In this episode of the Grow in Grace podcast, hosts Shanna and Kristen welcome Jani Ortland, who shares her insights on family discipleship, marriage, and the role of grandparents in nurturing faith. Jani discusses the importance of prioritizing relationships, navigating challenges in ministry, and creating a gospel-centered home. She emphasizes the significance of hope and the lasting impact of faith across generations, encouraging parents and grandparents to invest in their children's spiritual growth.

Takeaways:

• Family discipleship is rooted in prioritizing relationships.
• Navigating hard seasons requires openness and honesty with children.
• Creating a gospel-centered home involves modeling faith in everyday life.
• Prayer is essential in bridging gaps in faith between generations.
• It's never too late to influence your family's spiritual journey.
• Children learn more from what they see than what they are told.
• The legacy of faith is built through intentional actions and love.
• Hope is a vital component in the Christian life and family discipleship.
• Grandparents can play a crucial role in nurturing faith in their grandchildren.
• Discipleship is a lifelong journey that impacts generations.

In this episode of the Grow in Grace podcast, hosts Shanna and Kristin jump back into the topic of idolatry, exploring how it manifests in our lives as a heart problem rather than merely a desire for the wrong things. They discuss the progression from desire to demand, and how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment and conflict in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in identifying and overcoming idols, as well as practical steps to combat idolatry through scripture and genuine relationships. Ultimately, they highlight the hope and grace found in Christ, who equips us to pursue godliness and true fulfillment.

Takeaways

• Idolatry is not just about wanting the wrong things, but wanting good things too much.
• Desires can easily turn into demands, leading to disappointment.
• Expectations based on unmet desires can cause conflict in relationships.
• Community plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing our idols.
• We must actively pursue godliness through scripture and prayer.
• God's grace is essential in overcoming idolatry.
• Identifying idols is the first step, but we must also plant the love of Christ in their place.
• Our hearts are naturally inclined to create idols, making vigilance necessary.
• True fulfillment comes from God alone, not from earthly desires.
• Humility is key in recognizing and repenting of our idols.

In this episode of the Grow in Grace podcast, hosts Shanna and Kristen explore the concept of idolatry, discussing its relevance in modern life and the importance of recognizing and addressing the idols that can take precedence over God. They share personal experiences and biblical teachings to encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and worship practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of God and the dangers of misplaced worship, ultimately pointing to the hope found in the gospel.

Takeaways

• Idolatry is a pervasive issue that affects everyone.
• We often elevate good things to the status of ultimate things.
• Our hearts are naturally inclined to create idols.
• Misplaced worship leads to misplaced hope.
• Idolatry can manifest in various forms, including self-idolatry.
• We must actively identify and confront our idols.
• The gospel provides hope and redemption from idolatry.
• Community and accountability are essential in addressing idolatry.
• Worship should be rooted in a true understanding of God.
• Preaching the gospel to ourselves is crucial for spiritual health.

In the inaugural episode of the Grow in Grace podcast, hosts Shanna and Kristen delve into the essence of the gospel, exploring its definition, significance, and transformative power in the lives of believers. They discuss the importance of understanding the gospel not just as a moment of salvation but as a continuous influence in justification, sanctification, and glorification. The conversation also touches on the challenges of waiting on God's timing and the necessity of community support in faith. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need to delight in God and live in light of the gospel throughout all aspects of life.

Takeaways:

• The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ.
• Understanding the gospel is essential for spiritual growth.
• Justification is a one-time event, while sanctification is a lifelong process.
• The gospel impacts every aspect of our lives, not just salvation.
• We need to preach the gospel to ourselves daily.
• Waiting on God can be challenging but is part of His plan.
• God's timing is perfect, and we can trust Him in our waiting.
• The gospel provides freedom from past mistakes and shame.
• Contentment comes from knowing God's character and promises.
• Building a community for support is vital in our faith journey.

We’re Back!! Join Shanna and Kristen (whoo hoo!) as we catch up and share an important announcement. 

Shanna is joined by Michelle Holmgren to talk about the theology of parenting. Scripture tells us that children are a gift from the Lord and that they bear His image. And while parenting is a call to shepherd their hearts, it’s also a tool God uses to shape ours.

We’ll talk about how family discipleship can happen in everyday moments, how to avoid performance-based parenting, and how to rest in the truth that God is the perfect parent that we, and our children, ultimately need.

This conversation is a great reminder that you don’t have to get everything right. Faithful parenting starts with daily dependence on God. 

If you’ve walked through the heartbreak of miscarriage or if you love someone who has, then this conversation is for you. Shanna is joined by Brittany Allen author of Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort. This book laments the grief of miscarriage, discovers God’s gifts in spite of loss, and remembers our Good Shepherd, who weeps with those who weep. 

This conversation is one of honesty, of hope, and of holding fast to the God who binds up the brokenhearted and never wastes our sorrow.So whether you’re in the thick of grief, walking the long road of healing, or simply wondering how to come alongside a friend who’s hurting - take a deep breath. You’re not alone.

Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort.

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Dark Clouds, Deeo Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament

Shanna is joined today by Brooke Ledbetter, author of Closer Than a Brother: An Invitation to Cultivate Friendship That Lasts. In this conversation, they are going to explore the beauty of biblical friendship—what it looks like, why it matters, and how we can begin to pursue it with intention. 

If you’ve ever wrestled with being vulnerable, felt abandoned by shallow community, or struggled to believe that Jesus actually wants to be your friend - this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Shanna is joined by Kelli Galyean, to talk about the life of David. From overlooked shepherd to mighty king, David’s journey is full of faith, failure, courage, and redemption. But this episode isn’t just about David - it’s about what his life reveals about the heart of God. 

We unpack the Davidic Covenant, discuss the importance of godly mentorship, reflect on the raw beauty of David’s wilderness Psalms, and look at how his story points forward to the true and better King - Jesus.

Get Kelli's book here: How Can It Be?

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The Attribute Song - Our Great God

In this episode, Shanna explores the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith - without it, there is no gospel, no hope, and no future. But the story doesn’t stop there. We turn our attention to the often-overlooked ascension of Christ, a vital part of the gospel narrative. From His heavenly throne, Jesus continues His work as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Join Shanna as she unpacks why both the resurrection and ascension matter for every believer today.