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Smart Living with Grit and Grace

Health & Wellness Podcasts

Wish you had a playbook for life? Look no further! Each week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 15 minutes of life lived, lessons learned, and wisdom gained to help you master this Grit and Grace Life. A podcast for strong women and those who want to be!

Location:

United States

Description:

Wish you had a playbook for life? Look no further! Each week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 15 minutes of life lived, lessons learned, and wisdom gained to help you master this Grit and Grace Life. A podcast for strong women and those who want to be!

Language:

English


Episodes
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We’ll Be Back Soon! – 290

7/15/2025
Hi, friends! Things are going to be a little quiet around here for the next few weeks... We're going on a brief hiatus as we strategize and plan all new content for the fall, with a fun twist (hint, hint: You'll be seeing a lot more of us!). Make sure your podcast notifications are turned on, and sign up for our newsletter here to stay in the know on our return. In the meantime, kick back and catch up on any episodes you missed, and rest assured that there's more grit and grace goodness in the works. We’ll be back before you know it! Resources Mentioned Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission! Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page) Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:02:10

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Why Your Story Matters – 289

7/8/2025
Are you sharing your story? Countless studies have shown that there's substantial value in sharing our stories and listening to others tell theirs. Among the biggest benefits? The release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that fosters trust and bonding. Vulnerably discussing our joys and woes, our challenges and triumphs, our embarrassments and achievements, has the power to elicit empathy in recognizing how our stories overlap. We glean wisdom, or at the very least, the comfort of knowing we aren't alone in facing certain experiences. This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack why your story matters. What use are our experiences and hard-earned life lessons if they never make it outside the walls of our hearts? Consider how your own life has been impacted by your mother's stories, perhaps, or a close friend's. They also dive deep into the lives of two biblical women, whose actions challenged the culture of their time and whose stories stand as an example of the power of learning from others who came before us and walk alongside us now. Quote of the episode: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Resources Mentioned Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission! Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page) We want to hear your story! Email us at info@thegritandgraceproject.org Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: "Who Will Tell Your Story, and What Will They Say?" "I Found Freedom After Sharing My Painful Story" "3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:17:51

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Fireworks and Freedom: The Reason Behind Independence Day – 288

7/1/2025
If your knowledge of how Independence Day came to be is a little fuzzy, settle in for a brief history lesson! In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender recount America's origin story, starting with Great Britain's imposition of taxes and military presence in the colonies. You'll discover how the Declaration of Independence came to be and why it's significant (see the related resources section below for more), as well as our duty as women of faith (and Americans) to not only recognize our nation's flaws and failures but to correct them. For the little ones or fun-loving folks in your family, Darlene and Julie share 10 fresh ways to celebrate the holiday. We're not talking about BBQs—have you ever tried watermelon bowling or hosting a 1776 party? Sign us up! Quote of the episode: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36). Resources Mentioned Learn how to set up an outdoor movie theater here Want to send a care package to a military service member? USPS removes the guesswork with its Military Care Kit—the kit is free and includes 6 boxes, address labels, envelopes and priority mail tape. Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: "The Beauty of the Declaration of Independence" "How Can We Teach our Kids the True Meaning of Freedom? with Brooke Raybould – 199" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:14:54

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Feeling Discontent? Fix These 3 Areas of Your Life – 287

6/24/2025
Feeling discontent with life? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Less-than? There are typically three culprits to blame: clutter, comparison, and conflict. Their impact, individually or collectively, can bog you down. Luckily, you're in control. In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack the burden that the three Cs—clutter, comparison, and conflict—can drain our contentment with each area of our lives: our jobs, families, home, appearance, spirituality, and more. If we don't keep them in check, we'll never be satisfied. Tune in to learn practical strategies for managing the three Cs and reclaim your peace. Quote of the episode: “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Resources Mentioned Catch up on these podcast episodes: "If Your Clutter Is Driving You Crazy – 263" "Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283" "Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284" Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles: "How to Crush Comparison With a Compliment" "Conquering Clutter Will Reveal the Things That Matter" "A Therapist's Advice on How to Handle Conflict" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:20:10

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Stuck in a Hard Season? 5 Tips to Turn It Around – 286

6/17/2025
Bad days and hard seasons are to be expected, and yet we can never fully prepare for the way they might shake us to the core and disrupt our lives. So how are we supposed to respond when life seems to dish out one hit after another? In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack five practical ways to work through the sting of a rough season, especially when it tests your faith. If you're in the middle of one of those chapters—you know, the kind you'd rather forget about entirely—this conversation is for you. Quote of the episode: “I have told you these things so that in me, you may have perfect peace. In the world, you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous; be confident; be undaunted. Be filled with joy. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Resources Related When Life Hits Hard, It Just Takes a Little Faith God's Strength Is Found in the Hard Places Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:25:45

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What Makes a Great Father – 285

6/10/2025
Cheesy puns, recliner naps, and mischievous risks... these are just some of the hallmarks of a great dad—maybe even yours! As Father's Day approaches, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender remind you of what makes a great father. Why we need to take time to celebrate the unique qualities that set dads apart. They share how their husbands handle fatherhood, explore the innate differences between men and women that make a father's approach to raising kids to complementary, and why it's important to give dads grace when that approach veers a little risky. They have their reasons, and your kids may be all the better for it! Whether you're celebrating your own dad this Father's Day or the father to your children, this episode is a reminder of the comfortable, safe space a loving father creates and holds for a lifetime. Let every great father know how important they truly are. Quote of the episode: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13). Resources Related "How to Make Your Man Feel Like a Great Father" "Ask Dr. Zoe – How Do I Develop Healthy Self Worth After Reconnecting With My Estranged Father?" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:18:33

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Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284

6/3/2025
The process of forgiveness and reconciliation is a two-way street, and both parties are equally responsible for putting in the work to restore the relationship. Yes, even if you were the one wronged! In part two in this miniseries on forgiveness to reconciliation, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss the four steps of making amends and emphasize the importance of approaching each one with humility. Whether you've been wronged or have wronged someone else, you must set aside your pride and commit to rebuilding trust, whatever that might look like for your situation. It's certainly not easy, but when done with sincere intentions (and often with the aid of outside counseling), the process of reconciliation can become a powerful example of peacemaking. Quote of the episode: “You're going to find true peacemaking to be way more effective and way more fruitful if you're willing to put in the work.”—Julie Bender Resources Mentioned Join the Re|engage Marriage Enrichment and Restoration course The Peacemaking Process graphic: Related "If You’re Tired of Resentment Living Rent-Free in Your Heart – 259" "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:19:26

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Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283

5/27/2025
Forgiveness is a radical act—it's not about holding someone's offense over their head like a debt, and it's also not about forgetting what they've done. So what is forgiveness in and of itself? In part one of two in this miniseries on forgiveness to reconciliation, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender debunk several misconceptions around what real forgiveness entails, revealing a much simpler approach that removes the pressure and pain normally associated with it. You'll learn how your relationship with God plays a critical role in truly forgiving someone and a sample prayer that you can use when you're not sure where to start. We've also included a graphic of the prayer below—scroll down to screenshot and save it for easy reference. Join us next week for part two of the series, where Darlene and Julie unpack the process of reconciliation. Quote of the episode: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24). Resources Mentioned Join the Re|engage Marriage Enrichment and Restoration course The Forgiveness Prayer (F-R-E-E) Face the truth of the sins against you and grieve the hurt Release your wounds to God and ask for healing Entrust your claims for justice to God Exalt God for offering peace through Christ to all Related "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" "Why You Need to Forgive When Forgiveness Seems Impossible" "My Parents’ Murder-Suicide and the Road to Forgiveness with Tracy Brandt – 208" "If You’re Tired of Resentment Living Rent-Free in Your Heart – 259" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:19:23

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Why We Can’t Forget the Reason for Memorial Day – 282

5/20/2025
We tend to gloss over the intention behind Memorial Day each year as we prep for a long weekend full of good food, games, and time at the beach. But to be clear: We wouldn't be able to enjoy any of those things without others' sacrifices. To keep this truth top of mind as we approach the holiday weekend, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender walk through the history of the national holiday and share the startling numbers of those lost in recent wars. There is a depth and gravity to the topic that's worthy of honor and remembrance, including the first recorded Memorial Day celebration in which former slaves from Charleston, South Carolina, gathered to honor the Union soldiers lost during the war in 1865. If you've felt removed from the reason for Memorial Day, we urge you to take a listen to this short but meaningful podcast episode. Quote of the episode: “We should honor and remember the sacrifice of those who have [answered the call to go off and fight a war], and even immensely more those who have given their lives on the battlefield.”—Julie Bender Resources Related Learn more about how the Wounded Warrior Project honor and supports veterans Mentioned Read more about the first recorded Memorial Day celebration here Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:12:05

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Is Submitting to Your Husband Relevant Today? – 281

5/13/2025
"Wives, submit to your husbands..." Ladies, how do you feel about this command? If you're like us, it may throw you off, or even make you feel a little defiant. We approach life differently than men, but we're still equal—which is probably why we tend to bristle when we read or hear this verse in Ephesians 5. The problem is this that "submitting to your husband" is often misinterpreted as "obey your husband without question," both by our current society and not-so-well-meaning individuals past and present. In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share the context around this Bible verse and the real meaning of the word "submit." You'll also learn how to shed the negative connotation around the word with practical ways to honor the command in your own marriage—in a way that also honors you. Quote of the episode: “Submission is not like the obedience of a child. To our shame, some men think of their wives as a sort of first child who should obey them. That’s not what the Bible teaches. A wife’s submission is voluntary to a man who loves her. Rather than submit, the better word is she should respond to her husband.”—J. Vernon McGhee Resources *If you're a victim of verbal or emotional abuse, please visit this page for support. Mentioned Read more from J. Vernon McGhee here Listen to Julie recount her experience and lessons from her first marriage: "Julie Graham’s Untold Story of Heartbreak, Healing and Hope – 101" Read Abigail's story here Related Check out the Smart Living book series here! "If Your Nagging Makes You Tired Too - 254" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:28:41

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Why You Shouldn’t Doubt Your Impact as a Mother – 280

5/6/2025
Doubt your impact as a mother (or a mother figure)? Don't—and we'll tell you why. In this special Mother's Day week episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender dissect the complicated role of being a mom. With days that are challenging, rewarding, or a heavy mixture of both, motherhood may incite guilt or prompt you to question whether you're doing anything right. The good news? If you're doing your best, you're absolutely doing it right. Darlene and Julie share their own personal motherhood anecdotes and offer encouragement for those days when you feel exhausted and uncertain. You have a bond with your child that can't be replicated in any of their other relationships. Even when you're not sure your child hears you or understands you or agrees with you, the way you show them your love will be the thread tying you together even in the most difficult seasons. Quote of the episode: “Even when you’re messing up, it’s important to remember that God put you here with this child for a reason for a season for a purpose.”—Julie Bender Resources Related "I Made a Change—and It Brought My Prodigal Home" "How Do We Handle the Messiness of Motherhood? with Laila Schell - 168" "A Little Encouragement with Motherhood Is Disappointing" Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:17:39

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Overcome the Sting of Rejection with Dr. Gary Lawrence – 279

4/29/2025
If you've ever been turned down by a crush, passed up for a promotion, or dismissed by a parent, you've felt the sting of rejection. And if left unchecked, that pain can surface and cause harm to our other relationships. In this episode of Smart Living with Grit and Grace, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender are joined by Dr. Gary Lawrence, the founder and director of New Life Dynamics Christian Counseling Ministries, to talk about the impact of rejection and how to overcome its stronghold. Through the retelling of his own personal stories, Dr. Gary reveals how early rejection can form a root of bitterness that negatively impacts our interactions as we age. But we're not without hope. He also shares practical steps for recognizing the source of our pain and breaking the cycle so we don't break our relationships. Dr. Gary Lawrence is the founder and director of New Life Dynamics Christian Counseling Ministries, and author of his bestselling book, Rejection Junkies. After 20 years as the host of his own radio show, Life Mastery Counseling with Dr. G, Dr. G has personally met with and coached more than 6,000 clients and has inspired thousands more on radio, television, and stage. Dr. G specializes on breaking down the damaging effects of rejection and the way in which this trauma manifests throughout all phases of life. In Rejection Junkies, Dr. G helps readers to recognize the circumstances that hold them hostage, keeping them stuck, and making them bitter. Quote of the episode: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”—Romans 8:31 Resources Related "The Beauty of Rejection—Creating a Stronger You" "Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Buy your copy of Dr. Gary's book, Rejection Junkies, here Take Dr. Gary's free rejection assessment here Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:31:22

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Discover How Grit, Grace, and Smart Living Can Change Your Life – 278

4/22/2025
Do you ever wonder why we named our podcast Smart Living with Grit and Grace? Or what "grit and grace" actually means when used in tandem? Maybe you're just curious to know how smart living can change your life. Darlene and Julie are taking it back to the basics in this episode, chatting through the origin story of our nonprofit, Grit and Grace Life, and the mission God placed on Darlene's heart to create a space where women could feel seen and encouraged and gain wisdom through life's highs and lows by hearing other women's stories. They also break down what we mean by the phrases "smart living" and "grit and grace," defining and unpacking the intention behind each word. Whether you're new to our wonderful, welcoming side of the internet or you've been around with us for the last 10 years, we hope this episode re-centers your understanding not only of why Grit and Grace Life exists, but how the literal values of "grit" and "grace" can shift the way you experience the world as a woman of faith. Quote of the episode: “It’s in us; that innate grit is in women, and we want to break that out, encourage it, mold it, and allow it to shine.”—Julie Bender Resources Related "Beginning Faith: Walking This Life with Grit, Grace, and God" "Bible Verses from the Grit and Grace Team on Grace" "A Woman's Grit Is Her Best Asset for Success" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Check our some of our most popular articles below: "How Do I Know What Defines Me?" "5 Ways I Learned to Love My Middle-Aged Body" "Annoyed by Interruptions? My Trick for Welcoming Them" "How to Practice Peace When the World Feels Chaotic" "Do You Feel Abandoned by God?" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:20:16

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Need a Relationship Expert? Look to Jesus – 277

4/15/2025
We'll take a guess and say that your calendar, like ours, is booked with Sunday services, Easter brunches, and egg hunting this weekend. And all for good reason: It gives us many opportunities to rejoice with loved ones in the eternal hope Jesus secured for us through the resurrection. So in the spirit of celebrating Easter with our friends and family, Darlene and Julie take a closer look at the life of the ultimate relationship expert: Jesus! The Lord changed lives not only after his resurrection but during his years walking among us, and we have much to gain by reflecting on the many interactions he had with others. In this episode, Darlene and Julie discuss: the beauty in Jesus gathering 12 disciples, who were each so different in their work and their temperaments how he met people's needs with care and compassion in even the briefest encounters the way he returned to his friends after the resurrection to offer forgiveness to Peter, faith to Thomas, and a promise to see them all again We hope this glimpse into Jesus' conversations and interactions offers a glowing example of how we can show up in our relationships—both this Easter and in the years to come. Quote of the episode: “As personal as Jesus was with his followers, he is that personal with us, individually, today." —Julie Bender Resources Related "Would Jesus Unfriend You?" "Is Easter the Ultimate Call to Action? - 237" "This Is What Jesus Said About Equality for Women" Mentioned "Beginning Faith: Walking This Life with Grit, Grace, and God" "Building Faith: Growing In Your Relationship with God" "How to Read Your Bible: For Beginners" "Easter, the Best Love Story Ever Told" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:17:40

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Why Change Might Be Just What You Need – 276

4/8/2025
One of the few certainties in life is also one of the things we fear most: change. Change—whether expected or not—can instill fear in us due to the mere fact that what lies beyond it is unknown; we might see it as a threat to our purpose, safety, and comfort. But instead of fearing change, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender reason that it's only frightening because we default to what can go wrong instead of what can go right. Change might be just what you need. In this podcast episode, they challenge you to shift your perspective to embrace change and all the opportunities it can present. They'll walk through some scenarios (think a new job or the end of a relationship) where change can offer more clarity and new areas for growth. And if you're still on the fence about change, let us leave you with food for thought: If you've encountered life changes before and you're reading this today, that means you overcame them, and you're capable of doing it again. Quote of the episode: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." —Winston Churchill Resources Related "I Changed My Mind; Change Can Be the Right Thing to Do" "Challenges to Conquer? All You Need Is a Growth Mindset" Mentioned "If You Want Your Goals to Reflect Your Priorities - 266" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:16:26

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Don’t Be a Fool: 5 Mistakes to Avoid – 275

4/1/2025
We have no tricks up our sleeves with this April Fool's Day podcast—just wisdom to guide you along your grit and grace life. (But it might be foolish if you choose to skip this episode!) The mark of a foolish person is one who carries on with life without learning to discern the different between fact and fiction, wisdom and folly. Even automobile magnate Henry Ford suggested as much: "The only real mistake we make is the one from which we learn nothing." Darlene Brock and Julie Bender take it one step further in this episode, offering 5 common life mistakes to avoid altogether. Some of these you may not have experienced yet; others you may repeatedly encounter. All the more reason to prepare for them now—you'll know exactly what to do when the moment arrives! Quote of the episode: “We're all going to make mistakes, but we do not have to be fools about it.” —Darlene Brock Resources Related "You'll Find More Freedom When You Learn to Say No" "6 Tips to Keep Your Dreams Alive When Life Gets Busy" "Am I Worth More than a Penny?" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:16:58

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If Your Kids Are Online, How Do You Protect Them from Porn?- 274

3/25/2025
Pornography is one of the most prevalent forms of addiction—something that can sneak into your home, under your nose, unnoticed. And those who are most susceptible to the dangers? Your kids. Think about it—if there's a TV or internet in your home, porn is there too. And as your child uses either of these (think research for a school projects), it's inevitable they will stumble across pornographic content as some point. With children's and teens' natural curiosity at work, how do we protect them? In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share advice for approaching the subject of pornography with your child in a way that reflects their maturity and current stage of life. It helps to have a plan in place for navigating these admittedly awkward and uncomfortable discussions, so they offer helpful conversation starters and segues, book recommendations, and more to give you the edge in protecting your children from porn. Quote of the episode: “Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your word.” —Psalm 119:37 Resources Related "The Good Christian Girl Who Struggled with Porn" Mentioned Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:15:20

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If You Want to Pray More – 273

3/18/2025
Want to pray more but not sure where to start? Prayer is a wonderful, powerful privilege that gives us instant connection to the God of the universe. But, if we're honest, it can also feel a bit daunting. Historical images of prayer, both literal and figurative, give off the impression that our communication with God should be deeply rooted in religious formality. You know the kind: kneeling with our heads bowed and hands delicately clasped together. Not only is that kind of prayer often difficult to achieve with modern time constraints, but it doesn't fully capture the kind of 'open-24-hours' communication that God desires with us. In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss what prayer is: "life in constant communion and conversation with God." They debunk common stereotypes around prayer and share easy-to-follow prayer structures for the times when you're unsure of where to start or what to say. There's power in any kind of prayer, anywhere—and God delights in hearing from us every single time. Quote of the episode: “God cares about what we care about and wants us to talk to him about it.” —Darlene Brock Resources Related "Remember When God Showed Up for You? Write That Down" "How to Be a Praying Parent Throughout Your Child's Life" "How to Pray (When You Feel Like You Don't Know How)" Mentioned Check out these 4 prayer apps! Pray! (FREE in the iTunes App Store). Sets reminders, notifies you to pray at scheduled times. Prayer Prompter (FREE in the iTunes App Store). Gives Bible verses and prayer prompts if you’re not sure how to get started. Instapray (FREE in the iTunes App Store). For a more interactive/social option: You can see global requests and let people know when you’re praying for them. Ora (FREE in the iTunes App Store). This app is similar to Instapray minus the global component. Good for organizing prayer requests for groups you’re a part of in real life. Try one of these prayer structures: The Lord's Prayer ACTS Prayer Model The PRAY Method Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:21:36

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If You Have Trouble Speaking Up for Yourself – 272

3/11/2025
The one thing most people fear more than death? Public speaking.¹ There's something about standing in front of another person (or multiple people) and sharing our thoughts, ideas, and feedback that makes us want to shrink until we evaporate. But sometimes, neglecting to speak up for yourself can have harmful repercussions. Here to help you see past your fear this week is Darlene Brock and Julie Bender, who get to work excavating the possible reasons why speaking up is so terrifying. Maybe you've often been ignored, or never taken seriously, or you feel you'll come across as foolish (hello, imposter syndrome!). No matter the reason, one thing is for certain: there will be a void left by what you're not saying. Darlene and Julie discuss the myriad benefits of speaking up for yourself: setting critical boundaries; encouraging others; making life-changing connections; and more. When we choose to say what's on our hearts and minds, even when it's hard or we doubt ourselves, we're affording those around us not only with new information to chew on, but a reminder of our presence and impact. ¹https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/what-we-fear-more-than-death Quote of the episode: “Someone not hearing you might say more about them as a listener than you as a speaker.” —Julie Bender Resources Related "Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life" "Are You Afraid to Speak Up When Others Disagree? - 224" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:19:11

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If Hope Feels Beyond Your Reach – 271

3/4/2025
How is your future looking right now? If what you're envisioning feels bleak, let us offer some encouragement. Hope often flies right out the door as soon as life starts to unravel differently than we planned. Your kids drop out of college. Your spouse is distant. You haven't been promoted at work in years. When reality doesn't match the vision, what can we look forward to? In this episode of Smart Living in Small Bites, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack ways to find hope in the mundane. It may require work on your end, like cutting back in certain areas to prioritize what's needed to reach your goals. More often than not, holding on to hope simply calls for believing God's promise in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." And if you're wondering when God will come through, take comfort in knowing it'll be in his timing—which means it has yet to happen and you already have something to hope for. While you practice staying hopeful, meditate on this nugget of wisdom Darlene shares: "Hope doesn’t exist without deprivation, need and lack." What we're lacking now gives us a reason to look forward to our future with optimism and become better versions of ourselves along the way. Quote of the episode: “When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.” —Theodore Roosevelt Resources Related "Hope Feels Out of Reach—What Now?" "When Hope Is Your Bravest Choice" "5 Ways to Hold Onto Hope In Radical Uncertainty" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife

Duration:00:18:47