Steps to Trusting

Come listen in as I discuss with Michele Morin living out our days from chaos to mundane and duty to dreams.  Michele knows the struggles of a mother’s heart.  She offers encouragement, solidarity and even tips to not just get through our days but live out each moment as we want to be known.   

Tips/Routine

Read Psalms Borrow words from Psalms to pray

Have Plan – place to pick up.

Have a place

Don’t go for speed

Hymn- devotional material – look at it differently

The Hidden Ministry of Homemaking – Michele Morin 

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Journaling Questions:

·      Michele said she is trying to answer the question “How can I live today in the way that I want to have said when all is said and done that I have lived my life?”

·      What kind of person do you want to be known as?

·      Are you making these decisions toward that end?

·      Are you pursuing a reputation more than pursuing God?

·      What is your next step of trust in this area?

Want more journaling questions? Sign up here to receive your free, 5 day journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Connect with Michele michelemorin.net

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Lamentations 3:22-23

·      Ephesians 2:10

·      Psalm 90 

Quotes:

Amy Carmichael “A cup brimful of sweetness cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how suddenly jarred.” – Amy Carmichael in If: What do I know of Calvery

GK Chesterton – Orthodoxy 

Sometimes we are tempted to take our eyes off of God and place them one of His good gifts.  Sometimes we stop walking toward the Lord and start seeking a gift or a desire from Him.  This show explores how we can refocus and recalibrate away from building our own kingdom and toward trusting God that we are part of His Kingdom.  

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Journaling Questions:

·      What is my next step of trust

·      Where have I built my own kingdom?

·      Where am I called to trust?  

·      What desire or dream am I called to trust God with?

·      Where am I building for myself instead of trusting God to do that work in me?

·      Where have I allowed myself to be deceived that it depends on me?

·      Whose kingdom am I building?

Looking for a tool to help you engage more in God’s word? Sign up here to receive free Bible study and journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Revelation 2:3-5

·      1 Corinthians 13

·      Ephesians 2:10

·      Psalm 37:3

Whose Kingdom am I building?

Join Jenn Schultz and I, as we explore the hard question, “Whose kingdom am I building?”

We have felt the temptation along the way to make our actions and lives about us and not about God.  Have you?  Come and hear about the grace that is ours as we turn back to him over and over.  

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      1 Corinthians 3

·      1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

·      Ephesians 2:8-10

·      Psalm 16

·      Phillipians 3:7- 

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

“God sent Jesus so I could rest in Him from my works” – Jen Schultz

Journaling Questions:

·      Do you feel like you have to live up to a certain standard?

·      Jen discussed 3 places where she felt the temptation to build for her own kingdom…

                  1-Building a life I think people will be impressed by

                  2- Building the life I thought God wanted for me

                  3- Building the life I thought I wanted

      Have you felt the pull to build for yourself in these places?

·      Where else have you felt this temptation?

·      What is your next step to trusting God more fully in this area?

Sign up here to receive your free, 5 day journaling tool to help explore your next step to of trust.  

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Looking for the podcast where I discussed the tension between God doing all the work for us and our participation.  This is found in Season 1 Episode 10 – Stepping with the Spirit.  Listen where you listen to podcasts or click here. 

Quotes:

Mr. Rodgers - “I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when we look for what’s best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does; so in appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something truly sacred.”

—Commencement Address at Middlebury College May, 2001

Welcome!  I’m so glad to be entering season two with you.  I hope you join me on this journey of learning to trust God more fully.  In this episode, I am discussing what to expect from season 2 of Steps to Trusting.  The season officially launches on January 5th.  I can’t wait to see you back here next time.  

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Journaling Questions:

·      What is your next step of trusting God more fully?

·      Have you allowed something other than God to sneak into the place of first importance?

·      How do we trust God with the good things that we have been given without moving our focus to seek the good things?

·      Have you let your focus shift from God to seeking the good thing instead of the giver?

·      Are you trusting God as the giver of all good things in your life?

·      Where can you see God’s faithfulness in your life?

·      Do you see any next steps that God is putting in front of you?

·      Will you walk in them?           

Looking for a tool to help you engage more in God’s word? Sign up here to receive a free Bible study and journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Ephesians 2:10

·      James 1:17-18

Ephesians 2:10

Special thanks to Jim Dougherty for creating the music for the show! Check out his Album City of God on Spotify or Apple Music.

In this last episode of season one, we discussing renewing our minds with God’s truth.  We are also taking a glimpse into what to expect next season. 

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Want to be among the first to hear about season two, launch team, and opportunities to be on the show? Sign up for my newsletter here.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Jennie Allen’s book – Get out of your head or her Philippians study Get out of your head
Affiliate links are used above.  If you choose to purchase from one of these links, Steps to Trusting may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thank you for supporting Steps to Trusting. Please click here if you would like more information.   

Journaling Questions:

·      Do you find yourself in a repeating pattern?  Do you feel stuck?  What is your pattern?
·      Are your reactions following the pattern of the world?
·      Do you let your emotion lead you?
·      What is the emotion you are feeling trying to teach you?
·      What truth in God’s word applies your situation?
·      Do you have friends that you ask to pray for you when you are struggling? 
·      Are you trusting God in big and small moments?
·      What area do you need to renew your mind to step into trusting God more fully?

 Looking for a tool to help you engage more in God’s word? Sign up here to receive a free Bible study and journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

 Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Romans 12:2
·      2 Corinthians 10:5
·      John 1:16
·      John 1:12
·      John 13:35-35
·      Mark 12:30-31
·      James 1:19
·      James 1:2-3
·      James 1:20
·      Ephesians 2:10

We have been feeling all the emotions and deep down we wonder is it ok to feel this way? On this episode, I am joined by Emma Woodcock.  We are discussing if certain emotions are positive or negative.  It was so helpful to hear Emma’s wisdom on the purpose of emotions.  It felt particularly helpful in this time of Covid.  I pray that it is a blessing to you.  

You can find Emma at www.emmawoodcock.com or connect with her on Instagram @emmawoodcockwrites

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Resources mentioned @alisoncookPHD on instagram

Journaling Questions:

·      What emotion are you feeling?

·      What could that emotion be shedding light on?  What is it trying to teach you?

·      How does it align with God’s character?

·      How have you tended to your emotions in a healthy way?

·      Where have you allowed your emotions to rule you in an unhealthy way?

·      What truths about God and his character do you need to preach over yourself and into your situation?  

Sign up here for my newsletter and receive your free, 5 day journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Psalm 139:13-16

·      Genesis 1:27

·      John 11:35

·      Isaiah 53 

·      Matthew 21:12-17

·      Philippians 4:6-7

·      Ephesians 2:10

Special thanks to Jim Dougherty for creating the music for the show! Check out his Album City of God on Spotify or Apple Music.

Could surrendering our will for God’s will becomes easier when we remember His character and how he has acted in love toward us?  Join me as I explore why someone would want to surrender to God.  

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Definition of Surrender 

Episode 14- Is God Good? with Shelby Hughes

Episode 20 – Friendship with God

Journaling Questions:

·      How do you feel about surrendering to another authority?

·      What would make you want to surrender to God?

·      What characteristics and actions of God help you see that God is trustworthy of our surrender?

·      What are the things that you are struggling to surrender to God?

·      Are you trusting that God will defend you even in your weakness?

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Want to be first to hear details about the launch of season two? Sign up here for my newsletter. As a free gift with sign up you will receive my journaling resource to help you look at scripture and explore your next obedient step to trusting God more fully.  

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Psalm 18

·      James 1:2

·      Psalm 25

·      Matthew 5:45

·      John 15:13 

·      2 Corinthians 5:15

·      2 Corinthians 10:3

·       Psalm 68:3-6

·      Ephesians 2:10

Special thanks to Jim Dougherty for creating the music for the show! Check out his Album City of God on Spotify or Apple Music.

On this episode, Bethany Kimsey and I are discussing how God deals with our shortcomings by His grace.  It may feel messy but he is working even in the messiness and his grace is even there.  When we accept God’s grace, we can then invite our children to step under that grace too.  

Sign up at Bethanykimsey.com to receive “Five truths when life gets messy” mentioned in this Episode.

Find Bethany @bethanykimsey on Instagram. 

Check out her podcast “ When God Breaks Through”

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Sign up for my newsletter here.

Do life’s circumstances leave you wondering what is God’s will?  How do you deal with this or handle that?  Where do you go from here? What is your next step?

We often find ourselves in this place and it can be overwhelming.  I have gathered some verses and some questions into a journaling resource to help us process what’s next- how do we act in trust? 

Sign up here to receive your free, 5 day journaling tool to help explore your next step to of trust.  

Journaling Questions:

·      How does God’s grace affect your actions/parenting?

·      Are you parenting seeking results or approval? 

·      What other options does grace for you and your child present?

·      Do you bear the weight of your children’s actions?

·      Are you willing to trust God and ask him to bring change in yourself and your children’s lives?

·      Where are the places in your life that you feel weak or broken? 

·      Have you seen this brokenness as reminders of our need for God or an invitation to know him more?

·      Can you thank God for what he is doing in the messy areas of life?

Mentioned in the show:

Sign up at Bethanykimsey.com to receive  “Five truths when life gets messy.”

Find Shelby’s story in Episode 14, Is God Good?

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      1 Thessalonians 5:23

·      Romans 5:8 

·      Psalm 119:105 

·      Ephesians 2:10

Am I a good mom? Every Mom asks this question.   Where can we find an answer we can rely on? 
Is it found in how our children act or where we measure up against society's expectations? In this episode, Bethany Kimsey shares how she found secure answers in God's word and His promises to her. 
 Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Will you join me in the challenge to spend time reading God’s word and see how it affects us?

I want to hear from you?  Where are you reading in God’s word?  What are you learning?
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook or Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Here are some helpful resources for having a plan to read the Bible.  

·      Pick a plan on YouVersion Bible app.  Some plans that I have enjoyed are “Faith has an Action”, “How to be in God’s Will” and “Dangerous prayers”.  

·      The Read scripture app from Bible Project.  You can start anywhere in the Bible and find videos to help explain what you are about to read.  

·      Click here  to get my free Journaling resource which looks at scripture alongside questions to help us consider how our choices could be a step to trusting God more fully.

Journaling Questions:

·      Does motherhood feel messy?  

·      Have you felt the lie that your identity depends on the behavior of your kids?

·      Have you stepped into trying to change your kids instead of pointing them to Jesus?

·      Do you know what God’s word says about how he feels about you even in messy moments?

·      What lies are you believing and how is this affecting your actions?

·      What truth combats the lies you are believing?

·      Are you willing to commit to a time period of reading God’s word daily?

·      How long with you commit to being in God’s word

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      Psalm 116:2

·      Isaiah 40:11

·      Isaiah 55         

·      1 Peter 5:7

·      Isaiah 55:11

Sign up for my newsletter here so you don’t miss news about when next season is launching.  

Want to participate next season or be part of my launch team?  Reach out to me over Instagram @stepstotrusting.    

Do life’s circumstances leave you wondering what is God’s will for you?  How do you deal with this or handle that?  Where do you go from here? What is your next step?

We often find ourselves with these questions and it can be overwhelming.  I have gathered some verses and some questions into a journaling resource to help us process what’s next- how do we act in trust? 

Sign up here to receive your free, 5-day journaling tool to help explore your next step of trust.  

Special thanks to Jim Dougherty for creating the music for the show! Check out his Album City of God on Spotify or Apple Music.

Notes and Quotes

“Looking at this passage can change how we look at the Bible if we let it. In this passage, it talks about knowing God's plans and how he has shared that with us. We can look at God's word, at the Bible as getting to know the heart of God.  We can look at his commands as knowing what God wants for us, what is good for us. God's word is a window into knowing him. It's an invitation to friendship. Will we be called a friend of God?” – Erin Michele

Click here for a full transcript of the show. 

Journaling Questions:

·      Are you tempted to try and bring fruit without remaining in the vine?

·      Do God’s commands seem overwhelming to keep? Why?

·      If you could view God’s words and commands in the Bible as words from a friend how would your perception of them change?

·      Do you trust God’s heart in what he asks of you?

·      Have you in the past or currently resented the demands that the Bible have put on your life?

·      Do you believe that God wants good for us because he is our friend?

·      What step does the truth of John 15 bring you to consider?  

·      Are you willing to take that step?

Looking for a tool to help you engage more in God’s word and the desires of his heart? Sign up here to receive free Bible study and journaling tool to help explore your next step to trusting God more fully.

 I want to hear from you!
 You can find me and join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @stepstotrusting.

Hashtag your story of God’s faithfulness and stepping out in faith. #stepstotrusting

Verses mentioned in the episode:

·      John 15

·      1 John 1:9

·      Ephesians 2:10

Special thanks to Jim Dougherty for creating the music for the show! Check out his Album City of God on Spotify or Apple Music.