What If the Story You Told Yourself Was Wrong? | Stop Negative Thoughts | S1 Ep 12 (Season Finale) | Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Description

What If the Story You Told Yourself Was Wrong?

What if something you've believed about yourself—or your past—isn't the whole truth?

In the Season 1 finale of Promise Hill, Mira is getting closer to answers about the life she had before she was adopted. But the closer she gets, the more questions seem to surface.

And sometimes, when we don't have all the answers, our minds fill in the blanks for us with negative thinking.

As Mira wrestles with what she knows, what she fears, and what she believes, Grandma Eden reminds her that healing doesn't always mean pushing harder. Sometimes we need to make room for what we're already carrying.

Then, during Promise Hill's Festival of Joy, Mira notices something she wasn't supposed to notice.

And suddenly, she's not the only one in Promise Hill with a past that holds unanswered questions.

*****

📖 From Mira's Journal

I have so many questions right now.

Part of me wants all the answers immediately. I want the missing pieces filled in so I can finally understand my own story.

But I'm starting to wonder how many times I've filled in those empty spaces myself.

What if some of the things I've believed aren't facts at all?

Maybe I don't need every answer today.

Maybe it's enough to stay open to the possibility that there's more to my story than I know.

*****

📱 On Apple Podcasts? Leave a written review here ... it takes 20 seconds and helps other listeners discover Promise Hill.

🎧 On Spotify? Tap Follow and save this episode ... that's what helps Promise Hill get recommended to more people. You can also give it a rating by tapping the 3 dots next to the setting/cogwheel wheel. 4 and 5 stars help others find Promise Hill.

📖 Feeling overwhelmed? Grab my free short ebook, P.A.U.S.E.: A Sacred Reset here.

Reach me here: Kimberlee@PromiseHillPodcast.com

*****

🌿 About Promise Hill

Promise Hill is a serialized Christian fiction podcast blending immersive storytelling with gentle reflection and soul-care for people navigating loneliness, anxiety, burnout, breakups, and seasons of transition.

📖 Each episode includes:

• One unfolding chapter

• Reflection and faith-based encouragement

• Practical action steps

• A prayer for you

🤍 Important Notes: To enhance the storytelling experience, I use AI for character voices and all images. However, my voice is real.

This podcast is for inspiration and storytelling purposes only. If you are struggling emotionally or mentally, please seek professional support. You are worth it.

Positive reviews help others know that this podcast might be the extra support they need right now. Thank you!

🏡 Welcome to Promise Hill.

Hosted by Kimberlee Herman, a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Promise Hill blends fiction, biblical wisdom, and faith-filled reflections to inspire personal transformation, spiritual connection to God and emotional healing.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill, where we renew our minds to change our story. Hello, I'm Kimberlee Herman, your host. Season one is an unfolding story. So if you're interested, you may want to start with chapter one, just to see how all of this unfolds. And you this is our last episode for season one. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and receive my gift for you, the Paz Sacred Reset, down below. In our last chapter, we heard the story about the blind man receiving sight performed from a new character, Solomon Reed. Today, we learn a little bit more about Mira's past and wrap up season one. In season two, we will learn about Mira's early years and the mystery behind all of it. Why does it matter? It's my way of teaching soul care skills for real life through a story. Your story will not look like the ones here, but there will be similar routes we can all learn from. I'll meet you on the other side of the story with reflections, action step, and prayer. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
The bird's singing woke Mira early. She remembered her mom hanging up before finishing her thought. She also recalled Solomon the Storyteller's tale, which had sounded vaguely familiar.
Speaker #2
Okay, I am going to apply for jobs, then work on the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide from Grandma Eden. Actually, I'm going to see if Grandma Eden can help me today, since I am stuck on Step 2.
Speaker #1
After lunch, Mira walked under the warm sun, taking in the trees swaying in the wind, the birds singing, and watching the bees pollinating flowers. She reached the house full of peace by noticing the nature around her.
Speaker #2
Hi there, Grandma Eden. Do you have time to meet with me today?
Speaker #3
Of course, dear. Come in. I'm so happy to see you, dear.
Speaker #2
Me too. I have a question about the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide. Love that name, by the way. But I also wanted to know if you learned anything about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
I'm glad you stopped by, Mira. And glad you like it. Okay, let's start with Glowing in the Dark then, shall we? Which one has you stuck?
Speaker #2
Number two, the Embrace Clarity step. I've been so focused on Jackson that I'm not sure how to start with me.
Speaker #3
It starts with asking yourself questions and honestly answering them. For example, when you were married, did you feel you could be yourself or did you hold back? And if you did hold back, why? It's questions like that. How did you feel and react when you disagreed or when you just agreed to keep the peace? Where you would normally analyse his behaviour, look at yours. That. is where healing begins.
Speaker #2
Thank you. That makes sense. I'm guessing it's helpful to write this out in the journal you gave me.
Speaker #3
It sure is, dear.
Speaker #2
Okay. Now tell me if you found out about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
Mira, dear. I passed through Promise Hill 30 years ago, visiting the church from nearby River Oak. Pastor Enoch was a young staffer then. I heard the church helped a young mother escape an abusive boyfriend. Her three-year-old daughter's name was Amira. I confirmed this with Pastor Enoch, and we both think that Amira is probably you, based on the texts you are getting. The pastor is in Ireland for a few weeks visiting his family, but is happy to talk with you, but has one request before doing so.
Speaker #2
What's that?
Speaker #3
That you meet the person texting you first. He feels it's not his place to reveal the details, but is happy to fill in the gaps as needed.
Speaker #1
Mira's heart was beating out of her chest.
Speaker #2
I used to live here as a little girl, and my mother had to escape? The church helped us. Pastor Enoch was involved? Oh my, this is a lot to take in.
Speaker #3
Yes, it is. Let the dust settle. You told the texter you would get back to them after the Promise Hill parade. That's next week. If you are ready then, your life story will unfold. But until then, dear, I want you to put down the glowing-in-the-dark guide. Learning self-care is about what you can handle at a time. Learning about your early years before your adoption is enough without also working through your divorce. It's too much to take on at once. Oh, as a former worrywart, I encourage you to practice ant catching.
Speaker #2
What? Ants?
Speaker #3
Yes, dear. It stands for automatic negative thoughts. We can tend to go there when overwhelmed. Catch, check, and change. Catch an ant and ask yourself this question. Is this 100% true? It usually isn't. Then replace or change it with a realistic thought.
Speaker #2
Okay, so an aunt for me right now is my birth mother didn't like me when I was a child, and that's why I was adopted. I can't say it's 100% true without more information. From what I have heard, adoption is so hard on the parents, so I don't think that I wasn't liked, and I will learn the real circumstances soon. How's that for catching my first aunt?
Speaker #3
Very good, dear. Keep catching them. What we think is how we feel. Until then... Would you join me at church this Sunday at 9 a.m.? You might find what you need there. I heard there's a guest performing, too.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Eden. Yes, I will join you at church on Sunday. Meet you there.
Speaker #1
Mira walked home with everything swirling in her mind. She practiced deep breathing and the ant exercise. When she got home, she decided to put away the breakup guide for now and pulled out the Bible her mother gave her instead. She held it. tightly against her chest.
Speaker #2
Okay, God, if you are there, show me.
Speaker #1
As she sat, she began to feel warm and calm. Her thoughts took her to some really happy childhood memories of she and her mom playing catch and serving her dad tea. She was reminded that she was loved and cared for as a child. Then she heard in her mind, I protected you. It was a soft yet strong voice.
Speaker #2
I wonder where that came from.
Speaker #1
In that moment, Mira felt like everything would work out as it should and fell asleep right there on the couch, still clutching her Bible, looking forward to attending church with Eden the day after the Festival of Joy, Promise Hill's yearly parade. On Saturday, Mira was getting ready for the Festival of Joy on Main Street. She grabbed a flyer and read out loud.
Speaker #2
Welcome to the annual Promise Hill Parade to celebrate Benjamin Bright. With a bag of found seeds, he cried out to God to bless him with food from the seeds. He scattered them on a barren hilltop. The next morning, he awoke to the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen. He sold a bunch in the nearest town and was finally able to eat. Benjamin Bright praised God for the promise that he would be taken care of just like God takes care of the birds in the field. Promise Hill was born of that miracle, and we call this the Festival of Joy.
Speaker #4
Pretty neat history, isn't it?
Speaker #2
Oh, nice to see you, Nathaniel.
Speaker #4
We saved a seat for you, Mira. Come on over.
Speaker #1
Mira followed Nathaniel to some chairs outside Charity's Daily Bread Bakery, where Solomon the Storyteller and Gideon were sitting.
Speaker #2
Thanks guys for saving me a spot.
Speaker #1
Mira saw Grandma Eden and waved to her. Eden waved back and then looked at Solomon and her smile left her face and she quickly walked the other way. She looked to Solomon, who looked concerned. He said to himself, I have a lot of work to do with Eden. As laughter and music filled Promise Hill, a strange feeling settled over Mira. She couldn't shake what she had just seen, Mira thought to herself.
Speaker #2
Why would Grandma Eden avoid Solomon? What history existed between them?
Speaker #1
It was another mystery hidden beneath the surface of Promise Hill, and some mysteries take time to unfold. As we close Season 1, many questions remain unanswered, and Mira's journey continues. In Season 2, we'll meet a few new characters, as Mira uncovers secrets about her earliest years, pieces of a life she never knew existed. Until then, thank you for joining us on this adventure through Promise Hill. We'll see you in Season 2. Take it away, Kimberlee.
Speaker #0
Another twist to keep you coming back. Let's look at... how this chapter relates to your story. Reflection number one, your story does not define your worth. When Mira learned more about her past, she immediately began wondering what it meant about her. Was she wanted? Why was she adopted? Why had these things happened? And who was her dad? And was he really abusive? Most of us do the same thing. We take painful events from our lives and use them to answer questions about our value. But our worth is not determined by what happened to us. It is determined by the God who created us and loves us. Mira didn't have all the answers yet, but she was reminded of something important. She was loved. Hear it and hold it. 1 John 3, verse 1. See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. Have you ever allowed a painful experience, rejection, or loss to define how you see yourself? What might change if you viewed yourself through God's love instead? Think about that. Reflection number two, your thoughts shape your feelings. When Mira imagined why she had been adopted, her mind immediately created a painful narrative. Maybe I wasn't wanted, but Grandma Eden and taught her to catch that. automatic negative thought and challenge it with truth. Many of us suffer not because of facts, but because of conclusions we've drawn without evidence. How many of you have done that? Raise your hand. Okay. I'm raising my hand because I've done that and still do that sometimes, but I've learned to take the thought captive. So hear it and hold it. Second Corinthians 10 verse five, Take captive everything. thought to make it obedient to Christ. So what does that mean, take captive? Well, it means to hold on to that thought and ask yourself, would Jesus approve of this thought? Is this something that comes from him? And if it's negative, it certainly doesn't. What thought have you been believing lately that may not be completely true? Reflection number three. God has been caring for you longer than you realize. As Mira held her Bible and reflected on her childhood, she remembered moments of love, protection, and care. In the middle of uncertainty, God reminded her that he had been watching over her all along. Now, she didn't know that was God's voice, but we do. When we look back over our own lives, we often discover God's fingerprints in places we never noticed before. Hear it and hold it. Deuteronomy 31 verse 8. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Can you identify a difficult season in your life where you can now see God's protection or provision? All right, let's step into our action step so that you can take to add to your transformation. And I think you know what I'm going to suggest. Catch ants, right? This week's action step comes straight from Grandma Eden. Ant stands for automatic negative thoughts. When you notice yourself feeling anxious, discouraged, fearful, or overwhelmed, stop and number one, catch it. What thought am I believing right now? Number two, check it. Is this thought 100% true? What evidence do I actually have? Number three, change it. Replace it with realistic, truthful thoughts. See how that lines up right with 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take every thought captive, which is catching the thought, and make it obedient to Christ. So we want to question it. What evidence do I have? And then you change it. Make it obedient to Christ. What would Jesus say about this? So let me give you an example. Here's an ant. So I probably have had this thought a handful of times over the years. Nothing is ever going to work out. That's also called black and white thinking, but we'll use it for the ant. So I'm going to check. Is that 100% true? No. A lot of things have worked out before and I don't know what the future holds. So who am I to say that nothing's ever going to work out. I don't have any evidence for that. So I'm going to change it. I don't know how the situation will turn out, but God has helped me through. difficult seasons before. I want to give you a scripture to hold on to. Romans 12 verse 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that goes right with what we have just been talking about with ants and 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Partners right there with it. All right, Cool. Let's jump into prayer. Let me pray for you, my friend. Father God, you are the creator of all. You remind us all the time of your creation through the senses you have built in us. We see your fingerprints through your flowers, through the scent they release, through the soft touch of a kitten, the taste of fruit, and the soft song of a bird. You created our mind and have given us directions on how to make it work well for us. You tell us to renew our mind to focus on what is good because you know how our mind affects our emotions. Thank you for giving us the tools on how to switch our focus and how you meet us when we change direction. For the listener that struggles with ants and catching them, I lift them up to you for your help and guidance. I pray they feel your presence of peace as they choose to renew their minds to your truth. In Jesus's holy name. Amen. Friends, thank you so much for listening. I hope this episode was helpful to you. Will you do me a favor? Will you email me with some any questions you have about relationships? I would like to use some of some real questions in a new segment for next season. Also, leaving this podcast a great review is a helpful way to let other people know that it might be worth listening to. Friends, as we wrap up season one, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. This is Kimberlee Herman cheering you on from Promise Hill.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

Promise Hill is a Christian fiction and soul care podcast to help renew your mind to change your story. We do this by looking at life's challenges through new lenses in the context Mira, our main character. Each episode combines an ongoing original story with biblical encouragement, emotional healing insights, and practical steps to help you find hope in life's difficult seasons.

Through compelling storytelling, heartfelt reflections, faith-filled action steps, and prayer, this podcast blends biblical wisdom, therapy insights, and compassion to guide listeners on a transformative soul and spiritual journey.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

What If the Story You Told Yourself Was Wrong?

What if something you've believed about yourself—or your past—isn't the whole truth?

In the Season 1 finale of Promise Hill, Mira is getting closer to answers about the life she had before she was adopted. But the closer she gets, the more questions seem to surface.

And sometimes, when we don't have all the answers, our minds fill in the blanks for us with negative thinking.

Then, during Promise Hill's Festival of Joy, Mira notices something she wasn't supposed to notice.

And suddenly, she's not the only one in Promise Hill with a past that holds unanswered questions.

*****

📖 From Mira's Journal

I have so many questions right now.

Part of me wants all the answers immediately. I want the missing pieces filled in so I can finally understand my own story.

But I'm starting to wonder how many times I've filled in those empty spaces myself.

What if some of the things I've believed aren't facts at all?

Maybe I don't need every answer today.

Maybe it's enough to stay open to the possibility that there's more to my story than I know.

*****

📱 On Apple Podcasts? Leave a written review here ... it takes 20 seconds and helps other listeners discover Promise Hill.

📖 Feeling overwhelmed? Grab my free short ebook, P.A.U.S.E.: A Sacred Reset here.

Reach me here: Kimberlee@PromiseHillPodcast.com

*****

🌿 About Promise Hill

📖 Each episode includes:

• One unfolding chapter

• Reflection and faith-based encouragement

• Practical action steps

• A prayer for you

🤍 Important Notes: To enhance the storytelling experience, I use AI for character voices and all images. However, my voice is real.

This podcast is for inspiration and storytelling purposes only. If you are struggling emotionally or mentally, please seek professional support. You are worth it.

Positive reviews help others know that this podcast might be the extra support they need right now. Thank you!

🏡 Welcome to Promise Hill.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill, where we renew our minds to change our story. Hello, I'm Kimberlee Herman, your host. Season one is an unfolding story. So if you're interested, you may want to start with chapter one, just to see how all of this unfolds. And you this is our last episode for season one. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and receive my gift for you, the Paz Sacred Reset, down below. In our last chapter, we heard the story about the blind man receiving sight performed from a new character, Solomon Reed. Today, we learn a little bit more about Mira's past and wrap up season one. In season two, we will learn about Mira's early years and the mystery behind all of it. Why does it matter? It's my way of teaching soul care skills for real life through a story. Your story will not look like the ones here, but there will be similar routes we can all learn from. I'll meet you on the other side of the story with reflections, action step, and prayer. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
The bird's singing woke Mira early. She remembered her mom hanging up before finishing her thought. She also recalled Solomon the Storyteller's tale, which had sounded vaguely familiar.
Speaker #2
Okay, I am going to apply for jobs, then work on the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide from Grandma Eden. Actually, I'm going to see if Grandma Eden can help me today, since I am stuck on Step 2.
Speaker #1
After lunch, Mira walked under the warm sun, taking in the trees swaying in the wind, the birds singing, and watching the bees pollinating flowers. She reached the house full of peace by noticing the nature around her.
Speaker #2
Hi there, Grandma Eden. Do you have time to meet with me today?
Speaker #3
Of course, dear. Come in. I'm so happy to see you, dear.
Speaker #2
Me too. I have a question about the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide. Love that name, by the way. But I also wanted to know if you learned anything about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
I'm glad you stopped by, Mira. And glad you like it. Okay, let's start with Glowing in the Dark then, shall we? Which one has you stuck?
Speaker #2
Number two, the Embrace Clarity step. I've been so focused on Jackson that I'm not sure how to start with me.
Speaker #3
It starts with asking yourself questions and honestly answering them. For example, when you were married, did you feel you could be yourself or did you hold back? And if you did hold back, why? It's questions like that. How did you feel and react when you disagreed or when you just agreed to keep the peace? Where you would normally analyse his behaviour, look at yours. That. is where healing begins.
Speaker #2
Thank you. That makes sense. I'm guessing it's helpful to write this out in the journal you gave me.
Speaker #3
It sure is, dear.
Speaker #2
Okay. Now tell me if you found out about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
Mira, dear. I passed through Promise Hill 30 years ago, visiting the church from nearby River Oak. Pastor Enoch was a young staffer then. I heard the church helped a young mother escape an abusive boyfriend. Her three-year-old daughter's name was Amira. I confirmed this with Pastor Enoch, and we both think that Amira is probably you, based on the texts you are getting. The pastor is in Ireland for a few weeks visiting his family, but is happy to talk with you, but has one request before doing so.
Speaker #2
What's that?
Speaker #3
That you meet the person texting you first. He feels it's not his place to reveal the details, but is happy to fill in the gaps as needed.
Speaker #1
Mira's heart was beating out of her chest.
Speaker #2
I used to live here as a little girl, and my mother had to escape? The church helped us. Pastor Enoch was involved? Oh my, this is a lot to take in.
Speaker #3
Yes, it is. Let the dust settle. You told the texter you would get back to them after the Promise Hill parade. That's next week. If you are ready then, your life story will unfold. But until then, dear, I want you to put down the glowing-in-the-dark guide. Learning self-care is about what you can handle at a time. Learning about your early years before your adoption is enough without also working through your divorce. It's too much to take on at once. Oh, as a former worrywart, I encourage you to practice ant catching.
Speaker #2
What? Ants?
Speaker #3
Yes, dear. It stands for automatic negative thoughts. We can tend to go there when overwhelmed. Catch, check, and change. Catch an ant and ask yourself this question. Is this 100% true? It usually isn't. Then replace or change it with a realistic thought.
Speaker #2
Okay, so an aunt for me right now is my birth mother didn't like me when I was a child, and that's why I was adopted. I can't say it's 100% true without more information. From what I have heard, adoption is so hard on the parents, so I don't think that I wasn't liked, and I will learn the real circumstances soon. How's that for catching my first aunt?
Speaker #3
Very good, dear. Keep catching them. What we think is how we feel. Until then... Would you join me at church this Sunday at 9 a.m.? You might find what you need there. I heard there's a guest performing, too.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Eden. Yes, I will join you at church on Sunday. Meet you there.
Speaker #1
Mira walked home with everything swirling in her mind. She practiced deep breathing and the ant exercise. When she got home, she decided to put away the breakup guide for now and pulled out the Bible her mother gave her instead. She held it. tightly against her chest.
Speaker #2
Okay, God, if you are there, show me.
Speaker #1
As she sat, she began to feel warm and calm. Her thoughts took her to some really happy childhood memories of she and her mom playing catch and serving her dad tea. She was reminded that she was loved and cared for as a child. Then she heard in her mind, I protected you. It was a soft yet strong voice.
Speaker #2
I wonder where that came from.
Speaker #1
In that moment, Mira felt like everything would work out as it should and fell asleep right there on the couch, still clutching her Bible, looking forward to attending church with Eden the day after the Festival of Joy, Promise Hill's yearly parade. On Saturday, Mira was getting ready for the Festival of Joy on Main Street. She grabbed a flyer and read out loud.
Speaker #2
Welcome to the annual Promise Hill Parade to celebrate Benjamin Bright. With a bag of found seeds, he cried out to God to bless him with food from the seeds. He scattered them on a barren hilltop. The next morning, he awoke to the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen. He sold a bunch in the nearest town and was finally able to eat. Benjamin Bright praised God for the promise that he would be taken care of just like God takes care of the birds in the field. Promise Hill was born of that miracle, and we call this the Festival of Joy.
Speaker #4
Pretty neat history, isn't it?
Speaker #2
Oh, nice to see you, Nathaniel.
Speaker #4
We saved a seat for you, Mira. Come on over.
Speaker #1
Mira followed Nathaniel to some chairs outside Charity's Daily Bread Bakery, where Solomon the Storyteller and Gideon were sitting.
Speaker #2
Thanks guys for saving me a spot.
Speaker #1
Mira saw Grandma Eden and waved to her. Eden waved back and then looked at Solomon and her smile left her face and she quickly walked the other way. She looked to Solomon, who looked concerned. He said to himself, I have a lot of work to do with Eden. As laughter and music filled Promise Hill, a strange feeling settled over Mira. She couldn't shake what she had just seen, Mira thought to herself.
Speaker #2
Why would Grandma Eden avoid Solomon? What history existed between them?
Speaker #1
It was another mystery hidden beneath the surface of Promise Hill, and some mysteries take time to unfold. As we close Season 1, many questions remain unanswered, and Mira's journey continues. In Season 2, we'll meet a few new characters, as Mira uncovers secrets about her earliest years, pieces of a life she never knew existed. Until then, thank you for joining us on this adventure through Promise Hill. We'll see you in Season 2. Take it away, Kimberlee.
Speaker #0
Another twist to keep you coming back. Let's look at... how this chapter relates to your story. Reflection number one, your story does not define your worth. When Mira learned more about her past, she immediately began wondering what it meant about her. Was she wanted? Why was she adopted? Why had these things happened? And who was her dad? And was he really abusive? Most of us do the same thing. We take painful events from our lives and use them to answer questions about our value. But our worth is not determined by what happened to us. It is determined by the God who created us and loves us. Mira didn't have all the answers yet, but she was reminded of something important. She was loved. Hear it and hold it. 1 John 3, verse 1. See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. Have you ever allowed a painful experience, rejection, or loss to define how you see yourself? What might change if you viewed yourself through God's love instead? Think about that. Reflection number two, your thoughts shape your feelings. When Mira imagined why she had been adopted, her mind immediately created a painful narrative. Maybe I wasn't wanted, but Grandma Eden and taught her to catch that. automatic negative thought and challenge it with truth. Many of us suffer not because of facts, but because of conclusions we've drawn without evidence. How many of you have done that? Raise your hand. Okay. I'm raising my hand because I've done that and still do that sometimes, but I've learned to take the thought captive. So hear it and hold it. Second Corinthians 10 verse five, Take captive everything. thought to make it obedient to Christ. So what does that mean, take captive? Well, it means to hold on to that thought and ask yourself, would Jesus approve of this thought? Is this something that comes from him? And if it's negative, it certainly doesn't. What thought have you been believing lately that may not be completely true? Reflection number three. God has been caring for you longer than you realize. As Mira held her Bible and reflected on her childhood, she remembered moments of love, protection, and care. In the middle of uncertainty, God reminded her that he had been watching over her all along. Now, she didn't know that was God's voice, but we do. When we look back over our own lives, we often discover God's fingerprints in places we never noticed before. Hear it and hold it. Deuteronomy 31 verse 8. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Can you identify a difficult season in your life where you can now see God's protection or provision? All right, let's step into our action step so that you can take to add to your transformation. And I think you know what I'm going to suggest. Catch ants, right? This week's action step comes straight from Grandma Eden. Ant stands for automatic negative thoughts. When you notice yourself feeling anxious, discouraged, fearful, or overwhelmed, stop and number one, catch it. What thought am I believing right now? Number two, check it. Is this thought 100% true? What evidence do I actually have? Number three, change it. Replace it with realistic, truthful thoughts. See how that lines up right with 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take every thought captive, which is catching the thought, and make it obedient to Christ. So we want to question it. What evidence do I have? And then you change it. Make it obedient to Christ. What would Jesus say about this? So let me give you an example. Here's an ant. So I probably have had this thought a handful of times over the years. Nothing is ever going to work out. That's also called black and white thinking, but we'll use it for the ant. So I'm going to check. Is that 100% true? No. A lot of things have worked out before and I don't know what the future holds. So who am I to say that nothing's ever going to work out. I don't have any evidence for that. So I'm going to change it. I don't know how the situation will turn out, but God has helped me through. difficult seasons before. I want to give you a scripture to hold on to. Romans 12 verse 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that goes right with what we have just been talking about with ants and 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Partners right there with it. All right, Cool. Let's jump into prayer. Let me pray for you, my friend. Father God, you are the creator of all. You remind us all the time of your creation through the senses you have built in us. We see your fingerprints through your flowers, through the scent they release, through the soft touch of a kitten, the taste of fruit, and the soft song of a bird. You created our mind and have given us directions on how to make it work well for us. You tell us to renew our mind to focus on what is good because you know how our mind affects our emotions. Thank you for giving us the tools on how to switch our focus and how you meet us when we change direction. For the listener that struggles with ants and catching them, I lift them up to you for your help and guidance. I pray they feel your presence of peace as they choose to renew their minds to your truth. In Jesus's holy name. Amen. Friends, thank you so much for listening. I hope this episode was helpful to you. Will you do me a favor? Will you email me with some any questions you have about relationships? I would like to use some of some real questions in a new segment for next season. Also, leaving this podcast a great review is a helpful way to let other people know that it might be worth listening to. Friends, as we wrap up season one, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. This is Kimberlee Herman cheering you on from Promise Hill.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Description

What If the Story You Told Yourself Was Wrong?

What if something you've believed about yourself—or your past—isn't the whole truth?

In the Season 1 finale of Promise Hill, Mira is getting closer to answers about the life she had before she was adopted. But the closer she gets, the more questions seem to surface.

And sometimes, when we don't have all the answers, our minds fill in the blanks for us with negative thinking.

Then, during Promise Hill's Festival of Joy, Mira notices something she wasn't supposed to notice.

And suddenly, she's not the only one in Promise Hill with a past that holds unanswered questions.

*****

📖 From Mira's Journal

I have so many questions right now.

Part of me wants all the answers immediately. I want the missing pieces filled in so I can finally understand my own story.

But I'm starting to wonder how many times I've filled in those empty spaces myself.

What if some of the things I've believed aren't facts at all?

Maybe I don't need every answer today.

Maybe it's enough to stay open to the possibility that there's more to my story than I know.

*****

📱 On Apple Podcasts? Leave a written review here ... it takes 20 seconds and helps other listeners discover Promise Hill.

📖 Feeling overwhelmed? Grab my free short ebook, P.A.U.S.E.: A Sacred Reset here.

Reach me here: Kimberlee@PromiseHillPodcast.com

*****

🌿 About Promise Hill

📖 Each episode includes:

• One unfolding chapter

• Reflection and faith-based encouragement

• Practical action steps

• A prayer for you

🤍 Important Notes: To enhance the storytelling experience, I use AI for character voices and all images. However, my voice is real.

This podcast is for inspiration and storytelling purposes only. If you are struggling emotionally or mentally, please seek professional support. You are worth it.

Positive reviews help others know that this podcast might be the extra support they need right now. Thank you!

🏡 Welcome to Promise Hill.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill, where we renew our minds to change our story. Hello, I'm Kimberlee Herman, your host. Season one is an unfolding story. So if you're interested, you may want to start with chapter one, just to see how all of this unfolds. And you this is our last episode for season one. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and receive my gift for you, the Paz Sacred Reset, down below. In our last chapter, we heard the story about the blind man receiving sight performed from a new character, Solomon Reed. Today, we learn a little bit more about Mira's past and wrap up season one. In season two, we will learn about Mira's early years and the mystery behind all of it. Why does it matter? It's my way of teaching soul care skills for real life through a story. Your story will not look like the ones here, but there will be similar routes we can all learn from. I'll meet you on the other side of the story with reflections, action step, and prayer. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
The bird's singing woke Mira early. She remembered her mom hanging up before finishing her thought. She also recalled Solomon the Storyteller's tale, which had sounded vaguely familiar.
Speaker #2
Okay, I am going to apply for jobs, then work on the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide from Grandma Eden. Actually, I'm going to see if Grandma Eden can help me today, since I am stuck on Step 2.
Speaker #1
After lunch, Mira walked under the warm sun, taking in the trees swaying in the wind, the birds singing, and watching the bees pollinating flowers. She reached the house full of peace by noticing the nature around her.
Speaker #2
Hi there, Grandma Eden. Do you have time to meet with me today?
Speaker #3
Of course, dear. Come in. I'm so happy to see you, dear.
Speaker #2
Me too. I have a question about the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide. Love that name, by the way. But I also wanted to know if you learned anything about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
I'm glad you stopped by, Mira. And glad you like it. Okay, let's start with Glowing in the Dark then, shall we? Which one has you stuck?
Speaker #2
Number two, the Embrace Clarity step. I've been so focused on Jackson that I'm not sure how to start with me.
Speaker #3
It starts with asking yourself questions and honestly answering them. For example, when you were married, did you feel you could be yourself or did you hold back? And if you did hold back, why? It's questions like that. How did you feel and react when you disagreed or when you just agreed to keep the peace? Where you would normally analyse his behaviour, look at yours. That. is where healing begins.
Speaker #2
Thank you. That makes sense. I'm guessing it's helpful to write this out in the journal you gave me.
Speaker #3
It sure is, dear.
Speaker #2
Okay. Now tell me if you found out about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
Mira, dear. I passed through Promise Hill 30 years ago, visiting the church from nearby River Oak. Pastor Enoch was a young staffer then. I heard the church helped a young mother escape an abusive boyfriend. Her three-year-old daughter's name was Amira. I confirmed this with Pastor Enoch, and we both think that Amira is probably you, based on the texts you are getting. The pastor is in Ireland for a few weeks visiting his family, but is happy to talk with you, but has one request before doing so.
Speaker #2
What's that?
Speaker #3
That you meet the person texting you first. He feels it's not his place to reveal the details, but is happy to fill in the gaps as needed.
Speaker #1
Mira's heart was beating out of her chest.
Speaker #2
I used to live here as a little girl, and my mother had to escape? The church helped us. Pastor Enoch was involved? Oh my, this is a lot to take in.
Speaker #3
Yes, it is. Let the dust settle. You told the texter you would get back to them after the Promise Hill parade. That's next week. If you are ready then, your life story will unfold. But until then, dear, I want you to put down the glowing-in-the-dark guide. Learning self-care is about what you can handle at a time. Learning about your early years before your adoption is enough without also working through your divorce. It's too much to take on at once. Oh, as a former worrywart, I encourage you to practice ant catching.
Speaker #2
What? Ants?
Speaker #3
Yes, dear. It stands for automatic negative thoughts. We can tend to go there when overwhelmed. Catch, check, and change. Catch an ant and ask yourself this question. Is this 100% true? It usually isn't. Then replace or change it with a realistic thought.
Speaker #2
Okay, so an aunt for me right now is my birth mother didn't like me when I was a child, and that's why I was adopted. I can't say it's 100% true without more information. From what I have heard, adoption is so hard on the parents, so I don't think that I wasn't liked, and I will learn the real circumstances soon. How's that for catching my first aunt?
Speaker #3
Very good, dear. Keep catching them. What we think is how we feel. Until then... Would you join me at church this Sunday at 9 a.m.? You might find what you need there. I heard there's a guest performing, too.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Eden. Yes, I will join you at church on Sunday. Meet you there.
Speaker #1
Mira walked home with everything swirling in her mind. She practiced deep breathing and the ant exercise. When she got home, she decided to put away the breakup guide for now and pulled out the Bible her mother gave her instead. She held it. tightly against her chest.
Speaker #2
Okay, God, if you are there, show me.
Speaker #1
As she sat, she began to feel warm and calm. Her thoughts took her to some really happy childhood memories of she and her mom playing catch and serving her dad tea. She was reminded that she was loved and cared for as a child. Then she heard in her mind, I protected you. It was a soft yet strong voice.
Speaker #2
I wonder where that came from.
Speaker #1
In that moment, Mira felt like everything would work out as it should and fell asleep right there on the couch, still clutching her Bible, looking forward to attending church with Eden the day after the Festival of Joy, Promise Hill's yearly parade. On Saturday, Mira was getting ready for the Festival of Joy on Main Street. She grabbed a flyer and read out loud.
Speaker #2
Welcome to the annual Promise Hill Parade to celebrate Benjamin Bright. With a bag of found seeds, he cried out to God to bless him with food from the seeds. He scattered them on a barren hilltop. The next morning, he awoke to the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen. He sold a bunch in the nearest town and was finally able to eat. Benjamin Bright praised God for the promise that he would be taken care of just like God takes care of the birds in the field. Promise Hill was born of that miracle, and we call this the Festival of Joy.
Speaker #4
Pretty neat history, isn't it?
Speaker #2
Oh, nice to see you, Nathaniel.
Speaker #4
We saved a seat for you, Mira. Come on over.
Speaker #1
Mira followed Nathaniel to some chairs outside Charity's Daily Bread Bakery, where Solomon the Storyteller and Gideon were sitting.
Speaker #2
Thanks guys for saving me a spot.
Speaker #1
Mira saw Grandma Eden and waved to her. Eden waved back and then looked at Solomon and her smile left her face and she quickly walked the other way. She looked to Solomon, who looked concerned. He said to himself, I have a lot of work to do with Eden. As laughter and music filled Promise Hill, a strange feeling settled over Mira. She couldn't shake what she had just seen, Mira thought to herself.
Speaker #2
Why would Grandma Eden avoid Solomon? What history existed between them?
Speaker #1
It was another mystery hidden beneath the surface of Promise Hill, and some mysteries take time to unfold. As we close Season 1, many questions remain unanswered, and Mira's journey continues. In Season 2, we'll meet a few new characters, as Mira uncovers secrets about her earliest years, pieces of a life she never knew existed. Until then, thank you for joining us on this adventure through Promise Hill. We'll see you in Season 2. Take it away, Kimberlee.
Speaker #0
Another twist to keep you coming back. Let's look at... how this chapter relates to your story. Reflection number one, your story does not define your worth. When Mira learned more about her past, she immediately began wondering what it meant about her. Was she wanted? Why was she adopted? Why had these things happened? And who was her dad? And was he really abusive? Most of us do the same thing. We take painful events from our lives and use them to answer questions about our value. But our worth is not determined by what happened to us. It is determined by the God who created us and loves us. Mira didn't have all the answers yet, but she was reminded of something important. She was loved. Hear it and hold it. 1 John 3, verse 1. See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. Have you ever allowed a painful experience, rejection, or loss to define how you see yourself? What might change if you viewed yourself through God's love instead? Think about that. Reflection number two, your thoughts shape your feelings. When Mira imagined why she had been adopted, her mind immediately created a painful narrative. Maybe I wasn't wanted, but Grandma Eden and taught her to catch that. automatic negative thought and challenge it with truth. Many of us suffer not because of facts, but because of conclusions we've drawn without evidence. How many of you have done that? Raise your hand. Okay. I'm raising my hand because I've done that and still do that sometimes, but I've learned to take the thought captive. So hear it and hold it. Second Corinthians 10 verse five, Take captive everything. thought to make it obedient to Christ. So what does that mean, take captive? Well, it means to hold on to that thought and ask yourself, would Jesus approve of this thought? Is this something that comes from him? And if it's negative, it certainly doesn't. What thought have you been believing lately that may not be completely true? Reflection number three. God has been caring for you longer than you realize. As Mira held her Bible and reflected on her childhood, she remembered moments of love, protection, and care. In the middle of uncertainty, God reminded her that he had been watching over her all along. Now, she didn't know that was God's voice, but we do. When we look back over our own lives, we often discover God's fingerprints in places we never noticed before. Hear it and hold it. Deuteronomy 31 verse 8. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Can you identify a difficult season in your life where you can now see God's protection or provision? All right, let's step into our action step so that you can take to add to your transformation. And I think you know what I'm going to suggest. Catch ants, right? This week's action step comes straight from Grandma Eden. Ant stands for automatic negative thoughts. When you notice yourself feeling anxious, discouraged, fearful, or overwhelmed, stop and number one, catch it. What thought am I believing right now? Number two, check it. Is this thought 100% true? What evidence do I actually have? Number three, change it. Replace it with realistic, truthful thoughts. See how that lines up right with 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take every thought captive, which is catching the thought, and make it obedient to Christ. So we want to question it. What evidence do I have? And then you change it. Make it obedient to Christ. What would Jesus say about this? So let me give you an example. Here's an ant. So I probably have had this thought a handful of times over the years. Nothing is ever going to work out. That's also called black and white thinking, but we'll use it for the ant. So I'm going to check. Is that 100% true? No. A lot of things have worked out before and I don't know what the future holds. So who am I to say that nothing's ever going to work out. I don't have any evidence for that. So I'm going to change it. I don't know how the situation will turn out, but God has helped me through. difficult seasons before. I want to give you a scripture to hold on to. Romans 12 verse 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that goes right with what we have just been talking about with ants and 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Partners right there with it. All right, Cool. Let's jump into prayer. Let me pray for you, my friend. Father God, you are the creator of all. You remind us all the time of your creation through the senses you have built in us. We see your fingerprints through your flowers, through the scent they release, through the soft touch of a kitten, the taste of fruit, and the soft song of a bird. You created our mind and have given us directions on how to make it work well for us. You tell us to renew our mind to focus on what is good because you know how our mind affects our emotions. Thank you for giving us the tools on how to switch our focus and how you meet us when we change direction. For the listener that struggles with ants and catching them, I lift them up to you for your help and guidance. I pray they feel your presence of peace as they choose to renew their minds to your truth. In Jesus's holy name. Amen. Friends, thank you so much for listening. I hope this episode was helpful to you. Will you do me a favor? Will you email me with some any questions you have about relationships? I would like to use some of some real questions in a new segment for next season. Also, leaving this podcast a great review is a helpful way to let other people know that it might be worth listening to. Friends, as we wrap up season one, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. This is Kimberlee Herman cheering you on from Promise Hill.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

What If the Story You Told Yourself Was Wrong?

What if something you've believed about yourself—or your past—isn't the whole truth?

In the Season 1 finale of Promise Hill, Mira is getting closer to answers about the life she had before she was adopted. But the closer she gets, the more questions seem to surface.

And sometimes, when we don't have all the answers, our minds fill in the blanks for us with negative thinking.

Then, during Promise Hill's Festival of Joy, Mira notices something she wasn't supposed to notice.

And suddenly, she's not the only one in Promise Hill with a past that holds unanswered questions.

*****

📖 From Mira's Journal

I have so many questions right now.

Part of me wants all the answers immediately. I want the missing pieces filled in so I can finally understand my own story.

But I'm starting to wonder how many times I've filled in those empty spaces myself.

What if some of the things I've believed aren't facts at all?

Maybe I don't need every answer today.

Maybe it's enough to stay open to the possibility that there's more to my story than I know.

*****

📱 On Apple Podcasts? Leave a written review here ... it takes 20 seconds and helps other listeners discover Promise Hill.

📖 Feeling overwhelmed? Grab my free short ebook, P.A.U.S.E.: A Sacred Reset here.

Reach me here: Kimberlee@PromiseHillPodcast.com

*****

🌿 About Promise Hill

📖 Each episode includes:

• One unfolding chapter

• Reflection and faith-based encouragement

• Practical action steps

• A prayer for you

🤍 Important Notes: To enhance the storytelling experience, I use AI for character voices and all images. However, my voice is real.

This podcast is for inspiration and storytelling purposes only. If you are struggling emotionally or mentally, please seek professional support. You are worth it.

Positive reviews help others know that this podcast might be the extra support they need right now. Thank you!

🏡 Welcome to Promise Hill.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
Welcome back to Promise Hill, where we renew our minds to change our story. Hello, I'm Kimberlee Herman, your host. Season one is an unfolding story. So if you're interested, you may want to start with chapter one, just to see how all of this unfolds. And you this is our last episode for season one. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and receive my gift for you, the Paz Sacred Reset, down below. In our last chapter, we heard the story about the blind man receiving sight performed from a new character, Solomon Reed. Today, we learn a little bit more about Mira's past and wrap up season one. In season two, we will learn about Mira's early years and the mystery behind all of it. Why does it matter? It's my way of teaching soul care skills for real life through a story. Your story will not look like the ones here, but there will be similar routes we can all learn from. I'll meet you on the other side of the story with reflections, action step, and prayer. Let's listen in.
Speaker #1
The bird's singing woke Mira early. She remembered her mom hanging up before finishing her thought. She also recalled Solomon the Storyteller's tale, which had sounded vaguely familiar.
Speaker #2
Okay, I am going to apply for jobs, then work on the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide from Grandma Eden. Actually, I'm going to see if Grandma Eden can help me today, since I am stuck on Step 2.
Speaker #1
After lunch, Mira walked under the warm sun, taking in the trees swaying in the wind, the birds singing, and watching the bees pollinating flowers. She reached the house full of peace by noticing the nature around her.
Speaker #2
Hi there, Grandma Eden. Do you have time to meet with me today?
Speaker #3
Of course, dear. Come in. I'm so happy to see you, dear.
Speaker #2
Me too. I have a question about the Glowing in the Dark Breakup Recovery Guide. Love that name, by the way. But I also wanted to know if you learned anything about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
I'm glad you stopped by, Mira. And glad you like it. Okay, let's start with Glowing in the Dark then, shall we? Which one has you stuck?
Speaker #2
Number two, the Embrace Clarity step. I've been so focused on Jackson that I'm not sure how to start with me.
Speaker #3
It starts with asking yourself questions and honestly answering them. For example, when you were married, did you feel you could be yourself or did you hold back? And if you did hold back, why? It's questions like that. How did you feel and react when you disagreed or when you just agreed to keep the peace? Where you would normally analyse his behaviour, look at yours. That. is where healing begins.
Speaker #2
Thank you. That makes sense. I'm guessing it's helpful to write this out in the journal you gave me.
Speaker #3
It sure is, dear.
Speaker #2
Okay. Now tell me if you found out about my birth dad.
Speaker #3
Mira, dear. I passed through Promise Hill 30 years ago, visiting the church from nearby River Oak. Pastor Enoch was a young staffer then. I heard the church helped a young mother escape an abusive boyfriend. Her three-year-old daughter's name was Amira. I confirmed this with Pastor Enoch, and we both think that Amira is probably you, based on the texts you are getting. The pastor is in Ireland for a few weeks visiting his family, but is happy to talk with you, but has one request before doing so.
Speaker #2
What's that?
Speaker #3
That you meet the person texting you first. He feels it's not his place to reveal the details, but is happy to fill in the gaps as needed.
Speaker #1
Mira's heart was beating out of her chest.
Speaker #2
I used to live here as a little girl, and my mother had to escape? The church helped us. Pastor Enoch was involved? Oh my, this is a lot to take in.
Speaker #3
Yes, it is. Let the dust settle. You told the texter you would get back to them after the Promise Hill parade. That's next week. If you are ready then, your life story will unfold. But until then, dear, I want you to put down the glowing-in-the-dark guide. Learning self-care is about what you can handle at a time. Learning about your early years before your adoption is enough without also working through your divorce. It's too much to take on at once. Oh, as a former worrywart, I encourage you to practice ant catching.
Speaker #2
What? Ants?
Speaker #3
Yes, dear. It stands for automatic negative thoughts. We can tend to go there when overwhelmed. Catch, check, and change. Catch an ant and ask yourself this question. Is this 100% true? It usually isn't. Then replace or change it with a realistic thought.
Speaker #2
Okay, so an aunt for me right now is my birth mother didn't like me when I was a child, and that's why I was adopted. I can't say it's 100% true without more information. From what I have heard, adoption is so hard on the parents, so I don't think that I wasn't liked, and I will learn the real circumstances soon. How's that for catching my first aunt?
Speaker #3
Very good, dear. Keep catching them. What we think is how we feel. Until then... Would you join me at church this Sunday at 9 a.m.? You might find what you need there. I heard there's a guest performing, too.
Speaker #2
Thank you, Eden. Yes, I will join you at church on Sunday. Meet you there.
Speaker #1
Mira walked home with everything swirling in her mind. She practiced deep breathing and the ant exercise. When she got home, she decided to put away the breakup guide for now and pulled out the Bible her mother gave her instead. She held it. tightly against her chest.
Speaker #2
Okay, God, if you are there, show me.
Speaker #1
As she sat, she began to feel warm and calm. Her thoughts took her to some really happy childhood memories of she and her mom playing catch and serving her dad tea. She was reminded that she was loved and cared for as a child. Then she heard in her mind, I protected you. It was a soft yet strong voice.
Speaker #2
I wonder where that came from.
Speaker #1
In that moment, Mira felt like everything would work out as it should and fell asleep right there on the couch, still clutching her Bible, looking forward to attending church with Eden the day after the Festival of Joy, Promise Hill's yearly parade. On Saturday, Mira was getting ready for the Festival of Joy on Main Street. She grabbed a flyer and read out loud.
Speaker #2
Welcome to the annual Promise Hill Parade to celebrate Benjamin Bright. With a bag of found seeds, he cried out to God to bless him with food from the seeds. He scattered them on a barren hilltop. The next morning, he awoke to the most beautiful flowers he had ever seen. He sold a bunch in the nearest town and was finally able to eat. Benjamin Bright praised God for the promise that he would be taken care of just like God takes care of the birds in the field. Promise Hill was born of that miracle, and we call this the Festival of Joy.
Speaker #4
Pretty neat history, isn't it?
Speaker #2
Oh, nice to see you, Nathaniel.
Speaker #4
We saved a seat for you, Mira. Come on over.
Speaker #1
Mira followed Nathaniel to some chairs outside Charity's Daily Bread Bakery, where Solomon the Storyteller and Gideon were sitting.
Speaker #2
Thanks guys for saving me a spot.
Speaker #1
Mira saw Grandma Eden and waved to her. Eden waved back and then looked at Solomon and her smile left her face and she quickly walked the other way. She looked to Solomon, who looked concerned. He said to himself, I have a lot of work to do with Eden. As laughter and music filled Promise Hill, a strange feeling settled over Mira. She couldn't shake what she had just seen, Mira thought to herself.
Speaker #2
Why would Grandma Eden avoid Solomon? What history existed between them?
Speaker #1
It was another mystery hidden beneath the surface of Promise Hill, and some mysteries take time to unfold. As we close Season 1, many questions remain unanswered, and Mira's journey continues. In Season 2, we'll meet a few new characters, as Mira uncovers secrets about her earliest years, pieces of a life she never knew existed. Until then, thank you for joining us on this adventure through Promise Hill. We'll see you in Season 2. Take it away, Kimberlee.
Speaker #0
Another twist to keep you coming back. Let's look at... how this chapter relates to your story. Reflection number one, your story does not define your worth. When Mira learned more about her past, she immediately began wondering what it meant about her. Was she wanted? Why was she adopted? Why had these things happened? And who was her dad? And was he really abusive? Most of us do the same thing. We take painful events from our lives and use them to answer questions about our value. But our worth is not determined by what happened to us. It is determined by the God who created us and loves us. Mira didn't have all the answers yet, but she was reminded of something important. She was loved. Hear it and hold it. 1 John 3, verse 1. See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. Have you ever allowed a painful experience, rejection, or loss to define how you see yourself? What might change if you viewed yourself through God's love instead? Think about that. Reflection number two, your thoughts shape your feelings. When Mira imagined why she had been adopted, her mind immediately created a painful narrative. Maybe I wasn't wanted, but Grandma Eden and taught her to catch that. automatic negative thought and challenge it with truth. Many of us suffer not because of facts, but because of conclusions we've drawn without evidence. How many of you have done that? Raise your hand. Okay. I'm raising my hand because I've done that and still do that sometimes, but I've learned to take the thought captive. So hear it and hold it. Second Corinthians 10 verse five, Take captive everything. thought to make it obedient to Christ. So what does that mean, take captive? Well, it means to hold on to that thought and ask yourself, would Jesus approve of this thought? Is this something that comes from him? And if it's negative, it certainly doesn't. What thought have you been believing lately that may not be completely true? Reflection number three. God has been caring for you longer than you realize. As Mira held her Bible and reflected on her childhood, she remembered moments of love, protection, and care. In the middle of uncertainty, God reminded her that he had been watching over her all along. Now, she didn't know that was God's voice, but we do. When we look back over our own lives, we often discover God's fingerprints in places we never noticed before. Hear it and hold it. Deuteronomy 31 verse 8. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Can you identify a difficult season in your life where you can now see God's protection or provision? All right, let's step into our action step so that you can take to add to your transformation. And I think you know what I'm going to suggest. Catch ants, right? This week's action step comes straight from Grandma Eden. Ant stands for automatic negative thoughts. When you notice yourself feeling anxious, discouraged, fearful, or overwhelmed, stop and number one, catch it. What thought am I believing right now? Number two, check it. Is this thought 100% true? What evidence do I actually have? Number three, change it. Replace it with realistic, truthful thoughts. See how that lines up right with 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take every thought captive, which is catching the thought, and make it obedient to Christ. So we want to question it. What evidence do I have? And then you change it. Make it obedient to Christ. What would Jesus say about this? So let me give you an example. Here's an ant. So I probably have had this thought a handful of times over the years. Nothing is ever going to work out. That's also called black and white thinking, but we'll use it for the ant. So I'm going to check. Is that 100% true? No. A lot of things have worked out before and I don't know what the future holds. So who am I to say that nothing's ever going to work out. I don't have any evidence for that. So I'm going to change it. I don't know how the situation will turn out, but God has helped me through. difficult seasons before. I want to give you a scripture to hold on to. Romans 12 verse 2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So that goes right with what we have just been talking about with ants and 2 Corinthians 10 5. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Partners right there with it. All right, Cool. Let's jump into prayer. Let me pray for you, my friend. Father God, you are the creator of all. You remind us all the time of your creation through the senses you have built in us. We see your fingerprints through your flowers, through the scent they release, through the soft touch of a kitten, the taste of fruit, and the soft song of a bird. You created our mind and have given us directions on how to make it work well for us. You tell us to renew our mind to focus on what is good because you know how our mind affects our emotions. Thank you for giving us the tools on how to switch our focus and how you meet us when we change direction. For the listener that struggles with ants and catching them, I lift them up to you for your help and guidance. I pray they feel your presence of peace as they choose to renew their minds to your truth. In Jesus's holy name. Amen. Friends, thank you so much for listening. I hope this episode was helpful to you. Will you do me a favor? Will you email me with some any questions you have about relationships? I would like to use some of some real questions in a new segment for next season. Also, leaving this podcast a great review is a helpful way to let other people know that it might be worth listening to. Friends, as we wrap up season one, may you find peace in the presence and hope on the hilltop. This is Kimberlee Herman cheering you on from Promise Hill.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Promise Hill | Renew Your Mind. Change Your Story | Christian Fiction + Soul Care Podcast

Promise Hill isn’t just a podcast—it’s a journey for the soul.

If you seek personal growth, mental health support, and spiritual healing rooted in the Bible, Promise Hill welcomes you to a path of self-help and renewal through fiction and faith.

If you’re someone who finds healing in stories and believes in the beauty of transformation, welcome home. You belong here.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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