Real Talk With Rachael Podcast

We are in a new, three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. Last week we explored the question "How is your heart?" This week I want to know - how are your words? Luke 6:45 reminds us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” When you aren’t sure about the answer to the previous question about your heart, listen to the words you speak. Proverbs 12:18, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 18:8, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." Process: How are your words? Pray: Psalm 19:14, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book, Image Restored.  Go to imagerest

We are in a new, three-part series where I am sharing three questions you can reflect on when things seem off but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is. These come from the back of my book, Image Restored, but I am expounding them here. The first question I want you to ask is this - How is my heart? “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Proverbs 4:23 We guard our heart by submitting them to the Lord for His protection and doing our part with routine heart checks, just like you would with a medical doctor. If your heart doesn’t feel right about an area, ask the Lord to place a pin on what is off. Process: How is your heart? Pray: Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Resource: As I mentioned, the three questions we are exploring in this series come from my book,

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I chatted with Nancy Houston. Nancy is an Executive Leadership Coach, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Sex Therapist, and author of “Love and Sex: A Christian Guide to Healthy Intimacy" and "Then God Made a Woman: Unwrapping Female Sexuality.” Nancy developed and leads Next Level Leadership Groups which is a relational approach to leadership. She is also a former adjunct at DBU and Concordia University and a fellow at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University. Key Points from Our Conversation: If you've experienced sexual trauma, the beginning of healing is understanding that what happened wasn't your fault and you don't need to carry shame. If you’ve survived a trauma, show yourself some gratitude for enduring something hard. Then address the effects of that trauma. It’s hard work, but God is asking you to press in. God designed us to be sexual creatures. We can experience so much freedom if we have the courage to have great conversations around the top

We just wrapped up our Stand Firm series. If you missed it, go back and tune in. I pray it makes your faith arise as you stand firm on the Word of God. Today, I want to have a heart-to-heart with you about why you might not be ready for change. Stages of Change: Stage 1: Precontemplation Stage 2: Contemplation Stage 3: Preparation Stage 4: Action Stage 5: Maintenance Stage 6: Relapse Stage 7: Termination Process: What stage are you in? Pray: Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Resource: Are you ready to see a change in how you view your body? I highly encourage you to get a copy of my book, Image Restored. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today. If you already own a copy, today is your reminder to take action and read it!

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Luke 10 Stand Firm in Action: Stand your ground! Process: What are you standing on? Do you believe you have been given authority? If so, use it! If not, ask the Holy Spirit to awaken the desire in you to be a bold believer in Christ. Resource: Did you know I wrote a book? It’s called Image Restored, and I believe it will help you take your authority back over your body, in Jesus name. Go to imagerestoredbook.com to learn more and purchase a copy today.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Dr. Shanna Crawford. Dr. Crawford is the CEO of Crawford Clinics, Leadership Performance Psychologist, executive coach, podcast host of Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford, and speaker with over 20 years of studying psychology and a decade of applying empirically supported strategies to optimize performance for executives, she has innovated the Restoring-Self-Cohesion approach. Dr. Crawford and her team of psychotherapists at Crawford Clinics have provided life-transforming counseling for thousands of business leaders, couples, families, and adolescents. As founder and CEO, she has established a holistic practice with a team of highly vetted and trained therapists to ensure every client achieves success in their life, relationships, and business. Crawford Care is an HR benefit offered to organizations providing mental health counseling for employees and their families. Key Points from Our Conversation: Self-cohesion is the methodology of syncing your inne

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given you a spirit of fear or timidity, but power, love, and a sound mind." Process: What are you standing on? Resource: Have you downloaded my guide with three steps to overcome fear and pursue your God-given dreams? It’s what I used alongside this key verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 to step out in faith when God called. Go to rachaelgilbert.com/overcomefear to download it for free.

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Psalm 34:5, "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Stand Firm in Action: Where your eyes go, your body will follow. Where your mind goes, your life will follow. The enemy loves to get us so focused on looking down at ourselves that we forget to look up at Jesus. Looking up looks like talking to Him (especially when you fail), worshiping, praying, reading the Word, and thinking about things that are true and worthy of praise. Process: How can you look to God this week? What are you standing on? Resource: Did you know I send a monthly Therapist Thoughts email? I promise It’s not your average newsletter. Each month I share a personal note from me that you can’t find anywhere else on the internet, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Join the

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Morgan Jackson about her new book Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You’re Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten. Ashley Morgan Jackson is an author, speaker, and social media expert. She works full-time for Proverbs 31 Ministries and has ministered to her own online community for over ten years. She is passionate about women learning to let go of the lie that they have to perform for God’s love and instead realizing that they can receive His love, just as they are. Ashley is a wife of fourteen years to her wonderful husband, Daniel, and a mom to two growing boys. The family lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you asked Ashley what her favorite thing to do is, she would say it’s laughing till it hurts! Key Points from Our Conversation: Ashley wrote Tired of Trying after a hard transition period where she struggled with identity loss. Once she surrendered, God broke away the things that she identified herself with and told her who she wa

Welcome to the Stand Firm Series. My vision for this series is to help you build a foundation with scripture that will help you be able to stand firm when it seems everything is shaking. Solid Foundation Verse: Psalm 1:2-3, "but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Stand Firm in Action: When tempted to strive, this verse reminds me that it’s being rooted in God’s word that makes me thrive. Process: What are you standing on? Create a stand firm album Resource: Did you know I send a monthly Therapist Thoughts email? I promise It’s not your average newsletter. Each month I share a personal note from me that you can’t find anywhere else on the internet, favorite finds, podcast updates, and a free therapy resource. Join the community for free today.

We aren’t in a series right now, but I am sharing words God is putting on my heart each week. Today’s topic is a time to speak and a time to be silent. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:7, "There is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be silent and a time to speak." Luke 12:12, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11, "...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you." Questions to ask when questioning whether to be silent or speak: 1. Have I checked my heart? In other words…what are my motives? 2. Do I need to process my own pain first? 3. What’s the end goal? Reconciliation or revenge? 4. Have I listened? (hint: you shouldn’t speak or be silent until you truly listen) 5.  If I choose silence, will I get resentful? 6.  If I speak, is it out of love? 7.  Have I spoken with the Lord about it first? 8.  Have I sought wise counsel? Final

We just wrapped up The Restored Series. Be sure to take the time to listen if you missed any of those episodes. We aren’t in a series right now, but I am sharing words God is putting on my heart each week. Today’s topic is shame vs. sorrow. Shame says, “Keep this a secret.” Sorrow says, “It’s time to surrender.” Shame stays in the dark; sorrow is an opportunity to step into the light. Shame condemns. Sorrow convicts. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Romans 8:1-2, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Process:  Reflect on Godly sorrow in your life and receive it

We just wrapped up The Restored Series. Be sure to take the time to listen if you missed any of those episodes. We aren’t in a series right now, but I am sharing words God is putting on my heart each week. Today’s topic is letting go and I've invited a very special guest to share with you - my daughter, Ellie. In this episode, she shares her own struggle to let go of a good thing and trust that God has a purpose in moving her into a new season.  Process: Why are you afraid of leaving? Remember to BOOGIE – be outstanding or get involved elsewhere

My book, Image Restored, was released in March and we are in a Restored Series here on the podcast. While this series can address body image struggles, I am teaching how you can apply it to ANY area of your life. We have covered a lot of topics in this series, so if you missed any, now is a great time to go listen to any you missed. This week our theme comes from chapter 18 where we discuss healthy and unhealthy community. Therapist Thoughts: "We are made in the image of God; therefore, we have His relational DNA. We’re wired for connection. When something or someone damages our “wiring,” it doesn’t have to be fatal or final. Taking the risk to restore relational cords can move us from isolation to consolation." - Dr. Linda Hoover Process: Create a "community wheel" Resource: The resource I recommend for all of these episodes is my book, Image Restored. (If you’ve already purchased the book, join the private community on the book page. We will email you free resources and printables you can use right away.)

My book, Image Restored, was released in March and we are in a Restored Series here on the podcast. While this series can address body image struggles, I am teaching how you can apply it to ANY area of your life. We have covered a lot of topics in this series, so if you missed any, now is a great time to go listen to any you missed. This week our theme comes from chapter 17 where we discuss God’s grace. Therapist Thoughts: "Take a moment to sit in the stillness of God’s presence. Imagine grace being freely poured over you like warm, fragrant oil. Breathe in deeply as it is absorbed into every thirsty cell. Notice any places where the oil does not soak in. Offer those areas to the Lord and allow His gentle grace to soften your soul until it is fully saturated and satisfied." - Dr. Linda Hoover Process: The antidote to shame is grace. Pray:  2 Corinthians 12:9, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infi

My book, Image Restored, was released in March and we are in a Restored Series here on the podcast. While this series can address body image struggles, I am teaching how you can apply it to ANY area of your life. We have covered a lot of topics in this series, so if you missed any, now is a great time to go listen to any you missed. This week our theme comes from chapter 16 where we discuss God’s love and Jesus’ blood. Psalm 103:8 says, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” That phrase “abounding in love” can be expressed in a single Hebrew word, chesed, meaning “goodness, kindness.” This is only the tip of the iceberg in exploring the Bible and what we find about God’s love for us. If we look at the character of God throughout all of Scripture, we see this theme of His goodness and kindness toward humanity. It’s a love that most of us don’t know from humans, yet God shows that love to us every day, no matter our failures or sins. He loves you, my friend. Therapist Though

This week our theme comes from chapter 15 of Image Restored where we discuss how your unique design is a reflection of being made in God's image. Process: What do you see when you look in the mirror? Write all the things that come to mind. Strikethrough negative attributes and ask what God sees instead. Circle positive attributes and ask God why He designed you that way. Do you see Jesus reflected in your image? Resource: The resource I recommend for all of these episodes is my book, Image Restored. (If you’ve already purchased the book, join the private community on the book page. We will email you free resources and printables you can use right away.) What's Your Body Trying to Tell You Quiz

My book, Image Restored, was released in March and we are in a Restored Series here on the podcast. While this series can address body image struggles, I am teaching how you can apply it to ANY area of your life. We have covered a lot of topics in this series, so if you missed any, now is a great time to go listen to any you missed. This week our theme comes from chapter 14. This chapter is about body restoration, but my heart for this episode is to emphasize that God cares about your body. After all, it was His idea and He called it "good."  Do you think of your body as a friend, acquaintance, or an enemy? Learning to listen to your body starts with rebuilding trust in it and with God. Two key quotes from this chapter: "Your body is always speaking to you." "Where our minds go, our body and lives will follow." Process: What does my thought process look like around my body? How is my relationship currently with my body? Does it need to be restored? Resource: The resource I recommend for all of these episodes

My book, Image Restored, was released in March and we are in a Restored Series here on the podcast. While this series can address body image struggles, I am teaching how you can apply it to ANY area of your life. We have covered a lot of topics in this series, so if you missed any, now is a great time to go listen to any you missed. This week our theme comes from chapter 13. This chapter is actually about expectations, but I wanted to sit and have some real talk with you about why it’s important to be real with ourselves, God, and others about our expectations, fears, thoughts, emotions, or anything else that is weighing us down. Two key quotes from this chapter: "Stop comparing yourself to your younger self; she’s another woman." "My future grandchildren will not remember Grandma by my wrinkles or gray hair; instead, they will remember a woman who feared and praised the Lord." Therapist Thoughts: The brain is far more sophisticated than we realize. No one has to say that we are more valuable, special, or wor

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with author Michael MacKenzie about his book, Don’t Blow Up Your Ministry: Defuse the Underlying Issues that Take Pastors Down. Dr. Michael MacKenzie is the executive director of Marble Retreat, an intensive counseling center for Christian leaders, and he is the supervisor of the Doctorate of Ministry Pastor Care track at Lincoln Christian University. A licensed professional counselor for 26 years specializing in caring for pastors, he has also been a chaplain and is an ordained pastor. He is an author, speaker, and teacher on ministry and counseling issues. Key Points from Our Conversation: People that work in ministry choose to do so to serve others, but often that can lead them to performance-based stress.  Ministry is stressful and Satan is cunning, so it's important to be aware of our own brokenness. When we begin to say yes out of guilt and fear, we are no longer motivated by love and freedom.  Fear of man seeps in when we're seeking love, value, and re