• If You’re Ready to Leave Stress Behind – 256
    Nov 19 2024
    We don't need research studies to tell us we're stressed (although they do, and frequently—a 2021 Gallup poll found that 41% of adults worldwide experience a lot of stress). We feel it everywhere: demanding hours and clients at work; raising kids; the news; the ever-ending list of things to do—the list goes on. Are you ready to leave stress behind? We've got you covered! In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender rip off the band-aid: We can't get rid of stress entirely. But we can get a better handle on it by dealing with it in healthier ways. Part of the trick is recognizing when you're stressed; what responses and behaviors you default to when overwhelm takes a hold. Then, when you feel it coming on, implement one or more of these six practical tips for mitigating stress: Take time for self-care. Talk to someone you trust. Get moving. Find the humor. Abstain from social media when necessary. Practice gratitude. As Darlene and Julie chat through each of these tips and their application, you'll find specific combinations and variations that work best with your schedule and emotions to deal with stress head-on. Quote of the episode: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." —James 14:27 Resources Related "Feeling Stressed Out? Here Are 5 Tips to Stay Calm" "Stop the Holiday Hustle: Celebrate More, Stress Less - 064" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    18 mins
  • If You’re Questioning Your Purpose – 255
    Nov 12 2024
    Are you feeling a little aimless at the moment? Perhaps you're in a season of life that has you questioning your purpose. If that sounds frighteningly familiar, don't fret—even the seasons that feel purposeless have a purpose! In this episode of Smart Living with Grit and Grace, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss how to find confidence when you're transitioning into a new stage of life. Starting retirement, getting married, entering motherhood, searching for your next job can all leave you with a fuzzy vision of your purpose and the value you offer. To get you back on track, the duo shares the importance of detaching yourself from your role and learning how to embrace change as an opportunity for a blank slate. You'll also discover how to find meaning in the slow, quiet seasons in between. Quote of the episode: "For I am about to do something new. See? I've already begun. Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness; I will create rivers in a dry wasteland." —Isaiah 43:19 Resources Related "Where Can I Find the Purpose of Life" "Finding Purpose When Another Door Closes" "When Life Changes, Does Your Purpose Change Too?" "How Do I Know What Defines Me?" "Do You Know Your Purpose? It May Surprise You! - 193" Mentioned Check out the Smart Living book series here! Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    15 mins
  • If Your Nagging Makes You Tired Too – 254
    Nov 5 2024
    Do you have a tendency to repeat reminders to those closest to you? Perhaps you feel like you're constantly asking your husband to get off the couch or urging your kids to clean their rooms. While your intentions are good, your delivery may be perceived as nagging. In this episode of Smart Living with Grit and Grace, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender dive into the prickly topic of nagging. It's something many of us would like to think we don't do, but we often innocently fall into the habit. They share the tell-tale signs of nagging, how to uncover the root cause of our repeated requests, and the way we can more clearly and kindly communicate them to those we care about. Quote of the episode: "It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman." —Proverbs 21:19 Resources Related "Marriage Advice That Will Change Things More Than You Think..." "The 3-Day Rule: My Mother-in-Law’s Secret to a Happy Marriage" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    17 mins
  • If You’re Flat-Out Tired of Waiting – 253
    Oct 29 2024
    Are you tired of waiting? Maybe you're waiting on a future spouse to walk into your life, sitting in fast food lines that feel anything but, or pining for that dream job opportunity to fall into our laps. We're all excitedly—and usually impatiently—waiting for something. Why do all the good things in life take so long? One could argue those things wouldn't be very good to begin with if they didn't require at some patience, but we think there's more to it. In this episode of Smart Living with Grit and Grace, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss why waiting actually serves us more than immediately getting what we want and how you can purposefully fill the time in between. Quote of the episode: "Everything that is worth waiting for is not always on your timeline." —Darlene Brock Resources Mentioned Click here to buy Julie's book, When Marriage Is Hard Check out the rest of the Smart Living book series here! Related "Dating? Don't Settle for Less with Rebecca St. James - 243" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    16 mins
  • The Smart Living in Small Bites Book Series Is Live! – 252
    Oct 22 2024
    The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived—the Smart Living in Small Bites book series is officially live and available for purchase now on Amazon! If you have experienced (or are still walking through) a challenging life circumstance and wish you could talk with a friend who has been there and understands, look no further. Each book in the series is written by a woman who has experienced that same challenge. These authors detail the difficulties they encountered, the wisdom they gained, and the practical steps they took to find hope and healing so that you might do the same. In this special podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share an inside look at the structure of the books, the first four subjects in the series, and some exciting additional features that are available to you with your purchase, right now. Purchase Your Copies Now! When Marriage is Hard Author Julie Bender walks you through her difficult first marriage, applying the lessons learned in her current marriage. She offers an honest picture of common marital challenges and the beauty of committing to working toward their resolutions. This book will help you uncover the steps to face your trials head-on to repair your relationship and rebuild a healthy, resilient marriage for a lifetime. Click here to buy now! When Suicide Touches Your Life Author Darlene Brock shares her story of the devastating loss of her father to suicide. As one who understands the depths of your sorrow, Darlene gently nudges you toward healing and hope. Her words will help you find strength in the face of pain and peace in the chaos left by suicide’s wake. She trusts this book will be a guiding light toward healing after a loss like no other. Click here to buy now! When Anxiety Won’t Let Go Author Caroline Beidler, MSW, takes you on a transformative exploration through her struggle with anxiety and the many ways she learned to flip the script on the challenges it presents. If you feel like your anxiety follows you like a shadow each day, robbing you of healthy relationships, self-worth, and promising opportunities, please know you aren’t alone. In this book, you’ll learn how to identify your strengths and shift your perspective to uncover a fulfilling life beyond anxiety’s clutches. Click here to buy now! When Your Past Abuse Still Hurts Author Allison McCormick shares her deeply personal journey toward finding healing and redemption after enduring the haunting effects of childhood sexual abuse. Allison’s story is an invitation to identify the brokenness in your life and develop a path toward freedom. She believes that as you retrace the path of your own story, you will discover the comfort of knowing you are not alone. There is a path that leads to healing. Click here to buy now! Resources Mentioned Listen to Darlene's episode on suicide: "When Suicide Touches Your Life - 239" Listen to Julie's episode on her first marriage: "Julie Graham’s Untold Story of Heartbreak, Healing and Hope – 101" Listen to Caroline's episode on anxiety: "Addiction Does Not Define You: A Recovery Story with Caroline Beidler – 194" Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    11 mins
  • Exciting Changes Are Coming to This Grit and Grace Life! – 251
    Oct 8 2024
    Exciting changes are in store for This Grit and Grace Life podcast! If you've been with us for a while, you know we launched a new endeavor called Smart Living with Grit and Grace last year and will be releasing an eponymous book series this month (keep your eye on your inbox over the next few days!). Now, we're rebranding the podcast with a new look and feel—and a new name! In this episode, Darlene and Julie share what's in store for the new Smart Living with Grit and Grace podcast: fresh content, shorter episodes, increased frequency and more! You'll learn how they landed on the new name and what topics you can expect in the next few weeks. It's an exciting season for Grit and Grace Life, and we're thrilled to have you along for the ride! Quote of the episode: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Resources Mentioned Click here to learn more about the Smart Living in Small Bites series Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    10 mins
  • 26 “Little Women” Quotes to Live By – 250
    Sep 24 2024
    We're celebrating our 250th podcast episode of This Grit and Grace Life with 26 wise quotes from a literary classic: Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Whether you've read the novel or not, there's much to be gleaned from the conversations among its four protagonists, the young March sisters. If you need some encouragement in your relationships and goals or need to be reminded of the qualities of a confident woman, take a few minutes to tune into this episode. Darlene and Julie also share their favorite lessons learned from the This Grit and Grace Life podcast archive. Quote of the episode: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 Resources Click HERE to download a printable PDF copy of this episode's Little Women quotes! Mentioned Little Women by Louisa May Alcott The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Armadale by Wilkie Collins Henry IV, Part 1 by William Shakespeare Dolly Dialogues by Anthony Hope Eric by Terry Pratchett Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    22 mins
  • Cutting Through the Discomfort Around Special Needs with Russ and Gail Ewell – 249
    Sep 10 2024
    How do you respond when you see a child with special needs? Most of us fall into one of two camps: We either choose to engage or we look the other way. But choosing to engage is always the right answer. Russ and Gail Ewell will tell you the same thing. After dealing with judgment and unsolicited advice from others on how to raise their two special needs children, the couple decided the best way to inform others was to educate and integrate. In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Russ and Gail explain the importance of addressing misconceptions and cutting through the discomfort around special needs and building a community around those with special needs instead. The couple created a series of inclusive programs that unite special needs and typical kids to forge friendships, grace and understanding for a lifetime, and they discuss how, in addition to inclusive programming, we can all support those with special needs. Russ and Gail Ewell have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of adult children with special needs. They have been leading ministry together at Bay Area Christian Church for three decades. Russ, a minister for more than 40 years, serves as the Executive Minister at BACC, where his teaching is rooted in providing hope for those turned off by tradition. Gail is the Lead Women’s Minister at BACC and serves as the executive director of Hope Technology School, a nationally recognized full-inclusion school in Palo Alto, California, which she and Russ founded together. Quote of the episode: “You only benefit from inclusion; you don't get hurt.” —Gail Ewell Resources Mentioned Exceptional Sports (E-Sports) programs Start Your Own E-Program E-life.org Spiritual Resource Ministry Manual Digital Scribbler Russ Ewell's website Be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    42 mins