ANCHORS OF ENCOURAGEMENT | Adoption, Adoptive Parents, Biblical Encouragement, Journaling, Anxiety, Healthy Relationships

Are you an adoptive parent looking for hope and practical strategies to navigate the unique challenges of adoption?

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

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, I invite you to listen to this encore episode of Anchors of Encouragement, where my son Jonny and I share a powerfu...

It seemed like it would be the perfect spot to experience this moment, but I wasn't sure I would be allowed to go there. As it turned out, I was, and it was perfect.

Hi Neighbor,

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

This episode of Anchors of Encouragement is all about that. I want to tell you about this amazing sight, how it...

“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Hi Neighbor,

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

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

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

In the challenges of life’s storms, where anxiety wears you down, where can you look to find your anchor amidst the chaos? May I suggest you look up to the sky to the anchor of promise.

Hi Neighbor,

Earlier this week, I experienced a vivid reminder of God’s faithfulness, a rainbow.

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share that story and tie it to the promises God made to people generations ago and to promises to us t...

Have you ever found the wording in a Bible verse confusing and hard to understand? Well, I’ve been there. In this episode, I want to show you a simple way to not only understand the meaning of a Bible verse but also 3 ways to help you anchor to the text.

Hi Neighbor,

Today’s episode is based on a question from one of our listeners from Episode 99. If you have a question or comment for me, please send an email to tim@anchorsofencour...

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by life that words escape you and all you can do is cry? I’m here to assure you that every tear you shed speaks volumes to the God who created you. 

Hi Neighbor,

Even in moments when your emotions are stretched to the breaking point and words fail you, rest assured that you’re not journeying through your struggles alone.

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, we’ll consider 3 profound truths ...

Do you know an adoptive parent who is heartbroken? Feeling overwhelmed? Maybe this person can’t think straight, or maybe they are struggling with their faith. They might even feel lost, lonely, and afraid. Do you want to know how you can encourage this person? May I suggest you say a prayer?

Hi Neighbor, 

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share a powerful way to support adoptive parents who are feeling overwhelmed a...

On March 2nd, many years ago, a devastating tornado hit my hometown. As the anniversary approached, painful memories flooded back, but also valuable lessons.

Hi Neighbor, 

Memories of tragedy can be overwhelming, but facing them head-on can lead to healing and growth.

Join me in this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement as I talk about the importance of processing difficult experiences by writing down your memories. This s...

I’m imagining there is an adoptive parent reading this who is heartbroken and feeling overwhelmed. You can’t think straight. Maybe you’re struggling with your faith. You feel lost, lonely, and afraid. And you’re wondering, how can I ever get past this? I’m here to tell you I’ve been there, and I want you to know tomorrow is a brand new day.

Hi Neighbor, 

In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share a powerful messag...

What is something that can cause you anxiety, but also reduce your anxiety? Answer: For me, it’s snow.

Hi Neighbor,

In this unplugged episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I want to share one of my favorite anxiety grounding techniques with you. It’s something I’ve been doing for years. I also share a happy memory of doing it when I was in college.

Daily Doable: Identify those anxiety grounding techniques you can use whenever you ne...

Some days are easier than others. Some days don't go as expected. What do you do when there is ONE curve ball after another thrown at you? 

I’ve discovered a lot of things are out of my control. But there’s ONE thing I can control, ONE thing I do almost every day. That ONE thing helps me to prepare for the unpredictability of any day.

Hi Neighbor, 

To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the fifth and fina...

It’s easy to get tripped up journaling. Trust me, I know. There are so many different ways you can journal, and you’re left wondering, “Is there a right or wrong way to do it?” I’m hoping by sharing my experiences, using the WRITE way, that will help liberate you and help you to choose the way or ways that are best for you.

Hi, Neighbor. 

To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the fourth of a 5-part serie...

Those who know me know I love to draw. I’ve been doing it all my life, from scribbles on my grandma’s wallpaper to drawings of buildings. For almost 30 years, I was an architectural illustrator. I’ve drawn buildings located all over the world.

From this podcast, you probably know I love to journal. I’ve been journaling for over 5 years. But there’s something about me I bet you didn't know. I have a confession to make.

Whether it’s ...

My dad had a heart attack at 45. It was scary. Thankfully, it was the warning kind of heart attack… This was a wake-up call for him and a wake-up call for me. Dad began riding an exercise bike, I began cycling.

I understood this was a process. There were benefits to doing what I was doing. Just like I've experienced the benefits of cycling and later hiking. I've also experienced the benefits of something else I've talked about on t...

At first, I wasn’t a believer. You might even call me a doubting Thomas. It wasn’t until I saw with my own eyes the power of this simple practice. Now I’m a believer too.

Hi, Neighbor. 

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

Question Number 1: What Are the Benefits of Journaling? In today's episode, we'll consider that question w...

As an adoptive parent, do you ever second-guess yourself? What did I do wrong? Do you listen to critics and let them get you down? Have you responded to negative criticism and it didn’t go well?

Hi, Neighbor. 

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

Verses mentioned in this episode. “For our earthly fathers discipline...

Do you worry about your children’s future? Will they make wise choices? Will they be successful? And most importantly, will they remain faithful?

Hi Neighbor,

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

Proverbs 22:6 NLT – “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they...

When my daughter was five, we got a letter from her birth mother at Christmas time saying, “I started thinking about grad school but then, you know, 9-11 happened and we invaded Iraq... I’m planning on joining the army. I’m going to be going off to officer training school and in case I don’t come back, I want to come and spend the weekend with you and meet my daughter.”

Hi Neighbor,

Joining me today is my neighbor from San Jose, Te...

Hi, Neighbor, 

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

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

After these conversations, I realized I needed to update the description for this podcast. I want it to reflect what...