In this episode we hear the story of a family who experienced great loss as a result of addiction. Lance and Jeni Ward share memories of their son, as well as the painful season of suffering that led to his passing. In the midst of great grief, this story shines with the hope of the gospel and provides encouragement to those who are suffering unimaginable loss.

To connect with Lance and Jeni and to receive further encouragement, check out the links below:

Jeni’s Instagram:@jeni.ward

Lance's instagram: @oklance

The Wards work closely with Hope is Alive ministries. Here is a link to their site:

https://www.hopeisalive.net/oklahomacity

A link to Finding Hope groups: https://www.hopeisalive.net/finding-hope

Finally a link to Hope After Loss: https://www.hopeisalive.net/hope-after-loss

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Dave Wiedis, founder and Executive Director of ServingLeaders Ministries, a ministry that provides pastoral care and counseling for ministry leaders and their families, as well as the broader Christian community. Dave shares about his new book, The Spiritually Healthy Leader: Finding Freedom From Self-Sabotage. We talk with him about how spiritual healthy leadership is connected to our passions and motivations, and he offers wisdom about how processing our emotions helps us grow toward spiritual health. Dave also shares about the ministry he oversees, Serving Leaders Ministries. Click HERE to learn more about this ministry.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Camille Cates, biblical counselor and author of the book, After Sexual Trauma: Finding Renewal in Christ. Camille shares wisdom with us about how sexual trauma can fracture the way we think about ourselves, others and God, and she offers encouragement for those who struggle to find healing. Her personal journey and her experience as a counselor are sure to be a source of hope for many sufferers.

NOTE: This episode contains material that may be triggering for some audiences.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode Eliza talks with Adam Westlake, who shares some of his own story of healing. Adam talks vulnerably about his own struggles with singleness and sexuality, as well as the ways in which he has cultivated a sense of family within the Church. He gives us helpful ways to think about how to come alongside each other in order to forge bonds and grow together in the faith.

To learn more about Adam and his counseling ministry, click HERE.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Eric Schumacher, counselor and songwriter. Eric shares his story of the grief of miscarriage, and he offers wisdom about how dads can struggle in particular ways when their wives miscarry. Eric gives us helpful wisdom in when and how to seek care for both moms and dads when miscarriage occurs. This is a needed conversation that few people are talking about. Eric has written a book called Dads Hurt Too: A Father's Memoir of Miscarriage. Click HERE to learn more.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with Ed Welch, counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. He introduces his new book, Fear is Not a Sin: It Is a Call to Action. This book has a provocative title, and we hear from Ed about why he chose this title and how he wants us to think about fear in relation to our engagement with God and with the Church. He shares wisdom about how God approaches us when we are afraid, and he encourages us in how we can come to God with the fears we experience.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

This episode features Dave Harvey, church planter and author of The Clay Pot Conspiracy: God's Plan to Use Weakness in Leaders. Dave shares some of his own story of loss and struggle in ministry, and he offers encouragement and wisdom for those in ministry who struggle with feeling weak and incapable. He also discusses the importance of a culture of humility and dependence on God within ministry teams.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com

In this episode we talk with David Platt, lead pastor of McLean Bible Church. David shares his extensive wisdom and experience in studying and teaching the Bible, and he offers hope and encouragement for those of us who may struggle with studying the Bible. You can learn more about David's ministry by clicking HERE.

Become a friend of the podcast by subscribing! Our subscribers are invited to quarterly zoom calls with the hosts, and they have exclusive access through Patreon messages which allows them to ask questions and make suggestions for episodes. Subscribers are also automatically entered into drawings for free books and resources given away by our sponsors.

But most importantly, for just $3 a month you become part of the family of friends that keep the Counsel for Life podcast going! Your small membership fee helps to cover the production costs encountered by hosting a free podcast. Thank you for choosing to become a friend of the podcast we are glad you are here and are grateful for you!

(Memberships automatically renew each month and can be cancelled at any time.)

To learn more, visit our website: www.counselforlifepodcast.com