The holidays can form a family or fracture one. In this episode Brian and Kelly O’Day and Joshua and Brittany Brown unpack how to build Christ-centered traditions that actually move with you—through military life, new cities, and shifting seasons—without losing the heart of the story.

We start with Deuteronomy 6 and treat traditions as discipling tools: daily, ordinary moments that teach love for God while you sit, walk, and rise. You’ll hear practical rhythms like an Advent “doors” countdown with Scripture on December 1, simple generosity challenges (yes, even paying for a stranger’s gas), and why a candle at dinner paired with a short reading can reset a rushed day. We dig into the real tension of merging two upbringings, what to keep, what to release, and how to create new rituals that fit your values now.

Hospitality takes center stage as we draw a line between entertaining and welcoming. Forget perfection; embrace participation. Potlucks, plastic plates, and shared cleanup invite neighbors, single service members, and friends who can’t travel into a living tradition. We also make the case for experiences over more stuff: use your budget for memory-making—local parades, light displays, concerts, or a quiet drive with carols—and capture the car-ride conversations that kids remember for years.

If devotionals help you focus, we mention Advent resources from She Reads Truth, He Reads Truth, John Piper, Nancy Guthrie, and Paul Tripp; if not, reading Luke 2 and the Gospels works beautifully. The thread tying it all together is simple: choose practices that are portable, purposeful, and centered on Jesus. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s far from home, and tell us one tradition you’ll start or revive this year. Your next tradition can begin tonight.

SHOW NOTES:

She Reads Truth: Advent 2025 | Women's Daily Bible Reading Plan – She Reads Truth

He Reads Truth: Advent 2025 | Men's Bible Reading Plan (DIGITAL) – She Reads Truth

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Loneliness can feel loud, even when life is busy and rooms are full. We go straight at that ache, opening with the Scriptures that have steadied us—Psalms that promise God’s nearness and Ecclesiastes 4’s reminder that two are better than one—and then we get practical about how to move from isolation into real community. Along the way, we share unpolished stories: letters that bridged the gap at Officer Candidate School, a knock on a dorm door with soup when it mattered most, and the unique weight of military life when deployments, new towns, and Sunday mornings collide.

We talk about why “lone wolf” living fails, how social media counterfeits connection, and what embodied community actually looks like in a healthy local church. You’ll hear simple, repeatable steps for the hardest hours of the day: praying honestly out loud, naming what’s true to a trusted friend in one sentence, and reserving a small joy for the time you typically feel most alone. For spouses who’ve moved a dozen times and feel crusty from constant goodbyes, we offer a gentle push from Galatians 6:9—don’t grow weary in doing good—and show how sowing friendliness, hospitality, and honesty yields a harvest in due season. Service members will find a challenge, too: the military never sends you outside the wire alone; stop carrying invisible battles by yourself.

If you’re navigating deployments, parenting solo on Sundays, or just tired of the quiet after bedtime, this conversation offers both comfort and a plan. We point you to concrete resources—the Mighty Oaks Legacy Programs, Scripture to memorize when the night stretches on, and next steps to find a church family that actually knows your name. Press play, then take one small step: text someone to sit with you this weekend. If this helps, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review so others can find the conversation.

SHOW NOTES:

1. The Bible- Read the Word, the Psalms, James 1, Proverbs 3:5-9, and the entirety of Scripture, know Jesus more and you will see how you are loved, cared for and NEVER alone!

2. God Does His Best Work with Empty: Guthrie, Nancy: 9781496439697: Amazon.com: Books

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Ever feel like you’re stepping into a new day without your gear? We walk through the simple, durable habits that actually hold under pressure—Bible reading that respects context and genre, and prayer that is honest, specific, and connected to people you love. The conversation starts with the “why”: Scripture is God-breathed and equips you for every good work. From there, we get practical about the “how”—building a time and place you can defend, choosing a paper Bible to cut noise, reading whole books instead of grazing on verses, and using a journal to capture thanksgiving, observations, and intercession without turning it into performance.

We share rhythms that flex with real life: short weekday time anchored in one chapter and a brief prayer, then a longer block on weekends; a “holy hour” goal that grows desire over time; and a simple prayer calendar that assigns real names to the days of the month. Reaching out as you pray becomes its own ministry, often arriving with uncanny timing and opening gentle conversations about faith. For beginners, we suggest starting in the New Testament to meet Jesus in the Gospels and follow the church through Acts before circling back to the Old Testament with clearer eyes for its patterns, prophecies, and promises. For those who struggle to read, we normalize learning styles, note which books work well on audio, and offer a steady prayer from Psalm 119: “Give me understanding.”

Threaded through is a sober reminder from Ephesians 6: you are in a spiritual battle, and the armor of God is not metaphoric comfort—it is a daily kit. The sword of the Spirit is the Word; prayer is your lifeline; consistency is the quiet force that compounds over months and years into wisdom, stability, and courage. If you’ve felt scattered, start small: pick a time, pick a place, pick a book, and read one chapter today. Subscribe for more practical, faith-forward conversations, share this with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help others find the show.

SHOW NOTES:

1. Amazon.com: The Power of a Praying Wife (Audible Audio Edition): Stormie Omartian, Stormie Omartian, Dreamscape Media, LLC: Books

2. Amazon.com: Praying the Bible (Audible Audio Edition): Donald S. Whitney, Donald S. Whitney, christianaudio.com: Audible Books & Originals

3. Prayer Calendar. Simply write a

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Hate your new duty station—or just not feeling it yet? We’ve been there: rainy arrivals, brown landscapes, unfamiliar streets, and the ache of starting from scratch. This conversation digs beneath surface-level tips to the deeper shift that actually changes a place: seeing your location through God’s sovereignty and your daily decisions to invest, even when emotions lag behind.

We walk through Jeremiah 29 to reframe exile as assignment, then track the movement in Acts to show how God advances purpose through people on the move. From Fort Sill to coastal North Carolina, we share honest stories—how “get me out of here” became “we don’t want to leave”—and the practices that carried us: asking God what He has for us here, choosing gratitude when the scenery isn’t our style, and joining the rhythms locals already love. You’ll hear practical steps you can try today: unpack the boxes, hang the photos, find one festival or trail, meet a neighbor by name, and build a support web before you need it. If your spouse deploys, we make the case for staying planted where you’re stationed so you can grow roots, receive help, and make reintegration smoother when they return.

We also get specific about why a healthy local church matters more than another stream in your podcast queue. A pastor who knows your context, a small group that shares your load, and a diverse body that reflects your city can turn “temporary housing” into a true home base. Along the way, we swap resources—from neighboring guides to simple rules of life—that help you shift from counting down days to making the days count. Press play for a clear, encouraging path to love where you live, even if you didn’t choose it.

If this resonated, follow, share with a friend who just moved, and tell us one local thing you’ll try this week. Your next step might be the beginning of home.

SHOW NOTES:

1. Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home: Shauna Pilgreen, Frazee, Randy: 9780800735111: Amazon.com: Books

2. The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door: Jay Pathak, Dave Runyon, Randy Frazee: 9780801014598: Amazon.com: Books

3. Holy Hygge-  Amazon.com : holy hygge

4. How do I Find a Church in my Military Community? - Praetorian Project

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What if the best way to grow your spouse’s faith is to stop fixing and start asking? We sit down as two couples—Brittany and Joshua, Kelly and Brian—to share the questions, rhythms, and stories that shifted our marriages from pressure to prayer, from assumptions to honest encouragement. No clichés here—just real moments: a five-year-old soccer team coached like Marines, the difference between productive silence and the silent treatment, and the humbling realization that “help” lands only when it fits who your spouse actually is.

We dig into the power of gentle questions—Have you prayed about it? What’s underneath that?—and why nagging always backfires. Brian unpacks how a “helper suitable,” respectful feedback, and steady prayer formed his leadership. Kelly shares how seeing Brian’s love for Scripture stirred her own hunger for the Word. Brittany and Joshua talk about anger met with a gentle answer, burnout from over-stacked spiritual routines, and learning to time hard conversations so truth can be heard. Along the way, we explore complementarian dynamics without caricature, showing how covenant security creates the safety to be fully honest and actually change.

Military families and anyone navigating distance will find a surprising invitation: let separation sharpen connection. Use deployments and busy seasons to discuss desires, discouragements, and your walk with God—beyond chores and calendars. You’ll leave with two simple questions to use weekly, a better way to name what helps and what hurts, and a renewed vision for marriage as a discipleship partnership shaped by Scripture, patience, and prayer.

If this conversation served you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with the one question you’ll ask your spouse this week.

SHOW NOTES: 

1. Take a listen to our episode to the WIVES.

2. Take a listen to our episode to the HUSBANDS. 

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Ever felt overwhelmed by scattered thoughts and big emotions? In this intimate conversation about journaling, four friends share how the simple act of putting pen to paper has transformed their spiritual lives and helped them navigate the unique challenges of military family life.

The discussion begins with biblical foundations for journaling, drawing parallels between ancient memorial stones and modern journal entries that document God's faithfulness. While Scripture doesn't explicitly mention journaling, the Psalms essentially function as David's prayer journal, and Peter's instruction to "prepare your minds for action" speaks to how writing helps organize our thoughts.

Each person's journaling journey started differently – during college Bible studies, after hearing a powerful testimony, or during seasons of anxiety and loneliness. What emerges is a beautiful picture of how personal these rhythms become. Some maintain structured morning and evening routines beginning with gratitude; others write whenever emotions threaten to overwhelm. Some journals are neat and organized; others reflect the "hot mess express" of real life.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable for military families is understanding how journaling creates stability amid chaos. Deployments, PCS moves, and the stress of military demands can be processed safely on the page before manifesting in harmful ways. Old journals become time capsules of God's faithfulness, reminding us of past challenges overcome when current circumstances feel impossible.

For those intimidated by starting, the group offers practical encouragement: put your phone away, find a quiet moment, and simply begin. Write what you're thankful for. Write what's bothering you. Write a prayer. The hardest part is sitting down to start, but the rewards – clarity, emotional processing, deeper intimacy with God – are worth the effort.

Ready to transform your spiritual life with this ancient practice? Grab a notebook, set aside a few minutes, and discover how journaling might become your sacred space for growth and connection with God.

SHOW NOTES:

Just try it! 5 minutes a day. Some helpful places to begin

1. 3 things your grateful for

2. What did you read in your Bible?

3. What was hard today? What was a win today?

4. 3 things you delighted in today?

5. One thing you can improve tomorrow.

6. Write out your prayers.

There is NO right or wrong way to journal, the best thing to do is just start, knowing that your practice will grow, shift and change. Keep it simple. Cheers to your new habit!

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WARNING: Please note if you have littles in the room, you may want to preview this episode before listening with them!

What does it mean to be both a man in uniform and a godly husband? Our candid conversation tackles this question head-on through the lens of Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter 3.

Military service inherently demands sacrifice, yet many husbands find it easier to risk their lives for country than to consistently sacrifice their own desires for their wives. Why? Because military sacrifice comes with medals, recognition, and praise, while marital sacrifice often goes unnoticed. As our guests reveal, this reality exposes how even noble sacrifices can become self-serving without the transforming power of the gospel.

The discussion takes an unflinching look at pornography and sexual sin—identified as the greatest barrier to spiritual growth for military husbands between 18-29. In a culture where such behavior is normalized or even celebrated, this sin silently erodes marriages in ways many men fail to recognize. "This sin is robbing you of a marriage that God wants for you and for your wife," one guest powerfully states, before offering practical resources for those battling this addiction.

For husbands facing deployment, we explore practical strategies for leading from afar: establishing decision-making patterns before departure, delegating responsibilities wisely, and trusting your wife as a partner in your absence. The conversation balances theological depth with tactical advice on expressing appreciation, speaking life-giving words, and building trust through consistent, Christ-like behavior.

Whether you're currently serving, a veteran, or simply want to understand the unique challenges of military marriages, this episode offers biblical wisdom without compromise. The military context offers no exemption from God's commands for husbands—there's no footnote that says "unless you're deployed." Join us as we discover how the gospel transforms marriage, even amid the unique stresses of military life.

SHOW NOTES: 

1. False Love: 9 Steps Toward Sexual Integrity - New Growth Press

2. Amazon.com: Strengthening Your Marriage (Audible Audio Edition): Wayne A. Mack, Jim Denison, christianaudio.com: Books

3. Amazon.com : the meaning of marriage by tim keller

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Marriage is challenging enough. Add military life to the mix, and the complexities multiply exponentially. How do wives maintain biblical submission when deployments force them into leadership roles? What happens when they must hand those responsibilities back upon their husband's return?

In this candid conversation, Brian and Kelli are joined by Joshua and Brittany Brown to explore how the gospel transforms military marriages from the wife's perspective. Drawing from their combined decades of military marriage experience and ministry to hundreds of military families, they offer practical wisdom for navigating these unique challenges.

"Nothing smacks you in the face with your own selfishness and pride like marriage," Kelli confesses, speaking to the heart struggles that make submission difficult. The women reframe this biblical concept not as weakness but as spiritual strength: "It takes a strong woman to lay down and surrender her will over somebody else's."

Through personal stories—from church decisions to career changes—they illustrate how submission works in real-life military contexts. Kelly shares her journey from resistance to acceptance when Brian felt called to leave the Marines and plant a church: "The Lord showed me what a beautiful thing He had for us, even getting me out of what I wanted or was comfortable with."

The conversation unpacks both Ephesians 5:22-24 and 1 Peter 3:1-6, clarifying that submission doesn't mean silence but rather respectful communication and ultimately supporting your husband's leadership. They emphasize that wives should never submit to sin or abuse and address the trend of "geographical bacheloring" with practical advice.

Whether you're a new military wife or a seasoned veteran of deployments and PCS moves, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for honoring God in your marriage while navigating the unique challenges of military life.

SHOW NOTES:

1. Ephesians 5:22-32, 1 Peter 3, Titus 2

2. Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together | Revive Our Hearts

3. Amazon.com : helper by design elyse fitzpatrick

4. Amazon.com : the meaning of marriage by tim keller

5. Amazon.com : you and me together francis chan

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Can Christians share their faith while in uniform? The resounding answer from our veteran hosts is not just "yes," but "you must." This candid conversation dismantles the misconception that military service restricts religious expression, revealing the surprisingly few limitations that actually exist.

Military veterans Joshua and Brian, with over 40 years of combined service, provide practical wisdom for navigating faith conversations in uniform. Rather than starting with assumptions about restrictions, they encourage believers to assume freedom to share their faith while using wisdom about when and how. The military's unique "hurry up and wait" culture creates natural opportunities for meaningful conversations about life's biggest questions.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the balance between boldness and wisdom. The hosts address how Christians can avoid becoming the "morality police" while still living distinctively. Simple choices, like different language patterns or the willingness to confess mistakes, speak volumes in military environments where such behaviors are uncommon.

Perhaps most encouraging is the recognition that faithful witness may not show immediate results. Joshua shares a powerful story of a former Marine who contacted him after 20 years to share how witnessing Joshua's faith journey ultimately led him to become a pastor—proving that seeds planted during military service can bear fruit decades later.

Whether you're actively serving, a veteran, or simply interested in faith conversations in challenging environments, this episode offers practical insights for sharing your faith with wisdom, respect, and genuine love. What conversations might God be preparing you for today?

SHOW NOTES:

1. The Bible, read through the Gospels and get familiar with sharing YOUR story!

2. Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols: Bigney, Brad J.: 9781596384026: Amazon.com: Books

3. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions: Koukl, Gregory: 9780310282921: Amazon.com: Books

4. Amazon.com : finding common ground book

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Four spiritual journeys collide in this raw, honest exploration of what it means to discover authentic faith within military life. What happens when childhood religion meets adult reality? When intellectual barriers stand between a person and belief? When family dysfunction creates a hunger for something more?

Through the lens of Ephesians 2:1-10, we hear Kelly describe growing up in a Christian home yet only truly understanding her need for Christ during her college years. Brian candidly shares his twenty-year journey as a "fake Christian" before an unexpected awakening in the church he'd attended his whole life. Joshua and Brittany, coming from non-religious backgrounds, reveal how their desire for a healthy marriage led them to church, where their lives were transformed in dramatically different ways.

Their testimonies weave together powerful common threads – the impact of hearing Scripture taught, the influence of seeing faith lived out authentically, and the mysterious ways God pursues people across vastly different circumstances. As military families, their stories highlight how faith provides foundation and purpose amid the unique challenges of service life.

Whether you're questioning faith, exploring Christianity, or simply appreciate hearing authentic stories of transformation, this episode offers both intellectual and emotional resonance. The conversation concludes with practical recommendations for anyone wanting to explore faith further, emphasizing that the gospel engages both heart and mind.

Ready to reflect on your own spiritual journey? This episode might just help you see it through fresh eyes. Join the conversation about what it means to move from being "dead in sin" to "alive in Christ."

SHOW NOTES:

1. The Bible, books to read from- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Ephesians 1 and 1st John

2. A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God's Love: Vincent, Milton: 9781885904676: Amazon.com: Books

3. Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols: Bigney, Brad J.: 9781596384026: Amazon.com: Books

4.Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth About God: Challies, Tim, Byers, Josh: 9780310520436: Amazon.com: Books 

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