Guest Bio: Lauren’s interest in relationship skills began when her parents divorced after almost 20 years of marriage. Seeking to understand better patterns for her own future legacy, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in communication studies from TCU. Lauren is the author of two books: In Their Shoes, a book dedicated to helping parents better understand and connect with children of divorce, and Relationship Essentials, which features skills to help people feel heard, fight fair, and set boundaries in all areas of life. Lauren is the president of The Center for Relationship Education, a national nonprofit whose mission is rooted in providing relationship skills training to everyone. Her speaking experience spans over 20 years, teaching a variety of relationship skills to teens, adults, and corporate teams. She recognizes relationships are key to a successful life, and this drives her passion for energizing others to invest in relationships with proven tools to enhance connection. She and her husband, Josh, love adventures with their three children. All Colorado natives, they are avid skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Broncos’ fans.

Show Summary: Have you ever tried really hard to make something happen just for it to fail over and over again? Have you been rejected by something or someone that meant a lot to you? Today’s guest, Lauren Reitsema, knows all about how God can change the trajectory of our lives to make something beautiful come out of the brokenness. Host, Eryn Adkins, had the privilege of talking with Lauren in person at the MomCon Conference in Chicago last fall. Join Eryn as she gets to know Lauren and how God has worked in her life during this God Hears Her conversation.

Notes and Quotes:

• “We’re not meant to do everything well all the time.” —Lauren Reitsema

• “Boundaries create more of the freedom we long for.” —Lauren Reitsema

• “Sometimes it’s the denial of what you want that gives you the trajectory.” —Lauren Reitsema

• “He does connect every one of your pain points, and He weaves it into a beautiful story.” —Lauren Reitsema

• “He is the only one who understands us when we don’t think He’s listening.” —Lauren Reitsema

Verses:

• Matthew 27:46

Links:

• In Their Shoes: Amazon

• The Center for Relationship Education: website

• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/

• God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc

• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast

• Elisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/

• Eryn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/

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Guest Bio: Laura L. Smith is a popular speaker, best-selling author, and Bible teacher leading women to tear down lies so they can live in truth. Holy Care for the Whole Self is her thirteenth book. Most recently she is known for Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms and How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns. Laura is a fan of Jesus, her prince charming of a husband, their four kids, almond milk mochas, dark chocolate, music, books, and travel. Smith lives in the picturesque college town of Oxford, Ohio. There you’ll find her running the wooded trails, strolling the brick streets, teaching a local Bible study, shopping at the Saturday morning farmer’s market, or going on a sunset walk with her family.

Show Summary: What do you think about self-care? Do you practice it or feel strongly against it? Today, hosts, Elisa Morgan and Eryn Adkins, are talking with author Laura L. Smith about how the Bible talks about self-care. Laura shares how Jesus wants to take care of us and how He tells us to take care of ourselves. Learn how self-care is holy during this God Hears Her conversation.

Notes and Quotes:

• “We are created in the image of God, He calls us His most prized possession, and a masterpiece. And those are His words for us, so we need to take care of ourselves.” —Laura L. Smith

• “We need community.” —Laura L. Smith

• “Jesus loves us so much better than we can love each other.” —Laura L. Smith

• “The brain is another organ that we need to steward for.” —Elisa Morgan

Verses:

• Genesis 2:2–3

• Genesis 2:18

• Exodus 20:8

• Romans 8:1

Links:

• Laura’s book Holy Care for the Whole Self: https://ourdailybreadpublishing.org/holy-care-for-the-whole-self.html

• Laura’s Website: www.laurasmithauthor.com

• Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/

• God Hears Her email sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/sign-upsfmc

• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast

• God Hears Her Ep 24 with Laura: https://www.godhearsher.org/podcast/episode-24-when-we-feel-we-are-not-enough

• Elisa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/

• Eryn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/

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Join Elisa Morgan, Eryn Adkins, and new host Vivian Mabuni for all new episodes of God Hears Her starting April 22, 2024. You’ll laugh, cry, relate . . . but most of all feel understood and uplifted as you tune in to these witty and wise women and their stellar line up of guests. Don’t miss a single episode starting April 22nd!

Links:

• God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/
• God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup
• Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast
• Elisa’s Instagram: elisa morgan author
• Eryn’s Instagram: eryneddy
• Vivian’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivmabuni/

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