ANCHORS OF ENCOURAGEMENT | Adoption, Adoptive Parents, Biblical Encouragement, Journaling, Anxiety, Healthy Relationships

121 – Solar Eclipse: A Story of Faith, Family and Encouragement

It seemed like it would be the perfect spot to experience this moment, but I wasn't sure I would be allowed to go there. As it turned out, I was, and it was perfect.
Hi Neighbor,
Recently, I got to witness nature put on one of its most stunning shows – a total solar eclipse. It was a few moments of profound introspection.
This episode of Anchors of Encouragement is all about that. I want to tell you about this amazing sight, how it almost didn’t happen, and how it ties back to memories and moments that are worth holding onto, including a special connection with my Mom.
We'll also consider some passages from Psalm 19, and think about how something as everyday as the sky and something as rare as a total solar eclipse can be a source of encouragement and comfort. It’s a reminder that there is a Power much greater than any of us in control of it all.
Ready for a moment of calm and a bit of soul-soothing?
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. In this episode, I also mention Episode 119 – Biblical Encouragement From the Anchor of Promise
And I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

120 – Are You in Pain? 3 Reasons to Walk for Wellness

“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~Henry David Thoreau
Hi Neighbor,
In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share 3 reasons why I step away from my day-to-day activities and go for a walk.
The simple act of walking can be a tremendous source of solace and strength. And I want to encourage you to walk for wellmess too.
You’ll realize benefits that will bless you throughout your entire day.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Speaking of benefits, check out Episode 5 – 3 Benefits of Walking to Overcome Overwhelm and Stress
 

119 – Biblical Encouragement From the Anchor of Promise

In the challenges of life’s storms, where anxiety wears you down, where can you look to find your anchor amidst the chaos? May I suggest you look up to the sky to the anchor of promise.
Hi Neighbor,
Earlier this week, I experienced a vivid reminder of God’s faithfulness, a rainbow.
In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share that story and tie it to the promises God made to people generations ago and to promises to us today.
We’ll consider passages from Genesis 9, Deuteronomy 31, and Hebrews 13.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

118 – Struggling To Understand a Bible Verse? 3 Ways To Understand and Anchor to the Text

Have you ever found the wording in a Bible verse confusing and hard to understand? Well, I’ve been there. In this episode, I want to show you a simple way to not only understand the meaning of a Bible verse but also 3 ways to help you anchor to the text.
Hi Neighbor,
Today’s episode is based on a question from one of our listeners from Episode 99. If you have a question or comment for me, please send an email to tim@anchorsofencouragement.com
Struggling to understand Bible verses? In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share a simple way to grasp the meaning and connect with the text. Plus 3 powerful ways from Psalm 143 to anchor yourself to the text. Let's dive in!
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Here’s my email address again: tim@anchorsofencouragement.com
Dive deeper into understanding Bible verses by comparing translations to find the wording that resonates with you. Utilize tools like the Blue Letter Bible app for easy comparison.
 

117 – Does God Hear Your Tears? 3 Biblical Encouragement Truths From Psalm 56

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by life that words escape you and all you can do is cry? I’m here to assure you that every tear you shed speaks volumes to the God who created you. 
Hi Neighbor,
Even in moments when your emotions are stretched to the breaking point and words fail you, rest assured that you’re not journeying through your struggles alone.
In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, we’ll consider 3 profound truths from Psalm 56 to give you biblical encouragement when life is tough. God hears your tears.
Grab a pen and paper because I have a simple journaling exercise to share with you.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Here’s the passage from Psalm 56:8 to copy. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

116 – How To Support Adoptive Parents: Biblical Encouragement and Prayer

Do you know an adoptive parent who is heartbroken? Feeling overwhelmed? Maybe this person can’t think straight, or maybe they are struggling with their faith. They might even feel lost, lonely, and afraid. Do you want to know how you can encourage this person? May I suggest you say a prayer?
Hi Neighbor, 
In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share a powerful way to support adoptive parents who are feeling overwhelmed and struggling with their faith. We’ll do this by considering the song first introduced in Episode 114, “Brand New Day” by Lucy Thomas.
We’ll also consider the biblical encouragement provided by passages from Psalm 42 and the book of Lamentations.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Brand New Day - Lucy Thomas - (Original Theme Song from Forthcoming TV Series)Music - Anton Fauve Lyrics - Roger Ellory
Verse 1...There are times your heart is broken
When the world just tears you down
And you lose all sense of reason
And your faith just can't be found
 
Verse 2...When the clouds can get no darker
And the wind just blows so cold
You can know that there is hope now
And you'll feel it in your soul
 
Chorus...So say a prayer for the lost and lonely
Say a prayer for those afraid
Let 'em know the dark is lifting
And tomorrow is a brand new day
 

115 – Remember: Experience Hope and Healing After Tragedy

On March 2nd, many years ago, a devastating tornado hit my hometown. As the anniversary approached, painful memories flooded back, but also valuable lessons.
Hi Neighbor, 
Memories of tragedy can be overwhelming, but facing them head-on can lead to healing and growth.
Join me in this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement as I talk about the importance of processing difficult experiences by writing down your memories. This simple act can have a profound impact on your well-being.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. To hear the rest of the story, check out Episode 16 – The $89,000 T-Shirt: How One T-Shirt Inspired and Healed a Broken Community 
Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

114 – Heartbroken and Overwhelmed in Your Adoption Journey? Tomorrow Is a Brand New Day

I’m imagining there is an adoptive parent reading this who is heartbroken and feeling overwhelmed. You can’t think straight. Maybe you’re struggling with your faith. You feel lost, lonely, and afraid. And you’re wondering, how can I ever get past this? I’m here to tell you I’ve been there, and I want you to know tomorrow is a brand new day.
Hi Neighbor, 
In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share a powerful message of hope and resilience for all those dark days in the adoptive parenting journey.
I’ve had my share of dark days which I first spoke about in Episode 1. But through it all, I never entertained abandoning my faith. Don’t get me wrong, my faith took a hit. When times got tough, I leaned into my faith with passages such as John 6:66-68.
I also relied on the tool my son Jonny learned in residential, journaling. We’ll consider that as I also highlight the impact of a touching song called “Brand New Day” by Lucy Thomas, which beautifully encapsulates the message of hope and encouragement.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.
Brand New Day - Lucy Thomas - (Original Theme Song from Forthcoming TV Series)Music - Anton Fauve Lyrics - Roger Ellory
Verse 1...There are times your heart is broken
When the world just tears you down
And you lose all sense of reason
And your faith just can't be found
 
Verse 2...When the clouds can get no darker
And the wind just blows so cold
You can know that there is hope now
And you'll feel it in your soul
 
Chorus...So say a prayer for the lost and lonely
Say a prayer for those afraid
Let 'em know the dark is lifting
And tomorrow is a brand new day
 

113 – Anxious? Try This Simple Anxiety Grounding Technique

What is something that can cause you anxiety, but also reduce your anxiety? Answer: For me, it’s snow.
Hi Neighbor,
In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share one of my favorite anxiety grounding techniques with you. It’s something I’ve been doing for years. I also share a happy memory of doing it when I was in college.
Daily Doable: Identify those anxiety grounding techniques you can use whenever you need a break, whenever you need some respite.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

112 – 5 Ways To Get Unstuck and Start Journaling Today

Some days are easier than others. Some days don't go as expected. What do you do when there is ONE curve ball after another thrown at you? 
I’ve discovered a lot of things are out of my control. But there’s ONE thing I can control, ONE thing I do almost every day. That ONE thing helps me to prepare for the unpredictability of any day.
Hi Neighbor, 
To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the fifth and final episode of this 5-part series about journaling.
Question Number 5: Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Journal? Answer: Start where you are with what you have. In this episode, I want to consider 5 ways to get unstuck and start journaling today. 
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Did you miss Parts 1, 2, 3, or 4 in this series? You can listen to them here, Part 1 EP 108, Part 2 EP 109, Part 3 EP 110, and Part 4 EP 111.
I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.