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Mental health gets talked about like a secret, but it shows up in our thoughts, our bodies, our relationships, and the way we handle pressure every single day. Yanni sits down with Marcella, who’s in school for marriage and family therapy, to make the conversation honest, practical, and faith-friendly without turning it into something heavy or shame-filled. We get real about what happens when you’re overwhelmed, stuck in doomscrolling, carrying old grief, or trying to look “fine” while you’re quietly falling apart.

We dig into coping skills that actually fit real life: journaling when your mind feels loud, prayer and worship music when you need calm, movement and fresh air when anxiety spikes, and small self-care routines that help you feel grounded again. Marcella shares what it’s like to hear “no” in a major moment, and why letting yourself feel sad or angry can be healthier than rushing to “get over it.” We also talk about the power of small wins, because wellness might mean brushing your teeth, cleaning your room, or simply getting out of bed on a hard day.

Then we get specific about therapy and counseling: why a licensed therapist can help in ways friends can’t, how confidentiality builds safety, and how to find affordable options like sliding scale therapy. If you’re in the Permian Basin or Midland area, we even name local resources to help you get started. We also tackle stigma around diagnosis and medication, and share a simple reminder: a diagnosis can support you, but it does not define you.

If you’ve been thinking about getting help, let this be your nudge. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more people can find real mental health support.

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Standing In Your Truth Podcast with Yanni Thomas

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Silence can be fertile ground. After five months off the mic, we come back with a plan that finally matches our conviction: design a life skills curriculum for teens, launch a youth nonprofit with Aaron, and weave daily encouragement into the lives of 13–24-year-olds through positive affirmation texts. The path from idea to action wasn’t about finding extra time; it was about telling fear to get out of the driver’s seat.

We walk you through the real work behind building something useful for young people: interview prep that feels natural, resumes that tell a story, financial basics that reduce anxiety, simple tasks like addressing envelopes or writing checks, and mindset training that helps students bounce back. Then we share why we chose a nonprofit model, how we plan to partner with schools and community groups, and what consistent, compassionate messaging can do for a teen on a tough morning. If you’ve been sitting on a vision because someone else already “does that,” this conversation reframes uniqueness as your competitive edge.

There’s also a candid look at boundaries. We talk about quitting the habit of overexplaining, ending people-pleasing, and calling adult bullying what it is. Respecting a clear no protects our energy for the commitments that matter—like mentorship. With two new mentors from a campus leadership program and an upcoming associate’s degree in business management and leadership, we’re aligning structure with spirit, and hustle with health.

Underneath every update is faith: God made only one you. That’s not a slogan; it’s strategy. We hope this story pushes you to make the first brave move—send the email, draft the lesson, book the therapy session, or call the friend you’ve been thinking about. If this resonated, subscribe, share with someone who needs courage today, and leave a review telling us the one step you’ll take this week.

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Standing In Your Truth Podcast with Yanni Thomas

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Taylor Turner, a ninth-grade science teacher and mother of three, shares her transformative journey from struggling with family Bible reading to creating a comprehensive family Bible study. What began as a simple tradition of reading a chapter of Luke daily during December evolved into something much more profound when Taylor realized her family was merely going through the motions without meaningful engagement.

"We'd read the Bible and it felt like we got nothing out of it," Taylor explains, describing how her young daughter would focus more on the advent calendar reward than the scripture itself. This disconnect prompted Taylor to develop a resource that transforms Bible reading into genuine family conversations about faith.

Her Bible study stands apart through its accessibility and practical design. Understanding the intimidation many parents feel about leading spiritual discussions, Taylor incorporated parent tips, conversation starters, and background information using simple Bible translations. "I try to come about it in a perspective of a parent who doesn't really read the Bible as much," she shares. Each chapter includes fill-in-the-blank summaries, memory verses, and family activities—from themed snacks to games that reinforce biblical concepts.

Beyond scripture comprehension, Taylor's study teaches families how to pray meaningfully, moving beyond formulaic approaches to develop authentic communication with God. "I think there's so much hate in this world that if I could choose anything to stand for, it would be love in every situation," Taylor reflects, explaining how her own faith journey informs her approach to teaching children about God's love.

The Bible study represents more than just a published work—it embodies Taylor's passion for breaking generational curses through intentional faith development. As she powerfully states, "We have to train up our kids in the way of the Lord, and it's nobody else's job." Whether you're looking to strengthen your family's faith conversations or begin a new tradition this Christmas season, Taylor's Bible study offers a fresh approach to experiencing scripture together as a family.

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Standing In Your Truth Podcast with Yanni Thomas

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