Smart Living with Grit and Grace Podcast By Darlene Brock & Julie Bender from GritandGraceLife.org cover art

Smart Living with Grit and Grace

Smart Living with Grit and Grace

By: Darlene Brock & Julie Bender from GritandGraceLife.org
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 Wish you had a playbook for life? Look no further! Each week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 15 minutes of life lived, lessons learned, and wisdom gained to help you master this Grit and Grace Life. A podcast for strong women and those who want to be!© 2025 The Grit and Grace Project, Inc Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Why Your Story Matters – 289

    Why Your Story Matters – 289
    Jul 8 2025
    Are you sharing your story? Countless studies have shown that there's substantial value in sharing our stories and listening to others tell theirs. Among the biggest benefits? The release of oxytocin, a hormone and neurotransmitter that fosters trust and bonding. Vulnerably discussing our joys and woes, our challenges and triumphs, our embarrassments and achievements, has the power to elicit empathy in recognizing how our stories overlap. We glean wisdom, or at the very least, the comfort of knowing we aren't alone in facing certain experiences. This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack why your story matters. What use are our experiences and hard-earned life lessons if they never make it outside the walls of our hearts? Consider how your own life has been impacted by your mother's stories, perhaps, or a close friend's. They also dive deep into the lives of two biblical women, whose actions challenged the culture of their time and whose stories stand as an example of the power of learning from others who came before us and walk alongside us now. Quote of the episode: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Resources Mentioned Catch up on all of our recent podcasts here during our summer intermission! Sign up for our newsletter, Grit + Grace Insider, here (scroll down until you reach the fields on the lower right-hand side on the page) We want to hear your story! Email us at info@thegritandgraceproject.org Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: "Who Will Tell Your Story, and What Will They Say?" "I Found Freedom After Sharing My Painful Story" "3 Reasons You Should Share Your Story" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    16 mins
  • Fireworks and Freedom: The Reason Behind Independence Day – 288

    Fireworks and Freedom: The Reason Behind Independence Day – 288
    Jul 1 2025
    If your knowledge of how Independence Day came to be is a little fuzzy, settle in for a brief history lesson! In this podcast episode, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender recount America's origin story, starting with Great Britain's imposition of taxes and military presence in the colonies. You'll discover how the Declaration of Independence came to be and why it's significant (see the related resources section below for more), as well as our duty as women of faith (and Americans) to not only recognize our nation's flaws and failures but to correct them. For the little ones or fun-loving folks in your family, Darlene and Julie share 10 fresh ways to celebrate the holiday. We're not talking about BBQs—have you ever tried watermelon bowling or hosting a 1776 party? Sign us up! Quote of the episode: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36). Resources Mentioned Learn how to set up an outdoor movie theater here Want to send a care package to a military service member? USPS removes the guesswork with its Military Care Kit—the kit is free and includes 6 boxes, address labels, envelopes and priority mail tape. Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles and podcasts: "The Beauty of the Declaration of Independence" "How Can We Teach our Kids the True Meaning of Freedom? with Brooke Raybould – 199" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    15 mins
  • Feeling Discontent? Fix These 3 Areas of Your Life – 287

    Feeling Discontent? Fix These 3 Areas of Your Life – 287
    Jun 24 2025
    Feeling discontent with life? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Less-than? There are typically three culprits to blame: clutter, comparison, and conflict. Their impact, individually or collectively, can bog you down. Luckily, you're in control. In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender unpack the burden that the three Cs—clutter, comparison, and conflict—can drain our contentment with each area of our lives: our jobs, families, home, appearance, spirituality, and more. If we don't keep them in check, we'll never be satisfied. Tune in to learn practical strategies for managing the three Cs and reclaim your peace. Quote of the episode: “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Resources Mentioned Catch up on these podcast episodes: "If Your Clutter Is Driving You Crazy – 263" "Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 1 – 283" "Forgiveness to Reconciliation: Part 2 – 284" Related Want more on this topic? Check out these articles: "How to Crush Comparison With a Compliment" "Conquering Clutter Will Reveal the Things That Matter" "A Therapist's Advice on How to Handle Conflict" Check out the Smart Living book series here, and be sure to follow us on social media! Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest #gritandgracelife
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    20 mins
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I needed to hear this. It brought so many tears to me. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your truth. So many of us are too scared and really need help.

So grateful for this woman

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