When life gets loud and when distractions multiply, emotions surge, routines slip, and pressures rise, our first instinct is usually to run faster, try harder, or grasp for control. But Jesus gives us a different invitation:

"Pay close attention to what you hear…"
—Mark 4:24–25 (NLT)

In this episode, Rose Ann shares a deeply personal devotional about learning to listen closely to God in seasons of chaos and in seasons of comfort—when things were falling apart and when they seemed to be going well.

She also opens up about the subtle drift that happens when we stop listening, the consequences of losing our spiritual focus, and the neuroscience that confirms what Jesus taught: what you repeatedly pay attention to will shape your entire life.

If life feels loud right now, this episode is your reminder to listen closer.

🧠 In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why Jesus tied listening to understanding and wisdom
• How early spiritual fire can fade when life returns to "normal"
• The pattern of drifting from God after answered prayers — and how to break it
• How volunteering, Bible studies, and community brought Rose Ann back into daily obedience
• The science of attention: how your brain rewires itself based on what you focus on
• Why God's Word quiets fear, anxiety, comparison, and the noise of the world
• A wisdom-filled quote from Craig Groeschel:

"Your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts."

🔍 Key Verse

Mark 4:24–25 (NLT)

"Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given…"

💭 Reflection Questions

1. Where has life felt "loud" lately—and whose voice have you been listening to most?
2. What simple daily rhythm (Scripture, devotional time, prayer) could help you pay closer attention to God again?
3. Could serving or joining a Bible study help anchor you in consistent community and spiritual growth?
4. What are your strongest thoughts right now—and where are they leading your life?

🙏 Closing Prayer

Father, I desire to pay closer attention to your voice and your Word.
I want to receive greater understanding and wisdom in my life.
I commit to listening closely—every day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

🕊 If This Episode Spoke to You…

Rose Ann would love to hear from you.
Send a short email to roseann@choosefreedom.today sharing how this devotional resonated with your heart and what kinds of wisdom topics you'd love to hear more about in future episodes.

Remember to visit www.choosefreedom.today for more resources.

#ChooseFreedom
#SayGoodbyeAndImagine
#GodlyWisdom
#RenewYourMind
#ChristianDevotional

In this episode of Say Goodbye and Imagine, Rose Ann transitions from the 12 Core Concepts into a brand-new exploration of godly wisdom—how Scripture guides our choices, shapes our mindset, and strengthens our self-control.

Rose Ann shares the behind-the-scenes process of how her devotional writings begin: through daily Bible reading, reflection, and noticing what God highlights in His Word. Today's insight comes from Genesis 4:7, a passage where God gently warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door—but also affirms that Cain has the power to subdue it.

This episode dives into:

1. Why this moment in Genesis reveals a patient and loving God
2. How unchecked emotions (like anger) open the door to life-interfering behaviors
3. The Hebrew imagery of sin "crouching" like a predator
4. How this connects to 1 Peter 5:8 and moments of temptation
5. Why godly decision making begins with recognizing that the Holy Spirit empowers us to choose what is right
6. How renewed neural pathways and spiritual self-control work together

Rose Ann also shares her heart behind her next devotional project on godly wisdom and invites listeners to participate by sending the Scriptures that have shaped their own decision-making journey.

She closes with a prayer from her devotional draft and a reminder that resources for substance or behavior struggles are available at www.choosefreedom.today.

If this episode encourages you, reach out and let her know at RoseAnn@ChooseFreedom.today. Your encouragement helps guide the direction of this new series.

In the final episode of this 12-part series, Rose Ann Forte brings it all together with the powerful truth that we're not just facing a behavior challenge—we're fighting a spiritual battle. Drawing from Ephesians 6, this episode unpacks the Full Armor of God in practical, relatable ways and ties each piece of armor to the mindset shifts you've explored throughout the Core Concepts.

You'll learn:

• Why mindset is your greatest defense against relapse
• How spiritual armor protects you in your most vulnerable moments
• The real reason we keep going back to what hurts us—and how to stop
• Why accountability is non-negotiable for lasting change
• How to stand firm in your identity and step into freedom

If you've walked through all 12 Core Concepts, you're not the same person you were at the start. You've been rewiring your brain, retraining your responses, and now it's time to protect what you've built.

📖 Scripture Reference:

"Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil."
—Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

📚 Mentioned Resources:

• The Plans He Has for Me
• Prepare to Quit
• Transformed by His Promises
• Join the Choose Freedom Program

🙌 If this series has blessed you:

Please consider sharing the podcast with someone who needs encouragement. Also, take 30 seconds to leave a review for any of the devotionals on Amazon—your review helps others find freedom too.

#MindsetTransformation
#SpiritualWarfare
#ChooseFreedom
#FaithAndNeuroscience
#ArmorOfGod