Does God really love me?

Most Christians would answer "yes"... but do we actually live like we believe it?

This week on Trailer Parked Theology, we're wrapping up our study of 1 John 4 by talking about one of the hardest truths to grasp: God loved us first. His love isn't a reward for good behavior, perfect prayers, or getting our lives together—it's where the Christian life begins.

We also share some honest Monday moments—from difficult days at work to parenting challenges, Marvel movies, and unexpected reminders of God's presence—to explore how His invisible love becomes visible through ordinary people.

If you've ever struggled to feel God's love or wondered how to recognize it in everyday life, this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights

• Why God's love isn't something we have to earn
• Learning to stop saying "I'll try" and start simply doing
• How ordinary moments reveal the presence of God
• Seeing God's love through the people around us
• What Tony Stark's sacrifice can teach us about Christ's love
• Practical ways to become the hands and feet of Jesus this week

Scripture

• 1 John 4:7
• 1 John 4:10
• 1 John 4:12

Key Takeaway

God's love isn't waiting for you at the finish line—it's the starting line. When we receive that love, we become living proof of it to everyone around us.

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Live from Holy Spirit Studios at the Abide Women's Conference, Kristi and Tonia sit down with Sarah Kaczmarek to discuss the transformative power of the Father's love, encountering the Holy Spirit, and discovering our true identity as beloved sons and daughters of God.

Together, they explore what it means to see ourselves through "God lenses," why we don't have to earn the Holy Spirit, and how God's love meets us right where we are.

If you've ever struggled with comparison, wondered if God could really use you, or felt like everyone else has faith figured out, this conversation is a reminder that the Father is pursuing you personally and inviting you into deeper freedom.

In This Episode

•  Sarah's journey from childhood faith to a deeper encounter with God 
•  Experiencing the Father's love in a personal way 
•  The role of the Holy Spirit in healing and transformation 
•  How God gently leads us into freedom 
•  Learning to see ourselves and others through "God lenses"

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In this episode of Trailer Parked Theology, Josh and Kristi kick things off with a few laughs, a "real-time revelation." But the conversation quickly turns toward something much deeper as they dive into 1 John 3 and the incredible truth of God's love.

What does it mean to be called a child of God? Why does John place such a strong emphasis on love? And how can we learn to see ourselves through the Father's eyes instead of the world's?

Along the way, Josh and Kristi reflect on parenting, growing older, appreciating the season you're in, and how some of life's simplest sayings often point us toward eternal truths.

In This Episode

•  The myth (and reality) behind "If you build it, they will come" 
•  Why summer feels different in every season of parenting 
•  The parenting advice we didn't appreciate until later 
•  Finding spiritual lessons in everyday conversations 
•  Real-time revelations and unexpected insights

 If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and help us continue bringing practical theology into everyday life. 

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Live from the Abide Women's Conference 2026, we sit down with Sister Mary Madeline Todd of the Nashville Dominicans for a joyful conversation about vocation, identity, friendship with Jesus, and the transformative power of God's love.

Sister Mary Madeline shares the beautiful story behind her religious name, inspired by Saint Mary Magdalene, whose encounter with Christ became a witness to resurrection and hope. Together, we explore the significance of names in the Catholic tradition, the role of the saints in our lives, and how God calls each of us to become the person He created us to be.

We also dive into the Dominican charism of preaching and evangelization, discussing Saint Dominic's passion for helping people know God's truth and how that mission continues today through teaching, ministry, and joyful witness.

Whether you're discerning your vocation, seeking deeper friendship with Jesus, or simply looking for encouragement in your faith journey, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that Christ makes all things new.

 Episode Highlights 

• The story behind Sister Mary Madeline's religious name 
•  Finding saints who inspire and guide us 
•  Encouraging our children to become the saints God created them to be 
•  Friendship with Jesus as the foundation of every vocation 
•  Living with joy as a witness to Christ

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This week on Trailer Parked Theology, Josh and Kristi share a takeaway from a recent marriage retreat that challenged one of the most common images used to explain Christian marriage: the triangle. They explore how sacramental marriage is about far more than two individuals independently pursuing God.

Together they unpack a richer vision of marriage as a living icon of Christ's love for the Church, where spouses become instruments of God's grace for one another and for the world.

The conversation then shifts into 1 John 2:7-11, where John speaks of an "old" commandment that is somehow also "new." Josh and Kristi explore how Jesus fulfilled the commandment of love, transforming it from instruction into lived demonstration through His life, death, and resurrection.

Episode Highlights

• The popular "marriage triangle" analogy
• Sacramental marriage as an icon of Christ and His Church
• How spouses help lead one another to heaven
• The difference between the "old" and "new" commandment in 1 John
• How Jesus demonstrated perfect love rather than simply teaching it
• Why growth often begins when God reveals our blind spots
• Learning to receive correction with humility and grace
• Practical ways to see God's presence in everyday life

Scripture Discussed

1 John 2:7-11

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In this special "mini-sode" of Can I Getta Amen, Kristi and Tonia sit down with Heather Khym at the 2026 Abide Conference to talk about podcasting, prayer, burnout, self-reliance, and what it truly means to abide in Christ.

Heather shares the story behind her Abiding Together podcast, how friendship sparked ministry, and the unexpected way God called her into ministry.

If you've ever struggled with hearing God’s voice, trusting Him in difficult seasons, or slowing down in a culture of busyness, this one's for you. So, whether you’re serving in ministry, raising a family, struggling with overwhelm, or simply trying to grow closer to God, this conversation will remind you that abiding in Christ is where true fruitfulness begins.

Episode Highlights

•  The origin story of Abiding Together
•  How friendship became ministry 
•  Why podcasting can help people feel less alone 
•  The dangers of self-reliance in ministry and daily life 
•  Learning to trust God through suffering and uncertainty 
•  What it really means to “abide” in Christ 
•  Finding peace in prayer and silence 

Find out more about Abide Catholic Women's Conference here:  https://www.abidewomensconference.org/

Listen to the Abiding Together Podcast here: https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com/

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In this episode of Trailer Parked Theology, Kristi and Josh break down what theology actually means — and why it’s not just for scholars or pastors. Through honest conversation, humor, and Scripture, they explore how practical theology helps us encounter God in everyday life.

Continuing their dive into First Epistle of John Chapter 2, they unpack themes like obedience, grace, sin, the Holy Spirit, and what it really means to live like Jesus. Along the way, they discuss Jesus as our Advocate and how faith is meant to be lived — not just studied.

In This Episode

•  What “practical theology” means 
•  Breaking down 1 John 2:1–6 
•  Jesus as our Advocate 
•  Living faith instead of just studying it 
•  Walking in the light daily 

Scripture Discussed

First Epistle of John 2:1–6

My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.

He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments.

Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:

Whoever claims to abide in him ought to live [just] as he lived.

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In this week's episode, Kristi sits down with Jenn and Wes Stonicher for a powerful conversation. They explore how marriage is shaped not in perfect moments—but in the struggle. Through honest storytelling, this episode dives into identity, masculine and feminine roles, and how God uses even the darkest seasons to strengthen a relationship.

From navigating disconnection to rediscovering purpose and unity, this episode highlights the importance of understanding your God-given design, embracing your spouse’s strengths, and choosing commitment when things get hard.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, distant, or unsure in your marriage, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and a path forward.

Episode Highlights

•  The “oak tree” analogy: understanding roles in marriage (roots vs. branches) 
•  How embracing your temperament strengthens your relationship 
•  Why commitment—not feelings—is the foundation of lasting marriage 
•  How small actions can restore hope 
•  Letting go of control and trusting God in uncertainty 

Connect with Jenn and Wes Stonicher

rightsizerevolution.com

Jwhomegroup.com

wherepeacelives.com

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In this episode of Trailer Parked Theology, Kristi and Josh continue their Bible study through First Epistle of John, focusing on 1 John 1:8–10 and the powerful theme of confession, sin, and stepping into the light of Christ.

They dive into the real-life struggle of building consistent family prayer, overcoming spiritual burnout, and letting go of rigid expectations that can quietly hold us back in our faith.

Through honest conversation, they unpack what it means to “deceive ourselves,” how small compromises keep us stuck in spiritual darkness, and why confession isn’t about perfection—but about truth, humility, and healing.

This episode offers a practical and relatable look at Christian living, discipleship, and spiritual growth—reminding us that God meets us exactly where we are, not where we think we should be.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your prayer life, disconnected from God, or unsure how to move forward in your faith journey, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step into the light.

Episode Highlights

•  Bible study on 1 John 1:8–10: sin, confession, and truth 
•  The challenge of consistency in family prayer and spiritual habits 
•  Why confession brings freedom, clarity, and healing 
•  Letting go of perfectionism in your relationship with God 
•  How bringing struggles into the light leads to real transformation 

Scripture from this Episode

1 John 1:8–10 (NAB)

If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.
 If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

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In this episode of Can I Getta Amen, we welcome back Joshua Richards for a deeply honest and redemptive conversation about failure, mercy, community, and the long road of healing.

Joshua shares what’s happened since his last visit—opening up about relapse, broken relationships, and the weight of patterns he couldn’t seem to escape. But even more powerfully, he shares how God met him there—not with rejection, but with relentless mercy.

Together, we explore what it looks like to get back up again and again, the role of authentic community in healing, and how God can redeem even the parts of our story we’re most ashamed of. From walking alongside a dying friend to serving others through ministry, Joshua’s story is a witness to the truth that God never wastes our pain.

This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck in cycles, burdened by failure, or unsure if real change is possible.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can still use your story… this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

•  Encountering God’s mercy in the midst of failure—not after it 
•  Walking with a friend through death and witnessing a holy, peaceful passing 
•  How serving others became a path to healing 
•  The importance of accountability, recovery work, and daily surrender 
•  Finding purpose through small acts of service and saying “yes” to what’s in front of you 
•  Learning to live with gratitude instead of focusing on what’s missing 

Check out Ep 209 to listen to Joshua's first appearance!

Learn More about Joshua and Dust & Mercy, here.

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