Hi Neighbor,

In today’s bite-sized episode, I share a simple but powerful reminder for those moments when grief, exhaustion, or fear leave you without words. Sometimes the deepest prayers we offer are not spoken at all—they fall quietly as tears. 🙏

The inspiration for this episode began with an image of a piece of paper that began with the words “Dear Lord,” ended with “Amen,” and in between were only tear stains. No words. Just tears! 💧

It reminded me that when life overwhelms us, God still understands what our hearts are trying to say. ❤️

Drawing from Psalm 56:8, this episode offers a gentle exercise using the word TEARS to help process overwhelming emotions and remember that God sees every sorrow we carry. 📖

If your happily-ever-after has felt more like survival than joy… if your home feels unsafe… if you’re constantly second-guessing yourself—this episode is meant to remind you that even in your hardest moments, God sees you and your tears are not wasted. 🤍

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🌿 How tears can become prayers when words fail 📝 A simple reflection exercise using the acronym TEARS 📖 The comforting truth found in Psalm 56:8 🤍 God sees, remembers, and cares about every sorrow you carry

Even when your only prayer is tears, God hears you. 🙏

You are not alone in this journey. 🤝

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. I hope you’ll consider leaving a review of the podcast. This short video will show you how. Thanks, Neighbor!

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever been miles into a journey—tired, uncertain, and wondering if you have what it takes to finish? What if a small sign of encouragement could give you the strength to keep going?

Hi Neighbor,

In today’s bite-sized episode, I share a powerful story from a bicycle ride, long before adoption, where a simple act became the encouragement my wife and I needed to keep going. That small, intentional act carried a clear message: someone sees me, and I wasn’t alone. 👀

Drawing from that experience, this episode speaks directly to the lonely and challenging moments in the adoptive parenting journey—those times when doubt creeps in, holidays feel heavy, and the road ahead seems long. 🌧️

Through the simple but powerful words “I see you,” I want to remind adoptive parents that being seen and encouraged can restore hope and strengthen perseverance. 🕊️

If your happily-ever-after has felt more like survival than joy… if your home feels unsafe… if you’re constantly second-guessing yourself—this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone, and encouragement can meet you right where you are. 🤝

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🌿 How small acts of encouragement can have a lasting impact 🪞 Why feeling seen can renew strength in the middle of a hard journey ✨ How offering simple encouragement can transform someone else’s day 🛤️ Practical, everyday ways to remind others: “I see you”

Encouragement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s a smile, a kind word, or a simple acknowledgment that someone’s effort matters. 🙂

These small moments can become mile markers of hope for weary hearts. 🕯️

You are not alone in this journey! 🤍

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. I hope you’ll consider leaving a review of the podcast. This short video will show you how. Thanks, Neighbor!

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Have you ever paused long enough to notice what your heart is trying to tell you? What story does reflection time reveal about your heart? 💭

Hi Neighbor,

In today’s bite-sized episode, we explore the power of reflection and why making space to pause can transform your parenting journey. Drawing from Proverbs 27:19, we consider how the heart reflects the person—and how intentional reflection can help adoptive parents move from fear and self-doubt toward clarity, courage, and hope. 🕊️

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Will my child be okay?” or “Where did I go wrong?” this conversation invites you to step back, breathe, and allow reflection to reveal a more truthful story—one shaped by growth, endurance, and God’s faithfulness. 🤍

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🌿 Why reflection is essential for adoptive parents navigating fear, uncertainty, and fatigue 🪞 A simple, memorable framework using the word REFLECT (forwards and backwards) to guide your reflection time 🤲 How honest assessment—celebrating victories and acknowledging challenges, leads to growth 🕊️ The difference between healthy reflection and unhealthy dwelling on the past 🌅 How trials, when reflected on with intention, can strengthen your confidence for the future

Reflection is not about perfection. It is about perspective. It is about recognizing that even in trials, there are blessings, lessons, and evidence of strength you didn’t know you had. ✨

You are not alone in this journey. 🤝

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. 

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. I hope you’ll consider leaving a review of the podcast. This short video will show you how. Thanks, Neighbor!

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

In today’s episode, we slow down together and explore a truth many adoptive parents know deep down but rarely give themselves permission to embrace: your body often recognizes the need for stillness long before your mind accepts it. 🕊️

If you’re walking through a difficult season—feeling heavy, drained, or overwhelmed—this conversation is an invitation to pause, step back, and show yourself grace. 🤍

Drawing from Psalms 46 and 121, I share how God’s unchanging presence gives us permission to be still, even when our homes, our hearts, or the world around us feel chaotic. ✝️

In this episode, you’ll hear:

🌿 Why your body may be signaling that it’s time to slow down and be still

⚓ How Psalm 46:10 anchors us in God’s sovereignty during life’s storms 

🌙 The comfort of knowing the One who watches over you never sleeps (Psalm 121)

📖 Practical examples of stillness: quiet walks to journaling to embracing silence

📝 A simple “Daily Doable” to help you create space for rest and reflection

Stillness is not weakness. It is trust. It is surrender. It is an anchor in the storm.

You are not alone in this journey. 🤝

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode is a little different than what you’re used to hearing here. Like Episode 16, this is a t-shirt story—where something ordinary ends up carrying extraordinary meaning.

But while Episode 16 focused on a natural disaster, today’s story is deeply personal. It’s about a young girl and her battle with cancer—and a perspective that far exceeded her years.

Joining me today is my neighbor and brother Simon Harris. He’s going to share a story that has inspired my family and me, and I believe it will inspire you too.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

💪 How Kelsey faced cancer with courage beyond her years

👕 The story behind the T-shirts that became a symbol of hope

❤️ How her perspective influenced her parents and everyone she touched

🌟 Lessons on choosing joy and making a lasting impact, no matter the circumstances

Kelsey’s life reminds us that even in the hardest storms, perspective and joy can ripple far beyond what we ever imagine. 💖

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. See the T-Shirt inspired by her quote.  And see Kelsey’s grave marker.

If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

For many Christian adoptive parents, the challenge goes beyond supporting a child through trauma; it’s learning how to regulate yourself when the demands of parenting feel overwhelming 💔😮‍💨

In today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my neighbor from London, Crystal Luke Worrall. Crystal is a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and clinical supervisor specializing in helping children and families heal from early trauma 🧠🎶

In previous episodes, Crystal shared powerful insights on EMDR and music therapy for adopted children. This time, the focus shifts to you — the adoptive parent 🤍

Together, we explore what emotional regulation actually looks like in real life and why adoptive parents are not meant to do this alone. 🤝

We talk through practical, body-based tools to help you calm down when anxiety or anger runs high, as well as strategies to gently activate yourself when sadness, numbness, or low energy take over.

In today’s conversation, we explore:

🤝 Why adoptive parents are not meant to regulate alone and how co-regulation supports healing

🧺 The “emotional laundry” analogy and how naming emotions reduces overwhelm

⏸️▶️ How to tell whether you need to slow down or speed up emotionally

🌬️ Simple grounding and breathing techniques that help calm anxiety and bring clarity

⏰ The role of intentional self-check-ins and routines in long-term regulation

🏡 Why regulating yourself creates safety and steadiness for your entire family

If you’ve ever felt unsure how to manage your own emotions while caring for a child with big feelings, this episode offers practical hope.

You are not alone in this journey. Support, tools, and understanding are available 🙏 Learning to care for yourself is not a weakness, but a vital part of caring for your family 💛

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Crystal: Website: https://www.clapandtoot.com/ Email: crystal@clapandtoot.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-luk/

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

For many Christian adoptive parents, the hardest part isn’t just managing behaviors or navigating trauma. It’s the loneliness. The quiet fear. The anxiety that creeps in during sleepless nights. The constant questions: Will my child be okay? Did I do something wrong? What does their future hold?

Hi Neighbor,

In today’s episode, I share a powerful childhood story that shaped how I understand loneliness, perseverance, and what it truly means to be “all alone.” From watching Secretariat run the Belmont Stakes to walking through the hardest seasons of our own adoption journey, I explore how isolation can feel overwhelming — and why it doesn’t have to stay that way.

My wife and I know firsthand what it’s like to believe you’re the only ones going through this. We carried anxiety, negativity, crisis, heaviness, overwhelm, and exhaustion — until we realized something life-changing: we were not alone!

In this episode, I introduce a simple, practical exercise built around the word ANCHOR — a way to name what you’re feeling, touch the hard emotions, and begin replacing isolation with hope, healing, and connection.

In today’s conversation, we explore:

💔 Why loneliness feels so heavy for adoptive parents 

🌪️ How anxiety, overwhelm, and crisis often grow when we feel isolated

✍️ A simple writing exercise that helps identify emotional weight and invite healing

🤝 How community, connection, and faith help replace fear with hope 

⚓ Why grabbing hold of an anchor can change the way you walk through adoption trauma

If you’re feeling alone, overwhelmed, or exhausted by the emotional weight of adoption, my prayer is that today’s episode reminds you of this truth: you are not alone 🙏

There is hope. There is healing. And there is support waiting for you 🌿

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

For many Christian adoptive parents, the struggle isn’t just managing behavior or circumstances, it’s learning how to find calm when everything around you feels chaotic. How do you hold steady when fear, guilt, and uncertainty all collide at once? ✨

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode goes back to the very beginning of this podcast. I’m revisiting the opening lines from Episode One, words that still give me chills because they carry the weight of one of the hardest seasons my wife Mary Beth and I have ever walked through.

They come from the moment we left our son at residential treatment, carrying questions we couldn’t answer and fears we couldn’t escape:

Would he hate us for loving him this much? Would he see this as the ultimate act of betrayal? Would he embrace the help we had finally found for him?

What we knew was simple and devastating all at once, our son needed help that our love alone couldn’t give.

I revisit these words not to relive the pain, but so I can sit with you in yours.

In this episode, I share how that chaotic season—one later shaped by the realities of adoption trauma, became the place where I learned how to find calm in the chaos. 

I introduce a simple, practical practice that helped ground me when everything felt overwhelming: becoming a “copycat.”

In today’s conversation, we explore:

❓ What chaos really feels like for adoptive parents living with constant uncertainty 🌀 Why chaos feels inescapable when we only see confusion, fear, and endless storms ✍️ How slowing down with pen and paper can help calm the nervous system 📖 Why copying words rather than trying to “fix” feelings can bring peace 🌿 Why focusing on comforting words helps move you from chaos to calm

If you’re carrying anxiety, questioning your decisions, or feeling like the storms in your home never stop, my prayer is that this episode reminds you that you are not failing and you are not alone.

There is a way to experience calm, even here. 🙏✨

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

For many Christian adoptive parents, the struggle isn’t just about the process of adoption, it’s about learning how to trust God when the path forward feels unclear. How do you keep moving forward when faith and fear collide? ✨

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode comes straight from the heart. I’m responding to a question shared inside our adoptive parent community, one that my wife Mary Beth and I know all too well:

“We’re struggling with trusting that adoption is what God wants for us.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In this episode, I share parts of our own adoption journey, the doubts, the disappointments, the no’s, and the moments when we wondered if we had misunderstood God entirely. 

I also share the story of a phone call we almost missed… a moment that became one of the clearest clues that God was at work, even when we couldn’t see the full picture.

In today’s conversation, we explore:

❓ Why even faithful Christian couples struggle to trust God in adoption 📖 What the story of Gideon teaches us about asking God for reassurance 🧩 How God often provides “clues” instead of full answers 📞 The adoption phone call we were seconds away from missing—and why it mattered 🌱 How to trust God when you can only see one step ahead 📜 Why Proverbs 3:5–6 is an anchor verse for uncertain seasons

In Scripture, we see a God who meets His people in their doubt, provides reassurance, and continues to guide them forward with patience and grace. 🌿

If you’re wrestling with trust, feeling worn down by the ups and downs of adoption, or wondering whether God really has this, I pray this episode reminds you that He sees the whole picture, even when you can only see the next step. 🙏✨

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

Some of the questions I hear most often from other adoptive parents sound like this:

❓ How do you keep going when it feels overwhelming? 🌫️ How do you navigate the challenges, uncertainty, and weight of this journey? 💔 And especially this one… how can you be okay even when your kids aren’t?

More than 25 years into this journey, the lessons I carry were shaped by:

🌙 Sleepless nights ⛈️ Hard seasons 🌿 Unexpected moments of quiet grace

Those are the stories I want to share with you.

I want to begin with something many adoptive parents are longing for but often feel is missing: 🕊️ Peace

So the question becomes: How can adoptive parents experience peace in their lives? I believe it can be as simple as learning to listen.

Anchors of hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Book your anxiety management call with me today where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email to tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

And, if you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

When discipline feels like a daily battle and progress comes slower than expected, many adoptive parents quietly ask, “Am I doing this right?” 💭

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode brings you the second half of a rich and honest conversation with adoptive father, clinical psychologist, and speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi. In this practical and encouraging discussion, Dr. Ray speaks directly to the realities adoptive parents often aren’t prepared for, discipline struggles, trauma-based behaviors, attachment concerns, and the perseverance required to parent children with complex histories.

In Part One (Episode 221), Dr. Ray shared his family’s adoption journey, why he and his wife kept saying yes, and the often-unspoken realities of trauma histories, prenatal exposure, and safety concerns.

In this episode, we move into the how of parenting:
 How do you discipline a child whose wiring is different?
 How do you balance firm standards with deep affection?
 And how do you persevere when attachment and bonding don’t happen on your timeline?

Dr. Ray offers calm, confidence-building wisdom rooted in both professional experience and decades of parenting ten adopted children. This is an episode you may want to listen to with a pen and paper nearby.

Together, we explore how to:


🧭 Lead with calm, confident authority instead of power struggles and nagging


🛠 Understand why some children need repetition, structure, and perseverance not quick fixes

🤍 Balance increased discipline with increased affection, reassurance, and one-on-one time


🌱 Reframe attachment struggles by understanding trauma, prenatal exposure, and lived experience


🕊 Persevere through hard seasons without lowering standards or losing hope

Toward the end of the episode, we address common misconceptions around birth family reunions, attachment timelines, and the cultural messages that can quietly undermine an adopted child’s sense of belonging.

At the close of the episode, I share a Biblical principle that has guided my own adoption journey: Practicing Pure and Undefiled Religion from James 1:27. 

If you’ve ever questioned your approach to discipline, worried about attachment, or needed reassurance that perseverance truly matters, this episode will strengthen and steady your heart.💙

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,
 Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Dr. Ray: Website Facebook Instagram Book – Adoption: Should You, Could You, and Then What?

When love doesn’t seem to produce the results you expected, it can leave adoptive parents questioning themselves, their decisions, and even their hearts. 💭

Hi Neighbor,

Adoption is beautiful, redemptive, and deeply meaningful but it can also be messy, exhausting, and far more complicated than most people ever talk about. In this heartfelt and honest conversation, clinical psychologist and adoptive father of ten, Dr. Ray Guarendi, pulls back the curtain on the realities adoptive parents often face after the paperwork is signed and the child comes home.

This is Part One of a two-part conversation. In this episode, Dr. Ray shares his family’s adoption story, why he and his wife continued saying yes, and the hard realities that come with parenting children who have experienced trauma, neglect, prenatal exposure, or instability early in life. With humor, candor, and deep compassion, he normalizes the fears many adoptive parents are afraid to voice out loud.

Together, we explore:


🔍 Why adoption can be a “bumpy ride” even in loving, stable homes 
💬 Common fears adoptive parents carry 
🛑 Why safety, emotional, physical, and relational must always come first
 🤍 How challenging behaviors are often rooted in a child’s history, not parenting failure
 🌱 What it means to persevere when love doesn’t lead to quick or predictable results

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ray reassures adoptive parents that struggling does not mean failing and that feeling frustrated, uncertain, or worn down does not disqualify you from being the parent your child needs.

At the end of the episode, I share a Biblical principle that has guided my own adoption journey: Practicing Steadfast Love.

If you’ve ever felt anxious about your child’s future, questioned your parenting, or needed reassurance that you’re not alone in the hard parts of adoption, this episode will meet you right where you are. 💙

Part Two of this conversation continues with practical guidance on discipline, attachment, and persevering with confidence.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,
 Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Dr. Ray: Website Facebook Instagram Book – Adoption: Should You, Could You, and Then What?

For many adoptive parents, seasons of overwhelm show up quietly, and the real question becomes: How do I slow down long enough to hear God’s voice again? ✨

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode is a little different. Instead of me interviewing a guest, you’ll hear part two of my conversation with my friend Jenny Fulford, host of the Hearing God Daily podcast. Jenny invited me to share two things woven deeply into my story: how my son processed adoption trauma through journaling and how Scripture itself models emotional expression long before we had a word for it. ✍️

In this deep and practical conversation, we talk about:

🧠 How journaling helped my son work through adoption trauma

📖 Why the Psalms read like David’s raw, honest journal entries

💬 How Scripture models emotional processing—and why that matters for adoptive parents

📝 Simple ways to start journaling when you don’t know what to write

⏳ Why slowing down with God shifts your perspective and softens your heart

One of my favorite moments is when Jenny and I walk through Psalms 3, 25, and 77—seeing the same pattern over and over: honesty → remembrance → peace → praise. It’s a biblical roadmap for emotional processing, and it’s the same pattern that has helped both me and my son navigate some of our hardest seasons. 🌿💡

This conversation reflects the heart of our community: supporting adoptive parents with Biblical truth, emotional tools, and real stories of how God meets us in the mess. 💙

Near the end, I share a simple journaling practice anyone can start today—copying Scripture word for word as a way to “write truth on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3). It’s one of the ways I’ve learned to slow down, breathe, and connect with God again.

If you’ve been longing for a deeper connection with God, or wondering how to hear His voice through Scripture and journaling, this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and hope. 🙏✨

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S.The first part of this conversation can be heard in Episode 219.

If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

For many adoptive parents, those moments show up quietly—and the real question becomes: How do I hear God when everything around me feels loud or overwhelming? 💭

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode is a little different. Instead of interviewing a guest, I’m the one being interviewed by my friend Jenny Fulford, host of the Hearing God Daily podcast. Jenny invited me to share two things woven deeply into my story: the struggles I faced as an adoptive parent and how journaling became a lifeline in connecting with God. ✍️

In our conversation, we talk about:

📝 How journaling helped me through the hardest parts of our adoption journey

🔇 Why writing quiets the noise long enough to hear God again

💬 What honesty with God looks like when you’re afraid or overwhelmed

📖 How journaling anchors us in Scripture, truth, and reflection

One of my favorite moments is when Jenny creates her own acrostic from a journaling prompt I gave her—right in the middle of the interview. It’s a beautiful reminder that God often speaks when we slow down enough to listen. 🌿💡

This episode reflects the heart of our community: helping adoptive parents grow spiritually and emotionally while navigating the complexities of adoption. 💙

Near the end, I share a biblical principle that has carried me through many difficult seasons:

📖 Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.” God doesn’t ask us to hide our fear—He invites us to bring it to Him. 🙏

If you’ve been longing for a deeper connection with God or wondering how to hear His voice in the middle of real-life challenges, this episode will offer encouragement, clarity, and hope. ✨

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. 

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

It’s a deep, emotional pain that can shake both the child and the parent who longs to protect them. 💭

Hi Neighbor,

When an adoptee reaches out to their birth family and is rejected, the pain can be overwhelming. In this emotional and practical conversation, adoption professional Jane Baker shares how adoptive parents can respond with empathy, compassion, and presence instead of platitudes. Learn what to say, how to support your child’s heart, and how to help them grieve without feeling alone.

This is the final installment in our series on supporting adopted children as they learn their story and navigate reunions with birth parents.

In earlier episodes: • Episode 210 focused on adopted children who simply want to know their story and how to answer their questions with honesty, empathy, and clarity. • Episode 212 explored what to say when your child’s story is painful or difficult to tell. • Episode 217 shared guidance on supporting your child when they reconnect with birth family, regardless of the outcome.

In this conversation, Jane teaches us about the power of empathy and how to sit with our children in their grief instead of trying to fix, minimize, or explain it away.

Together, we explore how to:

🔍 Support your child through the raw emotions of rejection, grief, and disappointment. 💬 Avoid platitudes that shut down emotional expression like, “Don’t cry” or “It’s God’s will.” 🧭 Prepare emotionally to hold space for your child’s pain without being overwhelmed yourself. 🌿 Reinforce their value and remind them they are never to blame for the actions of others.

Jane also shares some of the most eye-opening moments she’s witnessed, from deep sorrow to cautious optimism, showing us what it means to walk alongside a child in their emotional reality.

At the end of this episode, I share a Biblical principle from Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” A verse that reminds us to enter our child’s emotional world and reflect the heart of Christ—present, loving, and compassionate—not to fix or correct, but to validate and support. ✨

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child process grief or rejection with courage and care, this episode will give you the clarity, tools, and reassurance you need. 💙

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/

Listen to Jane’s Episodes:

8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker

9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker

86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker

183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

Has your adopted child ever searched for their birth family with hope in their heart, only to face silence, disappointment, or outright rejection? It’s a kind of pain that shakes both the child and the parent who longs to protect them. 💭

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode, I continue my conversation with my friend and trusted adoption professional, Jane Baker, a woman who has spent decades walking with children and families through some of the most complex and emotional adoption stories. 🤝

This is the third installment in our series on helping adopted children understand, navigate, and process the truth of their story.

In earlier episodes:

• Episode 210 focused on adopted children who simply want to know their story and how to answer their questions with honesty, empathy, and clarity. • Episode 212 explored what to say when your child’s story is painful or difficult to tell.

In this conversation, Jane helps us understand what happens when adoptees take the next step, seeking connection with birth parents or siblings and how parents can support them through the fragile hopes and unpredictable outcomes. 🌱

Together, we explore how to:

🔍 Support your child when social media makes birth-family discovery easier but far more complicated. 💬 Help them sort through expectations, fantasies, and the emotional realities of reunion. 🧭 Prepare both yourself and your child emotionally, spiritually, and practically. 🌿 Stay grounded so you can be a steady presence instead of being swept up in the hurt.

Jane also shares some of the most heartbreaking and eye-opening moments she’s witnessed, stories of joyful connection, cautious optimism, and the crushing pain of renewed rejection.

Her wisdom will help you see more clearly what your child might be carrying, even if they don’t have the words to say it. 💡

At the end of this episode, I share a Biblical principle from Psalm 34:18 that has shaped my own adoption journey, a reminder that God draws near to the brokenhearted and invites us to do the same. Some moments are not about fixing but about faithful, grounded presence. ✨

If you’ve ever wondered how to support your child through a reunion that brings more questions than answers, this episode will help you find clarity, courage, and compassion for the road ahead. 💛

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/

Listen to Jane’s Episodes:

8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker

9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker

86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker

183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode, we talk about what it means to trust God when you can’t see what’s next in your adoption journey. I’ll share 5 anxiety Bible verses—timeless truths from Scripture to help you find peace, courage, and direction when everything around you feels uncertain.

Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How God’s Word becomes your “low beam” light in the fog 💛 Why slowing down often helps you see more clearly 🙏 The peace that comes from trusting God’s vantage point 🌿 How to apply biblical wisdom to your daily adoption struggles

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need to know where to anchor your heart.

If anxiety, doubt, or uncertainty have been clouding your parenting journey, this episode will remind you that God already sees what’s ahead and He’s guiding every step. 💙

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Book your anxiety management call with me today where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email to tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

And, if you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

What does it look like to let God rewrite your story of abandonment, identity, and belonging?

Hi Neighbor,

Sometimes the most powerful stories of faith begin in the hardest places. That’s true for my guest, Ayden Lincoln, an adoption advocate, author, and adult adoptee who was found abandoned in a shoebox in China and adopted into a family from Pennsylvania.

Her journey from loss to purpose is one of resilience, redemption, and grace. In our conversation, Ayden shares how she’s learning to make peace with her beginnings while helping others find healing in theirs.

Together, we talk about: ✨ The courage to face the pain of your story 💪 What it means to belong when your past feels broken 🌱 How faith can turn grief into growth

Ayden reminds us that healing doesn’t mean forgetting where we came from—it means trusting God to bring beauty from what was once broken. 🙏

If you’ve ever questioned your place in the story, Ayden’s words will remind you that you are not forgotten—and that your beginning does not define your becoming. 💙

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Ayden: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

What if healing doesn’t look like getting through it but learning to meet God in it? 🌿

Hearing God’s voice isn’t always easy, especially when life feels heavy and faith feels quiet. 💔

Hi Neighbor,

In this heartfelt conversation, Jenny Fulford shares how God met her in a season of silence and loss, and how journaling became the tool that helped her listen again. ✍️

Out of that quiet, Laurent Paper Company was born — a faith-based stationery brand designed to help others slow down, notice God’s presence, and respond with hope.

Jenny’s story reminds us that healing doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, honesty, and the courage to show up with what’s real. 💛

Through her experience, she offers a gentle way forward for anyone who’s ever wondered why their faith doesn’t feel as strong as it once did.

Together, we talk about: ✨ The power of journaling as a spiritual practice 🌤️ How to make space to hear God’s voice in everyday life 🌱 Why our struggles often become the soil where faith grows

And we find comfort in the promise of Isaiah 40:28–31 — “that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and rise again.” 🦅

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still can’t hear God, this episode will remind you that He’s not distant. He’s speaking right where you are. 🙏

Anchors of hope and healing are waiting.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. I’m opening a few free spots for one-on-one conversations where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jenny: Hearing God Daily Podcast Hear From God Clearly & Confidently Workshop Instagram Facebook  Facebook Group Email  Join the Newsletter

How can adoptive parents and adoptees apply these principles in their own journeys?

Hi Neighbor,

I’ve learned when I wrap up an interview to keep the recording going. Because more often than not, something unexpected and meaningful happens once the microphone should have been turned off. 🎙️

That’s exactly what took place after my conversation with Jackson TerKeurst. You can hear that interview in Episode 201.

In this aftershow conversation, what began as a few closing remarks turned into a rich, heartfelt exchange filled with wisdom for both adoptees and adoptive parents. 💬

The journey from chaos to hope isn’t easy—but it’s possible. Jackson’s story takes us from war-torn Liberia and orphanages to a life anchored in faith, trust, and healing. 

Together, we talk about: ✨ What it takes to build trust 💪 The power of consistency 🌱 How healing often grows in the soil of patience and faith

If you’ve ever wondered whether the waiting will be worth it, or how to stay steady when the path ahead feels uncertain, Jackson’s story will remind you that God’s timing is never late—and that healing happens one faithful step at a time. 🙏

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jackson: Instagram Website Book

Has your adopted child ever asked a question that stopped you in your tracks? Something so deep and painful, you weren’t sure how to answer?💔

Hi Neighbor,

In this powerful episode, I sit down again with my friend and trusted adoption professional, Jane Baker. Jane brings decades of experience walking with children and families through the hard work of healing adoption trauma.

In the first part of this series, we focused on adopted children who simply want to know their story—how to answer their questions, give them what they need, and respond with honesty and empathy. (You can listen to that conversation in Episode 210.)

In this second part, Jane shares wisdom on what to say when your child’s story is hard to tell. This one will make you both laugh and cry.

Together, we talk about how to: ✨ Help your child understand that their birth parents’ choices don’t define their worth. 💬 Respond to painful questions with honesty, empathy, and compassion. 🧩 Recognize when your child’s anger is really grief in disguise. 🌿 Create a safe space for healing—one quiet moment, one patient conversation at a time.

Jane also shares one of the most profound moments of her career—a conversation with a little boy whose words capture the heartache many adopted children feel. His story will move you deeply and remind you of the sacred work you’re doing as a parent.

I’ll also share a Biblical principle from 1 Corinthians 13:4 that ties beautifully into Jane’s wisdom. 📖 Some healing can’t be hurried. God’s love often works in the slow, quiet spaces.

If you’ve ever wondered how to walk with your child through pain you can’t fix, this episode will encourage you to stay present, trust God’s timing, and love with patient endurance.💛

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/

Listen to Jane’s Episodes:

8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker

9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker

86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker

183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

Hi Neighbor,

I’d like to take a moment to invite you into something special I built for adoptive parents. Something described in three words: compassion, connection, and community.

If you’ve ever sat in the quiet after a hard day with your adopted child and thought, “Am I the only one going through this?” 😔 You’re not! I’ve been there too.

I eventually found compassion, connection, and community through my anchors of encouragement. But I realized not every adoptive parent has that kind of support.

That’s why I created this space: a community of compassionate adoptive parents who understand, who share encouragement, and who offer practical, faith-rooted support.

If you’re in a season of difficulty with your adopted children, please take this opportunity to connect with us. We want to be there for you when you cry, when you need encouragement, or a safe embrace. 🤗

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. It's simple to join. Please go to the link in the show notes.

Together we can walk this road: One step, One prayer, One season at a time. Compassion, connection, and community. That’s what you'll find when you join us today. We’d be honored to walk alongside you.

If you know another adoptive parent who could use this kind of encouragement, would you please share this episode with them? Maybe text it to a friend who’s had a hard week, or post it on your social media.

You never know. A simple share might be the lifeline someone else needs today. 💖

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

👉 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. I recorded a quick video to show you how. Thanks so much!

Hi Neighbor, 

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down again with my friend and trusted adoption professional, Jane Baker. 

Jane has walked alongside countless families navigating the tender emotions of adoption reunions when children want to know more about—or even meet—their birth families. 💞

Together, we talk about how to: ✨ Let your child set the pace in learning their story. 🕊️ Be the source of truth about their adoption—spoken with kindness. 💗 Share difficult details with honesty, empathy, and tact. 🌿 Care for your own emotions as a parent while guiding your child through theirs.

I’ll also share a biblical principle that pairs perfectly with Jane’s wisdom. 📖

It’s a call to practice tact and kindness—to choose words that build understanding, confidence, and security in your child.

If you’ve wondered how to handle these delicate moments with truth and grace, this episode will bring clarity, encouragement, and hope. 

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s have a one-on-one conversation where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jane Baker: Phone: 256-353-8528 Email: JBaker@adoption-associates.com Website: https://www.adoption-associates.com/

Listen to Jane’s Episodes:

8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker

9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist with Jane Baker

86 – When Friends Fail You! How Adoptive Parents Can Heal From Betrayal? With Jane Baker

183 – Adoption Struggles: Wisdom I Wish I Had Known with Jane Baker

💭Do you long for real peace, but life’s chaos keeps pulling you away?

🌟What if slowing down could actually help you experience God’s presence more fully?

Hi Neighbor,

A simple card on my cabin door inspired this unplugged episode.

“Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” ~Dallas Willard

I reflect on how embracing God’s gifts can help us ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives.

Surrounded by God’s creation and longtime friends, I’ve been reminded that peace, calm, and rest are already available. We just need to make room for them. I’ll share 3 Biblical steps that have helped me experience these gifts from God.

Whether you’re an adoptive parent navigating unique challenges, or simply someone feeling weary from life’s storms, I hope this episode encourages you to slow down and receive the peace, calm, and rest God offers.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

As an adoptive parent, have you faced sleepless nights filled with fear, wondering if peace will ever come?

Adoption can bring heartbreak no one else sees💔. In Psalm 3, David poured out his pain and found peace. This episode shows you how to do the same.

We’ll explore Psalm 3 and the story of David, and I’ll share how journaling can be a powerful tool for adoptive parents to process their emotions and find peace in the middle of heartbreak.

Even in sleepless nights and hidden tears, God sees, sustains, and gives rest to weary parents.🕊️

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. I’m opening a few free spots for one-on-one conversations where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

👉 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. I recorded a quick video to show you how. Thanks so much!

Hi Neighbor!

Do you ever feel like you’re facing one discouraging obstacle after another in your adoption journey? You’re not alone. 💔 As an adoptive parent and coach, I know exactly what that feels like and how to persist through it.

So, what’s my secret? Partnering with God and using journaling as a daily anchor.

In this episode, I’ll share: ✨ My personal journaling experience ✨ Inspiration from one of my favorite Bible characters in Genesis 39 ✨ An easy way to start journaling—even if you’ve never done it before ✨ How pen-to-paper can help you partner with God

And so much more.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. I’m opening a few free spots for one-on-one conversations where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot. I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

Here are a couple of my favorite Bible Apps for comparing translations. YouVersion and Blue Letter Bible

Hi Neighbor,

If you’ve ever felt crushed by unsolicited advice 😣 or wondered if you’re failing your kids 💔, you’re not alone. Some words sting and stay with you—but sometimes, with time and perspective, they can also become lifelines.

In this episode, I share the story of how a piece of “terrible” advice was both the worst and best advice I ever received.

On its own, it wasn’t enough. But paired with a fresh perspective and the right support, it became a foundation for hope and healing.

Curious what it was? Tune in for an honest look at the adoption journey and the surprising wisdom hidden in hurtful words.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim💙

P.S. If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect Scripture with the realities of adoption trauma, I’d love to walk alongside you. I’m opening a few free spots for one-on-one conversations where we can talk through practical tools and Biblical encouragement for your journey.

👉 Send me an email at tim@anchorsofencouragement.com to grab your spot—I’d be honored to walk with you. 💙

Whatever season you’re in on your adoption journey, we can get through it together. 

If you’re feeling lost as an adoptive parent, THIS could be your lifeline. Remember, you’re not alone! 

Hi Neighbor,

Solomon in Ecclesiastes reminds us: there’s a time for everything. Whether you’re grieving 😢, celebrating 🎉, or searching for answers 🔎 in your adoption journey, every season has value and purpose.

Every adoption journey has its own season. Sometimes joyful, sometimes tough💔. You’re not alone walking through it. There’s a community waiting to support you, no matter what chapter you’re in.

Are you feeling lost as an adoptive parent? You don’t have to walk alone. Find encouragement, and let others walk with you through the highs and lows. Connection is your lifeline. 

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

Adoptive life can feel foggy, uncertain, and overwhelming. Sometimes the best way forward is to slow down, trust a higher perspective 🙏, and let go of needing to see every step ahead. What would it look like for you to drive with “low beams” today?

In this special mindset episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I would like to suggest you consider relying on Someone with a better vantage point, Someone who can shine a light on your path.

We’ll consider this question in light of verses found in Psalm 119, Ecclesiastes 12, Micah 6, and Mark 12.

And finally, make a direct application to the adoption journey from James 1.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor!

In this episode, we’ll dive into the story of Joseph in Genesis 📖 and see how time gave him clarity on why he suffered the things he did.

We’ll also explore 1 Corinthians and Romans to discover 3 powerful benefits of why good people and especially adoptive parents walk through seasons of suffering. 💔

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim 💙

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor!

When what you’re doing as a parent 🚫 isn’t working, how do you flip the script 🔄 and approach parenting differently? 🤔

In this episode, one of the individuals who helped my son Jonny navigate the challenges of residential treatment joins the show.

My neighbor 🏡 Erich Nelson shares a script 📝 that adoptive parents can use to de-escalate a volatile situation ⚡ by empowering their children 💪.

Grab a pen ✍️ and paper 📄 — this is definitely an episode for which you’ll want to take notes.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Follow Erich’s The DoLifeBig Project

Hi Neighbor,

Today, I’m joined by my neighbor from West Africa by way of Nashville, Jackson TerKeurst. Jackson opens up about his journey from civil war in Liberia to Tennessee, and what it was like to be an adopted teenager with walls built for survival.

He brings a powerful perspective on what love felt like on the receiving end of trauma… and what helped him slowly open the door to connection 🔓❤️.

🎧 You’ll hear:  • 🧠 What adoptive parents need to understand about the “shut down” behaviors they often misread
  • 🪨 How Jackson’s parents stayed steady, even when he wouldn’t engage
  • 🔑 What finally broke through the silence (and what didn’t)
  • 💔 Practical encouragement for the parent who feels like their love isn’t working

This episode dives deep into what it means to love through rejection 🚫, resistance 🌀, and silence 🤐 — the painful places trauma creates when a child’s heart can’t receive the love you're offering.

If you’re an adoptive parent or someone walking alongside a family impacted by trauma, this episode will encourage you to stay rooted in hope even when it’s hard to see fruit. You’ll learn how to hold space, stay steady, and love through layers of trauma.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.


Your Neighbor,
 Tim

P.S. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Connect with Jackson: Instagram Website Book

Hi Neighbor,

Today marks not only our 200th episode, but also the third anniversary of this podcast. What started as a simple idea and a backyard walk has now grown into a global community of adoptive parents seeking encouragement, connection, and biblical hope.

In this milestone episode, I’ll take you back to where it all began. I’m recording from my outdoor “studio,” the same backyard path where I first began sharing adoption content three years ago. I reflect on the origin of the podcast, the evolution of its name, and the heart behind every episode: letting adoptive parents know they’re not alone in the hard work of parenting.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at what’s ahead for the podcast and community. Coming attractions include:

• 💬 Adoption Life Coaching – Biblically grounded, experience-based coaching for adoptive parents

• 📧 Email Community – Behind-the-scenes content, affirmations, and parenting tools delivered weekly

• 🎥 YouTube Channel – Additional video content and encouragement

• 🎙️ Expert Interviews – Hear from therapists, counselors, and adoptees themselves

• 🧭 Daily Doables & Practical Tools – More actionable ways to apply spiritual truths and regulate emotions

• 🌐 Streamlined Access – To easily find coaching, community, and podcast extras

If you’ve ever felt like no one understands the unique struggles of adoption, this episode is for you. You’ll hear how community, coaching, and Scripture have shaped this podcast and how they can support you too.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way! Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Join the private Facebook community: TimSuggests.com/community

Hi Neighbor!

In this episode, I share a personal story about a time when I became so frustrated that I almost missed a positive opportunity that was right in front of me.

It’s something I need a constant reminder about and I hope it will encourage you too.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey! I’m putting together something designed to offer real, practical help and emotional support for fellow adoptive parents like you. It’s called Anxiety Management Coaching for Adoptive Parents.

I’d love to talk with you about it, about what you’re walking through, and what kind of support would be most meaningful right where you are. To book an Anxiety Management Call with me, just email me tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

I believe it is. Not just to see calm from a distance but to actually experience it, even in the middle of the storm. 

But first, you’ll need to become a copycat.

Hi Neighbor,

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious as an adoptive parent, you’re not alone. Anxiety Management is a real need in the trenches of adoptive parenting—and today, we’re talking about 3 Write ways to copy the right example and see calm in chaos.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• What it looks like to manage anxiety practically and spiritually.
• Why following the right example can lead to peace.
• 3 powerful ways to “copy” your way to calm.
• PLUS: A bonus copycat strategy you won’t want to miss.
• And your Daily Doable to help put it all into practice.

You don’t have to live in constant survival mode.

Anchors of hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey! I’m putting together something designed to offer real, practical help and emotional support for fellow adoptive parents like you. It’s called Anxiety Management Coaching for Adoptive Parents.

I’d love to talk with you about it, about what you’re walking through, and what kind of support would be most meaningful right where you are. To book an Anxiety Management Call with me, just email me tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

If you’re an adoptive parent feeling that way right now, may I gently suggest this: it’s time to grab hold of an anchor.

Hi Neighbor,⁣

I’m imagining an adoptive parent listening to this episode, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I know that feeling well because my wife and I have been there, too. There were times we were convinced no one else could possibly understand what we were walking through.

The adoption journey can be incredibly hard. But it doesn’t have to be lonely.

If you’re feeling alone, please hear this, you’re not. In this episode, let’s talk about how to find your anchor when the waves hit hard.

Anchors of hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey! I’m putting together something designed to offer real, practical help and emotional support for fellow adoptive parents like you. It’s called Anxiety Management Coaching for Adoptive Parents. I’d love to talk with you about it, about what you’re walking through, and what kind of support would be most meaningful right where you are. To book an Anxiety Management Call with me, just email me tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

You know, I would go sit in the Walmart parking lot for three hours until he went to bed. And so I was avoiding my whole family. That affected my husband because here my husband is supposed to be my protector, but legally he can’t protect me against this thirteen-year-old who’s constantly verbally abusing me.”

Hi Neighbor,

Navigating the complexities of parenting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a journey few understand, yet many adoptive parents endure in silence. 

In this episode, I sit down with Karen, an adoptive mother of six and a survivor of the extraordinary challenges RAD can bring to a family.

Her vulnerability is a reminder that while this path is isolating, hope and healing are possible.

RAD is a daily battle that can reshape a family. In Karen, we see what it means to survive, to keep going, and to find strength through connection and support.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey! I’m putting together something designed to offer real, practical help and emotional support for fellow adoptive parents like you. It’s called Anxiety Management Coaching for Adoptive Parents. I’d love to talk with you about it, about what you’re walking through, and what kind of support would be most meaningful right where you are. To book an Anxiety Management Call with me, just email me tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor!⁣

Why do bad things happen in life?

Some might say, “That’s just life.” But I believe there’s a deeper meaning behind that question, something worth pausing to reflect on.

In this episode, let’s reframe that narrative together. I’ll share a moment from David’s life in Psalm 13, a powerful example from Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 and 7, and a bold conversation with a queen in Esther 4.

Through their stories, we’ll explore 3 ways you can help someone restore the sparkle in their eyes even in the middle of hardship.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey! I’m putting together something designed to offer real, practical help and emotional support for fellow adoptive parents like you. It’s called Anxiety Management Coaching for Adoptive Parents. I’d love to talk with you about it, about what you’re walking through, and what kind of support would be most meaningful right where you are. To book an Anxiety Management Call with me, just email me tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Hi Neighbor,

Did you know that music can be a powerful tool for healing in the lives of adopted children navigating trauma?

Today, I’m excited to welcome back my neighbor from London, Crystal Luk-Worrall. Crystal is a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and clinical supervisor who specializes in helping children and families heal from early trauma.

In Episode 180, Crystal introduced us to EMDR therapy—a powerful approach for adoptive parents supporting kids through trauma.

In this episode, she shares her personal journey—from aspiring concert pianist to discovering her true calling as a music therapist. Crystal explains how music opens up new pathways for communication and healing.

Music allows kids to express what words often can’t. In therapy, it becomes a bridge—not just between sounds, but to feelings that may be too big or complex to name. As parents, we can help our children explore their emotions rather than suppress them.

Grab a pen and paper—Crystal has some simple, practical ways you can start incorporating music therapy at home.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Connect with Crystal: Freebie: https://www.clapandtoot.com/6waystoregulate Website: https://www.clapandtoot.com/ Email: crystal@clapandtoot.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-luk/

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Hi Neighbor,

How do you navigate those unexpected changes or losses that shake your world?

Over time, I’ve learned to find steady ground through simple practices, prayer, journaling, or even a quiet walk outside. In the midst of grief, these anchors have become pockets of peace.

I’ve also come to lean on the people in my life, my anchors. Friends who listen, support, and encourage me when life is difficult.

In today’s episode, I reflect on the sudden loss of a dear friend, Shannon, one of those anchors who passed away without warning.

His life reminds me of the kind of steady, hopeful presence, and anchor we all need.

Anchors of hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S My thoughts and prayers are with Shannon’s wife, Dana, and the entire family. Though there will be tears, sorrow, and pain now, Shannon knew that one day God will wipe away every tear.

You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you’re going through.

Hi Neighbor,

Ever felt like your adopted child was stuck in an emotional ditch?

Today’s segment, Getting Out of the Ditch, comes from Episode 183. Jane Baker uses a powerful metaphor: if your child is down in a ditch, you can’t help them by jumping in after them. 

I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you. You can be okay even if your kids aren’t.   Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Hi Neighbor,

When things go south, what can you do? You can call the therapist, the case worker, or sometimes, even the police. But what’s next? How can you be okay even if your kids aren’t?

Today’s segment, Call for Pizza, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

You can be okay even if your kids aren’t.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

But he was never called husband. He was never called daddy, and he was never called grandpa because he never came home.

I hope when I’m finished telling you his story, you might consider calling him hero.

Hi Neighbor,

This episode was recorded as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day in the United States. The federal holiday for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

In this episode, I share the story of my hero, Uncle Lloyd. A hero I only knew from a picture on a wall.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Hi Neighbor,

Parenting, especially in adoptive families, can be overwhelming. There’s only so much you can give before you have nothing more to offer.

Today’s segment, The Magic Is in Nurturing Your Relationships, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

What fills your cup? 

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Hi Neighbor,

As adoptive parents, it’s easy to get swept away by busy schedules and endless to-dos. Life will pile on demands until you intentionally slow down. It’s okay to say no to yet another commitment and just spend quiet time together.

Today’s segment, Family-Time Matters, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

In chaotic seasons, intentionally making time for family can be the anchor you all need.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Hi Neighbor,

Navigating the intricate journey of adoptive parenting presents unexpected hurdles, especially when trauma, healing, and family history are involved. 

Today’s segment, Don’t Be Afraid to Go to Therapy, comes from Episode 183. As adoptive parents, it’s okay to seek therapy for yourself. Healing starts with us. 

When parents seek help for themselves first, it sends a vital message: everyone needs support sometimes. It also prevents children from feeling like they’re “the problem” and shows that healing is a family journey.

I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you. Facing our own history can open doors for our kids to heal, too.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Resources mentioned by Jane: • Parenting with Love & Logic • Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life

Website: Love and Logic

Hi Neighbor,

As adoptive parents, we strive to create safe and loving homes. Yet, sometimes, deeper emotional layers, like unresolved grief, can go unnoticed in our children.

Today’s segment, Manifestations of Unresolved Grief in Adopted Children, comes from Episode 183. We’ll explore how grief manifests itself in adopted children and what parents can do to support healing.

I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

Parenting adopted kids isn’t always what you expect, especially when it comes to the hidden struggles like unresolved grief.

Adoption journeys are complex. Take time to pause, reflect, and apply what you learn. Small shifts in understanding can make a world of difference.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Hi Neighbor,

Adoptive parenting isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Understanding the hidden struggles of adopted kids can transform how we support and connect with them. Here are some powerful insights you NEED to hear.

Today’s segment, Understanding the Hidden Struggles of Adopted Children, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

Adoptive parents, this is hard! If you weren’t adopted, you might not “get it,” and that’s okay. The key isn’t having all the answers; it’s keeping the door open.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode, I want to introduce a new format derived from the more information-packed episodes— short, digestible segments, each centering around a single key concept to support you on your parenting journey.

Today’s segment, Adoption is Like a Car Accident, comes from Episode 183. I want to encourage you to listen, take notes, and sit with the idea or ideas that speak to you.

Whether your child is okay or not, YOU have to be okay, and you can!

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Hi Neighbor,

Adoption is built on loss. It’s a journey of processing this loss, especially during the preteen and teen years. Parents can’t heal these wounds for their children, but they can create a safe environment for them to do so.

Joining me today is my neighbor from Alabama, Jane Baker. Jane is a friend of the show, and she’s a friend of adoptive families. Jane is a priceless resource of information.

Conversations like the one you are about to hear contain things I wish we had known before we faced the challenges in our parenting journey. 

I want to encourage you to grab a pen and paper. There are lots of wise nuggets that will help you navigate the struggles that adoption can present. 

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Contact Jane: • Phone Number: (256) 353-8528 • Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com • Website: Adoption Associates

Resources mentioned by Jane: • Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew  • Parenting with Love & Logic • Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life

Website: Love and Logic

Hi Neighbor,

Can you imagine the heartbreak of watching your child struggle with emotions so raw and unfamiliar, you don’t even know what they mean, let alone how to help? That’s the reality for many adoptive parents.

In this episode, I allow myself to go back and feel my feelings from the day my wife and I took our son Jonny to residential.

I do so I can remember what it feels like to be in the struggle, so I can help other adoptive parents who are struggling in their parenting journey.

I’ll also share the one tool that benefited me the most as I navigated the complexities of adoption trauma.

This is my journey!

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

There might be times when you feel overwhelmed. You can’t breathe. You’re out of control. You feel like you’re drowning. What do you do? May I suggest you practice respite? 

Hi Neighbor,

Feeling overwhelmed in your adoption journey? Remember, it's okay to take a break.

As adoptive parents, maintaining emotional regulation can sometimes seem impossible, and you might feel like you’re drowning under pressure.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how adoptive parents can practice the respite principle to navigate difficult moments in their adoption journey.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

In Episode 103, I interviewed adoptee Simon Benn—his story and how a teddy bear triggered him many years later is compelling.

Hi Neighbor,

EMDR therapy for kids? Yes! Initially, for soldiers with PTSD, this therapy helps children process memories, especially those who can't verbalize trauma.

Today, I want to welcome my neighbor from London, Crystal Luk-Worrall. Crystal is a music therapist, EMDR practitioner, and clinical supervisor specializing in helping children and families heal from early trauma. 

Understanding trauma is crucial. Crystal shares how EMDR therapy, eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing, can help adoptive children and their families process these memories for a brighter future.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Connect with Crystal: Website: https://www.clapandtoot.com/ Email: crystal@clapandtoot.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-luk/

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Hi Neighbor,

I’m switching things up today! Instead of talking about adoption, I want to bring you a message of encouragement.

We all face storms in life, and in this episode, I’ll share a weather-related story that reflects that struggle. It might start a little rough, but hang in there—I promise it’s leading somewhere inspiring!

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Here’s the link to the book I wrote. You can see the picture I mention in this episode on the cover.

You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

As adoptive parents, we often find ourselves grappling with questions, fears, and challenges unique to the adoption journey.

In this episode, I want to share 3 stories that shape Adoption Struggles and Support. This podcast is deeply personal. Yes, it’s to support adoptive parents, but it’s also much more. 

I want you to know, you’re not alone.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Hi Neighbor,

How can adoptive parents be okay even if their kids aren’t? May I suggest you hold on to an anchor.

In this episode, I’ll consider a concept I call an ”anchor point,” which involves anchoring yourself in biblical principles to find guidance and peace during challenging times. 

I’ll also share a story from our private community, where an adoptive parent courageously shared their struggles, and how the support and encouragement they received became a beacon of hope. 

In your Daily Doable, we’ll look at practical ways to hold on to your anchor points with an example from the book of Philippians.

We’ll also consider why it’s important to strengthen your adoptive parenting journey by connecting with a community that understands you. 

Remember, you are not alone in your journey. Whether it’s through community support or grounding scripture, there are anchors ready to guide you through the storm.

Anchors of Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. You’re not alone in this journey. If you haven’t joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It’s a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through.

Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Hi Neighbor,

Today marks a change for this podcast. We’re pivoting from Anchors of Encouragement to Adoption Struggles and Support.

In this episode, I’ll share some of the reasons for this pivot and how you can help this podcast reach more adoptive parents.

I’ll also share one of the most difficult conversations I had with my son Jonny. A conversation filled with lessons and essential truths that every adoptive parent might need to face at some point. 

Anchors of hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Listen to today’s episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode, I’ll share a personal story from my adoption journey and how it inspired my words for the year.

Ever think about the secret sauce to navigating the highs and lows of the adoption journey? Let’s chat about a concept from Philippians that might be your game-changer: PRACTICE.

Daily Doable: If you haven’t listened to them, check out Episodes 167-174. They help lay the foundation for the concepts behind PRACTICE.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

This is the last episode in our series where I’ve been laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “E.”

Feeling overwhelmed by negativity? In this episode, learn how to combat triggers with pen and paper. It is an empowering way to reclaim your mental space and find peace of mind.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “C.”

Oftentimes, the wounds in the adoption journey are not visible but they hurt nonetheless.

In this episode, let’s consider the story of the Good Samaritan and how to feel compassion and show mercy to adopted children and their parents. 

They need us to be neighbors who care deeply and offer support during their hardest times. 

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “I.”

The adoption journey is filled with challenges, distractions, and anxiety. How do we stay focused? By being intentional every day. 

I’ll share 4 ways that help me to be intentional. And one my son Jonny shared in Episode 14.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “C.”

The words we choose to share can be comforting and uplifting. A small compliment or kind word can make a significant difference in someone's day.

I’ll share two stories to illustrate this concept.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome you to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “P.”

We’ll explore how to intentionally put principles in play to refresh adoptive parents. But the principle is only beginning to accomplish its purpose. Listen to find out why.

Our principle and affirmation comes from the book of Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 25.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome you to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, this one during a winter storm warning!

In our previous episodes, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs, if you will, to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them down into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “R.”

We’ll explore how to harness the calming effects of snowfall to bring intentional stillness into our lives.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim 

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome you to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

In our previous episode, I began laying the foundation for my words this year, giving you breadcrumbs, if you will, to a word jumble.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them down into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Today’s word begins with the letter, “T.” Actually, I have 2 words for you:)

We’ll also look into the book of Ecclesiastes for inspiration and reference a 17th-century novel about musketeers.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome you to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement.

Today, I’m going to begin revealing what my words are for the coming year.

Here’s a hint: I’m going to reveal these words slowly. We’ll dive deep into their meanings by breaking them down into acronyms, like a little puzzle – a tribute to my Mom who loved word jumbles.

Each episode will bring new insights and tools to help you navigate the year with faith and confidence. Don’t miss out on the journey!

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

December is a month where a lot of us select our word for the coming year. 

A word to provide a compass and guidance and direction as we anticipate the challenges and aspirations of the coming year. 

Have you ever chosen a word to guide you through the year?

As we enter the New Year, I want to encourage you to choose a word, or words, that will serve as your compass and guiding light. 

If you need support or would like to bounce your ideas off of me, feel free to reach out via email or join our Facebook community.

Together, we can navigate the wilderness of adoption and support each other through every step.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,  

Adoptive parents sometimes face dark clouds of adversity in their adoption journeys, but remember: every dark cloud has a silver lining.

In this journaling episode, we’ll consider the transformative power of seeing silver linings amidst adversity. 

Whether you're facing the unique challenges of the adoption journey or simply navigating life's unpredictable storms, this episode is packed with practical advice, affirmations, and heartfelt inspiration.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,  

In this journaling episode, I’ll share a journaling prompt inspired by the story of one of my favorite Bible characters.

I’ll also share with you an easy way to begin journaling even if you have never done it before. Plus 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. Here are a couple of my favorite Bible Apps for comparing translations. YouVersion and Blue Letter Bible

If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor,

In this journaling episode, I’ll share a kindness quote and show how it can be used to support adoptive parents.

We’ll consider how important compassion is in supporting adoptive parents through their unique challenges and struggles.

If you are an adoptive parent, please listen for a tip you can use to receive kindness and compassion from the people who care about you.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. If this podcast uplifted you, please share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Hi Neighbor!⁣

Are you grateful for the time you have? We all have a finite amount of time. We just don’t know how finite.

Whenever life is interrupted, it reminds us of how precious time is. Reflecting on time can deepen our appreciation for the moments we often take for granted.    In this journaling episode, I want to encourage you to evaluate the things you spend your time on. With an attitude of gratitude toward your time, you will live life more deliberately.

“I’m so glad we had this time together!”

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. The best way to thank someone who has touched your life is to spread their impact. If this podcast uplifted you, share it and be an anchor of encouragement for others.

Please leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.

Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

What can you do when you feel this way? I believe it’s important to hold on to and embrace an anchor of encouragement.

Hi Neighbor!⁣

Adoptive parenting can often feel like you’re all alone with no one understanding the unique challenges you face. 

But the truth is, many adoptive parents are experiencing the same struggles.

My wife and I felt incredibly alone in our adoption journey. It wasn’t until we connected with other adoptive parents during our son’s time in residential that we realized we weren't alone. 

In this journaling episode, let’s explore 7 benefits for adoptive parents to embrace an anchor of encouragement in their adoption journey.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Join our safe space for adoptive parents. Let’s replace isolation with connection, loneliness with community, and anxiety with hope. You’re never alone on this journey.

Reach out to Tim: email tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

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!

There are days when adoption can be really hard. In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, we’ll consider 7 ways for adoptive parents to find support and achieve respite.

And it all begins by hitting the Pause Button!

Grab a pen and paper to capture these tactical ways to achieve respite.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. Reach out to Tim: 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.

Hi Neighbor!

Have you ever had rain in your heart? Sometimes it can feel like a drizzle while other times it feels like a downpour.

Where can adoptive parents go for shelter?

I believe the solution is found under the umbrella of a friend.

In this episode, I would like to share this idea of an umbrella with you and explain how it relates to the Encouragement Anchor.

We’ll also consider 3 ways to acknowledge an adoptive parent and be their umbrella.

I pray this episode encourages you to seek shelter under the umbrella of a friend and be an umbrella for them too.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. Reach out to Tim: 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.

Hi Neighbor!

In this episode, I would like to respond to an answer a listener gave me to the following question... What would support you the most RIGHT NOW when it comes to adoptive parenting?

We’ll consider this answer by looking at the clues God gave Gideon in Judges chapters 6-7. And I’ll share one of the clues we received in our adoption journey with the story of the phone call that almost didn't happen.

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.

Hi Neighbor,

Are you an adoptive parent struggling with a challenging storm in your life? You might feel out of sorts. You might feel a heaviness about you. You might even feel emotionally drained.

It’s time to listen to your body, step back, step away, and show yourself grace. It’s time to be still.

But how does an adoptive parent do this? That’s what we’ll consider in this episode, along with my personal story and inspiration from Psalms 46 and 121.

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.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share a couple of stories that happened in a span of just one week. Two remarkable events that gave me the opportunity to PAUSE. 

When life feels overwhelming, pauses like these can be incredibly grounding. We’ll consider those stories plus encouraging Bible verses from Psalm 19.

Sometimes when life feels overwhelming, all we need is the anchor of a pause.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. If you would like to see the images that I took of the northern lights and the comet, they’re in our private community. I would like to invite you to become a member. This is a safe space for adoptive parents. We would love to have you.

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 a special hiking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. 

Today, let’s talk about something crucial for adoptive parents navigating life’s hustle and bustle: self-regulation. Retreating to a place where you’re genuinely understood can work wonders. 

I want to share a story of the impact of being with “your people,” the people who get you, support you, and help you recharge.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. Joining a supportive community can make all the difference in navigating your adoption journey. I encourage you to retreat to our safe space for real and raw conversations. Will you take that first step to connect?

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. 

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed as an adoptive parent? It happens to all of us. But today, I have a simple yet powerful tip to cope with anxiety and regulate those feelings. 

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. Join me for this go-to method for regulating emotions as an adoptive parent.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

P.S. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Join our supportive community of adoptive families and allies! The camaraderie and support can offer additional regulation and peace of mind.

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. 

I have a personal confession to make, something I have wrestled with my entire life. And something that causes me anxiety. But it pales in comparison to the anxiety I want to address in this episode.

Many adoptive parents struggle with this question. I know because you’ve told me. It’s a question my wife and I have asked many times.

Let’s dig into the truth behind that question and how we as adoptive parents can navigate the challenges of adoption trauma to experience real peace of mind.

We’ll unpack a 4-step principle from Philippians chapter 4 that I first mentioned in Episode 152. Peace of mind is possible! 

You Are Not Alone!

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.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have you ever had so many ideas running through your head at one time that it was hard to think straight? Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore how to unclog a log jam of ideas through journaling. 

This is the fourth episode in a 7-part series on journaling. Your Daily Doable includes a journaling prompt to help you easily clear your head AND retain those ideas you don’t want to forget. 

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.

The right word at the right time by the right person has the power to not only change your mood, it can change your entire day. It’s an amazing feeling when that happens.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could do that for yourself without waiting for someone to do it for you? You can! Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore how to tap into the power of affirmations through journaling.

This is the third episode in a 7-part series on journaling. As discussed in Episode 71, one of my sources for affirmations is scripture. Another source is song lyrics, with a specific example provided in Episode 114.

In your Daily Doable, notice the technique for using these journaling prompts. You can tap into the power of affirmations!

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.

Hi Neighbor!⁣

Today’s episode marks the second anniversary of this podcast. I want to thank those of you who have supported this podcast, many from the beginning.

As I’ve gotten to know more of you over these past 2 years, there is one recurring theme for those adoptive parents who are facing the challenges that adoption can present. This can be summed up in 2 words: The Struggle.

Are you a struggling adoptive parent? For those of us who have gone through The Struggle, it’s easy to see. Adoptive parents in The Struggle have lost the sparkle in their eyes.

Consider this: Could it be the struggles you have gone through, have prepared you to encourage someone else?

In this episode, let’s consider The Struggle and reframe that narrative. I would like to share a psalm of David, a story in the life of Paul, and a conversation with a queen to show you 3 ways to help someone restore the sparkle in their eyes.

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.

Do you find yourself reliving reruns in your life? Another way to put it is this, do you see yourself living out your version of Groundhog Day? Grab a pen and paper, and let’s explore this concept together.

This is the second episode of a 7-part series on journaling. As we consider the concept of reliving reruns in our lives, I have some journaling prompts to help identify those thoughts that don’t serve you well.

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.

How do you typically handle mental blocks? Have you tried unplugging?

In this first of a 7-part series on journaling. I want to share how to get unstuck when your brain just won’t cooperate. Whether it’s finding answers or solving problems, sometimes we just need to UNPLUG. Here’s how.

We’ll consider this concept with a jumble of the word JOURNAL. Journaling is my favorite go-to method for getting unstuck. But as you’ll see in this episode, there are other ways I use as well.

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.

Welcome to another walking episode of Anchors of Encouragement. Today, I’m coming to you from my backyard studio.

Based on three separate conversations I’ve recently had with adoptive parents, I want to share an important concept with you. The ONE thing adoptive parents NEED to know.

It’s something that makes navigating the highs and lows of the adoption journey doable.

To understand this concept and the power it affords us as adoptive parents, we’ll consider a story about a little bird and three passages from scripture: two from the Book of Matthew and one from the Book of Deuteronomy.

Grab a pen and paper. I have a journaling exercise for you as part of your Daily Doable.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Let’s talk! To schedule a time for us to chat, reach out to me, tim@anchorsofencouragement.com

Join our amazing Facebook Community.

Hi Neighbor,

Returning on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, is my neighbor from Alabama, Erich Nelson. Erich was first on the show in Episode 53.

Erich is back today to discuss an important topic for adoptive parents and adopted children to understand – what it means to be stuck in survivor mode.

You get to be a fly on the wall while Erich and I share our stories and struggles with survivor mode.

Daily Doable: Listen, REALLY listen to this conversation and allow it to take you wherever it does, EVEN IF that place makes you feel uncomfortable. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Learn more about Erich’s The Dolifebig Project: Facebook and Instagram Join our amazing Facebook Community.

Hi Neighbor,

In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share my reaction to the movie Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, brought to you by Angel Studios.

This film is a mirror for so many of us on the adoption journey. As an adoptive parent myself, I saw my own story reflected in powerful ways. Adoption, whether private or through the foster system, presents similar challenges.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most importantly, you’ll UNDERSTAND. Sound of Hope brings attention to the unseen battles adoptive parents face every day. It’s a peek behind the curtains, making you more sympathetic and supportive.

Daily Doable: WATCH THIS MOVIE! If you’re an adoptive parent, it’s a Must-See. If you’re not, it’s still a Must-See. Understanding the adoption journey helps us all become better anchors of encouragement for families in need. Remember, YOU may be the world to ONE person.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Mentions in this episode: Listen to Dr. Kimberly Offutt’s story in Episode 132. Watch the Sound of Hope Trailer. Join our amazing Facebook Community.

Hi Neighbor,

As an adoptive parent myself, I’ve walked the path filled with both joy and challenges. My mission is to share stories, offer biblical encouragement, and bring on experts to help you navigate this unique journey. I want to walk you home!

That gets us to today’s question: How can I serve you better? In private conversations I’ve had with adoptive parents, they have told me.

But I’ve never asked that question on the podcast. So, today I’m asking you, as an adoptive parent, how can I serve you better? See the 2 ways you can share your answers with me below. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Below are the 2 ways you can share your answers with me... Number 1: Send an email to me, tim@anchorsofencouragement.com Number 2: Become a member of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

The focus is to find families that meet the needs of the child, rather than finding children that fit the needs of the family. The child comes first!

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement is my neighbor from Atlanta, Dr. Kimberly Offutt. Dr. Kim is an inspirational speaker, author, child advocate, social worker, and adoptive parent.

She has served at Bethany Christian Services for more than 20 years in various capacities in the child welfare field, advocating on behalf of children who are in foster care and available for adoption.

When Dr. Kim started with Bethany Christian Services, she was responsible for recruiting families to be foster and adoptive parents. As a recruiter, the first person she recruited was herself!

Have you ever considered fostering or adopting? Dr. Kim’s story is a testament to patience and love in adoption. Reflecting on adopting 4 children from foster care, she defies conventions and dispels myths about parenting and birth order. Tune in for her heartfelt insights.

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.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to another unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement. In this episode, I would like to build on the concept of respite we first introduced in Episode 40.

Respite is something that adoptive parents have told me is important to them as they navigate the challenges of adoptive parenting.

Today’s story is about how I got out of my comfort zone by allowing a friend to lead me to respite and retreat. I did something I never would have entertained had it not been for her.

Consider this story with me as we look at 3 ways to embrace the Anchor of Retreat.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Thrill-Seeking Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Oops! After I had recorded and published this episode, I realized there was a 5th activity option. I had suppressed it because it caused as much if not more anxiety than the zip line, kayaking in an underground cavern. I can’t swim! I think you can see why I suppressed this option:)

Episodes mentioned today: EP 40 – 7 Ways for Adoptive Parents to Find Support and Achieve Respite EP 71 – Sit With the Text? How the Psalms Can Help You Overcome Storms in Your Life

Also, I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to a special memorial episode of Anchors of Encouragement. I want to share something deeply personal and touching with you today.

There comes a time in every pet parent’s life when we must say goodbye to our beloved companions. This episode is my tribute to Amp, who brought so much joy and comfort into my life.

I first mentioned Amp at the beginning of this podcast in Episode 5. As that story illustrates, he and I had a special connection.

Take a moment to embrace the fur baby anchors in your life. Whether it’s a cat, dog, horse, or any other cherished pet, their unique ability to sense our emotions and provide comfort is truly invaluable.

Let them be your anchor of encouragement, as Amp was for me.

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.

Hi Neighbor,

Do you enjoy unexpected, positive surprises? I do! In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share a story about why I value the anchor of solitude and hope you’ll consider embracing it too.

We’ll also reflect on a passage from the book of Psalms and discuss solitude from episodes 5, 71, and 128. (see links below)

Help, hope, and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Here are the links to the episodes referenced today. Ep 5 – 3 Benefits of Walking to Overcome Overwhelm and Stress

EP 71 – Sit With the Text? How the Psalms Can Help You Overcome Storms in Your Life

Ep 128 – 4 Simple Tips To Find Peaceful Sleep as an Adoptive Parent

Also, I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

For adoptive parents, maybe it’s out of concern for your children. I know this can leave you anxious. Your mind is racing. You’re losing sleep.

What can you do?

Hi Neighbor,

Are restless nights and racing thoughts keeping you up? You’re not alone. In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share 4 practical tips to help you calm your mind and achieve that restful night’s sleep you crave.

We’ll also look at inspiring scriptures from Psalm 77 and Proverbs 3.

Grab a pen and paper. I’ll funnel these tips through the acronym CALM. Think of it as a mental massage for your mind.

Help, 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.

Hi Neighbor,

In this unplugged episode, I want to share 2 stories that will illustrate the concept of the Daily Doable and how it relates to adoptive parents and the storms they will face in their adoption journeys.

I’m pulling back the curtain to share how I have been able to navigate the anxiety that adoptive parenting presented in my life.

Grab a pen and paper and dive into the 5 ways to harness the power of the Daily Doable. While this won’t eliminate your storms, it will help you face them with courage and confidence.

Help, 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.

Hi Neighbor,

As I journaled through ideas for a new episode, I came across one idea in particular. As I explored it, I rediscovered an episode from early in this podcast.

It contained a message that I needed to hear. Chances are if I needed to hear that message, there is someone out there who could benefit from it too.

I would encourage you to grab a pen and paper, listen to the episode, and make a list of the things I talk about in the Daily Doable so that you can be encouraged and can encourage others as well.

I See You! We were miles from where we started. At this point, we were tired but there was no turning back. Then I looked down and saw the encouragement we needed to finish.

Help, hope, and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. 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,

Today I want to take you back to the beginning. The beginning of this podcast with a story of one of the most difficult days in my life.

In this encore episode, we’ll explore the theme: 5 Ways To Love a Child of Adoption Trauma. Looking back on that day, I realized how much anxiety my wife and I had been living with. We were overwhelmed, we couldn’t breathe, and we felt like we were drowning.

As I’ve talked with many of you, it’s quite apparent how much anxiety you’re living with as well. There are so many things I’ve learned since that day about how to navigate the challenges of anxiety and adoption trauma.

It’s my prayer that my story will give you Help, Hope, and Healing in your adoption journey.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. 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,

Today, I would like to share a special encore episode where we’ll circle back to a conversation I had with my son Jonny about one of the tools he learned in residential.

This tool was instrumental in Jonny liking himself again, and this tool is something I have adopted in my life and encourage you to practice too.

It’s journaling!

Journaling continues to help Jonny shape his life and navigate its ups and downs. So whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it, I’m excited for you to dive back into the insights and the transformative strategies of journaling.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. 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,

I would like to share with you a special encore episode where we’ll circle back to the beginning and consider one of my 3 core anchors, self-awareness. It’s something I continue to use on a regular basis to help me navigate the storms of life.

So whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it, I’m excited for you to dive back into the insights and the transformative strategies of becoming a paper tiger.

I pray this episode helps you avoid saying things you will regret.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. 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.

Would hearing from both a parent and a child about their journey through the adoption process and coming out stronger on the other side be helpful to you?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, I invite you to listen to this encore episode of Anchors of Encouragement, where my son Jonny and I share a powerful story that could provide the breakthrough you've been looking for.

Hey Neighbor,

You’re about to listen again to one of our most powerful episodes where I sit down with my Dad, Tim, to talk about the struggles, breakthroughs, and lessons learned on my path through adoption trauma.

We dive into the life-changing concept of 10-10-10 and share the real and raw conversation adoptive families need to hear. Whether you caught it the first time or it’s new to you, this encore presentation is sure to bring valuable insights and perhaps be the anchor you need to stay steady in the storms of life.

Let’s step back into this journey together and remember, no storm is too tough to weather with the right tools and support.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Jonny

P.S. 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,

Recently, I got to witness nature put on one of its most stunning shows – a total solar eclipse. It was a few moments of profound introspection.

This episode of Anchors of Encouragement is all about that. I want to tell you about this amazing sight, how it almost didn’t happen, and how it ties back to memories and moments that are worth holding onto, including a special connection with my Mom.

We'll also consider some passages from Psalm 19, and think about how something as everyday as the sky and something as rare as a total solar eclipse can be a source of encouragement and comfort. It’s a reminder that there is a Power much greater than any of us in control of it all.

Ready for a moment of calm and a bit of soul-soothing?

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. In this episode, I also mention Episode 119 – Biblical Encouragement From the Anchor of Promise

And I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.

Hi Neighbor,

In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share 3 reasons why I step away from my day-to-day activities and go for a walk.

The simple act of walking can be a tremendous source of solace and strength. And I want to encourage you to walk for wellness too.

You’ll realize benefits that will bless you throughout your entire day.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Speaking of benefits, check out Episode 5 – 3 Benefits of Walking to Overcome Overwhelm and Stress

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I understood this was a process. There were benefits to doing what I was doing. Just like I've experienced the benefits of cycling and later hiking. I've also experienced the benefits of something else I've talked about on this podcast, journaling.

Hi, Neighbor. 

To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the second of a 5-part series about journaling.

Question Number 2: How Much Time Does Journaling Take? Answer: It actually takes less time than you might think.

We will explore this question through stories about my Dad and son, Jonny, and how they have reacted to traumatic experiences.

Learning from their stories, I incorporated those lessons into my own life. I believe this process will inspire you to journal too. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Did you miss Part 1 in this series? You can listen to it here. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

Hi, Neighbor. 

To Journal or Not to Journal? Five questions to consider. This is the first of a 5-part series that I want to share with you about journaling.

Question Number 1: What Are the Benefits of Journaling? In today's episode, we'll consider that question with 3 game-changing benefits that sealed the deal for me.

I also mention Episode 47,  where my son Jonny shares his story and discusses how journaling has been a significant source of support for him. It’s a powerful testimony to the power of journaling.

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.

Hi, Neighbor. 

I’m here to tell you, don’t beat yourself up. In this episode, I’ll share 3 ways adoptive parents can navigate these challenges in their adoption journeys.

Verses mentioned in this episode. “For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us so that we might share in his holiness.” Hebrews 12:10

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31

I want to encourage you to use Luke 6:31 as a journaling prompt. Copy this verse and keep it front and center for those times of criticism and self-doubt.

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.

Join our Facebook community at this link.

Hi Neighbor,

I’m here to encourage you. Don’t give up! In this episode, I want to offer you some biblical encouragement with a time-tested proverb and share a personal story of how that was manifested in my life.

Proverbs 22:6 NLT – “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Proverbs 22:6 NKJ – “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Be an anchor of encouragement for other adoptive parents searching for answers in their adoption journeys. Please leave a review for the podcast. It’s simple and will only take a few minutes. See the link below for a video on how to do it. Thank you!

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.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me today is my neighbor from San Jose, Terri Marcroft. Terri is an adoptive mom and a passionate advocate of open adoption.

You’ll hear Terri’s story and how it motivated her to create an organization to raise awareness of why adoption is the healthier solution to an unplanned pregnancy. 

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.

Terri’s Organization: Unplanned Good

Terri’s Books: Pro-Family Pro-Adoption: A Christian’s Guide to Unplanned Pregnancy Options

Pro-Choice Pro-Adoption: It's Time for a Loving, Positive Response to Unplanned Pregnancy

Disclaimer: As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Some of the links I include in my emails may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Welcome to a special behind-the-scenes episode of Anchors of Encouragement. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege to speak to many adoptive parents. 

Even though I am an adoptive parent, it’s my desire to get to know you better so that I can create content and episodes that speak to you. 

After these conversations, I realized I needed to update the description for this podcast. I want it to reflect what I heard you say you want to hear on this show, and that’s what I want to share with you in this episode. 

Here’s the new description for the podcast. Some of it will sound familiar, but some of it will sound a little different.

Did you finally realize your dream of having a family only to have your happily ever after turn into a nightmare?

Are you constantly second-guessing your parenting, anxious about whether your child will make good choices and remain faithful?

Do you wish more than anything that your child would know Christ and just turn out "OK"?

Have you neglected yourself to the point that it’s taken a personal toll on you?

Hi Neighbor! Welcome to Anchors of Encouragement. I’m Tim Maudlin: Husband, Adoptive Parent, Disciple of Christ, and Ambassador of Encouragement.

I too felt the joy of having a family of my own and I wished we could be like other families. But I found myself up late at night, anxious about my child's future and asking myself, "Why is this happening? Am I a failure as a parent?"

It was only by grabbing a lifeline from God and my friends that I was able to navigate the challenges of adoptive life. 

And now I can't wait to share everything I've learned with you.

My mission is to be your friend and encourager, to throw adoptive parents a lifeline, and offer biblical mindset support as you partner with Christ, providing stability as your anchor when you need it the most.

If you’re ready for real and raw talk, with strategies and insights that lead to peace beyond comprehension so you not only survive but thrive in life’s storms, this podcast is for you.

Hope and Healing are on the way! 

I'm here for you, neighbor!

That’s the new description for this podcast, or maybe I should say the most current description.

This is something that will continue to evolve as I get to know you better and understand what kind of content you want and need in this podcast.

Daily Doable: I really want to hear from you. Listen and or read the description. Do these points that I'm making speak to you? If they do, let me know. 

If they don't, please let me know because it's my goal to create content that speaks to the challenges you're facing in your adoption journey.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Send your comments and feedback to AnchorsOfEncouragement@gmail.com

Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

Hi Neighbor,

Trauma can lie dormant for a long time, even decades. Unexpectedly, trauma can be triggered by the most seemingly innocent things.

Joining me today, is my neighbor from Great Britain, Simon Benn. Simon is an adoptee. The insights that he shares from his journey, I believe, will not only help those of us who are adoptive parents but will help our adopted children as well.

I want to encourage you to grab a pen and paper. There are so many nuggets in this episode, From the story about a teddy bear to a metaphor of a diamond. And then in the Daily Doable, Simon gives those of us who are adopted parents An amazing gift.

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.

Simon Benn Contact Information: Podcast Website Instagram Facebook

Disclaimer: As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Do you ever feel weighed down with negative thoughts running through your mind? Maybe you even feel overwhelmed or even stuck.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could do something and poof, those negative thoughts would just go away? 

Grab a pen and paper, because today, I’m going to share with you a tool that will let you do just that.

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.

(Today) she’s a college graduate. She has a wonderful job, and she’s a productive member of this community. She’s loving and caring.

All of these things took time, but these were the hurdles that we were seeing and not reacting very well to.”

Hi Neighbor,

Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to my neighbor from Philadelphia, Anna Maria DiDio. Anna Maria is an adoptive mother and children’s author whose adoption-themed books encourage open and honest conversations between parents and children. 

Grab a notebook and pen. This is a much-needed conversation in the adoption space. Check out the links below to connect with Anna Maria and purchase her books.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Website and Free Resources

Love at the Border: An Adoption Adventure and Memoir

Many People to Love: Understanding Adoption Trauma (L.I.F.E.* Adventures series Book 1)

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Disclaimer: As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Some of the links I include in my emails may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Are your holidays ever sad? I understand. Mine have been too.

In this episode, I want to share Psalms 136 and 143 with you. I lean on the truths in these Psalms to shift my perspective when life gets tough and the holidays are sad. I pray this blesses you.

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.

In this third of a 3-part series, I want to consider with you an audio clip taken from my interview with Dr. Rick Morton of Lifeline Children’s Services. You can hear that interview in Episode 93.

Today, I’m going to share a story with you about why the easy part of adoption happens before the papers are signed. The hard part actually begins when you bring your child home. 

We’ll also consider 4 ways to flip the script on hard and make it doable by following the invitation of Jesus in Matthew chapter 11, verses 28-30. I pray this episode blesses you.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Miss part 1? You can catch it here. Miss part 2? You can catch it here. Also, would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

In this second of a 3-part series, I want to consider with you an audio clip taken from my interview with Dr. Rick Morton of Lifeline Children’s Services. You can hear that interview in Episode 93.

Today, I’m going to share with you a tool that can help adoptees revisit and process their grief. It’s a tool I’ve talked a lot about on this podcast… journaling. We’ll consider 5 steps to apply this tool. I pray this episode blesses you.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Miss part 1? You can catch it here. Also, would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

In this first of a 3-part series, I want to consider with you an audio clip taken from my interview with Dr. Rick Morton of Lifeline Children’s Services. You can hear that interview in Episode 93.

Today, we’re going to consider adopted children as heroes and 4 different ways to apply this concept. I pray this episode blesses you.

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.

Hi Neighbor,

I want to share with you a bonus episode of Anchors of Encouragement today. You might be able to tell that I’m outside. It’s a fall day. The leaves are falling. It’s raining. 

I’m one of those individuals who likes to actually walk in the rain. There's something soothing about it. 

The question I asked at the beginning is based on the song, Count on Me by Jefferson Starship. I pray this episode blesses you.

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.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me in this episode is, Julie Ryan McGue. Julie is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. She explores the topics of finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it.

A personal health crisis motivated Julie to pursue her story. A story she pieced together through conversations, genealogists, and journaling.

Julie has a powerful story to share with us.  

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Get Julie’s Books: Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble

Contact Julie: Facebook

Disclaimer: As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Some of the links I include may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me in this episode is, Kathryn Barnhill. Kathryn is a pregnancy counselor at Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical Christian adoption agency in America.

Kathryn has a powerful story to share with us. A story that will inspire you. Kathryn’s birth mother changed her mind about having an abortion at the last minute. Years later, Kathryn was able to put the pieces together and see how God was working His plan all along.

“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Lifeline Children’s Services

Online Learning Portal

Lifeline Pregnancy Counseling

Disclaimer: As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me in this episode is, Dr. Rick Morton. Rick is the Senior Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical Christian adoption agency in America.

Rick is also an adoptive parent of 3 children, all of whom were adopted internationally.

If you are considering international adoption, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Grab a notebook and pen. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Lifeline Children’s Services

Online Learning Portal

Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care

Disclaimer: As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Some of the links I include may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode, Trish Zenczak returns to the show to share her wisdom, experiences, and insights about navigating the foster system and adopting through it. 

Whether you’re interested in fostering or adoption, or simply looking for encouragement on your own journey, this episode is for you. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family

Help for Billy: A Beyond Consequences Approach to Helping Challenging Children in the Classroom

Listen to Trish in Episode 89 – From Abuse & Rejection to Hope: The Story of a Foster & Adoptive Mom with Trish Zenczak

Disclaimer: Some of the links I include may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode, David Dodd returns to the show to discuss ways adoptive parents can navigate some of the challenges parenting their children can present, especially when they are responding to their trauma in negative ways.

Sometimes their responses are directed at you and that can hurt. I know. 

But I also know that if you will put these principles we talk about into play, they will help you respond in a positive way to your children.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If this episode has inspired you, please share this with a friend. Would you also please consider leaving a review for the show?

Here is a short video to show you how.

Hi Neighbor,

When your day is crumbling, how can adoptive parents effectively navigate trauma-related responses and let them roll off of them like water off a duck's back?

I'd like to explore two aspects of this question:

First, how to handle negative responses from people outside your family regarding your child or your parenting.

And second, when your child’s trauma responses manifest as negative behavior or when they aim hurtful comments at you.

These kinds of responses are discouraging. I know!

In this episode, we’ll look at the first aspect. Joining me to discuss this, is my friend, brother, and anchor of encouragement, David Dodd.

David and I have had hours of conversations like the one you’re about to hear. There have been times when my day was crumbling and David was there as my anchor of encouragement to pick me up.

Here are the scriptures David referenced in this episode: 1 Peter 4:12 Matthew 5:12 John 15:20 2 Corinthians 4:8 Psalm 116 2 Peter 1:3 Psalm 37

Daily Doable: Pick one of these verses and sit with the text. Write it down in your journal. I know from my own personal experience, that this practice of meditating and journaling will give you peace beyond comprehension. And it will encourage you on those difficult days.

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If this episode has inspired you, please share this with a friend. Would you also please consider leaving a review for the show?

Here is a short video to show you how.

Hi Neighbor,

Today it is my privilege to share with you the story of my friend and neighbor, Trish Zinczak. Trish is a foster child, foster mom, and adoptive mom. 

Trish has the unique perspective to talk about fostering and adoption from both the child’s and parent’s perspectives. She has lived it and she understands it. 

This is a real and raw conversation from a very brave woman. Trish was willing to be vulnerable because she understands the importance of knowing and making sense of the stories of adopted and foster kids. 

Trish's story is compelling. 

Hope and healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If Trish’s story has inspired you, please share this episode with a friend. Would you also please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.

Hi Neighbor,

Today, I want to share with you a conversation I recently had with my friend Katie Keane. This conversation will be a little bit different than what you’re accustomed to hearing on this podcast. Because I was the one being interviewed. I was privileged to be on Katie's podcast, Her Home and Heart. 

You might remember Katie was on this show in Episode 78. Katie’s audience is made up of parents of special needs children. One of the things parents of special needs children desire just happens to be the same thing adoptive parents have told me they want. That thing is respite. 

In this interview, I share how it is possible to achieve respite through journaling. It can really be the balm to heal your hurting soul. 

Grab a pen and paper because 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.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me is my neighbor from Indiana, Sherry Green. Sherry is an educator with over 30 years of experience serving junior high students with disabilities. She understands the challenges of trauma in the classroom.

In this episode, Sherry will discuss the effects of trauma on learning and share some of the tools she uses to support children with trauma and help them feel safe.

Grab a pen and paper. This is a very tactical conversation.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Contact Sherry: sherryg210@gmail.com

Books mentioned in this episode: Sherry’s Journal: My Daily Journal The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Disclaimer: Some of the links I include in my emails may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me again is my neighbor from Alabama, Jane Baker. Jane was one of the individuals responsible for helping my son Johnny navigate the challenges of his adoption trauma while he was in residential.

Adoption trauma is very difficult, not only for the adopted child but the adoptive family. Unfortunately, there can be other challenges too because of adoption trauma.

That’s what Jane is going to talk with us about in this episode. It’s something she sees in her practice. It’s something that I have experienced myself. The topic for today is “When Friends Fail You.”

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Listen to Jane’s previous episodes. EP 8 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 1: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects EP 9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Part 2: How to Find Help and a Good Therapist

Contact Jane Baker Website: Adoption Associates Email: jbaker@adoption-associates.com info@adoption-associates.com Phone: 1.256.353.8528 

P.S. 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. 

Tell a friend about the show. Take a screenshot of this episode, share it in your Instagram stories, and tag me @TimMaudlin. 

You can also connect with me on my free and private Facebook Group: Anchors of Encouragement

Contact: Tim@AnchorsOfEncouragement.com

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

No, we have to work on our anchoring first and get our mindset right before we even think about implementing a skill and hence an anchor. So that’s the importance of it.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me again is my neighbor from Hawaii, Dr. Lisa Hartwell. Dr. Hartwell is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety assessment and treatment. She is also a published author. 

In her latest book, “Cultivating Professional Success: Grow Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge,” Dr. Hartwell proves once again why she is a trusted authority on anxiety and personal growth.

She takes many of the concepts from her earlier book, “Bad Apples: How to Feel Good Even When Rotten Things Happen,” and goes much deeper to show individuals how to work with their high-functioning anxiety.

Her expertise, combined with her compassionate approach, makes this book a must-read for anyone who wants to harness the power of high-functioning anxiety and achieve professional success while prioritizing their well-being.

If you’re someone who wants to embrace personal growth, achieve professional success, and conquer high-functioning anxiety, you need to check out “Cultivating Professional Success,” available now.

It’s an absolute game-changer! Enjoy the interview.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Get Dr. Hartwell’s books at these links:

Cultivating Professional Success Bad Apples

Disclaimer: Some of the links I include in my emails may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission. I will only promote products I believe in and think you will enjoy. Thank you for being in my community.

Hi Neighbor,

Returning as a guest on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement is my neighbor from Hawaii, Dr. Lisa Hartwell. Dr. Hartwell is trained to identify and help others heal from their trauma. But even she personally understands how emotionally draining trauma can be.

I hope you’ll listen to our conversation as Dr. Hartwell shares her story, defines secondary trauma, and shows us 3 ways you can begin to navigate the challenges it presents.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. If you found the information in this episode helpful, please share the podcast with a friend. Thanks, Neighbor!

Dr. Hartwell was also a guest on Episode 50 – How to Understand Grief In Your Adopted Children and How To Love Them

Get Dr. Hartwell’s FREE Anxiety Assessment and connect with her on her website.

Disclaimer: As I said, Dr. Hartwell is a licensed professional. However, on this podcast, she is not providing therapy or medical treatment. The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

Welcome to Day Four of our birthday celebration for Anchors of Encouragement. This bonus series began in Episode 80. In that episode, I shared with you ten of the more popular episodes from the first year of this podcast. 

In Episode 81, we talked about the mantra for this podcast… Biblical Mindset Support for Adoptive Parents. 

In Episode 82, we talked about how you can support yourself through journaling.

Today, I want to share with you 3 reasons why your voice matters. I’ll do that by first sharing 3 reviews left for this podcast by listeners like you. And then I’ll share the way you can share your voice for the show.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. Here is a short video to show you how to leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Anchors of Encouragement Trailer Episode 80 and the list of the ten more popular episodes from the past year.

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to Day Three of our birthday celebration for Anchors of Encouragement. In Episode 80, I shared with you ten of the more popular episodes from the first year of this podcast. 

In Episode 81, we talked about the mantra for this podcast… Biblical Mindset Support for Adoptive Parents. I showed how you can use Psalm 77 to navigate the challenges you face in life.

Today, I would like to focus on one of the BEST ways you can support yourself. Not only can you receive biblical mindset support, but you can also offer support for yourself anytime and anywhere you need it. It’s as simple as W-R-I-T-E.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Episodes About Journaling: EP 68 – The Power of a Mother’s Love: Live Coaching with Tim Maudlin

EP 47 – How Journaling Helped My Son Like Himself Again with Jonny Maudlin

EP 4 – 3 Benefits of Taking Out Your Frustrations On Paper?

EP 28 – Want Hope & Healing? 2 Journaling Prompts for Struggling Adoptive Parents

EP 32 – 3 Journaling Prompts to Help Adoptive Parents Become a Conduit for Kindness

Hi Neighbor,

Welcome to Day Two of our birthday celebration for Anchors of Encouragement. In the previous episode, Episode 80, I shared with you ten of the more popular episodes from the first year of this podcast. 

In this episode, I would like to look back to the very beginning of this podcast and to the reason and purpose it exists.

Please consider with me, Biblical Mindset Support for Adoptive Parents from Psalm 77.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

P.S. 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. This short video shows you how.

Hi Neighbor,

I want to take a moment to thank those of you who have been here from Day One. There are several of you who encouraged me to do this podcast. You’ve listened to these episodes. You’ve shared them with others, and you’ve even left reviews for the show. 

Thank you so much. You are true anchors of encouragement for me.

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I would like to share with you a list I put together. A list made up of 10 of the more popular episodes from this past year. 

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Here’s the list: EP 1 – 5 Ways to Love a Child of Adoption Trauma | Anchors of Encouragement 

EP 8-9 – Adoption Trauma Defined! Parts 1 and 2: How to Understand Its Causes and Effects with Jane Baker

EP 53 – Want to Resolve Conflict? Empower Your Adopted Child With This Simple Tool with Erich Nelson

EP 17 – Struggling Adoptive Parents? 3 Ways To Restore The Sparkle In Their Eyes

EP 20 – When Adoptive Parents Feel All Alone? 7 Reasons Why To Grab An Anchor

EP 40 – 7 Ways for Adoptive Parents to Find Support and Achieve Respite

EP 47 – How Journaling Helped My Son Like Himself Again with Jonny Maudlin

EP 16 – The $89,000 T-Shirt: How One T-Shirt Inspired and Healed a Broken Community

EP 50 – How to Understand Grief In Your Adopted Children and How To Love Them with Dr. Lisa Hartwell

EP 14 – 10 10 10: An Effective Tool for Adopted Children with Jonny Maudlin

One in twenty children has some form of FASD. That’s a lot of kids. It’s two and a half times more than autism. And we DON’T talk about it!

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, is my neighbor from Dallas, Texas, Laura Hernandez. Laura is a wife and mama to ten amazing people. 

She is the founder of Mama Systems, a coaching business that helps Mamas bring peace to their homes through systems, so they can be intentional with their people and show up as the best mama possible.

Laura is going to talk to us today about a topic she knows and lives with every day, FASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

It’s a conversation that’s really needed today.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

As an adoptive or special-needs parent, what do you do?

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement is my neighbor from Washington D.C. Katie Keene. Katie is the wife of a military officer (ret.), and mama of 5 treasures. Some of which are special needs.

She is also the host of Her Home and Heart Podcast, a Top 1% globally-rated show designed to teach Christian Homeschooling Moms with a special needs kiddo in the bunch how to live a holistic life of home stewardship that is filled with joy and peace.

In those moments of overwhelm and stress, Katie knows, and more importantly, her family knows exactly what she will do.

Listen as Katie describes the systems she has developed so her family can have a solid, peaceful, and joyful foundation at home.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Contact Katie: Podcast Facebook Facebook Community Health and Energy Boost for Moms

Listen to Katie interview Tim on Her Home & Heart Podcast

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I talk about the ONE episode that has outpaced all the others. It’s Episode 17, Struggling Adoptive Parents? 3 Ways to Restore the Sparkle in Their Eyes.

This episode has been the top downloaded episode every month, and I’m not sure why. I have some ideas, but I don’t know with certainty why this episode is resonating with so many listeners.

That’s why I need your help and I’ll tell you how you can help me in the Daily Doable. The reason I'm asking for feedback is because it will help me to produce more content that will encourage you. 

This feedback is priceless for me because as I've said many times on this podcast, the goal of this is to be an anchor of encouragement for adoptive parents.

I want to thank you in advance for helping me understand what it is about Episode 17 that has spoken to so many of you.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor, Tim

Daily Doable: 1. Listen to Episode 17. 2. Answer the 0ne-Question Survey and/or 3. Leave a Voicemail.

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me on this episode of Anchors of Encouragement is Herbie Newell. Herbie is the president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest Evangelical Christian adoption agency in America.

He is the host of The Defender Podcast and author of the book, “Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-Birth to Pro-Life.” He is a true expert in adoption and child welfare.

Adoption and foster care often come with their own unique challenges. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness or defeat. In fact, it’s a necessary step in supporting adoptive and foster families.

In the adoption world, life can be messy and hard, but with the right support and acknowledging your need for help, you can overcome any challenge.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage you to do your due diligence. Listen to the information. Check out the resources and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Tim

Lifeline Children’s Services

Website

205-967-0811

Herbie Newell: President & Executive Director

Lynn Beckett: parent coaching program

Angela Mains: Counselors

Ann Maura Hinton: Bridge Educational Services

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult your healthcare provider with your health questions and concerns.

As is the case with anyone that I bring on the show to talk to you, I encourage take notes and listen to the information. Then do your due diligence and use what you can in your adoption journey to parent your child the best way you can.

Hi Neighbor,

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share a personal story. It’s a story I’m not proud of, but I think it’s a story that needs to be told. It’s my hope that by my sharing what I did wrong in my marriage, it will help other husbands to avoid doing what I did.

In addition to my blunder, we’ll seek Biblical guidance from passages in the books of Genesis, 1 Samuel, Psalms, Proverbs, and 1 Peter.

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. 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. Thanks, Neighbor!

On top of that, I felt edgy. I knew something was off but I couldn’t put my finger on it, then it dawned on me. Oh, that’s what it is.

Hi Neighbor,

Have you ever felt gloomy, restless, or maybe even anxious at times? Or maybe you felt confused and even edgy. Maybe not all of these at once, but chances are you felt these at some point in your life. 

Recently, I was feeling all of these. Things were going well, and then it dawned on me. That’s what it is. My body remembered something I wanted to forget.

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to consider with you 5 ways you can show grace to yourself when you’re feeling out of sorts.

Most people, me included, are willing to show grace to everyone but ourselves. When someone is going through a difficult time, be it trauma or grief or whatever, we’re willing to show grace to them, but not to ourselves.

Why is that? I'm not sure that I have a good answer for you, but I want to stress to you that whenever you're going through difficult times, trauma, grief, or whatever, you need to show grace to yourself. 

Hope and Healing are on the way.

Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim

P.S. 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. Thanks, Neighbor!