming kid's book and how listeners can connect with her further.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

00:09 The Pain of Broken Friendships

00:40 Realizing True Needs

01:13 Grieving and Bargaining

02:24 Expectations and Limitations

04:02 Loss of Peace and Joy

04:39 Rock Bottom and Turning to God

07:38 Identity and Self-Worth

12:10 Comparison and Approval

13:07 The Source of True Friendship

17:38 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

19:14 Announcements and Farewell

We would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

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

Connect with Jenna A Schroeder:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jennaaschroeder/  

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennaaschroeder 

online: http://www.jennaaschroeder.com 

Navigating Expectations in Friendships 

In this insightful episode of Steps to Trusting, Erin Michele explores the complex nature of friendship with Jenna Schroeder, a doula, dance instructor, child advocate, writer, and a mom. The conversation revolves around viewing friendship as a divine gift, managing expectations, and the importance of vulnerability and authenticity. They delve into how pressures between friends can turn friendship expectations into burdens, but vulnerability and honest communication in friendships can help prevent misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Jenna shares her personal experiences and discusses how different seasons of life affect our capacity to maintain friendships, highlighting the need for grace and understanding. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of turning to God and recognizing His provision through diverse friendships. 

Bible verses referenced include James 4:2-3, Psalm 121, Psalm 119:176, John 20:27, James 1:17, and Ephesians 2:10.

00:00 Welcome to Steps to Trusting

00:21 The Gift of Friendship

00:35 Introducing Jenna Schroeder

00:55 The Joy of True Friendship

02:21 Navigating Friendship Expectations

03:36 The Challenge of Vulnerability

05:31 The Importance of Belonging

09:08 Managing Friendship Expectations

16:24 Balancing Expectations and Reality

23:11 Seeking Support and Setting Boundaries

We would love to hear from you.  

Connect with Erin Michele Smith at www.erinmichele.net

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

Connect with Jenna A Schroeder:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jennaaschroeder/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennaaschroeder 

online: http://www.jennaaschroeder.com 

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' Erin Michelle explores the profound role of friendship in our lives, viewing it as a divine gift. She emphasizes that genuine friendships allow us to be fully ourselves without the need to hide. Erin discusses the concept of Shalom, a Hebrew word for peace and wholeness, advocating for a life of completeness rather than fragmented existence. She shares personal anecdotes about how God uses friendships to encourage and teach us. Erin also reflects on the importance of not hiding our struggles and sins, highlighting that perfect love casts out fear, as mentioned in Bible verses such as James 1:17, Romans 8:1, and John 1:4, 18. The episode calls for embracing peace, recognizing God as the source of all good gifts, and encourages listeners to share these insights and experiences with friends.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

01:12 Reflecting on Friendship

02:00 Acknowledging Friendship as a Gift

04:54 The Source of All Gifts

06:55 A Story of Friendship and Encouragement

11:09 Choosing Shalom

13:03 Living Authentically in Friendship

18:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

25:15 Closing and Call to Action

Embracing Contentment and Trusting God's Abundance

In this episode of Steps to Trusting, Erin Michele discusses the importance of finding contentment with the gifts we've received and how to shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance God provides. She reflects on her own struggles with time and the pressures of accomplishment, emphasizing the value of relationships and the role of God as our ultimate source. Erin reads from Philippians 4:11-13 and 2 Corinthians 7, offering insights into shifting our mindset from discontentment to gratitude. She concludes with a prayer and encourages listeners to see limited resources as a reminder of our need for God, promoting contentment in various aspects of life including time, relationships, and personal limitations.

You can connect with Erin at https://erinmichele.net/

00:00 Introduction to Steps to Trusting

00:54 Finding Contentment in Time

03:44 Biblical Insights on Contentment

05:08 Contentment in Relationships

08:58 Recognizing Our Limits and God's Abundance

10:19 Reflecting on Gifts and Gratitude

15:46 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

16:15 Final Prayer and Farewell

In this episode of Steps to Trusting, host Erin Michele is joined by Andrea Schmidt, a farm wife, new homeschool mom, and fiction writer from central Kansas. Andrea shares her journey of trusting God's plan and finding joy in unexpected places, despite initial resistance and struggles. The conversation touches on themes from Andrea's novels, the challenges of shifting life plans, and the importance of letting go of societal pressures to be 'enough.' Bible verses mentioned include Isaiah 43:18-19 and 2 Corinthians 7:6. Andrea discusses the value of focusing on God's calling, setting realistic expectations, and finding daily comfort and guidance through scripture.

You can Find Andrea at https://andreadschmidt.com/
You can connect with me at https://erinmichele.net/

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:30 Guest Introduction: Andrea Schmidt

01:42 Andrea's Journey: From Teaching to Writing

03:47 Finding Joy in Unexpected Places

08:33 Balancing Expectations and Trusting God

16:08 Practical Steps and Daily Trust

24:54 Conclusion and Prayer

In this episode of 'Steps to Trusting,' Erin Michele addresses common fears of inadequacy and highlights how God can use our small offerings for great purposes. The biblical story of the loaves and fishes (John 6), is used as an example of what God can do when we willingly offer what we have.   By reflecting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and sharing personal practices, Erin provides a practical example of a little step offered to God that can help the listener overcome fear, embrace faith, and recognize one's identity in Christ. Listeners are invited to engage further by visiting ErinMichele.net.
00:00 Welcome to Steps to Trusting
00:22 Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy
01:45 The Miracle of Loaves and Fishes
04:14 Applying the Lesson to Our Lives
09:44 The Armor of God
15:52 Final Encouragement and Prayer
18:35 Closing and Next Steps

Exploring Tiny Steps with Big Impact: Nurturing Faith in Your Children and Yourself with Christie Thomas
In this episode of Steps to Trusting, Erin Michele is joined by children's ministry expert Christie Thomas to discuss how little steps, motivated by faith can make an impact. They explore the pressures parents face in discipling their children, the importance of living in one's identity as God's beloved child, and the need to let go of the idol of self-sufficiency. Christie shares insights on the significance of tiny habits in fostering faith and offers personal stories of how small, consistent acts, like praying blessings over children, can result in substantial spiritual growth. They also touch upon the broader implications of relying on God in all relationships, advocating for genuine humility and reliance on God's strength.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Introducing Christy Thomas

00:44 Advice for Overwhelmed Parents

01:53 Pressures in Parenting and Discipleship

04:00 Role of Parents in Children's Faith

06:04 Trusting God in Parenting

15:48 Balancing Grace and Consequences

22:23 Tiny Steps of Faith

23:56 Christy's Book: Little Habits, Big Faith

25:25 Impact of Little Habits

29:38 Personal Growth and Parenting

31:11 Broader Relationships and Reliance on God

33:21 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

34:35 Where to Find More from Christy

35:00 Final Encouragement and Goodbye

Christie Thomas is a mom and writer who has been involved in children’s ministry for most of her life, including working as director of children’s ministry for more than a decade. Christie is a family discipleship coach to many parents who need equipping, support, and encouragement. She deeply believes that every Christian parent can confidently nurture deep faith in their kids through little habits that add up over time. Her devotionals and children’s books help parents cultivate faith-filled moments. She lives with her husband and three boys in Canada.

https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/

This 'Steps to Trusting' podcast episode focuses on how using the word enough in regards to people without defining the term can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Erin discusses the value of people. People are always enough to be loved and valued.  However, she highlights how the statement "You are enough," often clashes with the reality that people aren't enough to fulfill all the expectations and needs of themselves or others.  Erin discusses personal experiences that reveal only God is truly enough to fulfill our needs. What people lack in ability to fulfill the needs of others does not take away from their value.  The episode references Genesis and Nehemiah 9 to illustrate God’s sufficiency and faithful provision. The key takeaway is to trust God, recognizing our value lies in being loved by Him, and to praise Him for the good in our lives rather than taking personal pride. The episode concludes with a prayer, emphasizing the importance of transferring our trust to God.
00:00 Introduction to Steps to Trusting
00:10 Defining 'Being Enough'
01:07 Biblical Example of Provision and Limits
01:46 Personal Experiences and Lessons
02:29 God's Role in Fulfilling Our Needs
05:28 Recognizing God's Provision
10:57 Trusting God Fully
12:22 Conclusion and Prayer

Seeking God with Desperation with Theresa Miller

In this episode of Steps to Trusting, host Erin Michelle welcomes Teresa Miller to delve into profound discussions on trusting God and seeking Him with desperation. They explore the challenge of relinquishing control and placing full trust in God, admitting our need for Him. Key topics include the refinement that comes through suffering, the risk involved in trusting God wholeheartedly, and how to seek God with our whole hearts, using Bible verses such as Jeremiah 29:13 and Proverbs 2:1-4. Teresa shares personal stories and insights about her faith journey, especially relating to parenting and major life decisions, emphasizing the importance and difficulty of surrender. They also highlight the significance of abiding in God's word and maintaining a close relationship with Christ. Teresa speaks about her upcoming Bible study, 'The Posture of Victory,' and how it aims to deepen trust in Jesus.

You can connect with Theresa Miller at Theresammiller.com or on Instagram @Theresammillerauthor
You can connect with Erin at erinmichele.net
Don't forget to like and subscribe so you don't miss upcoming encouragement.  

00:00 Welcome to Steps to Trusting
00:54 Introducing Teresa Miller
01:09 Seeking God with Your Whole Heart
03:38 Trusting God in Desperation
07:17 Surrendering Control to God
08:54 Desperation in Parenting
12:20 God's Trustworthiness in Our Lives
17:46 The Power of Obedience and Faith
24:29 The Journey of Surrender and Abiding
31:16 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
34:18 Final Encouragement and Resources

Season 3 Kickoff: 
Building Trust Through Thanksgiving

Erin Michelle introduces the third season of her podcast, Steps to Trusting, focusing on cultivating trust in God through the practice of thanksgiving. In this episode, she reflects on how gratitude helps to see God's work, supported by scripture such as Romans 8:28 and James 1:17. Erin shares clips from upcoming guests who discuss their favorite verses and promises from God, emphasizing the importance of the faith community. She also recounts a C. S. Lewis story to illustrate how we know God through the faith of others. The episode encourages listeners to share their own verses on Instagram using #stepstothankful2024.

 Connect with Erin Michele @stepstotrusting on Instagram. 

Receive my free Bible journaling guide "Discovering your Next Step" by signing up for my newsletter at erinmichele.net. 

00:00 Welcome to Steps to Trusting

00:26 Season of Thanksgiving

01:14 Biblical Promises and Gratitude

03:21 Kicking Off Season Three

04:34 C.S. Lewis and the Body of Christ

06:51 Sharing Verses of Gratitude
Clips from:

Becky Beresford - https://www.beckyberesford.com/

Cristi Schroeder - https://alteredstory.com/

Theresa Miller - theresammiller.com

Rose Ward - www.ministrymoms.org 

Christie Thomas - https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/

Jenna Schroeder - http://www.jennaaschroeder.com

Andrea Schmidt - https://andreadschmidt.com/

Mary Rooney Armand - www.butterflyliving.org 

Elise Daly Parker - EliseDalyParker.com

Teresa Whiting - teresawhiting.com 

14:56 Listener Participation and Closing