This Grit and Grace Life Darlene Brock & Julie Bender from GritandGraceLife.org

Are you putting off scheduling your next OB-GYN appointment? We get it—it can be uncomfortable, awkward, and even embarrassing to chat with the doc about issues or questions related to down there. 



That's why we're bringing back this episode of This Grit and Grace Life with guest Dr. Holly Miller, a board certified OB-GYN, to answer all the hard OB-GYN questions you need to know about feminine health but are probably too embarrassed to ask about. 



This episode is filled with questions that women tend to run from, including:



When do we see a gynecologist?

Why do we see gynecologists?

Do we have to see a gynecologist?

And the biggest question, why are we terrified of seeing a gynecologist?



Whether you’re busy or scared something is wrong and you don't want to face it, you need to go see a gynecologist. It’s that simple! Neglecting your health is no way to handle potential issues you may be facing. We know after listening, you’ll feel comfortable and confident scheduling your next appointment!



What else you’ll learn:



* When a teenager should see a gynecologist

* When you should have your first pap smear

* How regularly you should have a pap smear and pelvic exams

* How to feel comfortable when seeing your gynecologist

* Important information you need to share with your gynecologist

* What a “normal cycle” should look like

* Symptoms you need to look out for throughout our womanhood

* Common issues you need to know are not normal

* When you need to begin getting regular mammograms

* The top things Dr. Miller wants you to know about your feminine health

* Why you never need to feel embarrassed!







Dr. Holly Miller completed medical school at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She’s currently an OB-GYN physician in Florida. Outside of the office, Dr. Miller enjoys reading, running and spending time with her husband and four children.



Find more from Dr. Miller by visiting her practice website here.

Quote of the episode:

“It's extremely important that women of all ages have a relationship with a doctor, specifically a gynecologist." —Dr. Holly Miller

Resources

Mentioned:



* Follow Dr. Holly Miller on Instagram for more feminine health advice HERE.



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How do you measure your self-worth? Is it determined by a respectable title at work or the approving nods ands compliments you receive on an outfit? Is it measured by how similar your home looks to your favorite influencer's or your own personal follower count on Instagram?



This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender get together to offer a single resounding answer to all those questions: No. Your self-worth isn't determined by any of these things.



And yet, the culture we live in upholds this pervasive idea that our worth is dependent on what we do or how put-together our lives appear, when in reality—in God's reality—it's who we are that matters.



If you struggle, like Julie did, with feeling like you're not enough or even too much for others, listen to this episode to learn where your worth comes from and how you can walk boldly in who you are. The world doesn't dictate your self-worth. Remember—God has a plan for you, and you're on the road to who you're becoming. Give grace to yourself on the way there.

Quote of the episode:

“Stop shrinking to fit places you’ve outgrown.” —Darlene

Resources

Mentioned



* Psalm 138:3 (AMP)



Related



* "The Airbrushed Bombshell: Brushing Back Body Image Issues"

* "Am I Worth More than a Penny?"

* "I Did a Social Media Detox and Learned Why We’re Always Reaching for Our Phones"

* Bible Verses on Self-Worth From the Grit and Grace Team

* "How to Say 'Good Riddance' to that Pesky Shadow: Shame"



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You may have seen the movie "Unsung Hero" and learned a little about the childhood and career of Christian singer and songwriter Rebecca St. James. But we thought we would revisit an earlier episode of This Grit and Grace Life podcast when Rebecca joined the show to chat about another important part of her life: dating and finding "the one."



Landing your forever-after prince isn’t always so clear-cut. We wonder whether he’s out there, how long it’ll take to find him, and if we’ll even recognize him when the moment arrives. We can even get so frustrated with the wait that we might be tempted to settle for a good man but not the right man. But is it worth waiting for the right one?



Rebecca insists it is. She shares the ups and downs of her own journey through dating and how she ultimately found her husband (and knew he was “the one” almost instantly). She, Darlene, and Julie also discuss what character traits to look for in the right man, how you can stay committed to the values you set for yourself without settling, and whether you’re giving too many husband privileges to a boyfriend who won’t commit.



Rebecca St. James is a GRAMMY-winning Christian singer/songwriter, author, and speaker. She is also the co-host of the podcast Practice Makes Parent alongside Dr. Danny Huerta where they discuss strategies and inspiration for parenting kids of all ages. You can follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccast.james, on Facebook @RSJames or on her website at rebeccastjames.com.



Quote of the episode:

“There was this soul connection where it’s like he has the same spirit, same values, same heart, same true, core desires in life.”

—Rebecca St. James on finding her husband

Resources

Mentioned



* Watch "Unsung Hero" here

* Listen to this podcast episode for more on Rebecca's family: “Meet the Extraordinary Mom Behind the New Movie 'Unsung Hero' – 238”

* Listen to Rebecca's podcast, Rebecca St. James Friends and Family



Related



* Listen to Rebecca's newest co-hosted podcast, Practice Makes Parent

* Read now: “These 10 Red Flags in Dating Should Make You Run”





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When we get married, we have dreams, hopes and goals for what our lifelong union with our new partner will look like. But that idealistic view doesn't always match reality. Instead, we may find ourselves wondering why our man is so different compared to how he used to be at the beginning of the relationship or to the doting husbands we see on social media. Maybe we find ourselves in constant conflict with him, never finding common ground. Both of these issues can slowly and painfully drive your marriage into the ground.



Comparison and conflict are major, yet common, issues in marriage. Our very own co-host, Julie Bender, experienced them in her relationships. In this podcast episode—and in her book, soon to be releases as part of our "Smart Living in Small Bites" book series*—Julie walks through her difficult upbringing, her first marriage to Paul and the challenges they faced during their 11 years together, his unexpected passing and her experience dating and marrying her current husband, Donny.



Julie shares what to do when marriage is hard, revealing the comparison traps and the signs that indicate serious, underlying issues with communication and honesty and offers practical, fresh ways to resolve them. You and your spouse need to set your pride aside and be ready to work hard to protect and save your marriage. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.



*Our "Smart Living in Small Bites" book series is our latest endeavor here at Grit and Grace Life.We're creating and publishing a series of subject-specific guidebooks—written by our team of writers with direct experience in those subjects—that you can use to walk (and work) through your own challenges, at your own pace. Keep an eye out for this book and others in the series later this year.



Quote of the episode:

“There's no effort that you put into your marriage that isn't going to bear fruit." —Julie Bender

Resources

Mentioned 



* Julie Graham's Untold Story of Heartbreak, Healing and Hope - 101

* What Today's Dating Scene Is Really Like - 094

* Watch Julie's "Praying for Your Husband Daily" video series HERE

* Stay up-to-date on the release of our "Smart Living in Small Bites" book series. Click here, then scroll halfway down and sign up for our newsletter on the right-hand side of the page.



Related



* Marriage Is Not a Hallmark Movie—But It Can Be Better

* This Is a Window Into My Widowhood





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With Memorial Day upon us, co-hosts Darlene Brock and Julie Bender are honoring service members' sacrifices by encouraging us all to step into every area of life the same way those military men and women did—with bravery.



But what does that look like to be brave at work? In our relationships? In motherhood? In this episode, Darlene and Julie identify instances that might give us pause and why it's critical to push through them. Our character and integrity are often at stake in these situations, so we must be willing to get comfortable with being uncomfortable—whether others think we're uncool or overprotective or too Christian—to protect them.



Bravery isn't easy, but it's worth the things that matter.



Quote of the episode:

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows." —Luke 12:7

Resources

Mentioned 



* How to Handle a Hard Relationship with Your Mom - 089

* Read about Ananias approaching Saul in Acts 9



Related



* Establishing Healthy Boundaries in the Grit and Grace Life

* Find the Bravery to Live Our Your Purpose





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Are you itching for a vacation? Maybe the chilliness of winter has dragged on a hair too long and cabin fever has set in. If you're nodding along saying, "YES," then you'll want to tune into episode 240 of This Grit and Grace Life podcast.



In this episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender share 17 summer vacation destinations around the United States that you may have never considered visiting before but will be glad to have experienced. They list recommendations for kids and adults alike that span every corner of the nation (Washington, Kentucky, Florida, Massachusetts, California, Texas, Ohio) and every interest: music, cars, space, U.S. history (the good and the bad), faith, art and more.



Let this episode be the final push you need to book that flight and make memories that will last a lifetime.



Quote of the episode:

“Wouldn't you rather like to have a lot of stories to tell, memories that were made, than a full bank account?" —Darlene Brock

Resources

Mentioned 



* Making Music magazine



Related



* 9 Trips to Travel More and Spend Less

* Simple Guidelines for Traveling with Kids and How to Enjoy It

* 10 Packing Tips When You Need to Travel Light





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