The Spacious Place, with Kari Levang

wrestling around with the concept of purpose with my friend Laurine Oct 29, 2024

Purpose in life is far more than property or possessions. Having more to live with is no substitute for having more to live for. Nicky Gumbel

This worked out so great—-my friend Laurine (who has her own podcast) asked me to come and record (while I was in Seattle, in September) and I enjoyed our conversation so much I thought I’d share it here on the spacious place. We talk all about purpose, sharing some of our own thoughts around it from our own lives. Think you’re gonna like it!

sitting in psalm 19 Oct 15, 2024

“In the face of God’s glorious creation and his perfect law, we are called to both revel and to repent. God’s glory and perfection, like the majestic sun, call us to Himself.”

—She Reads Truth Bible notes

Today’s conversation comes out of some time spent in Psalm 19. This psalm is packed with descriptives about what God is like as well as invitation to commune with Him. As I read it I was deeply motivated and encouraged by God’s generous pursuit, even through creation—-longing for all to know of His goodness. I hope after listening today, you experience some of the same things!

when limitations feel like they’re squeezing the life out of you! Oct 01, 2024

“Uncorking my thoughts and naming them gives me the ability to receive.”

Sara Hagerty, The Gift of Limitations

Are you struggling because of some limit your facing right now? What does life look like for you when you find yourself bound by some kind of limitation? I can tell you that for me, I’m often not proud in hindsight about how well I’ve handled said limitation. I constantly need reminding that God is at work and that my limitations don’t limit Him from accomplishing what He has planned to do. I get so forgetful!

Today I’ll share some of the places in my own life that feel like they could leave me hopeless, and I’ll also share some of the ways I’m practicing some rhythms that are more helpful than the run of the mill, anger, frustration or pit of despair, that feels most familiar.

Thoughts on the free life -- and finding our way back when we've lost our way Sep 17, 2024

"In the Kingdom of God, weakness is a superpower because in God’s Kingdom strength and weakness are not opposites, they’re synchronistic with the rule and reign of Christ."

Ruth Chou Simons

When Paul talks about freedom in Galatians, I think it can feel defeating at times when our lives don’t feel like we’re necessarily walking in freedom. In this episode I’m sharing some thoughts about what freedom is and what it isn’t.

(**Spoiler alert…freedom isn’t something we can maintain on our own, and we will never do it perfectly. That’s really good news!!! Its not all on us, and perfection isn’t the goal.)

I’ll also share what it looks like for me and the things I begin to notice that have shifted in my heart and mind and my way of being. So join me and lets talk together about how to get back to the free space Jesus made possible for us!

The bird, the feeder and the space in between Jul 16, 2024

See what’s there, not what you expect to see. See what is really present in your life. See yourself, see each other. Frederick Buechner

In today’s episode I’m sharing an experience I had as I sat quietly at my dining room table, early in the morning. As I looked out the window at a bird, God invited me to watch and listen and it took me to a deeper place that I decided to share with you! I’ll also share some of the thoughts I struggle with at times and the ways I’m combating them. I’ve also got an announcement at the end of the episode, so be sure to stay til the end!

when waiting threatens our faith Jul 02, 2024

Isaiah 49:14-15

But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.”

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

Waiting is just hard and it can get real messy in our heads the longer it takes for whatever it is we are waiting for. In today’s episode we’re taking a short peek back at the story of Mary and Martha and Jesus from John 11 and taking note of something new and different that I hadn’t noticed before. But we will also look at my own seasons of waiting and how messy they get. I’ll share what they are as well as some of the new things I feel like God is inviting me into that I may have missed out on that, have become a surprise gift to me.

Grief, unmet expectations and tears Jun 18, 2024

To be human is to live in the space between our expectations and reality. Katherine Wolf

This is the second part of our time around Mary and Martha. I finished the last one and felt like I’d left some things unsaid. I thought I’d just re-reocrd it, but decided on a part 2 instead. So here we are! In this episode we’re taking note of some things around the story of the loss of Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus—-their grief and their disappointment in God and his timing.

But not only must we entrust all of ourselves to Him, but I think you’ll see, with me, that He welcomes our thoughts around our confusion and even frustration around what we can’t see. I hope you’ll see with me that our God is not far off and in fact, He sees all of your circumstances, especially those that are troubling you, and enters into it with you!

Join me for a listen and as always, feel free to leave a review with your thoughts about how the Spacious Place impacts you!

Pt. 1—-Troubled minds and the good portion Jun 04, 2024

Katherine Wolf, in her book Treasures in the Dark says, “Get curious about what new thing your suffering could be offering you.”

What if we don’t have to fit into a box one way or another but rather there is room for all the parts of us.. Today I’m talking about my thoughts around Jesus interaction with Mary and Martha in Luke 10. We’ll discuss some of my thoughts about whether this portion of Scripture is really what we might think at first glance or whether there’s actually something more that Jesus is trying to lead us into.

Stay curious & pay attention to where you set your eyes May 21, 2024

Courage, dear heart.

CS Lewis

It takes lots of courage to show up to what’s really happening inside of us, rather than hide and perform on the outside. In this episode I’m sharing some of the places of change for me and how I’m learning to navigate them in new ways. You’ll also get a peek into the experiences in my life over the last two years that have created places in me that have felt very young. Places where I have had to be a beginner, and how at this middle aged place, it rubs against feeling young and out of control. Maybe you can relate??

(Also, don’t quit too soon on the episode because I’ll end it with some encouragement from the disciples that will help you feel comforted in your own discomfort around change!)

What if the pace you've set for yourself is not the pace that's required of you? May 07, 2024

The Word of God is powerful against our internal traffic. …It replaces the internal chatter of life—-the criticism, the comparisons, and the shoulds—-with the truth of what God sees and thinks and feels. And that’s a beautiful sound.

Unseen, by Sara Hagerty

In today’s episode I’m sharing part of a conversation I had with a friend that served as a wonderful reminder to me about what it means to run the race marked out for me. I don’t know what you’re facing in your life right now, but hopefully today’s episode will be an infusion of hope for you!

Waiting...the space in between the now and not yet Apr 16, 2024

Grace is often painful because it strips us down and shows us how little we have to offer. Bill Bedell

In today’s episode, I’m talking about how that might look as we wait or live in the “not-yet” spaces of our lives. Everyone finds themselves here at one time or another, so I’m talking about what it might look like to intertwine ourselves and how it might not be as complicated as we might think.

And you’re not gonna want to leave at the very end…if you wait, you’ll get a bit of a blast from the past surprise!

Making our abode, as we abide. Apr 02, 2024

Sometimes deciding you want to move towards all God has for you means trusting Him enough to let go of things that are holding you back.

Ashley Morgan Jackson

I got caught up in the words Abide and Abode this week. I found myself pondering what it might look like to make our home with God and shared some of the reasons why I often don’t choose this route. God waiting and saying, “Come home and be with me.”….what will you say???

When 'thru' is the only way to go! Mar 19, 2024

“It’s not the strength of your faith that saves you, but the strength of Him upon whom you rely on.” Charles Spurgeon

Today I’m talking through a verse that kinda stopped me in my tracks. It’s a verse that I’ve read multiple times before, but this time, after reading it, I was asked, “what stood out to me?”.

What if God isn’t frustrated when we keep coming back, but rather delighted by our presence? What if our suffering is the very thing that invites us to draw near to him, and it’s there where we find out the most about ourselves and learn obedience in new ways?

Come along with me as we talk through Hebrews 5:8 together!

How presence transforms our shame Mar 05, 2024

Romans 10:11

For whoever believes in him, will not be put to shame

In this episode we’ll dive into John 21 and take a look at how Peter was possibly navigating his own shame. I just wonder if you can relate to his way of coping…I sure can. And it will lead us to a reinstatement of sorts that helps us to see that what we do doesn’t disqualify us from what Christ has already made possible.

What if waiting is an invitation? Feb 20, 2024

“The past is frozen and no longer flows, and the present is all lit up with eternal rays.” C S Lewis

After preparing to speak at a high school retreat, I decided that the content was too good to not share in this space as well. Today we’re talking about not only the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead, but the wonder of Jesus presence in the middle of Mary and Martha’s pain.

Our idea of time and our expectations of what God should be like, is far different

than the reality of the truth of who He is.

What if the waiting space we find ourselves in, is actually an invitation into intimacy?

January Schmanuary Feb 06, 2024

“The presence of pain, doesn’t mean the absence of God”

---unknown

I decided before we move into February with rapid speed, it may do us well to slow down long enough to take inventory of what the last month has been like. I think when we do this, it makes space for us to proceed with a better sense of what we might need. So, in today’s episode I share a bit of what January looked like for me, in hopes you might consider doing the same!

The Lord is your Shepherd, you have everything you need.

Psalm 23:1 MSG

A beautiful, messy invitation Jan 23, 2024

God is not a concept or an emotion, and he’s certainly not a doctrine in a statement of faith or a chapter in a theology book; he is a person, who’s burning desire is to know and be known by you. And like in any intimate relationship, there is a kind of knowledge that goes beyond words——a kind you can get only by direct

persont-to-person experience. John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way

We’re almost done with our first month of 2024 and boy has it been a doozy so far. Today’s episode was basically me preaching to myself and letting you in on it. I’m talking about the Psalms, but honestly it’s more about engagement with God than actually reading pages in his book. I make a few observations that felt helpful for me and my hope is that you will go away feeling the same!

My strategy to intentionally grow in my prayer life and an invitation for you! Jan 09, 2024

The Word of God is powerful against our internal traffic. …It replaces the internal chatter of life—-the criticism, the comparisons, and the shoulds—-with the truth of what God sees and thinks and feels. And that’s a beautiful sound.

Sara Hagerty, Unseen: The gift of being hidden in a world that loves to be noticed

Welcome to the first episode of 2024! Ever feel like your prayer life could use some attention? Today I’m going to share about my desire to grow in this area of my life and the pathway that I’m heading towards to help me move in that direction. I’ll share an excerpt from Eugene Peterson and give you an invitation to join me on this adventure!

Goodbye 2023--Hello 2024 Dec 26, 2023

The farther I run away from the place where God dwells, the less I’m able to hear the voice that calls me the beloved. And the less I hear that voice, the more entangled I become in the manipulations and power games of the world. Henri Noun

In this episode I’ll share a few of the questions that I’m pondering as I look back at 2023 with an honest perspective and look forward to 2024 with hope and expectancy. Now, I realize not everyone likes this type of introspection, but I think it may be different this time than the typical questions of ‘how can I be better?’. Come along, have a listen and let me know what you think!

The real issue in self examination is not that I’m inviting God to know me, since He already does, but I’m inviting God to help me, know me. Ruth Haley Barton

Women, Spices, and Ointments --- oh my! Dec 12, 2023

“The sweetest joys and delights I have experienced, have not been those that have arisen from a hope of my own estate, but in a direct view of the glorious things of the gospel…I felt an ardency of soul to be, what I know not otherwise how to express….to be full of Christ alone; to love him with a holy, pure love; to trust in Him; to live upon Him; to serve and to follow Him.”

Our work matters, and yet, its more than just the work. This episode came directly out of my own time in the Scripture write through plan. I was going through a passage that I’ve been through no less than a hundred times and yet God still had some things to give me. It’s the Living Word! Join me today so you can experience some of His encouragement too!

**Bonus PANIC ATTACK episode Nov 30, 2023

Hey there!

Thanks for coming to this space where honesty leads the conversation. I had no intention of recording this, but after some interaction with people on social media, I decided to go ahead and do it. So, this is a follow up to a story I shared on Instagram/Facebook about a panic attack I had. There was enough engagement from people wanting to hear how I actually dealt with it, and shared their own stories of anxiety, that I decided to share! My hope is that if you need it to be, it is helpful, and you'll find that you have another who is walking the same journey as you!

Eat the mystery Nov 28, 2023

God give us the grace to embrace mysteries we don’t understand,

The cruciform openness to live a tender surrender, into Your ways wiser and kinder than ours, and the deep shalom of simply being with You here, right here, with us.

—-Ann Voskamp

In this episode we’re taking a journey through some passages of Scripture together to see that in all the mystery, there is one who invites us to communion with Him. All the places in our lives that feel like unknown and full of fear and questions, become a pathway for relationship and honesty. A place where our vulnerability is welcome and we have a seat at the table prepared just for us!

Come along with me and taste what God has for you!

Thanks for giving....See what I did there:) Nov 14, 2023

1 Thessalonians 5:18…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In this episode I'm having a conversation with some of our long time, dear friends, Joe and Amy Coy. We spent some time talking about what living a life of thanks has been like for them. They shared with me (and now you:), what it has looked like for them in each of their vocational places, in ministry, as well as in their very home as they raised their 5 kids and now live with aging parents.

Joe and Amy are treasured friends and beautiful humans and you'll surely enjoy this conversation with them!

Overcoming evil Oct 31, 2023

John Bunyan called believing “sweating work”. He once wrote, “He that undertakes to believe, sets upon the hardest task that ever was proposed to man…”

In this episode I’m talking a little bit about what it means to overcome evil. We’ll talk about the reality of the battle we are in, as well as the fact that our Jesus has ultimately bought us victory. We'll talk of the communal nature of the battle and I’ll share a little of my own experience--- I’ll even share a vulnerable piece, with you, at the end that I wrote during a writing exercise.

How does God actually feel about your struggle? Oct 17, 2023

In this world, you will have trouble…John 16:33

We all experience struggles in this thing we call life. In this episode, I share how my own word battles around my worth led me on a hunt for an answer to this question. I don’t know about you, but I often get quiet and choose to stay alone when things are hard for me, so after a long, hard day I decided to search around for how Jesus had been in the past and thought maybe it might give me some courage for next time I found myself in this space. I also discovered some things through my Bible Study the next morning that expanded my thinking and my heart for God around it all! (Thank you Kristi McLelland for your deep work in your Jesus and Women study:)

I think you might be interested to hear what I found~and if you click play, you can hear all about it!

Thoughts about steadfastness with Laurine Oct 03, 2023

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26

Today my friend and I are talking about steadfastness…what it means, as well as how it is appropriated into our own lives as we live out our days with Jesus and one another.

We share some personal experiences around what it’s looked like to believe God’s steadfastness love for us, even when we blow it or walk in unbelief, and how we’ve found our way back.

Come along with us as we learn to practice this together!

Change, we love it or hate it....and sometimes it's both. Sep 19, 2023

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

This week we’re talking about change…how to navigate it with new lenses and different tools. What would it look like to actually take the time to pay attention to yourself and honor the fact that you’re in the middle of a disruption? I have been through major changes this last year and a half and I share a few of the things that I learned along the way that hopefully will give you a little help as you face your own season of change.

Layered Freedom Sep 05, 2023

How far can we go? How much is permissible? The Psalms suggest that we can go the whole way, that it is all permissible; the praise, yes, but also the grief, the sorrow, the anger… -Walter Brueggeman

In the Spacious Place, we often talk about freedom and I think in some ways it can get confusing for some---actually it used to be very confusing for me! So today I’m gonna share a little bit about what I mean when I say freedom is layered and hopefully let you in on some of the nuances that I have found helpful in regards to what it means to be a Jesus follower and how that relates to my broken places.

Come with me as I take a few scriptures and expand on what they might mean in their fullness, rather than simply taking them at face value and tossing them out because they don’t feel good. I’ll share some of my own struggles as well as some of the places that I have overcome that I don’t visit quite as often as I used to!

Thriving, with Cheryl Scruggs Aug 22, 2023

This is a special episode to me! The woman who actually, without even knowing it, inspired me to start this podcast, is a guest on today’s show! Cheryl Scruggs has a new book out called, ’Thriving Beyond Belief’ and we’re talking about this whole concept of thriving…what it is and what it isn’t, as well as some of her own personal stories that included trauma and how she found herself thriving, even in the middle of that!

We also talk about the relentless hurry that our culture not only lives in, but really celebrates, and she shares a few practical ways that we can fight against this idea that being busy means we’re flourishing. Cheryl is also honest and kind and has been so willing to let, even the places I’m sure she’d rather not be mentioned again, be used for the glory of God! It's inspiring to hear part of her story and see how God's using it for His kingdom.

Join me as we spend this time together!

“Crumbs that led me to the table of infinite supply” Aug 08, 2023

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” E.B. White

Jesus is not afraid to hang out with messy, unkept, sinners. In fact, that was his very plan from the beginning!

In this episode I am taking you back in time to parts of my story where I can see now that Jesus was there….wooing me, drawing me, even tho I wasn’t ready to say yes. I’ll show you how he was making deposits that would begin to pay dividends later. And my hope is that as I have shared how this going back has drawn me deeper and allowed me to worship in new ways, that you’ll be eager to do the same in your own life, if you haven’t already.

A Bonus episode: Gifts, movies and songs...all from Winnie! Jul 25, 2023

A grandchild fills a space in your heart that you never knew was empty.

—Unknown

A spacious place includes all the parts of us. Today I’m having a short chat with my 3 year old granddaughter Winnie that I thought might be fun for you to get in on with me. I mean, who doesn’t love to hear about some of a 3 year olds favorite things?!! If you need to smile today then this one’s for you!

"Together", with my friend Laurine Jul 11, 2023

I water you, you water me; we grow together. Brandon Nembhard

How would the Body of Christ look if our shifted from building our own kingdoms, to building His?

This week my friend Laurine and I are having a conversation about the idea of being together. We talk through why we believe it matters, what gets in the way of us practicing it, and how we’ve grown along the way with one another.

Join us as we make our way “together” through this topic:)

Holy Spirit conversation with my friend Laurine Jun 27, 2023

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;

Acts 1:8

The trinity is both mysterious and confusing, comforting and wonderful. Today I’m having a conversation with Laurine from Breathe in Him podcast, about the Holy Spirit. We navigate some of the big thoughts around who He is and why it matters to know the truth about the trinity through God’s word, as well as some of the nuances of walking by the Spirit. Come join us!

Hi! It's me:) Jun 13, 2023

If you feel like you’re not valuable

Let me tell you there’s more….from Lauren Daigle’s song “Valuable”

There are so many new people engaging with the Spacious Place, so today I decided to do a little introduction to who I am and how this podcast came to be. I’m sharing some bits of my own story and how God and others moved me to a new space--- and how I couldn’t keep it to myself! Even if you’re not new to this space, I think you might find some nuggets today that could enlighten your journey.

It's my birthday! May 30, 2023

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Are birthdays fun for you or do they have an element of hard to them? This episode is two days after my 54th birthday, so I thought it might be fun to share some of the things I’ve learned, what I’m still learning this year, and how it feels in the middle of all of that!

Come along with me as I share what this year has held for me.

Filling up spaces, rather than pausing to be present May 16, 2023

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” -Viktor E. Frankl

Do you ever talk to fill in quiet spaces? Or know someone who does that? Me too! Today we’re talking about someone in the Bible (spoiler alert...it was Peter:)--- who often did the same thing. We’ll look at a story in Mark where this very thing happened and then I’ll share some of the things that felt helpful to me as I sat in it and leaned in closer.

Join me as we dig a little deeper to see what we might uncover!

A conversation around helpful habits May 02, 2023

“You can withstand life’s rhythms of waves as long as you have your own interior sacred rhythms with God who rocks you safe. “

Often when we think about creating habits, it’s at the beginning of the year or a marker birthday, not in May. But in light of the habits that we already have in place, it can be helpful to determine whether they are working or if there are other ways we can use our time and energy in a more effective way. So, today’s episode is not about ‘being better’, it’s more about creating spaces for us to flourish with ourselves, others and God.

Creative Best Group chat, (minus 1) Apr 18, 2023

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. Brene Brown

In this episode, I gathered with a group of women that chose to link arms and entrust one another with our vulnerable places in regards to the creative adventures we were all beginning during our middle age season. Here we are 4 years later, and not only do we still love one another, but our relationship has deepened tremendously by this one choice to choose vulnerability with one another, in the places that felt so sacred and scary.

We’re sharing today how our time together has not only enhanced our creative endeavor, but helped us to become better sisters to one another!

A story of courageous faith Apr 04, 2023

God speaks to Adam and halts him in his flight. Come out of your hiding place…our of your self torment….confess who you are, do not lose yourself in religious despair, be yourself, Adam. Where are you? —Dietrich Bonhoeffer

In this episode I’m sharing about something my friend in Sierra Leone Africa shared with me about living courageously. I’ll tell you her story and then unpack with you what I believe we can take from her encounter from all the way around the globe!

We’ll also go back to the Garden of Eden and remember God’s question to Adam and Eve when they were hiding…. and you may even find, there’s more to the story than you’ve formerly considered.

A view from the kitchen, with thoughts about a winter of the soul Mar 21, 2023

“Waiting is just a gift of time in disguise——a time to pray wrapped in a ribbon of patience——because, is the Lord ever late?” Ann Voskamp

Do you ever feel like the weather outside lines up with the condition of your heart? I sure do. Today I’m talking about how an early morning peek out the window opened my heart and mind in such a way for God to speak to my soul. His invitation to join Him, to bring all of me, still catches me off-guard. I’m sitting in a pool of gratitude today and wanted to share it with you!

Formation, Vulnerability and Friendship with Laurine Mar 07, 2023

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

“The greater the obstacle, the greater the opportunity for healing.” —-Laurine

My friend Laurine has been on the Spacious Place podcast a couple of times before and I just love chatting with her because it is honest. She is one of the most tenacious pursuers of Jesus— and mind, body and soul integration I know! She is fierce about investing in relationship with others, with a desire to entrust herself more, even when it feels scary or uncomfortable.

We have had lots of practice in our friendship, learning how to make room for grace with one another as we grow more and more into the image of Jesus.

Come along for our chat together!

Sometimes life's a drag Feb 28, 2023

Charles Swindoll…Intimacy with The Almighty

I’m finally learning that His Sovereign plan is the best plan. That whatever I entrust to Him, He can take care of better than I. That nothing under His control can ever be out of control. That everything I need, He knows about in every detail. That he is able to supply, to guide, to start, to stop, to sustain, to change and correct in His time for His purposes. When I keep my hands out of things, His will is accomplished, His Name is exalted, and His glory is magnified.

In this episode I’ll share some very personal struggles I’m in the middle of that I think some of you may be able to relate to. Maybe not the exact circumstances, but probably somewhat the same ideas. And we’ll talk about the differences around giving something up and giving it over.

We’ll talk about how when we'll drag our weary lives to the throne of grace, God will increase our power and ability to navigate all the disappointing places, even if they still feel terrible----giving us the strength to not only hang on, as we ride the wave of disappointment, but also the strength to hand it over to the only One who can do anything about it.

Happy Valentines Day! Feb 14, 2023

I think... if it is true that there are as many minds as there are heads, then there are as many kinds of love as there are hearts. Leo Tolstoy

In this episode we’re gonna talk about the language of love and why it matters. I’ll share some ways Mike and I have missed the mark and how we’re still learning and growing one day at a time.

I’ll also give you a tip that someone gave me years ago that I believe has been super instrumental in the flourishing of our marriage.

FREEDOM, some thoughts about what it is...and what it isn't. Jan 31, 2023

Maturity requires the integration, not amputation of what we have received thru our conception and birth, our infancy and schooling.

Today’s episode is just days away from my 6 year anniversary of Freedom from captivity. I’m sharing what it’s looked like for me, what freedom is and what it isn’t, and hopefully I’ll leave you with hope as you navigate your own journey with Jesus and others.

Life is messy and God is patient. Can I get an amen?!!!

A super honest conversation about my own vulnerability and emotional fatigue Jan 17, 2023

God’s fundamental interest in us is relationship…That’s the good news. God says, “I love you and let’s get that settled.”

But then God says, “Now I’m going to mess with you because there are things you need to get straightened out.”’

Oh boy are there ever! Have mercy! —-William Pannell

Join me today as I talk about the messy business of navigating our emotions, when we try to do it alone and the road out of the dark as we move towards connection with others and with Jesus. I’ll share my own messy and vulnerable bits and I’m hoping there may be some of you who can relate.

From the jaws of distress to the place free from restriction...(Job 36:16) Jan 03, 2023

Taking note of the good, the true, the just, the miracles hidden at every turn, is like a deliberate act of defiance against the darkness.

—From, Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In this episode we’re talking about what intentional connection might look like this year. I’m sharing a few of the practical shifts I plan to enter into, as I intentionally pursue connection with God, connection with His beautiful creation and connection with those most important to me. Join me today and see if there’s anything that resonates with you at the beginning of this new year.

God in the moss and cobwebs Dec 20, 2022

The true doctrine of omnipresence is, that God reappears with all his parts in every moss and cobweb.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Christmas is the celebration of our God that is with us, Emmanuel. But what if I told you he’s not just with you in the good, but also in the hard...the frustrating...the discouraging and fearful places. In today’s episode I’ll share some of the things that are happening in my life that are hard and why knowing Emmanuel matters!

Traditions. Old, new and everything in between Dec 06, 2022

Happy Christmas season!

In today’s episode we are going to talk traditions. I’m gonna share some of the things that were important in our family as we were raising our kids, as well as how that has changed and morphed over the years. I’ll also share some of the lessons God has taught me along the way as my kids have moved from full time, living in our home, to having families of their own. There are a couple that are absolute game changers that you're not gonna want to miss!

The Name I'm most grateful for in this season Nov 22, 2022

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

He leads me, “God isn’t behind me yelling, “Go!” He is ahead of me bidding “Come!”

He leads us. He tells us what we need to know when we need to know it.

Safe in the Shepherds Arms by Max Lucado

HAPPY ALMOST THANKSGIVING!!!

I don’t know about you, but life can be pretty challenging at times—-even in the circumstances that you least expect it to be. In this episode, I’m getting real honest about some of the hard parts of my season and then I’ll share which name of God has been most meaningful for me. I’ll also talk about larvae, so there’s that:)

HIS NAMES/our names Nov 08, 2022

Phillip Yancey, “Grace, like water, flows to the lowest places.”

(Taken from my friend Jeff Peabody’s book “Perfectly Suited”)

Unless we know and understand and begin to put into practice who God says He is and who He says we are, we will languish. The flourishing life we’ve been promised is rooted in relationship with the One who doesn’t change.

Today marks the beginning of our conversation in the spacious place around the messy middle—-the place between our knowing and living it out in our one ordinary life.

Come join me as we keep practicing believing!

Afraid, AND... Oct 25, 2022

The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident. Max Lucado

We all find ourselves afraid at times, right? The problem isn’t that we experience fear, it’s more about what we do when it comes. The story I’m talking through today shows us what Jehoshaphat did when he experienced fear and gives us some insight on how to navigate our own circumstances by admitting our powerlessness and entrusting ourselves to His care. Come with me today as we take a look at this story and see what God has for us.

Also, Happy birthday to my Paige!!!

A look back and a peek ahead Oct 11, 2022

“Hard doesn’t mean bad, it simply means, not easy.”

Kari Levang

Are you in a transition of sorts? Maybe a new job, a new babe, a move, or something else? Join me today as I share about my 3 1/2 month break from podcasting, while I navigated some big transitions. I’m sharing a little bit about what the break was like for me (spoiler alert: hard and good:)—-as well as giving a little peek into where we’re headed as a Spacious Place community. Come with me as I talk about how curiosity helped so incredibly much as I navigated this season of transition, and how I continue to choose it as this season continues.

Where curiosity has led me! Jun 28, 2022

“When we show up differently at home, it changes how we show up outside of there” Rebekah Lyons

This week on the Spacious Place I’m sharing what the last 6 months of 22 have shown me as well as where He is leading me for the next couple of months. I’m super stoked for Mike and I to begin the next leg of our adventure together and can’t wait to let you in on what’s next for us, and for the Spacious Place!

How to take back your power when you feel like it's been hijacked Jun 21, 2022

We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son.

Pope John Paul II

Join me today as I share some helpful ways of being that give us power rather than leave us in the space of the sum of our fears and weaknesses. I’ll let you in on some practical ways to enter into joy that a few of my friends have shared, when the weight of the world presses in and threatens to rob us of the joy we’ve been promised. As well as some of the specific ways I've been hijacked in the last few weeks!

How transition cultivates space for curiosity Jun 14, 2022

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

Albert Einstein

Is change hard for you? I’m a person who loves change, but when there are lots of changes happening at the same time, it can feel overwhelming. Today on the Spacious Place, I’m talking about how some major changes in my life has given me more opportunity to enter into compassionate curiosity with myself and how this way of being is shaping me to be a good friend to others as they navigate change as well.

Marriage talk with Mike! Jun 06, 2022

This is anniversary week! I’ve been married to my man Mike for 33 years so I decided to have a sit down with him and share with you some of the places we’ve been, where we are now, as well as where we are headed together. We share some of the ways that speaking our expectations has been helpful for us on the front side of purposeful times together as opposed to making the assumption that the other person is a mind reader.

Lessons from the middle May 31, 2022

“When we are tired, we are attacked by ideas we conquered long ago.”

Friedrich (Nee-cha) Nietzsche

Join me today as I share some of the personal lessons I’m experiencing as I navigate a season of major life change. I’ll share with you a couple of ways that I’m learning to live in a more spacious place in my own heart and mind, rather than allowing old ideas to live in new places during this transitional season.

Formation conversation with Sherry pt 2 May 24, 2022

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me

Through the deepest valley, he will lead

Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!

Yet, not I but through Christ in me.

-Unknown

In this last episode, I wrap up the conversation with my Sherry. We talk about grief around empty nesting, and if you are a person who has, or is, experiencing an especially hard season in life (which is basically anyone on the planet:), she shares about crisis in her family that was super scary and painful that I think will be an encouragement to you as well. Also, be prepared for more tears!

Formation conversation with Sher pt 1 May 17, 2022

Get into the habit of saying, ‘Speak Lord’, and life will become a romance. Oswald Chambers

This conversation was so good it took two episodes to get through it! Sherry is the first person who I ever hear refer to Jesus as a Love Force. So, in this first episode, we talk a little bit about how that came to be for her and we continue to talk formation around the early seasons of Sherry’s life…what it was like for her as she was raising 3 little boys. She shares some of the creative and practical ways that she stayed close to Jesus and entered into formative practices in bite sized nuggets, during this busy season of her life.

Formation from glory to glory May 10, 2022

“Whatever is mentionable is manageable.” Fred Rogers

Today I’m sharing a few of the places I found myself in my own alone time with Jesus and sharing how they relate to this process of formation we’ve been talking about. I’ll share some of the ways that I’m engaging with Jesus with the things that I find myself fearful about today, as well as a couple of my failures that I have to entrust to Jesus and allow him to comfort me and shape me into his confident girl.

Formation in Peter & Me! May 03, 2022

“No soul on this road is such a giant that it doesn’t not often need to become a child at the breast again…For there is no state of prayer, however sublime, in which it is not necessary often to go back to the beginning.” Teresa of Avila

In this episode I’m sharing a story about Peter, from the book of Matthew and how it relates to us! How we can find ourselves in the places that God has led us, and still experience fear and uncertainty. And, how there is a pathway and provision for us to name it and stay curious with God about how He’ll meet us right in the middle of it. I’ll get real honest about some of my own fears and invite you into how I’m navigating them in real time.

Faith & weakness as formation Apr 26, 2022

“To have Faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”

― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

We live in this middle space of knowing Jesus, but not seeing him face to face yet. The place that requires us to press in by faith, especially with our weaknesses. Today I’ll share a couple of devotionals that were helpful for me in the process of trusting God with my own weak places and asking Him for more!

Formation as pursue Apr 19, 2022

This is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I’ll be in celebration mode in a glorified body in a whole different set of circumstances. But this is my limited window of opportunity, and I’m going to fight the good fight for all I’m worth.

Joni Eareckson Tada

Simply put, formation will not, cannot happen without the Spirit of God….that’s why it’s called Spiritual formation! Haha In this episode we’ll talk about what it looks like to live in motion and allow the spirit to shape us in all the places of our lives. You are loved by God and he wants an invitation into all the parts of your life. Join me as we continue talking all about being formed into disciples of Jesus.

Naming, a holy rhythm of invitation that leads to FREEDOM! Apr 12, 2022

I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more. C.S. Lewis

Today as we continue in our journey through spiritual formation, we’ll look at the practice of surrender and how it involves an empowering rhythm of ‘naming’. I’ll share my own experience with this way of being, this naming some things that had happened to me, in the company of Jesus and others, and hopefully you’ll find that it will give you some handles as you navigate the places in your story that need to be seen and acknowledged, so that they can begin to walk the healing path.

"Where were you?"....my smallness with GREAT purpose! Apr 05, 2022

When you argue against Him you are drawing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all: it’s like cutting off the branch you’re sitting on. C.S. Lewis

In today’s episode I’ll walk you through my own time alone with God. We’ll look at Job’s life and how God met him right in the middle of his pain and showed him the best thing he could——His very own grandeur and the reminder that He is worthy of his trust/worship. This message was challenging and empowering all at the same time for me. Join me in this journey!

Formation with Jesus in the Word, wherever you find yourself today Mar 29, 2022

Read with a vulnerable heart. Expect to be blessed in the reading. Read as one awake, one waiting for the beloved. Read with reverence. Macrina Wiederkehr

God loves you! And He is delighted when you walk by faith and entrust yourself into the mysterious place of His written word. The place where you find Jesus—-in the pages of Scripture, waiting to meet you right in the midst of all you’re facing.

Today I’ve got a fresh word of encouragement, that will hopefully wet your appetite to choose to enter in with your genuine self, with expectancy and hope for what God will do….regardless of how you’re feeling.

Formation in the mess of life Mar 22, 2022

God’s presence is not the same as the feeling of God’s presence, and He may be doing most for us when we think He is doing least. C.S. Lewis

Is life hard for you when it gets messy? When you can’t seem to create order out of any of the areas of your life? Join me today as I talk about the messiness of life and how it transfers to how we relate to God when our hidden lives also feel messy.

“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about Becoming anything. Maybe it’s about Un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be all you were meant to be in the first place.” Unknown

Formation: Legalism vs Spiritual Disciplines Mar 15, 2022

God has given us the disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving his grace. The disciplines allow us to place ourselves before God so that He can transform us.

Richard Foster

Beth Moore has been a pillar in the community of faith in Jesus. I have learned so much from her over the years and am so so grateful for her obedience and love for Jesus, and this week I heard a quote from her that felt like it was vital to the health of believers. So, this week I start this episode with her quote and then unpack it in terms of the monumental difference between legalism and spiritual disciplines. Why they matter, and some questions we may want to ask ourselves as we process whatever bubbles up in us against them.

Formation in me, one week into a new space Mar 08, 2022

She goes into the unknown willingly and confidently, because she knows the Protector of the Universe is right behind her. Unknown

In today’s episode I’ll share what formation has looked like in me, for this first week of living in a new space. How it’s been being alone (mostly) and what the process has looked like. Join me in the conversation as I also share about an invitation that ended up blessing my socks off!!

formation with my friend Laurine Mar 01, 2022

O, begin! Fix some part of every day for private exercises…Whether you like it or not, read and pray daily. It is for your life; there is no other way: else you will be a trifler all your days. …Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow. Do not starve yourself any longer. John Wesley

Today’s episode is a conversation with my friend Laurine, who has been courageous with Jesus and others and is experiencing deep freedom. She talks about how relationship with Jesus being about our own personal obedience, and she poses the question, “What does HE want you to do today?”.

Join me as Laurine shares what the process has been like for her, and some of the fun ways she’s walking out obedience——-it may even involve TikTok!

A "moving" conversation with Mike Feb 22, 2022

In this episode my guy, Mike and I chat a little bit about our big move! The idea was to share the move, but once we starting chatting we ended up talking about so much more! Things like marriage, mistakes, forgiveness, desires, dreams and so much more. If you don’t know Mike it’s a great way to get a peek into what he’s like—-and if you do know him….well, you’ll just love hearing his heart in this conversation.

Formation on the move! Feb 15, 2022

Explore with delight, as though you and God are learning together how to make the day special for both of you. Ruth Haley Barton

We can choose to make a careful exploration of our lives (formation), no matter what we’re doing. That’s the coolest part about being one that God delights in—it doesn’t happen only when we are doing something “spiritual”. Last week as I was packing, I found myself being challenged by some questions that were rolling through my mind so I thought I’d share them with you! Join me today as we take a closer look at how we’re living our days.

Formation with my girl, Paige Feb 08, 2022

The most helpful thing any of us can say about spiritual transformation is: I cannot transform myself, or anyone else for that matter. What I can do is create the conditions in which spiritual transformation can take place by developing and maintaining a rhythm of Spiritual practices that keep me open and available to God.

Ruth Haley Barton

I might be biased but the guest on today’s episode is actually really great-—and she happens to be my daughter, Paige! We’re talking all things, 'formation, practices, becoming'——whatever you feel most comfortable calling them. Simply put, ‘what does it look like to stay in relationship with Jesus through different seasons of life?’ Paige will give you an up close look at a few different seasons in her own life and how messy it got with her and Jesus. Pretty sure many of you will find a place to engage today’s conversation with my beautiful, courageous, kind, wonderfully honest Paige.

Formation, what next...? Feb 01, 2022

“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” CS Lewis

We talked a little about why formation matters last week and I want to continue in that vein of conversation today, but with a twist. What next??? What does it look like to even begin this process? I want to talk about a simple process that Paul has laid out in a letter to the church of Colosse. He gives a very simple way of looking at how we are to live, and uses an everyday image to capture our attention. Join me as we unpack this passage a little bit together and I share some of my own process with you, hopefully giving you hope to move in a little more closely with Jesus and others.

Formation, why it matters. Jan 25, 2022

Spiritual people are not those who engage in certain spiritual practices; they are those who draw their life from God. Dallas Willard

Last week we talked about spiritual formation and a little bit about what it is—-this week we’ll explore together why it matters. What it is that would move us to engage with God in His formation processes. I think you might be surprised to hear some of the things that I’ve discovered along the way as to why we might consider formation.

What's shaping you? Jan 18, 2022

“The most important discover you will ever make is the love the Father has for you. Your power in prayer will flow from the certainty the the one who made you likes you, he is not scowling at you, he is on your side. Unless our mission and our acts of mercy, our intercession, petition, confession, and spiritual warfare begin and end in the knowledge of the Father’s love, we will act and pray out of desperation, determination, and duty instead of revelation, expectation, and joy.” -Pete Grieg

Today is the beginning of a new series together, as we begin to explore what’s shaping us. If we are spiritual beings who belong to God, then what does it mean to allow Him to shape our ways of being. Hopefully you’ll discover afresh today that God is totally in love with you and is delighted every time you choose to come to Him!

Join me as we begin the conversation around Spiritual Formation!

Discovering a few handles to hold while experiencing change Jan 11, 2022

I think all of us can relate to feeling like we’ve been in a long season of lots of change.—-some more than others, of course. In today’s episode I’ll talk through a few of the things that I’m clinging to as I get ready to enter into a major change for Mike and I. Join me as I share how I’m planning to navigate this next season with God, myself and with others.

Welcome to the New Year! Jan 04, 2022

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

I think it’s safe to say that the last couple of years have been anything but easy. In this first episode of 2022, I will share some of the intentions that I plan to carry with me into this new year, things that will better equip me to live well. And, I’m also going to let you in on a few of the things that I’m asking God and others to help me to leave behind…things that haven't served me well and aren't worth the trouble of dragging into 2022. We’ll take a look together at how we can welcome the new year, without making happiness alone our goal.

100th Episode!!! Dec 28, 2021

“You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.”

― Barbara Sher

In this episode, my 100th episode I’ll share a few of the things I’ve learned along the way as I’ve stayed in this process of trying something new, trusting God with the obedience of what He’s invited me into, with Him and others. I am so grateful for all of you who have listened and supported this journey I’ve been on and today is a BIG thank you to all of you and a prayer of encouragement as we enter into 2022 with expectancy and hope!

It's Christmas!!! Dec 21, 2021

Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will. James Stevens

In this episode I wanted to take a look at the Christmas story through the lense of Mary and share a couple of the things that stood out to me. This middle age woman has so much to learn from the faith of a teenager who lived a couple of thousand years ago and I think you may just find some things you’ve got to receive as well. Join me as we take a walk through the story together just before we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Conversation with Karin Peabody Dec 14, 2021

Proverbs 18:24

“Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.”

The Message: True friends will be with you through life’s most soul-shaking changes.

Well friends, this episode is a little longer than normal because I sat down with my dear friend Karin Peabody. I’ve shared before that God gave me a team of 4 amazing people as He led me through the wonderful, painful process of working through the trauma in my story. Karin was a vital friend along the way and today we are talking all things friendship and coming alongside one another, as we navigate story together. Not only will she share some tools that might be helpful if you’re walking alongside another, but you’ll also get a peek into what some of our times together were like along the way.

Clinging to what is good! Pt 4 Dec 07, 2021

It is in the context of relational intimacy that real life change takes place. Ruth Haley Barton

It seems simple, but in this episode I’ll share how I’ve found that practicing this with others, makes this not only possible, but delightful at the same time. As I’ve invited others to come along over and over again, I’m finding that two really are better than one! Today we talk about how realizing that God’s mercies are new every morning as I blow it and come back again and again, not only gives tremendous hope to begin again, but it’s also an enormous relief that we don’t have to do it alone!

Clinging to what is good! Pt 3 Nov 30, 2021

To pray with soul and body means praying with all of who we are: our physicality, our emotions, our intuitions, our imaginations, our minds, and all of our experiences. Therefore, when we pray with body and soul, or love with body and soul, we are believing, responding, surrendering with all of who we are. Jan Vennard

In this episode, we’ll talk about the next two rhythms that I’ve found to help me flourish in my desire say yes to clinging to what is good. Working at actually bringing our whole selves to the table has had major implications for me and my relationships as I pursue this practice. Presence, bringing our real self, can sometimes be hard, but is almost always, worth the effort! And prayer, really is an extension of this presence, just with Jesus. Join me as we talk more about it together in this episode!

Holiday Heart Prep Nov 23, 2021

Today’s episode is all about preparing our own hearts as we prepare to go and be with those we will celebrate with over the holiday season. There are a few practices that I have been using that I’ve found helpful, so I thought I’d share them with you! Some simple ways to pay compassionate attention to yourself, as you get ready to step into a room with people who it may, for some reason, be hard, or ignite fear, or frustration or a whole span of other potentially difficult emotions.

Clinging to what is good! Pt 2 Nov 16, 2021

God is forming us into new people. And the place of that formation is in the small moments of today. Tish Harrison Warren

Today we’re going to start with the first two things that I have found to be vital pieces in the process of clinging to what is good in my own life. Paying attention, (which I believe is a cultivated art), is the first one and as we work at it, we get better and better, and before you know it, there is more of us to enter into the situations we find ourselves a part of. And discipline, although to many it sounds like a negative word, has been an extraordinarily helpful piece in my journey into clinging to what is good. Today we talk a lot about the importance of identifying your season, in order to set yourself up well!

Cling to what is good Pt 1 Nov 09, 2021

Paul never forgets that we are embodied creatures. Everything we think, say or do, we do in a body. Presenting our bodies means staying aware each day that our body is the primary location in which we actually express our heart, soul, strength and mind.

Frank Crouch

In this episode I’ll lay the foundation for our conversation around the invitation to Cling to what is good in Romans 12. We’ll go back to the top of the chapter and find out how it gets practiced in our lives (in our actual bodies), and I will share some insights into how it’s been a helpful rhythm for me to go back to over and over again.

Inviting God to help me, know me (taken from Ruth Haley Barton) Nov 02, 2021

Intimacy can be hard. Especially when we haven’t even figured out how to be ourselves with ourselves yet. But we don’t need to dodge ourselves. We can do the slow work of paying attention and when we’re ready, we’ll can let others into the process with us. Psalm 139 is a great pathway to practice this kind of intimacy with the One who formed us. I’ll share today a little about what this process has been like for me and maybe it’ll give one of you courage to do enter in with Jesus and others in a new way.

Talking about clinging to what is good with Sand, Lanette and Laurine Oct 26, 2021

The danger of coming to stay with me in our home in Central Oregon is that I will talk you into coming on the podcast and sharing things about your life:)

This week I’m chatting with three of my sweet friends around Romans 12:9—-Love must be sincere; hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Each of us have had some big challenges in life that have allowed for us to exercise these directives and their insights from their own lives is so good! I think you'll be able to find places to enter in as you listen to each of them share their experiences.

Cling to what is good, with Meg Oct 19, 2021

You guys!—today as I talk with Meg about the passage in Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good, we find ourselves swimming in the delight of God’s love. But more than that, we talk all about what the process has been— and continues to be like for both of us as we wrestle with the truth that we are totally loved and delighted in, simply because God cannot be anything other than a lover. Today you get in on our own beautiful mess of belief and doubt, sometimes right in the middle of our worship.

Saying 'YES' to rest! Oct 12, 2021

Christ's invitation to the weary and heavy-laden is a call to begin life over again upon a new principle--upon His own principle. "Watch My way of doing things," He says. "Follow Me. Take life as I take it. Be meek and lowly, and you will find Rest.” - Henry Drummond

Today we’ll finish up our conversation around the Matthew 11 passage. We’ll land on rest and spend some time talking about what the invitation to get away with God actually means for us, as the beloved of God. I just know that by the end of the podcast you’ll be eager to turn it off and get away with Jesus for the rest that he offers.

Let's talk yokes. Oct 05, 2021

Back in the middle of August we talked about the invitation to Come, to Jesus with our weary and burdened selves.(Matthew 11:28-30) Join me this week as we unpack some thoughts around the next step of this invitation--- and we’ll start with yokes. Not jokes, but yokes:) We're gonna talk not only about what they are but what makes them helpful.

Following Jesus, even into uncomfortable solitude Sep 28, 2021

Solitude is the place of purification and transformation, the place of the great struggle and the great encounter. Henri Nouwen

It’s easy for us to romanticize what getting alone with God in solitude will be like. In this episode I’ll share with you the discomfort and messiness of my time alone with Jesus and how it ultimately led me somewhere other than what I was hoping and expecting.

Clinging to what is good, in my own discomfort Sep 21, 2021

Today is me sharing with you spontaneously about what it was like to cling to what was good in my own discomfort. Hopefully me sharing how terrible I felt and what the struggle was like, to choose a different way, will lead you to some encouragement. If nothing else, you’ll know you’re not alone in have an occasional hard day.

2.0 Following Jesus, clinging to what is Good Sep 14, 2021

When we are in touch with God’s joy and peace in us (clinging to what is good), then we become whole and holy persons. Like living torches we radiate the light and heat of God’s compassionate love. Mark Yaconelli

This week we’ll continue our conversation about clinging to what is good, but we’ll fast forward to what that looks like for me today. I’ll share some of the ways that I have continued this practice and hopefully give you some handles for your own lives in three important areas. Join me, as we keep showing up and living out our identity as God’s beloved.

Following Jesus, clinging to what is Good Sep 07, 2021

Holding onto hope when everything is dark is the greatest test of faith.

Yasmin Mogahed

In todays’ episode I share what it looked like for me to cling to what was good while I was hanging on for dear life through my season of counseling. Wherever you find yourself today, this conversation will give you insights and ideas around what it looks like to take up the call to hang onto hope! Grab your favorite drink, get comfy and have a listen!

Following Jesus IN our disappointments Aug 31, 2021

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Martin Luther King Jr

This year, like every other year of my life, has been full of wonderful things and heartbreaking situations. That’s what life is like, right? Both. In this episode we’ll talk about following Jesus right in the middle of our disappointments. I often think we put God on hold or think we can place him somewhere outside of our circumstances, rather than realize He’s right there with us, in the middle of all of it. When we realize we aren’t alone, that’s where we begin to find transcendent peace!

Following Jesus 5 years ago! Aug 24, 2021

In this episode I’ll share a journal entry that I came across from July of 2016. This entry was a day after I had experienced deep hopelessness and it documents how personally God met me right in the middle of it. I’ll share what the day looked like for me, as well as all the ways God showed Himself to me. You may not relate to the subject matter I’ll share, but unfortunately you may be able to relate to feeling hopeless. My desire is that today’s episode will give you courage and hope for whatever you’re facing!

Come! Aug 17, 2021

Believing takes practice. —-Madeline L’Engle

Why is it that Jesus simple invitation to come gets lost on us? Do you find yourself letting busyness get in the way, or fear of what He’ll think of you or your situation? In this episode we’ll talk about not only Jesus invitation for us to be with Him, but we’ll take a glimpse at what He’s like. Hopefully, this will impart some courage into you as you follow Christ.

Following Jesus through our BIG emotions Aug 10, 2021

God promises to make the vale of trouble a door of hope. Jill Briscoe

Life has a way of allowing hard things to come into our lives. Things that also usher in a myriad of emotions that feel huge! In this episode I’ll share some of the things that have been hard this year for me as well as a practical way that I managed my emotions that I found super helpful.

Following Jesus, with my friend Jennie Aug 03, 2021

Today I talk with my friend Jennie, the kindest, whose story has piles of goodness and heaps of pain and she has entrusted herself to Jesus and me and so many others. Her’s is a story of real life, following Jesus, one step at a time and I think you’re really going to enjoy this chat together.

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