• Deafening Silence: Finding Healing through Tragedy and Trauma
    Mar 28 2023

    In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview Dr. Kimber Del Valle. She is a trauma healer and clinical psychologist with her own story of grief and healing to share. This is one of our most powerful episodes yet. We hope it helps you find greater connection and that you'll share it with others.

    Please check out Dr. Kimber's new book: Still Making A Whole When Parts Go Missing. This is a unique, story-driven book about trauma that we think you'll be powerfully moved by.

    Check out her podcast: I Thought I Was Over This

    In her day job, Dr. Kimber is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice specializing in grief work and trauma healing. She's a recent author of a memoir, Still: Making A Whole When Parts Go Missing about her grief journey of her son dying. It's in the top 100 of pregnancy and childbirth books on Amazon. As one who loves to live outside of boxes, Kimber’s especially known for her “growling” activities when leading executive leadership retreats. She shares perspectives on healing mental health challenges and practicing slowing down on her podcast, “I Thought I Was Over This.” Dr. Kimber publishes a spiritual daily reflections journal and invites readers to pause and ponder in her biweekly newsletter. Though a country girl at heart, she’s spent the last three decades in the Southern California area where she’s cultivated deep friendships, dance moves and yearly communal camping trips where spirituality is discussed and only the children age year after year. Married with two living children, 20 and 15, her favorite activities include being outside, watching sunsets, and laughing. Learn more at drkimber.net. Free resource: Here is the link to the free resource that you can share: https://drkimber.activehosted.com/f/21

    We want to hear from you!

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    This episode was managed and edited by Tom Browning.

    Mentions & Resources

    (see above!)

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • The Connected Family: Just in Time for the Holidays
    Dec 23 2022

    In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview Cristin Parker. Cristin is a coach and advisor whose goal is to bring greater connection to families through a relational health operating system. She shares her own story of finding health with her mom as well as tangible steps people can take to connect more deeply with their families. We hope this episode encourages you no matter where things are with your own family.

    We want to hear from you!

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    This episode was managed and edited by Tom Browning.

    Mentions & Resources

    Cristin’s website: Cristin Parker | Make the most of the time you have as a family

    Family Blueprint course: https://cristinparker.com/blueprint/

    Cristin's book recommendation: The Treasure Tree by John Trent

    Amazon.com: The Treasure Tree: Helping Kids Understand Their Personality: 9780849958496: Trent, John: Books

    Four Tendencies Quiz: Quizzes | Gretchen Rubin

    Love Languages Quiz: The Love Language™ Quiz (5lovelanguages.com)

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • When the Helper Needs Help: the Challenge of Vulnerable Leadership
    Nov 8 2022

    In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview Dr. Ly Tran, a counselor, supervisor, owner, and pastor. Ly has experience leading in the counseling field and in churches. He knows the challenges that helpers face and the potential pitfalls of leadership. He also knows what it looks like to stay connected through the darkest moments of life. We hope you enjoy this rich conversation with Ly and check out some of his resources below.

    We want to hear from you!

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    Mentions & Resources

    Ly's counseling practices include locations in the Dallas and Houston areas. Check out Dr. Ly Tran | Lifeologie Counselor | Forth Worth & Houston, TX (wefixbrains.com) for more information. Ly's Watershed Initiative resources churches with counseling needs. Check out Watershed here: Watershed Initiative Ly's podcast: Watershed Moments Ly's book recommendation: A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Who will Advocate for me? Job and Lament
    Oct 19 2022

    In this episode, Kevin and Paul interview Dr. Lance Hawley, Old Testament professor at Harding School of Theology. Dr. Hawley has researched and written on the book of Job. We delve into the topics of grief and wrestling with loss, and what Job has to say to modern readers about God and suffering. The conversation turns toward lament and how followers of Jesus can be connected with the sufferer. Check out the resources below for more info on the book of Job.

    We want to hear from you!

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    Mentions & Resources

    Wrestling with Job: Defiant Faith in the Face of Suffering by Bill and Will Kynes

    Dr. Lance Hawley has a 6-week curriculum on Job that will likely be published in a revised format. To learn more, contact him at lhawley2@harding.edu

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Blessed in Suffering
    Oct 3 2022

    In this Season 3 kickoff, we interview Beverly Ross, the director for Wise County Christian Counseling, a supervisor, and a therapist from Decatur, Texas. Her son, Josh Ross, was on our season 2 kickoff episode. Beverly shares about grief through the loss of her daughter and her recent experience with cancer. She describes how many of her views on certain spiritual ideas, such as being "blessed", have transformed. Beverly's passion and joy shine through this interview; we know you'll benefit from hearing her story.

    Get Beverly's book here: Scarred Hope

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    Mentions & Resources

    Grief Websites:

    Dougy Center- resources and activities for all ages as well as families and caregivers https://www.dougy.org/grief-support-resources

    National Alliance for Children’s Grief- resource library, can search by age, type of loss https://nacg.org/resource-library/?format=toolkit

    Sesame Street Resources- videos, articles, printables, activities https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/grief/

    Grief podcasts: Grief Out Loud- from The Dougy Center The Widowed Parent Podcast- Jenny Lisk Books on Grief: Lewis, C.S. (1961). A Grief Observed Pemberton, Glenn (2012). Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with the Psalms Sandberg, Sheryl (2017). Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy. Sittser, Terry (2004). A Grace Disguised: How the soul grows through loss. Tatelbaum, Judy (1980). The Courage to Grieve: Creative Living, Recovery, and Growth through Grief.

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The 3 Connections that Bring Abundant Life
    Jun 16 2022

    In this bonus episode, Kevin and Paul highlight the three connections that lead to abundant life. They explore Ephesians 4 and the relationships that lead to fullness in Christ. Ultimately, abundance is dependent on connecting to the Source of Life.

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    *The war in Ukraine has created significant needs for millions of people. We want to offer this opportunity to support a trustworthy organization where all the funds go directly to aid. Eastern European Missions has been involved in Ukraine and the rest of eastern Europe for decades. Supported leaders from Kyiv have fled the country and are now positioned in Vienna, Austria. They are dispersing funds directly to people in need and ministries meeting the immediate needs of people. All funds donated through https://EEM.org/Ukraineaid goes directly to specific needs either in Ukraine or in the refugee communities. We encourage you to check it out and generously donate as you're able.

    EEM has supplied Bibles translated into local languages for decades. They report there being so many requests for Bibles among the Ukrainian refugees that supplies are running out. Check out EEM's website and consider supporting this organizations work supplying Bibles throughout eastern Europe: EEM | Eastern European Mission

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    Mentions & Resources

    Resources

    -People Fuel, by John Townsend

    -The Pursuit of God, by A. W. Tozer

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Found in Addiction
    May 25 2022

    In this episode, we interview Dr. Trent Langhofer. Trent is a professor, counseling clinical director, and pastor in Colorado Springs, CO. Trent shares his powerful story of drug addiction and being found by God, and how this has shaped his life ever since. We discuss helpful ways to connect with those stuck in addiction and about steps to take when we feel trapped ourselves. Trent describes the two transformational forces of love and pain, as well as steps we can take when stuck in comfort and mediocrity. Check out Trent's book recommendations under Resources below.

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    *The war in Ukraine has created significant needs for millions of people. We want to offer this opportunity to support a trustworthy organization where all the funds go directly to aid. Eastern European Missions has been involved in Ukraine and the rest of eastern Europe for decades. Supported leaders from Kyiv have fled the country and are now positioned in Vienna, Austria. They are dispersing funds directly to people in need and ministries meeting the immediate needs of people. All funds donated through https://EEM.org/Ukraineaid goes directly to specific needs either in Ukraine or in the refugee communities. We encourage you to check it out and generously donate as you're able.

    EEM has supplied Bibles translated into local languages for decades. They report there being so many requests for Bibles among the Ukrainian refugees that supplies are running out. Check out EEM's website and consider supporting this organizations work supplying Bibles throughout eastern Europe: EEM | Eastern European Mission

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    Mentions & Resources

    Resources

    (You can find all of the following book recommendation from Trent at www.amazon.com)

    -The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk (how trauma manifests in the body) -Healing Trauma: Attachment, Mind, Body and Brain, by Dan Siegel & Marion Solomon -In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, by Gabor Mate (understanding addiction) -Man's Search for Meaning, by Victor Frankl (classic on finding meaning through suffering) -The Ragamuffin Gospel, by Brennan Manning (God's grace for the beat down and burnt out)

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Crumbling Idols and Receiving God’s Presence
    May 12 2022

    In this episode, we interview Jill Shelby, NextGen minister at The Hills Church. Jill shares her story of going to the mission field and returning to the States, and how God has been graciously removing idols from her life along the way. Jill invites us into the process of letting go of our idols to find a better Love. She also describes how our approach to life in God is more about a receptive posture, rather than a new set of practices. When we let God tear down our idols and we open our hands to receive from Him, remarkable things will happen! Check out book recommendations from Jill in our Resources section.

    Please contact Kevin and Paul with questions, comments or topic requests for the podcast: cforconnection@gmail.com. If you have a story of isolation and connection with God or church, we'd love to hear it.

    Check out our Facebook page! Created for Connection | Facebook

    *The war in Ukraine has created significant needs for millions of people. We want to offer this opportunity to support a trustworthy organization where all the funds go directly to aid. Eastern European Missions has been involved in Ukraine and the rest of eastern Europe for decades. Supported leaders from Kyiv have fled the country and are now positioned in Vienna, Austria. They are dispersing funds directly to people in need and ministries meeting the immediate needs of people. All funds donated through https://EEM.org/Ukraineaid goes directly to specific needs either in Ukraine or in the refugee communities. We encourage you to check it out and generously donate as you're able.

    EEM has supplied Bibles translated into local languages for decades. They report there being so many requests for Bibles among the Ukrainian refugees that supplies are running out. Check out EEM's website and consider supporting this organizations work supplying Bibles throughout eastern Europe: EEM | Eastern European Mission

    This episode is sponsored by WellSpring Process Groups. If you'd like space to journey with a supportive group who will help you process whatever you're facing in life, sign up today for a process group with WellSpring. Paul and his associates facilitate these 12-week, online support groups that are based on biblical principles & the research of Christian psychologist, John Townsend. Use the link below to contact WellSpring today.

    WellSpring Interest Form

    WellSpring: Process Groups | Facebook

    Podcast Music written and produced by Cheyenne Medders: Cheyenne Medders Official

    Mentions & Resources

    Resources

    (You can find all of the following book recommendation from Jill at www.amazon.com)

    -The Grace Outpouring by Roy Godwin -The Life Jesus Made Possible by Bill Randall -A Guide for Listening and Inner-Healing Prayer by Rusty Rustenbach -Children, Can You Hear Me? by Brad Jersak -Can You Hear Me? by Brad Jersak -Falling for God: Saying Yes to His Extravagant Proposal by Gary Moon -Discipleship Begins with Beholding by Samuel Whitefield -Marching off the Map: Inspire Students to Navigate a Brand New World by Tim Elmore

    For Counseling Needs & Training:

    - Dr. Shelby's counseling: Renew Christian Counseling (renewmystory.com)

    - Harding University Professional Counseling Program: https://www.harding.edu/academics/colleges-departments/education/graduate-programs/mental-health-wellness-programs/clinical-mental-health-counseling#

    - The Townsend Institute: Townsend Institute - Dr. John Townsend (drtownsend.com)

    To find community in whatever you're struggling with:

    - Celebrate Recovery (find a group): Celebrate Recovery Locator Map (crgroups.info)

    To explore Christian faith or to learn how you or your church can better share faith:

    - Alpha Course

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 20 mins