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God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this podcast series, we've taken every Monday and given the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we gave the first of our time and energy to God. In the last episode of this series, we're dedicating our finances to Him. READ: Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Proverbs 3:9-10, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Malachi 3:10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." PROCESS: Lord, what has my heart? How am I stewarding my finances? Anything I need to change? RESOURCE: The Blessed Life by Robert Morris Pastor Robert is also my uncle and he wrote the foreword for my book, Image Restored. To learn more and access preorder bonuses, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. The book trailer is now available on that page, as well!

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking with actor Kevin Sorbo about his new movie Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist. Kevin is most known for the lead role in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” which became the world's most-watched TV show. Following that success, he has been in over 90 movies and TV shows including God's Not Dead, Soul Surfer, Reagan, “Two and a Half Men,” “Psych,” “Hawaii 5-0," and “The OC”. In this interview, we discuss his heart behind joining the latest Left Behind sequel, what he hopes people will take away from the movie, and the impact his faith-based films have had on audiences. He also shares his salvation story and how he got into acting, as well as some advice for Christians who want to pursue acting as a career.  Let’s Get Real Practical: Read the book of Revelation Connect with Kevin: website | Instagram Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this podcast series, we will take every Monday and give the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we gave the first of our health and wellness to God. This week we are dedicating our time and energy. READ: Psalm 143:8, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." PROCESS What can I do to ensure I give the first of my day to the Lord? What is taking my energy that is not fruitful? What is a time thief in my days? PRAY Lord, I yield to you as my shepherd today. Thank you for your goodness, mercy, love, and supernatural favor and wisdom that follows me everywhere I go. Enlarge my family’s territory in all that we do. Keep your hand upon us and deliver us from evil. Show us the way we should go, for to you we entrust our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen. RESOURCE: This is the final week my book launch team is open and I would love for you to join! To learn more and register, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. You can also see the book trailer and register to claim the preorder bonus, one of which is access to a private podcast series all about body image.

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this podcast series, we will take every Monday and give the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. Last week we gave the first of our health and wellness to God. This week we are dedicating our plans. Just recently I experienced the difference between plans submitted to God and those that aren’t submitted to Him. I prayed about the timing of releasing something, felt peace to move forward, and God blessed it. A few days later I was in a hurry to check something off my to-do list, didn’t talk to God about it, and moved forward, and you could hear the crickets chirping from the lack of response. The difference? One was submitted to God and His timing and the other was not. READ: Proverbs 19:2, Psalms 33:11, Exodus 33:15 PROCESS God, what plans do I need to submit to You? Think of a specific plan you have in mind. Ask God for His timing on moving forward with this plan. God, show me any of my plans not from You. I don’t want to move forward if you aren’t in it. RESOURCE: My book launch team is open and I have space to lead a group of women through an early-release copy of my book, Image Restored. The first 100 to register get a physical advanced reader copy of my book. Anyone after that will get a digital copy. To learn more and register, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. 

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I’m talking with Amanda Pittman. Amanda is the author of Stand in Confidence and the devotional 100 Days of Life-Changing Confidence, speaker, entrepreneur, and the Founder of Confident Woman Co., a ministry that equips women to stand confidently upon the finished work of Jesus. Through Confident Woman Co., Amanda hosts retreats, conferences, online events, podcasts, videos, and more. Amanda lives near Dallas, Texas with her husband, Michael, and her two children, Elijah and Lily. Key Points from Our Conversation: Our job is obedience, God’s job is the outcome. Our job is faithfulness, God’s job is fruitfulness. Clarity leads to confidence and confusion leads to insecurity. Many times we lack clarity because we lack connection to God. We're more connected to the world so we can’t see God or ourselves clearly. The more connected to God we are, the more confident we are. You can find confidence that lasts in a standard that never changes – the sacrifice of Jesus. 4 components of confidence – Clarity – knowing your identity and design will help you know what to do Connection – first with God, then with others. Involve God in who you surround yourself with Competency – the more competent you are, the more confident you are. Do the work of healing and finding freedom from your past by renewing your mind Conviction – It's the "why" that drives you. We need to be others-focused. We get insecure when we focus on ourselves. As Christians, we don't have to discover who we are - we are a new creation, children of God - you just have to embrace it. We don't have to search within ourselves to find meaning - we find meaning in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ which demonstrates His love for us. We must internalize it. Instead of attempting to change your behavior, focus on reorienting your identity. Renew your mind by identifying yourself with righteousness rather than sin.  God does not have a speaking problem, but we often have a listening problem. If you are a child of God, you can hear His voice if you will create a space that allows you to tune out others and hear His still, small voice.  Let’s Get Real Practical: When praying about this section, God gave me two things to focus on - "rest and hear." Rest is a commandment for our well-being. It's a gift and where we can best hear God’s voice. This week ask: How can I rest in my work? "God, show me pockets of rest in my day." What does a Sabbath day of rest look like in this season? "Holy Spirit, what are you whispering to me today?" Connect with Amanda: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this podcast series, we will take every Monday and give the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. We started the series by talking about rest. This week, we are dedicating our health and fitness. I realize this is the biggest area many of you recommitted to this year, but will you join me in doing it God’s way? READ:  1 Corinthians 3:16-23; Romans 12:1-2 PROCESS: Jesus, what does honoring my body look like in this season? What is a simple step you are asking me to take that will improve my health this year? What habit do I need to start or stop this year, as an act of worship to You? Resource: My book launch team is open and I have space to lead a group of women through an early release copy of my book, Image Restored. The first 100 to register get a physical advanced reader copy of my book. Anyone after that will get a digital copy. To learn more and register, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. The book trailer is now available on that page, as well! Our integrated medical practice BBC (Building Better Care) Health (formerly known as the Back & Body Clinic)

Welcome to the first episode of 2023! God put it on my heart to dedicate the first month of this new year by hosting a “First Fruits” podcast series. In this podcast series, we will take every Monday and give the first of a different area of our lives to the Lord. The first area God put on my heart was rest. Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. This is not a religious checklist; rather, it’s a gift from God. PROCESS with these 3 Rs: Repent: "God, I repent for not taking a Sabbath day of rest. Please forgive me for not receiving this gift of rest. I receive your grace and forgiveness today." Rejoice: Thank God for rest. It was His idea. Revisit: What does rest look like for me in this season? Resource: My book launch team is unofficially open and I have space to lead a group of women through an early release copy of my book, Image Restored. The first 100 to register get a physical advanced reader copy of my book. Anyone after that will get a digital copy. We will cap the group so I am giving time for my people, that’s YOU, to sign up and be part of that launch before I announce anything publicly. To learn more and register, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. The book trailer is now available on that page, as well!  

Back by popular demand is our third annual Process and Pray series. Each December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing, praying, and praising will remain the same. I asked the Lord to show me four areas he wants us to process before we move into the new year. In this episode, we're finishing the series by giving God the dreams and desires of our hearts. Process the following questions throughout the week in a journal - What dreams or desires of your heart came to pass this year? What dreams are still in your heart, but don’t seem to be coming to pass? Is it time to let that dream go OR do I need to stand in faith for it? What dream do you want to deposit in my heart for 2023? Resource: I have a private invitation for my podcast listeners only. My book launch team is unofficially open, and I have space to lead 100 women through an early release copy of my book, Image Restored. I am giving time for my people, that’s YOU, to sign up and be part of that launch before I announce anything publicly. To learn more and register, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. The book trailer is now available on that page, as well!

Back by popular demand is our third annual Process and Pray series. Each December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing, praying, and praising will remain the same. I asked the Lord to show me four areas he wants us to process before we move into the new year. In this episode, we're evaluating if our values lined up with our resources in 2022. Resources are anything we have in our hand - time, money, energy, and influence. Values are the core of who we are and what we do. Everyone has values, but we don’t always stop to ask what they are and if they are biblical. Process the following questions throughout the week in a journal - What are my values?  Are those values biblical?  Did my values align with how I used my resources in 2022? God, what values and resources do you want me to take into 2023? Resource: I have a private invitation for my podcast listeners only! My book launch team is unofficially open, and I have space to lead 100 women through an early release copy of my book, Image Restored. I am giving time for my people, that’s YOU, to sign up and be part of that launch before I announce anything publicly. To learn more and register, head to ImageRestoredBook.com. The book trailer is now available on that page, as well!

Back by popular demand is our third annual Process and Pray series. Each December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing, praying, and praising will remain the same. I asked the Lord to show me four areas he wants us to process before we move into the new year. In this episode, we are looking at what worked and what victories we experienced in 2022.  Jesus cares about our past, present, and future. Let’s welcome Him into this journey. Pray, “Jesus, what victories do you want to remind me of from this year?” Process these questions throughout the week in a journal: What victories or breakthroughs came in 2022? What went well that I want to carry into 2023? Thank God for these victories with your voice Tell someone about the goodness of God Resource: Would you like to hear behind-the-scenes footage and content that didn’t make it into my book? When you pre-order Image RESTored on Amazon or other retailers, you get access to a private podcast all about body image and other health-related topics. Head to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more, preorder, and join the email list so you can access that private podcast when it releases in the new year.

Back by popular demand is our third annual Process and Pray series. Each December, we spend every Monday morning in a series where we process and pray through the year. Each week the focus will be different, but the theme of processing, praying, and praising will remain the same. I asked the Lord to show me four areas he wants us to process before we move into the new year.  As a therapist, I like to start by looking back and processing the hard things so we can embrace the present and look forward to the future. In this episode, we are going to start by processing disappointments. We will also look at what didn’t work this year so we can let that go as we move into the new year. Jesus cares about our past, present, and future. Let’s start by welcoming Him into this journey. Process these questions throughout the week in a journal: What disappointments did I experience in 2022? What didn’t work in 2022? Consider schedules, expectations, etc. Have I grieved this disappointment or numbed the pain with passive activities like eating, shopping, social media, or other avoidant activities? God, what do you want to redeem that was stolen in 2022? Resource: Would you like to hear behind-the-scenes footage and content that didn’t make it into my book? When you pre-order Image RESTored on Amazon or other retailers, you get access to a private podcast all about body image and other health-related topics. Head to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more, preorder, and join the email list so you can access that private podcast when it releases in the new year.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with artist and author Matthew West about his new book The God Who Stays. Matthew is a five-time GRAMMY nominee, a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner, and a 2018 Dove Award Songwriter of the Year (Artist) recipient. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a K-LOVE Fan Award, and named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. Apart from his successful career as a musician, he is also an accomplished author, passionate father, and husband. Key Points from Our Conversation: In some seasons it can feel like God is distant, but He is the God who stays. Not only does He stay, He actively desires to spend time with us because He doesn't just love us, He likes us as well. The thing we need, don't deserve, and that gives us hope is the grace of God. He is present in our failures. Our imperfections don’t disqualify us from His perfect love. When we know that God is with us regardless of the situation, we are called to stay with others in their times of need.  Let’s Get Real Practical: Reflect on your own "blue couch moment" - the moment you accepted the love of Christ. He was the God who stays then and He's the God who is with you now. Remembering our "blue couch moment" is a reminder of His unfailing faithfulness. Connect with Matthew: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This month we aren’t in a specific series. Instead, I feel the Lord directing me to share what He puts on my heart for the week. Today’s word is “you are secure.” Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is as follows: physiological needs, safety, love, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Security is a basic need of all humans, especially women. As a Christian counselor, I see many women, myself included, who do not doubt our salvation, but we doubt our worth. We sing the song, “I am a child of God,” but we don’t act like it. Process: In the introduction of my book, Image Restored, I shared about a study that found a secure attachment to our creator improves body image and other insecurities. Spend some time today evaluating your secure attachment to God. Then start a servant versus secure list and allow God to reveal the places He wants you to trust in Him. Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook  

This month we aren’t in a specific series. Instead, I feel the Lord directing me to share what He puts on my heart for the week. Also known as "a word in due season." Today’s word is “expect a miracle.” Here's the Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary definition of a miracle: "The definition of miracle in the Bible, then, is a literary definition: an extraordinary occurrence, attributable to God’s hand (which at times disrupts the order of creation), and which leaves a marked impression in the text; the criteria for determining what is to be considered a miracle are literary in character." I am hungry to see miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This week, try these two prayer prompts: God, open my eyes to miracles all around me. (Consider keeping a “miracle journal.”) God, how can I play a part in a miracle that You want to do in someone else’s life? Open my eyes to people around me who are praying for a miracle. In most miracles, both man and God take part in the performance of the miracle such as in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7–11) or in bringing forth water from a rock (Exod 17:1–7). God wants to partner with us to perform miracles, He's just waiting for us to say yes. God blesses obedience.  Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with author Grace Valentine about her book "What Will They Think?". Not only is Grace an author, she's also a blogger, podcast host, and speaker. Her readers love that she is so relatable. They say her fresh voice helps them navigate their own faith and life, which in turn helps fulfill her mission to show others that Christianity is an adventure worth living. After growing up outside New Orleans, Louisiana, Grace attended Baylor University, graduating in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She now resides in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys running and eating lots of sushi. Grace loves connecting with readers, so send her a message! Key Points from Our Conversation: Most of the younger generation of women don't have a healthy view of women in the Bible. Religion has made us believe that women are less, but there are multiple examples of powerful women in the Bible, some in status and some in faith. We can learn from them about how we are designed to have a voice and that God doesn't overlook us. We don't have to be the best to be used by God, we just need to be eager to serve Him with a bold heart. No matter how old your voice is, it has value. If you're a loud person, you're not too much. Allow God to refine that gift and use it. If you're quiet, be bold and have confidence that the Holy Spirit is speaking through you and you will do amazing things. It's okay to be ordinary. Your life isn't about proving you're worth loving, it's about your character and kindness. Regardless of status, you can speak love to the overlooked.  If you find yourself getting stuck by comparison, remember that you don't have to prove yourself to anyone when you're fulfilling God's purpose. Run your race. You miss out on your blessings when you get too distracted by what other people think. Being obedient to God isn't boring. He isn't holding good back from you, He wants you to experience the fullness of life. Success is obedience. Every generation can learn from one another. We're experiencing the same experiences in different ways. Let’s Get Real Practical: In her book "What Will They Think?", Grace has a list of 40 things to remind you not to miss out on God’s best for your life. I go through a few of them in this section, so your Get Practical application this week is to ask the Holy Spirit which one or two you need to take to heart and apply in your life today. Connect with Grace: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This month we aren’t in a specific series. Instead, I feel the Lord directing me to share what He puts on my heart for the week. Today’s word is “I Choose Joy”. As counterintuitive as it sounds, joy is not determined by our circumstances. Joy is a choice. It's a choice to be joyful despite our circumstances. When we look at the scripture, joy is a fruit of the spirit. It's what separates us as believers in Christ and draws people to Him. On the surface, joy might seem like it's about your circumstances, but in reality, it's a state of being rather than an emotion. It's a result of choice. Joy is a gift from God. We can’t always explain it, but just like any gift, we have to choose to accept it. Ask God today, "What area of my life do I need to choose joy?" Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This month we aren’t in a specific series. Instead, I feel the Lord directing me to share what He puts on my heart for the week. Today’s word is “persistent prayer.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “never stop praying.” (NLT) other translations say, “pray without ceasing.” Something happens when we pray. What have you grown weary in praying for? The salvation of a loved one? Healing in your body? Restoration of a relationship? Marriage reconciliation? Financial breakthrough? Freedom from bondage? Take it to God in prayer today. Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode of Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with Jennifer Tucker. Jennifer is an illustrator, graphic designer, and author of Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul. She creates graphics and art for Ann Voskamp and works for various clients including DaySpring, HarperCollins, and Ink & Willow. Her personal art and work reflect her journey towards health and healing, and she creates art to remind her own soul that God is with us, that we are loved and held and never alone. She lives in central Georgia with her husband, Mark, and daughters Emma and Lilly. Jennifer is a devoted follower of Jesus and an advocate for mental health. Key Points from Our Conversation: Breath prayer has been around for centuries. It combines deep breathing (which calms our nervous system) and marries it with prayer (which connects our hearts to God). If you were raised in a Christian household, you may feel shame around anxiety stemming from not being able to "cast all our cares on Him." Things changed for Jennifer when she recognized that there are physical symptoms of anxiety that show up in the body due to God's design of the nervous system. There is no shame in that. God loves us and is always compassionate. Reading the scriptures through the eyes of a loving mother concerned for her daughter struggling with anxiety made it clear that the scriptures about anxiety were not a condemnation of her, but rather an invitation to rest in the peace and love of Christ. She began reading the Bible from a perspective of compassion rather than condemnation.  Breath is the source of our life. Scripture says God breathed life into us; now it's a gift that we can control to calm our minds to focus on Truth. Breath prayers are not only for states of anxiousness, but a routine to develop in our daily lives. In life, we tend to get busy and forget to slow down and focus on the truth of God's Word.  Breath prayers are not a way to look inward to solve our problems, but rather upward to our Heavenly Father as our source of wisdom and guidance. It is also not a way to empty our mind of all thoughts, but rather to repeat the truth of the scripture to root in our hearts. Let’s Get Real Practical: Practice breath prayer this week. If you are suffering, you do not suffer alone. Jesus is close when you are crushed. Make this your breath prayer this week:  (Inhale) You are close to the brokenhearted. (Exhale) You rescue crushed spirits. Connect with Jennifer: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This is the last episode in our mini-series on Coping Skills to Calm your Nerves and Retrain your Brain. Our final episode happens to be airing on Halloween, so I felt led to discuss the power of worship and shifting the atmosphere in our hearts, home, and workplace. Worship is a weapon. Worship releases worry. Worship shifts the environment. Worship sends the enemy running.  Ways to worship: Praise and worship. Even if you can’t sing it, let it play quietly in the background. Words as worship. Thank God throughout the day. Actions as worship. What do you spend the most time and energy worshipping? Dance, workout, work, whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. Resources:Pre-order Image RESTored Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

So far in The Coping Series, we have discussed bilateral stimulation, verbal and written processing, and exercise to calm your nervous system and reign in the runaway brain. Please go back and listen if you missed any of those episodes. In this episode, we are discussing a coping skill that is a God-given way to cope with mental and emotional stress - Bible verse meditation. Damage is done when people receive the message “If you would just pray more…” or “Here is a Bible verse.” Let’s look at both sides of this coin. To the person giving the advice: Remember, this recipient is hurting. Listen first. Express empathy. Pray for them (no need to share you’re praying unless you feel led to). If you do bring up a verse, be sure it’s thoughtful and not condemning. To the person receiving: If the takeaway message is full of shame, remember that’s not from God. Whether the person did or didn’t intend to relay that message, you get to choose what you receive. God’s word and prayer are the most powerful coping tools we have been given. It’s just like the enemy to twist words so we pull back from something that could help. It’s not an either/or when it comes to mental health. It’s a both/and. Jesus heals and God’s Word comforts, and sometimes we also need professional help, and that’s ok. Extend grace to yourself and others. Resources:Pre-order Image RESTored Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook