The Road Home To You

Real conversations about faith and mental health.

When Home Isn't Sweet 06/03/2020

Cult to Christ: A Journey of Healing 05/22/2020

Falling Forward: Responding to Trauma and Crisis 05/20/2020

Good Friday: Hope is on the Way! 04/10/2020

A New Rhythm 03/31/2020

Stomping out Anxiety: Interview with Caris Snider 03/24/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 33 and 34 03/19/2020

Quarantivities for the Soul 03/17/2020

Quarantivities for the Soul Anxiety, fear, grief, anger...these and so many more are the emotions that so many are feeling during these uncertain Corona Virus times. Today, Matt and I have a long-distance conversation about some of the ways we can not only take comfort in the promises of God during this time, but also very specific activities (or, as our daughter has dubbed them "quarantivities") to fill our time wisely and with fun! It must be said that in the less than 24 hours since recording this, things have changed here in the US and also with me, Brandy. While much of our conversation is focused on dealing with anxiety, I rather ironically, have been feeling my fair share of it. That being said, I remembered this conversation and took a dose of my own advice ("listen to music" and "turn off the news for a minute") and am feeling markedly better. This isn't just lip service. This advice is practical and beneficial. I hope you take it and share it with people you love. Self-Care and Activities During Quarantine: 1. Pray 2. Read the Bible: Psalms are great - try Psalm 23 3. Journal 4. Write letters and send them to loved ones 5. Listen to music you love 6. Spend time with your kids: Conversations, shooting hoops, video games, reading books, crafts, etc... 7. Go for a walk: fresh air + Vitamin D = good for ya! 8. Jigsaw puzzles 9. Complete your To-Do List: or at least knock it down - all those projects that you're saving for "someday" 10. Work on a dream project: write the book, learn the instrument, read the series... Things to Avoid: 1. Steady stream of news: Stay informed, but don't only feed on a media diet of the news 2. Hours of Social Media: See above... 3. Binging on Netflix for the entire time: Give yourself limits and keep your body and brain active Your mental health is just as important as your physical health during this time, so don't neglect it! If you're struggling with depression or thoughts of self-harm, please contact the Suicide Hotline: For More Episodes: Contact Brandy: // Special thanks to the Jingle Punks for the use of their song, "Dusty Road" as our intro and outro. This episode was recorded remotely and edited and produced at 4G's Studios in Sandy, Oregon. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/theroadhometoyou/id/13579241

Rest Stop: Psalm 31 and 32 03/12/2020

Sexuality and Women's Empowerment: an Interview with Brandi Voth 03/10/2020

Sexuality and Women's Empowerment: an Interview with Brandi Voth This year's Super Bowl halftime show was nothing if not controversial! People from all walks of life, backgrounds in faith, genders and sexual identities fell on both sides of the fence when it came to answering the question: was this performance empowering or degrading to women? Enter Brandi Voth, the woman behind The Power Project who is working to bring empowerment to women and men alike. She is a podcaster, author, and volunteer working with people in after-care who have been sexually exploited and trafficked. In this episode, Brandi and I sit down and talk about what the commercial sex trade industry looks like, who is targeted for sex trafficking, how the church can better come alongside those who've been exploited, and what women's empowerment looks like. Brandi dropped some hard truths about what drives the sex industry and opened my eyes to the prevalence it has not only in our nation but even in our small towns. Table of Contents: :05 2:55 Welcome Brandi Voth; The Power Project - empowering people to live purposeful lives 5:00 Awareness to sex trafficking industry in Melbourne, Australia 9:10 A21 "Walk for Freedom" 10:40 What sex trafficking really looks like and where it is 13:54 The grooming process happens in social media apps and chat rooms 15:15 bark.us app and Tik Tok 17:10 Be where your kids and their friends are spending time online 18:20 Predators in public places 20:00 Red flags that someone is endangered 23:59 The Church's response to help the exploited 28:10 Testimony from after-care client 31:59 Seeing the hurting and being the hands and feet of Jesus 32:57 Super Bowl halftime show re-cap and conflict 36:07 Female empowerment and the messages sent to boys/men 37:40 Empowerment vs. Sexual Objectification 39:15 Strip club and pornography - exploitation and consumption 40:39 Super Bowl is the single largest event for sex trafficking 41:35 Take a stand against the demand 43:00 The message sent to girls/women 45:28 Early exposure to pornography and the cycle of addiction 48:00 Defining empowerment 48:43 Finding your voice and using it 52:05 Signs you're not in a safe relationship 53:19 Resources and Hotlines 53:52 Bottom line - You're worth it 54:37 Thank you, Brandy 55:15 Brandi's information: The Power Project and Power Hat Co. Brandi Voth: Resources and Hotlines: The Road Home to You "Offering hope and faith in Jesus to those wounded by others, stuck in addiction or afflicted by the storms of life." Upcoming Episodes Join Brandy next week for a discussion with guest, Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch and the impact of growing up in a cult. Future topics will also include infidelity, Biblical meditation, alcohol recovery, and so much more! Listen to More Episodes You can find The Road Home to You anywhere you can download podcasts, including Google Play, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, etc. You can also find previous shows here: Additional Resources and Articles Connect with Brandy // // Special Thanks Thanks to the Jingle Punks for the use of their song, "Dusty Road" as our intro and outro. This episode was recorded, edited and produced at 4G's Studios in Sandy, Oregon. 2020. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/theroadhometoyou/id/13480397

Rest Stop: Psalm 29 and 30 03/06/2020

Recovery: Why It Matters and Who It's For (clue...everyone) 03/03/2020

Recovery: Why It Matters and Who It's For (clue...everyone) Welcome to the New & Improved The Road Home to You! We're going to start off this re-launch with Matt and Brandy in the studio talking about changes you can expect to see as the show moves forward as well as what's been happening as they've been leading Genesis for Change Groups. Table of Contents :50 Intro to Relaunching The Road Home to You 3:05 Why you should listen to TRHTY 5:45 Talking about mental health is important 6:50 Mental health in the context of faith 10:25 Authentic conversations with real people need to happen 11:41 Name Your Monster 13:00 Structure of show - what to expect moving forward 13:52 Call to Action - Be A Guest! 14:20 Recovery - Genesis Groups 16:25 What is Genesis? 21:10 What is the Limbic System? 23:35 Recovery means being honest & taking risks 26:10 Vulnerability in men and leaders 35:29 Progress of Recovery 45:04 Call to Action - Join a Genesis group 47:41 Upcoming Guests 48:55 Call to Action - Subscribe and Share! 50:10 Thank You's 51:05 Blooper The Road Home to You "Offering hope and faith in Jesus to those wounded by others, stuck in addiction or afflicted by the storms of life." Genesis Groups The Genesis Process for Change Groups are meant to happen in the context of relationship. You may gain some insight simply by going through the work on your own, but true recovery comes as learn to trust again, which can only happen as we interact with other people. You may be able to find a Genesis group at a local church. If not, feel free to contact Brandy for further information. Upcoming Episodes Join Brandy next week for a discussion with guest, Brandi Voth, as we talk about this year's Super Bowl halftime show, women's empowerment, and human sex trafficking. Future topics will also include infidelity, Biblical meditation, alcohol recovery, and so much more! Listen to More Episodes You can find The Road Home to You anywhere you can download podcasts, including Google Play, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, etc. You can also find previous shows here: Additional Resources and Articles Connect with Brandy // // Special Thanks Thanks to the Jingle Punks for the use of their song, "Dusty Road" as our intro and outro. This episode was recorded, edited and produced at 4G's Studios in Sandy, Oregon. 2020. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/theroadhometoyou/id/13384094

Rest Stop: Psalm 27 and 28 02/25/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 25 and 26 02/18/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 23 and 24 02/11/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 21 & 22 02/04/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 19 and 20 01/28/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 17 and 18 01/21/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 15 and 16 01/14/2020

Rest Stop: Psalm 13 and 14 01/07/2020

Goodbye 19, Hello 20 12/31/2019

A Visit from St. Nicholas 12/24/2019

The Greatest Christmas Story Ever Told 12/23/2019

Christmas with Spiritual Life and Leadership 12/20/2019

Christmas with Raising Kids on Your Knees 12/19/2019

A Christmas Drama by Biblical Chili Podcast 12/18/2019

Rest Stop: Psalm 11 & 12 12/17/2019

Christmas with Truce Podcast and Chris Staron 12/16/2019

The 12 Days of Self Care for Christmas 12/13/2019

The 12 Days of Self Care for Christmas Christmas may be the hap-happiest time of the year, but it can also be the saddest. Tune in for this brief look at 12 things you can do this holiday season to help you stay grounded, focus on what matters, and enjoy Christmas even in the midst of pain. On the 1st Day of Christmas - Let Go of Expectations We all have an idea in our mind about "how" Christmas ought to look. We've all seen the magazines and Hallmark movies. We know there ought to be decorations galore, fresh baked cookies piled high, and perfectly wrapped gifts spilling out from under the tree. But the simple truth is, that's just not realistic. And if that is someone's reality, they are definitely the exception to the rule. Most of us just don't have the time, money, or energy to have that kind of idyllic vision of Christmas, but somehow we still manage to be disappointed when we don't deliver the kind of holiday glow we envision. This year, let it go. Especially if you're in a new season due to the death of a loved one, a recent divorce, a newly empty nest, or any of the other hundred things that might have you feeling anything but merry and bright. It just doesn't have to look the way you think it "should." Do what you can - and want - and know that it will be enough. On the 2nd Day of Christmas - Meditate on Scripture Read John 1:1-9 and reflect on what it means that Jesus came as a light into this world. What about the world was dark? Why did we need light? What kind of light did He provide? What is the quality of His light? And finally, how does His light influence your grief or pain? On the 3rd Day of Christmas - Set Boundaries "No" isn't a word any of us like to hear, and quite honestly it's a word most of us have a hard time saying. But it's time to work out your "no" muscles. Only you can determine what is actually reasonable for you to do this holiday season. Maybe hosting everyone you've ever known feels overwhelming this year. Maybe baking cookies with your favorite 5-year old exhausts you before you even get out the first mixing bowl. Figure out what will drain and deplete you and then say no to it. I promise everyone will survive, as much of a shock to the system it may be to hear you say it. Who knows? It might even encourage someone else to step into a role that they're quite gifted and enthusiastic about. Or not...and that's okay, too. On the 4th Day of Christmas - Write Down Your To-Do List But don't stop there. Write down everything you want to accomplish this holiday season. Put up lights, trim the tree, bake all the cookies, make snow angels, feed the homeless, start a diet, wrap the presents... You know the list. It's a mile long and just seems to grow. Once everything is written down, I want you to evaluate it and cross off 3 things. There. You're done. You don't have to do those 3 things. Give yourself permission to let them go. Ask someone else to fill in for you if it's something that MUST be accomplished, otherwise...your list is now a little bit lighter and Christmas will still be just fine. On the 5th Day of Christmas - Turn Off Social Media Pinterest. Instagram. Facebook. Twitter. TURN THEM OFF. For one day this holiday season, just do it. Stop comparing your experience with everyone else. I promise they are also having anxiety, stress, sadness, and feelings of isolation and inadequacy. They might be hiding it behind a filter, but it's there. Today, don't get caught up in the madness. Turn it off and just enjoy where you are, who you're with, and what you're doing without turning it into a social event for the world to see. Likewise, when you do look at social media this holiday, remember that the people you're viewing are only giving you what they want you to see. It's only a piece of the bigger picture. On the 6th Day of Christmas - Find Ways to Serve Others One of the best, and quickest, ways to get out of an emotional funk is by serving other people. It seems counterintuitive, but it's a fact. When we take our eyes off our own troubles, as real and as big as they may be, and we serve people around us, we recognize that we truly aren't alone in our suffering. It turns out, everyone has pain. By working to encourage another person, whether it's through charitable work or by simply opening a door for someone, we see humanity all around us and realize that we're all in this together. This won't solve all your problems. It might not even dull the ache for very long, but it will take you outside of yourself for just a moment and maybe in that moment you'll see there is room for hope. On the 7th Day of Christmas - Light A Candle Find yourself a quiet little corner of the world and light a candle. Then, reflect back on the passage in John 1:1-9. You've had a few days now...how have your answers changed? Are you beginning to feel The Light stir inside your heart? On the 8th Day of Christmas - Allow Yourself to Be and Feel Sometimes, when we're in the midst of grief, it seems impossible to let out emotions out. Laughing feels disrespectful to the enormity of our pain and crying feels so useless and unproductive. But the truth is, God has given us our emotions. They are a good thing. Today, just let yourself feel. If there's something that tickles your funny bone, go ahead and laugh! Laughter really is great medicine for the soul. But maybe you just can't take another Christmas carol and the sight of others with their joy and glee is sapping you of any energy you have left. That's okay. Just be there with your emotions. You're not going to let them control you or take over your life. You're going to honor them today by feeling them and acknowledging them and letting them co-exist with you. On the 9th Day of Christmas - Journal Your Gratitude Even in our darkest days, there are still things to be thankful for. They may be hard to find, but I want you to dig deep and find 3 things you are thankful for. Write them down and write down why you're thankful. It seems like it's good enough to just do this in your head, after all, it's not like anyone's going to be checking your work, but you will benefit more by actually taking the time to write them down. And hey, if you get done with that and want to keep writing whatever is on your heart, go for it! On the 10th Day of Christmas - Take a Walk in Nature Now, for you city folk, this might be a bit harder. But...find somewhere you can go today that is as far away from the noise and the hustle and bustle. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply, and just listen. What do you hear? What is God saying to you right now? Take some time to get quiet and see the trees and birds and leaves. Really look at nature. Examine the details. What do they tell you about God? On the 11th Day of Christmas - Create a New Tradition A new season in life often means we're leaving behind something that we valued and grew accustomed to. Things are different now. But that doesn't mean they have to be bad. This year, find something new to incorporate into your celebration. Maybe it's as simple as driving around and looking at Christmas lights, or maybe it's serving in a shelter for abused women. You could do something fun and silly like eat only desserts for an entire day or have a crafting day. Whatever it is, find something that makes you happy and start doing it this year! On the 12th Day of Christmas - Take A Nap! Whatever emotional roller coaster you've been on the past few days, weeks, months, or years, emotions are exhausting! Even laughter leaves us all tuckered out. So today, find a cozy corner with your favorite blanket and let your eyes and soul rest. You've done a really big thing: you've made it through what's arguably the hardest holiday season. You've faced your emotions and felt them, you've worked on managing your expectations, you've tuned out toxic (albeit addictive) social media...You've done a lot. You deserve a rest. May God bless you this holiday. Merry Christmas, friends! - Brandy and Matt Goebel Contact Us: Our Complete Catalog of Shows: Special thanks to Dee Yan-Key for the use of their Christmas music, "Pleasant Anticipation." This episode was recorded, edited and produced at 4G's Studios in Sandy, Oregon. 2019. All rights reserved. /episode/index/show/theroadhometoyou/id/12383657

The Road Home To You

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