Do you crave more joy or better mental health? In this episode of the Wonderfully Made podcast, Allie Marie Smith speaks with licensed professional counselor Diane Arnold about mental health, identity, and the importance of understanding one's purpose. They discuss Diane's new book, '12 Habits for a Sound Mind and a Joyful Life,' which offers practical strategies for healing and flourishing. The conversation delves into the significance of a sound mind from a biblical perspective, the impact of shame on mental health, and the role of relationships in maintaining well-being. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness and apply the practical steps outlined in Diane's book to enhance their mental health and joy.

Takeaways

-Mental health is essential for thriving and living out your purpose.

-A sound mind involves having a healthy identity and self-esteem.

-Practical application of wisdom is crucial for transformation.

-Understanding one's identity and purpose is vital for mental health.

-Shame often stems from societal pressures and personal experiences.

-Relationships significantly impact our mental health and well-being.

-Self-awareness is key to recognizing and addressing mental health challenges.

-Joy is relational and requires connection with others.

-Healthy boundaries are important in relationships to maintain peace.

-Guilt is about actions; shame is about identity.

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Love her a Latte link: https://wonderfullymade.org/love-her-a-latte/

Do you ever feel unworthy because of your past?  Have things people done or said left you with wounds and low self-worth? Do you believe that if someone knew the truth about you, they wouldn’t love you? In this powerful conversation, Morgan Krueger, author of “Goodbye Hiding, Hello Shame,” talks to us about the complex topic of shame and the journey towards freedom and redemption. Morgan talks about the origins of shame, its impact on personal identity, and the importance of community and support in overcoming feelings of unworthiness. Morgan shares her personal story of struggle and healing, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus and the necessity of empathy and compassion in relationships. The conversation provides practical steps for listeners to find their own paths to freedom, encouraging them to seek connection and share their stories.

Takeaways

-Shame is a lie that attacks our true identity.

-We have the freedom to choose how we respond to shame.

-Isolation can exacerbate feelings of shame.

-Community is essential for healing and freedom.

-Empathy and compassion are crucial in supporting others.

-Sharing our stories can lead to healing for ourselves and others.

-Jesus offers redemption for our past mistakes.

-Surrendering our shame to God is a process.

-We are all fearfully and wonderfully made.

-Finding one safe person can change everything.

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Love her a Latte link: https://wonderfullymade.org/love-her-a-latte/

Do you struggle with viewing pornography or sexual brokenness? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and Dr. Joy Skarka discuss the sensitive and serious topic of pornography addiction. They highlight the prevalence of pornography among women and the various forms it takes, such as online videos, TV shows, movies, and erotica. Dr. Skarka shares her personal story of finding freedom from pornography addiction and emphasizes the importance of discovering one's identity in Christ and seeking support from a safe Christian woman. They also address the lies women can believe about sexuality and the need to break free from them. The episode concludes with a discussion of Dr. Skarka's book, 'Her Freedom Journey,' and information about her ministry, Authentic Intimacy.

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Do you struggle with self-doubt? Do you dismiss your gifts or downplay your accomplishments despite your successes? Do you ever feel like a fraud in your own life or that you are going to find out that you aren’t who you are supposed to be?

In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Robin Graham discuss overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt in order to step into our full God-given potential. They explore the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and relying on His power to transform our lives. Robin shares practical strategies such as catching and challenging negative thoughts, journaling, and starting the day with God. They emphasize the need to surround ourselves with affirming relationships and to focus on the truth of God's Word. Learn to embrace your uniqueness and trust in God's plan for your life.

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are common experiences, especially for high-achieving women.

Understanding our identity in Christ and relying on His power can help us overcome self-doubt and step into our full potential.

Practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt include catching and challenging negative thoughts, journaling, and starting the day with God.

Surrounding ourselves with affirming relationships and focusing on the truth of God's Word can also help build confidence.

Embracing our uniqueness and trusting in God's plan for our lives is key to overcoming self-doubt and stepping into our full potential.

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In this episode, Allie Marie Smith interviews Cynthia Garrett about reclaiming true sexual freedom in a culture of lies and how it is different from the sexual freedom the world promotes. Cynthia shares her powerful story of transformation and how she found Jesus while imprisoned in Italy for a crime she did not commit. They discuss the damaging effects of the party scene and hookup culture, the myths of the sexual revolution and modern feminism, and the failures of the purity culture movement. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of purity in mind and the need to clean up our thoughts and environment. She encourages women to embrace their true identity as daughters of God and to trust in His plan for their lives.

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Lex Renick shares her powerful story of transformation from living as a trans man for 14 years to embracing her identity as a woman. She talks about the struggles she faced growing up in an abusive household and the lies she believed about herself. Lex emphasizes the importance of knowing and believing that God created each person wonderfully and intentionally. She discusses the dangers of social media and the pressure it puts on young girls to conform to certain identities. Lex encourages those who are struggling with their gender identity to seek God, trust Him, and find their true purpose in Him.

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Sarah Dubbeldam, founder of Darling Magazine and Darling Society, shares her journey of creating a platform and business that celebrates women's worth and beauty. She discusses the importance of authenticity and the impact of the modeling industry on body image. Sarah also introduces Darling Society, a clothing line that aims to combat negative self-esteem and promote self-love. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, have a clear mission, and focus on their unique worth and gifts.

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Scars are permanent. Whether they are physical, emotional, spiritual, or other, they are a perpetual part of us. They are reminders of the pain and suffering we have endured, and as such, can bring us shame, rejection, and pain. Allie Marie Smith interviews Dr. Michelle Bengtson about turning pain into purpose. They discuss the concept of scars and how they can lead to feelings of shame and fear. Dr. Bengtson shares her personal story of enduring physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational scars and how she found healing and purpose through her faith. They also explore the themes of redemption and the power of surrendering one's life to God. 

Takeaways

-Scars are the end result of the healing process after a wound has occurred, and they can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational.

-Scars can lead to feelings of shame and fear, which can isolate us and prevent us from living in our true purpose.

-God can use our scars to bring healing and purpose to our lives, and he offers forgiveness and redemption for our mistakes.

-It is important to be honest with God about our pain and to seek support from safe and understanding individuals.

-The book of Psalms provides comfort and validation for our emotions, and the story of Job reminds us that God can bring good out of our suffering.

-Surrendering our lives to God allows us to experience his love, forgiveness, and abundant life.

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In this conversation, Allie Marie Smith and Robin Ryan McDonald discuss the importance of optimal health in body, mind, and spirit. They emphasize that body size is not an accurate indicator of overall health and that grace-based decisions should be made to improve health. Robin shares her personal journey of struggling with body image and finding healing through nutrition. They discuss the impact of knowing one's worth and value on overall health and well-being. Robin provides practical tips for creating a grace-based healthy lifestyle, including staying hydrated, eating enough food, and getting outside for a 15-minute walk. She encourages every girl and woman to prioritize their health because they are precious and valuable.

Takeaways

-Body size is not an accurate indicator of overall health.

-Grace-based decisions should be made to improve health.

-Knowing one's worth and value has a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

-Practical tips for creating a grace-based healthy lifestyle include staying hydrated, eating enough food, and getting outside for a 15-minute walk.

-Every girl and woman should prioritize their health because they are precious and valuable.

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The dignity of girls and women is under attack. In this conversation, author, speaker and former model Jennifer Strickland talks about the dignity of womanhood and biblical womanhood. She talks about the cultural attack on womanhood, the power embedded in the name woman, and the role of women as life-givers and protectors. Jennifer shares her personal journey from being a former model to becoming a speaker and author dedicated to helping young women see their value and identity in God's eyes. They also address the current issues of gender confusion, the importance of speaking up and taking a stand, and the role of the church in addressing these issues. The conversation ends with a call to action for women to mentor and invest in younger girls and to be truth-tellers in a world that often distorts the true identity of women.

Takeaways

-Womanhood is under a cultural attack, and it is important for Christians to uphold the dignity of womanhood with clarity and compassion.

-The name woman carries power and meaning, as women are designed to bring life and uphold and stabilize mankind.

-Women have a unique role as protectors and guardians, warning of danger and bringing life-giving perceptions to their relationships.

-It is crucial for the church to address the issues of gender confusion and to stand up for the protection of vulnerable girls.

-Women have a responsibility to mentor and invest in younger girls, being truth-tellers and helping them understand their value and identity in God's eyes.

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Have you experienced trauma at the hands of others? Are you having a hard time healing and finding forgiveness? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Susannah Griffith discuss the topic of forgiving after trauma. They explore the intersection of Biblical forgiveness and trauma. They discuss the common ways girls and women have been traumatized, and the harmful ways forgiveness has been weaponized. They also discuss the importance of acknowledging and processing anger, the concept of trauma-informed forgiveness, and practical steps for healing and biblical forgiveness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of putting the survivor first and allowing them to heal at their own pace. If you have experienced trauma we hope this conversation will help you heal and move forward. 

Takeaways

-Trauma is an adaptive reality of how our bodies, emotions, and spirits seek to survive in a world shattered by circumstances outside of our control.

-Many girls and women have been traumatized by others, especially sexually.

-The Bible does not condone or require immediate forgiveness in cases of trauma.

-Anger is a valid emotion and can be part of the healing process.

-Trauma-informed forgiveness involves prioritizing the survivor's safety and well-being.

-Practical steps for healing and biblical forgiveness include seeking professional help, setting boundaries, and engaging in self-care.

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