Looking Above

Looking Above

By Karen BaughmanReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationCoursesReligion
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Looking Above episodes

  • Looking Above Episode 45 - Be Still & Know

    This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Brooklyn and Sara talk about Psalm 46:10 and what it can teach about having a good foundation of who God is.  They discuss the importance of having a relationship with God and knowing who He is in the midst of storms:

     

    1. Read Psalm 46 together.
    2. Do you have a hard time being still?  
    3. What could/does being still look like for you? 
    4. Who is God? Make a list of His attributes.  
    5. Do you have heart knowledge or head knowledge of who He is?  
    6. Do you live more so out of trust or out of obedience?  
    7. What does being still or in solitude make you feel? 
    8. Give an example of a storm you’ve gone through that having a foundation of who God is helped you. 
    9. Where do you seek comfort or encouragement from first? 
    10. What is a way you can practice “being still” this week to better know who God is? Make a goal to practice it this week.  
      11. 27 min
    11. Looking Above Episode 44 - Eternal Rest

      This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about Hebrews 4 and what it can teach us about earthly and eternal rest.  They discuss the importance of keeping our eyes on the glory and eternal rest of being with God forever, and Paul’s caution of missing out on that:

       

      1. Read Hebrews 4 together.
      2. What stands out to you the most in this passage? 
      3. Have you ever felt as if you were “wandering the desert” when you didn’t trust God? Explain.
      4. Do you live as if heaven is real?   
      5. Do you live life with purpose? Or do you feel easily distracted? Explain. 
      6. What are you most excited to rest from in Heaven? 
      7. When you hear the phrase “make heaven crowded” what emotion does that evoke in you? Why do you think that is?
      8. Do you feel like you are more focused on pleasure or purpose? Explain.
      9. What scares you the most about sharing Jesus with others? How can you overcome that fear?
      10. What is a way you can “spread your fire” or share Jesus with someone so they can know that peace and rest, too? Make it a goal to do that this week. 
        11. 32 min
      11. Looking Above Episode 43 - Slowing
        This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about the story of Mary and Martha and what it can teach us about slowing down.  Many of us find ourselves in this story, and unfortunately many of us relate to Martha. We live our lives at such a breakneck pace, its easy for us to miss time in Jesus' presence.  After listening, take time to slow down and sit with a friend or small group and talk about these questions:
         
         
        • Read the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus again together. Luke 10:38-42 How does busyness impact your relationships?
        • Has there been a time when life felt "slower"?
        • How did a slower pace affect your relationships?
        • Brooklyn said that God has been reminding her she isn't here to get things done, she's here to love people.  Are you more focused on tasks or people?  
        • Do you allow tasks and busyness to distract you from people and from what God is doing?
        • Last week we talked about the phrase "come to me" - how does slowing down relate to coming to Jesus?
        • Karen suggested that the "better" thing that Mary found was rest.  Discuss the idea that true rest can only be found in Jesus' presence.
        • Jesus did not live a hurried life, because He knew that God had things handled.  How would this shift in perspective change the way you live?
        • Karen offered some ways to assess if your life is full or busy.  Talk through each of these (discuss each question, as well as the implications of each). 
          • a. Are people a bother or are they free to interrupt you?
          • b. Are there people who have pushed their way into your inner circles with whom you need to set boundaries?
          • c. Are there things you're doing that God didn't call you to, that someone else could do, or that don't need to be done?,
          • d. Look at your schedule and assess why you're doing each thing.  
          • Do you/your kids need to be involved in so many activities?
          • How might simplifying your schedule and slowing down make space for rest and God?
          • Practice the pause.  Set an alarm for three or more times a day, and when it goes off, pause from your work and spend time sitting with Jesus.
            • 39 min
          • Looking Above Episode 42 - Matthew 11:28-30

            This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about Jesus' invitation to rest which is found in Matthew 11:28-30.  We've all heard these verses so often, it's easy to overlook or trivialize them.  But today we're going to pick these verses apart, phrase by phrase and see what Jesus is offering, to whom it is being offered, and what we need to do to receive the offer. It would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these questions:

             

            1. We are all included in this offer.  Right now, would you say you're more weary from the active work (busyness) of life, or more tired from carrying the mental burden (to-do lists, shoulds, guilt, etc)?
            2. Our first action step is to "come" to Jesus.  Have you come to Him?  Is your trust in Him? What does it mean to you to trust Him?
            3. Talk about the analogy of a child coming to his mom for comfort when he gets hurt. Do you have this type of relationship with Jesus?
            4. "Let me teach you" Are you willing to learn? Are you tired of doing things your way or the world's way?
            5. Jesus says he is a humble and gentle teacher.  Reflect on that.  What does that speak to your heart?  Why might you be more willing to listen to the teaching of a humble and gentle teacher than that of a demanding or harsh teacher?
            6. Jesus also says the yoke he give us is easy and burden he asks us to carry is light. Consider the "active toiling work" and "exhausting mental burden" that the world give us and contrast them with what Jesus is asking of us. Why do we continually choose the world's yoke and burden over Jesus'? 
            7. Do you recognize your desire for rest?  Or are you like that new mama, just powering through, not even aware of how soul-tired you are?
            8. What about this whole passage sounds appealing?  What feels daunting?
            9. "Take my yoke" We have to put it into action. What is Jesus calling you to? What is your action step?
              10. 37 min
            10. Looking Above Episode 41 - Sabbath

              This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about the Biblical concept of Sabbath.  They'll share a quick overview of what Sabbath is, dive into why it is so hard and why we resist Sabbath, and then talk about what it could be and why it is good for us. By the end of the episode you'll also know why Karen thinks Sabbath is like taking a camping trip. In order to improve in observing Sabbath, it would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these questions:

               

              1. Prior to listening to the podcast, what did you know about Sabbath?  Have you ever consistently "Sabbathed"? (yes we are using it as a verb )? 
              2. God did not need to rest on the seventh day, but He did. Why?  What does that teach us?
              3. What have you learned from society (or your family) about work, busyness and rest?
              4. Does the idea of Sabbath sound enticing or daunting to you?
              5. Read these verses about Sabbath.   (Exodus 31:12-17, Mark 2:27, Isaiah 58:13) What do you glean from them?
              6. Karen and Broolyn listed several reasons people don't Sabbath.  Which one applies to you (or do you have other reasons)? (They listed: We haven't been taught; we have accepted the lies of society;  we haven't experienced true Sabbath; we haven't tried long enough, don't like to acknowledge our limits; we make work/busyness an idol; we don't trust God; We are disobedient; we have outside forces like a work schedule)
              7. Are there any legitimate reasons to not Sabbath, or are they all excuses we give to cover our disobedience?
              8. If you have truly enjoyed the rest and joy of Sabbath, share your experience with the others. If none of you have practiced Sabbath, talk about (anticipate) the joy and peace it could bring to your life if you took one day each week to slow down and enjoy life.
              9. What would you need to do to prepare for Sabbath (like prepping to go camping)?
              10. Prior to your group meeting, look up a study on the science of Sabbath or rest.  Come to group prepared to share one way that science backs what God has shared in Scripture.
              11. Sabbath.  Set aside a day this week to do only life-giving, filling activities and no work.  Come next week ready to share your experience. 
                12. 40 min
              12. Looking Above Episode 40 - Why Rest?
                This episode begins our new season!  Karen and Brooklyn talk about "rest" and why this season will focus on rest. Our society as a whole is pretty bad at resting, and odds are you've struggled to make time for rest or to rest effectively.  Karen will share her testimony of being bad at resting, and how that has affected her and led to her "year of rest."   Let's dig into this challenging concept together!
                Listen in, and then find a friend or small group to discuss the following questions:
                 
                1. When we say the word rest, what do you think of?
                2. Do you view rest more positively, or more negatively? Why?
                3. What has contributed to that perception?
                4. Would you say you are good at resting? Why/why not?
                5. Has there been a season of your life when it was easier to rest? Harder to rest?
                6. Has God ever “forced” you to rest?
                7. Are you open to the idea of rest being a gift? If so, what does that mean for you practically speaking
                8. Read Psalm 55:1-8.  Have you ever felt like the Psalmist, overwhelmed by life and wishing you could fly away and rest?
                9. What in these verses do you resonate with?
                10. Read Psalm 55:16-18.  What might calling out to God and trusting God have to do with rest?
                11. Is this hard or easy for you? 
                12. What do you think would make it easier?
                13. Spend this next week praying about rest.  Ask God to show you what parts of your life might be out of balance. 
                  14. 36 min
                14. Looking Above Episode 39- Dear Younger Me...Answering Your Questions
                  In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn answer questions submitted by some of our college listeners. We'll tackle how to handle waiting, discerning a future spouse, Sabbath, sexual temptation, and more!  Listen in and then discuss these questions with a friend:
                   
                  1. Do you take a Sabbath?  Why/ why not?
                  2. What are you looking for in a potential spouse?
                  3. What makes waiting for a spouse difficult?  What makes it easier?
                  4. Have you struggled with sexual desires? 
                  5. How have you been able to fight the temptation?
                  6. What makes it more difficult?
                  7. Are there things you should eliminate from your life in order to guard your heart?
                  8. Have you had a “numb” season? Did you run toward Jesus or drift away from Him in that season?
                  9. Are you someone who is excited by the future and the unknown, or someone who wants the full map? 
                  10. Do you trust that God will be with you in the unknown?
                  11. How could you take a step of trusting Him in faith right now?
                    12. 36 min
                  12. Looking Above Episode 38- Dear Younger Me...What I Wish I Knew Before Friendship Struggles

                    In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss friendship and relational breakdown.  They talk about how to know if a friendship is healthy and good, and when its time to move on.  They'll also encourage you not to give up too easily, and to put in the work to maintain good friendships.  Listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss!

                     

                    1. What does good friendship look like to you? 
                    2. What qualities do you appreciate in a friend?
                    3. Have you ever had to walk away from a friendship?  How did that affect you?
                    4. Have you been hurt by a friend? How have you sought healing?
                    5. Have you ever reconciled with a friend after a period of separation/hurt? What did that look like?
                    6. How do you pursue friendship with God?
                    7. Create your own friendship circles drawing.  What did you realize from doing that activity? Are there people you should be giving more/less time and attention?
                    8. What is one thing that Karen or Brooklyn said that challenged you or inspired you?
                    9. Are you currently in a season of friendship struggle? What is your next step?
                      10. 30 min
                    10. Looking Above Episode 37 - Dear Younger Me...What I Wish I Knew Before Going Through Trials

                      In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about the hard parts of life and how we can suffer well.  Let's be honest, life is hard.  We all face difficulties and trials. Often, we withdraw or push others (and God) away.  But, is there a better way to handle painful seasons?  Listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss!

                      1. List (without going into detail) 3-4 difficult seasons that you have gone through.
                      2. Talk about how you handled each of those seasons?  What did you do well?  How could you have handled it better?
                      3. What have you learned through seasons of suffering?
                      4. How has God redeemed a season of suffering?
                      5. What do you believe about God? How does that affect how you suffer?
                      6. Do you have "valley girls" who point you to Jesus and remind you to keep looking above during seasons of trial?
                      7. Have you witnessed someone who suffered well and glorified God in their suffering?  What did that look like?
                      8. What is one thing that Karen or Brooklyn said that challenged you or inspired you?
                      9. Are you currently in a season of suffering? What is your next step?
                        10. 39 min
                      10. Looking Above Episode 36 - Dear Younger Me...What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mom

                        In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss parenting.  Parenting might just be the most difficult job we've ever had. Okay, it is for sure the most difficult job we've ever had.  But it is truly such a blessing! If you're a parent, or hope to be a parent, or struggling because you are not yet a parent, listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss!

                        1. If you're a parent, talk for a few minutes about your kids (they're ages, stages, personalities).
                        2. Talk for a few minutes about your parents.  What did you like about how they parented?  What will you do differently?
                        3. If you're a parent, what is the most rewarding aspect of parenting for you?  What is your biggest struggle?
                        4. What advice have you read or learned from others that you appreciate?
                        5. Do you excel at giving grace to your kids and yourself, or is it a struggle?  How can you remember to have grace?
                        6. If you aren't a parent yet, what is one thing that Brooklyn or Karen shared that you'd like to remember when you become a parent?
                        7. Do you struggle to trust God daily?  How can you grow in this aspect of your faith journey (so that as a parent, now or in the future, you are better able to rely on His wisdom)?
                        8. What has God's love for you looked like?  How can you apply that same type of love to parenting?d
                          9. 38 min

                        About Looking Above

                        From the publisher's feed

                        It’s easy to get bogged down in details of every day life. If we arent intentional, our eyes can easily be pulled away from the Lord and we can set our gaze on things of earth.