In this episode of the Field Guide for Kingdom Families Podcast, we explore the themes of pruning, growth, and the complexities of joy and suffering. We share personal stories and insights on how God uses pruning to transform beliefs and foster deeper connections with Him. We converse about the distinction between grief and discouragement, the power of compassion in validating others' pain, and the transformative nature of faith in the midst of trials.

00:00 - Life Lately 03:35 - The Process of Pruning and Growth 12:10 - Understanding Suffering and God's Character 17:26 - The Journey of Adoption and Paradigm Shifts 25:57 - Self-Reflection and the Role of the Holy Spirit 28:33 - The Pruning Process: Seeing Beyond Our Blind Spots 31:13 - Laying Down Dreams: The Journey of Adoption and Restoration 34:00 - Grief vs. Discouragement: Understanding Emotional Responses 38:55 - The Power of Compassion: Validating Pain Without Victimization 42:01 - Finding Joy in Suffering: The Presence of Jesus 46:58 - Anchoring in Jesus: Navigating Life's Storms GET CONNECTED & SUPPORTED Order Mary's new book, Flourish: a Field Guide for Spiritual Growth ~ On Kindle: https://a.co/d/30I44Uv On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955546894/ref=sr_1_2?crid=15RWSWALF5BPQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.isTe3lGTxykkX9CRHEZNatDq2BSLwmFBAvcBrKdilyTQv0NV1WccvRw5k31vKWimjAHi82MNJAnBgCwxfzA-HEm00MK5EH0dyw_W2kKm4Wo.nLjzkTKRxaRRPArW_wqaz2WsjdeIMnqGQTZsC9PxRQ8&dib_tag=se&keywords=mary+alice+hall+flourish&qid=1742260974&sprefix=mary+alice+hall+flouris%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-2 On Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flourish-mary-alice-hall/1147150421?ean=9781955546898 Order Natalie's Book, Rose Lily: a Fairytale Retold: https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Lily-Fairytale-Natalie-Larson/dp/B0CXKSDVZJ Illustrations of Olive Tree Metaphor: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ell4qdyi2w2 Field Guides & Resources: www.fieldguideforfamilies.com/training Show Notes: www.fieldguideforfamilies.com/blog Get your FREE GUIDE: Discover your I.D (Identity & Destiny): www.fieldguideforfamilies.com/free-guide FAQs on Foster Care and Adoption: www.fieldguideforfamilies.com/support Email us: [email protected]