ANCHORS OF ENCOURAGEMENT | Adoption, Adoption Trauma, Adoptive Parents, Journaling, Biblical Encouragement, Journaling Prompts

151 – How to Navigate the Challenges of International Adoption With Brandon Stiver

“Who are the kids that actually need permanency? Who are the kids that actually need permanency through adoption? It tends to be kids with disability, kids that are older, sibling groups...” ~Brandon Stiver
Joining me today is my neighbor from Seattle, Brandon Stiver. Brandon has worn several hats, but has one vocation, to see God’s kingdom come to Earth through proclamation and demonstration. 
A respected leader in the field of global care for children, Brandon is a professor, a podcaster, and has led nonprofits based in the US and Tanzania. A community builder at heart, he has collaborated with organizations from Central America to Southeast Asia.
In our conversation, Brandon delves into the complex world of adoption, specifically his experiences with domestic adoption in Tanzania. 
From navigating the teenage years of an adoptive child to understanding the true definition of ”orphans,” this episode sheds light on impactful topics that resonate with many adoptive families.
You’ll learn about key support systems for adoptive parents.
The critical need for permanency for kids with disabilities, older children, and sibling groups.
Common manifestations of trauma and attachment issues among internationally adopted children.
And much more!
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Connect with Brandon:Canopy InternationalEmail: brandon@canopy.internationalThink Global, Do Justice PodcastCarePortal.org

150 – How Adoptive Parents Can Navigate the Struggles of Adoption with Journaling

Is it possible for adoptive parents to feel gratitude even during the struggles they may encounter in their adoption journey? The answer is yes. Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore the concept of gratitude together.
Hi Neighbor,
In this journaling episode, I want to consider with you the concept of gratitude, and how it applies to adoptive parents who are facing the struggles their adoption journey. Because even in the darkest times, there are things to be thankful for.
Today, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you, my listeners. This is episode 150 of the podcast. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your encouraging words as I navigate this podcast journey with you.
It is my hope and prayer that in some small way, this podcast is encouraging you in your adoption journey.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

149 – Ever Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough as an Adoptive Parent? Put This Principle in Play

Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough as an adoptive parent? Maybe you feel like a failure, or perhaps in extreme cases, you don’t even feel worthy to be an adoptive parent. 
I understand because I’ve been there. For those times when I didn’t feel good enough or I felt like a failure or even when I didn’t feel like I was worthy to be an adoptive parent, I knew it was time to put a principle into play. A principle I would like to share with you today to encourage you in your adoption journey.
We’ll consider an encouraging Bible verse from the book of Proverbs and the principle you can use anytime you need encouragement.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

148 – Encouraging Bible Verses to Help Adoptive Parents Persist in Their Adoption Journey

He faced one discouraging obstacle after another, yet through it all, he persisted. How did he do it? Grab a pen and paper and I’ll show you how he first partnered with God.
Hi Neighbor,
In this journaling episode, I’ll show you how you can persist in your adoption journey with a story inspired by one of my favorite Bible characters.
We’ll consider encouraging Bible verses from the books of Genesis, Proverbs, and James.
I’ll also share an easy way to begin journaling even if you have never done it before. It’s based on my own journaling experience. 
Plus I’ll show you how you can persist with pen-to-paper in order to partner with God. 
And so much more.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Here are a couple of my favorite Bible Apps for comparing translations. YouVersion and Blue Letter Bible

147 – Sit With the Text? How the Psalms Help Adoptive Parents Navigate the Adoption Journey

When you discover a process that works for you, it makes sense to do it over and over. You’ve probably heard the old adage, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s certainly the case with the concept I share in this encore episode, and the main reason I’m bringing it to you again. Because It Works! 
It’s a process I use on a regular basis, and it’s a process that has helped me navigate the challenges of my adoption journey. I want to encourage you to listen closely. Grab a pen and paper as I walk you through this process with practical action steps you can begin to implement today. Hope and healing are on the way.
What do you do when life is coming at you from all different directions? Life is tough. Storms in life are inevitable. What do you do when those storms are bearing down on you? May I suggest you sit with the text?
Hi Neighbor,
Welcome to an unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement. The fact that we are living on this planet means that we can’t escape storms. They’re a fact of life. But how do you deal with those storms? 
In this episode, we’ll sit with the text and consider verses from Psalm 31, Psalm 121, and Psalm 143.
Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Tim
P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

146 – 3 Affirmations When You Feel Like a Failure as an Adoptive Parent

Do you ever feel like a failure as an adoptive parent? If you answered yes, I know how you feel because I’ve been there. Grab a pen and paper, and I’ll share 3 affirmations to restore your confidence as a parent.
Hi Neighbor,
In this journaling episode, I want to help you navigate your adoption journey for those times when you feel like a failure as an adoptive parent. I know how you feel because I was there.
I’ll share 3 affirmations from the Book of Hebrews that helped restore my confidence
Have you ever doubted yourself as an adoptive parent? It’s a tough journey, but journaling affirmations helped me and I know they can help you too. Grab that pen and paper! Let’s get started.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

145 – A Story of Redemption Founded From a Tragic Decision with Jeff Bradford

Hi Neighbor,
Is it possible to experience hope and healing after a tragic decision? Today’s episode features an incredible story of faith, healing, and advocacy for life.
Joining me is my neighbor from North Texas, Jeff Bradford. Jeff serves as president of Human Coalition, one of the largest Pro-Life organizations in America. 
He and his wife, Tricia, have personally experienced the trauma of aborting their first child in 1992, but have found strength in each other and God. 
Jeff's message is clear: Understanding life issues requires empathy, wisdom, and an open mind. We must recognize the deep suffering of women impacted by abortion. It’s important to talk about the issue of life in winsome and graceful ways.
Whether we're encouraging women facing crisis pregnancies to either parent their child or consider adoption, let’s commit to providing them the support they need.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. Get Jeff and his wife Tricia’s book, Beauty from Ashes: A Christian Couple’s Journey from Abortion to Redemption
Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

144 – 7 Benefits of Journaling: Your Path to the Self-Help Jackpot

Hi Neighbor,
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you had at your fingertips the ability to heal yourself? Well, you do. It’s something I like to call the self-help jackpot. 
Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore the self-help jackpot with journaling. 
This is the seventh and final episode in our 7-part series on journaling. Journaling can act as a filter and aerator for your negativity.
Before I continue, let me add this disclaimer. I am not a therapist and I’m not a trained professional in the mental health space. But what I can offer you are my personal observations and reflections on journaling. I also can share my conversations with therapists regarding the power of journaling.
My conversation inspires today’s benefit with my son Jonny’s therapist.
Daily Doable: If you've missed any episodes in this series, check out the links provided at the bottom.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim Previous Episodes...137 – How to Unplug to Unlock Mental Blocks Journaling Prompts
138 – Do You Relive Reruns in Your Life? Journaling Prompts
140 – How to Tap Into the Power of Affirmations Journaling Prompts
141 – How to Use Journaling Prompts to Clear Mental Logjams
142 – Journaling Prompts to Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities for Personal Transformation
143 – How to Purge Negative Thoughts with 2 Powerful Journaling Prompts
 
P.S. To reach out to me, email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com
Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

143 – How to Purge Negative Thoughts with 2 Powerful Journaling Prompts

Hi Neighbor,
Do you find yourself thinking the same thoughts over and over, especially negative thoughts? Imagine if there was a way to purge those negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. There is. 
Grab a pen and paper, and let's explore how to go from a stagnant mind to a new mind through journaling. 
This is the sixth episode in a 7-part series on journaling. Journaling can act as a filter and aerator for your negativity.
In your Daily Doable, I’ll share two journaling prompts to help break this cycle of negativity and give you a mental refresh.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. To reach out to me, email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com
Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

142 – Journaling Prompts to Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities for Personal Transformation

Hi Neighbor,
Is it possible to experience opportunities in obstacles? I believe it’s not only possible but often the very catalyst that promotes personal transformation. 
Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore how to turn your obstacles into opportunities with journaling.
This is the fifth episode in a 7-part series on journaling. Reflecting and journaling about adoption trauma led me to create this platform to share and seek more opportunities amidst my challenges. If I can find growth through obstacles, so can you! 
In your Daily Doable, I have a simple journaling prompt to help you discover those opportunities. I think you’ll be amazed by what you discover!
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor,Tim
P.S. To reach out to me, email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com
Join our amazing Facebook Community.
If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.