In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the topic of insomnia. 40 million people suffer from insomnia each year. 25% of people have had insufficient sleep for 15 out of the last 30 days! The guys discuss the effects of poor sleep as well as nighttime routines to help people go to sleep. Some of these include blue light, reducing stress before bed, proper environments, gratitude, forgiveness, and the avoidance of heavy meals before bed. Mark and John also discuss how the Lord uses sleepless nights, and they take some examples from Scripture.

LINKS

55k Year End Giving Link- https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

Facebook Link- https://www.facebook.com/GraceFellowshipInternational/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/gracefellowshipinternational/

Sleep Hygiene- https://elcmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sleep-hygiene.pdf

Blessed Sleeplessness- https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2025/05/16/blessed-sleeplessness/

Watch the Pineapple Story- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfxBl-qaItg&t=15s

Natural Health Article- https://myhdiet.com/blogs/healthnews/here-is-why-sleep-is-your-health-s-ultimate-superpower?

Insomnia Symptoms and Causes- https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes


Sleepless Night in Scripture- https://gracenotebook.com/diligent-to-rest/

Soaking Affirmations- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N3vxfDTSw8

Music- www.BeStillMusic.com

Book: Surrendered Sleep- https://www.amazon.com/Surrendered-Sleep-Biblical-Perspective-2011-09-15/dp/B01F81VZO0/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3AQNT3GIQ6VND&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iDain7tGlzepjaPiL5ehVf8l1uVqa_ogKD2v1fnRMzpcjfNXovDfsMDjDIH4xVWpCtsOpq41-EEWQA5ZP8NesVNsD6Nc44TkF4o2j5vVjXRC0iaGrdClpW3NNTcD2dCE-b8jY3EhyqFiruHEKVDW-w.ruFq7xIw3mlPwJq55VPF-hIEW6FgVexjow5X3oTV4aA&dib_tag=se&keywords=surrendered+sleep&qid=1765398968&sprefix=surrendered+sleep%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2

In this podcast, Liz, our office manager, joins us as we begin the episode, sharing holiday traditions. The first part of the episode is fun. At minute 23:30, John, Mark, and Liz discuss causes of holiday stress and how to have JOY during the holidays. The stresses discussed include the pressure to meet expectations, family dynamics, financial burdens, overwhelming schedules, loneliness, and grief.

Links

55k In 55 Days For 55 Years: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

In this episode, Mark and Dr. John discuss the difficult topic of suicide. Those speaking of suicide should be taken seriously. They need hope and support. Part 1of this podcast speaks directly to the person struggling with suicidal ideology. Suicide is a liar saying that life is better without you. Life is not better without you, and those left are devastated, not better off. You are loved by God and others, so please do not believe the lies. The answer is not trying harder but surrendering your life to Jesus.

Part 2 of the podcast helps listeners know how to help. We discuss how to talk about suicide and the importance of active listening. Mark and John discuss suicide intervention, biblical anchors of hope, and key important truths to know and communicate.

To conclude, Mark discusses the difference between identity, purpose, and assignment. These are all different and should never be combined. Our identity is given to us by God. Our purpose is what we do, and is also given to us by God. Our assignment is what we do in this world. Our assignments change, but our identity and purpose remain!

Links

55k Year-End Giving: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/55-giving-campaign/

U-Turn Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgxtbeW4DaY

John Stevens' book on Suicide: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/collections/other-authors?page=2

In this episode, Dr. John interviews Rob and Dorie Blake. They share about how they met at GFI and their ministry in North Carolina.

Links

Rob's Testimony: https://gfiworld.wordpress.com/2025/10/29/a-testimony-of-robert-blake/

7 Steps to Freedom: https://www.ficm.org/

In this marriage podcast, part two, Mark and John distinguish ultimate needs, met vertically through our personal relationship with God, from relational needs, met horizontally through the marriage relationship. The Exchanged Life profoundly transforms marriage because it redefines the source, purpose, and power of love within the relationship. Instead of two people trying to meet each other's needs in their own strength, it becomes Christ in you and Christ in your spouse-two lives united under His life. When Christ as Life is the foundation of marriage, this means you no longer depend on your spouse for identity, validation, or security. You already have that in Christ. This removes pressure and fear, allowing both partners to love from fullness rather than emptiness.

Dr. John identifies ultimate needs as love, acceptance, significance, security, belonging, and worth. The relational needs of the wife are affection, conversation, honesty, openness, financial support, and family commitment. For men, relational needs include sexual fulfillment, recreational companionship, an attractive spouse, domestic support, and admiration. A husband will be happier if his wife shows her love in these ways. And the wife would be happier if the husband loves her in these ways.

Links

Show Notes: https://gfischool.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/needs-in-marriage-jbw.pdf

GFI Donations: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

GFI 1/2 Day Seminar INFO: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/introduction-to-exchanged-life-counseling-2/

GFI Exchanged Life Workshop Info: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/exchanged-life-counseling-workshop-10/

Books and Curriculum

His Needs Her Needs by Dr. Harley: https://www.amazon.com/His-Needs-Her-Making-Romantic/dp/0800740998/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18YILTUU2LXL6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yX3z_M_l8-F_QJJSfCm16Q31n4mCjNjUWk9zZH3T4mhvTVSS90k2AaeSuITHxfxVAZU2wuhTUAL35kcUXDM2nxRDUJ8zUZhlL5bdIUJBgdOxN4TVTIfrIY7lVUulLv95SwuO7093MOx--OEtY8eZ4Lu4GvJWTzPNsynvumgeotRAt0v1RTSn9GzKV0GkBI6d9A9D5IFWdARtPvcyeuisASdTVSbg-azDNceVgG_3iXM.F0FnndyQf4Vivq1eFMPnzmRyOiAxmtW_6EbBqdjOA-c&dib_tag=se&keywords=his+needs+her+needs+book&qid=1760559144&sprefix=his+nee%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-1

Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Builder-Creating-Oneness-Transform/dp/0310336872/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1ATLOIKDLYJ9B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dCxvCEOWnjgTducQxNQ4urYkHKjqAuDYl57-tpqZEe4PmGvIkU3tW5PiJ7xFaPYa9W9Yh0FHKYezX4yaQ9ss0MJZ_Cvo-yB94qKsMF7q0ZQaJJEvjG-Zw9UgLJjwoJxh.g73oE8JYLeetQlV8tGwKtnnv1Qaiw8EF0Zy9IKmZ4NM&dib_tag=se&keywords=marriage+builder+larry+crabb&qid=1760559186&sprefix=marriage+builder%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1

Men are like Waffles and Women are like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel: https://www.amazon.com/Men-Like-Waffles-Women-Spaghetti-Understanding/dp/0736968881/ref=sr_1_1?crid=B8KQON0YO57T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cgibAoVg2eyeupSebyewix8QNTR1aZ-bn-C5zY46X9bJfJXL0jpC7UwVgk4gce6uCTZuq0jPVTxp7xxxfoTuCIYfIiSFYzwvZG3EOcbzsed1wArLUTLSYAQB8QVtL8Tx5rOtzah_IuVlKPne3zDPkpwP0TCGC3y0BynlFonMSL6uDFaZaDo7AUljKa7kXTGTKBepK6sl0a2MuYWCy0Bcp5BAXd7R8_COBhoSHAVDfd4.cz3oO_2s-mFBkK4hcLMc9mneF7vPhGVcuy43XgCqKeI&dib_tag=se&keywords=men+are+like+waffles+women+are+like+spaghetti&qid=1760559241&sprefix=men+are+%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-1

Build Your House on the Rock by Dave Simmons: https://www.gracestudyhall.org/courses/build-your-house-on-the-rock

The Life Seminar by Bill and Anabell Gillham: www.lifetime.org/video

In this episode, Mark and John discuss how the Exchanged Life can help in marriage. The guys take Ephesians 5 and work backwards. Mark discusses submission and how men and women are equal with different roles within the marriage covenant. We accomplish Ephesians 5 only through the power of the Holy Spirit. John teaches how marriage, which is God's plan, is the expression of God's love for us. The roles of the husband and wife are discussed. The are no "if" clauses within marriage, and Eph. 5 is not a list of rules to attempt to change your spouse. Obstacles include unforgiveness and focusing on others' faults instead of our own. Finally, this podcast discusses the importance of leaving and cleaving and how GFI goes about doing marriage counseling.

LINKS:

GFI Scholarship Donation: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

Mark and Carrie's Cultivating a New Marriage: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/cultivating-a-new-marriage

Worthy Walk by Dr. John Woodward: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/the-worthy-walk

Resource: Bury Your Marriage: https://abidinglife.com/products/bury-your-marriage-mp3?_pos=1&_sid=5e359aa26&_ss=r

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Marriage-What-Designed-Happy/dp/0310337372/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21GQ00UKIDZMC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.saVCt6VwDGwC-_jYoW-raJO7vZmXLusT0d_qCqIxaN_Rq-Kk77u7h6-4V1DgJFTn1qL41xhp3uyyTsK9L_gcZfwbTdN50jt4yP_ByZMXa0v6rAc02Sf5ugDU9auyCwJhxPCp4ZyseqjN3KpxE_hp_x7VMb1UDCmUkwq-VNBv3bntlvD1FFMIYYZUeu5eUU-MpVyrhKZrCq2KjTx_mR9eaUjqX8lhuEBADGVAtdMhsmI.p9Ac-FEgAcoFs0HBIOzzTUJayDM_TNL9DubCs5z4TNk&dib_tag=se&keywords=gary+thomas&qid=1759265489&sprefix=gary+thomas%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1

Love and Respect Book: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Respect-Desires-Desperately-Needs/dp/1591451876/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3D5NYPIQJV4U7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jvhP_oCWUOStH5LkQ6wQ7yjmbGPYGOi2e9qRP0wF5DHuUmvCBoK-N1w_NJiOlLKJOVvQVPMGbnIuAoxGW7bFE6VA5wbIvPvo5f3nebOTkIf5JNrDmoMECedcB-nvsk0SYwA10MVTulilSLKcNdM_GqvWExx-lff3Xlvc2PHBNlSwihUKO8_Rw4ZfboriJOAjOzhCDBFq8ueDitQdGr3YbmyVZU_3Z4o_4c_1FUJRbN4.RDlVUEFjGwCD0QhXCypAurP5NlT327MZBl22SEj28GY&dib_tag=se&keywords=love+and+respect&qid=1759265550&sprefix=love+and+respect%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

Cary Lantz book on Marriage: https://www.amazon.com/Shifting-Sands-Foundation-Stones-Paperback/dp/B00ZLWC5NC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SFSGX0M2SNYF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7QEGPvan4I8cw6qJaNjgWwflQ-HIbUiP6_VZwApRmAU.rTwhS-Tk8zpNJ4gyyIFduEx7yO2QaniJf3bufevP1UI&dib_tag=se&keywords=cary+lantz&qid=1759265652&sprefix=cary+lantz%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-1

In the midst of assassinations, school shootings, and individual turmoil, how do we respond and live by faith? In this episode, Mark and John discuss the fact that we have not been left alone to face the storms of life in our own strength. John shares that by faith God reveals truth, you and I choose to agree with Him, we confess with our mouth what we believe, and then we walk according to the truth. Daily, we need to run to God! Jesus is the victor, and we are victorious in Him. Individually, we need to process trauma with God. John declares, "Jesus can turn our question marks into exclamation points!" Mark dives into Carrie's comment on how God hasn't forgotten the recipe for manna. He is faithful! Mark and John share some practical principles, which include abiding in Christ, affirming identity, choosing gratitude, encouraging others, and how to rest in victory. Finally, John quotes John Hunter, "For this _____, we have Jesus!"

Links:

GFI Scholarship Fund: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

Jp Polukda's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Story-Has-Villain-Spiritual/dp/1400341175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ASRQZQL63WL3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6eBberbB4a3UAjHywtvKjJSs20dBVNBbK-dvUvH1N3YfkW2qHb0POt3RObN9RWBJT8-_QKKw5KIBveu_nPabEgVgm5oiTjvl6mVYMlnbqhMZtLGP8_LLzPaPb5LxPuNt959MAR_9UscN-GmT1aLKLQ.3DVEs0XHldEi03YtZhSOLUpMG_ORdKm9CYwoE8qgeUg&dib_tag=se&keywords=jp+pokluda+your+story+has+a+villain&qid=1758212197&sprefix=jp+po%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Victory in Christ by Charles Trumble: https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Christ-Messages-Victorious-Life/dp/B000FKI1BA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=11136HYD5P5UX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IY6Tz3GCA2hfPCcMA3FUT4a3B1KWiei2OOpsxQyEvuIeAMLjO4LqRCncZppy94pe.az9sldpAbbB4MEhhcf_WA2vtFNvVyYjd_AnXWDg-CnU&dib_tag=se&keywords=trumble+victory+in+christ&qid=1758212247&sprefix=trumble+victory+in+christ%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-2

In this podcast, Mark and John interview Mark's wife, Carrie McKeehan. Carrie shares about her family and testimony. She also discusses her role as a Life Coach at GFI and her time as a pastor's wife. We also dive into her new book, "Battle Cry!" John and Carrie discuss the difference between entertaining and hospitality. You do not want to miss the end of this episode!

Links:

Carrie's Book: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/battle-cry-losing-everything-lacking-nothing-copy

Information on GFI's Life Coaching Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coach-certification/

In this episode, Mark and John interview John's wife, Linda. Linda shares her testimony, as well as about their family. Linda speaks of being a pastor's wife in Canada and their transition to Pigeon Forge, TN. Linda shares her love of music and her experiences as a chaplain at Dollywood, where she is currently working. This episode was a treat!

Links

Linda's song, "Blessings:" https://gracenotebook.com/johns-testimony/

GFI Chaplain Certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/chaplaincy-certification/

GFI Donations: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/

FB Meyer said, "Flesh spelled backwards without the 'h' is self!" In this episode, Mark and John define what is meant by living in the flesh. They discuss fleshly patterns and how we can live with well-adjusted flesh. Living in the flesh is not just doing bad things, but also doing good things in order to placate God. As believers, we are not called to pretend, but to reckon.

Links

Our Enemy, The Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/our-enemy-the-flesh-part-2/

Malajusted Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/maladjusted-flesh/

Well-Adjusted Flesh: https://gracenotebook.com/well-adjusted-flesh/

Online Workshop: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/event/online-exchanged-life-counseling-workshop/

Donate to GFI: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/about-gfi/donate/