Inspirational Videos

Actress, speaker, podcast host and Christian Sadie Robertson discussed how commitment can actually bring you closer to God and His blessings for your life.

Most people find commitment to be a scary word and a frightening concept. Agreeing to commit to someone or something means forsaking all opportunities that would interfere with that commitment. We have no way of knowing what may come down the road, which is why many people are afraid of commitment.

But for anything good to happen in life, there must be some level of commitment on our part. We agree to do this or to be there at a particular time. We commit to being a punctual and hardworking employee when we take a job.

However, one of the most significant commitments comes when we stand at the altar and exchange marriage vows with that other person. We agree before God, family and friends to be with that person forever, through everything, no matter what may happen.

Commitment on that level can sound a bit daunting and overwhelming, but Sadie, on her podcast WHOA That’s a Good Podcast, explains how commitment will only make your life richer and fuller.

“So many people these days are afraid of commitment,” she said. “And because they’re afraid of commitment, it’s keeping them from the blessing that commitment brings, from the fullness that commitment brings.”

Later, she added how commitment will bring you closer to God and allow you to experience what God intended for your life.

“You think that commitment is going to hold you back, but commitment frees you to actually fully step into what God designed,” she said.

Nothing good in life comes without work, effort and commitment—whether as an employee, marriage partner, parent or follower of Jesus Christ. God has blessings for your life, but it all begins with commitment.

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no fickleness, neither shadow of turning.”

Today Heather chats with Jennifer Strickland, a former model who’s appeared in magazines you’ve probably read and shows you may have seen and worked for designers you’ve heard of. Jen had amazing success in the modeling world but her life was missing meaning and though she had learned how to use her body to fit an image, she had not yet learned how to use her voice. Jen shares her story of finding Christ while modeling and what her recovery from modeling (and the eating disorder that came with it) looked like. She also talks about how a mirror fast showed her what true beauty really looks like (and where it truly comes from!) Plus: Check out the BONUS content on Patreon from this episode!

Here are some other topics covered in this episode “The Model and the Mirror Fast”:

• Jennifer explains how the pressure of modeling is extreme because bodies change every day.
• Jen talks about how she met Jesus through strangers on the street while she was modeling in Europe.
• We talk about how deceiving image can be.
• We discuss the lie of “I am what I see in the mirror.”
• We talk a bit about the behind the scenes yuck of the modeling industry and what it does to young girls.
• Jen shares about her personal struggle with cystic acne and how a world-renowned dermatologist told her that her issues were so deep, they could only be treated by healing her heart and her mind.
• Jen shares how God has freed her from the belief that she has to look and how she’s learned to look radiant by looking on Him.
• Go to Patreon for the BONUS content – 10 more minutes of my talk with Jen where she shares about how she’s navigated beauty, social media, and related issues with her now college-age daughter.
• Plus, Jen shares about how she did a 40 Day Mirror Fast and what it taught her.

I know all about battling control and so does today’s guest, Shannon Popkin, author of the book, “Control Girl.” Today, Shannon and I talk about all things related to how to stop being a controlling woman. We talk about: why women control, how we control, and what some of the antidotes are for control. If you’re looking for help on how to stop being this kind of controlling woman, I hope you’ll tune in to this delightful and informative conversation.

Here are some of the highlights from How to Stop Being a Controlling Woman:

• Shannon and I share our stories of trying to control our husband’s clothing choices (and not in a helpful way!).
• We talk about where this whole struggle with control began, biblically, and how women have been wrestling control since the days of Eve.
• We talk about becoming aware of the things we are trying to control and then becoming realistic about what is within our control and what is outside of our control.
• Controlling our bodies, our food, our families, and other things can have a real (and damaging) impact on our lives. We discuss some of the effect of control.
• We end with some encouragement for moms who have a prodigal child, are trying to raise “healthy” daughters, and more.
• You may want to check out Heather’s confession of being a controlling woman and how it affected her marriage in this blog post.

Why do I overeat at night? Why do I overeat in the afternoon? In this interview with Megan Hadley, MS, RDN, LDN — a non-diet dietician whose advice you will really enjoy–we find the answer. If you’ve been frustrated with your lack of “willpower” or feeling defeated because you can’t seem to stop the urge to overeat at night, then this episode is for you.

Megan shares how she started working with eating disorder patients, how she struggled with obsessing over clean eating and wellness, and how she helps clients learn to fight fatigue and get comfortable with food again. Megan gives a bunch of great tips and strategies for every woman who has ever struggled with wanting to manage her weight, overcome a disordered relationship with food, or learn why they overeat at night. For those that want to be healthy but don’t know how to be healthy with food, this episode is for you.

This engaging and fun interview with Amy Carlson–an RD and Eating Disorder specialist for more than twenty years–will make you smile and encourage your heart. We have a straight talk about what to do if you walk away from the doctor’s office (or anywhere) feeling like you have a mandate to lose weight. Plus, Amy answers the question, “What if I really need to lose weight, or want to? How can I be non-diet or not use diets if I really need to drop some pounds for my health!”

We also talk about how to have a “normal” relationship with food. This conversation goes in so many fun places – I had to make it two episodes! Don’t miss the second part on Tuesday because it will encourage your heart.

Today we talk about:

• “The Holy Grail of Weight Loss” – How an older, more mature dietician gave Amy this surprising secret!
• What to do if getting weighed at the doctor is a stressor for you.
• How to understand where your doctor is coming from if your only mandate is weight loss.
• How to become an expert on your own body, plus
• Some of the unfortunate things we’ve done in the church that put too much emphasis on weight loss . . .

My friend, Integrative Nutrition Coach, Erin Kerry and I have a candid conversation about what 1500 calories a day really does to your brain and body. Did you know that 1500 calories a day can put your brain and your body into survival mode? The concept of the 1500 (or 1200) calorie a diet has been a popular dieting method for decades–but more and more nutritionists, dietitians, and others are exposing the truth that most of us need more than that for healthy brain function.

What does 1500 Calories a Day Do to Your Brain?

Here are a few of the things we discussed in this episode:

• How 1500 calories a day isn’t enough for your body to function well (it’s not enough for a toddler!)
• What making your body run without calories really does to your health (hint: getting skinny isn’t worth it!)
• How not getting enough calories each day can affect your energy levels.
• Why 1500 calories is bad for your brain function
• What havoc a 1500 calories a day diet can cause on other systems of your body (even your reproductive system!).

In this episode of Compared to Who? the podcast’s 7 Minutes of Scripture, we look at Psalm 103 and how it can encourage your body image and comparison struggles. Instead of waking up and cursing the mirror or the scale (or his life), David wakes up and says, “Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name!”

I truly believe that we Christian women who wrestle with body image and comparison issues will benefit MOST from being in God’s word every day. You can’t know what God says about your identity, where your value is, and how to feel your worth in Christ unless you are reading God’s word. I know it’s easier to read devotionals, blog posts, or other things that talk about God and what he says. But, nothing will be more transformative in your life than actually reading God’s word. This series is here to help you dive back into God’s word by exploring Colossians 3 (and other transformative passages)!

There are two ways I like to think about this.

First: Chances are you’d never marry someone you hadn’t actually met, or if you did you’d have a hard time trusting him until you really got to know him. No matter how many friends told you he was trustworthy – you’d need to know that information for yourself. The same applies to God. Until you know him for yourself, you will wrestle to truly trust him.

Second: If your husband or a parent had to deploy for 6 months or had to go far away where you couldn’t communicate–but they left you hundreds of letters, would you not read them? Or, would you just rely on your ability to remember how much they loved you and you loved them? Chances are–if they left their words –you’d be in them every day for comfort, encouragement, and reminders of their love.

This, my friends, is why we need to be in the word.

So, in this new series, I’ll take about 7 minutes (I can commit to under 10 – I can’t commit to 7 exactly!) and we’ll talk through a passage of scripture. I’ll highlight things that speak to me and tell you how I think they can offer encouragement and insight to body image and comparison struggles. But, I’d encourage you to open your Bible and read along with me. Highlight things that stick out to you and soak in the passage.

Today we start by exploring Colossians 3. Oh friends. The Message paraphrase of verses 12-13 will knock your socks off. Literally. This part will stop you in your tracks if you wrestle comparison. I can’t wait for you to hear it!

Do you know so much about diets, calories, macros and food that the thought of talking to a dietician seems a little unnecessary? What more could you possibly learn about food and how to eat? But, today I start a podcast series talking to a specific group of Christian dietitians who are “non-diet” dietitians.

These women are trained and licensed dietitians who have committed their work to helping women break free from issues with food and eating disorders. Today, my guest is Tracy Brown. Her work specializes in helping women who have trauma (known or unknown) and helping them break free from the way it keeps them stuck in eating disorder behaviors.

Highlights from today’s show about body image and trauma include:

• Tracy talks about how we need to be professors of our own experience with food.
• Tracy shares how overtime there is a food binge or “grabbiness” there’s usually a food deficit somewhere earlier in the day.
• She talks about how trauma can come from a family’s inability to know what to do with emotion–not all traumas are big traumas. Yet, they can still cause us pain.
• The connection between HSP (highly sensitive people) and eating disorders, body image, and perfectionistic tendencies.
• Why there’s often a set back after six weeks of progress on journeys to food and body image freedom.
• How promoting self-love is deeply connected to New Age philosophies and teachings that Christians should avoid.

A mother dying of cancer brought her daughter to tears with her heartfelt, loving and thoughtful answer to a question.

Time is the most precious commodity that any of us possess. It’s something that we must use wisely because we will never be able to recover in one minute or second. Time is limited and finite, never to be recovered again. 

Time constantly moves and does not and will not stop for anyone, no matter how much we’d like it to do so. The valuable nature of time is most evident whenever a loved one is diagnosed with a horrible, life-threatening disease or condition. We want to spend as much time as possible with them because we don’t know when it will be the last.

A clip posted on social media captured an interaction between a mother and a daughter. The mother, the text in the video indicates, has Stage 4 cancer. Both know that time is running out, and they are making the most of every remaining moment. The daughter asks her mother questions “before it’s too late.”

The daughter asks her mom, “What’s one thing you always want to remember after you’re gone?”

The mother’s loving, thoughtful and caring response to the inquiry instantly brings tears to her daughter’s eyes.

“How much I love you,” the mother says to her daughter.

Mom goes on to reassure her daughter that after she does eventually pass away, she will always remain with her and will love her.

“And even though you can’t see me, I’m in your heart,” Mom said. “And if you ever question anything, just stand still for a minute and listen and it’ll come to you. We’re together in our hearts. They can never take that away.”

What a beautiful but, at the same time, sad, heartbreaking and gut-wrenching moment.

Exodus 20:12 “Give honor to your father and to your mother, so that your life may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”

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Daily Devotion for all ...

Actress and Christian Candace Cameron Bure explained the best way to introduce Bible reading and faith into a marriage relationship.

Marriage is one of the best, most rewarding things about life. It is also one of the most challenging things in life, requiring time, work, patience and grace. Marriage is the union, the bringing together of two different people who will not always agree on every subject, including faith and religion.

In some marriages, a spouse may not be open to hearing about the gospel and message of Jesus Christ. For whatever reason, they may be resistant even when the other person in the marriage is a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Of course, this can lead to tension and might even cause an argument or two.

However, in a clip posted on social media, Candace explains how to introduce that resistant spouse to Jesus Christ and to read the Bible. Like most things in life, we’re more likely to convince and win over people with actions than words, and Candace also suggests taking that approach.

“I think, again, it just has to be part of your daily life,” she said. “So, you don’t necessarily have to get your husband on board; you can just do it.”

That husband or wife will then see those daily activities and that example. Those actions are a witness to that person.

“So, if you don’t pray before meals, you don’t necessarily have to ask your husband; you certainly could,” Candace said. “But if you just say, ‘Hey, I’d like to pray before we eat,’ just do it. Like, that’s a simple way of incorporating your faith.”

She also mentions asking if your spouse wants to join you in reading the Bible or doing a specific devotional and if they say refuse, still do it by yourself anyway.

Leading by example and actions rather than words is always the best way to show someone else how serious you are and how much something means to you.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.”

Actress and Christian Candace Cameron Bure explained the best way to introduce Bible reading and faith into a marriage relationship.

Marriage is one of the best, most rewarding things about life. It is also one of the most challenging things in life, requiring time, work, patience and grace. Marriage is the union, the bringing together of two different people who will not always agree on every subject, including faith and religion.

In some marriages, a spouse may not be open to hearing about the gospel and message of Jesus Christ. For whatever reason, they may be resistant even when the other person in the marriage is a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Of course, this can lead to tension and might even cause an argument or two.

However, in a clip posted on social media, Candace explains how to introduce that resistant spouse to Jesus Christ and to read the Bible. Like most things in life, we’re more likely to convince and win over people with actions than words, and Candace also suggests taking that approach.

“I think, again, it just has to be part of your daily life,” she said. “So, you don’t necessarily have to get your husband on board; you can just do it.”

That husband or wife will then see those daily activities and that example. Those actions are a witness to that person.

“So, if you don’t pray before meals, you don’t necessarily have to ask your husband; you certainly could,” Candace said. “But if you just say, ‘Hey, I’d like to pray before we eat,’ just do it. Like, that’s a simple way of incorporating your faith.”

She also mentions asking if your spouse wants to join you in reading the Bible or doing a specific devotional and if they say refuse, still do it by yourself anyway.

Leading by example and actions rather than words is always the best way to show someone else how serious you are and how much something means to you.

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the sign that the things not seen are true.”

Former football star Tim Tebow shared a powerful story about how God used the game of football to get millions of people to look up and read John 3:16.

Most people are incredibly familiar with the Bible verse John 3:16 and can recite it with relative ease. While it’s the most famous verse in the Bible, it’s also, without question, the most important. The words in that verse are the foundation for everything else in the Bible. Without John 3:16, nothing else in the Bible matters.

In a clip posted on social media, Tim gives a presentation in which he talks about his playing football days at the University of Florida and later in the NFL. Tim mentions how God used a simple, seemingly insignificant move to introduce millions to Jesus Christ and John 3:16. It’s a story that shows the unbelievable power of God.

Football players commonly wear black anti-glare strips under their eyes. These strips are intended to help players see better while on the field. Recently, some players have started writing messages in the strips. When he was a quarterback at the University of Florida, Tim began writing “Phil 4:13,” also a popular Bible verse, on his strips.

However, one year, right before Florida was about to play in the national championship game, Tim started getting a prodding and a feeling from God that he needed to change up the verse. So, instead of Philippians 4:13, he wrote “John 3:16” underneath his eyes.

Then, two days after the game, he learned God used that one change to do something amazing! The news came in the form of a phone call to then Florida’s football coach, Urban Meyer.  Tim learned that more than 90 million people Googled “John 3:16” because they saw it under his eyes during the game. 

Three years later to the day, when Tim was now playing in the NFL, God did something very similar, introducing millions of people to that all-important verse: John 3:16.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

A community came together to show a 7-year-old girl who had recently experienced a horrible tragedy love and kindness.

Unfortunately, we will all experience awful situations and circumstances that cause extreme grief, pain and sorrow. Sadly, those moments are inevitable and inescapable in this life. Many have likely already gone through something similar and are intimately familiar with the hurt and heartache associated with those moments.

It’s essential to have a group of people around you to help you through and be a shoulder to cry on when those moments arrive. The only thing worse than experiencing and going through deep, intense emotional pain is doing it while feeling all alone. For that reason, a community’s response to a 7-year-old girl is so touching and moving.

Emouree Johnson, 7 years old, went through what is likely the worst thing a child can experience. She woke up one morning to learn that her mother had passed away. To make matters worse, when Emouree visited her mother’s burial site, her mother did not have a gravestone. So, Emouree set out to fix that and started a lemonade stand to raise money to buy her mom a gravestone.

At first, the young woman did not tell anyone what the proceeds were going toward. She just started selling cups of that delicious, cold beverage for $1 apiece.

But word about Emouree’s sweet and touching efforts quickly got out, and people responded in a big way.

“The most that we got for one cup of lemonade was $300 bucks,” Emouree said.

According to the clip posted on YouTube, Emouree raised $15,000 in lemonade sales. However, she can keep all that money and put it in savings because a local monument company has generously and lovingly agreed to donate a gravestone.

What a sad but beautiful story of a community coming together to show a little girl that she is loved and that other people do care.

1 John 4:8 “He who has no love has no knowledge of God, because God is love.”

Pranks and jokes are the hallmarks of sibling love, making any act of kindness from your sister a delightful surprise. This brother's heart was filled with overwhelming joy when his sister, on her special day, sprang a surprise by performing a wedding dance!

When Gabrielle Stelzer tied the knot with Elliott Dolan, she envisioned a day brimming with love, laughter, and family. To make it truly unforgettable, she bestowed the honor of officiating the wedding upon her older brother, Thomas Stelzer. Thomas, deeply touched and thrilled, embraced the responsibility with fervor, ensuring his youngest sister’s wedding day was nothing short of perfect.

On April 19, amid the joy and celebration in Charlotte, North Carolina, Thomas was fully focused on making Gabrielle's wedding unforgettable. Little did he know, Gabrielle had a surprise up her sleeve that would add an extra layer of heartwarming emotion to the day.

During the reception, Gabrielle revealed a special surprise for her brother – a touching brother-sister dance. As the music started and the siblings took to the dance floor, the room filled with a palpable sense of love and nostalgia. Thomas, clearly moved, joined his sister in a beautiful dance that left not a dry eye in the house.

This special moment was captured on video and shared by Gabrielle on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, amassing over 2 million views. The heartfelt dance struck a chord with viewers, resonating with the universal bond shared by siblings.

Gabrielle's caption for the video perfectly captured the essence of the moment: "When your brother helps you say 'I do' and you help him remember why you're the best sister ever."

The viral video is a reminder of the unique bond between siblings – one that is often marked by playful rivalry and endless support. After all, who else will both tease you endlessly and stand by your side through life's most important moments? Thank God for siblings for their ability to turn a wedding into a memorable event filled with love, laughter, and a few sibling puns and jokes. Here’s to siblings who know how to turn a special day into an unforgettable one.

As Proverbs 17:17 beautifully states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." In moments like these, it’s clear that despite the playful rivalry, the love and support between siblings is truly one of life’s greatest blessings.

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." 

A touching moment unfolded when Dolly Parton greeted and embraced a young cancer survivor! In a touching display of kindness and compassion, legendary country music icon Dolly Parton recently stopped to greet and hug a young fan who had beaten cancer. Pearl Monroe “Roe Roe” Tucker, who endured an 858-day battle with the disease, credited Dolly's music with helping her through the challenging journey.

Roe Roe, a spirited young girl, had been listening to Dolly’s uplifting songs throughout her fight against cancer. Inspired by the music that brought her comfort and strength, she made a sign to show her gratitude. The sign, read, "Dolly, your music helped me beat cancer," caught Dolly's eye during a public appearance.

Dressed in a charming pink plaid dress, Roe Roe and her sister eagerly awaited for the chance to meet their idol. When Dolly noticed the sign, she immediately made her way over to the girls, embodying the warmth and generosity for which she is renowned. She took the time to embrace both Roe Roe and her sister, creating a moment that the Tucker family will cherish forever.

Not only did Dolly share a heartfelt hug with the girls, but she also paused to allow Pearl's parents to capture the special encounter with a photograph and told Roe Roe, “I am so happy for you!” This beautiful gesture highlighted Dolly’s unwavering dedication to her fans and her truly compassionate spirit.

This moment between Dolly Parton and Pearl Monroe Tucker serves as a reminder of the profound impact that kindness and music can have on healing and hope. God bless Dolly for her empathy and love, and may Pearl continue to enjoy good health and happiness.

Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Walked out to find a woodpecker in our tree!