ANCHORS OF ENCOURAGEMENT | Adoption, Adoptive Parents, Biblical Encouragement, Journaling, Anxiety, Healthy Relationships
Kids & Family Podcasts
Biblical Encouragement for Adoptive Parents Did you finally realize your dream of having a family only to have your happily ever after turn into a nightmare? Are you constantly second-guessing your parenting, anxious about whether your child will make good choices and remain faithful? Do you wish more than anything that your child would know Christ and just turn out ”OK”? Have you neglected yourself to the point that it’s taken a personal toll on you? Hi Neighbor! Welcome to Anchors of Encouragement. I’m Tim Maudlin: Husband, Adoptive Parent, Disciple of Christ, and Ambassador of Encouragement. I too felt the joy of having a family of my own and I wished we could be like other families. But I found myself up late at night, anxious about my child’s future and asking myself, ”Why is this happening? Am I a failure as a parent?” It was only by grabbing a lifeline from God and my friends that I was able to navigate the challenges of adoptive life. And now I can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned with you. My mission is to be your friend and encourager, to throw adoptive parents a lifeline, and offer biblical mindset support as you partner with Christ, providing stability as your anchor when you need it the most. If you’re ready for real and raw talk, with strategies and insights that lead to peace beyond comprehension so you not only survive but thrive in life’s storms, this podcast is for you. Hope and Healing are on the way! I’m here for you, neighbor! Connect: AnchorsOfEncouragement@gmail.com Community: facebook.com/groups/anchorsofencouragement Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmaudlin/
Location:
United States
Genres:
Kids & Family Podcasts
Description:
Biblical Encouragement for Adoptive Parents Did you finally realize your dream of having a family only to have your happily ever after turn into a nightmare? Are you constantly second-guessing your parenting, anxious about whether your child will make good choices and remain faithful? Do you wish more than anything that your child would know Christ and just turn out ”OK”? Have you neglected yourself to the point that it’s taken a personal toll on you? Hi Neighbor! Welcome to Anchors of Encouragement. I’m Tim Maudlin: Husband, Adoptive Parent, Disciple of Christ, and Ambassador of Encouragement. I too felt the joy of having a family of my own and I wished we could be like other families. But I found myself up late at night, anxious about my child’s future and asking myself, ”Why is this happening? Am I a failure as a parent?” It was only by grabbing a lifeline from God and my friends that I was able to navigate the challenges of adoptive life. And now I can’t wait to share everything I’ve learned with you. My mission is to be your friend and encourager, to throw adoptive parents a lifeline, and offer biblical mindset support as you partner with Christ, providing stability as your anchor when you need it the most. If you’re ready for real and raw talk, with strategies and insights that lead to peace beyond comprehension so you not only survive but thrive in life’s storms, this podcast is for you. Hope and Healing are on the way! I’m here for you, neighbor! Connect: AnchorsOfEncouragement@gmail.com Community: facebook.com/groups/anchorsofencouragement Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmaudlin/
Language:
English
Episodes
128 – 4 Simple Tips To Find Peaceful Sleep as an Adoptive Parent
6/1/2024
Are you having trouble sleeping? You’re restless. You’re tossing and turning. Maybe you had too much caffeine that day. Maybe you have a busy calendar the next day and you’re concerned about everything you have to do.
For adoptive parents, maybe it’s out of concern for your children. I know this can leave you anxious. Your mind is racing. You’re losing sleep.
What can you do?
Hi Neighbor,
Are restless nights and racing thoughts keeping you up? You’re not alone. In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I share 4 practical tips to help you calm your mind and achieve that restful night’s sleep you crave.
We’ll also look at inspiring scriptures from Psalm 77 and Proverbs 3.
Grab a pen and paper. I’ll funnel these tips through the acronym CALM. Think of it as a mental massage for your mind.
Help, hope, and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:11:26
127 – 5 Ways to Help Adoptive Parents Navigate the Anxiety of the Adoption Journey
5/25/2024
How can adoptive parents prepare themselves for the challenges they will face in their adoption journeys? May I suggest it can be as simple as picking up sticks?
Hi Neighbor,
In this unplugged episode, I want to share 2 stories that will illustrate the concept of the Daily Doable and how it relates to adoptive parents and the storms they will face in their adoption journeys.
I’m pulling back the curtain to share how I have been able to navigate the anxiety that adoptive parenting presented in my life.
Grab a pen and paper and dive into the 5 ways to harness the power of the Daily Doable. While this won’t eliminate your storms, it will help you face them with courage and confidence.
Help, hope, and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:16:45
126 – I See You! 3 Simple Words To Encourage Adoptive Parents To Never Give Up (ENCORE EPISODE)
5/18/2024
Have you ever sent your future self a letter of encouragement? I did and it turned out to be the boost I needed at exactly the right time.
Hi Neighbor,
As I journaled through ideas for a new episode, I came across one idea in particular. As I explored it, I rediscovered an episode from early in this podcast.
It contained a message that I needed to hear. Chances are if I needed to hear that message, there is someone out there who could benefit from it too.
I would encourage you to grab a pen and paper, listen to the episode, and make a list of the things I talk about in the Daily Doable so that you can be encouraged and can encourage others as well.
I See You! We were miles from where we started. At this point, we were tired but there was no turning back. Then I looked down and saw the encouragement we needed to finish.
Help, hope, and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:08:36
125 – Anxious, Adoptive Parent? 5 Ways To Love a Child of Adoption Trauma (ENCORE EPISODE)
5/11/2024
Would he hate us for loving him this much? We didn’t know. Would he see this as the ultimate act of betrayal? We didn’t know. Would he embrace the help we had finally found for him? We didn’t know. What we did know was our son needed help, help our love couldn’t give him.
Hi Neighbor,
Today I want to take you back to the beginning. The beginning of this podcast with a story of one of the most difficult days in my life.
In this encore episode, we’ll explore the theme: 5 Ways To Love a Child of Adoption Trauma. Looking back on that day, I realized how much anxiety my wife and I had been living with. We were overwhelmed, we couldn’t breathe, and we felt like we were drowning.
As I’ve talked with many of you, it’s quite apparent how much anxiety you’re living with as well. There are so many things I’ve learned since that day about how to navigate the challenges of anxiety and adoption trauma.
It’s my prayer that my story will give you Help, Hope, and Healing in your adoption journey.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:18:14
124 – Journaling: How Journaling Prompts Helped My Son Like Himself Again (ENCORE EPISODE)
5/4/2024
“After you journal for a certain amount of time, you get into that comfortable practice with it, it starts to become your natural release.” ~Jonny Maudlin
Hi Neighbor,
Today, I would like to share a special encore episode where we’ll circle back to a conversation I had with my son Jonny about one of the tools he learned in residential.
This tool was instrumental in Jonny liking himself again, and this tool is something I have adopted in my life and encourage you to practice too.
It’s journaling!
Journaling continues to help Jonny shape his life and navigate its ups and downs. So whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it, I’m excited for you to dive back into the insights and the transformative strategies of journaling.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:19:47
123 – Insensitive, Hurtful Comments? 3 Benefits of Taking Your Frustrations Out On Paper (ENCORE EPISODE)
4/27/2024
Have you ever said something out of anger or frustration? If you answered 'yes' I invite you to listen to this encore episode of Anchors of Encouragement, where I’ll share how you can get rid of your frustrations without saying a word.
Hi Neighbor,
I would like to share with you a special encore episode where we’ll circle back to the beginning and consider one of my 3 core anchors, self-awareness. It’s something I continue to use on a regular basis to help me navigate the storms of life.
So whether you’re hearing this for the first time or revisiting it, I’m excited for you to dive back into the insights and the transformative strategies of becoming a paper tiger.
I pray this episode helps you avoid saying things you will regret.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:11:34
122 – Hope for Adoptive Parents? Try 10-10-10 a Powerful Coping Tool for Struggling Adoptees (ENCORE EPISODE)
4/20/2024
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 powerful story that could provide the breakthrough you've been looking for.
Hey Neighbor,
You’re about to listen again to one of our most powerful episodes where I sit down with my Dad, Tim, to talk about the struggles, breakthroughs, and lessons learned on my path through adoption trauma.
We dive into the life-changing concept of 10-10-10 and share the real and raw conversation adoptive families need to hear. Whether you caught it the first time or it’s new to you, this encore presentation is sure to bring valuable insights and perhaps be the anchor you need to stay steady in the storms of life.
Let’s step back into this journey together and remember, no storm is too tough to weather with the right tools and support.
Hope and Healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Jonny
P.S. If this podcast has given you the courage and confidence to face storms in your life, the number one way you can thank me is to leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:24:24
121 – Solar Eclipse: A Story of Faith, Family and Encouragement
4/11/2024
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 almost didn’t happen, and how it ties back to memories and moments that are worth holding onto, including a special connection with my Mom.
We'll also consider some passages from Psalm 19, and think about how something as everyday as the sky and something as rare as a total solar eclipse can be a source of encouragement and comfort. It’s a reminder that there is a Power much greater than any of us in control of it all.
Ready for a moment of calm and a bit of soul-soothing?
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. In this episode, I also mention Episode 119 – Biblical Encouragement From the Anchor of Promise
And I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:10:49
120 – Are You in Pain? 3 Reasons to Walk for Wellness
4/6/2024
“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 day.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Speaking of benefits, check out Episode 5 – 3 Benefits of Walking to Overcome Overwhelm and Stress
Duration:00:05:29
119 – Biblical Encouragement From the Anchor of Promise
3/30/2024
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 today.
We’ll consider passages from Genesis 9, Deuteronomy 31, and Hebrews 13.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. I want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:10:40
118 – Struggling To Understand a Bible Verse? 3 Ways To Understand and Anchor to the Text
3/23/2024
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@anchorsofencouragement.com
Struggling to understand Bible verses? In this episode of Anchors of Encouragement, I’ll share a simple way to grasp the meaning and connect with the text. Plus 3 powerful ways from Psalm 143 to anchor yourself to the text. Let's dive in!
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Here’s my email address again: tim@anchorsofencouragement.com
Dive deeper into understanding Bible verses by comparing translations to find the wording that resonates with you. Utilize tools like the Blue Letter Bible app for easy comparison.
Duration:00:11:59
117 – Does God Hear Your Tears? 3 Biblical Encouragement Truths From Psalm 56
3/16/2024
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 from Psalm 56 to give you biblical encouragement when life is tough. God hears your tears.
Grab a pen and paper because I have a simple journaling exercise to share with you.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Here’s the passage from Psalm 56:8 to copy. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:05:59
116 – How To Support Adoptive Parents: Biblical Encouragement and Prayer
3/7/2024
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 and struggling with their faith. We’ll do this by considering the song first introduced in Episode 114, “Brand New Day” by Lucy Thomas.
We’ll also consider the biblical encouragement provided by passages from Psalm 42 and the book of Lamentations.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Brand New Day - Lucy Thomas - (Original Theme Song from Forthcoming TV Series) Music - Anton Fauve Lyrics - Roger Ellory
Verse 1... There are times your heart is broken When the world just tears you down And you lose all sense of reason And your faith just can't be found Verse 2... When the clouds can get no darker And the wind just blows so cold You can know that there is hope now And you'll feel it in your soul Chorus... So say a prayer for the lost and lonely Say a prayer for those afraid Let 'em know the dark is lifting And tomorrow is a brand new day
Duration:00:06:30
115 – Remember: Experience Hope and Healing After Tragedy
3/2/2024
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 simple act can have a profound impact on your well-being.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. To hear the rest of the story, check out Episode 16 – The $89,000 T-Shirt: How One T-Shirt Inspired and Healed a Broken Community
Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:06:45
114 – Heartbroken and Overwhelmed in Your Adoption Journey? Tomorrow Is a Brand New Day
2/29/2024
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 message of hope and resilience for all those dark days in the adoptive parenting journey.
I’ve had my share of dark days which I first spoke about in Episode 1. But through it all, I never entertained abandoning my faith. Don’t get me wrong, my faith took a hit. When times got tough, I leaned into my faith with passages such as John 6:66-68.
I also relied on the tool my son Jonny learned in residential, journaling. We’ll consider that as I also highlight the impact of a touching song called “Brand New Day” by Lucy Thomas, which beautifully encapsulates the message of hope and encouragement.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.
Brand New Day - Lucy Thomas - (Original Theme Song from Forthcoming TV Series) Music - Anton Fauve Lyrics - Roger Ellory
Verse 1... There are times your heart is broken When the world just tears you down And you lose all sense of reason And your faith just can't be found Verse 2... When the clouds can get no darker And the wind just blows so cold You can know that there is hope now And you'll feel it in your soul Chorus... So say a prayer for the lost and lonely Say a prayer for those afraid Let 'em know the dark is lifting And tomorrow is a brand new day
Duration:00:08:35
113 – Anxious? Try This Simple Anxiety Grounding Technique
2/22/2024
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 need a break, whenever you need some respite.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:04:49
112 – 5 Ways To Get Unstuck and Start Journaling Today
2/16/2024
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 final episode of this 5-part series about journaling.
Question Number 5: Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Journal? Answer: Start where you are with what you have. In this episode, I want to consider 5 ways to get unstuck and start journaling today.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Did you miss Parts 1, 2, 3, or 4 in this series? You can listen to them here, Part 1 EP 108, Part 2 EP 109, Part 3 EP 110, and Part 4 EP 111.
I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:11:16
111 – Journaling Anxiety? 5 Ways to Journal the WRITE Way
2/10/2024
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 series about journaling.
Question Number 4: Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Journal? Answer: There’s only one way to journal, the WRITE way, W-R-I-T-E. In this episode, I want to consider with you 5 ways to journal the WRITE way. It’s my goal these ways will make journaling doable for you.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Did you miss Parts 1, 2, or 3 in this series? You can listen to them here, Part 1 EP 108, Part 2 EP 109, and Part 3 EP 110.
Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:10:01
110 – 3 Writing Prompts To Make Journaling Easy and Doable
2/1/2024
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 drawing or journaling, Every time I see a blank sheet of paper, I get intimidated. I know it might sound silly, but it’s true.
Hi Neighbor,
To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the third of a 5-part series about journaling.
Question Number 3: What Do I Write About? Answer: Write about anything you want. In this episode, I’ll share with you 3 things you can write about to make journaling easy, doable, and less intimidating.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Did you miss Parts 1 and 2 in this series? You can listen to them here, Part 1 EP 108 and Part 2 EP 109.
I also want to invite you to be a part of our amazing community. Click this LINK to join today.
Duration:00:07:43
109 – Don’t Have Time to Journal? Try a 5-Minute Process
1/25/2024
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 this podcast, journaling.
Hi, Neighbor.
To journal or not to journal? Five questions to consider. This is the second of a 5-part series about journaling.
Question Number 2: How Much Time Does Journaling Take? Answer: It actually takes less time than you might think.
We will explore this question through stories about my Dad and son, Jonny, and how they have reacted to traumatic experiences.
Learning from their stories, I incorporated those lessons into my own life. I believe this process will inspire you to journal too.
Hope and healing are on the way.
Your Neighbor, Tim
P.S. Did you miss Part 1 in this series? You can listen to it here. Would you please consider leaving a review for the show? Here is a short video to show you how.
Duration:00:12:06