Today’s episode is the second part of Steph sharing her postpartum journey after her second born. In this part Steph shares how God helped reorder her perspective and thought life. This episode reminds us that we serve a redemptive God; he doesn’t hold back blessings from us based on our records. When we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus, the difficulties of this world don’t feel as heavy, for His burden is light! Includes: the podcasts origin, visions, endometriosis, Aslan, unmerited favour Timeline: 1:15 - Moving back home & finding stability as a family of 4 2:30 - When the idea of the podcast came to be 5:30 - God’s miraculous plan for more children 18:00 - Hearing God speak through visions and prophetic word 23:00 - They say medical marvels, we say miraculous pregnancies 26:00 - Preparing for another postpartum journey 28:45 - Reorienting our perspective to God’s sovereignty 31:00 - It takes a village As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

In today’s episode Steph shares her postpartum story after the birth of her second born. You’ll hear Laura and Steph discuss the common difficulties of the early postpartum phase including the differences between postpartum depression and the baby blues. In this first part of their conversation Steph goes into detail about how she went into crisis, the aftermath and the immediate support that followed. Stay tuned for next week’s episode to hear the second part of our conversation, where Steph shares more on God’s unmerited favour over her life! Includes: sleeplessness, suicide, postpartum psychosis, wraparound support Timeline: 2:00 - Why Steph decided to share 4:45 - The challenging first few weeks of postpartum 12:50 - Defining: postpartum, postpartum depression and baby blues 15:30 - Hitting the waves of denial 19:30 - When the future became black 23:10 - No longer alone 30:30 - Experiencing postpartum psychosis 34:45 - The difference having wraparound support made As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

Today’s episode is part two of our conversation with Becky Mathieu where we’re continuing to discuss children’s mental health. We talk about the relief that comes with receiving the correct diagnosis, while also mentioning the risks in ignoring concerns. In this episode we return back to the gospel; remembering that despite the consequences of the fall God is still sovereign and has a plan for each child. Includes: Peace despite diagnosis, broken pelvis, the one stone left unturned, the can’t versus won’t approach, thankfulness Scriptures included: Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8-9, Isaiah 26:3 Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley https://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf Community Resources: -Merrymount - https://www.merrymount.on.ca/ -Thames Valley Children’s Centre - https://www.tvcc.on.ca/ -Vanier Children’s Services - https://www.vanier.com/ -Children and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-and-parent-resource-institute-cpri -Craigwood Children, Youth and Family Services - https://www.craigwood.ca/ Timeline: 1:50 - Moving forward in the face of fear 3:00 - Relief and peace that getting the correct diagnosis can have 7:00 - The risks in ignoring concerning behaviours or lacking skills 8:45 - Looking at our children’s needs through the truth of the gospel story 11:00 - The hope we can hold onto; God is here 15:00 - The can’t versus won’t approach 16:00 - Why we shouldn’t put our hope in treatment 18:15 - Remembering that we’re compiled of our spirit, soul and body 19:15 - God prepared us in His Word for mental health 23:10 - The importance of a balanced approach in addressing mental health concerns 26:00 - Having a thankful and steadfast heart on Christ 29:25 - Encouragement to seek out resources and ask for help As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

In today’s episode, we kick off Season Two of the Brighter Podcast with special guest Becky Mathieu. She is a Child and Youth Worker, Registered Psychotherapist, and after-hours on call chaplain. In part one of our conversation with Becky, we go over some of the most common issues that children face in mental health, as well as what’s “normal”, and the worries and fears parents go through. Includes: common children’s mental health issues and what behaviours to look out for "Kids do well if they CAN, not if they want to" - Dr. Ross Greene https://drrossgreene.com/index.htm Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley https://www.dsasc.ca/uploads/8/5/3/9/8539131/welcome_to_holland.pdf Timeline: 3:40 - Becky Mathieu’s introduction 6:00 -Common mental health issues among children 7:50 - Every behaviour has a function 16:00 -Range of normal; symptoms don’t always mean a diagnosis, consult with your doctor 21:00 - Developmental delay versus developmental disability 26:40 - Fear of getting a diagnosis and the peace of the gospel 31:35 - God created Holland; moving forward in the face of fear As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

In this episode, Steph and Laura reflect on the first season of the Brighter Podcast, share some laughs, and chat through what their hopes are for the next season. Even in this casual conversation, Steph and Laura remind listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that God has designed us to be in relationship with him. Includes: ways to share the podcast, thoughts on the next season, Owen Wilson, the intended purpose of the podcast: resource of encouragement Timeline: 2:15 - Reflecting on recording the season 4:00 - Update on Season Two 6:00 - Encouraging listeners to share the podcast 9:00 - You’re not alone 9:55 - Recapping on the main topics 14:30 - Episode ideas for Season Two 19:00 - Clips from our conversation with Leonard Terry 24:00 - Owen Wilson’s “wow” 25:30 - How to get involved As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

Today’s episode is part two of a conversation we had with Leonard Terry, where we continue the discussion on mental health and the church. Leonard shares insights on what the church has to offer people that can’t be found anywhere else, as well as personal stories of salvation and what it means to actually love someone affected by mental illness. We were all brought to tears during this conversation, and we believe that these words and discussions will have power to liberate you on your journey, wherever you are at. Today’s episode will also conclude Season One at the Brighter Podcast. You can look forward to a Season One Recap episode next week, where we’ll share our reflections from the past months of recording, why we’re taking a break, and what you can expect for Season Two. Includes: church culture and privilege, 1 Timothy 2:17, spiritual forces, when the bible feels like an obstacle, experiencing fatherlessness, and sharing the gospel through actions Timeline 2:00 - Three things the church has to offer:      2:00 - God’s design for us to live in community      4:00 - Opening our hearts in worship can help elevate our mental health      6:50 - The Word of God can help us overcome 9:20 - When the bible doesn’t feel like the source of hope people say it is 15:00 - Leonard’s understanding and view of the church as a child 19:00 - Showing God’s love to people who don’t fit the Christian mold 22:55 - Testimonies of Leonard walking out God’s steadfast love As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

Today’s episode is a very special conversation with Open Door’s own Leonard Terry. Listen in as Steph and Laura ask Leonard about his personal journey of faith, how secular and church culture on mental illness have shifted over the decades, and the impacts of shame-based faith. You can look forward to part two releasing next week, where we discuss even more personal stories of victory, grief, and salvation. Even as Leonard continues his journey of faith into his 70’s, he has managed to stay relevant, insightful, and loving on an ever-shifting conversation of mental health. You do not want to miss this or next week’s episode! Includes: suicide, psychedelics, vulnerability, men having feelings and vulnerability, psychosis, shame-based faith, secular and church culture Timeline: 3:00 - Quick overview of Leonard’s life 6:00 - Leonard’s personal experience with mental health and testimony of receiving salvation 10:00 - Mental health and illness stigma in the 1970s 12:30 - Watching the mental health shift in culture 14:50 - The gap between the world view and church view of mental illness 16:50 - The danger in shame based faith: hideness 21:00 - The risk of teaching about healing incorrectly 26:00 - God is with us right where we are, healing or not As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

In this bonus episode Laura and Steph share scriptures, songs, poems, and prayers to uplift our minds in the midst of depression. This is a ten minute episode designed to bring hope to your darkest hours. Listen to it as a meditation, as you drive, or as you go about your day to affirm grace and peace from God in your heart. We pray that wherever you’re at, this helps to draw you closer to God and remind you that you will get to the other side of this. Please see our podcast webpage on the Open Door website at odcf.ca for today's transcript and a free printable that includes a full page of scripture, plus three designed encouragements for cutting out and putting on your fridge, mirror, or wherever you need to see them.

July 13, 2021 Length 25:43 In this episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura share practical tips for getting through the most difficult days when experiencing a depressive episode. Together they share personal examples of when they’ve used these tips. When we decide to accept where we’re at on these days and remember that God is WITH us, it helps to lift some of the heaviness we’ve placed on ourselves. One specific topic we did NOT cover in today’s episode is how to navigate working situations when depressed. We are planning to release an episode on mental health and work. Join us on Instagram today for more practical tips from the community, plus some encouraging phone backgrounds to save and use as another way to lift your eyes during the darkest times. Includes: personal experiences of depression, mothering during an episode, how to challenge  negative self-talk, and God’s intention for His relationship with us. Timeline: 3:20 - Sharing an overview of our own depressive episodes 8:30 - Accepting where we’re at when we’re feeling low 10:30 - Long term goal of challenging our inner beliefs 12:00 - Practical tips to help you today 21:00 - Being thankful to avoid ruminating 23:00 - Remembering God’s desire for us to be in a relationship with him As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.

In today’s episode, co-hosts Steph and Laura discuss ways to be an effective support person to someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or mental illness. They share practical tips, like paying attention to tone of voice and when to give advice. They also focus on the importance of boundaries and understanding that it’s not our job to fix people’s problems. We can encourage and come alongside them-- but ultimately, everything we do needs to point to our saviour Jesus (not US!). Includes: Importance of boundaries, why preaching at someone isn’t effective, when to seek immediate help, and scriptures including John 11:33-35, Romans 12:15, John 14:16. Timeline: 1:30 - Ways we’re support people 6:00 - Knowing your place as a support person 7:30 - Jesus as our support person 9:40 - Tone, empathy and active listening 14:00 - Supporting the individual’s support system 18:45 - Importance of boundaries 20:00 - Why NOT to preach at people 22:00 - When to seek outside or immediate help 24:20 - Turning to scripture for guidance 26:40 - Instagram event for July 6th Resource: London Crisis Centre - great alternative to the emergency department As always, you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@brighterpodcastministry). If you're new, come follow us for encouragement, testimonies, and other bonus content to draw you nearer to God, wherever you may be on your journey.