Ever feel like you're trying so hard to be more patient, more joyful, more loving... and you just keep failing?

In this conversation with Ava Pennington (author of "Flourish"), we're talking about the fruit of the Spirit, but not in the way you learned it in Sunday School. Because here's the thing: you can't force spiritual fruit by trying harder.

Ava explains why love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control aren't items on your to-do list. They're the natural result of surrendering to the Holy Spirit moment by moment.

We talk about the difference between striving and surrendering, why God's definition of these fruits might be different than yours (wait until you hear what she says about kindness!), and how to actually cooperate with what the Holy Spirit is already doing in your life.

This episode is for you if:
• You're exhausted from trying harder to be a better Christian.
• You keep failing at patience, peace, or self-control and feel defeated.
• You want to teach your kids about spiritual fruit without it becoming legalistic.
• You struggle with anxiety, impatience, or lack of joy.
• You're ready to stop striving and start surrendering.

Ava gives practical guidance on identifying which fruit you're struggling with most, recognizing the temptations and distractions that work against it, and learning to surrender in the moment instead of white-knuckling your way through.

Plus, we tackle how to model these fruits for your kids in a way that's authentic and grace-filled.

If you're tired of the try-harder message, this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Ava's book: "Flourish: Grace-Centered Practices to Protect and Grow a Fruitful Life in Christ" https://amzn.to/3YkWoMF (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH AVA:
Website: https://AvaPennington.com/

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Ever feel like making friends as an adult is somehow harder than it was in high school?

In this conversation with Natalie Runion (author of the USA Today bestseller "I Don't Even Like Women"), we're getting real about why female friendships can feel so complicated and what to do about it.

Natalie shares her own journey from literally telling her pastor "I don't even like women" when asked to lead women's ministry, to discovering the lies we believe that keep us isolated. (Spoiler: those old scripts from the junior high lunch table are still playing in our heads.)

We talk about the fear of rejection, what to do when someone says "no thanks, I have enough friends" (yes, that actually happened to Natalie), and how to keep putting yourself out there even when it's scary.

This episode is for you if:
• You want close friendships but don't know how to find them.
• You've been rejected and aren't sure you can try again.
• You feel awkward at church gatherings or mom groups.
• You're in a new season of life and need to rebuild community.
• You're tired of surface-level relationships and want something real.

Natalie gives practical advice on starting small (like $5.99 wildflower bouquets for neighbors), knowing when rejection is actually about the other person's capacity, and why being what you need for someone else might be the secret to finding the friendship you're looking for.

Plus, we tackle the question: how do you know if the problem is them... or you?

If you've ever felt lonely in a room full of people, this conversation is for you.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Natalie's book: "I Don't Even Like Women and Other Lies That Get in the Way of Sacred Sisterhood" https://amzn.to/4qDr8oo (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH NATALIE:
Website: https://NatalieRunion.com/

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What if the thing you're most afraid to say out loud is exactly what could set you free?

In this conversation with Pastor Mike Novotny, we're talking about the taboo topics nobody wants to bring up: secret sins, struggling marriages, addiction, and those really hard conversations you know you need to have but keep avoiding.

Pastor Mike shares why confession isn't just good theology; it's actually the path to healing. (Spoiler: trying to pray your way out of a problem without ever talking about it? That's not working.)

We also talk about the other side of the equation: what do you do when you need to confront someone else? How do you know if it's your place to say something? And how do you start that conversation without destroying the relationship?

This episode is for you if:
• You're carrying secret shame about something you can't seem to overcome.
• You see something concerning in someone you love but don't know how to bring it up.
• You've been hurt by bad confrontation and need a biblical framework for doing it better.
• You're tired of surface-level Christian community and want real, healing connection.
• You need permission to finally talk about the thing you've been hiding.

Pastor Mike gives us practical wisdom on knowing who's safe to confess to, when you actually need to speak up about someone else's sin, and what to do when confrontation doesn't go well.

Plus, he shares his own story of struggling with pornography addiction and why keeping it secret only made things worse.

This is the conversation about confession and confrontation that the church desperately needs.

📖 RESOURCE MENTIONED:
Pastor Mike's book: "How to Talk Taboo" https://amzn.to/49gxN0y (affiliate)

🔗 CONNECT WITH PASTOR MIKE:
Website: https://TimeofGrace.org

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After this interview, we hope that you will see that even if you are a busy, working mom, and you have a whole lot going on, that it doesn't have to prevent you from having that quality, personal time with God in His Word.

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Some of the things we talk about today will help you figure out:

1. How can I make these tips and strategies work for me in my own busy life?
2. How can I manage my time better so that I have more of it for my family and myself?
3. What easy and practical changes can I make so that I have more time for God?
4. Is it really possible to figure all of this out and without going crazy?

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"Have I settled for less than everything God has for me?"

As a lifelong follower of Jesus, Jeannie Cunnion wrestled with this very question and was surprised to realize that she'd been missing out on so many amazing things in life. That is until she discovered the power of the Holy Spirit.

Join us today as Jeannie and I invite you to discover who the Holy Spirit is, what exactly He does, and why it matters SO much.

Grab a notebook and pen and "Don't Miss Out"! 

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Like most women, you want to open your home or your heart (or both) and connect with others. But you don't think you have the time or ability. 

Through devotionals and practical tips, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will inspire you to put love into action.

You will want to take notes as Karen talks about the difference between entertaining and what the Bible says is hospitality.

She will also dive into to just a few of her tips and tricks to simple hospitality from her companion book, "Make Their Day"  -- (fancy house not necessary!)

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Based on a groundbreaking, in-depth survey of 22,000 Christian women, "The Great Sex Rescue" unlocks the secrets to what makes some marriages red hot while others fizzle out.

Join Sheila as she pulls back the curtain on what is happening in Christian bedrooms and exposes the problematic teachings that wreck sex for so many couples -- and the good teachings that leave others breathless. 

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Natasha's passion is to equip Christian parents to raise kids with an understanding of how to make a case for (and defend) their faith in an increasingly secular world. 

Whether you want to reach kids age 4 or 24, today's podcast will better equip you for the challenges of Christian apologetics (defending Christianity) in a world that seems to be drifting away from Christ.

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In a difficult, divided world, or when going through challenges, it can be hard to lift our heads and hearts. 

But God promises all people great joy. It s a promise for us no matter our circumstances! But how do we get there?

In this 60-day devotional, social researcher and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn focuses on eight key elements of finding joy truths that shine out from both science and scripture.

Shaunti's website: https://shaunti.com/

Find Joy: A Devotional Journey To Unshakable Wonder in an Uncertain World: https://amzn.to/2JltsRO (affiliate)

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