Merry Christmas. We know that you are all so busy with the holidays but take a moment to join us today as Maritza Barron and Monica talk about special Christmas traditions - and what makes this the most wonderful time of the year.
Isaiah 9:6
Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis
When the storm rages and life feels uncertain, remember that we have a refuge — a place of peace and protection in God. Join Monica and Lynn Rienstra as they talk about finding shelter in God during life's storms.
In times of crisis, His love is a constant, His strength unshakable. When we feel weak or lost, He is our shelter, our safe haven, offering comfort and hope in the midst of chaos.
Let go of fear and lean into His embrace. Trust that He’s walking beside you, guiding you through the darkest valleys toward brighter days.
Psalm 46:1
Friends & Community: Our Greatest Support System
In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, friends and community are the lifelines that keep us grounded. Whether it's a heart-to-heart talk, a laugh shared over coffee, or just knowing someone has your back, the bonds we build with others are priceless.
Friends remind us that we’re never alone in our struggles or successes. They lift us up, offer a different perspective, and fill our lives with joy and connection.
Community gives us a sense of belonging, a place to share, grow, and thrive together. It’s where we can show up authentically and know that we matter.
Cherish those who stand by you, and always make time for the people who light up your life. Together, we’re stronger.
Proverbs 17:17
A Father’s Strength Through Forgiveness
Today, on Bridges Casey Beathard shares a very personal journey – a journey of unimaginable pain—losing his son. But, through that darkness, he found the strength to forgive the man who took him from us.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing what happened. It’s about freeing my heart from the chains of anger and hate. In choosing to forgive, Casey is honoring his son’s memory by letting go of the bitterness that could have consumed him. I’m choosing peace over pain.
To anyone who is struggling with forgiveness, know that it’s a personal journey, and there’s no timeline. But when you’re ready, it can bring peace in ways you never imagined.
Matthew 6:15-15
To the Grandparents Who Are Parenting Again: You Are Heroes
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes, it leads grandparents back into the role of being full-time parents. To those of you who are stepping up, embracing the challenges, and giving your grandkids the love and care they need—you are remarkable.
It takes endless strength, patience, and heart to raise another generation, and you’re doing it with so much grace. Your wisdom, resilience, and unwavering support make a world of difference in their lives.
Know that you’re not alone in this journey. Your sacrifices and love do not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the rock and the guiding light.
Phillipians 4:13
Embracing Life’s Transitions
Life is a series of transitions—some we plan for, others catch us by surprise. Each change, whether big or small, holds the power to shape us, challenge us, and ultimately help us grow.
Today, Monica and Adonis Lenzy share some of their recent transitions – more specifically how Adonis stepped into the role of General Manager at CTN- WHTN and Monica moved into overseeing the General Managers of CTN’s affiliate stations.
Transitions can feel uncertain, even scary at times. But they also open doors to new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and the chance to become the person we’re meant to be. Whether you’re starting a new chapter, closing an old one, or just navigating the in-between, trust that every season has its purpose.
It’s okay to feel unsure, to take things one step at a time. What matters is that we keep moving forward, believing that change, while hard, can bring incredible growth.
Here’s to embracing life’s transitions with courage, grace, and an open heart.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. Courtney was a homeschool mom of two. She and her husband were leaders in their church. When Courtney learned her husband was having an affair life the way she knew it was over.
She fought hard for her marriage but there came a point that divorce was the only option. On Bridges Courtney shares her journey on how to get back up after life knocks you down.
It’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up. Here are some steps to help you rise after a setback:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel down. Give yourself permission to process your emotions.
Reach Out for Support: Connect with friends, family, or a mentor. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Set Small Goals: Focus on achievable steps to regain your confidence and momentum.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nurture your body and mind—whether it’s exercise, meditation, or a hobby you love.
Reflect and Learn: Assess what happened and how you can grow from it. Every setback has a lesson.
Stay Positive: Surround yourself with positivity and affirmations. Believe in your resilience.
Remember, every great comeback starts with a single step forward. Keep moving, keep believing, and you’ll emerge stronger.
Romans 8:28
In today’s episode, hear the story of parents of an adult children who struggled with addiction. Together, they share their family's journey of addiction, recovery, and freedom in Christ.
If you or someone you know is struggling remember that breaking free from addiction is a profound journey, and finding strength in Christ can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember:
Christ Offers Freedom: Through Jesus, we find liberation from the chains of addiction. He offers a new beginning and the strength to overcome.
Renewal Through Faith: Embrace daily prayer and Scripture as tools for renewal and resilience. They’re powerful in breaking old habits and building new ones.
Support Community: Seek out faith-based support groups and surround yourself with a community that uplifts and holds you accountable.
Grace and Forgiveness: Understand that recovery is a journey filled with ups and downs. Christ’s grace is limitless, and He walks with us through every step.
Hope for a New Life: With Christ, there is always hope for a brighter future. Believe in His promises and the transformative power of His love.
Your path to recovery is a testament to the incredible freedom and transformation found in Christ. Keep moving forward with faith and trust in His plan.
Matthew 19:26
Cally Logan joins Monica to talk about how you can become your true most authentic self. The Wallflower that Bloomed challenges societal norms that pigeonhole individuals into these predetermined roles of invisibility. With heartfelt sincerity, Cally Logan urges us to strip away the stigma associated with being an outsider, to cease judging those who prefer solitude, and, most importantly, to learn to truly see others for who they authentically are. Moreover, this captivating exploration compels us to reflect upon our own journey towards self-acceptance and self-love.
What happens when secrets come calling? Do you run and hide or face it the best you can. Fiction Author Felicia Ferguson takes us on a journey where a 40-year-old secret comes to the surface. Through this compelling story we all learn how to take responsibility and process life in a healthy manner
What started as a cancer diagnosis ended up bringing Robert and Lori Evans closer to God and each other. Now Robert is cancer free and both he and Lori say they are stronger than ever. This inspiring episode will dare you to believe for miracles and keep you looking for God's goodness wherever you are.
Get ready for an inspiring episode of Bridges with Monica Schmelter featuring two-time Dove Award winner Billy Gaines!
Join us as Billy shares his incredible journey and the miraculous things God has done for him. From his musical triumphs to his personal testimonies of faith, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, we’ll explore: - Billy Gaines' powerful story of faith and resilience -Miraculous moments that shaped his life and career - How God’s hand has guided and blessed him through challenges - Exclusive insights into his musical journey and successes
Tune in for a heartwarming and faith-affirming conversation that will uplift and inspire you to see life from The Other Side of the Trial.
Even When You Can't See Him, He Sees You
This truth brings us comfort and strength when we can’t see a thing. Even when we can’t see Him – He sees us. He is watching over our lives – He hears our prayers – He doesn’t miss a thing. He will always do what is best in your life and see you through every situation.
1 Peter 3:12 NLT
Conflict is bound to happen. On this episode of Bridges, Monica is joined by Pastor Adonis Lenzy to talk about Solving Conflict on the Homefront.
Can you recall a life changing moment in your life? In today's episode Sue McGray shares how forgetting her coat ended up being a moment that dramatically changed the course of her life.
There are so many of us whose lives have been affected by suicide. My guest on Bridges today tragically lost her son to suicide. While the pain never goes away Patti determined to find the courage to live and reach out to others. Patti's has traveled the country with her talk - The Empty Chair - and she's been able to help thousands of people. As you watch today's episode you will find the courage to help you move forward after an unthinkable loss.
Heartbroken doesn't begin to describe the way that Jillian felt when she lost her husband unexpectedly. In this episode Jillian's shares her story of loss and grief and how she bravely faces life as a young widow.
Louise Wright lost her daughter Rebekah in a tragic car accident. Today on Bridges she shares her emotional journey of Finding God in Grief.
Her son was trapped by addiction and suffered with anxiety. While his life spun out of control - his Mom (Mary) wouldn't stopped praying. At one point she even told God if my son doesn't make it - please don't let this pain be wasted - I want to be able to help others. Thankfully Blake made it - not only did he pursue recovery but he is now the Director of Renewed Life Ministries. Renewed Life is a residential home for men pursuing recovery. This Bridges episode will encourage every Mom to continue to pray - even when it looks hopeless.
On this episode of Bridges, powerful prayers for supernatural results. Monica is joined by Pastor Mike and Elizabeth Shreve to discuss their book "65 Promises from God for Your Child".
For every Mess, there is a Messiah. We can choose to keep our eyes on the mess or on Jesus Christ, the Messiah. On this episode, Monica discusses however messy our life seems there is a way through.
Students today face hostility and bullying in record numbers. Dr. Brooks Gibbs teaches student emotional resilience so we can raise our children to be strong adults.
If you've ever wondered why common sense isn't so common - today's Bridges Uncommon sense episode is just for you. Proverbs 1:7
They say winners never quit and quitters never win - but today's Bridges episode looks at those times when quitting is a good thing. Colossians 3:15
Do you know anyone that has "commitment issues"? Sometimes it is difficult in today's busy world to make wise commitments. Today Monica talks with Pastor Josh Brooker on how we can align our hearts with God's heart and be fully committed to him.
Dysfunction in families and relationships is nothing new. Today on Bridges we look at how dysfunction affects our families and relationships and how it can be healed by God's truth, mercy and grace. Today's hope for the journey - mercy triumphs judgment every single time. James 2:13
World renowned drummer Zoro joins Monica to share the story of his mother's love - his perseverance and the power of dreaming big. Zoro's Mom - Maria was single with 7 children. She was raising her children in Compton they were poor moving from place to place sometimes living in the car. But she held her head high, and her faith remained unshakeable she encouraged her children to dream BIG. When Zoro was 7 years old, she tied her orange scarf around his neck and said "Someday son you will grow up and do "fantasmical" things". She was right that is exactly what Zoro did from gracing the stages of Hollywood's best to walking in a humility and faith that is unique and rare Zoro is an encouragement to everyone who hears his story. #perseverance #motherslove #dream #Mark9:23
When your finances don't make sense, God can do more. Wherever you are is the place to start and with what you have.
Do you feel trapped by bitterness, anger, and rage due to unforgiveness? On this episode find out how you can forgive for good with daily surrendering to God.
When life doesn't go according to plan, what do you do? Find out here how to embrace who you are and who God made you to be.