Life Hurts God Heals

Have you ever felt invisible, dismissed or rejected?  Author and speaker Dr. Deanna Shrodes shares more of her story, how God gave her such incredible hope in the midst of her brokenness, that she felt compelled to share it with everyone. Make sure you listen and receive the incredible wisdom God has given her through the pain she has endured!

Have you every felt rejected and abandoned, especially by those you hoped would love you the most? Where is God when we're dealing with these deep feelings of hurt and betrayal? Author and speaker Dr. Deanna Shrodes helps us answer this critical question by sharing her continuing journey, from feeling abandoned to experiencing God's healing power.

In the first episode of this two part series, hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl both defined and discussed the importance of practicing hermeneutics when reading the Scriptures. In part 2, they use these tools to unpack a typically controversial passage in the Scriptures - 1 Timothy 2:8-15. You might be surprised by what they uncover in the process. So don't miss this episode!

What the heck is hermeneutics? How are these spiritual practices helpful when it comes to accurately interpreting the Scriptures? Join us as hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl answer these questions, uncovering something surprising - how practicing hermeneutics reveals something important we just might be missing when it comes to knowing the heart of God. So make sure you listen to part 1, as they discuss the basic hermeneutical toolsets at our disposal. 

How do you respond when obeying God leads to heartbreak? In this second and final episode of our series on navigating disappointments, our special guest reveals the deep pain he experienced while obeying God's call to serve overseas. He also shares some of the spiritual practices which helped him keep moving through the healing process. This one is for all of us who need help in dealing with life's disappointments, especially when it comes to serving God.

Have you done your best to obey God, but only experienced disappointment as a result? What's that all about? Our special guest shares his story of navigating the disappointments he encountered while obeying God's call to serve overseas. Take a listen to our new series and you might just find the answers you're looking for!

How can we detect God's voice amidst the cacophany of our inner negativity and the world around us? In part one of this two part series, Hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discussed practicing a biblical form of centering prayer as a way to discern God's voice. Now in this second part, they share their personal stories of practicing this kind of prayer to help us do the same. 

How can we pick God's voice out of the noise of the world around us? What are some good prayer practices that can help us tune in and hear what God is saying? Can He really help us with all the negative and destructive self-talk that constantly seems to be at war inside of us? If you are asking questions like these, don't miss the first part of our two part series on Centering Prayer. Hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss the practice for Christ followers, in contrast to other religions who might have similar practices. We are confident you will find it very helpful on your journey with Jesus!

Sometimes you just need to switch things up. In this episode, Sarah Lauren turns the tables on LHGH host Kurt Pflegl, interviewing him for her own podcast - Sarah Lauren: Made for Balance. In her words, "We talk about what influence is, the relevance and importance of being vulnerable with others... and he shares many of his experiences listening to God. Wherever you stand in your faith... I believe any of us can gain something simply from hearing Kurt’s journey and his heart posture towards humans." And if you're interested in connecting with Sarah, you can find her here - www.sarahlauren.net

God invites every one of us into an intimate relationship with Him through reading the Scriptures and prayer. But many of us struggle with their practical application. Are there tools to help us? Thankfully, yes! Hosts Kim and Kurt invite you to participate with them in practicing Lectio Divina, a time tested way of prayerfully listening for God's voice while reading the Scriptures. In this immersive episode of Life Hurts God Heals, we invite you to join them in practicing listening prayer while reading through John 2:1-12.

In part 1 of this series, hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discussed the various reasons why some Christ followers say the Enneagram is dangerous to our faith.  In some vital aspects, they agreed with the criticisms. But in this second and final episode, they discuss their areas of disagreement and their biblical reasoning as to why mature believers can use the Enneagram as a personality profile They also share other tools to help us grow in our intimacy with God via prayer and reading the Scriptures. So don't miss their informative conclusion to this important series!

The Enneagram has come under fire from some who follow Jesus. There are those who call it dangerous to our faith. Are their criticisms legitimate? If so, what are the dangers and what do we do about it? Join hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl as they discuss the concerns raised about the Enneagram in part one of a two part series. 

Would you believe more than 21 million adults in the United States alone had at least one major depressive episode this year? Where is God when our inner darkness seems to cast an all-encompassing shroud over everything? Don't miss this episode of Life Hurts God Heals as guest Jono DeMartimprey shares helpful advice on navigating depression from personal experience.

How can God guide us into growing health through knowing our Enneagram personality type? Hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss Enneagram number types 2-7, as well as unpack God's healing message for each type, on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

What is the Enneagram all about? Can knowing it's 9 personality types be beneficial for Christ followers in our relationship with God, or is this something to be avoided? Hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss the issues some have with the Enneagram as well unpack personality types 8, 9 and 1 in this first part of a two part series.

Have you ever endured abuse, whether emotionally, physically, mentally or sexually? Are you close to someone who struggles with mental illness? Do you ever wonder if God can rescue you from the depths of your brokenness? If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, guest Denise Fries wants you to know there is hope for you. We invite you to listen in as Denise shares her gripping story of finding hope beyond her brokenness on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

Why do so many of us seem addicted to hurry in our daily lives? What if it has more to do with where we look to find value and identity than we realize? Join hosts Kim and Kurt as they explore the answers to these questions with author Alan Fadling, as well as ways to break free from the root issues behind this addiction.

Hosts Kim and Kurt invite you to join them in practicing listening prayer through meditating on God's creation. On this episode of Life Hurts God Heals, the two hosts act as guides through the process of using pictures to tune into God's voice.

Doesn't it seem like we are fracturing into increasingly smaller tribes of people, who just can't seem to connect with anyone outside of our tiny circles? How can God possibly reconcile us back to unity as one people? Listen in as guest Greg Nettle shares his incredible story of following Jesus' invitation to take steps into racial reconciliation. We believe his journey will breathe hope into you, revealing a glimpse of God's profoundly healing work in our broken world.

Is there a difference between punishment and discipline from God's perspective? If so, how could we ever know the truth? What if there are ancient practices to help us hear God's voice clearly, practices many have forgotten? Hosts Kim and Kurt invite you to participate with them in practicing Lectio Divina, a time tested way of prayerfully listening for God's voice while reading the Scriptures. In this immersive episode of Life Hurts God Heals, we invite you to join them in practicing listening prayer while reading through Hebrews 12:1-14.

Do you struggle with addictions and toxic patterns of behavior that have their roots in your family, maybe even going back generations? How can we break free from chains that often seem unbreakable? Guest Neal Benson shares stories of family struggles from his early years of life, and the surprising path into freedom which God revealed along the way. This is an episode of Life Hurts God Heals you don't want to miss!

When it comes to our relationship with God, the idea of surrender isn't a very sexy topic. Maybe we just don't realize how powerful the rewards can be. On this episode of Life Hurts God Heals, join hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl as they unearth the treasures found in the practice of surrendering to God's best every day.

Sometimes the things we obsess over are more difficult to identify than we realize. How do we discern our obsessions? And once we do, how do we let them go? There are times when hearing another person's story is the best way for us to answer these questions. Join hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl for part 2 of a set of discussions on the idea of surrender, as Kim shares one of her experiences navigating the path from obsession to surrender, on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

Most of us would agree that obsessions are not healthy for anyone. But what if it's even worse than we think? Join hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl for part 1 of a set of discussions on the idea of surrender, as they discuss the hidden dangers of obsession lurking underneath our usual concerns.

What helps us heal from the wounds inflicted by those closest to us, who also wielded the most power over us? Guest Adam Ordmord walks us through the practices which have helped him in his healing process. Join us for part 2 of his conversation with hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl.

Where do you go when your greatest wounds come from those God meant to be your greatest protectors? Guest Adam Ordmord joins hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl, who discuss how to heal from the hurt inflicted by those who should have been our safest relational places. Listen to Adam's story in part 1 of their conversation.

Addictions. How many of us struggle with them, and yet hide them away in shame? What if instead of being sources of shame, they are actually the very thing that can open our minds and hearts to experience God's love? How do we shift our perspective to see our struggles from Heaven's perspective? Join us for a revealing discussion on the true nature of addictions with guest Jono de Martimprey on this season finale of Life Hurts God Heals.

How can you tell when God is speaking in the midst of a noisy world? Would you believe it's not a hopeless endeavor? What if there are ancient practices to help us in our pursuit, practices many have forgotten? Hosts Kim and Kurt invite you to join them in the time tested practice of listening prayer while reading Matthew 3:13-4:11.

Hosts Kim and Kurt discuss the pain hiding in the holidays for multitudes of people. What do we do when the very thing that should be a celebration becomes a reminder of the hurts inflicted by our family? Where is God in the midst of all that? Believe it or not, God offers hope in the darkness of our grief. Listen in to discover practical tips to finding that hope.

Hosts Kim and Kurt discuss the painful dynamics found in being in this thing we call "family." Where is God in all of that drama and even trauma? The answers are only discovered when we first go from hiding to facing the reality of "what is." Listen in as they share their personal stories of discovery.

Some think that following Jesus is a sign of weakness. Quite the opposite. Obedience takes enormous courage and can come at great cost. Those who walk with Jesus can become wounded on the journey before they experience healing in significant areas. Yet for those who persevere, the rewards far outweigh the costs. What could possibly be worth the trouble? Guest Zed Fries shares his story of following Jesus, the wounds he's endured along the way, and the great rewards he's experienced in seeing Jesus work through his pain to bring healing to others.

Do you feel like you're in a dry or winter season? Does God seem far away? Is hope hard to find right now? Listen in as guest Michelle Findley discusses a long dry season she endured, and through it, how God revealed His love to her in a new way.

This. This is the one. It may be the most important episode from Life Hurts God Heals up to this point. 

Speaker, singer/songwriter, spiritual director and returning guest Jon Byron guides us in understanding the necessary stages most of us go through as we follow Jesus. In this third part, Jon discusses the last few stages with hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl. This includes stage 4, often called the Wall, the Cloud of Unknowing, or the Dark Night of the Soul. This is where many of us can be tempted to walk away, thinking God has abandoned us. Yet it's crucial to keep going. Why? What's the reward? What's on the other side? Listen and discover the answer, because it's vital to our journey with Jesus!

Speaker, singer/songwriter, spiritual director and returning guest Jon Byron guides us in understanding the necessary stages most of us go through as we follow Jesus. In part two of three parts, Jon discusses the first three stages with hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl. Do any of the three describe where you are right now?

Speaker, singer/songwriter, spiritual director and returning guest, Jon Byron guides us in understanding the necessary stages most of us go through as we follow Jesus. In this first part of three, Jon discusses this question with hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl, "What's the point?"

Does your life feel nothing more than a heavy burden on your back? Guest Scott Whaley shares his journey of learning to let go and find the rest God offers us all.

The prophet Isaiah predicted that Jesus' death would bring us healing. But what does that mean for those of us yet to experience God's power to heal? Guest Tracy Rogers helps hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl unpack this question by sharing her journey into hope through a bitter struggle with Lyme Disease.

Is there is a difference between pain and harm? If so, what is it? Would you believe it comes down to one key word? Guest Dana Roscoe shares how God helped her discover the difference between the two in a long, ongoing season of struggle. Her perspective will inspire you!

Hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss why dream locations are an important element of dream interpretation. If you are in a season of transition and/or waiting, this episode is especially for you!

How aware are you of your inner decision making processes? What if God is working through our dreams to help us get to the bottom of those root motivations? If that's true, what are the practical things we can do to partner with Him in correctly interpreting, and understanding His voice through our dreams? Hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss what they've learned through the journey of accepting God's invitation to walk with Him into the lost spiritual art of dream interpretation. This is the first of two parts.

Betrayal. Divorce. Have you ever experienced heartbreaking moments like these? Listen as guest Lucy Martinez shares her story - how God is healing her from the wounds she sustained through these experiences.

How do you deal with feelings of abandonment? Jeff Bower tells his story of trying to escape the pain brought on by these feelings through romantic relationships and drugs, and the way God helped him FINALLY overcome them. Don't miss his incredible experience with God, which completely changed his life!

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Parenthood has its challenges for many. But Eldon and Marie Frost have faced more than most, including the death of two children, as well as parenting another child with severe disabilities. Where is God in the middle of their struggles?  Eldon and Marie have discovered the profound answer, right there in the midst of the pain. As Marie says it, "I know that the goal of life isn't to be comfortable or safe..." So what is the goal of life from her perspective? Listen to this episode of Life Hurts God Heals and find out!

Join us on Youtube and hit the subscribe button here - Life Hurts God Heals Youtube Channel

Who doesn't struggle with anxiety these days? Is there a way to be free of it, and if so, how do we do it? The answer is simple but it might just surprise you! On this episode of Life Hurts God Heals, hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss the tools necessary to combat anxiety, and reveal the critical difference between happiness and joy along the way.

What if within every moment of your day, God has hidden an invitation to experience His goodness? Would that change the way you see your circumstances? Listen to this episode of Life Hurts God Heals to discover how to see life through the lens of invitation.

Childhood leukemia. Bankruptcy. Death. Guest Walt Jamison shares how he discovered God's secret weapon for peace through each of these situations. Can you guess what it is?

Depression. Anxiety. Anger. Division. Would you agree that these words describe our culture, both on an individual and national level? What if learning how to maintain healthy personal boundaries is part of the cure for what ails us all? Join hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl as they discuss the importance of boundaries for our wholeness and well being, both personally and nationally.

In a world where public figures are being judged for comments they made, even decades ago, what does that say about our belief in the possibility of change? In the words of author, speaker, coach, and Coaching Transformation Academy founder, Jeff Caliguire, "Transformation is possible but it's not inevitable." On this episode of Life Hurts God Heals, Jeff shares both the evidence that change is possible, as well as the tools we need to experience it for ourselves.

Has weariness crept into your life, especially since Covid-19 reared it's ugly head? Listen to guest Jason Hickey share how he copes with fatigue in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. (If you have been critical of leaders in this season or you are a leader, this episode is definitely for you.)

What do you think about when you hear the word "Recovery?" What if it means something different than what many think? What if it's something every person desperately needs? Join hosts Kurt Pflegl and Kim Ward as they unpack what the word means from God's perspective.

Do you let the distractions in life keep you from regular rhythms of silence and solitude? What if the power to understand our true identity is in the balance?  Press Pause founder Jon Byron gives us practical tips in overcoming our distractions.

Many who follow Jesus have heard how important spiritual practices are when it comes to a relationship with God. But where are the helpful practical teachings on how to do these practices? Hosts Kurt Pflegl and Kim Ward interview musician and Press Pause founder Jon Byron to discover his spiritual practices. You just might discover helpful steps for your own spiritual life. Hosts Kurt Pflegl and Kim Ward interview musician and Press Pause founder Jon Byron to discover his spiritual practices. In part 1, Jon discusses the how and the why of some of the most familiar spiritual practices. 

Sometimes the Holy Spirit shows up the most in the conversations we think are headed down bunny trails. If you liked what you heard in host Kurt Pflegl's story of experiencing God's love in his struggle with disease, there's more! Listen as hosts Kim Ward and Kurt Pflegl discuss other ways God has worked through Kurt's trials, and you might just discover the Holy Spirit speaking to you! 

In the midst of a pandemic, many of us know this from personal experience - As hard as the world can hit us, things seem much worse when we're dealing with health issues.

Where is God when our own body becomes our worst enemy?

Host Kurt Pflegl shares his story of experiencing the goodness of God while struggling with a muscle destroying disease.

Mental Illness seems to be on the rise, which begs the question. Where is God in these struggles? Brett Grenz shares his journey of experiencing God's love and grace in the midst of dealing with bipolar disorder.

Where do you go when your circumstances become almost too much to bear? Why is seeking comfort in anything but God just a fantasy? Listen to Bethany Irvin share her story of turning from pornography to God for comfort from life's challenges on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

Are you living your life from a place of invitation or obligation? Can you tell the difference between them? What if the answers to these questions indicate where you are in your relationship with God? Intrigued? Listen to part 2 of 2 as guest Katy Roth shares her spiritual journey from obligation to invitation on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

Are you living your life from a place of invitation or obligation? Can you tell the difference between them? What if the answers to these questions indicate where you are in your relationship with God? Intrigued? Listen to part 1 of 2 as guest Katy Roth shares her spiritual journey from obligation to invitation on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

Addictions. HIV. PTSD. How does God respond to our darkest life choices? Listen to Eli Goodenough (yes, that's her real name) vulnerably share the story of her struggles, even coming face to face with a stone cold killer, on the next episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

How you see and describe yourself matters more than you may realize. Do you know who you are...really? How do you go about discovering your true identity in every season of your life? Join host Kurt Pflegl and guest Jan Limiero as they discuss this question and more on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.

When you pray, do you spend more time talking or listening? Is it hard to be still enough to listen? Are there practices that can help? Hosts Kurt Pflegl and Kim Ward answer these questions by sharing their practices as well as stories about listening prayer on this episode of Life Hurts God Heals.