Your Hope Coach

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV) says, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” God’s Word tells us how dangerous bitterness can be. So when bitterness tries to take root in our hearts, what can we do to stop it?In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine look at the foundation of the word “bitterness” in Scripture and uncover truths to help us guard against bitter feelings. Verses discussed in this episode:Hebrews 12.15 (ESV)Deuteronomy 32.4 (NIV)Romans 5:8 (NLT)Romans 8.28Romans 8.31 (NIV)A free resource, How to Be Free from Bitterness: A 5-Day Devotional with Naomi in the Bible:https://morethanyourself.com/free-from-bitternessStay in touch with Kristine and Carmen:Kristine: https://kristinebrown.netCarmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Often, we look at the story of our lives and think we live in a never-ending situation. In our episode today, Carmen shares the stories of women who experienced a life-changing meetup with their Story Changer, Jesus. Verses mentioned:Mark 5.25-34Luke 7. 11-16Luke 13.10-17John 4.1-42Psalm 119.16Connect with Carmen:https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

We’ve all experienced difficult times of waiting. Health issues, broken relationships, financial crises, and more can cause waiting seasons that seem like they will never end. Waiting can be exhausting. So how do we hold on to hope when all we can do is wait?In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine discuss what God’s word says about our waiting seasons. As children of God, we do not wait without hope. Listen in as we learn from a woman named Rahab how to invite God into our waiting seasons and trust him to work in our circumstances.Verses to read:Psalm 130.5 (ESV and NLT)Isaiah 40.31 (ESV and AMP)Joshua chapters 2 and 6Resources for more study on trusting God while we wait:Carmen’s blog post: God’s Waiting Roomhttps://carmenhorne.com/2018/03/gods-waiting-room/Kristine’s 5-Day Email Study: Walking with Rahabhttps://morethanyourself.com/decisions-challengeOur short prayer to help us during our waiting seasons:“Lord, I trust you as I wait. Amen.”Get in touch with Kristine or Carmen:Kristine: https://kristinebrown.netCarmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Do you feel like something is wrong with you when your burdens are too heavy to bear? People tell us that God doesn't put more on us than we can handle, yet we are sinking fast. In episode 29, Carmen shares the promise Jesus makes us if we accept His yoke and hand over the reins of our lives.Verses mentioned:Matthew11.28-30Psalm 121.3-4Romans 8.34Hebrews 7.25Psalm 46.1Contact Carmen:https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

Are you feeling discouraged by your circumstances? Are you struggling with the feelings of being forgotten by God? Our minds tell us that God knows and hears, but our hearts sometimes wonder.In today’s episode, Kristine and Carmen share two truths that combat two lies Satan uses to discourage us.Verses:Luke 13.10-13Psalm 121. 1-2Hebrews 13.5Psalm 3.3 (ESV)Exodus 17.12 (Aaron and Hur holding Moses’ arms)Resource mentioned in today’s conversation:Kristine’s blog post: What to do When I Pray but Still Feel Downhttps://morethanyourself.com/blog/what-to-do-when-i-pray-but-still-feel-downFocus on the Family’s Free Counseling Help: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/Get in touch with Kristine or Carmen:Kristine: https://kristinebrown.netCarmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Each of us has a unique relationship with God. In His graciousness and love, God offers us many benefits to enrich our lives and help us live abundantly. In our episode today, Carmen discusses ten of these benefits and encourages us to grab hold of each one.Verses:Mark 8:27-29Psalm 68.19 (NKJV)Ephesians 3.20Ten  Benefits:John 1.122 Timothy 1.14James 1.5Psalm 37.23Isaiah 54.17Philippians 1.6Deuteronomy 31.8Romans 8.35,372 Corinthians 5.17Romans 8.31Our Identity in Christ Scripture Lists:https://carmenhorne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/JuneScriptureWriting.pdfhttps://carmenhorne.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/JulyScriptureWriting.pdf 

Have you been thinking about goals, resolutions, or ways to better your life in the new year? Instead of looking at the work we want to do to improve our lives, what if we look at the work God wants to do in us?In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine share two things we can do to begin the year living in grace while allowing the uncomfortable work of growth. May we continue to desire to grow in grace in the new year as we draw closer to Jesus.Verses: Romans 5.20-21 NKJVJames 1.2-4 MSGResource mentioned in today’s conversation:Carmen’s resource, “Condemnation or Conviction?”: https://carmenhorne.com/2021/03/condemnation-or-conviction/Learn more about Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God here: https://morethanyourself.com/cinchedLearn more about Grace Maps: Our Journey Guided by God’s Grace here: https://carmenhorne.com/grace-maps/Get in touch with Kristine or Carmen:Kristine: https://kristinebrown.netCarmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Just like the Apostle Paul, when we pray for God to intervene in our situation, we might get an answer that we don't expect.In today's episode, Carmen takes a closer look at the perplexing truth that God's power becomes more evident when we are the weakest. Verses mentioned:2 Corinthians 12.9Lamentations 3.22-23Contact Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

Have circumstances beyond your control threatened to steal your joy this Christmas? Grief, broken relationships, finances, and more can affect our ability to feel the joy of the Lord during the Christmas season, but there is hope through Jesus.In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine share ways we can keep the joy of the Lord at Christmastime and throughout the year. They tell about their own experiences and point to what God’s Word says about renewing our joy.Verses: Nehemiah 8.10Psalm 4.7Philippians 4.11-13Resource mentioned in today’s conversation:Kristine’s blog post, How to Live Like the Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength:https://morethanyourself.com/blog/the-joy-of-the-lord-is-my-strengthGet in touch with Kristine or Carmen:Kristine: https://kristinebrown.netCarmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Do you struggle with guilt because you remember the details of a painful event? You wonder if you really did forgive since you can’t forget.In today’s episode, Kristine and Carmen help us understand that it’s what we do with our memories that matter.Verses: Colossians 3.13Isaiah 43.25Hebrews 10.16Psalm 103.12Psalm 25.6-7,11Resources:Carmen’s blog post: Forgiveness and Trust Are Not the Same: https://carmenhorne.com/2019/02/does-forgiving-you-mean-i-must-trust-you/Related podcast episode: Can Taking My Thoughts Captive Really Help Me?Listen on Your Hope Coach Podcast: https://carmenhorne.com/2023/03/can-taking-my-thoughts-captive-really-help-me-ep06/Watch on Kristine’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/W67W8iDwCkY?si=blGx1AxJtaLyu2LOContact Kristine and Carmen:Kristine: https://kristinebrown.netCarmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Has God ever asked you to do something, and you did it, but you decided to do it your way? If you have, don't miss this episode. Carmen shares a time when simple obedience was harder than she imagined and what her disobedience taught her.Bible verses from this episode:Ananias and Sapphira's story: Acts 5.1-11Widow's pennies story: Luke 21.1-4Samuel and King Saul: 1 Samuel 15.22John 14.23John 6.1-13When Our Buts Cover Our Potential blog post: https://carmenhorne.com/2015/05/when-our-buts-cover-our-potential-we-need-an-excavator/ Contact Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com/about-me/

In episode 20, Carmen gives us two secrets to live happy and the benefits of taking the writer of Psalm One's advice.Verses:Psalm 1. 1-6The Beatitudes: Matthew 5.1-12Our prayer:Dear Lord, Why does happiness seem to elude us at times? Life is hard, and we forget that true happiness is in our relationship with You. We want a lot of sunshine and flowers, but those rainy days come, and our hearts get water-logged and so heavy. Help us to remember that You offer us a joy that happiness doesn’t describe, and rainy days can’t drown. Lift our spirits, please. Your Word tells us You watch over the godly. You plant us deep and feed us Living Water. May we see Your hands at work in our lives. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.Carmen's contact info:  https://carmenhorne.com/about-me

Are you standing in the rubble of your circumstances and wondering if you will ever find any good in all this bad? In this episode, Carmen offers several actions we can take to begin to find the little bits of hope amid our ashes. Verses Carmen shared:Romans 8.282 Corinthians 1.3-5Three questions from Grace Maps to ponder when searching for beauty in your ashes:1. Can I see how God worked through this difficult time? 2. Did I learn any valuable lessons? Did I discover something new about myself, my circumstances, or others? Did I learn more about God's character?3. Have I been able to help someone else with my testimony?Prayer from Out of Words:Father, you are the God who sees my friend. She is in a difficult time and has memories of painful times stored deep within her heart. Hidden places that hold unhealed wounds. How can she open her heart to your healing, Lord? Who, better than You, knows how to turn her mourning into dancing?Guide her, Lord, as she wrestles her joy and peace from the grip of bitterness. She is ready to release her hurt and resentment to you. My friend gives You her brokenness, and she receives Your healing.Restore her, Lord!  In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.Contact Carmen: https://www.carmenhorne.comCarmen's Books: Grace Maps and Out of Words:  https://carmenhorne.com/books/

In this episode, Carmen and Kristine share their experiences with asking this difficult question in their own lives. They also uncover truth from Scripture about why it feels like our problems escalate when we pray. What does the Bible say about praying when our problems seem to get worse? Where do we turn for encouragement? Find out the answer to these questions and more in today’s conversation.Verses to read for reviewing God’s Word:Ephesians 6 - The Shield of FaithJames 1.2-4 (NLT)Mark 5 - Jairus’ DaughterResources we mention in the conversation:Grab a copy of your Full Armor of God Prayer printable from Kristine today! https://morethanyourself.com/blog/praying-the-whole-armor-of-godRelated topics by Carmen & Kristine:You can find all previous episodes, including “Stop Believing the Enemy’s Lies” and  “Taking Thoughts Captive” on Carmen’s podcast website here: https://carmenhorne.com/podcast/Or on Kristine’s YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/@kristinebrownYou can always connect with Carmen and Kristine at their websites:Carmen: https://carmenhorne.comKristine: https://kristinebrown.net

Are you discouraged over a long-time entry on your prayer list? Today's episode is one you don't want to miss. Carmen tackles this topic using Scripture and her own well-earned experience. She shares that like you, her pen is on auto-pilot for some of her requests. Listen to the end because Carmen also offers us two things prayer does for us while we wait for answers.Declaration: I declare over you today that you are persistent in prayer. Your confidence in God’s plan empowers you to never stop praying. Prayer:Heavenly Father, encourage my friend today. Hear her prayers, Lord. She awaits your answer. Remind her of your love and commitment to see your plans brought to completion in her life. In Jesus’ name, amen.Links and Verses:Carmen's article for Real Women Ministries: https://carmenhorne.com/2021/01/does-it-matter-if-we-pray/Verses:Luke 11.5-13Matthew 5-8 (Sermon on the Mount)1 John 5.141 Thessalonians 5.17Luke 11; 1 John 5.4; 1 Thessalonians 5.17 (Today's declaration)Contact Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com

Replenishing Our Peace (Part 2) | EP 16What does it mean to have lasting peace? How can we experience the peace of Jesus in the midst of panic, anxiety, or hopelessness? Listen to part two of our summer series with Carmen, Kristine, and Ellen, as they share personal stories of God’s replenishing peace.If you’re struggling to experience peace in your daily life, this episode is for you. Verses we mentioned in part one:Jeremiah 31.25 ESVIsaiah 26.3-4 NLT1 Peter 5.7 NLTKey verse for part two:John 14.27Resources we talk about:Carmen’s Scripture writing lists on her website. Find out more here: https://carmenhorne.com/resources/scripture-writing/Don’t forget to grab your copy of Ellen’s resource, 7 Scriptures to Bring You Peace! https://mailchi.mp/0573bf9da1b6/scriptures-to-bring-peaceAs we focus on peace in the days ahead, let’s remember these 3 short peace-filled prayers related to the 3 tips we talked about in the video: Help.You know.Do it again.Connect with hosts Carmen and Kristine at their websites:Carmen: https://carmenhorne.comKristine: https://kristinebrown.netConnect with Ellen at her website:https://www.ellenchauvin.com

Did you know that there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy fear? In this episode, Carmen offers three ways she fights back against unhealthy fear. Verses mentioned:Numbers 13 -14Isaiah 41.10Matthew 15.13Connect with Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com

What threatens to steal our peace? The worries of this life are endless. When things seem out of control, we struggle to find lasting peace to sustain us. Today’s conversation with Carmen, Kristine, and Ellen looks at our struggle to maintain peace in everyday life as women of God. Listen in as we discuss how to replenish our peace by trusting in the Lord.Verses we mention in the conversation:Jeremiah 31.25 ESVIsaiah 26.3-4 NLT1 Peter 5:7 NLTResources we talk about:The Book of Ruth in the BibleSign up here to download Ellen’s free resource, 7 Scriptures to Bring You Peace: https://mailchi.mp/0573bf9da1b6/scriptures-to-bring-peaceConnect with hosts Carmen and Kristine at their websites:Carmen: https://carmenhorne.comKristine: https://kristinebrown.netConnect with Ellen at her website:https://www.ellenchauvin.com

Do you feel like you are in a little dinghy in the middle of a sea of trouble? In our episode today, Carmen describes a time she felt that way and offers a survival tip.Verses mentioned:Exodus 2Matthew 5.45John 7.38 and 4.14Revelation 22. 1-2The woman at Jacob’s well — John 4.1-28Matthew 14.28-31Declaration: Any time you begin to sink, you will remember to do as Peter did and reach out to Jesus so His hand can catch you. (Matthew 14.31)Prayer:Dear Lord, When we read about this encounter you had with Peter, we’re encouraged. You didn’t let him sink into that stormy sea. We often feel like a little dingy in the middle of a big ole sea of trouble. Tossed around. Open our eyes to Your presence during these times. Maybe we are hanging on to our situation like our life depended on it when in reality, our life depends on reaching out to you so you can catch us. Lord, like you did for Moses, turn our seas into highways. Make our path clear. Please don’t let our feet get stuck in the mud. Move us forward on the dry ground of your promises. Thank you, Lord. We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus, amen.Carmen’s blog post featuring Jochebed’s story: https://carmenhorne.com/2023/05/gods-intentions-for-you-will-prevail/Carmen’s Spotify healing playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4MtuXptVP3P6rOYyenLbGK?si=7f329254d7ef4db1Graves to Gardens; Elevation Music: https://open.spotify.com/track/40TejHtJdQkd1nIxKf43CL?si=5c4b7764e2ca45a7Connect with Carmen: https://www.carmenhorne.com

Why do we pray for restoration? Why is it so important for us to live restored lives? In this episode with Carmen and Kristine, you’ll learn what the Bible says about God’s restoration promises and what that means for our lives today. Restoration is a process, but as we allow God to restore us, we will grow into the strong and steadfast person God designed us to be.Verses we mention in the conversation:Psalm 23.3 (ESV)1 Peter 5.10 (NIV)Resources we talk about:Kristine’s Restoration Promises Printable for subscribers: https://morethanyourself.com/subscribe-pageCarmen’s guest post Releasing Your Hurt to the Master Restorer: https://morethanyourself.com/blog/releasing-our-hurt-to-the-master-restorerConnect with Carmen and Kristine at their websites:Carmen: https://carmenhorne.comKristine: https://kristinebrown.netIn celebration of our anniversary, leave us a review on your favorite podcast player!