ADOPTION STRUGGLES AND SUPPORT | Adoption Trauma, Parenting Guides, Biblical Encouragement, Respite, Anxiety Bible Verses

He experienced one tragedy after another 💔. If that wasn't enough, he then experienced the ultimate act of betrayal 😢. How could a son do this to his father? Life would never be the same. Yet through it all, he was still able to find peace. 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!

He faced one discouraging obstacle after another. Yet through it all, he persisted. How did he do it? First, he partnered with God.  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

It was the worst advice I ever received as an adoptive parent and, strangely enough, it turned out to be the best advice too. 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. 💙

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” 🌿 Ecclesiastes 3:1  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.

How do you navigate through the fog of life? I would like to suggest you consider relying on Someone with a better vantage point ✨. Someone who can shine the light on your path. 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.  

Why do bad things happen to good people?  Sometimes the answer can only be seen through the perspective of time ⏳. 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.

As an adoptive parent, the way you were parented may or may not be the best approach in parenting your adopted child. 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

When connection feels impossible, is it still love? (Yes! Here’s how.) 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. Join the private Facebook community Connect with Jackson: Instagram Website Book

If you’ve ever felt like no one truly understands what you’re going through as an adoptive parent, you’re not alone and you’re not broken. 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

Have you ever been so frustrated by things going on around you that you couldn't see clearly, you couldn't think clearly, your judgment was impaired? What's a person to do about that? May I suggest you work on raising your awareness? 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.

Is adoption life chaotic for you? Is it even possible to find peace in the middle of meltdowns, uncertainty, and daily struggles? 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.

Have you ever felt completely alone—like you were the only one facing something so hard it seemed no one else could understand? What do you do in those moments? Who do you turn to? 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.

“By the time he left, I felt like I was close to a mental breakdown. And I would tell my husband over and over, I can’t do this much longer. I just can’t.  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.    

Could it be that the very struggles you've walked through have prepared you to encourage someone else? 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.  

Even adults who haven’t been through trauma can tell you that it’s sometimes difficult to talk about our feelings. I think that is the beauty of music therapy. Because clients can come. They don’t necessarily need to say exactly what they want to explore. We can just explore in music. 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.

Sometimes, life has a way of knocking the wind out of us, suddenly and without warning. 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.

When your adopted child is struggling, how can you support them while being okay yourself? 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

As adoptive parents, we often face incredibly challenging moments, especially when our kids are struggling or make choices that push us to the brink. 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

He was called son. He was called grandson. He was called nephew. He was called cousin, and he was called brother. 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.

Feeling overwhelmed as an adoptive parent? You can’t pour from an empty cup! 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