Real Talk With Rachael Podcast

We are currenly in the Friendship Series. Last week I asked you to draw a friendship timeline. That laid the foundation for looking at past and current friendships as well as noticing healthy and unhealthy themes in this area. Speaking of unhealthy, let’s address one toxic trait that will bring every friendship crashing down- GOSSIP. Scripture: Proverbs 26:22 (MSG), "Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?" Process: Who do I need to stop gossiping about? Is my main form of communication with friends gossip? Challenge: Be mindful of leading with gossip. When you are tempted to gossip, ask, "What do I really need in this moment?"  Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the "Community Wheel." If you don’t have the book, go to ImageRestoredBook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren’t yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the comm

This week we're starting new series on Talk Therapy all about friendship.  Scripture: Proverbs 18:24,"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." Process:  Draw a friend timeline What themes did you notice in your friendships? Who do you need to forgive? Challenge: Forgive whoever God asks you to release. Bless them. Consider writing them a letter you never mail or use the “empty chair” technique and read the letter aloud to them, then shred it. Resource: In my book, Image Restored, the last counselor cornerstone activity is called the "Community Wheel." If you don’t have the book, go to ImageRestoredBook.com to learn more and purchase a copy. If you aren’t yet subscribed to my email newsletter, do that today as we are emailing a pdf download of the community wheel to the community. Go to rachaelgilbert.com click the freebies tab and subscribe to the community there.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with someone whose words changed my life, Dannah Gresh. Dannah is the founder of True Girl, bringing moms and daughters closer to each other and closer to Jesus, and co-host of the Revive Our Hearts podcast. Dannah has authored over 27 books including And the Bride Wore White, Lies Young Women Believe (with Nancy Leigh DeMoss) and Lies Girls Believe. More than 20,000 leaders and 100,000 moms have taught her curriculum and over 500,000 people have attended her live events and retreats. Dannah and her husband, Bob, live on a hobby farm in central Pennsylvania. They have four adult children and four grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: Dannah wrote Happily Even After about her and her husband's experience after he revealed an addiction to pornography - a more common problem than we typically believe, even in established marriages. It's easy to be upset with our spouse's actions, but they're often not personal, rather they are a coping mechanism learne

Last week on Talk Therapy, I asked kind of a strange question - what are you wearing? If you missed that episode, please go back and listen. This week, I have another question for you - do you have a mental shield? Throughout scripture we are reminded about the importance of the Lord acting as our shield. The Hebrew word for shield is rooted in a verb meaning "to defend, cover, or surround." I love this because the fact that it is a verb shows that God is actively defending us. Pick up your mental shield by asking the Lord to protect your mind as you surrounded by negative people or environments. Sometimes we can’t change the environment but we can put up a mental shield against it. Resource: Please take advantage of the free resources offered on the "Freebies" page of RachaelGilbert.com

Today is not a series, but is in line with the "Finish Strong" theme. I felt God tell me to ask, “What are you wearing?”  Ephesians 6:13, "Put on the full armor of God, so that… you may be able to stand your ground."  Process: What are you wearing? Are you daily putting on the full armor of God? Resource: Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I’m chatting with Katy McCown. Katy is a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, host of the Best Day Ever podcast, and author of She Smiles without Fear. Katy left her job as a television news reporter to join her husband, Luke, on their adventure in the National Football League. Luke and Katy have six children. Key Points from Our Conversation: There’s a difference between a life that’s handled and a life that’s whole. A life that is whole is attainable and God has given us what we need to fulfill that life.  Our quest to keep it together eventually causes us to fall apart. Belonging begins with brokenness. If you’ll admit it, we share a common brokenness. When we understand we’re all broken, it dissipates the feeling of not belonging. Our common brokenness leads us to Jesus; that’s where our belonging begins. We don’t know when life will get difficult, but when it does, it’s important who we have with us. You may not feel like you have time to invest in others, but there wi

rOur series this month is called “Finish Strong.” The first week, I shared a funny story about how my marathon coach taught me the value of RPE (a.k.a. rate of perceived exertion) so I could finish my race strong. If you missed that episode, please go back and listen as it laid the foundation for this series. We are discussing our spiritual RPE: Rejoice, Pray/Practice, and Embrace Embrace: Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." And just after this sermon, he says the verse we have all recited from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse is so much more than a cute coffee mug inspiration. It’s a reminder that our spiritual RPE (rejoice, pray/practice, embrace) empowers us to receive the strength we need in Christ to keep moving forward. Embracing helps us

Our series this month is called “Finish Strong.” Last week, I shared a funny story about how my marathon coach taught me the value of RPE (a.k.a. rate of perceived exertion) so I could finish my race strong. If you missed that episode, please go back and listen as it laid the foundation for this series. We are discussing our spiritual RPE: Rejoice, Pray/Practice, and Embrace Pray & Practice I hope you listened to our guest interview with Mary Jo Pierce a few weeks ago because we discussed being consistent prayer warriors. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul goes on to remind us in Philippians 4:8 to practice what we witnessed him do, thinking only on things that are true and worthy of praise. He knew to be finishers, we would have to learn the art of taking our

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with Holly Wagner. Holly and her husband, Philip, are the senior founding pastors of Oasis Church – a growing, multi-cultural, church located in Los Angeles. They have been married for over 38 years, love life, and enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Jordan and Paris, and their 4 grandchildren! Holly is passionate about seeing the Church grow strong and relevant to the culture surrounding it and for women to become who God has designed them to become. She founded She Rises (formerly GodChicks), and has empowered thousands of women around the world. Holly has appeared on many television shows and is currently one of the hosts of TBN’s Better Together. She has written several books; her newest is Find Your Brave, an honest look at navigating storms, and has been an encouragement to the thousands who have read it. Key Points from Our Conversation: Starters' and finishers' strengths and weaknesses will complement one another. Sometimes God instructs

Today starts a new series called Finish Strong. Growing up, I wasn’t much of an athlete. I ran track because all my friends were on the team. I was so slow that on one particular long run, even my coaches packed up and went home by the time I finished the course. With this glimpse of my running background, you can imagine my surprise when God called me to run a marathon.  Running a marathon sounds like a strange “call,” but in hindsight, God was teaching me several spiritual lessons by getting my attention through doing something bigger than anything I could do in my strength. I have learned much about running since completing this race and several others. RPE (rate of perceived exertion) is what my coach used that day to get me in the right group so I could finish my race. We are all in a spiritual race. The best way to run with endurance in order to finish strong is to stay in tune with our spiritual RPE. In this scenario, RPE stands for Rejoice, Pray/Practice, and Embrace. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in

We are in a three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. So far we've explored the questions "How is your heart?" and "How are your words?" This week I want you to consider, "What foundation am I standing on?" (If you missed it, I recommend that you go back and listen to my Stand Firm Series.) Read: Matthew 7:24, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Exodus 14:13, "Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again." 2 Chronicles 20:17, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out t

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Mary Jo Pierce. Mary Jo served as pastor of prayer and Intercession at Gateway Church for 17 years and is passionate about helping you find your voice in and through prayer! An accomplished author and public speaker, Mary Jo combines her love of prayer, scriptures, and baking bread through her ACTS 2:42 seminars. Her books Let It Rise, Adventures in Prayer, and Follow Me, have unlocked the joy of living prayer for readers across the world. Key Points from Our Conversation: Prayer is so much more than what we do or say, it’s who we are. It’s the essence of abiding in God. Prayer is often put in a religious box, but each of us has a prayer life that’s unique to us. Prayers aren’t always words. Prayer connects people to God. Engaging God in your tasks, whether they're hobbies, errands, etc., transforms those acts into worship because they glorify Him. There’s so much to pray about that we can get overwhelmed, but we are uniquely created to carry Go

We are in a new, three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. Last week we explored the question "How is your heart?" This week I want to know - how are your words? Luke 6:45 reminds us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” When you aren’t sure about the answer to the previous question about your heart, listen to the words you speak. Proverbs 12:18, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 18:8, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." Process: How are your words? Pray: Psalm 19:14, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerest

We are in a new, three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. The first question I want you to ask is this - How is my heart? “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Proverbs 4:23 We guard our heart by submitting them to the Lord for His protection and doing our part with routine heart checks, just like you would with a medical doctor. If your heart doesn’t feel right about an area, ask the Lord to place a pin on what is off. Process: How is your heart? Pray: Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book,

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I chatted with Nancy Houston. Nancy is an Executive Leadership Coach, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Sex Therapist, and author of “Love and Sex: A Christian Guide to Healthy Intimacy" and "Then God Made a Woman: Unwrapping Female Sexuality.” Nancy developed and leads Next Level Leadership Groups which is a relational approach to leadership. She is also a former adjunct at DBU and Concordia University and a fellow at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University. Key Points from Our Conversation: If you've experienced sexual trauma, the beginning of healing is understanding that what happened wasn't your fault and you don't need to carry shame. If you’ve survived a trauma, show yourself some gratitude for enduring something hard. Then address the effects of that trauma. It’s hard work, but God is asking you to press in. God designed us to be sexual creatures. We can experience so much freedom if we have the courage to have great conversations around the top

We just wrapped up our Stand Firm series. If you missed it, go back and tune in. I pray it makes your faith arise as you stand firm on the Word of God. Today, I want to have a heart-to-heart with you about why you might not be ready for change. Stages of Change: Stage 1: Precontemplation Stage 2: Contemplation Stage 3: Preparation Stage 4: Action Stage 5: Maintenance Stage 6: Relapse Stage 7: Termination Process: What stage are you in? Pray: Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Resource: Are you ready to see a change in how you view your body? I highly encourage you to get a copy of my book, Image Restored. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today. If you already own a copy, today is your reminder to take action and read it!

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Luke 10 Stand Firm in Action: Stand your ground! Process: What are you standing on? Do you believe you have been given authority? If so, use it! If not, ask the Holy Spirit to awaken the desire in you to be a bold believer in Christ. Resource: Did you know I wrote a book? It’s called Image Restored, and I believe it will help you take your authority back over your body, in Jesus name. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Dr. Shanna Crawford. Dr. Crawford is the CEO of Crawford Clinics, Leadership Performance Psychologist, executive coach, podcast host of Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford, and speaker with over 20 years of studying psychology and a decade of applying empirically supported strategies to optimize performance for executives, she has innovated the Restoring-Self-Cohesion approach. Dr. Crawford and her team of psychotherapists at Crawford Clinics have provided life-transforming counseling for thousands of business leaders, couples, families, and adolescents. As founder and CEO, she has established a holistic practice with a team of highly vetted and trained therapists to ensure every client achieves success in their life, relationships, and business. Crawford Care is an HR benefit offered to organizations providing mental health counseling for employees and their families. Key Points from Our Conversation: Self-cohesion is the methodology of syncing your inne

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given you a spirit of fear or timidity, but power, love, and a sound mind." Process: What are you standing on? Resource: Have you downloaded my guide with three steps to overcome fear and pursue your God-given dreams? It’s what I used alongside this key verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 to step out in faith when God called. Go to rachaelgilbert.com/overcomefear to download it for free.

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Stand Firm in Action: Where your eyes go, your body will follow. Where your mind goes, your life will follow. The enemy loves to get us so focused on looking down at ourselves that we forget to look up at Jesus. Looking up looks like talking to Him (especially when you fail), worshiping, praying, reading the Word, and thinking about things that are true and worthy of praise. Process: How can you look to God this week? What are you standing on? Resource: Did you know I send a monthly Therapist Thoughts email? I promise It’s not your average newsletter. Each month I share a personal note from me that you can’t find anywhere else on the internet, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Join the