“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” ~The Serenity Prayer

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

Ever feel overwhelmed by things beyond your control? I understand because I’ve been there. Let’s talk about how to find peace and calm in the storm.

To illustrate this point, I’ll share two personal stories that taught me the importance of letting go of the things I can’t control.

We’ll consider an encouraging Bible verse from the book of Philippians and the principle you can put into play whenever you need support.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Get support from other adoptive parents and 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.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ Philippians 4:6-7

“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 International Email: brandon@canopy.international Think Global, Do Justice Podcast CarePortal.org

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.