Your Hope Coach Podcast
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes for them.”
Romans 8:28 NLT
What if the unexpected delays and detours in our lives are not random? What if the potholes and wrong turns are divine directions and recalculations?
Romans 8:28 is a reminder that God does have a good plan for our lives, and He will use many different means, even those events that feel painful as we trudge through them, to see it come to pass.
If you have ever wondered where God is and if He is genuinely interested in your life, you’ve landed in the right place. I pray that Your Hope Coach podcast will help you see God’s handprints of grace and mercy in your everyday life. We offer a few minutes of hope in a world that wants us to feel hopeless.
Here are a couple of helpful details:
- We will publish two episodes a month, and one of those episodes will be with co-host Kristine Brown. Kristine is my friend, a Bible teacher, and a writer.
- Episodes will drop on Thursdays.
Subscribe and listen in all your favorite places, and don’t forget to leave a review if you like what you hear!
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Let’s Stay in Touch!
Why is Hope so Important? | EP43
Sometimes, in our darkest moments, we feel our hope diminishing. In this episode, Carmen shares how the Holy Spirit changed her episode topic at the last minute to reassure us, using Scripture, that our hope is not in our circumstances but in Christ alone.Verses:Hebrews 10.23Hebrews 6.18-19Link to Listen: I did not find a working link to this song. Sorry!
How to Stop Saying the Wrong Things | EP42
Have you ever felt like you said the wrong thing and instantly regretted it? Have you struggled with what to say, or even if you should say anything at all? In today’s conversation, we look at how to stop saying the wrong things and what we need to do FIRST before we start working on our words. Co-hosts Carmen Horne and Kristine Brown discuss several passages of Scripture that address the importance of the words…
3 Helpful Tools for Your Decision Making Toolbox | EP41
Most of us want to make wise decisions, but we sometimes lack the tools to make good ones. In our episode today, Carmen offers three tools for your decision-making toolbox. Links and Verses: 1 Kings 3.5-141 Kings 3.9Proverbs 9.10James 1.5Proverbs 15.22John 10.10 Help with recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene: Samaritan’s Purse: https://samaritanspurse.org/
What Does it Mean to Be Led by The Spirit? | EP40
Do you have questions about what it means to be led by the Spirit? Kristine and Carmen have pondered this question, too. We invite you to join them in their conversation as they share some answers they discovered in their personal faith walks. Verses mentioned: Romans 8:4-5 Galatians 5:16-17 Galatians 5:25 Kristine’s Video Resource: 3 Lessons About Being Led by the Spirit
Why Do We Wait to Ask God for Help? | EP39
Do you find yourself in a desperate situation, struggling to find answers? In this episode, Carmen offers one common reason we wait to ask God for help. Verses: Psalm 107John 15:52 Corinthians 3:5 Resource: Carmen’s article: Recognizing Faithfulness When Life Doesn’t Make Sense https://carmenhorne.com/2022/09/recognizing-faithfulness-when-life-doesnt-make-sense/
How Our Identity in Christ Affects Our Everyday Lives | EP 38
The most important aspect of our lives as Christians is the promise of eternal life because of Jesus and what he did for us. But sometimes we forget the abundant blessings available to us daily as children whose identity is in Christ. In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine discuss how our identity in Christ affects our everyday lives. When we understand our role as children of God, we can face the troubles of this world…
If God is With Me, Why is This Happening? | EP37
So, if God is with me, why is this happening? Using biblical insight from Gideon’s story, Carmen shares how God is present even in unbelievably difficult circumstances. Verses: Judges 6-8John 14:27 Free download:7 days of Perspective Changing Affirmations
How to Handle What-If Questions — REWIND | EP36
One of our most loved episodes came early in our podcasting adventure, How to Handle What-If Questions, has continued to be one of our most listened to and watched visits. If you are new to our podcast, we know you will gain much-needed clarity about all those what-if times. If you came along with us from the beginning, we believe the Holy Spirit offers you another chance to get a new perspective on this perplexing topic. Are…
How to ‘Be Still’ When Life Isn’t Calm | EP 35
Sometimes chaos surrounds us, and life feels anything but calm. We struggle against forces that come against us and try to manage things with our own strength. But what does God’s Word tell us to do when life isn’t calm? In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine have a candid conversation about being still, the meaning of Psalm 46:10, and how we can apply the truth of Scripture to our less-than-calm lives. Listen in to discover…
How to Cultivate Lasting Friendships | EP34
In our episode today, Carmen and Kristine discuss the blessing of friendships and what it takes to cultivate those relationships. Listen to the end because we offer three tips on developing friendships. Verses: Ruth 1:16-17 Links: Carmen’s blog post: Because Genuine Relationships Spotlight She More than Me https://carmenhorne.com/2015/01/because-genuine-relationships-spotlight-she-more-than-me/
How to Pray Over Our Broken Relationship With Mom | EP33
Is your relationship with your mom complicated? In this episode, Carmen reveals three reminders about our mommas and offers insight into how she gained a new perspective on her relationship with her mom and dad. Before the episode ends, Carmen prays with us and offers hope for healing and restoration. Links: Prayer for Your Broken Relationship With Your Mom (Downloadable PDF)Prayer for Your Broken Relationship With Your Mom (Image to Save to Mobile) Bible Verses: Living in…
How to Keep Bitterness from Taking Root in My Heart | EP32
Hebrews 12:15 (ESV) says, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” God’s Word tells us how dangerous bitterness can be. So when bitterness tries to take root in our hearts, what can we do to stop it? In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine look at the foundation of the word “bitterness” in Scripture…
Jesus Changes the Story of Every Woman He Meets | EP31
Often, we look at the story of our lives and think we live in a never-ending situation. In our episode today, Carmen shares the stories of women who experienced a life-changing meetup with their Story Changer, Jesus. Verses mentioned: Mark 5.25-34Luke 7. 11-16Luke 13.10-17John 4.1-42Psalm 119.16
How to Keep Trusting God While You Wait | EP30
We’ve all experienced difficult times of waiting. Health issues, broken relationships, financial crises, and more can cause waiting seasons that seem like they will never end. Waiting can be exhausting. So how do we hold on to hope when all we can do is wait? In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine discuss what God’s word says about our waiting seasons. As children of God, we do not wait without hope. Listen in as we learn…
What If My Burdens Are Too Heavy? | EP29
Do you feel like something is wrong with you when your burdens are too heavy to bear? People tell us that God doesn’t put more on us than we can handle, yet we are sinking fast. In episode 29, Carmen shares the promise Jesus makes us if we accept His yoke and hand over the reins of our lives. Verses mentioned:Matthew11.28-30Psalm 121.3-4Romans 8.34Hebrews 7.25Psalm 46.1
Does God Know or Care that I’m Discouraged? | Ep28
Are you feeling discouraged by your circumstances? Are you struggling with the feelings of being forgotten by God? Our minds tell us that God knows and hears, but our hearts sometimes wonder. In today’s episode, Kristine and Carmen share two truths to combat two lies Satan uses to discourage us. Verses: Luke 13.10-13 Psalm 121. 1-2 Hebrews 13.5 Psalm 3.3 (ESV) Exodus 17.12 (Aaron and Hur holding Moses’ arms) Resource mentioned in today’s conversation: Kristine’s…
10 Benefits of Our Salvation | EP27
Each of us has a unique relationship with God. In His graciousness and love, God offers us many benefits to enrich our lives and help us live abundantly. In our episode today, Carmen discusses ten of these benefits and encourages us to grab hold of each one. Verses: Mark 8:27-29 Psalm 68.19 (NKJV) Ephesians 3.20 Ten Benefits: John 1.122 Timothy 1.14James 1.5Psalm 37.23Isaiah 54.17Philippians 1.6Deuteronomy 31.8Romans 8.35,372 Corinthians 5.17Romans 8.31 Our Identity in Christ Scripture…
How to Live in Grace While Doing the Uncomfortable Work of Growth | EP26
Have you been thinking about goals, resolutions, or ways to better your life in the new year? Instead of looking at the work we want to do to improve our lives, what if we look at the work God wants to do in us? In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine share two things we can do to begin the year living in grace while allowing the uncomfortable work of growth. May we continue to desire…
Why Is God’s Power More Evident In Our Weakness? | EP25
Just like the Apostle Paul, when we pray for God to intervene in our situation, we might get an answer we don’t expect. In today’s episode, Carmen takes a closer look at the perplexing truth that God’s power becomes more evident when we are the weakest. Verses mentioned: 2 Corinthians 12.9Lamentations 3.22-23
2 Ways to Keep the Joy of the Lord This Christmas | EP 24
Have circumstances beyond your control threatened to steal your joy this Christmas? Grief, broken relationships, finances, and more can affect our ability to feel the joy of the Lord during the Christmas season, but there is hope through Jesus. In today’s episode, Carmen and Kristine share ways we can keep the joy of the Lord at Christmastime and throughout the year. They tell about their own experiences and point to what God’s Word says about…
Worshipping God in Unbelievable Circumstances | EP23
Do you find yourself in unbelievable circumstances? In today’s episode, Carmen shares how Mary, Jesus’ momma, handled her unique situation and how we can continue to worship when our heart cries, “It’s not supposed to be this way!” Verses mentioned: Luke 1:38Luke 1:46-55Ephesians 3:20Psalm 34:4Isaiah 9:6-7Matthew 12:21
Did I Forgive Even Though I Can’t Forget? | EP22
Forgiveness is hard. But even after you’ve forgiven someone, painful memories can resurface and cause you to wonder if you really did forgive that person. Is it possible to forgive and forget? In today’s episode, Kristine and Carmen help us understand what God’s Word says about forgetting. It’s what we do with our memories that matters. Verses: Colossians 3:13 Isaiah 43:25 Hebrews 10:16 Psalm 103:12 Psalm 25:6-7,11 Resources: Carmen’s blog post: Forgiveness and Trust Are…
Is There Anything Simple About Obedience? | EP21
Has God ever asked you to do something in a specific way, but you decided your way seemed so much better? If you have, don’t miss this episode. Carmen shares a time when simple obedience was harder than she imagined and what her disobedience taught her. Bible verses from this episode: Ananias and Sapphira’s story: Acts 5:1-11Widow’s pennies story: Luke 21:1-4Samuel and King Saul: 1 Samuel 15:22John 14:23John 6:1-13 When Our Buts Cover Our Potential…
How to Flourish Where it Matters | EP20
In Episode 20, Carmen gives us two secrets to live happy, and the benefits of taking the writer of Psalm One’s advice. Verses:Psalm 1:1-6 The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12 Our prayer: Dear Lord, Why does happiness seem to elude us at times? Life is hard, and we forget that true happiness is in our relationship with You. We want a lot of sunshine and flowers, but those rainy days come, and our hearts get water-logged and…
Can We Find Beauty in Our Pain? | EP19
Are you standing in the rubble of your circumstances and wondering if you will ever find any good in all this bad? In this episode, Carmen offers several actions we can take to begin seeing the little bits of hope amid our ashes. Verses Carmen shared: Romans 8:282 Corinthians 1:3-5 Three questions from Grace Maps to ponder when searching for beauty in your ashes: 1. Can I see how God worked through this difficult time? 2. Did…
Does Praying Make My Problem Worse? | EP18
Does praying make my problem worse? In this episode, Carmen and Kristine share their experiences with asking this difficult question in their own lives. They also uncover truth from Scripture about why it feels like our problems escalate when we pray. What does the Bible say about praying when our problems seem to get worse? Where do we turn for encouragement? Find out the answer to these questions and more in today’s conversation. Verses to…
Should We Ever Stop Praying? | EP17
Are you discouraged over a long-time entry on your prayer list? Today’s episode is one you don’t want to miss. Carmen tackles this topic using Scripture and her own well-earned experience. She shares that like you, her pen is on auto-pilot for some of her requests. Listen to the end because Carmen also offers us two things prayer does for us while we wait for answers. Declaration: I declare over you today that you are…
Replenishing Our Peace (Part 2) | EP 16
Replenishing Our Peace (Part 2) What does it mean to have lasting peace? How can we experience the peace of Jesus in the midst of panic, anxiety, or hopelessness? Listen to part two of our summer series with Carmen, Kristine, and Ellen, as they share personal stories of God’s replenishing peace. If you’re struggling to experience peace in your daily life, this episode is for you. Verses we mentioned in part one: Jeremiah 31:25 ESV…
3 Ways to Combat Fear | EP15
Did you know that there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy fear? In this episode, Carmen offers three ways she fights back against unhealthy fear. Verses mentioned: Numbers 13 -14Isaiah 41.10Matthew 15.13 Another quick read about fear from Carmen: When Fear Overwhelms Our Hearts Connect with Carmen: https://carmenhorne.com
Replenishing Our Peace (Part 1) | EP14
What threatens to steal our peace? The worries of this life are endless. When things seem out of control, we struggle to find lasting peace to sustain us. Today’s conversation with Carmen, Kristine, and Ellen looks at our struggle to maintain peace in everyday life as women of God. Listen in as we discuss how to replenish our peace by trusting in the Lord. Verses we mention in the conversation: Jeremiah 31.25 ESV Isaiah 26.3-4…
Trying Not To Drown | EP13
Do you feel like you are in a little dinghy in the middle of a sea of trouble? In our episode today, Carmen describes when she felt that way and offers a survival tip. Verses mentioned: Exodus 2 Matthew 5.45 John 7.38 and 4.14 Revelation 22. 1-2 The woman at Jacob’s well — John 4.1-28 Matthew 14.28-31 Declaration: Any time you begin to sink, you will remember to do as Peter did and reach out…
Why Our Restoration is Important to God | EP12
Why do we pray for restoration? Why is it so important for us to live restored lives? In this episode with Carmen and Kristine, you’ll learn what the Bible says about God’s restoration promises and what that means for our lives today. Restoration is a process, but as we allow God to restore us, we will grow into the strong and steadfast person God designed us to be. Verses we mention in the conversation: Psalm…
God’s Pruning Prepares Us for Restoration | EP11
Happy Six-Month Podcast anniversary! Thank you so much for hanging out with us month after month to discuss Jesus and life. How does the pruning process prepare us for restoration? In today’s episode, we eavesdrop on Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. As we listen, we discover how pruning helped in her restoration. Links, Verses, and Points to Ponder: John 4John 15.1-5Colossians 1.10Proverbs 3.11-122 Corinthians 5.17 5 Prayers of Hope When You…
How Praying Scripture Helps Us | EP10
How do we pray when we don’t know what to say and our heart desires God’s will? Kristine and Carmen invite you to join in as they discuss some personal benefits of using Scripture to pray. They offer practical steps and personal examples to encourage you to pray back Scripture to the One who gave it as our guide to abundant living. Thank you for spending a few minutes with us. Talk to you again…
How to Survive Our Worst Day | EP09
How do we carry on when life is cruel? In our episode today, we will discuss God’s gift of grace for our every day and every need. Links, Verses, and Points to Ponder: Verses mentioned:Genesis 16Philippians 4.13John 6.35;51Hebrews 4.16John 14.26Isaiah 55.11John 16.33 Read Carmen’s post to continue our discussion on facing our worst days > HERE: Declaration: I declare Hebrews 4:16 over you today: You will run to God’s throne of grace with the boldness of…
Stop Believing the Enemy’s Lies | EP08
How do we recognize when the enemy is messing with our minds? How do we stop believing his lies? Listening to the lies of the enemy can affect every aspect of our daily lives, which can lead to discouragement and defeat. God’s Word shows us the key to protecting our minds. Listen in to today’s episode as Carmen and Kristine discuss this difficult yet important topic. They explore the story of Eve in the Bible,…
Finding Joy While We Wait | EP07
Do you struggle to find joy while you wait? And why does waiting feel so much like punishment? In this episode, let’s discuss how waiting is hard and some encouraging truths from God’s Word about finding joy while we wait. Links, Verses, and Points to Ponder: Verses mentioned: Psalm 27:14Philippians 4:11, 13Romans 8:28Mark 9:24Psalm 5:11Romans 15:13 Joy Scripture List: https://carmenhorne.com/joy-scripture-writing-list/ Scriptural Declaration: You will rejoice in God because you take refuge in Him. God’s protection will…
Can Taking My Thoughts Captive Really Help Me? | EP06
Does controlling your thoughts seem impossible? In today’s episode, co-hosts Carmen and Kristine discuss why the Apostle Paul was the right person to discuss the reality of taking our thoughts captive and the powerful benefits that choice creates in our lives. Verses, Links, and Points to Ponder: 2 Corinthians 10.4-5Philippians 4.82 Corinthians 6.52 Corinthians 11.23Romans 12.2Ephesians 6.11-18 Tip from this episode: Read more about taking our thoughts captive at https://carmenhorne.com/2020/01/how-fixing-our-thoughts-is-like-fixing-our-hair/ Kristine’s YouTube channel hosts the video…
Do You Rehearse Your Hurt? | EP05
Do you have the painful habit of rehearsing your hurt? In this episode, I share insight into why this kind of rehearsal is harmful and give practical tips on how to stop going over those tired lines and live with more peace and joy. Links, Verses, and Points to Ponder: Verses mentioned:2 Corinthians 10. 4-5Romans 12.2 Scriptural Declaration: I declare that you are equipped with God’s mighty weapons to fight your spiritual battles. These powerful…
The Best Way To Handle What-If Questions | EP04
Are what-if questions affecting your daily life? In episode four, co-hosts Carmen and Kristine look at the story of Rahab in the Bible. They discuss what we can learn from this bold woman of faith about the best way to handle what-if questions. Verses for further reading: Matthew 6.34 (MSG) Joshua chapters 2 & 6 Joshua 2.8-11 (NLT) Hebrews 10.23 (ESV) Tip from this episode: Learn to trade what-if questions for living as-if. Coaching question:…
How Do We Survive Life’s Storms? | EP03
Do you ever feel like a little dinghy in the middle of the stormy sea, wondering how you will survive a sudden life storm? In this episode, let’s discuss a few things we can learn about Jesus and storms from Mark’s recounting of Jesus’ disciples’ harrowing ride. Links, Verses, and Points to Ponder: Verses mentioned: Mark 4.35-41 1 Peter 5.7 Scriptural Declaration: Matthew 7:24-25 — Because you are building your life on The Rock —…
How Changing Our Perspective Affects How We Feel | EP02
In this episode, Carmen and Kristine discuss changing our perspective when life throws in the unexpected. Have you ever asked God why? Gideon in the Bible sure did. In Judges 6:13 (NLT), Gideon asked God, “Sir,” Gideon replied, ‘if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?’” Links, Verses, Points to Ponder: Free Download: Seeing God’s Grace Guide Closing Question: What perspective will we have this year? Tip: Be in God’s…
Praising God With a Broken Heart | EP01
This is an exciting day for us. My very first podcast episode drops today! You can listen below or in your very favorite podcast player. How do you praise God when your heart is broken? In my special Christmas message, our discussion focuses on God’s beautiful redemption story. Through God’s grace and mercy, His light shines on us when we are sitting in a dark place. Our faithful God will help us, one step at…