How To Fix Your Thoughts | Using Cognitive Restructuring

In this week's empowering episode of the Prescription for Purpose podcast, Dr. Sharla dives into the crucial role of vulnerability among those we often perceive as the strongest among us—the caretakers, the go-getters, and the seemingly unshakeable leaders in our lives. Exploring themes of emotional resilience, the necessity of reaching out for help, and the importance of mental health awareness, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who often finds themselves being the "strong friend" in their circle.Key Points Discussed:Understanding the ‘Strong Friend’ Phenomenon: Dr. Sharla unpacks why the people who are usually seen as pillars of strength are often the ones who struggle in silence. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs when someone who is always strong for others might need a shoulder to lean on themselves.The Power of Vulnerability: The discussion shifts to how opening up about one’s vulnerabilities is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards building genuine connections and fostering a supportive community.Practical Steps to Wellness: Dr. Sharla offers actionable advice on how strong individuals can seek help and manage their mental health effectively, including tips on setting boundaries, the importance of self-care, and how to communicate needs to others.Encouragement for Listeners: In a heartfelt message, Dr. Sharla encourages listeners to re-evaluate their own roles within their friendships and communities, urging them to extend the same compassion to themselves as they do to others.Listen To The Rx For Purpose Worship Playlist: Rx For Purpose Spotify PlaylistTake Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dr. Sharla explores the vital topic of how to clearly hear from God, a journey crucial for deepening our spiritual connections and living out God's plan for our lives. Reflecting on her own experiences and biblical teachings, she discusses the necessary steps to align our hearing with God's word, ensuring that we are not misled by our own desires or misunderstandings.Episode Highlights:Consistency with God’s Word: Dr. Sharla emphasizes that God’s voice will always align with Scripture. She explains how to differentiate God’s guidance from other voices that may lead us astray.Understanding God’s Ways: Reflecting on Isaiah 55:8-9, Dr. Sharla reminds us that God's thoughts and ways are vastly superior to ours, often conflicting with our personal logic and feelings.Practical Engagement with Scripture: Learn the importance of actively studying the Bible to understand God’s perspectives on various aspects of life, such as finances and personal conduct.The Challenge of Obedience: Dr. Sharla shares personal anecdotes, including her own health challenges, to illustrate how obeying God’s seemingly simple commands—like resting or hydrating—can lead to profound spiritual and physical benefits.Overcoming Personal Bias and Emotion: Explore how to navigate the conflict between God's directives and our emotional responses, ensuring that faith guides our decisions rather than fleeting feelings.Join Dr. Sharla as she provides actionable insights and heartfelt encouragement for tuning into God's voice amidst the noise of everyday life. This episode is designed to empower you to seek and recognize divine guidance, fostering a life that is truly aligned with God’s will.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Dr. Sharla explores the essential topic of how to hear from God, offering insight into the challenges and rewards of building a sound relationship with Him. She discusses the real-life implications of approaching God with genuine intent and the necessity of aligning your expectations with His guidance.Episode Highlights: Understanding God’s Communication: Dr. Sharla talks about the common misconceptions and barriers that prevent us from hearing God clearly, emphasizing the importance of coming to God with a heart ready to listen and obey.Insights from Scripture: Reflecting on biblical stories, such as those found in Jeremiah 42 and 43, Dr. Sharla highlights the dangers of insincere requests and the profound impact of true obedience to God’s commands.Practical Steps for Engagement: Learn practical ways to improve your spiritual listening skills, including how to prepare your mind to receive God’s word and how to distinguish His voice from others.The Role of Prayer and Scripture in Communication: Dr. Sharla breaks down how prayer should be a genuine exchange of our will for God's will, supported by active engagement with Scripture to confirm and understand God’s messages.Navigating Challenges in Hearing from God: Address the struggles many face with preconceived notions and learn how to approach God with openness and readiness to accept His will, even when it’s challenging.Dr. Sharla aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to enhance your communication with God, ensuring you can discern His voice and follow His guidance with confidence. Join her as she offers straightforward, actionable advice to deepen your relationship with God through attentive listening and faithful obedience.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this transformative episode, we delve into the art of mastering mental readiness through the lens of scripture, guided by the profound insights of 1 Peter 1:13. This discussion unveils how to sharpen our minds and eliminate distractions by aligning our thoughts with God’s ways. By exploring what it truly means to be prepared—ensuring our minds are disciplined and free from unproductive thoughts—we equip ourselves for spiritual and mental challenges.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the key elements needed to achieve mental readiness:Posture of Faithfulness: Discover how steadfast faith and commitment to God’s revelations help maintain clarity and focus in our thoughts, preventing wavering in difficult times.Principles of The Word: Learn how Scripture acts as our spiritual sword, empowering us to navigate daily battles and reinforce our minds with divine truth.Prayer as a Protective Shield: Emphasize the role of prayer in safeguarding our minds, keeping us undivided and poised in the face of adversity.Pruning Personal Opinions: Discuss the importance of continually refining our thought processes to ensure they align with divine wisdom, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of human speculations.This episode encourages listeners to adopt a disciplined approach to mental readiness, utilizing the tools provided by faith to enhance spiritual and mental resilience. Engage with these divine strategies to prepare your mind for action, fostering a spirit of self-control and readiness for God’s call. Join us as we explore how to master mental readiness God’s way, equipping ourselves for every good work He has planned for us.Take Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Rx For Purpose podcast, we dive deep into overcoming overthinking by learning how to "fix your thoughts." Discover the powerful technique of cognitive restructuring, a core aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and see how it aligns with biblical teachings to manage negative thoughts effectively. We'll break down the six steps of cognitive restructuring and compare them with scripture-based strategies, guiding you to focus on God's truth and cultivate a mind like Christ. Join us to explore how to align your thoughts with Philippians 4:8, promoting mental and spiritual well-being through intentional reflection on God's Word.Take Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Prescription for Purpose podcast, we explore strategies from 2 Corinthians 10:5 to combat overthinking and align our thoughts with Christ's teachings. Dr. Sharla highlights cognitive restructuring as a tool to challenge maladaptive thoughts and reshape behavior patterns. By dismantling speculations and lofty thoughts that deviate from God's word, we can overcome overthinking and align our thoughts with God's truth. A personal testimony underscores the power of taking thoughts captive and relying on scripture to combat uncertainty and doubt. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their thought patterns, anchor them in scripture, and engage in brain retraining through tools like the Prescription for Purpose app and contextual scripture study. Need to catch up on last week’s homework? Download The Capture Your Thoughts WorksheetTake Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Download The Capture Your Thoughts WorksheetIn this episode, we delve into the topic of overcoming overthinking, a common struggle many people face. Dr. Sharla sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of mental health and how the mind can become entangled in loops of repetitive and distressing thoughts. She highlight the distinction between healthy concern and debilitating overthinking, emphasizing that our capacity to think is a gift from God.The focus shifts to how the enemy can manipulate information about overthinking to create comparison and self-condemnation. Dr. Sharla stresses that God wants to bring deliverance to our minds, guiding us to steward our thinking capacity well. She encourages seeking therapy as a practical tool, complemented by spiritual guidance from scripture and prayer for holistic healing.The concept of retraining the brain through neuroplasticity is introduced, highlighting the brain's adaptability to form new connections based on learning and experiences. Dr. Sharla emphasizes the power of thoughts in shaping brain structure and behavior, aligning with the biblical notion of renewing the mind. She asserts that God has given us authority over our minds and admonishes listeners to take control of their thought patterns.Practical strategies are outlined for preparing the mind for retraining, including lifelong learning, physical exercise, nutrition, adequate sleep, stress reduction, social interaction, and adopting a growth mindset. The importance of understanding the source of thoughts is emphasized, distinguishing between one's own voice, the voice of the enemy, and the voice of God. References to biblical passages illustrate the spiritual warfare surrounding thoughts and the need to discern and challenge negative thought patterns.Listeners are given a homework assignment to capture, evaluate, and challenge their thoughts, understanding the causes, conditions, and consequences of each thought. Dr. Sharla provides guidance on interrogating thoughts and offers a free worksheet resource for assistance. By incorporating scripture, self-reflection, and practical exercises, the episode aims to equip individuals with tools to overcome overthinking, find peace, and gain clarity in their mental processes.Take Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to the Prescription for Purpose podcast, where Dr. Sharla Walker explores the vital intersection of mental health and spiritual well-being. In this special episode, timed with Mental Health Month, she dives deep into the theme of overcoming overthinking.Dr. Sharla Walker shares her personal journey into the field of psychology, highlighting the transformative power of reflection and its role in mental health. Through candid insights and biblical wisdom, she unpacks the dangers of overthinking, a pervasive challenge that impacts our spiritual, mental, and physical health.Defined as a repetitive entanglement of the mind in past events, future worries, and decision-making processes, overthinking leads to rumination and anxiety. Drawing on biblical references, she illuminates three key ways in which overthinking hinders us: it affects our obedience to God's instructions, distorts our perspective on life, and stifles our ability to embrace growth opportunities.Listeners are invited to engage with thought-provoking reflection questions, prompting introspection on trust in God, handling of past mistakes, management of future worries, alignment of prayer life, questioning of divine plans, and steps of faith hindered by over analyzing.The episode concludes with a compelling call to action, urging listeners to pursue repentance, seek guidance from Scripture, and embrace a mindset of trust in God's sovereignty. Offering a beacon of hope, the upcoming episode promises biblical insights on overcoming overthinking, empowering listeners on their journey toward mental and spiritual transformation.Tune in and discover the keys to breaking free from the chains of overthinking, as we journey together towards greater peace, clarity, and faith.HOMEWORK:1. Am I trusting God fully, or am I relying on my own understanding? 2. How often do I stew over past mistakes instead of seeking forgiveness and moving forward? 3. Do my worries about the future prevent me from living out my faith in the present? 4. Is my prayer life more about my anxieties than Your will? 5. Do I question God’s plan for me because of overanalyzing every detail? 6. Am I avoiding steps of faith because I'm overthinking the risks or challenges involved?Take Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this transformative episode, we delve deeper into "Wisdom For Workplace Warfare," drawing from the compelling biblical narratives of Nehemiah and the trio of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Through these stories, we extract vital lessons on leadership, integrity, and the unyielding power of faith in the face of adversity. This session not only revisits these ancient lessons but also connects them with practical strategies for today's workplace challenges.Episode Highlights:Leadership and Service as Demonstrated by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2-6):Explore Nehemiah's dual role as a visionary leader and a diligent servant, emphasizing his strategic response to both external opposition and internal challenges.Discuss the importance of prayer and action in leadership roles, highlighting how Nehemiah's faith directed his effective crisis management and community rebuilding efforts.Steadfast Faith in Adverse Conditions The Hebrew Boys (Daniel 3):Reflect on the unshakeable integrity of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who chose fiery execution over compromising their faith, setting a profound example of spiritual and moral fortitude.Analyze the implications of their faith for modern believers, encouraging a stance of boldness and conviction in workplace ethics and personal beliefs.Practical Strategies for Modern Workplace Challenges:Introduce effective tactics for dealing with opposition and adversity in professional settings, inspired by Nehemiah's and Daniel's stories.Offer insights into maintaining professional integrity and ethical standards under pressure, drawing parallels to the biblical instances of divine protection and deliverance.This episode not only teaches historical and spiritual insights but also equips you with the tools to navigate your own workplace warfare with wisdom and integrity. Join us as we discuss how these timeless biblical strategies can be applied to contemporary professional dilemmas.Take Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this essential episode, we delve into the complexities of navigating spiritual warfare within the workplace. "Wisdom For Workplace Warfare" offers vital strategies and biblical counsel for those who are not called to leave their challenging environments but to stand firm and overcome. This episode is a guide for believers who face trials at work, providing them with the tools to not only endure but to emerge stronger in their faith and professional life.Episode Highlights:The Reality of Spiritual Warfare at Work: Revisiting the concept of spiritual warfare in professional settings, recognizing the ongoing struggles many face and the divine timing in addressing them now.Endurance Over Escape: Unpacking the biblical perspective on enduring hardship with grace and strength, contrary to the popular rush towards quitting jobs for entrepreneurship. This segment emphasizes the value of persistence and God's deliverance through empowerment rather than removal.Scriptural Foundations:James 1:4 & 12: Explore how endurance leads to spiritual perfection and blessings derived from steadfastness under trial.Hebrews 12:7: Discusses the discipline of endurance as a sign of sonship with God, framing trials as opportunities for divine training.Strategic Spiritual Insights:Daniel’s Integrity and Resolve: Learn from Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer and righteousness in the face of life-threatening challenges (Daniel 6), highlighting the power of integrity and consistent spiritual practices.Joseph’s Trials and Triumphs: Reflect on Joseph's journey through betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment to his rise to governance in Egypt (Genesis 37, 39-41), focusing on resilience, divine providence, and the importance of forgiveness.Practical Applications for Modern Believers:Enduring vs. Escaping: Encouragement to embrace God-given positions and battles as platforms for growth and testimony.Resistance and Submission: Guidance on how to effectively resist the devil through steadfast faith and submission to God (James 4:7), teaching believers to withstand rather than withdraw."Wisdom For Workplace Warfare" encourages listeners to reconsider the allure of quick exits from challenging situations and to recognize the growth and victory that await through committed spiritual endurance. Join us as we equip you with the wisdom and strategies needed to transform workplace trials into triumphs, fostering a robust professional and spiritual life.Take Our New Rx For Purpose Assessment: Ready to take the next step in your faith-based personal development journey? Don't miss our newly launched Rx for Purpose Assessment. This personalized assessment will help you identify key areas for spiritual and mental growth, offering actionable insights tailored just for you. Get your Rx For Purpose Profile and your 7-day action plan today.Download The Rx For Purpose Mobile App: Designed with practicality and purpose in mind, the Rx for Purpose App is a Bible-accessible study tool that provides women with the Biblical wisdom and strategy needed to fulfill their purpose. This app is the catalyst to improve each woman's personal relationship with God while also building community with other believers. Our purpose partners community facilitates real-life relationships for the support needed to help overcome the challenges of life together.Join Our Online Community - The Society: We are collaborating with two awesome women of faith (Tatum Temia & Keviah Watrice) to provide a community that addresses faith, lifestyle, business, and mental health. Start your two-week free trial today!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/god-goals-and-girl-talk/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy