The truth is, Christianity really isn’t about a religion. It’s all about a personal and intimate RELATIONSHIP with Christ. However, many may still be wondering, well what does that even look like? How do I develop and/or strengthen my relationship with God if He isn’t physically present? Thankfully, today we have Author, Speaker, and Hope Dealer, Ryan Shieh joining us to passionately help us understand that the aim in this faith walk is not to simply be like Jesus to attain perfection. Rather the aim is to walk with Jesus to experience transformation. It's not about your behavior modification. It's about His spiritual revival. God never wanted your works or your efforts; He simply wants your heart. And the more you walk with Him and grow closer to Him, the more you will become all He has created you to be. It's called abiding. Additional to this week’s conversation, Ryan also recently released his 3rd book titled, Abiding: Living Life Abundantly, where you can continue to learn more and build off the golden nuggets he leaves with us in today’s episode. Our prayer after listening to today’s episode is that you would feel encouraged in knowing that although we will never be worthy, God still calls us worth it! Remember, He doesn’t need your performance. He simply desires your heart!

To Purchase Ryan’s Book, Abiding: Living Life Abundantly: https://www.amazon.com/Abiding-Living-Abundantly-Ryan-Shieh/dp/B0BMF5L68Z

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Although many, including myself, will engage in the fun celebrations, parades, cookouts, fireworks, and more this 4th of July - a lot of people take for granted and forget the sacrifice that Freedom requires. However, thankfully today we have a true American Hero joining us to remind us of his very own words, “America is worth living for, worth fighting for and if need be, worth dying for.” On March 8th, 1971 while serving in the United States Marine Corps in South Vietnam, Tim Lee gave both of his legs to America. However, instead of quitting or becoming bitter God used this major event in Tim’s life to propel him into a ministry that no one could have imagined at that time. Now having served 50 years in full-time ministry, where he has ministered in all 50 states and numerous countries addressing thousands of local churches, Christian schools, civic organizations, colleges and universities, hundreds of special patriotic events, as well as thousands of Marines and Marine Recruits every year, God continues to use Tim’s heart of passion and patriotism to share and spread the good news of the gospel. Today our prayer is that in and throughout this episode you would be open and receptive to what God has for you. Through the power of Tim’s testimony as well as the good news of the gospel which is presented, we pray that your life would be forever impacted and changed because of the sacrifice God gave for you. Additionally, even in the challenging and chaotic times we may find ourselves in as a country, our hope is that you would be reminded of just how blessed we are to live in the Land of The Free because it’s the Home of The Brave. Happy Independence Day!

To Find Out More about Tim Lee: https://timlee.org/

To Purchase Tim’s Autobiography, Born on the Fifth of July: Recreated in Vietnam: https://www.amazon.com/Born-Fifth-July-Tim-Lee/dp/1683469895 

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Research is clear - Dads matter! And whether young or old, male or female, we all consider his presence one of the most important factors/elements in our lives both for good or bad. However, despite the overwhelming amount of research that supports the positive impact a father’s presence can have on his children’s lives, we find ourselves in what many have identified as a “pandemic of fatherlessness” in our country today. If the stats hold true, nearly 40% of kids will at some point wake up in a home where their biological father does not live. And that to me my friends is not only devastating, but actually become detrimental to the trajectory of a child’s life. In knowing this, we wanted to have a real and honest conversation around the topic of fatherlessness, but also what it looks like to push beyond the pain by stepping into the path and process of forgiveness. Thankfully, today we have a very special guest who easily has one of the most powerful testimonies I’ve ever heard involving pain and brokenness but also forgiveness and restoration within a father-son relationship. Joining us today is spoken-word and gospel hip-hop artist, podcaster, and preacher, Legin! Inspired by his father’s battle with addiction, Legin speaks about turning fatherlessness into forgiveness, racial reconciliation and urban apologetics, as well as the hope of the gospel in and throughout his music. Our prayer is that through today’s you would be reminded of the power and peace found in forgiveness as well as the reminder that although you may be damaged, you are not defeated. And how do I know that? Because what’s damaged you will never define you.

To find out more about Legin and his story/ministry, CLICK THIS LINK: https://legin.tv/

To check out Legin’s GOOD ENUF Concert Series, CLICK THIS LINK: https://legin.tv/concert/

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Although the Church does so much more good than it has ever done bad, several pressing questions still linger - What do you do when you are hurt by “The Church?” Maybe you’ve been hurt by a pastor or a church leader or a member of the church. Do you walk out of Christianity and abandon the church altogether? Or are there any other alternatives? Joining us today to help us unpack some of these challenging yet necessary questions is a man who just released a new song and FREE 7-Day Devotional on the topic, Matt Hammitt. Many may be familiar with Matt’s work as he’s a renowned singer and songwriter having served as the lead singer for Sanctus Real from 1996-2016 as well as being an impactful author and sought after speaker. However, recently, God placed it upon Matt’s heart to release his new single titled, “Church Hurt,” along with a FREE 7-Day Devotional titled, “Life After Church Hurt,” in order to appeal to the heart of those who have been wounded within families of faith and encourage and equip them through a lens of hope and healing. Through his own personal experiences as well as insightful lessons God has taught him throughout his journey, our prayer is that today’s episode would help you begin to takes steps toward healing in knowing that although people will hurt us, we cannot let that affect or infect our view of God and the church He loves.

Matt’s New Single, “Church Hurt”: https://youtu.be/B1MSiZfCw4c

Matt’s FREE 7-Day Devotional, “Life After Church Hurt”:
http://matthammitt.com/

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Let’s face it. For most of us, prayer is a struggle. We know we should pray. Deep down, we have some sense that it would be good for us—that it would help us be more grounded, more connected to God. But in the busyness of our hurried lives, slowing down to pray can often feel like a cosmic waste of time. We begin asking questions such as:

-Do our prayers even matter?
-Why does it so often feel like there’s no one on the other end of the line?
-What, if anything, is truly happening when we pray?
-Are we having words with God or just words with ourselves?

In today’s episode and in his new book, Words with God, Addison Bevere invites you deeper into the tension of prayer—the struggles, the doubts, the answers—the divine wrestling of it all. In this fast-paced and fragmented world, you’ll discover how prayer is the only way to put it all back together. Throughout history, the people of God have been known as those who wrestle with him. There are no formulas. God doesn’t fit in our boxes. He can’t be pinned down. But he invites us to know him by contending with him. Authentically. Honestly. Here. Now.

Link to Addison’s new book, Words with God: https://addisonbevere.com/ 

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Joining us today on the Built Different Podcast is a dear friend of ours here at the American Association of Christian Counselors as she’s been a headline speaker at several of our Extraordinary Women’s Events throughout the years, Alli Worthington! Besides being a renowned speaker at conferences, business events, and nonprofit gatherings, Alli is also a best-selling author; business coach and consultant for individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies; as well as the host of her weekly podcast titled, “The Alli Worthington Show.” Additionally, some of her greatest joys include being a wife to her husband, Mark, and being the mother of 5 incredible boys who make sure her life is never boring!

However, even in the midst of the craziness and chaos of wearing several different hats, Alli is passionate about encouraging, empowering, and pushing others closer to the heart of God. In today’s episode Alli vulnerably shares some of the challenges she’s experienced over the last several years and how through the fire, God has forged a fierce faith within her, built and developed dreams rooted in her purpose, and propelled her into a deeper love for the life she has been given. There may be a lie that you’ve been listening to or believing that makes you think that isn’t possible for you, but our prayer is that through today’s episode you would be encouraged to step up and step out in faith for the abundantly more that God has prepared for YOU too!

Alli’s website: https://alliworthington.com/

Link to Alli’s Brand New Book - REMAINING YOU WHILE RAISING THEM: THE SECRET ART OF CONFIDENT MOTHERHOOD: https://alliworthington.com/remaining-you-while-raising-them 

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Can you believe it’s already the last week of May? It’s absolutley crazy how fast time is flying this year! That being said, we are in our final episode of our Mental Health Awareness Series here on the podcast, but trust me when I say, I think I saved one of, if not, the most important topics for last. Today we’re going to be talking all about BOUNDARIES. Let’s be honest, one of the great challenges in life for pretty much everyone is the ability to set and actually implement healthy boundaries and to discern when to say yes and when or even how to say no. Thankfully, Joining us today is a man that is not only a dear friend to all of us here at the American Association of Christian Counselors, but he’s also a leading voice on the topic of Boundaries, Dr. John Townsend. Many of you may be familiar with John’s work as he and Dr. Henry Cloud had the incredible opportunity of collaborating together to write the New York Times best-selling book titled Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, to Take Control of your life. But beyond that incredible work, John has written several other best-sellers such as People Fuel, Leading From Your Gut, and the Entitlement Cure. He’s a business consultant, leadership coach, and psychologist. He’s a man who has over 20 years of experience in meeting and engaging with leaders, organizations, and individuals all around the globe to help offer them life-changing solutions to their problems. He hosts his own online live video call-in program called, Dr. Townsend Live and is the cohost of the exploding nationally-syndicated talk show “NEW LIFE LIVE.” And then in addition to all of those incredible feats and endeavors, John spends a lot of his time developing others through the Townsend Leadership Program and the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. That being said, in and throughout our conversation today, you’ll have the opportunity of gleaning so much from his wealth of knowledge and wisdom and to more fully understand what boundaries are, why it’s so difficult to implement them, and healthy ways in which we can begin saying no and setting boundaries through understanding that boundaries are biblical and that they actually help us not only love ourselves but also others more deeply and effectively. 

Dr. John Townsend’s website: https://drtownsend.com/

(Book) Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life - https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/B072C64V1L/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580744465664&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9011800&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14117254222577274583&hvtargid=kwd-1236754715&hydadcr=8262_13500864&keywords=boundaries+by+townsend&qid=1684940678&sr=8-1

Townsend Leadership Program: 
https://drtownsend.com/townsend-leadership-program/

Townsend Institute for Leadership & Counseling:
https://www.cui.edu/townsend

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Joining us today as we continue in our Mental Health Awareness Series is a renowned psychiatrist and true friend of us here at the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dr. Curt Thompson! Inspired by deep compassion for others and informed from a Christian perspective, Dr. Curt loves sharing fresh insights and practical applications for developing more authentic relationships and fully experiencing our deepest longing: to be known. However, we unfortunately live in a culture and society that equates brokenness with embarrassment and humiliation. Although this could not be further from the truth, this lie promotes a sense of hiddenness within many that when left unexplored can form into what I believe is one of the main things that prohibits us from allowing ourselves to be fully seen and known which is that of SHAME. Today, Dr. Curt is going to take us on a journey of better understanding the soul of shame and what can happen when shame takes root in our hearts and minds… With the use of a considerable dose of warmth and humor, coupled together with an understanding of interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) and a Christian view of what it means to be human — Dr. Curt educates and encourages us to seek to fulfill our intrinsic desire to feel known, valued and connected. He understands that deep, authentic relationships are essential to experiencing a healthier, more purposeful life — but the only way to realize this is to begin telling our stories more truly. Our prayer is that this conversation would help you process your deepest longings, your grief, your shame, your identity, your purpose, and your perspective of both God and humanity… and by doing so we pray that it would invite you to engage more authentically with your own story and the relationships God has placed in your life. Only then can you feel truly known and connected and live in the meaningful reality you desire to create.

Dr. Curt Thompson’s website: https://curtthompsonmd.com/

(Book) The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves - https://amzn.to/3Mj9Nyo

(Book) The Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and Community - https://amzn.to/3MMKPJ1 

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As we are navigating our way through this Mental Health Awareness Series, it can be easy to get lost or even overwhelmed by the stats and many challenges and complexities we find ourselves in. But just because we find ourselves in a mess does not mean that God has messed up. Therefore, today we are going to be looking at what it takes to OVERCOME. Joining us this week for an incredibly powerful conversation is Senior Pastor at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL and Creedmoor, NC, Pastor Tim Timberlake! Tim is also a graduate of Pistis School of Ministry in Detroit, MI and he’s the author of the best-selling books – Abandoned, The Power of 1440, and his Brand New book that just released TODAY titled “The Art of Overcoming: Letting God Turn Your Endings into Beginnings!” What Pastor Tim wants to remind you of today in and throughout the words of this episode is that what may feel like an ending in your life does not mean that it is the end, and although you may find yourself in a painful season, God can use it to produce something good within you that will help you step into the season He has intentionally prepared for you. As he mentions, if pain is going to do anything, we should allow it to propel us. You were made to OVERCOME!
 
Lastly, please help us in making sure Pastor Tim’s book, “The Art of Overcoming: Letting God Turn Your Endings into Beginnings” has one of the best launch days/weeks in history! This book is life giving, life changing, and I believe it will truly bless every reader in powerful ways. To purchase a copy of this book please visit: www.Theartofovercomingbook.com or if you want to purchase this book in bulk to work through it with your family, friends, coworkers, clients, patients, or Bible Study group, please visit this link: https://bulkbookstore.com/the-art-of-overcoming-letting-god-turn-your-endings-into-beginnings-9780785238959 
 
Trust me, if you feel stuck, worried, discouraged, disappointed, or even defeated – This book will provide you with some incredible tips, tactics, and truths to OVERCOME!

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Welcome back to our Mental Health Awareness Series! As many of you know, the month of May has been highlighted as Mental Health Awareness Month so we not only wanted to celebrate but also have some real conversations with some of the experts in the field who are on the front lines serving countless individuals that are struggling in the midst of the mental health disaster we find ourselves in. Let’s face it, due to the impact the last 3-4 years have had on everybody, it’s evident that people are exhausted, emotionally shot, and hurting. In fact, rates of anxiety, depression, and addiction are soaring to heights we’ve never seen before. However, even in the midst and severity of that, one of the most sobering things we’ve seen in the mental health space that not too many are acknowledging or talking about is the heartbreaking spike we are seeing in suicide especially among our kids as it has jumped to the 2nd leading cause of death for our teens. That is absolutely gut wrenching, and I believe it’s time we start talking about and addressing this issue.
 
That being said, in today’s episode we are going to have a real conversation about suicide with one of the leading experts in trauma and crisis work who has been an integral pioneering leader for us here at the American Association of Christian Counselors, Jennifer Ellers! Jennifer is a Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Crisis Response Trainer, author, and renowned speaker! She speaks extensively and provides training, counseling, and coaching in the field of grief, crisis, and trauma work and she is especially known for her work in and passion for developing faith-based suicide prevention training programs! In and throughout this episode, Jennifer not only shares her story about what really propelled her into the profession and field, but she also takes us on a journey of how we can better recognize, respond to, and refer individuals who are struggling with suicidal ideation in order to receive the best and most effective care and counsel possible! Our prayer is that after today’s conversation you would be educated, equipped, and encouraged to join us in the midst of this fight as we come alongside of the broken and faint of heart. Remember, God loves to use people through which He channels his messages of help, hope, and encouragement.
 
Be sure to check out these incredible resources below as well, and DO NOT MISS the incredible resource we are gifting you in our Hope Focused 3R Suicide Prevention Training Program found  in the bottom link! This is an in depth training led by Jennifer where she goes deeper into the ways in which we can better RECOGNIZE the problem, risk factors, and warning signs of suicide, RESPOND to someone who is suicidal, as well as REFER and get someone the help they need when necessary. We offer 2 incredible trainings – one for adults and one for youth that are typically the value of $200 – but because of the pressing need we are seeing in our country today and in honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we have decided to bundle these and offer them both to you for ONLY $50! We pray that you would consider joining us in this fight!
 
 
SAFE-T Pocket Card: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAFE-T-Pocket-Card-Suicide-Assessment-Five-Step-Evaluation-and-Triage-for-Clinicians/sma09-4432

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Suicide Treatment Training: https://cams-care.com/

Hope Focused “3R” Suicide Prevention Training Program (Adult & Youth Bundle):
https://www.lightuniversity.com/cart/?add-to-cart=211967 

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