When You’re Afraid to Go All In on Joy: How to Run Free and Feel God’s Pleasure #187
Have you ever found yourself holding back — afraid to give your all because you might fail, grow tired, or fall short?In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a powerful story about her son — and the life-changing moment when she encouraged him to stop holding back and run free. What happened next will inspire you to trust God’s loving voice and experience the joy of living fully in how He made you.Learn how Jesus, your ultimate encourager, cheers you on in life’s hardest races — and discover the soul care practice that helps you break free from fear, engage your God-given strengths, and feel His pleasure again. Key Takeaways: Why we hold back from living fully and how God invites us to run free What it means to feel God’s pleasure in doing what He created you to love The Science behind the power of encouragement — and how cheering changes your brain and emotions The Science: One soul care step to help you experience joy again and feel motivated this week Breath Prayer:Inhale: I lay aside every weightExhale: I fix my eyes on Jesus → Register "Writing Your God-Story with Jesus" to find peace, heal your heart and leave a legacy of faith. Register & start watching right away at mysoulcareschool.com → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. Connect with Bonnie: Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
--------
18:13
--------
18:13
When Life Changes Your Plans: How to Find Joy in Life’s Twists & Turns with God #186
Have you ever faced a season where life changed your plans — and you weren’t sure what to do next?In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a heartfelt story about how a health limitation led her to discover beauty in an unexpected new path. You’ll be encouraged by how God meets us when our plans fall apart — and how His kindness gently guides us to try something new.Learn how Jesus, our ultimate Guide, walks beside us through every change, and discover the science behind this week's soul care practice to boost your mood, restore calm, and awaken joy. Key Takeaways:How God can surprise you with joy when life doesn’t go as plannedWhy Jesus is the ultimate Guide who leads you with kindness and careThe power of curiosity — how trying something new rewires your brain for peaceOne soul care practice to help you find renewal in this season of changeBreath Prayer:Inhale: You guide me, Lord. Exhale: You make new paths for me. Scripture:“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden.” — Isaiah 58:11 → Register "Writing Your God-Story with Jesus" to grow peace, hear your heart and leave a legacy of faith. Start watching right away! Register today at mysoulcareschool.com → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. Connect with Bonnie:Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribeWatch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegrayBestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQdFollow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
--------
17:19
--------
17:19
Feeling Weighed Down by Chaos & Conflict? This Will Help You Find Peace & Hope Again #185
Have you felt your heart heavy with all the heartbreak of violence in the world — and wondered how to find peace or what to do with all those feelings?In today’s special episode, Bonnie shares encouragement from Dan Westman, Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Peninsula Bible Church. His words offer a powerful perspective for those of us longing to understand how to respond to the cycles of violence we see — and how to steady our hearts when the world feels anything but peaceful.Bonnie also closes with a gentle, science-backed soul care practice to help you calm your emotions and restore peace to your body through small, meaningful actions that nurture connection and hope. Key Takeaways A fresh perspective on how to respond to the violence we see in the world What to do when your heart feels heavy and overwhelmed by the news How simple, calming actions — like connecting through shared experiences with others — help lower stress and regulate your nervous system One soul care practice to bring you peace instead of focusing on the world's chaos Breath PrayerInhale: There is no fear in your love, GodExhale: Your perfect love casts out fear Scripture“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18 → Watch Dan Westman’s full message at https://vimeo.com/1120884691?fl=pl&fe=vlDan Westman serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Peninsula Bible Church and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Talbot School of Theology. → 5 stages of the "divine warrior" theme in the Bible: God Is a Warrior by Tremper Longman. → Register "Writing Your God-Story with Jesus" to heal anxiety, grow peace, and leave a legacy of faith. Starts Oct 20th! Register today at mysoulcareschool.com → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. Connect with Bonnie: Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
--------
28:36
--------
28:36
Overthinking Everything? How to Stop Being Afraid to Get It Wrong and Find Peace #184
Do you ever hesitate to try something new because you’re afraid to get it wrong — even something that could bring you joy?In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a heartfelt story about letting go of control. You’ll discover how creative expression can calm anxiety, awaken joy, and help you connect with God’s peace in a deeper way.Learn the surprising brain-science behind why creativity soothes your nervous system and how expressing yourself freely can become an act of worship and wellness.Key Takeaways: Why the fear of “getting it wrong” keeps you stuck in stress mode The science of creativity — how it lowers anxiety and restores calm How to invite God into your creativity and let go of perfection One soul care step to try this week to lower anxiety & spark joy Breath Prayer:Inhale: I am God's masterpieceExhale: created to do his work Scripture:“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:10 → Register "Writing Your God-Story with Jesus" to heal anxiety, grow peace, and leave a legacy of faith. Starts Oct 20th! Register today at mysoulcareschool.com → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. Connect with Bonnie:Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribeWatch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegrayBestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
--------
16:24
--------
16:24
Silence Isn’t Strength: How Naming Your Feelings Brings Peace & Healing #183
Have you ever kept your feelings hidden because you thought voicing them was weakness? Or felt silenced by shame, fear, or the thought, “I shouldn’t complain”?Friend, with God, your feelings matter. In this week’s episode, Bonnie shares her powerful story of returning to what once felt like a place of silence as a child and how it became the stage where she testified to God’s healing and love.You’ll discover why hiding your feelings keeps your body stuck in stress, and how naming them becomes the doorway to peace, healing, and joy. Through scripture, science, and a simple soul care practice, Bonnie will help you release the weight of silence and draw closer to God.Key Takeaways: Why silence isn’t strength — and how God calls you to bring your whole heart to Him Turning points in Bonnie’s story: how panic attacks became peace through writing her God-stories The science: hiding emotions raises cortisol, while naming them lowers stress and releases “peace & joy” chemicals Why scripture shows us that voicing feelings — like David in the Psalms or Jesus weeping — is part of true faith A simple writing practice to help you name your feelings, remember God’s goodness, and experience peace Breath Prayer:Inhale: I will remember the deeds of the LordExhale: I will remember your miracles of long ago. Scripture:“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” — Psalm 77:11–12 → Early Bird LAST DAY Save $30! "Writing Your God-Story with Jesus" to heal anxiety, grow peace, and leave a legacy of faith. Save $30 when you register today! Register today at mysoulcareschool.com → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. Connect with Bonnie: Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe Watch Weekly YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast hosted by Christian author Bonnie Gray is dedicated to refreshing your soul with rest and sparking joy, so you can feel God’s love and peace. We'll walk you through scientific, scripture-backed methods of restoring calm, in order to help you stress less, take better care of yourself, and create new rhythms to rest in daily life.
Here are some topics covered in this podcast:
🌸 Feeling Anxious? Cast Your Cares on God Because He Cares For You🌸 3 Ways to Break Free from Stress, Worry & Anxiety🌸 How to Say No to Fear & Yes to God PLUS What's the Difference Between Secular & Biblical Meditation?🌸 Is It Burnout Or Is God Stretching You? 4 Signs to Know the Difference PLUS 4 Mental Health Benefits of Stories🌸 3 Surprising Ways to Stop Overthinking, Improve Your Mood During the Day, & Get the Sleep Your Body Needs🌸 The Antidote to Stress & Fatigue + The Surprising Causes – Plus Raising Stress-Resilient Kids
FOLLOW BONNIE:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.com
New Zealand