Take Heart

*Note: Scripture mentioned is Hebrews 12, not Romans 12. 

To give up control over one’s life and plans is difficult because we want to protect ourselves from pain. In this episode, Carrie reminds us that surrender is an invitation to three things and how to know when you’re struggling with giving up control.

February 8, 2022; Ep. 72

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:00-    Intro
• 1:30-    Holding On
• 5:53-    Why Is Surrender Difficult
• 6:56-    An Invitation
• 11:38-  Watch Reactions
• 12:16-  Closing Reflections

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Hebrews 12:1-2
• I Surrender All Lyrics

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Surrender is not easy, but it is essential to living a life of peace and joy as a special needs parent. In this episode, Amy shares some of her struggles and three important steps that will help you give up control and open your hands to God.

February 1, 2022; Ep. 71

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:00-    Intro
• 1:21-    A Bad Word?
• 3:06-    Notice The Gifts
• 4:54-    False Narratives
• 7:00-    Three Steps
• 11:04-   Let Nothing Disturb You
• 11:38-   Reflection Questions

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Psalm 136
• The Good and Beautiful  God: Putting on the Charater of Christ : James Bryan Smith 
• Everything is Yours: How Gving God Your Whole Heart Changes Your Whole Life: Kris Camealy
• St Teresa Avila

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Finding connection as a special needs parent can be a challenge. This week, Sara, Amy, and Carrie share about authentic connection, what to do with conflict, and ideas on finding the support and friendship you need.

January 25, 2022; Ep. 70

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:18-     Intro
• 1:24-     Isolation
• 3:24-     Lies We Believe
• 8:22-     Authenticity
• 9:35-     All Things To All People
• 14:14-   When People Walk Away
• 22:00-   Communication Goes Both Ways
• 25:20-   Creating Community
• 31:30-   Finding Common Ground
• 35:46-  Prayer
• 37:01-   Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Confict by Ken Sande
• Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1
• Every Moment Holy, Vol. 2: Death, Grief, and Hope

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Our most important weapon to combat loneliness is our connection with God. We need to be intentional about connecting to our Heavenly Father and with others. This week Sara shares some tools to fight the false narratives and tips on creating quality connection with God and others. 

January 18, 2022; Ep. 69

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:00-     Intro
• 1:16-     Complex Emotion
• 2:45-     Connection, A Priority?
• 4:03-     Quality Connection
• 8:14-     Rewriting False Narratives
• 12:20-   God With Us
• 15:24-   Prayer
• 16:54-   Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Psalm 139:7-10; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5
• Self-care Episodes 29-33 on Take Heart
• Another in the Fire by Hillsong United

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

It can be difficult when our children with special needs are rejected and don’t have many friends. Today, Carrie shares some practical tips for creating those opportunities for connection and an important reminder that Jesus understands rejection, and He is with you in your heartache.

January 11, 2022; Ep. 68

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:18-    Intro
• 1:37-    Rejection
• 4:04-    Jesus Knows
• 6:08-    Pray For a Friend
• 7:06-    Make Investments
• 7:43-    Make It Happen
• 8:42-    Let Go of Control
• 9:31-    Let Go of Expectations
• 12:02-  Never Alone
• 12:54- Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Isaiah 53:3; 41:10, 13, & 14b

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Special needs moms often feel lonely. In this episode, Amy encourages us to look for invitations to connect.  She gives us tools to connect with God, ourselves, and others.

January 4, 2022; Ep. 67

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:18-    Intro
• 1:17-    Sustained Loneliness
• 4:55 -   Come Home To God
• 8:05-    Come Home To Yourself
• 9:39 -   Come Home To Friendship
• 11:30-  Outro 

Episode Links & Resources:

• Sacred Pathways by Gary Chapman
• The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
• The Return Of The Prodigal Son by Henry Nouwen
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

We often think of the three gifts the wisemen gave to Jesus, but what about the intangible gifts of time, worship, and many others. In this episode, Sara encourages us to consider their intangible gifts given to the Savior, and how we can offer these same ones to God and one another.

December 21, 2021; Ep. 66

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:20-    Intro
• 1:07-    Matthew 2:1-12
• 3:28-    Their Intangible Gifts
• 6:01-    Gift Our Gifts
• 6:36-    Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Matthew 2:1-12

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

In the struggles of daily life it can be difficult to believe God, His Word, His will and relinquish control. In advent, we see the example of Mary, who chose small steps of obedience and surrender while facing many obstacles. May we follow her pattern and choose belief in small ways each day.

December 14, 2021; Ep. 65

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:23-    Intro
• 1:07-    Luke 1:26-30
• 2:01-    Announcements
• 5:19-    Struggles to Believe
• 6:49-    Small Steps
• 8:41-    A Prayer
• 9:15-    Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Luke 1:26-30, 38, 78-79

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

Mary had to embrace the unknown and the unfamiliar to welcome life.  In this episode, Amy shares how Mary had to say yes to life and how we as special needs moms can see God in this season.

December 7, 2021; Ep. 64

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:19-    Intro
• 1:07-    Luke 2:8-19
• 2:32-    Embracing the Unfamiliar
• 4:57-    Born In You
• 6:14-    Prayer
• 6:58-    Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Luke 2:8-19

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime

As a parent of a child with special needs, the holidays can be particularly overwhelming. Amy, Carrie, and Sara will share their top ten practical tips for celebrating the holidays with your family. 

November 30, 2021; Ep. 63

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 0:20-    Intro
• 1:14-    The “Perfect” Christmas
• 4:14 -   Plan Well
• 5:42-    Ruthlessly Eliminate
• 8:49-    Pack Extra
• 14:29-  It’s the Little Things
• 17:58-  Find Time For Yourself
• 20:30-  Pay Attention
• 23:32-  Think Outside the Box
• 27:26-  Reflection
• 30:25-  Easy Traditions
• 34:55-  Revel in Jesus
• 36:09-  Outro

Episode Links & Resources:

• Scripture mentioned: Isaiah 9:6
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

If you enjoyed our podcast, please...

• Get our free resource 7 Advocacy Practices & Pitfalls
• Subscribe to our newsletter on the Take Heart Website
• Get our free resource on finding Gratitude, Peace, and Hope
• Review and like us on Apple Podcasts 
• Share us with others from wherever you listen to podcasts
• Follow us on Instagram @takeheartspecialmoms
• Find Amy at www.amyjbrown.com/  or on Instagram @amyjbrown_writer
• Find Carrie at www.carriemholt.com or on Instagram @carriemholt
• Find Sara at www.saraclime.com or on Instagram @saraclime