Confident Christian Women

Are you a caregiver for someone?  Do you ever get overwhelmed?  You will want to listen to this week's podcast.  My friend Suzette Katopodes was our special guest this week.    Suzette is a wife of 34 yrs., mom of four, sister, Grandma Suzie to six, and family caregiver. Looking back on her life, you might even say she is a serial caregiver, as she has cared for multiple family members over the years. She believes her purpose is to encourage and inform other family caregivers–past, present, and future. The truth is, if you haven’t been a caregiver yet, you will likely be one or need one someday. And she wants to make the caregiving life just a little bit easier for others. Her caregiving history ● Dad: She helped care for her dad through a series of illnesses–heart disease, cancer, and COPD. ● Mom: Mom, who is aging gracefully and with dignity, is 93. She suffered from a heart attack, bouts of congestive heart failure, and edema. All while caring for her sister, Michelle, who had down syndrome. (She is an inspiring example.) ● Michelle: While mom had a months-long stint of illness and repeat stays in rehab, her sister came to live with her and her husband. They had one son left at home, and they were both working full-time. When mom’s rehab was complete, they suggested Michelle stay with them. It wasn’t long after that they started noticing changes in Michelle, and after a bit of research, they learned that people with Down Syndrome would get Alzheimer’s Disease up to 50% more than people without Downs. Over the next few months, their suspicions were confirmed, her sister, sweet Michelle had Alzheimer’s Disease, which slowly took over her brain and their lives. They cared for Michelle for five years until God called her home in January 2023. You can connect with Suzette on Instasgram at Suzette | Family Caregiver (@myconcretedove) • Instagram photos and videos Check out her podcast here Caregiver Strong Podcast - My Concrete Dove Go to her blog here Home - My Concrete Dove Make sure we are connected too. Find me on Instagram MICHELE BOWMAN (@confidentchristianwomen) • Instagram photos and videos

There are times we start something that God has placed in our heart and something happens in life so we have to put that thing on hold. Then we don’t get back to it because we may doubt our abilities and if it’s important. I want to remind you that if God has placed something in your heart for you to do go do it. If you have started it, finish it. If you have not even started now is the time to do that. We are the body of Christ on earth. God is using each of us to share the gospel and encourage one another. Be sure and follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/confidentchristianwomen/

Have you ever struggled with your body image?  Have you placed your confidence or lack of confidence in how you perceive your body? Be sure and listen to this episode with my special guest Brittany Braswell. "I help faith-driven women who struggle with food and body image issues reduce their anxiety and disordered behaviors so that they can confidently restore their health and ditch food rules forever. Unlike other approaches that only focus on food-related behaviors, I help my clients replace negative beliefs with spiritual truth to discover their God-given identity without their eating disorder."   Brittany    _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Here's the links she mentioned on this episode if anyone wants to connect with her podcast or find some free resources: The Joy-Filled Eater Podcast page - www.brittanybraswellrd.com/podcast Food freedom resources - www.brittanybraswellrd.com/resources Listen to The Joy-Filled Eater Podcast Get a FREE copy of my eBook on Christ-centered food freedom! Follow me on Instagram @brittanybraswellrd Brittany is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) who has a passion for helping women of all ages discover their God-given worth and value.  She believes that a person’s identity cannot be based on his or her appearance or abilities, but can only be found in the Lord.  She is a non-diet dietitian who approaches nutrition and wellness from a holistic standpoint, focusing on four main areas of health, including: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. Her faith in the Lord and the freedom that she has experienced herself from spiritual bondage has given her the desire to serve those who struggle with disordered eating and negative self-image.  Brittany strives to make each of her clients know that their voice is being heard and that it matters.  She is passionate about serving her clients and helping them establish a healthy relationship with food and body in order to improve their quality of life and walk free and fearlessly in their purpose. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” --Gal. 5:1

There is one thing that is absolutely necessary for spiritual growth.  It's the Word of God.  Don't get mad at me for my "preaching" in this week's podcast.  Anything I ever say is because I love you and most likely something I have had to deal with myself. Did you notice the name of the podcast changed?  I would love to know what you think. Feel free to message me on Instagram at MICHELE BOWMAN (@confidentchristianwomen) • Instagram photos and videos

This week's special guest is Naomi Fata.  She is a wife, a mom and loves Jesus.  She lives in New York and runs a thriving sewing business while homeschooling her children.  Her story of what God did for her while she was working at a convenience store  is powerful!!!!  Never discount where God places you.  He can amazing things through us and for us no matter where we are. Here are the free resources Naomi mentioned https://www.naomifata.net/womanwhereisyourconfidence/ Be sure and connect with her on Instagram 🧵𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩🪡 (@naomifata) • Instagram photos and videos If you were encouraged by this episode please share with other women so they can be encouraged too.

It's so easy to get caught up in the things of this world and believe the lies.  We are told all the time we need to have this or look like that in order to be complete.  We are also told that we need another human to complete us.  I know that I believed these lies for many years.  Be sure and listen to this episode to see if you are complete.   Be sure and connect with me on Instagram MICHELE BOWMAN (@confidentchristianwomen) • Instagram photos and videos You can get my book of scripture affirmations here on Amazon https://a.co/d/eGTCiAR if you would rather see video be sure and subscribe to my Youtube channel (9) Confident Christian Women - YouTube

Knowing what the Word of God says about your identity in Christ is such an important part of your Christian walk. Learning biblical affirmations is a great way to expose lies from the enemy and walk in the confidence of Christ alone. You can get my book with 43 scripture affirmations here https://amzn.to/3XW97DB

Sometimes we can be tempted to act or talk a certain way just to gain fame, fortune, or popularity.   We have to stay on guard to always keep our good name over anything we might gain.  Make sure you are not compromising your faith in God to gain riches of this world.  Be sure and connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/confidentchristianwomen/

I know you may be nervous about stepping out and doing what God has called you to do. Maybe you have stepped out in the past and things did not got the way you thought they would. I pray that you will be encouraged by this episode to step out in 2023 and use the gifts that God has given you to share the message He has given you. https://www.confidentinchrist.org/ https://youtu.be/XDbUrmwVmOY

Jennifer Eikenhorst is a wife of more than 20 years to her highschool sweetheart, mom to 4 children, Instructional Coach for teachers, author of Left Turn, life unimagined and podcast host for Accidental Hope.  She is passionate about accident prevention, hope in healing from trauma and outreach. Be sure and listen to this episode to hear how Jenn was able to forgive herself only with God's help after causing a fatal accident.  She is helping others who have experienced trauma to see hope and healing is available for them in Christ no matter what has happened. Accidental Hope – seeking and sharing hope after accidental death Jenn Eikenhorst (@jenneikenhorst) • Instagram photos and videos MICHELE BOWMAN (@confidentchristianwomen) • Instagram photos and videos

Have you made any New Year's Resolution's for 2023?  Whether you have or haven't this episode will be one you want to hear.   It's good to take inventory of how we have grown and changed in the past year.  We need to make sure we are growing and changing in the right ways. Listen to hear the areas I am working on this year, what my word of the year is, and my FREE Gift to you! Join our church in reading the Old Testament together https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/13630 Check out my Youtube Channels  (25) Confident Christian Women - YouTube (11) Healthy and Fit After 50 - YouTube Let's connect on Instagram MICHELE BOWMAN (@confidentchristianwomen) • Instagram photos and videos Be sure and follow our health journey on Instagram Michele & Rick Bowman (@healthyandfitafterfifty) • Instagram photos and videos

Stephanie Light grew up in the entertainment industry of Southern California during the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s; as a child she was involved in dance, tumbling, martial arts, music….and was used as a child psychic.   Stephanie was elated when her family moved to Montana in the early 1990’s where life calmed down for a few years. After High School Stephanie embarked on a busy and anxiety filled life filled with education studying everything from forensic pathology and Latin, to finally settling on a literature degree.   Her main career focus was the dance, tumbling, martial arts, and performance industry, however dark forces had other plans for this unsaved woman by manipulating her bleeding unsaved heart. She found herself back in San Diego as a young adult and re-established her career as a professional choreographer and member of the entertainment industry, aka Hollywood.  Between choreographing for dope filled events and working freelance undercover her mind was warped. By 2000, however, she had moved back to Montana which was a saving grace. For the next twenty years Stephanie was pulled into many powerful circles and utilized once again as a psychic.   She went on to publish New Age books, including a spell book, and wrote (as well as taught) several workshops for high profile scientists in the Meta Physical Science world.   In 2017 the Lord brought her to her knees with severe health issues to the brink of dying.   By Thanksgiving Day of 2018 Stephanie was on her knees again begging for forgiveness from her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   This conviction has led her to create a YouTube page to share her journey and hopefully reach anyone caught up in the New Age, or has a loved one caught up in the New Age movement Be sure and subscribe to her YouTube Channel and follow her on Instagram @spiritualwhiplash

Can you believe it's almost Christmas?   I pray that this episode will help you as you celebrate our Savior.   I pray it will challenge and encourage you for the future and what God has for you to do. 

There are so many trendy Christmas traditions that end up bringing a lot of stress and no joy.    Let's get back to joy filled family traditions that won't break our bank account.   I hope these will help inspire you to slow down and enjoy family time.    Don't worry about keeping up with the newest holiday trend on social media if it stresses you out.   Do make memories that will make an impact for years to come.    www.confidentinchrist.com   www.instagram.com/confidentchristianwomen https://youtu.be/Hdu721A0G1A

Learning to find true peace in this world of chaos can be hard if you look in all the wrong places. I want to encourage you to find peace in Christ alone. Be sure to listen to this episode to be encouraged and share to encourage other women.

This time of year can get so busy and become a burden if we are not careful. Be sure and listen to be encouraged about your true mission during the month of December. We don’t have to have the so-called perfect celebrations and we don’t have to be a part of everything we are invited to for this month to be a success. It’s time to learn to rest and walk through December with peace and joy. www.confidentinchrist.org.

Let me tell you about Amanda.  She is a podcast host and author and a speaker.  She's a storyteller and an encourager.  She loves to create and everywhere she goes she carries with her the goodness of looking through a lens of gratitude. Amanda shares that gratitude with others through the talents that she's been given.  She believes that following your purpose will not only be the most exciting and wonderful way to live your life, but that it will also be the way you can change the world.  Amanda believes that her purpose is to make the world a better place by changing her perspective and sharing the goodness she sees that is all around us, even in the midst of difficulty. It's more than looking at the bright side. It's seeing the good that's always been there one intentional moment at a time. A Cup of Gratitude✨ (@acupof_gratitude) • Instagram photos and videos A Cup of Gratitude on Apple Podcasts (3) A Cup of Gratitude - YouTube

We can't be truly grateful and grumble at the same time.  The next couple of months seem to be a stressful and busy time for everyone.  Be sure and listen to this episode where I share my number one way to keep the stress away.    https://www.confidentinchrist.org

Karen Sebastian-Wirth – AKA The Hope Lady - is a serial entrepreneur, dynamic speaker,  published author, podcaster and longevity coach who transparently shares the hope she has  found in the darkest times of her life. When her late husband needed full-time care, she and her children created priceless memories  honoring caregivers before he moved to Heaven.  Then, as a widow, she took brave steps forward to continue to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has remarried and is now working alongside her husband, Dr. Wirth, in establishing a thriving wellness practice called STANCE Chiropractic. They co-host a longevity boosting podcast called Stance for Health. She launched a podcast called Hope is Powerful in February 2022.  You will feel energized and uplifted as you hear her story and the story of her guests who share from the darkest places of their life’s journey. These hope messages encourage and shift your perspective uplifting you to  the point where you can begin to see the challenges of your life through a hope lens and go from  rock bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.  Social Media: Website: www.karensebastian.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/hopeispowerful Instagram:  www.instagram.com/the.hope.lady Podcast: Apple: https://bit.ly/Hope-is-powerful-podcast  Spotify: https://bit.ly/SpotHopeisPowerfu

I am sharing how I came to know Christ in this episode. I hope it encourages you to keep sharing your own testimony for God’s glory. Be sure and subscribe to my YouTube channel “Confident Christian Women” https://youtube.com/channel/UC-oF-8bxoE6thLPFoZClHrA

Betsy, her husband Taylor, and their four kids are gatherers. Their favorite place to gather is around the table, and they have seen their sweetest relationships cultivated there. She is a writer and has a website Gathering Around   She is a teacher/speaker who has taught for decades at churches, retreats, schools, and at home. She co-hosts a podcast called "Not all Heroes Wear Capes"- a mom podcast. She is a lover of God, and her greatest privilege is sharing the heart of our good Dad. Be sure and listen to this episode to hear Betsy's best tips for making gathering with others simple and meaningful. You can connect with her here  https://www.gatheringaround.com https://www.instagram.com/betsypendergrass/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041575101919 https://anchor.fm/notallheroeswearcapes

Why do you go to church?  Why should we go?  Is it to get a check mark or a gold star for perfect attendance?  Is it so we can be fed a good sermon?  Be sure and listen to this episode to hear a very good reason why we should gather with other Christians on a regular basis.  Be sure to connect with me by subscribing to weekly emails for the latest podcast and scripture affirmations at Christian Blogger | Christian Podcast (confidentinchrist.org) You can also follow me on Instagram at MICHELE BOWMAN (@michele_bowman07) • Instagram photos and videos

"Each woman has a journey; ultimately our goal is to reach at least one for Christ and all of heaven will rejoice (Luke 15:10). Something we then need to do is teach her the ways of the Lord.  Each one, reach one, teach one."- Ma'Nika Bishop This episode is a real and truthful look at how there are wolves in sheep's clothing still on the prowl. Be sure and tune in and hear how Ma'Nika Bishop was involved in Word of Faith and what happened when she realized her beliefs were not biblical. She had so many doubts and questions. "Did God still love her?" and so many more questions ran through her mind. Be sure and connect with her on Instagram at Ma’Nika Bishop (@livinginamansworld.blog) • Instagram photos and video Connect with me: (3) Confident Christian Women - YouTube Christian Blogger | Christian Podcast (confidentinchrist.org) MICHELE BOWMAN (@michele_bowman07) • Instagram photos and videos

We all have heard we are what we eat.  But this does not just pertain to physical food.  It also matters in the spiritual food you take in.  Be sure and listen to this episode as I share some hard truths that we may not want to hear, but I promise it is good for you.  Click here to subscribe to weekly emails Christian Blogger | Christian Podcast (confidentinchrist.org) Be sure and connect with me on Instagram at MICHELE BOWMAN (@michele_bowman07) • Instagram photos and videos You can also connect with me on my Youtube Channels (3) Confident Christian Women - YouTube (1) Less Stuff More Life- Whole Plant Based Eating - YouTube  

This podcast episode is an interview with Ruthie Gray from https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/ As women of God we have to be careful how we present our message online.  What happens we have a big life change?  Does our calling from God end?   Be sure and watch to find out how Ruthie Gray maneuvered from being a mom of four to an emptynester that is helping other Christian women get their message out.   You can also connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authenticon...

Have you ever started something you were passionate about and then life happened?  You know God has given you this thing to do and you feel bad because you have not finished it.  Stop.  You need to be patient with yourself and where you are.  Listen to this episode to hear about a project I started a year ago and where I am and where I thought I would be.  Also hear about our opportunity to exercise patience, perseverance, and gratitude recently.  Christian Blogger | Christian Podcast (confidentinchrist.org) MICHELE BOWMAN (@michele_bowman07) • Instagram photos and videos Confident Christian Women - YouTube

You may be in a new season that seems unfamiliar, and you don't like it.  Maybe you aren't sure how to navigate this new season in your life.  Be sure and listen to this episode as I talk about your true identity as a woman of God and what you should be doing in this new season. Be sure and connect on my website at Christian Blogger | Christian Podcast (confidentinchrist.org)   New Feature: You can also watch the podcast on Youtube at (6) Confident Christian Women - YouTube Follow me on Instagram MICHELE BOWMAN (@michele_bowman07) • Instagram photos and videos

Learning from others is a part of our Christian walk. Have you ever realized something you have believed was not in the Bible? In today’s episode we find out the best way to do just that. https://www.confidentinchrist.org/podcast Be sure and connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michele_bowman07/

Welcome back!!!  We had to make some big changes this summer and I am sharing them with you.  I want to encourage you to change your way of thinking when it comes to your "old habits".  Maybe you put too much confidence in them because they are comfortable to you.  It does not matter what age you are, you can change your habits. To learn more about our "beginner" journey with our new habits be sure and subscribe to our Youtube Channel Our Beginner Journey with Whole Plant Based Eating - YouTube You can also connect with me at MICHELE BOWMAN (@michele_bowman07) • Instagram photos and videos Follow the Food blog at Blog | Christian Podcast (confidentinchrist.org)

Important update for what’s been going on and what is happening in the future.

The root of Insecurity is pride Doubting God and all He has called you to be is a form of pride. Are you fulfilling everything God has called you to do? What if you believed God and lived your life in a way that you did not hold back because of your insecurity and pride?

“STICKS & STONES will break my bones, but Words will never hurt me.” Calling that saying garbage! “Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.” Has anyone ever said something about your body that was critical? Maybe they thought they were only joking or just having “fun” with you right? Let’s make sure we let everyone know it’s not fun and can do a lot of damage for years. I can still remember negative things people said about my body from 40 years ago as a teenager. Crazy huh? Be sure and listen to this episode to start speaking the right things and let go of lies. www.confidentinchrist.org

If you have ever hid behind other people in photos, this is for you. If you have ever used a filter to erase all your cellulite, this is for you. If you have ever posed a certain way to look thinner or bigger, this is for you. I have an activity I want to encourage you to do. Remember, I will never ask you to do something I have not done. This is something just for you. If you want to share with me that you did it, let me know in a private message on Facebook, Instgram, or contact me at www.confidentinchrist.org Look at your social media pictures, the pics on your phone, and even old photo albums. Now do you see any that you tried to hide behind other people in the photo? Do you see photos where you tried to hide behind someone? Do you see photos you cropped because you were embarrassed about your body image? Maybe you see where you have been changing your mind about these things. Be sure and listen to the full episode. You can get full show notes https://www.confidentinchrist.org/podcast

No regrets! If you are on a journey to change your worldly thinking to biblical thinking about where True confidence comes from, it’s okay to look back and see how far you have come. But don’t live with regrets. Let your experience and testimony be a ripple that makes a difference in other women’s lives. You can also connect with me at www.confidentinchrist.org

As far back as the early Greeks and Romans body image was a big deal. If you had a healthy body Greeks believed you had a healthy mind also. Be sure and listen to this week’s episode to hear what truly matters when it comes to serving others and what is the right thinking about our body image. For full show notes go to https://www.confidentinchrist.org/blog

Food was never meant to be a distraction or an obsession. But here we are living in a society that calls real food that God created “good” and “bad”. Many of us have been taught to look at certain fruits, vegetables, and meat in a negative way. We are taught that so many non perishable items are bad for us too. Be sure and listen to this episode to get my 4 tips for living with a healthy relationship with food. Make sure we are connected at www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07 Also you can check out our Christian apparel at www.bowmanlife.net

Since this week is Holy Week I thought we should talk about forgiveness when it comes to our body image and all the things other people have spoken to us or about us. For more daily encouragement be sure and head on over to Instagram and connect with me at www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07

Our bodies were never meant to determine our worth, hinder our purpose, or to become an unhealthy obsession. We have to be intentional but we can change our thoughts and wrong beliefs that we have been taught about our bodies. We need to recognize a lie from the enemy and recognize our identity is in Christ and not measured by the scales of this world. Be sure and listen to hear some of my crazy wrong beliefs about eating and exercise and things I did. Maybe you have done them too. Be sure and connect with me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07 for daily encouragement

Today I am going to expose a lie many of us have been taught about eating and exercise. Have you ever been on a diet? Have you ever tried to lose weight or gain weight to wear a certain size clothing? Did someone teach you that you should reward yourself with a new outfit when you get to a milestone in your health journey? Be sure and listen to this episode to hear my confession of wrong thinking and craziness of 35 years. Get my 3 tips for not putting your life on hold and enjoying every moment that God gives you with Confidence in Christ Alone. Are we connected on Instagram yet? Be sure and connect with me there to get daily encouragement for walking in the Confidence of Christ www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07

Short, tall, fat, skinny, flat but, big but, flat chest, big breasts, thunder thighs, chicken legs, chubby big girl, stick- Have you ever heard these in a negative way? Now I want to ask if you have ever said these things to yourself? Have you looked in the mirror and had negative thoughts about your body? Be sure and connect with me at www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07 and https://youtube.com/channel/UC-oF-8bxoE6thLPFoZClHrA

This week’s episode is the conclusion to last week’s where I shared that I found the so called “fountain of youth” on the internet. Listen to find out how sarcastic I am being when I say that. To connect on line you can find me on www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07

Warning! Social Media can steal your joy and Identity in Christ. Who remembers MySpace? That was my first social media experience. It was alright. But then Facebook came along. It looked like a fun way to stay connected with friends and family in other places. It also seemed like a great way to share Jesus and be a light. Jesus told us we are light in this dark world. Be sure and listen to some of my personal confessions and see if you have ever done any of these same things on social media.

We are not called to be heroes. Pointing people to Christ is the calling of every believer. We should have a desire to see people transformed by the power of God. If you have experienced salvation through Jesus Christ, then you are probably nodding your head yes. Listen to find out ways we can have a false confidence even when we are helping others to hear the gospel. For full show notes go to https://www.bowmanlife.net/blog

Whether you are a believer in Christ or not it is inevitable that you will have a life filled with ups and downs.   Jesus warned His disciples they would have troubles in this world.   In John 16:33 Jesus said, " These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."   My husband Rick and I just recently went through a trial that was one of those "even if" moments that is now another testimony of God's love and care for us.   We can be confident that God truly does know the ultimate best for us.   I will be honest there were days that I had my mindset right and I felt like a princess warrior heading to battle slaying every negative thought with The Word of God.  There were also days that I let all the "what if" scenarios run through my head.  I didn't like those days at all. I would love to hear of a time when you had to exercise "Even If" Faith.  Be sure and connect with me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/confidentchristianwomen and send me a message to share with me.  Full Show notes can be found at Podcast | Confidence in Christ (bowmanlife.net)

This week’s episode is my interview with podcaster Jan L Burt with “The Burt (Not Ernie) Show”. Her focus is getting the promises of God into the people of God. Her aim is to help people, primarily women, stop living life someone other than God never intended them to be, but to live as who they truly are according to God's word and His promises. Connect with her at www.JanLburt.com She has a monthly giveaway and shares some other encouragement via emails. You can connect with her on instagram @JanLBurt

Have you ever held back from shining bright as the woman God has called you to be? I will confess. I am guilty. Now don't get me wrong I have never denied Jesus in front of others. But I have held back being who I am in Christ because of others. You will meet people that will think you think your better than them because you are a believer in Christ. They won't even take time to get to know you before they make a decision they don't like you. Some people won't like you no matter how nice you are to them. Some people want nothing to do with Jesus Christ. Here's the truth. They need Him even if they don't know it. You know what He has done for you right? I want you to think about how He has changed your life. I know you want that for everyone you meet. You may be tempted to dim your the light when you are around certain people. It may even happen when you are around other believers who are struggling. Be sure and listen to today’s episode for my 4 best tips for shining bright and not allowing others to sun your light. To read full show notes go to https://www.bowmanlife.net/blog

My grandma used to say “No news is good news.” It makes me smile when I think of her saying that. She actually had a good point. The past few years have been different than anything I could ever of thought up in my mind. It’s like watching a “B” movie accept it actually happened. There are so many ways we can get the news of what’s going on in our local area, the country we live in, and the world. We can turn on several 24 hour news channels. We can have it sent to our email. We can have an app on our phone. We can scroll social media and one of our friends will probably share what’s going on. Some people still get a newspaper for their news updates. But with so many conflicting reports it can all be overwhelming and cause division with knowing what is really going on. We don’t know who to believe. Be sure and listen to “Good News”. Or to read full show notes go here https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/no-news-is-good-news-or-is-it

Today's special guest is Coach Alicia Byers host of the “The Well-Rested Entrepreneur” podcast. Alicia is a wife and a mom of two and you can usually catch her dancing and encouraging other women on instagram. She helps women learn how to not fall in the trap of “hustle” mode while doing what they are passionate about. She is a huge advocate of not getting a false confidence from our accomplishments. Have you ever felt less than because you weren’t working on something spectacular at 90 miles and hour? If you said yes, be sure and listen to my conversation with Alicia. You can connect with her on IG @coachaliciabyers Feel free to email her at alicia@proadvisorcoach.com Be sure and follow her podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-well-rested-entrepreneur/id1590418688

But I am not Qualified! I am not a good speaker. I don't know the right things to say. What if I make a mistake? What if someone laughs at me? Have you ever said any of these statements out loud? Have you ever had any of these thoughts? To be honest I have had these thoughts many times since becoming a follower of Christ. It's normal to think and feel this way every time you feel God leading you to do something new. Most of the time we think we have to do it in our own power. We forget that God uses those who are willing vessels for Him to speak through. He is more concerned with our availability than He is OUR ability. The bible is filled with average men and women just like you and I that God used for His message and work to be done on earth. Be sure we are connected on Instagram. You can find me at www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07 For the full show notes go to https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/but-god-i-m-not-qualified

When you feast on validation from others, you can’t let the confidence of Christ shine through you. Is your confidence found in what others say and think about you or is it found in Christ? Listen to this episode and answer some hard questions to find out. Make sure we are connected on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/michele_bowman07 or at my website www.bowmanlife.net

Arrica Hess is a follower of Jesus, church planting wife, and homeschooling mom of four. She and her husband Matt have been married for 18 years. They are childhood sweethearts and they have been living in Canada for the past nine years planting churches on the east side of Toronto. Her passion is discipling women, especially other moms. She writes at https://achildshallleadthemblog.com and prays she can help other Mamas find joy in their motherhood, while serving their Savior. When she isn't busy with her family, church, or writing she enjoys reading, gardening, and cooking. “A lot of my confidence came from familiar. You know you go to the grocery store and you see the same things on the shelves and you buy what you need and you're used to the price. You have family around and most people grow up in the same culture. I'm from the south so most people think the same way as it tends to be more of a conservative area. The move into Canada was a bit of a culture shock for me, especially Toronto since I grew up in the country on a farm. I remember the first time I went to the grocery store I came home with one thing and I was bawling. My husband went to the grocery store for the first two months we were here. I think for me it was just really a lot of my confidence had been based in familiar and me knowing things. I was relying too much on self. I learned I had to completely trust God.” Arrica. Be sure and listen to find out how Arrica put her confidence in Christ what God has done through her. You can connect with Arrica on Instagram at https://instagram.com/a_child_shall_lead_them_blog This is the website for making disciples that Arrica mentioned https://disciplemakingstages.com/

Most of us have been taught from an early age the story of Cinderella and how everything would change back at midnight. You don’t need a fairy godmother sis. The so called “wonderful life” Cinderella was experiencing all disappeared at midnight. This was a temporary fix for Cinderella. We know the rest of the story how the prince searches for the woman that fit the glass slipper left behind at the ball. This is your New Year reminder that you don’t need another human to come in and change everything about you so you can look perfect. Full Show notes here https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/sis-you-re-not-cinderella-and-that-s-good-news

Vanessa Luu is a wife, mother, and faith-based writer with a fire burning in her soul to reach the world for Jesus. She was born and raised in sunny California and says that God has used her struggles to help shape who she is today. Her writing began when God taught her that being perfect was not the goal. Instead, it’s about submission, authenticity, and intimacy with God. She currently speaks on the You Don’t Have to Be Perfect podcast and has just released her 3rd book, The Relevant Old Testament. Besides her books, she writes on her blog and social media spaces. You can connect with her on Instagram here @bodysoulandmindwrites 

Are you living a FOMO life or a JOMO life? If you are not familiar with these expressions, I will give an explanation. FOMO is an acronym for fear of missing out. JOMO is the opposite and stands for JOY of missing out. I want you to think about a decision you have made because of FOMO. You might be saying you can’t think of any. Let me refresh your memory. “For a limited time” “Special One day sale” “But wait there’s more” “If you want “fill in the blank” you need to buy this “fill in the blank”. For the full show notes go here https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/are-you-living-a-fomo-or-a-jomo-life

Today's guest is Melissa Robinson, and I am so excited for her to share her story of how she went from false confidence to true confidence in Christ, Melissa is a military spouse of 21 years, mom of two boys, and a homemaker. Can you share a time when you did not walk in godly confidence and how it affected your life? Melissa: I can do that. My whole life really. I wouldn't say I was someone with much confidence at all, let alone godly confidence. I didn't come to truly know the Lord until my late 20s. It wasn't until my mid to late 30s that I found my confidence in the Lord, so I was always an insecure person. I measured myself to the world and the world's impression of me was a gauge in which I found a false identity. My identity was rooted in my appearance. As I grew up I had aspired to be a model because I was always told I was pretty. I don't remember any other aspects of my life which I was encouraged to be anything besides and attractive girl. When that's your only aspiration in the world it's never enough. It was never fulfilling so I was always pursuing more ways to find fulfillment and using my appearance in order to gain the acceptance that I was lacking. In more recent years there was this one day I had a lightbulb moment, like “Melissa when your beauty fades what are you left with?” For the Full Show Notes go here "When Beauty Fades, What Are You Left With? (bowmanlife.net) To connect with Melissa on Instagram click here www.instagram.com/myhillsandvalleys Be sure and check out her blog www.myhillsandvalleys.com 

Debt Forgiveness is real y’all. No I am not talking about student loans today. Have you ever down something you regret and the only person that didn’t forgive you was yourself? I know I have. I used to allow the devil to remind me of things I had done in my past even though I knew I was forgiven because of the blood of Jesus. As a child of God, when you know who you are in Christ, you know your debt is cancelled and completely erased. For full show notes go to https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/debt-forgiveness-is-a-real-thing Let’s connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/michele_bowman07 Get Scripture Affirmations here https://amzn.to/3rqZ0cC

Iris and I met online in 2014 and connected as sisters in Christ right away. Iris is a wife to her high school sweetheart Mike. They have two children and Iris home schools along with their furry friend named Mocha who never leaves her side. As a health coach Iris is passionate about helping women feel great again. When Iris first started coaching there was an unexpected plot twist that changed everything. Welcome iris and thank you for showing up to share your story. Michele: Can you share with us that challenge, you went through the past few years, and how it affected your confidence? Iris: I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and that's the diagnosis none of us want to receive. It comes with a lot of uncertainty. I'm not going to lie that definitely affected my confidence, knowing what I was about to go through. As most of you know chemotherapy causes you to lose your hair. Also, along with all the steroids, there was weight gain, and a mastectomy looming in my future along with medically induced menopause. That all affected my confidence, how I looked at myself, and how I thought I was going to see myself in the mirror forever. Michele: I can’t imagine what that would be like going through that and just all the uncertainty.  The hard part is just wondering about the what if’s. For full show notes go here Be Anxious for Nothing (bowmanlife.net) You can connect with Iris Harvey on Instagram here www.instagram.com/irisharvey37 Let’s connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/michele_bowman07 Get Scripture Affirmations here https://amzn.to/3rqZ0cC

She is my bestest bestie of all time. If you know me, you know who she is if you've been around me long enough hanging out with me online you've seen us, but if not I'm going to introduce you to her. We have been friends for over 40 years. The cool part about our friendship is we have lived away from each other, which is the majority of our lives. We met in High school and became friends. We were friends for a year and a half. After high school we both moved away, one of us moved to Wisconsin the other one to California and God brought us back together about a year and a half later. We wrote letters to each other. The amazing and awesome part was that we both were serving Jesus, at the same time. That was what was really cool because we weren’t serving Him in high school. We won't go there, but praise God there was no social media back then. Throughout the years we were able to stay in touch, even though we've always lived apart in different states. We talk on the phone, text, Facebook message, and all those kinds of things. I really want to encourage you to build relationships with your best friend or with somebody that is like a sister to you. It can be done. We share our secrets, the sad things, and the happy things. You know the things we need people to pray for that maybe we don't want everyone on Facebook to know about. We text each other or call and say, please pray for my child, grandchild, or whatever it is that we're dealing with in our lives. My friend Ann Rakestraw is a wife, mom, and Gigi. But Ann is also a mighty woman of God. That is why I had her come on the show. Not just because she's my bestie, but because she has been faithful through so many times in her life where things were just turned upside down. She's going to share with us when she didn't have godly confidence and how it affected her. Full show notes here Sisters for Life (bowmanlife.net) Let’s connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/michele_bowman07 Get Scripture Affirmations here https://amzn.to/3rqZ0cC

Who loves the idea of the perfect Hallmark town? I love the idea of the small town where everyone knows everyone and the meeting place is the diner with lots of coffee flowing. Where are my coffee lovers? Now let’s ramp it up with some Christmas Spirit. Cue the beautiful twinkling lights hung perfectly on every shop. There is magnificent garland and red bowed wreaths with a warm welcome at every door. Next we see the horse drawn carriage that looks like Cinderella’s coach all lit up and filled with riders who are laughing and don’t seem to have a care in the world. On the outside this town looks ”perfect”. There are towns that look like this in America. Hint: There are no perfect towns or people ”The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living” is Mary’s offering to help you begin to prepare your heart and soul this season and all year round. I highly recommend Mary’s book. You can find it on Amazon here https://amzn.to/3xwH6Gh You can also connect with Mary Geisen on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marygeisen Full Show Notes here https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/hallmark-town-vs-heaven-bound Let’s connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/michele_bowman07 Get Scripture Affirmations here https://amzn.to/3rqZ0cC

Hi and welcome to the ”Woman, Where Is Your Confidence?” podcast. My name is Michele Bowman, your host and woman of God exposing lies women believe and empowering you with God’s Truth. On this first episode I want to introduce myself and explain why I am so passionate about this message. I am a wife to Rick. We have five grown children and ten grandchildren. But most importantly I am a child of God. What does that mean? It means I have accepted salvation through what Jesus did on the cross for my sins. I am now in the family of God. As women we are bombarded our whole lives with lies from people we never meet. Yet we believe these lies. We see the world‘s standard of beauty, success, and acceptance and are told this is how we should look, live, and act. At fifty-five years old I have believed many of those lies throughout the years. We don’t have to get a false confidence from the opinions of others. We can find freedom and walk in godly confidence. Full show notes https://www.bowmanlife.net/post/it-s-okay-if-you-are-not-accepted-by-everyone Let’s connect on Instagram at Instagram.com/michele_bowman07 Scripture Affirmations https://amzn.to/3xFrqAQ