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Marine biologist Rachel G. Jordan explores the intersection of faith and science through her experiences studying ocean life. Her book "If the Ocean has a Soul: A Marine Biologist's Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science" reveals profound spiritual insights discovered in underwater ecosystems while challenging readers to embrace both scientific curiosity and deep faith.

• Biodiversity in marine ecosystems demonstrates how differences strengthen communities rather than divide them.
• Faith and science both seek answers to "why" questions, driven by wonder and curiosity.
• Topics like evolution and climate change aren't salvation issues, but can become unnecessary barriers to faith.
• Rachel's research on sea anemones taught her gratitude for all living things and their capacity to praise God.
• Every creature, even seemingly annoying ones like mosquitoes, has a unique way of praising its Creator.
• The kingdom of God may include incredible biodiversity - past, present, and future creatures all praising together.

Join me at Heartlift Central on Substack, where we'll continue this conversation with Rachel G. Jordan about her beautiful book "If the Ocean has a Soul."

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Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

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What are you chasing? The elusive promise of fulfillment through success, recognition, relationships, or material possessions? Mikella Van Dyke is well acquainted with this pursuit. Growing up as the daughter of Bible translators in Thailand, she experienced firsthand the challenge of finding her identity amid cultural transitions before discovering that while she thought she was chasing God, He had actually been chasing her all along.

Mikella's perspective on Scripture and motherhood brings fresh inspiration to those feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. Drawing from Psalm 23:6, where she discovered that "follow" actually means "to chase," she reveals how God's goodness and mercy have been pursuing us with extravagant love. This revelation transformed her understanding of spiritual growth and her approach to raising five children, ages two to ten, while maintaining her ministry.

Order Mikella's book: Chasing Sacred

Find Mikella on Instagram: @chasingsacred and @mikellavandyke

Visit her website and learn more about her work: Mikella Van Dyke

Revisit Episode 330 and join the August Social Media Reset Challenge with Janell and Author, Allie Marie Smith.

Find Allie Marie on Instagram: @alliemariesmith

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

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A Summer Replay of One of Our Favorite Conversations here on the podcast: Episode 108. Dr. Alison Cook guides us and helps us understand:

1. What if the overwhelming thoughts and feelings you've been trying to suppress, ignore, or overcome could actually become your greatest allies? In this profound conversation with Dr. Allison Cook, PhD, we delve into a revolutionary approach to emotional health through the concept of internal boundaries.
   
   
2. Dr. Cook introduces us to the Internal Family Systems model, which recognizes the various "parts" within our souls. These managers keep us organized and productive, the firefighters who rush to numb our pain, and the exiles who carry our deepest hurts. Rather than viewing these parts as enemies to be conquered, she teaches us how to set compassionate boundaries with them and transform them into valuable allies.
   
   
3. At the heart of this conversation is a radical truth: you get a say in your own life. For many of us, especially women, we've been conditioned to trust others' voices over our own. Dr. Cook challenges this pattern by showing how spirit-led self-leadership empowers us to honor our God-given voice while maintaining healthy relationships. This isn't selfish—it's stewardship of the unique self God created you to be.
   
   
4. We dive deep into the practical "U-turn" process—Focus, Befriend, Invite God, Unburden, and Integrate—that helps us approach overwhelming emotions with curiosity rather than condemnation. Through stories, examples, and theological insights, Dr. Cook demonstrates how this approach differs from spiritual bypassing, offering instead a truly integrated path to healing that honors both psychology and faith.
   
   
5. Perhaps most beautifully, Dr. Cook introduces us to the concept of "baptized imagination"—engaging our creative right brain alongside our analytical left brain in our healing journey. Like Jesus teaching through parables, sometimes our most profound transformation comes through imagery and narrative rather than mere logic.
   
   Whether you've struggled with people-pleasing, anger, anxiety, or any overwhelming emotion, this conversation offers hope. There's a path to freedom that doesn't require silencing parts of yourself, but instead welcoming them home. Ready to rewrite your story and discover the allies waiting within your soul? Listen now, and take your first step toward inner boundaries that truly set you free.

Visit Dr. Alison Cook's website: Boundaries for Your Soul

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International