The Living Room with Joanna Weaver

"In the valley of misunderstanding, there is always One who understands you."  In this episode, popular author, speaker, podcaster, and literary agent, Mary DeMuth shares from her latest book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: What their Stories Teach Us About Thriving. Most of us know what it's like to be misunderstood, or have gone through seasons of being misheard, or even misrepresented by people we know and the ones we don't. Mary went through her own trial of misunderstanding, which was the inspiration for finding hope in the stories of women from the bible. These stories compel us to move out of the valley of misunderstanding, and into the hands of the One who understands us perfectly. You won't want to miss this one! Important Takeaways from Show * There is hope and a positive way forward for those walking in the valley of misunderstanding. * Instead of focusing on Eve's worst mistake, we can learn from her example of confession and honesty. * Rahab, although known as a harlot, was an example to all of us as a woman of great faithfulness. * Labels can be attached to us through other people, or from our very own thoughts of ourselves. * Trust the Holy Spirit to lead us in the trial of misunderstanding; knowing when to move and when to be still. * In the removal of approval, we come to a deeper understanding of the approval of God. * Confide in a friend or loved one for accountability and support during seasons of misunderstanding. * God is a God who sees us and strengthens us to pray for the ones who have hurt us. * "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me." Psalm 139:1 * If you make yourselves of no reputation, you have nothing to build and nothing to defend. Our reputation is in the Lord’s hands. Philippians 2:6-7 * "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:1-2 * Jesus has intersected our lives so we can help others with the same struggles and hurts. * God redeems and chooses us to be kingdom builders on earth. * The Lord uses all people with different gifts and abilities; in the seen and unseen God has a plan for you in your ministry. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."   ~Colossians 3:1-2 Links from Show Mary's Podcast: Pray Every Day Mary's Book: The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible: What Their Stories Teach Us About Thriving [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Mary DeMuth Website |Instagram ...

"Send me something good today, God, and give me the eyes to see it."  In this heartfelt episode, author and blogger, Ruth Schwenk shares from her latest devotional, Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day. Ruth invites us into her story of real-life struggles and opens the door for us to find God's perfect peace in the middle of it all. Ruth is a Pastor's wife, the founder of two popular blogs, and has a podcast show along with her husband, Patrick called, Rootlike Faith. Raising four children, walking through her husband's cancer, and having multiple miscarriages, Ruth was positioned to cling to Jesus and trust His perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. She inspires us all to find hope in the tomorrow and trust in His perfect plan. Grab a box of kleenex and get ready, you won't want to miss this one! Important Takeaways from Show * It is not only in the big, but the little things that we must position ourselves to trust God. * In the middle of our suffering is where God meets us. * When we come to a dead-end, we can only cling to Jesus. * Trials can be a gift as they draw us closer to esus and help us better understand His suffering. * God can use our trials for the good, the good of others, and our relationship with Him * There is something that happens in the hard moments, that doesn’t happen anywhere else. * Suffering exposes what we really believe about God and purifies our relationship with Him. * We cling to the things of the world less when we cling to Him more. * "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalms 9:10 * The time we spend with God today, matters for the tomorrow. * When we know what is true about God, it doesn’t matter what is true about our situation. * Devotionals help us grow in the Lord and the knowledge of scripture * Never give up if you miss a day of studying scripture and pressing into understanding- there is always tomorrow. * God wants to exponentially open our understanding of who He is and what His word means. * We can love and help people, but we are not their Savior. * When you navigate through the unknowns, God gives us His Word to bring peace, comfort, and strength - He will meet you in those words. * When you are at rock bottom, cling to God, run to God and invite Him into the situation "Those who know your name trust in you,     for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalms 9:10 Links from Show Devotional: Trusting God in All the Things 90 Devotions For Finding Peace in Your Every Day. Book: In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake: Trusting the God Who Meets Us in Our Storm [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Ruth Schwenk Website | Facebook |

"Fighting and flourishing are meant to blend together"  In this heartfelt episode, author Jennie Lusko, shares from her new book, The Fight to Flourish: Engaging in the Struggle to Cultivate the Life You Were Born to Live. Jennie serves alongside her husband, Levi, leading Fresh Life Church in Montana, Utah, Oregon, and Wyoming, as well as across the world online. After the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Lenya, Jennie was left with the idea that a flourished life might never be attainable...until God revealed that the flourishing is often birthed in struggle. Through grit and grace, surrender and trust, God showed Jennie that even as a seed needs darkness to grow and blossom, we too can grow even in the darkest of situations. Flourishing begins in the struggle. It's in the fight through the hard that we can begin to shine, as we keep our eyes focused on God. Important Takeaways from Show * Hard things don't always have to be in the "bad" category; It's the hard that brings out the most good. * When a seed is planted in the dark ground, that is when it starts to grow and flourish. * Do not "fast-forward" through the process or you'll miss all that God has for you. There is beauty in His process. * "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds." James 1:2 * Only God can do the deep part, but we can do our part by pressing in and keeping our eyes on Him. 2 Chronicles 20:12 * We can respond to brokenness with grit and grace, "God speak to me; your servant is listening." * "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalm 139:23 * Respond with active faith and not passive participation. * "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24 * When you are stuck in the grief, take a tiny step towards the Lord. * Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 * God can help us buy back the time; it is never too late to ask God to redeem the time. * Run toward the roar; when hard rears its ugly head, stand firm and hand it over to God. * Find a safe place and safe people to be honest in the pain. * Excavate - go deeper with the Lord. Go further up and further in, and there you'll find the treasure. * It is possible to shine in the darkness, because Jesus is the light of the world. "Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”             2 Chronicles 20:12 Links from Show Book: The Fight To Flourish: Engaging in the Struggle to Cultivate the Life You Were Born to Live The Fight to Flourish: Six...

"Bad days don't make you a bad mom"  In this special episode, award-winning author, popular national conference speaker, and former radio cohost, Renee Swope shares from her newest book, A Confident Mom: Simple Ways to Give Your Child What They Need . Renee shares how her pain from her youth inspired her to parent differently with God's direction and leading. Renee encourages all mamas how to find confidence, purpose and meaning in their parenting. Through heart-centered parenting that is character-focused and relationship-driven, she gracefully reminds us that we are not created to carry the load of perfect parenting. We must allow God to lead us in our imperfections, learning how to truly understand our children and raise them to become all that God created them to be. Important Takeaways from Show * Being a mom is one of the hardest, holy jobs we will ever have to face. * We are raising up a person created in the image of God with a purpose, calling, and future. Their emotional * A confident mom is not self-reliant, she is one who puts her faith in God and trusts that He who began a good work in her children will be faithful to complete it. Philippians 1:6 * Motherhood strips away our ability to really fake it until we make it. * God looks at us with love, patience and kindness, and He wants us to see our own children through those same eyes. * Let your kids be who God created them to be - guiding them in wisdom, covering them in prayer and getting to know who they truly are. * Discern the voice of God and ask Him, "What are the keys to our kids kingdoms?" * "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Psalm 139:23 * Become a student of your child; loving and accepting them for where they are at. * "They need to be good so I can be good," is too much of a load for us moms to put on our kids. * Do life and gain wisdom from the older moms whose life looks like a legacy you hope to live. * Instead of asking was I a failure today God, ask was I faithful today in my parenting. * We have a good Father who pursues us. If we can be who He says who He is, things will be better. * Be with your children; be present, and be patient in your time with them. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 Links from Show Book: A Confident Mom A Confident Heart A Confident Heart Devotional   [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Renee Swope Website | Facebook | Instagram Connect with Joanna

"When pushed up against a dead-end wall, the only option is to trust God."  In this special episode, best-selling author and disability advocate, Joni Eareckson Tada celebrates the 45th anniversary edition of her book- Joni: An Unforgettable journey. Joni shares beautiful and intimate details of her journey with God after breaking her neck in a diving accident and becoming completely paralyzed at age 17. Her determination to trust the faithfulness of God - even now, in the midst of chronic pain and a battle with cancer - has turned a tragedy into a powerful tool God continues to use in thousands - if not millions - of peoples' lives. If you're struggling to find hope and meaning in your painful trial, don't miss this episode.  And be sure to share it with a friend! Important Takeaways from Show * We encounter the Lord from deep places - in the vulnerable and the unknown. * When you're pushed up against a dead-end wall, the only option is to trust God and cast your cares on Him. * Melt yourself into the circumstance as if walking through a dead-end wall - enter your pain and find Jesus there. * If you think God is asking too much, remember with His grace you can do it. * Trials were intended to completely flatten our self-sufficiency. If we are still putting up a fight, there is a crust of pride that needs to be peeled away. * God wants to be the first thing we think of when we wake up and the center of our universe. * In the midst of the trials, talk to the pain and situation; give yourself a good talking to. * "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 * Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, as we walk into the flames, Jesus will meet us there. * Make the suffering useful as you come in agreement with the Lord; doing the hard thing with patient endurance. * "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 * Take the trial and use it as a platform of ministry to comfort others in their hurts. * Don’t worry about the breadth of your ministry, worry about the depth of your life with Christ. * Remember what it means that Christ died for you - sit with your justification and go deep. * Fall in love with Jesus - He wants to build His Kingdom in us more than through us. * As we think about God's attributes, we are more aware of our sin - which makes us quicker to repent. * Think magnificently about God and see Him in His majesty. * Trust in the Lord at all times Psalm 62:8 "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."         Psalm 42:5 Links from Show Book: Joni: An Unforgettable Story: Joni Eareckson Tada Book: Finding God in Hidden Places: His Presence in the Pieces of Our Lives...

"As we trust joy we find courage to celebrate."  In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker, Nicole Zasowski shares from her latest book, What If It's Wonderful?: Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, and Find the Courage to Celebrate. Through seasons of disappointment and despair, Nicole reminds us that staying connected to the hope of Christ is possible! Through her own season of transition, multiple miscarriages and crippling anxiety, the Lord brought her to a deep place of inimacy as she learned to look for joy even in the middle of pain. Nicole shares insights into how our brain works and how embracing joy and celebration can increase our happiness and well-being. As we keep Jesus at the center of our affection, God turns our fear, self-protection, doubt and even our cynicism into a new hopeful approach to life - no longer expecting the worst but opening our hearts to possibility...after all, "what if it's wonderful?" Important Takeaways from Show * Believing for the wonderful interrupts the catastrophic thinking there is within all of us * The brain adapts to delight and joy more rapidly  but fixates on negativity * There is a difference between feelings being real and feelings being true - when we trust the truth, we don't react to how we feel * It takes courage to celebrate all seasons of life, we must choose celebration before we have a reason to * We miss out on our God-given life when we spend our time preparing for the worst * Disappointment comes when we desire more joy from a gift than it was meant to give * Only one person belongs in the center of our affection- Jesus * Knowing Him is enough to make us dream about what it could look like * When all our hope is in the Lord, we are safe to dream God-sized dreams and pray God-sized prayers * The practice of savoring helps us celebrate the ordinary * The practice of thanksgiving: expressing the joy that we feel doubles the joy we experience * Joy trusts God's promises in the midst of celebration and suffering * Cultivate a beautiful life with God right where you are, and in that will cultivate a life of celebration and joy * God wants to give us the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves with Him "However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"- the things God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 Links from Show NEW BOOK: What If It's Wonderful?: Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, and Find the Courage to Celebrate Guided Journal Questions [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Nicole Zasowski Website | Instagram Connect with Joanna  Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram |

"When we are happy in the Lord, everything changes."  In this episode, my dear friend, author, speaker, podcast host, and USA Today bestselling author of over 80 books, Tricia Goyer, shares from her newest book, Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God's Love During Chaotic Circumstances. Tricia is a homeschooling mom of ten, including seven by adoption, a busy grandmother to many, and wife to her husband John. It was in a chaotic period of life that God revealed to Tricia the importance of keeping her heart happy in the Lord. Adopting this unusual but powerful approach to life helped lift Tricia out of depression and overwhelm - and it can change everything for us as well! As we learn how to center our hearts in Jesus and look to Him for strength and peace, we can experience true joy - even in the midst of chaos, trials and tests. Important Takeaways from Show * God doesn't always need us to do, He just wants us to be with Him * Go to God for forgiveness, and allow Him to set you free from guilt and shame - that's the start of true happiness * Slow down and meditate on the Lord, His goodness, and fix your eyes on eternity * When our heart is settled in the Lord, the hard things are less upsetting * We need the Lord to order our thoughts for the enemy likes to hijack conviction from the Lord and turn it into condemnation * God created us out of His love; trust that His love is enough for us. * When we face hard circumstances, we need to cleanse our minds with scripture and allow the Living Word to be our weapon. * Emotions don't tell us the truth. The truth is God loves us and we need to trust Him in the storm * When upsetting things happen, we must trust God’s sensitivity and sovereignty * Everything doesn’t have to be okay for me to be okay * Be happy in the things that God asks us to do * Happiness is not found in stillness, it's not found in our emotions, it's found in walking it out * God will answer our prayers, it might not be how or when we want it, but He will answer in His time Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24) Links from Show NEW BOOK: Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love During Chaotic Circumstances George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans  More about George Muller  [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Tricia Goyer Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest Connect with Joanna  Facebook | Pinterest |

"A message of hope for the hopelessly messy" In this episode, blogger, author, speaker, and decluttering expert, Dana K. White, shares from her newest book, Organizing for the Rest of Us. Keeping up with our homes can feel like an uphill battle through cleaning, organizing, and decluttering. Dana, who was overwhelmed by her own home discovered a realistic approach to the de-slobification process that has helped thousands of others do the same. In her lighthearted approach, Dana shares the truth about cleaning, organizing, and decluttering with tips that work for real life and real people. In her reality-based strategies, anyone can go from slob to decluttering expert in no time. Though the journey can seem overwhelming, we can take one step at a time, celebrating the small victories as we go. It is the little wins that grow the desire for an uncluttered life and one that is better for our environments, spiritual lives, and relationships. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * If we wait for perfection before doing God’s will, we will never begin * Let go of the need for perfection and enjoy the journey of having a more organized life * The way we are created is not failure, embrace the unique way God created us * There is a great difference between organization and decluttering * Organizing is problem-solving * Decluttering is removing things from the home * When we pull everything out of a space or area, that can leave us feeling more overwhelmed * Start decluttering a visible place in your home by throwing out trash * Put items back into the established home * The three layers of a clean house are, Declutter, Daily Stuff, and Deep-Cleaning * It is freeing to let loose of the excess! We don’t need it all * God helps us to realize that life is maintenance * When you don't have a lot of time, pick a smaller cleaning task, such as dishes * Our homes really begin to change when we start with decluttering * Treating our homes like a project can do more harm than good * Little wins grow the desire for an uncluttered life * Time the task that overwhelms you - it never takes as long as we think * Containers serve as a limit, they aren't just for putting things in * Our home itself is a container - embrace the limits * To help sustain an organized home, follow the rule: one item in requires one item out * Gaining space in our home gives us freedom * Give yourself grace for the process and celebrate the small victories   “But all things should be done decently and in order” -1 Corinthians 14:33 Links from Show NEW BOOK: Organizing for the Rest of Us: 100 Realistic Strategies to Keep Any House Under Control Workbook and Journal for Organizing for the Rest of Us How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind    Decluttering at the Speed of Life   [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Dana K. White

"The fairytale has to end for intimacy to begin!" In this episode, clinical psychologist, Dr. Juli Slattery shares about marriage from the newest edition of her book, Finding the Hero in Your Husband, Revisited: Embracing Your Power in Marriage. Many women begin their marriages with great expectations but struggle to know how to build the kind of relationship they long to have with their husbands. As her own marriage has grown so has Juli's passion for teaching God’s design for marriage, intimacy and sexuality. She addresses difficult and rarely discussed topics like disappointment in marriage, biblical submission and sexual intimacy. When we give God access to our hearts, ambitions and expectations, He gives us the ability to build our marriages and use our power wisely.  { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * We fight against our husband's growth when we try to force him to be who we think he needs to be * By nature, women want their husbands to be their hero and men want to be the hero * "Marriage is a romance in which the hero dies in the first chapter" - anonymous * Disappointment is a natural part of a marriage story * God gives both men and women power in the relationship and calls them both to use it wisely * Common Challenge - "I want my husband to lead but I want him to lead the way I tell him to" * Common Dilemma - "I want my husband to step up but I can't get out of my own way" * Fear can drive us to use our power negatively * Love is a choice; true love perseveres even when it is not felt * Marriages are designed to represent the relationship between Christ and the Church * Have empathy for your husband * Remember you're on the same team * God purposefully created our husbands differently than us and our children are better off because of those differences * Trust is a growing and changing component in a marriage * Forgiveness and grace are key to building intimacy * God can reclaim and redeem what has been broken and lost in our hearts * The most powerful wife on earth is the one who chooses to yield her power to build intimacy and grow her husband's confidence * Submission is not the absence of power; it is the wise application of power * A husband's great power is meant to be used to sacrificially love his wife like Jesus loves the Church 2 Needs Husbands Have that Give their Wives Power in the Marriage * Respect - When it comes to your husband's confidence, your words hold the power of life and death. Your husband is asking questions like "Am I enough?" "Do you believe in me"? and "Am I your hero?" * Help - As their Helper we are called to address sin and issues with love as a sister in Christ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. ~ John 13:35 Links from Show Finding the Hero in Your Husband, Revisited: Embracing Your Power in Marriage Java with Juli Podcast  Website for Christian Leaders on Navigating Sexual Issues  [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]  

"Only God can heal the broken-hearted!"  In this episode, author and speaker, Sheri Rose Shepherd, shares from her newest book, Beyond the White Picket Fence: What to do When Your Life is Dismantled. In movie script format, Sheri describes her personal story alongside others who have learned to walk beyond betrayal, shame, and devastation. Sheri experienced a fruitful ministry for 25 years when she was faced with stage 4 cancer, a broken marriage and several other crisis simultaneously. She had to learn to discover God in the midst of her suffering and trust Him to bring true healing. If you're tired of Band-Aid solutions to your pain and are looking for true healing in Jesus, then this is for you! { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * God will meet us in the middle of our suffering and help us to move beyond it * There is not a Band-Aid solution to suffering, but rather a process of healing for every pain and crisis * The Holy Spirit will gently lead you through your healing process * Identify the lies you've started to believe and replace them with God's truth * It is not our suffering that makes us anointed or qualified to minister to others; it is Christ in us * There is a difference between a bitter heart and a broken heart * Be careful who you choose to process your pain with * "[God] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3 * Healing from a broken heart starts with tears and grieving * "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 * We can't rush our healing or anyone else's * God will use people to walk beside the hurting, but only He can heal wounds “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Links from Show NEW BOOK: Beyond the White Picket Fence: What to do When Your Life is Dismantled DEVOTIONAL: His Princess Every Day Devotional: Love Letters From Your King His Princess Royal Membership  [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Sheri Rose Shepherd Website |  Facebook Connect with Joanna  Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | ...

"The common denominator in all your friendships is YOU!" In this episode, Andi Andrew shares from her newest book, Friendship—It’s Complicated. While friendship is a beautiful God-given gift, it is not always easy. After experiencing the hurt of many disappointing and broken friendships, Andi felt God call her to take ownership of her own heart issues which led to healing and healthier friendships. Andi invites us all to stop the cycle of blaming others and allow God to reveal the fault lines within us, untangle the mess and bring healing. Then we too can experience the gift of reconciliation and building authentic friendships. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * God takes us back to our broken places to move us forward in healing * As we allow our Healer to bring healing to our hearts we can experience healing in our relationships * No friendship can meet all of our needs; only God can * Mismanaged hurt will follow us until we allow God to bring healing * We get in God's way when we try to be a false messiah and fix all of our friends' problems * God will allow the removal of approval from others to reveal fault lines in our own life * We often choose the pain and loneliness of self-preservation over the potential of messy, yet godly connection with others * We learn to be self-aware and find healing so that we can shift our focus to others and help them find healing * God often uses our broken, messy places to minister to others * Identify the patterns in your friendships and recognize that while there are often different scenarios, there is the same snare * It takes humility and vulnerability on both sides to reconcile and rebuild relationships * "Be authentic with the many and vulnerable with the few" ~ Irene Rollins * The wounds of a friend are faithful because a true friend's correction is built on a relationship that is loyal, trustworthy, and authentic (Proverbs 27:6) * Use the Word of God to bring truth and encouragement to your friends rather than respond with only compassion and validation * "Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to fault finding" ~ Oswald Chambers * We become more like Christ when in close relationship with other people, not in isolation   As iron sharpens iron,     so one person sharpens another. ~Proverbs 27:17 Links from Show New Book: Friendship—It’s Complicated: Avoid the Drama, Create Authentic Connection and Fulfill Your Purpose Together Podcast: Coffee With Andi Previous Book: She Is Free: Learning the Truth about the Lies that Hold You Captive [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Andi Website | Instagram | Facebook |

"Success found in our own strength still leads to burnout!" In this episode, best-selling author, podcast host and national speaker, Rebekah Lyons, shares from her devotional, A Surrendered Yes: 52 Devotions to Let Go and Live Free. Rebekah experienced a lot of fear and anxiety early on in her life but has since discovered that when she fully surrenders to God she finds rest in His peace and strength. Surrender is not a one-time decision, but a slow and steady process of handing things over to God. Oftentimes, the real question we must ask ourselves is, "Do we just want God to fix what we are holding so tightly or are we willing to give what we are holding to Him?" Every time we release control and surrender more to Jesus, we experience His peace and presence in return. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * The purpose of surrender is to enjoy direct communion with God rather than a specific outcome * Surrender is not passive; it is an active decision to release control to God and follow His leading * We are prone to always do things ourselves but God has more and better in mind for us * When we are afraid of failure we are not trusting God * God is near in our sufferings and trials * Pain always becomes purpose if we let it * Calling is where our talents and burdens collide * God is inviting you into something that requires His power * "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." Romans 6:8  * Surrender requires fixing your mind on the Spirit and not on our fleshly desires * When we chase what the world offers we are left feeling empty * "When our activity ends; [God's] begins" ~ Andrew Murray * We've been invited into a great freedom that only comes with surrender * We love ourselves by believing in God's love and delighting in what He has created * We love others better when we live surrendered to Jesus * Loving God requires a surrendered heart and trust in His goodness * God did not make a single mistake in how He created you * God redeems time and takes back what has been stolen * Public affection cannot heal private rejection; we need love over admiration * Everything good is costly at some level * Put guard rails on your life that require surrender, forcing you to trust and rely on God * God's glory is revealed in our weaknesses * Nothing that touches your life is outside of God's watch * Let go of the known so you can see the unknown Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. ~Luke 10:27 Links from Show DEVOTIONAL: A Surrendered Yes: 52 Devotions to Let Go and Live Free BOOK: Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose PREVIOUS PODCAST: 024: Making the Most of Your Life with Rebekah Lyons | The Living Room

"God will meet us in the darkness and give us eyes to see the treasures there!" In this episode, Sarah Clarkson shares her personal story of wresting with God in the midst of mental illness from her book, This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness. Sarah found herself in the midst of deep personal pain and surrounded by a broken world leading her to ask questions like: "Where is God?" "Can He be trusted?" "Is He still tender towards me?" God began to open her eyes to His goodness and beauty all around her. In the midst of the darkness. If you struggle with a mental illness or feel overwhelmed by the darkness and unrest in our world today, this will encourage your heart. When your trust in God has been shaken, He is there. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * Suffering, grief and loss can drain our world of beauty and meaning * Understanding the evil in the world and the goodness of the Lord creates a constant tension * God wants us to taste and see His goodness every day (Psalm 34:8)  * Stories and art can re-enchant our own world, helping us to recognize the beauty of the person and presence of Jesus all around us again (C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien) * Rather than allow ourselves to disengage, we must choose life and hold fast to God (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) * Jesus demonstrates God's power to redeem all things, to take what is broken and fully restore it * Theodicy is the study of God and justice * God created a world that was meant to reflect His beauty and goodness * We were given the gift of freedom; Having free will is what gives us the ability to love * We can use our freedom to destroy the world or order it * Our freedom is based on God's choice to give us freedom; therefore His Sovereignty will always prevail * We have the opportunity to respond to God's beauty, to be a part of creating it and offer it to others * Rather than deny the reality of evil, we can choose to embrace the beauty and light of God all around us * Being redeemed in the midst of our pain means clinging to the hope that God's Kingdom is coming * God is unthreatened by our frailty; His goodness and grace engage with us wherever we are (Psalm 103:14) 5 Ways to Find Joy in the Midst of Darkness * Seek companionship and community - Pain can be the great isolator so we must choose to draw near to Christ-minded people * Recognize the power of words - Engage with the life-giving redemptive words of Scripture * Look for tiny acts of God's beauty - Counter the darkness by waking up to the beauty all around you * Step away from the online world - Let your first encounter of the day be with Scripture and God's creation * Focus on the present - Recognize God and His wonder in your everyday life I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. ~ Isaiah 45:3 NKJV

"God never forsakes His people in the wilderness!" In this episode, Lauren Chandler shares powerful truths from her newest Bible Study, With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers. We are all prone to walk through wilderness seasons when life is difficult and God feels distant. Lauren reminds us that even when God feels far away, His presence is always near. In love, God allows wilderness seasons to draw us nearer to Him, but the wilderness will not last forever. While the Israelites wandered in the wilderness and struggled to trust God before experiencing the fulfillment of His promise, we can learn to follow His leading and experience His presence every step of the journey. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * Numbers in the Hebrew Scripture is called "In the Wilderness"  * Being in a wilderness season does not necessarily mean we are doing something wrong * God's love followed Adam and Eve out of the garden; His presence is always with us in the wilderness * Your faith can be strengthened and deepened through the wilderness * In Numbers, the tabernacle of God's presence was in the center of the camp * Our lives should be centered and grounded in God as well * God doesn't ask us to come to Him already put together * Go to God undone and allow Him to put you back together * Find a way to connect with God every morning and stay connected to Him throughout the day * The Lord was leading the Israelites through the wilderness, they just had to keep their eyes on the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud * Choose to live from the shadow of God's presence rather than the shadow of your fears * He is the God of the wilderness just as much as He is the God of the promise * Like Moses, we can take our complaints straight to the Lord * Be faithful with your gifts and opportunities but continue to find your identity in being a child of God * We are defined by God and His love for us, not by what we can do for Him * Don't ever believe you outgrow the gospel, we need it every minute of every day The Lord bless you     and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you     and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you     and give you peace. ~Numbers 6:24-26 Links from Show Bible Study Book: With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers Teen Girls' Bible Study: With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers Leader Kit: With Us in the Wilderness: a Study of the Book of Numbers Steadfast Love - Bible Study Book: A Study of Psalm 107 [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Lauren Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

"There is so much available to you as a child of God every day!" In this episode, Juli Bevere, shares her personal story of learning how to fully live as a child of God. Juli married into ministry when she married the oldest child of John and Lisa Bevere. She partnered with her husband, Addison, and his siblings, in co-founding SonsAndDaughters.tv and authoring I AM: Find Your Identity. Claim Your Freedom. Embrace the Adventure. As children of God we are invited to step into the fullness and adventure that God has waiting for us, believing and living His truths. When Juli began the work of finding her identity in Christ alone she discovered it was both an undoing and unraveling of her past hurts, lies, mistakes, and preconceived ideas as well as a building up into God's truths for her life. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show * God uses small and seemingly insignificant things for His glory * There is so much available to us on a daily basis as children of God * Walking in close Christian community is critical for personal growth * I am called: even our daily mundane tasks are meaningful and can hold great purpose * Our calling is not found in a formula, but in a growing relationship with Jesus * Sons and daughters of the King do not have to carry the weight of trying to sustain their own lives * God's will is not a distant destination but rather being present with Him right now * If we walk close to Jesus, we will be in His will rather than trying to find His will * You cannot determine the real you apart from Christ; only He knows the real you * When we fully surrender to Jesus, we no longer have to worry about how things will work out * Balance is an illusion because some things require more of us in certain seasons * God's will is not always easy; but often requires an active faith and partnering effort with Him * Our growing is a becoming process, not an event * God often uses the cracks in our lives and our weaknesses to reveal His glory * Freedom and joyful adventure come after you discover your identity in Christ * We were designed to need God daily (Matthew 6:11) * Our only job is to stay connected to God; He will guide our steps and produce His fruit * God loves you and He wants you  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ~ John 15:4 Links from Show I AM: Find Your Identity. Claim Your Freedom. Embrace the Adventure [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Juli Bevere Website | Instagram Connect with Joanna  Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram |