Sometimes? Hard stuff happens.
It may be a life-altering tragedy. It may be a new state you find yourself.
When the hard happens, we can choose our response. We can feel defeated and give up. We can fight back with our own strength and become exhausted.
OR we can seek God, through His Word, rely on His strength, and find rest and healing.
Today’s podcast guest, Wendy Blight, vulnerably shares the hard parts of her story. As a rape survivor, Wendy found healing through Scripture.
Years later as a mom who struggled with anger, again Wendy found transformation and growth through memorizing key verses.
I love having moms of older children on the show. Nothing beats a nice dose of perspective and wisdom. You are in for a treat.
Wendy is the author of my new favorite Bible Study, “Living So That”. On the podcast I share the “only God” story of how I found her book.
AND one lucky winner is going to be given a copy of the book. Just leave a comment on this post or a review on iTunes to be entered to win.
Giveaway ends April 4th at midnight. Winner announced April 6th.
What we chat about:
- How Wendy healed as a rape survivor
- The three God appointments which led her to study His Word
- How to integrate Scripture into your prayers
- Wendy’s time as an angry young mom and ‘yelling’ when she didn’t want to
- What steps Wendy took to help change the way she mothered
- The lies we believe about who we are
- How to bring the unity of the Spirit in your home
- Turning to His Word instead of Facebook
- Picking one thing and one Scripture to work on
- How we can control the temperature of our homes
- Brainstorming creative ways to spend time in God’s presence (even during middle-of-the-night feedings)
- Wendy’s next book on the names of God
There is no better place than sitting at the feet of Jesus. Whatever time you can give Him, He will fill you up to be the mom you want to be.
Connect with Wendy:
Links Mentioned:
- Declare Conference
- Living “So That”: Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life (InScribed Collection)*(Amazon affiliate link)
- Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God’s Story(*Amazon affiliate link)
- Isaiah 55:11, “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
- Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is alive and active.”
- Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 29:11 “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
What verse or Scripture has brought you healing?
How to listen to the podcast:
1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.
3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.
*If you missed past episodes, you can listen via iTunes or click on this page of the GodCenteredMom site to find a listing of all the episodes.
**Check out this page for instructions on how to leave a rating or review on iTunes:GodCenteredMom.com/review
Thank you so much for your podcasts. I recently found them and have started listening to them when I can while at work. This one especially hit home as I struggle with anger with my kids. I am a full time working mom with 5 year old twins and I look forward to the challenges this podcast has set in front of me. Thank you for all you do! God Bless!
(this response is from Wendy. . .unfortunately posted on another page earlier today)
Tina, I am so thankful the Lord brought you at the very time you need to hear about struggling with anger with your children. His timing is always perfect; He hears the cry of our heart. I so admire that you are a full time working mom with twins and have a deep desire to balance both well with a godly heart. I know the Lord will meet you where you are and bless and equip you because He promises that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him! Praying for you know … for wisdom, strength, and peace in the midst.
Blessings,
Wendy
Heather & Wendy this episode spoke straight to my soul. With a 2 year old and a 9 month old, I struggle with patience. I try so hard to soak up these moments while they’re little, but my strength can only take me so far. we all need the spirit to lean on! Lately I have been meditatinf on Proverbs 16:24, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” I would love a copy of this book. I want so much to live a life so that my sweet babies can feel the love of God in me and through me. Thank you SO much for this today!
(this response is from Wendy. . .so sorry it didn’t post in the right place!)
Brandi, you are on the right track. Looking to God’s Word, hiding it in your heart, and praying for God’s provision and strength!! He will be faithful, sweet friend.
Blessings,
Wendy
Wonderful podcast! I have struggled so much with fear, anger, jealousy…the gamut…after my daughter was born at 30 weeks. But time in God’s word is TRULY healing me from the inside out. I would LOVE to have this book as a tool to help me memorize the things I’m reading and learning!
(this response is from Wendy. . .sorry it posted to the wrong place)
His Word is health to our body and healing to our bones!! He promises that when His Word goes out it will not return void but accomplish the purposes for which He sent it. You are experiencing that in your life first-hand, and I pray God will continue to bless and establish the work of your hands and your heart as you seek to glorify Him as a mom!
Blessings,
Wendy
Such a great podcast, thank you! I have a 10 month old so was encouraged to keep persevering in taking just a verse, focusing on one thing, etc. instead of the way I used to have quiet time.
(this response is from Wendy. . .sadly it was posted in the wrong place)
Liz, i have learned it is so much better to focus on one area at a time. I can remember thinking I can’t do anything right as a mom and it felt so overwhelming. But if we give one thing to the Lord and really commit and surrender it to Him. We will OVERCOME!! Because We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns in us!
Blessings,
Wendy
This was exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you and Wendy so much for today’s podcast.
(this is from wendy. . .somehow was posted in the wrong place)
You are so welcome. You are answered prayer, sweet friend. We prayed for the Lord to draw every woman who needed to hear from Him on this topic and from His Word.
Blessings,
Wendy
Boy oh Boy. God sure knows what he’s doing and his timing is perfect. I pray while I’m putting my 1.5 year old down for a nap. Today, before listening to your show, I prayed for the ability to start memorizing verses and for the wisdom to put down my phone – both of which just happened (he obviously heard that prayer ) to be on this podcast. I cried tears of shame because I am that mom to two young boys who is often more angry than not. What a blessing your podcasts are!
(this response is from Wendy. . .sorry it did not post in the correct place earlier today)
Amanda, I have chills reading your words. God is SOOO GOOOOD!! He heard the longing of your heart and spoke right into it – to encourage and equip you at the same time. And your heart of humility is fertile ground for Him to begin a mighty work in your mama’s heart.
Blessings,
Wendy
I have not listened to the podcast yet, but I definitely will! I wanted to comment {to be entered to win the book} because my life has been “messy” for so long (health problems in our family; marriage breakup & the leading up stuff; {single} parenting two sons w/ Aspergers; a BIG move; etc). On the positive note, I have learned {am learning daily} that my ONLY strength comes from God. In addition to the Bible, I am always looking for helpful resources…especially those that point me to God & His word!
(This reply is from Wendy. . .)
Amen! Our strength and our peace come only from Him. His Word promises that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.
Wendy
I have been struggling for a long time with anger and shouting or screaming at my kids. I do believe God has brought me a long way on this problem but I am still seeing how far I have to go. I am so thankful for this podcast today and the advice of learning a scripture to help in the struggle. Thank you gals for letting God use you.
(This response is from Wendy, but somehow was posted to the wrong place)
Abby, I want to encourage you that when you take these baby steps from a posture of humility and your invite your children into this process, you will see great transformation come. First in your own heart and life, and then in your family’s. God is so very faithful. He promises that blessings follow obedience.
Blessings,
Wendy
Thanks for the encouragement today!
Loved this episode. Exited to check out the bible study.
I thoroughly enjoyed your chat with Wendy. Heather, your comments about social media were excellent. I always love the reminder to go to God first as my source.
This is the first of your podcasts I have listened to and it really touched my heart. I have always struggled to spend the time with God that I feel I should but as a mother I do find myself speaking to him often through the days while doing laundry or dishes. I am in the midst of a job change and will be reentering the work force full time and I have a lot of anxiety about what that transition will be like for my family. I’m glad to have found your podcasts and look forward to more.
(This response is from Wendy, but attached to the wrong post. . .)
Andrea, it is wonderful that you talk with God all throughout the day. That reveals how connected you are to Him. I would encourage you to really commit … maybe try 30 days at first … to follow the cry of your heart to spend some time with God in His Word. Where you are focuses only on Him and His Word. Maybe it’s only a few minutes some days, but it will bless you and begin to fill you. And you will need that filling as you begin this new transition into full time work. I pray He will show up in very real and personal ways as you begin to meet with Him, ways that you will KNOW it is HIM and ways you will experience His pleasure with your obedience to sit at His feet!
Blessings,
Wendy
I’m thankful Wendy shared the link to your site! I always appreciate her wisdom, but as a Mom with 5 little people (3 to a new 12 year old) I’m grateful for your insight and understanding as well. I first heard Wendy share her angry Mom story nearly 3 years ago and have to say it was transformational in my parenting. After following her example and repeatedly going to the Lord things changed and I’m grateful. I continue to grow there, but after your challenge I’m encouraged to dig into the topic of discipline. I need more self-discipline and I know He can do it. Thanks again…look forward to visiting again!
Going to listen today!
Thank you for all that you do! I just happened to fall upon your podcast last week and this is the second episode I’ve listened to. What really spoke to me this episode was that I shouldn’t allow this perfect image of spending time with God (e.g., early in the morning before the kids wake up, which I’m almost never able to do), inhibit me from ever spending time with God. I’ve been so guilty of that and, honestly, it makes me feel terrible. So, thank you for that! I would love to dive into a copy of Wendy’s book! It would be such a blessing! 🙂
(This is from Wendy but was added to the wrong post)
Jazzy, I am so thankful our time today spoke truth into your heart about “Quiet Time.” It doesn’t have to look like anything. It needs to be at a time and place and in a way that works for us. And when we do that, God will show up, and we will be ready to receive! NO GUILT HERE!! Just sit at His feet, a little each day and He does the rest. 🙂
Wendy
Thanks for this episode! I have so struggled getting into God’s word since having my 2 sons. I know i need it more than anything but I always get distracted.
congratulations kim!!! you are the winner!! I will email you and ask for your address so Wendy can send you a copy of her book. yay!!!
Thanks Heather for sharing. I really look forward to hearing these encouraging podcasts every week. Keep it up – it is always a wonderful time of encouragement, healing, challenge and renewal. Beautiful.
I would love to be entered in to win the book. I loved this podcast it has been one of the many ways God has been speaking to my heart in regards to taking a moment every single day to spend with him. I’m so encouraged! Thank you!!
It’s all about staying in the Word! As a new mom I just listened to this podcast and the new mom podcast and I was struck with how it’s all about the few minutes here and there! If I have time to check Instagram I have time to be filled up with His presence! I want that glow! Thank you for this reminder!
Loved this podcast! Thank you!
I listened to this podcast THREE times! It spoke straight to my heart. Thank you, Wendy. I also have older children, two boys, sixteen and fourteen, who soon will be leaving the nest. I have struggled with anger and my temper throughout their parenting. God is good and I am constantly asking his forgiveness and for him to redeem the situation. My husband and children are also patient and forgiving, but I can only imagine how my anger is coloring their childhood. My husband also comments to me that that is just how I am, but I want to get a handle on this. I am going to follow your advice and write these scriptures down and meditate on them as well as share them with my sons in a spirit of forgiveness and change. I don’t want them to follow in my footsteps in their lives and parenting journey. I want them to see me allow God to change me. Thank you, Heather, for sharing Wendy’s message. I just discovered your podcast and I have been touched by so many of your guests! Keep up the good work! Blessings, LeeAnn
I actually did the Living So That bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries last year. It was by far one of the most enlightening books I’ve read. I’ve read a could of Wendy’s books and she is such an amazing woman!
I listened to this podcast at work today and stopped at one point and rewound to listen to part again. I whole heartedly recommend going through this book, more than once. Than you for having her on!
This episode truly spoke right to my soul. Praying for that fruit of patience in my life, meditating on Proverbs 29:11 this week…”fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
I really enjoyed this episode. I could relate to so much of the discussion. Thank you for the encouragement.
Hello. I stumbled upon your blog the other day while I was doing a Google search for “Easter traditions”. I really liked what you had done with the Easter baskets, and so I started following you on Facebook. To my surprise, the very first thing that came up on my wall from you was this podcast on a mom who struggled with anger. I too struggle with patience and anger. I have three daughters ages 13, 6, 5. Just last week my 5 year old was throwing an uncontrollable temper tantrum right before school. Her tantrum made me feel out of control as well, as everything I did to calm her down failed. I began to get angry and impatient so I picked her up and roughly put her in the car. My 6 year old also began to cry at this point, because my actions scared her. At this moment, I realized something needs to change. I cannot treat the precious gifts God has trusted me to raise this way. I stopped the car right there and apologized to my children, and told them that NOBODY should ever treat them that way. Although I realized this, I still was unsure how I was going to stop my “anger” monster next time. I laughed when Wendy said her family missed the patience handout, because I come from an Italian family that is known for their quick temper and a lot of times I have felt because of this I couldn’t change. Thank you for being humble enough to share your story to let us other mom’s know we are not alone and there is hope. Thank you for giving me scriptures that I can read to help remind myself of how God wants me to act. I hope to be a success story one day as well and to be able to guide my children in love and not fear.
I always enjoy your podcast, Heather, but this episode especially spoke into the dry and over-busy corners of my heart! Thank you both for the reminder that God’s Word is the source of true refreshment and real freedom.
I’m a mom and children’s minister and have really been touched by your podcast! Thank you for the work you put into these. I love this week… about to go think about the verse I need to pray now!
I was listening to this podcast and had just passed the part where Wendy was talking about hearing God tell her that she felt she couldn’t be a good mom because she was trying to do it on her own power when my husband called. We were talking about our many struggles with our youngest daughter, and he said that he wanted to react better “so I just need to try harder not to tell at her.” What perfect timing! We talked about how the best way to try harder would be for is to not try do hard in our own power. Thank you!
I loved this podcast! I try to remind myself that I can be a good mom and learn how to love, be patient and parent from God. Loved everything you guys talked about!
Wow! So thankful for this woman being vulnerable and sharing what God’s taught her. I would love to get this study!
I am so excited to see that the giveaway hasn’t ended yet! I never get around to listening to podcasts on time, so thanks for making it a longer giveaway. I love listening to these podcasts while I am at the gym. And this book sounds amazing. My paster did a sermon serious last year on “so that” and enjoyed it so much. Thanks ladies for all you do and for sharing your hearts!
I just listened to this podcast and it was very inspiring. I am struggling with fear/trust and this was perfectly timed. If the giveaway hasn’t ended, I would LOVE to be entered! Thanks, Wendy and thanks Heather for the continued weekly encouragement through your podcast.
Hi i jusr wanted to share to resources to help being in the word when you maybe don’t have the time to sit and read. TheTrinityMission.org does daily pray three timed a day. It has an audio option. And mt favor the daily audio bible. The pod cast goes through the bible in a read with a reading from the ot, nt, psalms and proverbs. Thanks for all your hard work!