This Grit and Grace Life

Are you itching for a vacation? Maybe the chilliness of winter has dragged on a hair too long and cabin fever has set in. If you're nodding along saying, "YES," then you'll want to tune into episode 240 of This Grit and Grace Life podcast. In this episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 17 summer vacation destinations around the United States that you may have never considered visiting before but will be glad to have experienced. They list recommendations for kids and adults alike that span every corner of the nation (Washington, Kentucky, Florida, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Ohio) and every interest: music, cars, space, U.S. history (the good and the bad), faith, art and more. Let this episode be the final push you need to book that flight and make memories that will last a lifetime. Quote of the episode: “Wouldn't you rather like to have a lot of stories to tell, memories that were made, than a full bank account?" —Darlene Brock Resources Mentioned Making Music magazine Related 9 Trips to Travel More and Spend Less Simple Guidelines for Traveling with Kids and How to Enjoy It 10 Packing Tips When You Need to Travel Light Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

We tackle many difficult subjects here atGrit and Grace Life, and often, they’re ones that have impacted us directly. In this episode, co-host Darlene Brock shares one of her own—losing her father to suicide. As with any tragedy, Darlene found herself navigating unexpected emotions, working to reconcile the choice of suicide with the father she loved, asking questions that could be answered and accepting those that could not. In sharing her story now, she hopes to impart an important lesson to those dealing with this unbearable pain: God can bring healing. It won’t be overnight, and it won’t be easy. But there is hope to be found. If you’ve also lost someone dear to you to suicide, we hope this episode brings you some comfort in hearing from someone who has also been through the same journey. This idea is what inspired our next endeavor here at Grit and Grace Life: creating and publishing a series of subject-specific guidebooks—written by our team of writers with direct experience in those subjects—that you can use to walk (and work) through your own challenges, at your own pace. Keep an eye out for this book and others in the “Smart Living In Small Bites” series, coming later this year. Quote of the episode: “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.” —Thomas Moore Resources Mentioned (in this episode and Darlene's book) Suicide Prevention Hotline Suicide Prevention for Family Members and Caregivers Testimonies from suicide survivors Focus on the Family suicide resources Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One's Search for Comfort, Answers and Hope Silent Grief: Living in the Wake of Suicide Shattered: From Grief to Joy After My Son's Suicide This Is How to Handle a Hard Relationship With Your Mom – 089 Related My Dad's Suicide and the Hole In My Heart When Desperation Comes, Why Choose Suicide? Suicide Isn't Easily Understood, But You Need to Know This Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Later this month, the film "Unsung Hero" premieres in theaters across the nation. The movie chronicles one Australian mom's radical decision to move her family across the world in faith that they can find reprieve from their struggles. We don't want to spoil it for you, but this mother's decision pays off. If you've ever jammed out to FOR KING & COUNTRY or Rebecca St. James, you can thank Helen Smallbone—the determined mum from Down Under. Her unorthodox decision to pack up her family's belongings and shuttle herself, her husband and their six kids (with a seventh on the way!) was met with as much doubt as you might imagine. As a mom, it’s hard to filter out the opinions and recommendations from other people on how to raise your kids. This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender throw it back to a previous episode with Helen, who shared the good news: It's OK to be a different kind of mom! You know your kids better than anyone, and raising them the way you feel is best—no matter how it looks to those on the outside—will undoubtedly be what they need. We hope you feel encouraged that the path you have established for your family is the right one. And if you’re still on the fence, take a listen to this episode and see for yourself! Helen Smallbone is the co-founder of MUMlife Community and a podcast host with AccessMore. Her passion is encouraging mothers and families with the God-breathed wisdom she has gleaned over 32 years of being a mother. Born and raised in Australia, Helen dedicated her life to Christ as a young teen at the Billy Graham Crusade in Sydney. Now a mother to seven―five boys and two girls―and grandmother to thirteen, she currently lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, David, and a small menagerie of animals. You can follow Helen on Facebook @helenjsmallbone and on Instagram @helensmallbone. Quote of the episode: “For me as a parent, it's my job to encourage [my] child on their journey to seek out who God has made them to be.” —Helen Smallbone Resources Mentioned Check out information about "Unsung Hero" here Buy Helen's book, Behind the Lights here Read Peter's account of denying Jesus here Easter, the Best Love Story Ever Told 7 Lessons from Easter You Need All Year Long - 128 Related Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life The Hope of Easter Restores All Things Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Easter isn't all about Peeps and Cadbury eggs, although co-host Julie Bender wouldn't mind one or two! But is Easter the ultimate call to action? In this heartfelt podcast episode, Julie and Darlene Brock discuss the significance of Easter, which they recognize as the pinnacle of their faith. But what does it mean to truly observe the holiday? Here, they unpack the meaning of Jesus Christ's brutal death on the cross more than 2,000 years ago and why His suffering, while difficult to think on, is crucial to understanding the scope of His love for us and how we're supposed to live today. You'll see how Jesus' forgiveness even as he was dying models the way we should approach our relationship with others through sacrificial love and grace. The message of Easter is one of hope, today and for a lifetime. Want to chat with us about Easter or your faith? Send us a note here! Quote of the episode: “My relationship with Christ is secure because of what he did and [because] I've accepted it. And because of that, I have hope today. I have hope tomorrow. I have hope everyday of this life and for all of eternity." —Darlene Brock Resources Mentioned Read Peter's account of denying Jesus here Easter, the Best Love Story Ever Told 7 Lessons from Easter You Need All Year Long - 128 Related Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life The Hope of Easter Restores All Things Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Life feeling mundane? It doesn't have to! In fact, it's easier to see the adventure and joys in the everyday than you might think. In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender emphasize the importance of making the most of life. They talk through ways to shift your mindset when it comes to your purpose, your relationships, your motherhood and your work so you can more clearly see the value each facet brings. When viewed through this new perspective, the things you may think are annoying and trivial might actually be part of a larger blessing. And when each day seems full of small blessings, it'll be impossible to deny just how special your everyday life really is. Quote of the episode: “If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side." —Unknown Resources Mentioned Check out Julie's husband's business here Related The Joy Series: Feel Stuck In the Mundane? Unlock Joy In the Everyday A Strong Woman Has These 7 Things On Her Bucket List The Joy Series: Parenting a Teen Is Hard, But I've Found Gratitude Among the Grumbles Where Can I Find the Purpose of Life? Can You Really Enjoy the Little Things In Life? 17 Quotes to Create the Happy Moments Mindset Every Day – 130 Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

If you're living with anxiety, you know it can be debilitating. A sudden panic or anxiety attack can quickly ruin your day, and over time, it can keep you from pursuing your dreams. Caroline Beidler knows what that's like. The author, speaker and recovery advocate recalls bouts of anxiety as a child, which were exacerbated by her parents' divorce and sexual trauma. She began self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and though she eventually became sober, she found herself still dealing with anxiety decades later and wondering what was wrong. In this episode, she sits down with Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to discuss how she learned to practically address anxiety as a woman of faith—and prayer and Scripture are just two parts of the larger picture. She highlights the importance of therapy, building up your circle of support, staying active and openly discussing anxiety and other mental health issues in the church. Caroline Beidler, BA, MSWis the author of Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, and she is currently writing her next project, due 2024. A recovery advocate, and founder of the storytelling platformCircle of Chairs. with almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry Caroline is currently a consultant with JBS International, writing and creating content for several federal agencies. She is also the founder and host of the annual International Women’s Day Global Recovery Event. Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband and twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry. Quote of the episode: “Being human is about recognizing and acknowledging our weakness. But what's beautiful is that God works in that place." —Caroline Beidler Resources Mentioned Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery Self-Care Is an Act of Radical Love for Mommas How to Use 4-7-8 Breathing for Anxiety Related Ask Dr. Zoe – Coping With Anxiety Biblically Drinking Excessively? Here Are 8 Healthier Coping Strategies for Women A Breath Prayer to Calm Your Mind and Body Can Faith Bring Hope to Everything—Even Anxiety? Ask Dr. Zoe – What Is Normal Anxiety & When Should I Seek Help? Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Love is in the air! Maybe you're in a loving relationship and feel giddy at the mere mention of love, or maybe you're on the hunt for that special someone. No matter your relationship status, one thing is certain: Don't settle for less! In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss how our expectations for love compare to our current relationships or what we want in a man. They explain why you should trust the process (and your gut!) and not rush anything, and how to celebrate and honor a healthy relationship. They also share their favorite relationships advice and 14 quick ways to tell if your man is worthy of your love, so you never settle again! Quote of the episode: “When you're dating someone, go to [1 Corinthians 13:4-7] and put their name in. 'Is Bob kind? Is Bob loving? Is Bob patient?' That's going to be very telling." —Darlene Brock Resources Mentioned Is Your Man a Keeper? Here’s How to Be Sure – 214 I Thought He’d Propose on Valentine’s Day—He Broke Up Instead My Boyfriend Brings Me Flowers, Is That Enough? Related How to Avoid the Wrong Guy: A Checklist for Strong Women Is It Time to Break Up With Your Guy? This Is How to Do It Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Want a good laugh? Well, you're in for a treat! In this lighthearted episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender bring back an older episode where they discuss the importance of finding humor in life—and they do it by sharing several listener-submitted memes and funny phrases on topics like relationships and motherhood that will make you chuckle. And more likely than not, you'll relate to many of them. Quote of the episode: “You never realize how many people you don't like until it's time to name your baby." Resources Mentioned When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship with Your Man with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 024 Dating? What to Look for in a Man - 073 Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

"Is my teen out of control, or is this normal behavior? At one point do I need to begin enforcing changes?" These questions often consume moms of teens and preteens, and on this throwback episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender ask psychotherapist and relationship coach Dr. Zoe Shaw for advice. Dr. Zoe discusses how to approach privacy and your teen's internet and social media use; how to recognize which moments you should step aside and allow your teen to make mistakes, and when it's time for you to intervene; and If you have a teen (or will soon), this episode is filled with the answers to some your most pressing motherhood questions. Dr. Zoe Shaw is a passionate practitioner in the field of clinical psychology. She is licensed as a psychotherapist and divides her time between her family life, clinical practice, virtual life, and relationship coaching, speaking, writing and hosting her podcast. You can follow Dr. Zoe by visitingher site, or finding her onFacebook,InstagramandTwitteras well as her podcast,Stronger in the Difficult Places. Submit a question to our freeAsk Dr. Zoe column. Quote of the episode: “We take it personally when it's not personal; it's their development.” —Dr. Zoe Shaw Resources Related The Joy Series: Parenting a Teen Is Hard, But I've Found Gratitude Among the Grumbles 5 Verses to Help You Survive the Teenage Years It Feels Like My Teen Is Rejecting Me, But I Know It's Something Else Check out these other podcast episodes with Dr. Zoe Why Hasn't Your Boyfriend Proposed or Set the Date? - 180 How to Find Peace and Purpose In an Out-of-Control World - 164 How to Make Self-Care Part of Your Life - 155 Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

Want to make a change in 2024? No matter what it may be, you need a path to get there. In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender break down the differences between a reset, a redo, and a restart—and how to outline a plan for each—so you can chart the appropriate course for the change you want to implement. Making a change can be nerve-wracking, but the steps shared here will set you on a clear path to your goals with little room for error. And if you being to doubt your decision along the way, Julie shares some words of wisdom to help you get back on track. Quote of the episode: “There's a reason your windshield is bigger than your rearview mirror: Where you're headed is more important than what you left behind.” —Unknown Resources I Changed My Mind; Change Can Be the Right Thing to Do Want to Change Your Life? Start Building Something New How Brain Science Restored My Hope for Change Follow Us on Social Media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest