Shows
Take HeartIs it Really the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? Managing Expectations for the HolidaysEpisode 175: Decmeber 5, 2024In all the talk of Christmas being wonderful, there's also a huge sense of dread for mothers to get it all done. There are so many expectations of us during this time of the year. Carrie, Amy, and Sara discuss what lessons we have learned over the years. There are some rhythms and things we cut out in December to be more present and at peace. We want to encourage you to do the same, so listen in!Key Moments:[1:48] You don’t h...2024-12-0433 minTake HeartLoneliness and Isolation as a Special Needs MomAmy, Sara, and Carrie explore the pervasive feelings of loneliness and isolation that special needs parents experience. They discuss how their past focus on efficiency led to prioritizing tasks over relationships. Now, years into their special needs parenting lives, they need intentional connection. They discuss their strategies for pushing past isolation and loneliness towards deeper friendships and finding their worth in the Lord. Join the conversation to learn how to nurture meaningful relationships and gracefully navigate the loneliness challenge.Episode 173: November 5, 2024Key Moments:[1:44] Even 18 years later, I still feel unseen[7:21] The l...2024-11-0540 minTake HeartAn Un-Disabled Mindset: Sandy’s Perspective Shift As a Special Needs CaregiverCarrie M. Holt sat down with Sandy Ramsey-Trayvick, author of the new book, "When Dreams Are Disrupted," to talk about Sandy’s mindset journey as she was forced to step into the role of caregiver for her child. When a childhood illness changed the life of her son, it left her feeling helpless. In this episode, she shares what God revealed concerning her choices and how she’s been working with this new set of options God has given her. This conversation with Sandy will inspire you to choose an “un-disabled” mindset as you raise your child with disabilities or specia...2024-10-1539 minTake HeartPractical Tips for Thriving in Prolonged CaregivingLong-term caregiving requires a mindset shift for our emotional life and our relationship with God and others. Carrie, Amy, and Sara discuss practical tips for surviving and thriving long term. They discuss spiritual practices, practical habits to avoid burnout, and mindfulness to address the stressors and difficulties that come with caregiving. You’ll walk away with valuable tips you can begin incorporating into your life right now!Ep. 171, October 1, 2024Key Moments:[6:39 ] Our permanent situation and loss of dreams[13:25] Where was Jesus in that moment?[21:22] Caregiving is worship[28:35] My roles and my boun...2024-10-0143 minTake HeartHow To Build a Thriving Marriage in Disability Parenting: An Interview with Kristin Faith Evans & Todd EvansCarrie sat down with Kristin and Todd Evans to discuss their newly released book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage As You Care for Children with Disabilities. They talk about communication strategies for couples, how they manage stress, and the ongoing grief we experience as special needs parents. This episode offers practical advice and emotional support for couples facing similar challenges. Ep. 166; May 21, 2024Key Moments:[4:49] Lots of shame that we can feel as parents[11:14] Marriage struggles: we had hurt each other a lot[16:19] Deliberate moments and mindfulness relieve stress and bond each other t...2024-05-2140 minTake HeartEp.165: Digging Deeper Into Grief as Disability ParentsJoin hosts Carrie, Sara, and Amy as we take a deep dive into the grief we face as mothers of children with disabilities. In this episode, we talk about how grief can feel like fear or anger, the need to be honest with ourselves, and the transformative nature of lament. This topic is something you may not know that you need until you allow yourself the space. Eps. 165: May 7, 2024Key Moments:[4:23] Guilt says “I didn’t do enough.”[7:29] My anger is actually grief [11:04} Why doesn’t God stop the pain[17:58] “Everything is not going...2024-05-0741 minTake HeartDecisions, Diagnosis, and Jealousy: Questions from our Listeners Carrie, Amy, and Sara answer listener’s questions in this episode. Questions like, “How do you make good decisions regarding your child’s health?” and “What’s the appropriate amount of information you give when answering someone’s question about your child?” We have learned some real lessons over the years through trial and error and want to share with you some practical advice from our experiences.\Eps. 163Date: April 9, 2024Key Moments:[3:45] Choosing who you speak to about the hard things[15:44] Advocating for privacy and understanding in healthcare[21:54] Ask for more time...2024-04-0244 minTake HeartNavigating Transitions as a CaregiverAs caregivers, we are well acquainted with transitions, and very much so in regard to our children. In this collaborative, Amy, Sara, and Carrie discuss the difficulties of life transitions as parents. They talk about their personal experiences, including making medical decisions and educational changes. The challenges of balancing autonomy and outside influences, going against medical recommendations, and seeking guidance for decisions are all discussed. We hope this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for you!Key Moments:[2:20] 4 different types of transitions[7:59] Planned our son’s birth…but have learned our lesson[11:25] We don’...2024-03-0546 minTake HeartWhen Special Needs Moms Are MisunderstoodBeing a parent to a child with special needs comes with its own unique set of challenges, and being misunderstood is a chief issue. As Amy, Carrie, and Sara share their personal experiences and insights, they provide valuable guidance on responding with grace and resilience when faced with misunderstandings…even though they don’t do it perfectly every time. They discuss the balance of speaking the truth and advocating for their children without being intentionally hurtful to others and not feeling the need to explain everything, instead using their child's trauma as an explanation only when necessary. Join us for...2024-02-2739 minTake HeartMaking AssumptionsAs parents of special needs kids, we have felt the weight of being misunderstood. In this episode, Carrie shares her experience with people who have made assumptions about us or our children and how it affects us as parents. She explains three things she wishes people understood about her parenting journey and three ways to handle ourselves when we have been misunderstood. Experiencing this life can be lonely, and this episode will give you some practical ways to manage the complex feelings that come. Ep.158: February 13, 2024Key Moments:[0:52} A hospital experience I’ll never forget2024-02-1314 minTake HeartHow God Creates Purpose & Meaning From Our PainCarrie welcomes her longtime friend, Erika Weise, a mother navigating the complexities of caring for a son with a trach and ventilator. Erika shares her personal insights on acceptance of this new life vs. living in denial, finding meaning in adversity, and creating a support network for families facing similar challenges. This down-to-earth discussion will inspire you with their stories of friendship and the unwavering belief that, even in the face of adversity, everything will be okay.Ep.156; January 30, 2024Key Moments:[3:17] Birth stories and diagnosis[15:51] Dealing with doctor's negative perspective2024-01-3034 minTake HeartThe Power of Perspective: Amy, Carrie, and Sara Share Their Stories The Power of Perspective: Amy, Carrie, and Sara Share Their StoriesSummary: Amy, Carrie and Sara look back at their early years of parenting. They share the stories from the days of early diagnosis and what they thought back then…noting with humor how ridiculous it seemed back then. But looking at the early days has helped them appreciate how far they’ve come, giving them perspective. They discuss the concept of advocating for their child, the desire for control (even though they didn’t have it!) and the worry that they carried. They have found that this life...2024-01-2337 minTake HeartWhen You Doubt God's PresenceDo you have times when things are chaotic, and you wonder if God is even there? Looking back on her earlier parenting, Carrie discusses three things she wished she knew and fully understood as a mom to a medically fragile child: giving herself grace as she prioritized different things in life, releasing self-criticism, and living fully in the midst of life's chaos with the overarching theme of seeing God's presence in every circumstance and difficulty. Don't miss this episode.Ep.153; January 9, 2024Key Moments:[0:40] Somethings you have to experience to learn them[3:50] Balance in life...2024-01-0912 minTake HeartSmall Steps of Belief with Carrie M. Holt (Replay)In the struggles of daily life, it can be difficult to believe God, His Word, His will, and to relinquish control. In Advent, we see the example of Mary, who chose small steps of obedience and surrender while facing many obstacles. May we follow her pattern and choose belief in small ways each day. This is a replay of Episode 65, which was originally aired on December 14, 2021. The original recording and transcript are available on our website HERE. Key Moments:[0:49] Luke 1:26-30[1:52] An announcement that changed life’s course[4:15] When did Mary begin to belie...2023-12-1208 minTake HeartEmotional Resilience as a CaregiverIn this collaborative episode, Amy, Sara, and Carrie talk about their own recent experiences and vulnerabilities- feelings of worthlessness, lack of control, and fear that often accompany these calmer seasons. They talk about how to recognize and process these emotions and offer practical advice and wisdom to help listeners navigate the unsettling emotions of transitions and change. They encourage you to welcome emotional resilience by inviting God into the depths of your emotions.Key Moments:[9:30] When our work becomes our worth[13:00] We grow too fond of our suffering[21:24] I didn’t want to...2023-11-2845 minTake HeartWhere Do You Find Comfort?In this week's podcast episode, "Where Do You Find Comfort," Carrie shares the delicate balance between positive and negative emotions while exploring the need for comfort. Carrie talks about the emotional journey of special needs parents, explains some essential truths about comfort and discusses the constant place we can go to find it. Eps. 149; November 14, 2023Key Moments: [02:33] Lessons from "Inside Out"[05:07] The Holy Spirit as the Comforter[08:11] Comfort through other believers[10:12] Identify the lies we are believing[12:19] A prayer for comfortResources:Scriptures Mentioned: John 14:16-17a,c...2023-11-1414 minTake HeartCompassionate Care: Coming Alongside Suffering FriendsIn this collaborative episode, Carrie, Amy, and Sara discuss how best to support friends and family members who are going through difficult times. Speaking from personal experience, they talk about the blessings and difficulties of walking through suffering with others. This episode practically discusses how to provide compassionate care to others, alongside what is and isn’t helpful when walking through something difficult with friends. They share stories and insights on vulnerability, carrying other friends’ burdens, and navigating grief. Ep.146; October 24, 2023Key Moments:[4:30] Empathetic listeners[7:50] Unhelpful platitudes [11:54] Having different friends is important for di...2023-10-2441 minTake HeartThe Tension of SufferingCarrie M. Holt dives into the complex emotions and challenges that come with being a special needs mom but even just a person experiencing suffering. Carrie draws parallels between running and suffering, the tension that arises from both experiences. Carrie shares her insights on how past suffering can strengthen our faith and prepare us for future sorrows. She gives some helpful mindset shifts by looking at it from God's perspective and offers strategies for dealing with suffering, including the practice of lament and finding purpose in pain. Ep. 144; October 10, 2023Key Moments:[1:40] The tension of s...2023-10-1014 minTake HeartHospital Stay Survival: Spiritually and PracticallyCarrie Holt discusses how to spiritually and practically navigate hospital stays with our children. Drawing from her own experiences, Carrie talks about the importance of recognizing the armor we put on in these situations, such as control, withdrawal, and cynicism, and how they can hinder our ability to trust in God. She encourages listeners to invite God into these spaces and remember that He is always with us, even during hospital stays. Carrie also offers practical advice for dealing with unplanned hospital stays and emphasizes the importance of grieving the losses that come with these experiences. She encourages listeners...2023-09-1216 minTake HeartPast Heartache is Key to Future HealingIn this episode, Carrie welcomes guest author and therapist Cathy Loerzel to discuss the importance of embracing grief and negative emotions in order to heal and move forward. The conversation draws from three archetype characters of past wounding and how it shows up in our lives and relationships with others. The episode emphasizes the necessity of dealing with past wounds which leads to healthier lives and the ability to handle present challenges. It offers hope in understanding and addressing the core wounds of orphanhood, stranger, and widowhood, and encourages individuals to press into their pain and grief towards their...2023-07-2545 minTake HeartWho Cares For the Caregiver?Carrie is joined by guest Marissa Bondurant, author of the Bible Study “Who Cares for You?” Marissa draws parallels between her own experiences as a caregiver for her daughter undergoing medical treatments and the humble acts of service performed by Jesus. They discuss living out our faith through everyday tasks and self-sacrifice, allowing others to see Jesus at work in us. Marissa also talks about the challenges faced by being a caregiver and responding to others’ perceptions, the importance of community support, and the need to bring hidden thoughts and feelings into the open. This episode brings a message of hope...2023-07-0438 minTake HeartLiving Life Open-Handed: An Interview With Johnna HensleyCarrie talks with author Johnna Hensley, a mother of three biological and three adopted children, including her firstborn son, who has a trach and a ventilator. We hear the thought processes behind their decision to foster, then adopt more children with an open-handed willingness to follow God’s leading. They call it walking in "yes" and being open to what God has, even if it leads to difficult circumstances. Throughout the episode, Johnna emphasizes the importance of faith in God's sovereignty and generosity and His promise to provide.Ep. 132; June 13, 2023Key Moments:[2:45] Supporting her son...2023-06-1323 minTake HeartIt’s Ok to Feel: Sara’s StoryWhen Sara, Amy and Carrie met, they discovered a shared sense of determination and drive to care for their children and support each other. In their new book, The Other Side of Special, they share their individual stories and hope to offer encouragement and hope to other special needs families. Sara discusses her struggles with emotions towards God, the challenges she faced in caring for a child with disabilities, and the importance of relying on God and her community for support. She shares that despite not being alone, she often felt lonely. Sara expresses that the special needs family...2023-05-3017 minTake HeartSpina Bifida & Scars: Carrie Holt's StoryTake Heart’s host, Carrie, shares her personal experience as a mother to a child with Spina Bifida, who has undergone 61 surgeries. She talks about how having a child with a disability can feel like being in a pit and how God sustains and loves us even in the hardest times. She encourages us to let God write our own story, even the painful parts, and to let go of unrealistic expectations and having all the boxes checked. Carrie also shares the reasons why you should write your story down, keep anything that brings you encouragement and allow God to...2023-05-2314 minTake HeartTips For Strengthening Your Marriage While Raising Special Needs Children : An Interview with Kristin & Todd EvansOn this episode of Take Heart Special Mom Podcast, Carrie M Holt welcomes Todd and Kristin Evans, who share their personal struggles in their marriage while navigating their lives as special needs parents. Both Todd and Kristin emphasize the importance of self-care, reflective listening, and validation of emotions between spouses. They stress the need for open communication and finding ways to navigate ongoing grief as a couple. They also reveal practical skills they learned through therapy that can help couples navigate the unique challenges they face. This episode offers valuable insight and support for those struggling with the...2023-04-2535 minTake HeartStruggling With Control: An Interview with Jenna ErlandsonCarrie and Jenna Erlandson of Bridge of the Faithful Podcast sit down to talk about Jenna’s expectations on motherhood and how trying to control her circumstances played out in her life played out. She discusses the hard work of breaking the habit of control, and gives several practical tips on how she has grown in her walk with the Lord and her perspective as a special needs mom. Ep. 122; April 4, 2023Key Moments:[2:08] Pride and Control[11:58] Living in the world of “What If”[15:50] Strategies to combat control and guilt[21...2023-04-0442 minTake HeartTherapy Part 3: Our Therapy Expectations Vs. The RealityIn the final part of this three-part series, Amy, Sara, and Carrie dive into what we thought therapy would be like versus the reality of therapy. We share our experiences dealing with past traumas and how they affect our present reactions. We discuss managing expectations and self-care after a session. We also touch on vulnerability and how it's not weakness, but rather a courageous way to understand our past experiences. If you're interested in learning more, listen to all three parts of this series. Ep. 120; March 21, 2023Key Moments:[2:18] Procrastinating go...2023-03-2124 minTake HeartTherapy Part 2: Why Moms Don’t Go to CounselingIn part two of this three-part series, Amy, Sara and Carrie share about the barriers to therapy and why special needs moms are reluctant to see counselors. There are legitimate reasons, such as cost, lack of knowledge and awareness, and a stigma associated with mental health. Working to break down these barriers, Amy, Sara, and Carrie give practical advice, so moms will pursue the help they need. Ep. 119; March 14, 2023Key Moments:[1:31] Therapy For Kids With Behavioral Issues[3:23] Overcoming the Lie of Failure[5:14] Biggest Barrier to Counseling Was Me![10:45] Trying DifferentTtherapists[12:02] T...2023-03-1414 minTake HeartTherapy Part 1: How Can Counseling Help Me?In part one of this three-part series, Amy, Sara, and Carrie share their experiences with therapy or counseling. They discuss how they began going to therapy, how each has personally benefited, what they’ve learned practically, and how it has helped them see themselves in a more compassionate and life-giving way. Ep. 118; March 7, 2023Key Moments:[2:12] Why & When To Begin Therapy[7:54] Valued Benefits [8:10} Prioritizing Feelings[10:17] Ignoring DepressionResources:The Allender CenterThe Allender Center PodcastHealing Care MinistriesResilient: Chapter 8 (Reference to living in the...2023-03-0716 minTake HeartHow The Church Unknowingly Makes Special Needs Families Feel UnwelcomeThe statistics are staggering. 90% of families with special needs feel ignored, unwelcomed, or devalued in churches. This is a huge number, and it shows how much work needs to be done to make churches more inclusive. The overall feeling of special needs families is that they want to feel wanted, accepted, and seen. Carrie, Amy, and Sara discuss the experiences of special needs families and how churches can change. Through church education, accommodations, and empathy, families could feel welcomed and cared for.Ep. 117; February 28, 2023Key Moments:[4:37] Encouraging adoption, but unwilling to...2023-02-2847 minTake HeartListening: How To Support a Special Needs Mom Through Life StagesNo matter what stage of the journey a special needs mom is in, from the initial diagnosis to hospital stays to on-going medical/emotional support, it is important to remember that they need love and support. Carrie gives very practical ideas on how you can support a special needs mom through the stages of their child’s life.February 14, 2023; Ep. 115Key Moments:[1:36] Practical ways to support a special needs mom[2:31] Fear that people are going to get tired of your neediness[3:18]Initial diagnosis[4:28]Child-growth chaos[5:26] Hospital stays and...2023-02-1414 minTake HeartA Different Perspective On Perseverance with Amy, Carrie, & Sara.The messages we hear about perseverance can feel so cliche when in reality, it can be challenging to persist through hard times. On this episode of Take Heart, Sara, Carrie, and Amy discuss their stories and perspectives of perseverance with children with disabilities, how to find a balance to persevere longer and what they have learned about it along their motherhood journeys. This is an insightful and refreshing conversation about how to know when to persevere and when to put in helpful boundaries, among other practical and life-giving advice! Ep. 112; January 24, 2023Show Takeaways: [5:50] Consequences of...2023-01-2440 minTake HeartAvoiding Temporary Fixes by Carrie M. HoltDid you know that the desire for a good, calm life has been built into us by God? Sometimes that desire seems easier to reach when we cope with temporary pleasures. What do we do when we are tired, traumatized, and feel like we're done with life? Listen to this episode of Take Heart as Carrie speaks to the small ways we persevere with Jesus instead of trying to fill that need ourselves and what the big picture looks like with God in the center. January 10, 2023; Ep. 110Show Links:Resilient by John EldredgeDon’t Lose...2023-01-1012 minTake HeartWrestling With Hope by Carrie M. Holt (Replay)Sometimes hope requires us to wrestle with grief over the way things currently are and the desire of what we want them to be. Listen in today as Carrie shares her thoughts about wrestling with hope. December 13, 2022Key Topics/Timestamps:[2:09] Facing the unknowns [6:38] Four things to remember about hope[13:55] A reminder from Ann VoskampEpisode Links & ResourcesEpisode 18: Why Your Story Makes it Hard to Hope by Adam Young The Place We Find Ourselves (Choose episode 18)Scripture mentioned: Phil 4:5-7; Isaiah 26:3; James 4:2: I Thessalonians 5:17Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A F...2022-12-1315 minTake HeartMisconceptions About Rest with Amy, Carrie, & SaraToday’s collaborative episode dives into the topic of rest. It's no secret that special needs moms are tired, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually too. We often deny our limits or go full speed for so long that we don't even recognize our need to stop. We assume this hurried pace is normal. Amy, Carrie, and Sara address five common misconceptions about rest and some ways to combat the hurried pace.November 22, 2022; Ep. 108Resources Mentioned:Parker Palmer, Let Your Life SpeakShow Takeaways: [2:37] I’ll have time to rest later...2022-11-2237 minTake HeartHow to Find Lasting Rest with Carrie M. HoltThis month on the podcast, we are talking about rest. You may think, how can I ever experience rest as a special needs mom? It may seem impossible. The type of rest Carrie is talking about is where, as Sally Breedlove writes, “we are meant to flow from a solid garden core of spacious inner quiet.” This comes from a connection with Jesus and gives us the resilience we need when hard things come our way. It's something that she’s personally been working on lately. Listen in!November 8, 2022; Ep. 106Show Links:Benevolent Detachment Isaiah...2022-11-0812 minTake HeartLearning to Rest when you are Restless with Amy J. BrownThis month’s topic is rest. When we started discussing this as a theme, Amy told Sara and Carrie, that she didn't have much to say about the rest. After some thought and consideration, she realized this is an area of her life that she doesn’t practice very well. In this episode, Amy shares a few lessons she has learned and some areas of practice she is working on, as she practices better rest. Whether you feel weary or fully rested, this episode will help you to create a rhythm of rest that is tangible for you and your...2022-11-0110 minTake HeartInviting Him In: An Invitation to Intimacy with Kerrah FabacherWhat happens when we wrap our identity around things we can’t control? What could our relationship with God mean for our identity? On this episode of Take Heart, Amy J. Brown and Carrie M. Holt sat down with counselor, coach, writer, and host of the “Be Known” podcast, Kerrah Fabacher. They discuss their very real experiences with misplaced identity and Kerrah gives some invaluable tips about finding a safe friend to open up with. October 25, 2022; Ep. 104Show Links:Kerrah FabacherOne-Minute Pause AppShow Takeaways: [4:25] Learn about the key characteristics you should look for...2022-10-2534 minTake HeartThe Foundation of Our Identity: By Carrie M. HoltWho are we, really? What labels have we allowed to define us? What would it mean to trade these labels for something better? This month, we are talking about identity. In this episode, Carrie Holt shares about her own struggles with identity, especially as a mom and the very practical ways that she redirects comparison. Listen in to be encouraged in your own struggle with misplaced identity.October 11, 2022; Ep. #102Show Links:You Are Special by Max LucadoScriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 43:1; II Cor. 10:12Show Takeaways: [4:07] Listen in as Carrie shares about the labels that w...2022-10-1113 minTake HeartThe Story of Take Heart with Amy, Carrie, and SaraWelcome back to the third season of the Take Heart Podcast. It’s our 100th episode and we are celebrating! As we kick off this new season, we wanted to start by going back to the beginning of how Take Heart came to be, and share with you the reason we do this work, and the importance of our name Take Heart. In this episode all three of us our coming together to talk about how this podcast, Take Heart came to be. We thought it would be fun to take you back to the beginning of how...2022-09-2741 minTake HeartImportant Questions by Carrie M. Holt100th Episode Giveaway. Want to join? Text: takeheart to 66866 and follow the instructions.Welcome back to the third season of the Take Heart Podcast. As we kick off this new season, we wanted to start by going back to the beginning of how Take Heart came to be, and share with you the reason we do this work, and the importance of our name Take Heart. In this episode, Carrie walks us through the verse in Mark 10:49, and what it means to be of good courage or cheer. Sep 13, 2022; Ep. #98Sho...2022-09-1312 minTake HeartA Well-Nourished Soul by Sara, Amy, and Carrie Discouragement is a powerful tool the devil uses to block the light of hope from God. In today’s collaborative, Sara, Amy, and Carrie talk about how the devil uses this sneaky tool in our lives, how to recognize it, the pitfalls, and some ways to turn toward encouragement.May 24, 2022; Ep. 87Timestamps & Key Topics:0:00- Intro1:25- Spiritual Warfare7:42- Reoccuring Discouragement16:36- Addressing Discouragement25:57- Nourishing the Soul30:12- Encouraging Others32:05- Encouragement Challenge33:36- Poem & ClosingEpisode Links & Resources:Scripture mentioned: John 8:12, Romans 8:28Disarm Discouragement! By Worthy DevotionsDon’t Quit by Edgar A. Gues...2022-05-2435 min