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Do you struggle to do hard things—even when you know they're important? Do you procrastinate because a project feels overwhelming, or feel like giving up when you hit an obstacle? Maybe you've tried to break a habit or make a change in your life countless times, and you're beginning to wonder if you can actually do it. In this episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, we'll talk about five biblical and practical steps for doing hard things when you feel like you can't. We'll look at how breaking things into smaller steps, changing our expectations, expecting obstacles, going to God for help, and letting go of perfectionism can help us persevere.

Do you ever look at someone else's life and think, "If only I had what they have, I'd be happy"? Comparison can quietly steal your joy and leave you feeling dissatisfied with the life God has given you. In this episode, we'll look at the lie behind comparison and seven biblical ways to renew your mind so you can find contentment, gratitude, and joy in Christ. In this episode you'll learn: Why envy often begins with believing the wrong story Questions that help break the power of comparison How gratitude changes your perspective The importance of building a close walk with God Practical ways to improve your life without chasing someone else's How trusting God leads to lasting contentment Resources mentioned: I Deserve a Donut (And Other Lies That Make You Eat) app The Renewing of the Mind Project More resources at barbraveling.com

Do you keep reaching for your phone... or the pantry... even when you don't really want to? In this video, I'll share three biblical strategies that can help you break free from unhealthy food and phone habits. We'll talk about why these habits are so difficult to overcome today, how to make temptation easier to resist, and why lasting change happens as God renews our minds.

Do you ever feel like you can't relax until you get caught up? Maybe you're looking at a long to-do list, unfinished projects, family responsibilities, or upcoming events and thinking, If I could just get everything done, then I could relax. But what if peace doesn't come from getting caught up? What if it comes from walking with God in the middle of all the unfinished tasks?  In this episode, we'll look at the lie, "I'll have peace when I finally get caught up." We'll look at the practical and spiritual truth for the lie, a Bible verse for the lie, and a practical tool you can use when you're stressed.

Worry can feel impossible to overcome because we can't control the things we're worried about. In this video, I'll share three renewing-the-mind techniques I use when anxiety, fear, and worry keep circling through my thoughts. I include examples for how to stop worrying about your kids, your decisions, and what's happening in the world.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night, worrying about someone or something? Do you replay worst-case scenarios over and over again, trying to figure everything out so you can finally feel at peace? Or maybe your worry doesn't always feel dramatic—but instead shows up as low-grade stress that drives you to your phone, food, busyness, or distraction. In this episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, we'll discuss 5 things you can do when you can't stop worrying.

Have you ever had something you were really looking forward to… and it just didn't turn out the way you hoped? In this podcast and video, I share a simple, biblical way to respond when life doesn't live up to expectations—so you can move from disappointment to peace.

Have you ever wondered: "I've been a Christian for years… why am I still struggling with this?" Maybe there's a habit you can't seem to break. Or an emotion that keeps showing up—anxiety, anger, insecurity, envy, or discouragement. Many of us want to change, but we're not sure how. And sometimes we even know how to renew our minds—but we can't seem to make ourselves do it consistently. In this short episode, I introduce a brand new 4-part YouTube series called How to Renew Your Mind So You Can Actually Change. In the series, I explain what renewing the mind really means and share practical tools you can use to partner with God for real change. If you'd like to watch the first video in the series, you can find it on YouTube by searching: "Barb Raveling renew your mind." Over the next few weeks, I also invite you to join me in a simple renewing-your-mind project. Choose one area of your life where you'd like to see change—an emotion, a habit, or a situation that keeps upsetting you—and begin noticing the thoughts that go through your mind when that struggle appears. When the emotion rises or the urge for the habit shows up, pause and ask yourself: "What am I thinking right now?" That awareness is the first step in renewing your mind. New videos in the series will release each Saturday, and I hope you'll follow along as we learn to partner with God for transformation.

What if clutter isn't just about having too much stuff—but about what's quietly pulling us away from the things that matter most to us? In today's episode, I visit with Joshua Becker, bestselling author and founder of Becoming Minimalist,  about how clutter affects our lives and our faith. We explore why change feels so hard, how clutter quietly distracts us from spiritual growth, and why Jesus' teachings on possessions are an invitation—not a burden. If you've ever felt stuck, distracted, or weighed down by "too much"—this conversation you and give you practical next steps.

Do you ever feel like you're trying to love someone well—but it doesn't seem to be working? Maybe you're putting in effort, but the other person still feels distant, unappreciated, or unexcited about the relationship. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Gary Chapman about why that happens, how love languages go deeper than we often realize, and what actually helps people feel truly loved. Gary gives practical advice for improving all types of relationships.

Have you ever felt like change just isn't possible for you? In this episode, we talk about the lie "I'll never change"—why it feels so true, where it comes from, and what the Bible says instead. We'll explore how God brings transformation gradually, why slow progress still matters, and how to stay hopeful when growth feels frustrating. This episode is for anyone who's tired of trying, discouraged by past failure, or quietly wondering if this is just how life will always be. You'll also have a change to renew your mind about this lie while you're listening to the podcast through Scripture meditation, truth journaling, and the Hopelessness questions from the Renewing of the Mind Project.

If you've ever started a new year full of hope only to feel discouraged weeks later, this episode is for you. We unpack the belief "this year will be different," why it usually doesn't work, and what actually helps change stick. You'll hear practical ideas, spiritual perspective, and encouragement for taking a slower, wiser, and more grace-filled approach to your goals this year. Full show notes and links at barbraveling.com.