When we face devastating circumstances in our lives, how do we know God is for us?

In the midst of our deepest struggles, we can sometimes feel like God’s hand is against us. Naomi in the Bible felt that way, as well. In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine reveal how to know God is for us and not against us. Do you ever feel alone or separated from God? Today’s message is for you. 

Listen in to find encouragement and hope.

Verses mentioned in today’s episode:

Ruth 1.6-13

Romans 8.38-39

Romans 5:5

Romans 8:31

Resources to discover more about Naomi in the Bible: 

Refilled: Finding Fullness in God When Life Leaves You Empty - 

https://morethanyourself.com/refilled

Blog post, “Call Me Mara” - https://morethanyourself.com/blog/call-me-mara

When faced with uncertainty, do what-if questions take over your thoughts? Do you find yourself thinking about all the bad things that could happen and struggling to hold on to hope?

In this latest episode with Carmen and Kristine, you’ll discover two real, practical ways to win the battle with what-if questions. What-ifs can lead to fear, worry, or doubt, but we have a greater power within us to help us live victoriously. Discover strategies that lead to hope as you listen to today’s conversation.

Verses discussed in this episode:

Psalm 124

Psalm 124.1 (NLT and CEB versions)

Romans 8.31

Psalm 118.6-7

Resources to take the topic deeper:

Carmen & Kristine’s previous episode, The Best Way to Handle What-If Questions:

/https://carmenhorne.com/2023/02/the-best-way-to-handle-what-if-questions-epo4/

On Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-way-to-handle-what-if-questions-ep04/id1658393201?i=1000599943470

On YouTube:

https://youtu.be/odcjYPaYu7w?si=x1GE_WxYKuvoDPOB

Contact Carmen and Kristine:

https://carmenhorne.com

https://kristinebrown.net

Is anxiety and worry keeping you awake at night?  The midnight hours seem to be made for worrying about things Jesus tells us not to worry about. In this episode, Carmen offers a prescription, based on Scripture, for a better night’s sleep. 

Verses Used:

Matthew 11.28

Philippians 4.6-7

2 Corinthians 1.8-9

2 Corinthians 11.23-28

Isaiah 26.3

Psalm 121.4 

Matthew 19.26

Links to receive download PDF: Rx for Sleep: 8 Verses to Help You Sleep Better

Contact Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

When you are in a difficult season, do you feel like your spiritual fruit-bearing is put on hold? Using the example of a fig tree at a local restaurant, Carmen helps us see how our surrendered life continues to bear fruit, even when we feel spiritually dry and unconnected.

Verses mentioned:

Psalm 1

John 15

Galatians 5.22-23

Carmen’s blog post: When Harsh Conditions Expose Our Roots

Connect with Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

Welcome to part two of our summer episode, Holding on to Faith When Your Struggle Returns.

In this conversation, for those who are facing difficulties for the second time, Kristine and Carmen discuss how to keep the faith when we feel weary from battle. When struggles come back again and again, we can move forward with confidence, joy, and peace with God’s Word as our guide.

Verses mentioned in this episode:

Judges 6.14

2 Corinthians 12.9

Hebrews 12.15

Psalm 5.3

Psalm 119.105

Resources for more encouragement:

How to Be Free from Bitterness: 5-Day Devotional with Naomi in the Bible - https://morethanyourself.com/free-from-bitterness

Freedom from Bitterness: Jesus’ 70 x 7 - https://carmenhorne.com/2025/04/freedom-from-bitterness-jesus-seventy-times-seven-ep-51/

Listen to Part One here - https://carmenhorne.com/podcast/

Contact Carmen and Kristine:

Carmen - https://carmenhorne.com

Kristine - https://kristinebrown.net

When we face a familiar struggle again in our lives, how do we hold on to our faith? In this episode, co-hosts Carmen and Kristine reveal 4 things that can affect our faith when a struggle returns and how to guard against them.

In today’s conversation, Kristine shares from her own recent experience with a struggle that returned and how it impacted her faith. Through real-life examples along with biblical truth, listeners will discover hope, purpose, and steadfast faith to face even the most difficult trials that come back again.

Verses mentioned in this episode:

Judges 6.12-14

Judges 6-8

Psalm 56.3

Resources for more encouragement:

When Fear Overwhelms Our Hearts - https://carmenhorne.com/2016/02/1633/

3 Ways to Combat Fear - https://carmenhorne.com/2023/08/3-ways-to-combat-fear-ep15/

Contact Carmen and Kristine:

Carmen - https://carmenhorne.com/

Kristine - https://kristinebrown.net

Are you facing a situation where you feel you need more information on your next steps, but God seems quiet? In this episode, Carmen shares insight into how we rest in God's faithfulness while we wait.

Verses mentioned:

Judges 13.8, 21

Joshua 3.14-17

Psalm 119.105 

Proverbs 16.9 

Carmen's blog post: God's Waiting Room - https://carmenhorne.com/2018/03/gods-waiting-room/

Previous episode links:

Finding Joy While We Wait - https://carmenhorne.com/2023/04/finding-joy-while-we-wait-ep07/

How to Keep Trusting God While You Wait - https://carmenhorne.com/2024/03/how-to-keep-trusting-god-while-you-wait-ep30/

Contact Carmen:

https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

 Growing older brings thoughts and feelings about how our age will impact how God uses us. Even when those around us may discount our ability to contribute, God never does. Join Carmen and Ellen as they discuss various ways God still uses us, regardless of our season of life. 

Verses Mentioned:

Psalm 71.9

Proverbs 20.29

Job 12.12

Titus 2.3-5

Psalm 92.14-15

1 Corinthians 15.58

Philippians 4.9

Philippians 1.6

2 Timothy 4.6-7

Resource Links:

Ellen's Blog Posts:

The Big Six O Noooooo! https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/07/the-big-six-oh-noooooo/

Getting Sappy the Jesus Way https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/07/getting-sappy-the-jesus-way/

Grace Maps Book: https://carmenhorne.com/grace-maps/

Contact Us: 

Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/

Ellen: https://www.ellenchauvin.com/

Kristine: https://kristinebrown.net

Does Jesus' command to forgive "seventy times seven" seem impossible? In Carmen's unique way, she unfolds how following this command might look in real life and how its pursuit impacts bitterness in our hearts. 

Verses used:

Matthew 18.21-22

James 1.5

Ephesians 4.32

Links:

Kristine and Carmen's Podcast: Did I Forgive Even Though I Can't Forget? - https://carmenhorne.com/2023/11/did-i-forgive-even-though-i-cant-forget-ep22/

Carmen's blog posts: 

Forgiveness and Trust Are Not The Same - https://carmenhorne.com/2019/02/does-forgiving-you-mean-i-must-trust-you/

Why Does Forgiveness Feel So Risky? - https://carmenhorne.com/2014/10/why-does-forgiveness-feel-so-risky/

Contact Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/

Contact Kristine: https://kristinebrown.net

We've all heard the saying that we can't see the forest for the trees. How do we find the path forward when we are so deep in the weeds that our path seems hidden? In this episode, Carmem and Ellen open God's Word and share a bit of their personal journeys in learning to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Verses mentioned:

Psalm 23.3 (NLT)

John 4.29 (NLT)

Isaiah 49.15-16 (NLT)

John 10.3 (NLT)

Psalm 94.11 (NLT)

John 14.17 (NLT)

Hebrews 13.5 (CSB)

Psalm 119.107 (NASB)

Luke 15.5 (NASB)

Psalm 31. (NIV)

Psalm18.19 (NIV)

Psalm 118.5 (NIV)

Revelation 7.17 (NLT)

Resources:

Carmen's Condemnation or Conviction Guide: https://carmenhorne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Condemnation-or-Conviction.pdf

Carmen's blog post: A Gate, a Shepherd, and His Sheep: 

https://carmenhorne.com/2017/12/a-gate-a-shepherd-and-his-sheep/

Contact Us:

Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/

Ellen: https://www.ellenchauvin.com/

Kristine: https://kristinebrown.net