ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption Trauma, Safety, Peace of Mind, Biblical Encouragement, Respite, Journaling

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 – Are You 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.
 

111 – Journaling Anxiety? 5 Ways to Journal the WRITE Way

It’s easy to get tripped up journaling. Trust me, I know. There are so many different ways you can journal, and you’re left wondering, “Is there a right or wrong way to do it?” I’m hoping by sharing my experiences, using the WRITE way, that will help liberate you and help you to choose the way or ways that are best for you.
Hi, Neighbor. 
To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the fourth of a 5-part series about journaling.
Question Number 4: Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Journal? Answer: There’s only one way to journal, the WRITE way, W-R-I-T-E. In this episode, I want to consider with you 5 ways to journal the WRITE way. It’s my goal these ways will make journaling doable for you. 
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Did you miss Parts 1, 2, or 3 in this series? You can listen to them here, Part 1 EP 108, Part 2 EP 109, and Part 3 EP 110.
Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

110 – 3 Writing Prompts To Make Journaling Easy and Doable

Those who know me know I love to draw. I’ve been doing it all my life, from scribbles on my grandma’s wallpaper to drawings of buildings. For almost 30 years, I was an architectural illustrator. I’ve drawn buildings located all over the world.
From this podcast, you probably know I love to journal. I’ve been journaling for over 5 years. But there’s something about me I bet you didn't know. I have a confession to make.
Whether it’s drawing or journaling, Every time I see a blank sheet of paper, I get intimidated. I know it might sound silly, but it’s true.
Hi Neighbor, 
To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the third of a 5-part series about journaling.
Question Number 3: What Do I Write About? Answer: Write about anything you want. In this episode, I’ll share with you 3 things you can write about to make journaling easy, doable, and less intimidating.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Did you miss Parts 1 and 2 in this series? You can listen to them here, Part 1 EP 108 and Part 2 EP 109.
I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.