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  • Episode at a Glance

    We've talked a lot about the different forms sex addiction and infidelity can manifest themselves in a relationship. But what can you do when the reaction to an exposure of addiction is silence, and face intimacy anorexia?

    I am so excited to be landing in Dallas, Texas today to speak with my new friend, Karen Rellos, Certified AASAT Intimacy Anorexia Coach and founder of Restored Hope Coaching & Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry. Karen explains what Intimacy Anorexia is, why it can be devistating to partners in a relationship, and what can be done to redeem love in a relationship after betrayal.

    Karen shares her betrayal story of how she suffered for years with soul-crushing emotional neglect and verbal abuse, and how she was able to find her voice in that abuse and restore her marriage. She then discusses how she used that experience to become an APSAT Certified Partner Coach, helping other women who suffer through intimacy anorexia reclaim their lives and relationships after betrayal.

    Who is Karen Rellos?

    Karen Rellos is an APSATS Certified Partner Coach. She is also an ICF Certified Christian Life Coach, certified and trained as an Intimacy Anorexia Coach with APSATS, and a Certified Partner Mentor with Bravehearts University. She is trained in “Couples-Centered Recovery Coaching” with Dr. Jake Porter of Daring Ventures. Karen has additional training in Somatic practices and Attachment theory/strategies. Karen leads weekly groups for “Live Free wives” ministry as well as Dr. Sheri Keffer’s “Brave one Community,” in addition to her own groups and individual Coaching.

    Karen & her husband John work individually and collaboratively helping couples impacted from the devastation of betrayal / sex addiction and founded Restored Hope Coaching and Redeeming Love Marriage Ministry. They help support couples on the journey toward healing, wholeness and redemption.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about Karen's coaching sessions, access additional resources and contact her at her website: www.redeeming-love.com

    Follow Karen's Instagram: @redeeming.love

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    We have talked many times about just how life altering betrayal and trauma can be for a woman that has a spouse who is addicted to sex or pornography. Through the pain and uncertainty of it, we ask how we can heal from this and find resilience after those moments of betrayal?

    I am so excited to welcome my new friend, EMDR therapist KayLee Dunn, to the Melody and Friends podcast. KayLee shares her story of finding and marrying her highschool sweetheart only to realize his addiction to pornography a few years into their marriage. She then shares how she walked through that trial of betrayal and how she learned to work through the lasting anxiety that remained even after healing took place. She also stresses that although support and therapy/coaching is a vital step in the process to recovering, you alone are responsible for attaining and maintaining your resilience. However, KayLee reminds us all that, we are never alone and we can do this.

    Who is KayLee Dunn?

    Kaylee is an EMDR therapist and she has specialized in betrayal, trauma, and unwanted sexual behaviors for over 14 years. She helps individuals with sexual addiction/compulsions obtain and sustain sobriety and build recovery and also helps couples navigate reconnection or separation during their journey. She provides tele-health therapy services to women and men in Utah and Arizona. Kaylee is also a mom to triplets who are seven and twins who are five years old.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about KayLee's one on one coaching, free virtual conference and more by visiting her website at www.kayleedunn.com

    Check out KayLee on Instagram: @heykayleedunn

    You can also find any other links to KayLee's resources, social media and more at www.kayleedunn.com/links

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

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  • Episode at a Glance

    I am so grateful for today's guest on Melody and Friends, Lyschel Burket, because she is a woman who has walked both the personal journey of finding life beyond betrayal and creating communities to help other women do the same. Lyschel shares her story of betrayal as her husband had an "on again, off again" struggle with pornography, before finding treatment that walked him and her through rebuilding their marriage.

    From there, she felt called by the Lord to begin ministering to other women who had experienced betrayal through pornography addiction or infidelity, and Hope Redefined was born from that calling. Lyschel shares the important steps to recovery for women experiencing betrayal, the best resources they can access to help them along that journey, and why finding a community of women who have also walked the same path as them is a vital step to redefining hope for their life.

    Who is Lyschel Burket?

    Lyschel Burket, PCC, FRLC, APSATS-c, ADOH, has been working with women since 2008 as they take steps toward healing and their pursuit of God. She has facilitated support groups specific to partners of sex addicts since 2013 both locally in Knoxville, TN and online through Vicki Tiede Ministries.

    Lyschel is the Lead Hope Caster and Founder of Hope Redefined. She desires to be a part of something so much bigger than herself as she continues to expand the reach of support for women who are facing similar things to her own recovery story. She and her husband, Garren, have five kiddos. Lyschel and Garren have been on the road of recovery since 2006.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about Lyschel's community, coaching opportunities and resources for women walking through betrayal on her website using the link here: www.hoperedefined.org

    You can also get in touch with Hope Redefined's Team through their Facebook: www.facebook.com/hoperedefinedsupport

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    Confidence is a resource that is invaluable to women. Doubt and imposter feelings are a big reason women hold back and play small instead of going for what they truly desire in their lives. Coupled with what often times seems like an ability to attract toxic or manipulative people, it’s no wonder that so many women are undervaluing themselves and their abilities.

    That is why I am so grateful to have Kelli Thompson as our guest on today's episode of Melody and Friends. Kelli shares her story of closing her own confidence gap, and how that led to her becoming a women's leadership coach. She also explains the importance of confidence for women, and how it can transform their lives in their work, their church and in their homelife.

    Who is Kelli Thompson?

    Kelli Thompson is a women's leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie AwardÂź winner for Women in Business--Coach of the Year.

    Kelli holds an MBA, has served as an adjunct management professor, and has more than ten years of senior leadership experience in financial services and technology organizations. Her thought leadership has been featured in Forbes, MarketWatch, Parents Magazine, Huff-Post, and Working Mother. Kelli is from Omaha, Nebraska, and her favorite roles are wife to her husband, Jason, and mom to her daughter, Hailey.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can purchase Kelli's book, Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck, using the link here: www.amazon.com/Closing-Confidence-Gap-Potential-Paycheck/dp/1637554206/

    You can also learn more about Kelli at her website: www.kelliraethompson.com

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    Dealing with loss or betrayal can be devistating blows to our lives. But what should we do if we are faced with both?

    I am so blessed to have Author Elisa Allison Sproule on as our guest today. Elisa shares her story of loss after the tragic death of her husband Clifford Allison and then several years later experiencing betrayal in a future relationship. It was in that valley of grief and heartbreak that she discovered the power of writing in a journal while reading Scripture.

    Elisa shares that there is no fast fix for the emotional hurt that betrayal and loss can bring. However, we do not have to face this alone, and there is power in talking with God and reading His word in times of heartbreak. Through this, Elisa became the author of several books, including her latest book, Toxic Vows: Betrayal Speaks "You Are Not Enough" God Whispers "You Are Greater Than."

    Who is Elisa Sproule?

    Elisa Allison Sproule is a writer and the author of “Forever Not Always”, “The Wages Of Sin” and “Toxic Vows”. Elisa began writing through her own grief of the loss of her husband Clifford Allison. Elisa learned that her faith was stronger than she thought and God was closer than ever.

    Elisa is a mother, grandmother and wife. She holds trophies and titles with competitive body builder being one of them. Elisa laughs when asked about adding actress to her titles when recently filming with John Travolta. Elisa speaks to womens groups and podcasts encouraging self-wellness during tough and difficult times. Teaching that loss and betrayal are disastrous, but they do not have to destroy. Elisa’s travels have taken her as far as Australia and New Zealand.

    Elisa writes daily with a novel, several children’s books and daily devotionals on the horizon. Elisa is an executive writer for her company, EarthScripts Publishing. Whether Elisa is working from home, the lake or the beach, she enjoys nature, writing, photography, painting and studying God’s word.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can purchase Elisa's book, Toxic Vows: Betrayal Speaks "You Are Not Enough" God Whispers "You Are Greater Than.", using the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Vows-Betrayal-Whispers-Greater/dp/1664273972

    You can also learn more about Elisa at her website: https://www.elisaallisonsprouleauthor.com/

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    Betrayal in a relationship is one of the hardest things a woman can walk through in her journey of life. We are often left shattered and removed from the life we thought we knew, as we are left to pick up the pieces and ask "what now?". So what are some of the ways that God can begin healing us on that journey?

    We are so excited to have Author Sheila Page on this episode of Melody and Friends as she talks about her book, Healing One Brushstroke at a Time. Sheila shares her story of growing up as a missionary kid, living in Zimbabwe, Japan, and the United States before finally coming to live in Bangkok, Thailand. She then shares how she discovered her husband's addiction to sex and how she used an unlikely hobby that helped her recover, painting.

    Sheila's story is a story of God's love for a woman whose world had fallen apart, and how she discovered healing as she painted-one brushstroke at a time.

    Who is Sheila Page?

    Sheila Paige is a certified Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional and Author who writes and paints about hurt and hope. Like most of us who live in this broken world, she has experienced heartbreak, trauma, rejection, confusion, betrayal and grief.

    Sheila is an American citizen who was born in Japan, raised in Zimbabwe, has lived in Georgia and Alabama, and has resided in Thailand for the last twenty-five years. She knows her story of betrayal trauma resonates with women from all nations.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can purchase Sheila's book, Healing One Brushstroke at a Time, using the link here: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-One-Brushstroke-at-Time/dp/B0B4HYDVMP

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    With everything going on in our world today, it seems like there has never been a more nervous, anxious, or challenging season in recent history than the one we are living in now...especially if you are a young woman. With depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and overall hopelessness on the rise, everyone, including young women, could use a dose of hope and encouragement!

    That's why we are so excited to have Author Melanie Redd as our guest on today's episode. Melanie shares her journey of becoming a speaker, blogger and author and why rest is SO important for women today. Melanie explains she was living life like a sail boat using both an engine and sail. When she discovered the importance of rest, and let the engine of the boat stop, she was able to find incredible peace and calm in God's love.

    Who is Melanie Redd?

    Melanie Redd is a woman who loves to encourage, equip, train, and motivate other women. Melanie wrote Sunday school curriculum and magazine articles for Lifeway Resources before launching her own speaking, blogging, and writing ministry.

    As a speaker and as a author, she inspires others using the Bible, practical applications, a little wit, and a whole lot of common sense. She’s known for taking complicated biblical and relational concepts and making them simple to understand and put to use. Her latest book, Just Rest: A 90 Day Devotional Journal Diary, is a 90 day journey to find peace, calm, and soul rest. Included among the pages of this short devotional is an area to journal thoughts and prayers while reading this encouraging book.

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about Melanie, links to free resources and links to her books at her website: www.melanieredd.com

    You can also purchase Melanie's Book, Just Rest: A 90 Day Devotional Journal Diary, on Amazon at the link here: www.amazon.com/Just-Rest-Day-Devotional-Journal/dp/163797020X

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    On this week's episode of Melody and Friends, I am super excited to sit down with Author and Certified Enneagram Teacher, Meredith Boggs, to discuss how we can use the enneagram to not only deepen our connections with others, but also deepen our faith.

    Meredith shares how The Enneagram can be a particularly useful tool for Christians, especially those who are struggling with their faith. She also provides our listeners with a biblical road map to using the Enneagram, so that they can walk in who God has created them to be into a place of deeper connection and fulfillment.

    Who is Meredith Boggs?

    Meredith Boggs is the writer and host of The Other Half blog and podcast. She's known for sharing transparently and authentically about the half of life that doesn't make the social media highlight reel, addressing personal and spiritual growth, the Enneagram, and marriage.

    Her work has been featured in Lifeway, Relevant, Grit & Virtue, Her View From Home, Rising Tide Society,YouVersion, and the COMPEL training blog. Meredith is also a critical care transport nurse and a sexual assault forensic nurse examiner who is married to her high school sweetheart, Justin. They live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their sweet and wild boy, Jack.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    How can we use the Enneagram for spiritual growth? What are the aha moments you can discover about your personality through the Enneagram? Why is it important to understand the weaknesses of our type, particularly when it comes to areas we are most likely to sin?

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about Meredith, links to free resources and links to her book at her website: www.meredithwboggs.com

    You can also purchase Meredith's Book, The Journey Home: A Biblical Guide to Using the Enneagram to Deepen Your Faith and Relationships, on Amazon at the link here: www.amazon.com/Journey-Home-Biblical-Enneagram-Relationships-ebook

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    On this week's episode of Melody and Friends, I sit down with my new friend Savannah Esposito to discuss how forensic psychology intersects with sex addiction in relationships and why forensic psychology can be a powerful tool in discovering, identifying and treating sex addiction. Savannah shares her story about discovering her husband's pornography addiction and how frustrating the process of finding a trained professional to help was, especially when several licensed therapists didn't seem to think there was any problem in their relationship.

    That's when Savannah developed The Modern Mr. and Mrs. to create a place where couples could learn steps to creating a healthy relationship dynamic and treat ongoing addictions to sex and pornography. I loved getting to hear what she is doing for couples young and old in this episode and believe you will too!

    Who is Savannah Esposito?

    Savannah is a nationally certified life, relationship, and recovery coach with a Bachelors in Forensic Psychology in CT. She is passionate about empowering couples that lack relationship skills because they didn't have the role models growing up to teach them about healthy relationships.

    Savannah works to let couples know that there's no shame in lacking relationship skills and reaching out for help, especially when it comes to addictions. Between the lack of role models and toxic societal messages about relationships, it's not a shock to feel helpless when you're relationship isn't going right.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    What is the difference between active addiction and active recovery? Why is that important? What is sexual stimulation addiction and why is it a better term to use when encompassing addictions to different sexual experiences? What is forensic psychology and how can it help a partner who is struggling with addiction?

    Resources:

    Learn more about Savannah and The Modern Mr. and Mrs. by visiting her website: www.themodernmrandmrs.com

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    On this episode of Melody and Friends, I sit down with my friend Sandra Brown to talk about pathology and more specifically dangerous, pathologic partners in relationships. Sandra explains her history in studying pathology and why it is such an important field of study when it comes to abuse in relationships. She tells us what pathology is, how to identify the signs of pathologic partners, and what we can do to help women heal from these extremely traumatic situations. She also walks through her development of Pathological Love Relationship training for other professionals, and how she has developed survivor-based support services for women who experienced psychopathic partners.

    Sandra then talks about personality disorders, from Narcissism to Anti-Social Behavior to Psychopathy, and how each of these types can cause significant damage to a woman emotionally. However, she also provides warning signs to look out for and multiple resources to begin the process of healing from these potent forms of abuse.

    Who is Sandra Brown?

    Sandra L. Brown, MA, has spent over 30 years working in the psychology field related to psychopathology. Her earlier years were spent developing a dual-focused treatment center for persons with personality disorders who also had trauma disorders. During this time, she also began working, in individual and group sessions, with the partners and children of those with personality disorders. She eventually established one of the country’s first prototype long-term residential treatment centers for women with Multiple Personality Disorder/Dissociative Identity Disorder. Sandra accomplished this while also providing treatment in a women’s inpatient hospital trauma program.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    What is pathology and why can it often impact victims in a relationship so much more deeply then other forms of abuse? Why isn't pathology as well studied or understood compared to things like depression or anxiety? What methods of treatment are available for victims? What should they be looking out for in relationships to spot warning signs of this behavior? What are personality disorders? How can this affect partners in a relationship?

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about Sandra's Training, speaking engagements, and get in contact with Sandra by visiting her website: www.sandralbrownma.com

    You can also find all of her books, including How To Spot A Dangerous Man, by visiting her Amazon Page here: www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-L.-Brown

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • Episode at a Glance

    On this episode of Melody and Friends, we are diving into the mission field of Trauma with certified pastoral sex addiction specialist, Donna Dixon. Donna shares her personal story of dealing with trauma. From dealing with a faultering relationship and deaths in the family, to receiving counseling that was not the best for her, sent her into a spiral of depression. However through years of finding the right therapy and walking with God, she opened a new door of hope in her life. Walking forward through that open door of hope led to her decision to become certified as a life coach, followed by certification as a Certified Pastoral Sex Addiction Specialist as well as completing the highly respected Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model training through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists.

    Who is Donna Dixon?

    Donna Meredith Dixon is passionate about creating safe places within the Christian community for healing from the impact of sexual brokenness. Donna lives out that passion, in part, by collaborating with others to train partners of sex addicts to effectively facilitate groups. During her 17 years in the medical field, Donna created curriculum and training experiences that met or exceeded federal and state standards as well as health-care accrediting organizations. Donna is a certified life and relationship coach, certified pastoral sex addiction specialist (IACSAS/C-SASI), has completed the APSATS training, and has served on the board of IACSAS/C-SASI since 2014.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    What is "post-discovery" in a marriage and what is the hardest part about going through it? How do you approach someone who has been struggling their entire life with sexual addiction? What is a trauma-informed approach to training couples through sexual addiction?

    Resources:

    Our listeners can learn more about Donna's workshops, get resources on trauma and get in touch with her by visiting her website: www.lifeisahead.com

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this episode of Melody and Friends, Melody is speaking with Author Sharon Hersh to speak about Ambivalence and The Holidays. Sharon defines what ambivalence around the holidays looks like and how ambivalence has affected her personally during the holiday season. The Christmas season especially will often highlight a tail of two emotions, one of bright, joyous emotions as we celebrate with our family and one of somberness and grief for tragedies that have happened. She also breaks down that emotional low we can experience after the highs of celebrating the holidays has passed and what we can do to work through those feelings of ambivalence.

    Sharon also shares how we can attune our hearts to the love of Christ each Christmas as we walk through those feelings of ambivalence. She explains we have to have an invitational heart that give myself permission to keep healing and admit that we need to keep healing.

    Who is Sharon Hersh?

    Sharon is a sought-after speaker for conferences, retreats, seminars, classes, trainings, or workshops. She loves to speak any where in the world — to a group of 2 or 2,000. Sharon taught as Adjunct Faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary, Colorado Christian University, Denver Seminary, Denver University, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in both under-graduate and graduate counseling courses. Other subjects Sharon loves to speak on include the courage to abandon ourselves and belong to each other; addiction and life beyond addiction; finding the landmarks of faith, hope, and love in our stories; knowing your sexual ethic – for adolescents, adults, and parents; healing trauma, and self-compassion for caregivers.

    Sharon also provides individual counseling for adolescents and adults on a weekly or bi-monthly basis or in the form of intensives (3-4 days of hard work, blood, sweat and tears that is oh, so worth it!). Intensives can include EMDR, somatic therapy, and psychodrama. Call 720-530-1225 for scheduling and pricing.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    What is ambivalence and what does it look like around the holidays? Why do we not do well with dual feelings and what can we do about it? Why is creating an invitational heart so important for ambivalence during the holidays? How can we allow things to change in our lives in a way that doesn't creat ambivalence around Christmas?

    We encourage you to check out Sharon's books The Last Addiction (www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-addiction-sharon-hersh/1100618546) and Belonging (www.christianbook.com/belonging-finding-way-back-one-another/sharon-hersh/9781631469602/pd/469606)

    Our listeners can also learn more about Sharon's resources, books and much more at the link here: www.sharonhersh.com

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this week's episode of Melody and Friends, Melody discusses the connection between safety in relationships and skydiving. She shares the story of how she got to spend an incredible weekend with her oldest daughter, Ryland, which culminated with them skydiving together. Through this experience, Melody draws the parallels between her skydiving for the first time and the importance of establishing a sense of safety in a relationship.

    Melody shares how she was able to place trust and safety in a complete stranger to perform this breathtaking leap out of a plane, and how God used that to help her illustrate how this correlates to those who have experienced betrayal or abuse in a relationship. Just as she and her instructor had to create a sense of safety and trust in order to take that jump, Melody explains what steps women can take when they have been betrayed in a relationship to begin to rebuild their own sense of safety.

    Things We Talk About in this Episode:

    Why is a sense of safety vital for a relationship? For men in a relationship, why is it critical to be a true "man of your word"? When rebuilding a relationship with your spouse or significant other, what is the most important factor in rebuilding that trust?

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this episode of Melody and Friends, Melody is joined by renowned Christian Psychologist, Dr. Diane Langberg, to take a deep dive into how the church handles women experiencing trauma. Diane speaks about her work in the church and how worship leaders can find ways to work well with women who are walking through trauma.

    She also shares the best ways to vet a church, pastor or councelor to ensure that if you are a woman going through trauma, you will be able to place yourself in a place of safety and healing. She describes what trauma can look like for women but also ways that churches and pastors can either raise women up and provide healing, or exacerbate it, and how to tell the difference between the two.

    Who is Diane Langberg?

    Dr. Diane Langberg is the leading Christian psychologist with expertise in trauma recovery. Her teaching has taken her to South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Her books on sexual abuse remain popular with both clinicians and victims. She joined Missio Seminary as a Clinical Faculty member (Clinical Faculty members are practitioners who also lecture and train) and has a leadership role in the shaping and delivery of the Global Trauma Recovery Institute.

    Dr. Langberg is Chair of the Executive Board of the American Association of Christian Counselors, serves on the board of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment), and is Co-Chair of the Trauma Advisory Council for the American Bible Society. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna for Professional Achievement from Taylor University, the American Association of Christian Counselor’s Caregiver Award, and the Philadelphia Council of Clergy’s Christian Service Award.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    How can churches and ministry leaders provide health and safety to women who are experiencing trauma? What are the steps that we should have to assist our friends through trauma or abuse? How can victims of trauma properly vet their churches, pastors or councelors to ensure that they will receive the best help possible? What tools can be provided to educate worship leaders and the general public with proper knowledge of what trauma looks like?

    To learn more about Diane's journey, books, resources, and more, please visit the link here: www.dianelangberg.com

    Check out Diane's Podcast here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this episode of Melody and Friends, Melody sits down with Author and Founder of She Loves Out Loud, Diane Strack, to talk about walking by faith in the face of difficult days. Diane shares her story about her diagnosis of breast cancer and what it was like facing each day with cancer. She then shares advice for those suffering with acute and chronic illnesses about how to “Always Expect Amazing” regardless of your circumstances.

    Diane explains in the moments of hardship with her cancer, she discovered that God is always there with us. He is always there listening, comforting and taking us into what is next for our lives. She then talks about the creation of her ministry, She Loves Out Loud, which focuses on “gathering the women of the world” so that they may pray together. Diane shows how in her battle and in so many others, that having that group of women alongside her to say, “We are with you.” and sharing in the tragedy and triumph as they prayed together was transformational.

    Who is Diane Strack?

    Diane Strack has created, facilitated, and spoken at women’s and youth ministries across the nation for more than three decades. As the founder of She Loves Out Loud, she urges women to engage their circles of influence to “gather the women to pray” and to share the Good News of God’s love and healing. Diane’s message is “Always Expect Amazing” regardless of your circumstances. She is the author of several books, including New Start for Single Moms, and the Co-founder of Student Leadership University. Diane currently serves as an Executive Member of the Board of Directors of One More Child Foundation, a ministry that touches 160,000 children annually through adoption, foster care, trafficking restoration, single mom homes, and international ministry. She and her husband Jay live in Central Florida and love spending time with their daughters Missy and Chris, son-in-law Brent, and six grandchildren.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    How do we fight discouragement in the face of extremely difficult moments in our lives? How do we avoid falling into isolation after devastating news or events and why is having a gospel community especially important for women? Why is serving others a vital component to the process of healing ourselves? Why should we begin to recognize things like depression and despair as spiritual warfare and what can we do to combat that?

    To learn more about She Loves Out Loud’s event on November 5th and to register, please visit the link here: https://shelovesoutloud.org/event-info/

    Check out the full She Loves Out Loud website here: https://shelovesoutloud.org/

    Learn more about Diane’s book, New Start for Single Moms Bible Study Participant's Guide, here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V8Z6W6/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this episode of Melody and Friends, Melody sits down with Best Selling author Paul Young to talk about his story of growing up in West Papua, New Guinea, his divorce and reconciliation with his wife, and how he was able to experience rebirth after decades of abuse and trauma.

    Paul shares his story of abuse that he suffered while living in West Papua, New Guinea, experiencing sexual abuse at the age of 5. Between this and having an abusive father, Paul discusses how God is able to show us love and grace in these moments where all hope seems lost. He also explains that God NEVER violates human agency to accomplish His purpose and shows what that looks like from his perspective as an abuse victim.

    Paul then explains his journey of “starting over”, meeting his wife and then having an affair, and finally how he began breaking down the walls he had built up over decades of his life, and how he backed away from the abyss of taking his own life. In the end he says that it wasn’t justified, but it was worth it.

    Who is Paul Young?

    William Paul Young was born in Canada and raised among a Stone Age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of former New Guinea. He suffered great loss as a child and young adult and now enjoys the “wastefulness of grace” with his family in the Pacific Northwest. He is the author of Lies We Believe About God and the New York Times bestsellers The Shack, Cross Roads, and Eve.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    What is the power of a word like ambivalence and why is that so important for us to understand? How do you begin breaking down walls built up from abuse? How is lying often used more as a survival tool than one meant to deceive? Where can we turn when it feels like the world is collapsing on us and we feel separated from God?

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this week’s episode of Melody and Friends, Melody concludes her series on Glimmers of Heaven by discussing the day of the wedding for her youngest daughter, Keller. Melody explains how you can still find glimmers of heaven even when things don't go according to plan.

    Melody talks about how during Keller's wedding, the outdoor venue was jeopardized by heavy rain. However, instead of being discouraged Keller made the decision to keep the wedding outside. Melody describes the beauty and grace of holding a wedding out in the pouring rain and how symbolic it was for God's grace and love. Through events like this, where things seem like they are going wrong, Melody explains that these are actually the moments where the Glimmers of Heaven are their brightest.

    Things We Talk About in this Episode:

    How can we experience Glimmers of Heaven when events in our lives don't go according to plan? Why can moments that seems negative actually be used to reflect God's love for us? How can we train ourselves to see Glimmers of Heaven in dark parts of our lives?

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this week’s episode of Melody and Friends, Melody continues her series on Glimmers of Heaven by discussing the rehearsal dinner for her youngest daughter, Keller. Melody explains the beauty of community at the rehearsal dinner, how incredible it feels to see your children find Godly friends, and that glimmers of heaven don't always mean perfection.

    Sometimes, Glimmers of Heaven are like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. It is joy and it is mourning, it is happiness and it is tension. Melody talks about how joyous it is seeing the community your children foster with the values of God you've instilled into them as a mother. For her it was encouraging to see that Hudson, Keller’s husband, was truly a Godly man before he started dating Keller, and was not changing to be that because he was dating her. Finally Melody explains how the values of these communal events with friends and family can help point us back to our Father in Heaven and just how much He truly loves us.

    Things We Talk About in this Episode:

    Why is community so important for ourselves and our children to experience Glimmers of Heaven? How can these events remind us of the love God has for us? How can Glimmers of Heaven be something that is both joy and mourning?

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this week’s episode of Melody and Friends, Melody talks about the events leading up to her youngest daughter, Keller Lovvorn, getting married and what she describes as “Glimmers of Heaven”. Melody talks about how she, Keller and her oldest daughter Ryland were able to spend one last day together before the wedding, and how moments like that are able to provide us with these glimmers of heaven.

    Melody explains that relationships and interactions with one another are crucial for us to understand the love of our Father in Heaven, and how we can find these glimmers of heaven throughout our daily lives. She also offers advice for parents and young adults alike as they move into life changing events like marriage and how we can embrace and enjoy them as glimmers into heaven.

    Things We Talk About in this Episode:

    What are glimmers of heaven? Why is it important for us to look for glimmers of heaven in our lives? How can these moments help us feel a deeper connection to our Heavenly Father?

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!

  • On this week's episode of Melody and Friends, Melody sits down with Dr. Jerome Wagner to discuss the nine personality types outlined in the Enneagram and how they can help us understand our views and responses to the world around us. Dr. Wagner explains how the Enneagram differs from personality tests like Myers-Briggs and how the Enneagram not only shows us which personality type we fall into, but why we like to fall into that personality.

    He also explains how each type on the Enneagram creates our lense of seeing the world, and that each of these lenses informs us about what's important and what might threaten our values. Finally he discusses the importance of how we should look at all nine types on the enneagram and use them as a basis to prevent ourselves from distorting our vision of the world, and coming into the best versions of ourselves as Christ created us to be.

    Our listeners can learn more about Dr. Jerome Wagner and the courses he offers by visiting enneagramspectrum.com and www.wepss.com

    Our listeners can also purchase his books including Nine Lenses of the World by clicking the amazon link here

    Who is Dr. Jerome Wagner?

    Dr. Jerome Wagner, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, supervisor, consultant in private practice, and emeritus faculty member in the Department of Psychology and Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University, Chicago.

    Among the earliest students of the Enneagram in the United States, Dr. Wagner’s dissertation was one of the first written descriptions of the Enneagram and pioneered formal research studies on the Enneagram. Part of his study involved constructing an Enneagram inventory.

    Things We Talk About In This Episode:

    What is the Enneagram? What makes the Enneagram different from other personality tests? What are the 9 types of the Enneagram? Why is it important to know your typing on the Enneagram and how can it help me in my day to day life? Why is knowing the positives and negatives of each type important? Why should we look at all 9 types of the Enneagram if we only have one that drives us individually?

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Melody and Friends! If you haven't already please take the time to leave us a rating and review on our iTunes page as it helps us get more great episodes like this to you!