Life's Key 3

Change is typically hard, especially when it's significant and has been tried before. While practices and techniques matter, the biggest obstacle is our mindset. Believing change isn't possible, for us or someone else, is the #1 obstacle to growth. Whether subtle or loud, this belief packs incredible power. Today we unpack how:Changed minds will result in changed words and behaviors. The difference between destructive people and difficult peopleThe danger of treating changeable character traits like permanent attributesBelieving change is possible in others requires vulnerabilityWe'll examine how big of a Gospel we have by applying it to what we really believe about the possibility of change -- in ourselves and others.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#change#growth

Change is inevitable. It occurs by default or intention, and when it's by default, it seldom produces the benefits we hope. Yet how does sustainable and positive change happen? In the first episode of the mini-series on Change, I unpack three common yet harmful ideas that keep people from changing:The information fallacyThe rock-bottom mythThe shame motivatorThese ideas can not only limit people's ability to change but can contribute to destructive patterns in ourselves or others.Share this podcast with two friends, and you'll always have something worthwhile to visit about!Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#howpeoplechange#growth#personalgrowth

Life inevitably puts us in places of overwhelm. While we can't avoid this entirely, there are ways we can face these times with maturity.Discover how five "R's" make a crucial difference.RememberRecordRe-orientReleaseRe-energizeWith both practical application and principles from the example of David in 1 Samuel, you'll be empowered to not run away from overwhelm but face it courageously.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#stress#overwhelm

Sometimes the mirror of self-awareness doesn't make us look beautiful. What it reveals is ugly. That's what I experienced recently when tiny sprouts of envy kept popping up in my heart. The solution began by choosing curiosity over shame. Rather than trying to spray these weeds with a quick prayer of repentance and then zipping on, I stopped to ask why they were growing in the first place. The answer? My imagination had become too small. Huh?Yep, there's a correlation between the activity of a holy imagination and the presence of envy. This examination also revealed the connection between pain and cynicism and how to be attuned to the suffering in the world without being consumed by it.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#envy#imagination#suffering#self-awareness

What's one element every relationship depends on for success?Jesus told a story illustrating this with not just one but two plot twists. The first part of his story is as delightful for us today as it was for the original audience. The second and third parts? They take some swallowing!Grace and forgiveness received but not given leads to God's judgment and will harm or destroy every relationship. It's not a matter of if, but only when and how much.The parable of the unforgiving servant demonstrates with clarity that acquisition of knowledge is not equal to application of truth. We are not called to be information collectors but grace givers. See why grace and forgiveness is a must-have in every happy and successful relationship.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#forgiveness#grace#relationships

BFF's (Best Friends Forever) are awesome -- and rare. We can miss great friendships in pursuit of the elusive one BFF. Instead, a new mindset about friends will open the door to building a rich and diverse community of friends. Who knows? Maybe even a BFF will come out of these relationships!Get practical help on how to move from acquaintances to situational friends towards the inner circle of friends who you entrust with your heart. Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#friendships#buildingclosefriends#bff

If a relationship doesn't have a higher purpose than itself, it won't be sustainable. If pleasure is the measurement of a successful relationship, by default that nurtures selfish people. Instead, when a relationship serves a higher purpose, fulfillment of duty becomes the measurement. Paradoxically, duty becomes a pleasure.From King Solomon to Victor Frankl to John F. Kennedy, the importance of a mindset focused on responsibilities rather than pleasure is what sustains individuals and relationships. Be strengthened to appreciate endurance is its form of achievement and understand why pleasure won't sustain a relationship but purpose will.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#duty#grit#endurance#relationalhealth#relationshipsthatlast

One of the unintended consequences of the concepts of "boundaries" and "toxic people" becoming mainstream is it's reinforced our default tendency to focus on other people's behavior instead of our own. Yet owning our choices is the most fundamental of all relational principles.Victor Frankl's sobering statement summarizes the truth: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”When we own our ability to choose how we're going to show up in every situation, regardless of how anyone else does, we will experience profound freedom. Discover the most powerful key to being relationally smart as we unpack moving our focus from others onto ourselves.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity

What seems intuitive turns out to be wrong.Successful long-term relationships have as many, perhaps even more, differences than those who fail or survive but never thrive. How can this be?People who learn to de-personalize differences succeed. Those who don't, well, they don't succeed.Differences are inevitable. Letting them destroy your relationships isn't. Learn how to navigate them successfully. In today's episode, we discuss:Identifying the difference between style and substanceGetting curious about why a difference bugs youTreating differences like a photo rather than a magnetThe danger of projectingStaying solution-oriented and refusing stereotypesGoing back to relationship bedrock -- expectationsVisit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#relationshipsthatsucceed#longtermrelationships#differences

What's one trait all children share naturally? It both delights parents and can wear them out. Ready?Curiosity. By cultivating this trait in adulthood, we can significantly minimize conflict. As we continue the mini-series on being relationally smart, we see:The difference between matters of trust and assumptionsThe connection between assumptions and expectationsThe power of investigating, not interrogating, your assumptions about yourself and othersHow fewer assumptions leads to fewer conflictsBecoming curious rather than defensive can make all the difference in your relationships, whether family, work, friends, or neighbors.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#assumptions#curiosity

The "nail in the head" video was quite popular -- unfortunately. While I understand the intent, sometimes good intentions aren't enough. We need to think through the entire message we're communicating.In the 2nd part of my "Relationally Smart" miniseries, you will discover the three ways subtle (and not-so-subtle) stereotypes hinder growth and harm relationships.You will be able to move forward and not stay stuck by developing a solutions mindset. I unpack:How a solution mindset works from the level of expectations.How a solution mindset focuses on shaping the future rather than replaying the past. The energizing impact of a solutions mindset. Remember to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence. Grow your confidence, effectiveness, and empathy while parenting, educating, or mentoring youth ages 12-24.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#relationships#solutionsmindset#stereotypes

Communication may be the key that unlocks the door in a relationship, but it's what's behind the door that unites or divides. Too often we've been taught to focus on crafting a beautiful door rather than examining what's on the other side. All relationships rest on expectations. The more aligned the expectations, the greater the unity. The more misaligned the expectations, the greater the conflict. While this seems like a "well, duh," statement, the reality is we often never identify or express our expectations.In today's episode, we look at principles including:1. God has been expressing expectations from the Beginning. 2. Identifying and expressing expectations requires courageous honesty and vulnerability.3. Identifying and expressing expectations reveals priorities, values, and beliefs about what we owe others and what they owe us.4. Eliminating all expectations is ridiculous and shouldn’t be a goal. Aligning expectations with what is right, just, and reasonable is our goal. Any other approach isn't sustainable for the long term.Invite others as I begin this "Relationally Smart" mini-series. Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#expectations

Why are young people leaving the Christian faith? In Part 4 of the mini-series addressing this issue, we focus on the impact of what happens at home. Specifically, we dive into:What percentage of teens have a regular dialogue with their mom or dad about matters of faith and life? The answer might surprise you!Is the cultural prioritization of self-esteem a pro, con, or neutral in the decision to adopt Christianity or not?What roles do protective parenting and preparedness parenting have?The danger of over-relying on theologyHow relevant is the Bible to everyday life? No, really. Not the "right" answer, but the "lived" one.Summarizing the major findings in this four-part mini-series, we see among many youth Christianity is irrelevant, intolerant, incompatible, and irrational. How can we use this information effectively? Get a free resource online at the website.You, and the young people you impact, can't count on good intentions being enough. You need truth. Share this episode with a friend and others in your circle who care about upcoming generations. Subscribe and leave a review!Bring me to speak on this and other critical topics to your church, Christian school, homeschool organization, or other faith-based group. Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity

Why are young people leaving the Christian faith? Learn what the research shows and be empowered to parent, teach, pastor, and mentor young people by being fully attuned to what's going on in their hearts and minds. In Part 3 of the series, we look at five ways the Church is losing young people to other beliefs.1. A too-small Gospel2. Biblical illiteracy and ignorance3. Moral failures of leaders and personal hurt by a professing Christian4. Simplistic answers to complex issues5. A me-centric GospelYou, and the young people you impact, can't count on good intentions being enough. You need truth, because that is the basis for true hope. Share this episode with a friend and others in your circle who care about upcoming generations. Subscribe and leave a review!Bring me to speak on this and other critical topics to your church, Christian school, homeschool organization, or other faith-based group. Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity

Why are young people leaving the Christian faith? Learn what the research shows and be empowered to parent, teach, pastor, and mentor young people by being fully attuned to what's going on in their hearts and minds. In Part 2 of the series, we look at:1. The impact when youth is emphasized and age is devalued2. How the emphasis on independence rather than interdependence contributes to a me-centric view of life and thereby, need for faith3. The perceived incompatibility of Christianity and scienceYou, and the young people you impact, can't count on good intentions being enough. You need truth, because that is the basis for true hope. Share this episode with a friend and others in your circle who care about upcoming generations. Subscribe and leave a review!Bring me to speak on this and other critical topics to your church, Christian school, homeschool organization, or other faith-based group. Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity

Why are young people leaving the Christian faith? When are they most likely to leave? Do they come back?Learn what the research shows and be empowered to parent, teach, pastor, and mentor young people fully attuned to what's going on in their hearts and minds. In Part 1, we look at when young people are deciding to leave Christianity behind -- in all or part. The answer may surprise you! I dive into specific ways the culture influences choices about faith.What happens when the scaffolding of Judeo-Christian ethics, morality, and purpose is removed?Can the heavy emphasis on self-esteem backfire when it comes to faith? You, and the young people you impact, can't count on good intentions being enough. You need truth, because that is the basis for true hope. Share this episode with a friend and others in your circle who care about upcoming generations. Subscribe and leave a review!Bring me to speak on this and other critical topics to your church, Christian school, homeschool organization, or other faith-based group. Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity

Would you like to become more than you currently think is possible and do things you feel are beyond you? Get real help in today’s episode with Audrey Rindlisbacher.Audrey continues unpacking the seven laws of life she discovered on a desperate search for healing for herself, her marriage, and her family. Studying ordinary people who became extraordinary as they lived these seven laws, Audrey became energized and hopeful. Today she leads others to learn and live these principles—not in a formulaic, one-size-fits-all application—but in a manner governed by a person’s relationship with God. Audrey is the author of The Mission Driven Life and founder of the Mission Driven Mom Academy. Over 600 women confirm Audrey’s teaching is substantive, understandable, and actionable. They love having a community, coaching, and friendships along with the course content in the Academy. Learn more on her website: https://www.themissiondrivenmom.com/Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#missiondrivenmom#livingonmission#parentingonmission#parentingonpurpose#raisinggodlykids#morallaw#naturallaw

Exhausted and frustrated from a home life that was a mess, Audrey Rindlisbacher set out on a journey to find a different way to live. While counseling helped, she needed more tools. Determined not to give up, she began reading about heroes of the faith. Audrey discovered these ordinary people with ordinary struggles chose to live by the principles of natural law which turned them into extraordinary individuals. The Ten Booms of The Hiding Place fame and Mother Theresa are a few examples. This pursuit, along with the study of Scripture, led her to identify the Seven Laws of Life--Four Foundational and Three Leadership. In the first part of our conversation, Audrey speaks with courageous transparency and invites women to a life of wholeness, purpose, and self-mastery.Applying these principles to her own life, marriage, and parenting, Audrey’s family transformed. She now equips other moms to see the transformation they desire in themselves and their families through the Mission Driven Mom Academy.For Audrey’s book, The Mission Driven Life, and information about the Mission Drive Mom Academy, visit: https://www.themissiondrivenmom.com/Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity#missiondrivenmom

“The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”“Talk is cheap.”“Actions speak louder than words.”If a person claims to want one thing but their actions say another, what's the truth? The answer isn't always as obvious as it may seem. Three questions help lead to the truth -- whether it's for someone else or yourself.Do they/I have the knowledge or skills?Do they/I have the ability?Do they/I have the opportunity?  Discover how these questions help us answer the final question in our series on Life's Four Most Courageous and Crucial Questions. "What am I willing to do to get what I say I want?"During this episode we'll look at:self-limiting beliefs;aligning our desires with the realities of limited time, money, and energy;capacity vs ability;wanting outcomes vs. processes.We also see how teaching our children to use this question builds problem-solving skills.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity

What's one of the most courageous, vulnerable, and life-altering questions you can ask? Why make this part of your ongoing parenting dialogue?"Why don't I have it?" ("It" being a goal or desire.)Many frameworks about goals and outcomes include the two questions we've focused on the past two episodes:What do I want?Why do I want it?But many don't ask the third. Without answering this question, you can get stuck on a hamster wheel or move from one race to another but never achieve what you want. Honest and in-depth answers to this question can reveal:The presence and dangers of perfectionismFears of failure and successAttitudes of entitlementHidden roadblocks that can be removed with creativity and insightDiscover how this question (along with the other three) helps not only ourselves but our children develop self-awareness, confidence, and humility.Visit Stephanie Presents for resources, to book speaking engagements, and get the weekly newsletter, Hi(Impact)! Click here to order your copy of The Great Brain Remodel of Adolescence or purchase from Amazon #spirituallystrong#emotionallyhealthy#relationships#lifeskey3#smartrelationships#parenting#raisinggodlykids#raisingadults#bible#faith#truth#biblestudy#christianfaith#christianwomen#christianity