29. Recognizing Victory

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Recognizing Victory

In this final episode of a three-part series, Caroline concludes sharing the Cycle of Recovery. In reflecting on her recovery journey, Caroline recognized the need to find hope, experience transformation, and recognize victory. Listen as she recaps the entire cycle with an emphasis on victory.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21,31, NASB)

How do we recognize victory?

Recognize every right decision as a victory!
Celebrate milestones on your recovery journey as victories!

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Facebook

Instagram

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30. Whole Body Wellness with Kristin Wood

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Body, mind, and soul

Kristin says, “I started my practice to help other women who were fed up with chronic dieting, and ready to focus on improving their health. Better health has the happy side effect of weight loss.” Better health also has the side-effect of better mental health. In this episode, Kristin shares some of her thoughts about being intentional with your thoughts and feelings as a way to improve your overall health in body, mind, and soul.

Kristin has an active YouTube channel with amazing resources for improving your whole body health. Check it out here!

Her website also contains information on her coaching services. Check it out here!

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org Caroline S. Cooper is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. =

Find information and mental health resources on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org

Facebook

Instagram

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

39. Are you Anxious? So am I!

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Let’s have an honest conversation.

My husband lost his job last year and at one point we thought we’d lose our house. Some close relatives have experienced significant health issues. I didn’t receive the promotion that I thought was guaranteed. I had a disagreement with a friend that has broken our relationship. My new insurance company doesn’t want to cover the new, expensive medication that has changed my life. And, as a mom and grandma, I yearn to see my children escape the pain of life. But that’s impossible.

Yes, I’ve had increased anxiety lately. I’ve been worried. Tears have come more easily to me. BUT, I know I can walk through these challenging emotions until a brighter day dawns. Here are some additional insights to the tips I share in this week’s podcast.

THE ACTS PRAYER MODEL

A = Adoration. Keep God first above all else by acknowledging who he is and what he has done.
C = Confession. Clear your conscience by admitting your sin, turning away from them, and receiving the forgiveness of the Lord.
T = Thanksgiving. Respond to God’s goodness by thanking him for the blessings in your life.
S = Supplication. Ask God to continue meeting your needs by naming specific requests and praying for others.

Scriptures for encouragement and peace

Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 94:18-19 – I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 23:1–4 – The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Proverbs 12:25 – Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Matthew 5:4 – God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Joshua 1:9 – This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

John 16:33 – Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 (NIV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:13 – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Psalm 121:1-2 – I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 62:1-2 – I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my monthly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinescooperauthor/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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40. Expressing Emotions (Writing for Recovery-Poetry)

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Expressing Emotions in a Healthy Way

Link to Emotion Wheel Images

1.Identify your feelings

2.Understand why you feel the way you do

3.Learn how to express the emotion in a healthy way

4.Replace unhealthy mindset with a healthier one

Catch-It, Check-It, Change-It

- - Step 1 – Catch It.If your self-talk or other thoughts become unhealthy, catch what you’re thinking in your mind.
  - Step 2 – Check It. Step back be objective. Are your words true or based on emotion? How do your thoughts compare with reality? Is there a bigger picture you have neglected to see?
  - Step 3 – Change It. Turn the negative thoughts into positive, truthful statements or find something good that can come from a bad situation.

**Pray through this process and let the Holy Spirit heal your mind**

Types of poetry

Link to Masterclass.com – Poetry

Free verse. Free verse poetry is poetry that lacks a consistent rhyme scheme, metrical pattern, or musical formFree verse poetry is poetry that lacks a consistent rhyme scheme, metrical pattern, or musical form. While free verse poems are not devoid of structure, they allow enormous leeway for poets, particularly when compared to more metrically strict forms like blank verse.
Blank verse. Blank verse is poetry written with a precise meter-almost always iambic pentameter-that does not rhyme.
Narrative poetry. Similar to an epic, a narrative poem tells a story. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” exemplify this form. Learn more about narrative poetry here.
Lyric poetry. A lyric poem is a short, emotionally expressive poem with a songlike quality that is narrated in the first person. Unlike narrative poetry, which recounts events and tells a story, lyric poetry explores the emotions of the speaker of the poem. Lyric poetry originated in ancient Greek literature and was originally intended to be set to music, accompanied by a musical instrument called a lyre, which resembles a small harp. Lyric poetry traditionally follows strict formal rules, but because there have been many different types of lyric poetry over centuries, there are now various different forms of lyric poetry.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my monthly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Caroline.S.Cooper.igcm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinescooperauthor/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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40. The Importance of Self-Care

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Self-care = taking care of self!

Sounds easy, right? Unfortunately, many people are over-committed, have too many activities on the calendar, and prioritize their careers over their well-being. But taking time out everyday for yourself is essential for holistic health.

Mindfulness

You can find free resources on mindfulness on the following websites]

Focus on the Family – Mindfulness: A Christian Approach: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/mindfulness-a-christian-approach/
The Mindful Christian: https://www.themindfulchristian.com/guides_for_practice.html
Mindfulness Exercises: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/
MindWorks: https://mindworks.org/blog/mindfulness-exercises/
The Free Mindfulness Project website: https://www.freemindfulness.org/download

Wellness Tools

Create a wellness tools list of activities that bring you joy, relaxation, peace, and a sense of purpose.

Caroline published a Christ-centered workbook guiding you through self-care practices and developing your own wellness tools list. It also has a dozen or so instruction sheets for different mindfulness and wellness activities. You can find more information on the Amazon page.

The Everyday Wellness Workbook on Amazon

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: ingodscorner.org

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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41. Writing for Recovery: Poetry

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

The Mental Health and Faith: A Closer Look program presents a series of episodes on Writing Your Way to Recovery. Throughout June 2024, Caroline shares content originally created for presentations at two different mental health conferences in Missouri. Today’s episode explores how poetry can be beneficial in exploring emotions and how to express those feelings in a healthy way.

Links to info on Emotion (Feeling) Wheels

https://feelingswheel.com/

https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-wheel/

https://psychcentral.com/health/emotion-wheel

links for information on poetry

Poetry 101 – different types of poetry: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-learn-about-poetry-different-types-of-poems-and-poetic-devices-with-examples#6bzWosRp10myuzu65GOZ9w

The Free Verse Poem – https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-what-is-the-difference-between-blank-verse-and-free-verse

The Narrative Poem – https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-poem-3-different-types-of-narrative-poems-with-poetry-examples

PSALM 42 (NASB) – An example of poetry (a song) expressing emotions honestly.

Thirsting for God in Trouble and Exile.

For the choir director. A Maskil of the sons of Korah.

1 As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for You, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.

5 Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him

For the help of His presence.

6 O my God, my soul is in despair within me;

Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan

And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls;

All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.

8 The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;

And His song will be with me in the night,

A prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me?

Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”

10 As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me,

While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

11 Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: carolinescooper.com

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://ingodscorner.org – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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44. Mental Health & Faith (Feb 12, 2019)

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Today’s episode is a replay of Caroline’s first episode on the Mental Health & Faith podcast. The information shared is still relevant and you will enjoy listening to insights related to mental health, faith, and recovery. Caroline’s guest is her sister, Terri Cooley-Bennett, a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the field for almost 40 years. This episode has been listened to more than 150 times with listeners tuning in from all around the globe. Please join the conversation on mental health and faith by posting your comments.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of Mental Health Connect) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@carolinescooper.com.

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: https://www.carolinescooper.com/mental-health-resources/

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://carolinescooper.com – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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45. Jane Shares Her Story

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Jane Alexander bravely shares her experience with mental illness and trauma in a podcast originally posted in March of 2020. As she shares you will gain insight into what it’s like to live with a mental illness. You’ll be comforted that you are not alone in your mental health challenges. And, you’ll be reminded that our identity never comes from a diagnosis, but from the truth that God created us, loves us, and is always with us. Please join the conversation on mental health and faith by posting your comments.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation!

Need help?

Crisis Lines

Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text: 988
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website: https://www.carolinescooper.com/mental-health-resources/

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE

Website – https://carolinescooper.com – you can sign up for my quarterly newsletter at the bottom of each page on my website

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InGodsCornerMinistry

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CarolineSueCooper/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carolinesuecooper/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinescooper/

Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/Caroline-S-Cooper/author/B0BYXL4ZHW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705544163&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

48. Finding a Therapist and Support with Chris Morris

By Mental-Health--And- | August 7, 2025

Caroline’s guest, Chris Morris, has a story to tell. In episode 48, he shares important tips for finding a therapist based on his challenging experience. Additionally, Chris talks about the importance of having a support network for accountability. Episode 49 goes deeper into Chris’s story as he shares about his suicide attempt. This important episode offers hope and encouragement in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness month.

Chris’s book and contact information

Website: https://www.chrismorriswrites.com/

Email: chris@chrismorriswrites.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Chris-Morris/author/B00CMJXRDO?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Baker Publishing Group Books: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/resilient-and-redeemed/417720

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH & FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.

Join the conversation by leaving your comments or emailing Caroline at caroline@carolinescooper.com. Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of Mental Health Connect) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@carolinescooper.com.