Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

• Changing the World One Gift at a Time This Christmas with Samaritan's Purse Kristy Graham

  In This Special Bonus Episode From Christian Parent, Crazy World: What if the greatest gift you give your kids this Christmas is a heart of generosity—and the chance to change someone else’s world? Catherine Segars goes beyond stockings and wrapping paper to tackle one of the most pressing questions for believers during the holiday season: How do we practically teach our children the virtue of generosity, not just for the holidays, but for a lifetime—and in a way that makes a true, eternal difference? Answer: Plant seeds of generosity in your family with Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Gift Catalog, a unique way for families to give gifts that can transform lives around the globe. Browse the catalog and get involved at www.samaritanspurse.org/parent. Catherine welcomes Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast and wife to Edward Graham, part of the legacy family behind this renowned global relief ministry. With firsthand experience raising four children and witnessing God’s faithfulness in some of the most challenging corners of the globe, Kristy brings unmatched insight and compassion to this timely discussion. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Transformative Giving - The Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift Catalog: Learn how families can open a new kind of catalog—one offering goats, honeybees, water filters, heart surgeries, and more—to provide desperately needed gifts to people across the globe. Real Stories, Real Impact: Kristy recounts emotional, hope-filled stories: families in Iraq whose lives are remade by a simple beehive; a mother shattered by tragedy in need of purpose and dignity, restored by a brood of baby chicks; and the power of a $9 donation to feed a hungry infant and spark the hope of the Gospel for a mother who feels forgotten. Generosity That Changes Hearts—Including Our Own: Discover practical ways to involve your kids in picking out gifts, writing cards for teachers in someone’s honor, or pairing a meaningful donation with something tangible. Biblical Parallels: Kristy and Catherine share how the work of Samaritan’s purse brings to life the stories of Ruth, who gleaned what benevolent benefactors left for those less fortunate, and Hagar, who met the God who saw her need. Seeds of the Gospel: Every gift given through Samaritan’s Purse meets physical needs—and intentionally opens doors for the life-changing message of Christ. Whether it’s a water well, a jar of honey, or a vital medical procedure, these gifts become vehicles for sharing hope and introducing recipients to the God who truly sees them. Call to Action: This Christmas, will your family give a gift that extends beyond your home?Explore life-changing opportunities at samaritanspurse.org/parent as a family, and ask your kids: “How can we be part of God’s story of hope this Christmas?”Let your generosity become a legacy of faith, planting seeds for eternity. Episode Links: Samaritan’s Purse Gift Catalog: www.samaritanspurse.org/parent On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Podcast Catherine's Resources for Christian Parents About the guest: Kristy Graham hosts On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse, a show she launched in 2019 to highlight God’s faithfulness through the ministry’s work. Each week, she brings listeners close to the stories of staff and the people they serve—always pointing hearts to Christ. From missionary doctors in Kenya to military couples in Alaska to families receiving new homes after disasters, Kristy loves witnessing Samaritan’s Purse in action. At home, she and her husband, Edward, are raising their four children in the mountains of North Carolina. Parents, what new tradition will you start this year to show your children the joy—and eternal impact—of generosity? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• When Plans Fall Apart: The Unexpected Way God Restores Your Peace #191

  What do you do when plans fall apart?When something you were counting on — a routine, a tradition, or a long-anticipated moment — suddenly doesn’t work out, it can leave you feeling disappointed, stressed, or quietly undone.In today’s episode, Bonnie shares her personal story that began with physical limitation and unexpected disappointment — and unfolded into a surprising invitation into joy she never could have planned.This episode gently explores why breaking from tradition doesn’t mean failure or loss —it may be the very care your heart needs to experience God’s presence in a fresh way. Key Takeaways: Why breaking tradition can lower stress & how God is at work How to release pressure from disappointment to renewal The science behind novelty, wonder, and emotional renewal Why engaging one of your five senses can restore joy and calm A gentle soul care practice to help you try something new this season — without pressure Breath Prayer Inhale: With God, nothing is impossibleExhale: Let it be with me according to Your wordScripture “For with God nothing will be impossible…
‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’”
Luke 1:37–38 → Register "Advent Wellness Course" to lower holiday stress with God's peace, hope, joy, and love at mysoulcareschool.com → Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store → 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/3NpVYQdFollow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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• Why Joy Is Hard to Receive — And Why It’s What Your Heart Needs to Heal #190

  Is joy easy for you to give… but hard to receive?So many women pour out love, care, and celebration for everyone else —
yet when it comes to their own joy, something inside quietly shuts down.In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a tender birthday story from her own life —
a moment when receiving joy felt unsafe —
and how Jesus gently invited her into healing, delight, and emotional restoration.You’ll discover why receiving joy feels so hard for so many of us, how to reshape our nervous systems for health,
and how Jesus wants to rewrite those tender places with His love this Christmas.Through Scripture, emotional wellness insights, and a beautiful Advent soul care practice,
you’ll learn how to take steps to healing,
rewiring old beliefs, and experiencing God’s delight in a personal way. Key Takeaways: Why giving joy feels easy — but receiving joy feels risky The neuroscience of “protective inhibition” and how childhood stories shape our ability to receive love Why healing requires new emotional experiences How one simple soul care practice of chosen joy can rewire your brain toward peace & delight Breath Prayer: Inhale: You delight in me, LordExhale: Quiet me with Your loveScripture“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:29–31 → Register "Advent Wellness Course" to lower holiday stress with God's peace, hope, joy, and love at mysoulcareschool.com → Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store → 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.

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• The Overgiving Crash: How to Renew Your Strength for the Holidays #189

  Have you ever noticed that after pouring out love, hosting, caring, cooking, cleaning, and trying to make everything meaningful for everyone… your body suddenly crashes?In today’s episode, Bonnie unpacks the Overgiving Crash — that drained, blank, emotional dip that often hits right after big holidays and busy seasons. You’ll learn why it happens, what your body is trying to tell you, and how God gently meets you in those weary places.Bonnie also explains the cortisol dip — the biological drop that leaves you feeling tired, foggy, or flat after you’ve been “on” for days — and shares the simple soul care shift that can restore your spark as you enter the Christmas season.Learn how to help your nervous system reset… and how to let God renew your strength with tenderness and love. Key Takeaways: Why the “overgiving crash” happens after holidays and emotionally demanding seasons What a cortisol dip is — and why it leaves you feeling drained or suddenly exhausted How God restores your strength when you pause and let Him care for your tired heart The science behind anticipatory joy — and why choosing one small thing you love lifts your mood A simple soul care practice to help you reconnect with peace as the holiday season begins Breath PrayerInhale: You renew my strengthExhale: You are my hope Scripture“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:29–31 → Register "Advent Wellness Course" to lower holiday stress with God's peace, hope, joy, and love at mysoulcareschool.com → Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store → 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.

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• Feeling ‘Blah’ Before Thanksgiving? Try This Peace Reset to Light Your Spark & Stress Less #188

  Are you heading into Thanksgiving feeling emotionally blah — tired, unmotivated, or just flat inside?
You’re not alone. So many women enter the holidays carrying the weight of logistics, expectations, and caring for everyone else… while their own soul quietly runs on empty.Bonnie shares her personal moment of unexpected emotional flatness — and the gentle way God invited her back into peace. It’s a reminder that even our “blah” moments can become invitations to shift our bodies out of exhaustion and stress.Discover how God meets you with tenderness, how to understand the science behind emotional “shutdown,” and how one small, life-giving soul care practice can help you feel peace and spark again — just in time for Thanksgiving.This episode will help you breathe deeper, slow down, and find your own quiet moment of restoration in the midst of a busy holiday week. Key Takeaways: Why emotional flatness is normal during high-stress seasons — and why it’s not a spiritual failure
 How God restores your soul when you feel numb, tired, or “blah”
 The Science: How holiday stress triggers emotional shutdown in the brain One soul care practice to help you feel calm, grounded, and reconnected to yourself — in just 10 minutes
 Simple ways to bring your heart a moment of peace this Thanksgiving weekend (not just everyone else’s!) Breath PrayerInhale: You lead me beside quiet watersExhale: You restore my soul Scripture“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2–3 → Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store → Register "Advent Wellness Course" to lower holiday stress with God's peace, hope, joy, and love 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.

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