Episode 140: Stop Spiraling: A Much-Needed Reminder from Max Lucado

About this episode

Cynthia Yanof revisits a conversation with Max Lucado about managing thoughts and beliefs during challenging moments.

Spring break is happening at the Yanof house, which means I’m headed to San Diego with some of my crew. And yes, we’re going to the zoo. I want the record to reflect I’m selflessly going to walk 12 miles, wonder why every creature in the entire park seems to be either asleep or hiding behind a rock, and question my life decisions (while also holding my nose). But it’s all in the name of being a good mom. So here we are. Because of travel, today we’re re-releasing one of my favorite conversations with the GOAT himself, Max Lucado. And before you think, oh I’ve heard this one , stay with me. Last week I had one of those moments where my thoughts completely ran away from me. My son was out driving late at night, and my brain was off to the races—one small concern spinning into about twelve worst-case scenarios in about five minutes flat. And that’s when I thought, okay… this is exactly why we need to revisit Pastor Max’s words again. In this conversation, he talks about how our thoughts shape our beliefs—and our beliefs shape our behavior. He shares biblical, practical ways to take every thought captive and why “picky thinking” matters more than we realize. If your mind has felt a…

People in this episode

Host: Cynthia Yanof

Guest: Max Lucado

Topics covered

• parenting
• thought management
• faith
• Christian encouragement
• family dynamics

Keywords

• Max Lucado
• thoughts
• beliefs
• parenting
• Christian faith
• encouragement
• family

Sponsors

Time4Learning

More episodes of MESSmerized - Funny and faith based encouragement in marriage , family , Christian parenting , and finding purpose

• Episode 151: Making Marriage Easier: Week 1 with Arlene Pellicane · June 10, 2026 · 33 min
• Episode 150: When Motherhood Looks Different: Encouragement for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids with Somer Colbert · May 27, 2026 · 42 min
• Episode 149: A Conversation With One of My Besties: Real Friendship, Real Life, Real Bible Study (with Stephanie Martin) · May 20, 2026 · 48 min
• Episode 148: The Tone of Your Home, Championing Women, and What’s Next with Courtney DeFeo · May 13, 2026 · 44 min
• Episode 147: My Mother’s Day Gift to You 💐💐—You Need to Hear This (with Sharon Mankin) · May 6, 2026 · 50 min
• Episode 146: What College Didn’t Teach Them: Molly and Kate on Faith, Friendship, and Finding Your Person · April 29, 2026 · 45 min