In this Insights episode, Laura and I unpack some of the big themes from Emma Robinson’s interview - from hospitality and opening our homes to others, to the much harder questions we wrestle with when life doesn’t go the way we hoped.

Laura talks about spending time in the Word and shares about her miscarriage. We also discuss infertility, grief and the question “What happens to babies who die in the womb?”, as well as what it looks like to trust God when we don’t understand why something has happened. We chat about finding peace in the middle of pain, caring well for friends who are grieving, and remembering that our purpose isn’t dependent on whether we become a Mum, a wife, or achieve the plans we had for our lives. It’s a deep one, but we hope it points you back to the goodness, nearness and faithfulness of God. 💛

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube. 

0:00 – Coming Up
0:40 – Welcome & Recap
2:23 – Laura’s Initial Thoughts
2:43 – Troll Comments
4:52 – The July Bible Challenge & Prioritising Time in the Word
12:19 – Hospitality & Opening Our Homes
20:00 – Christa’s Highlights from the Episode
22:07 – Is There a Reason for Suffering? & How God Brings Good from Suffering
24:22 – Purpose & What We Believe About God
28:48 – Laura Shares About Losing Her Twin Babies in the Womb
31:05 – Have You Ever Experienced God’s Perfect Peace?
34:33 – What NOT to Say to Someone Who Has Miscarried
37:00 – You Are Still a Mum, Even If You’ve Never Birthed a Living Baby
38:00 – Are Miscarried Babies Growing Up in Heaven?
47:10 – Closing Comments from Christa

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Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

In Part 2 of my conversation with Emma Robinson, we’re getting into some of the harder and more faith-stretching parts of her story - learning to pray bold prayers while still trusting God with the outcome, navigating seasons of waiting, and finding purpose even when life doesn’t look the way you hoped it would. We also talk about the words that can hurt when you’re walking through infertility, and why sometimes simply showing up, listening and acknowledging someone’s loss can mean so much.

We also dive into Emma’s calling to speak and preach, what it has looked like navigating ministry as a woman when others don’t share the same convictions - people have even walked out while she was speaking. Through all of it, Emma’s heart is to follow God’s call, use the gifts He’s given her and point people back to Jesus. I loved this conversation and I hope it encourages you today!

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube and click here to listen to part 1.

00:00 – Part 2: Welcome back & Emma’s journey continues
02:00 – Finding peace in the middle of unanswered prayer
05:00 – Learning to pray bold prayers
08:00 – Trusting God while still hoping for a child
11:00 – The comments that can hurt during infertility
14:00 – Showing up, listening & remembering the loss
17:00 – IVF, waiting & not putting life on hold
21:00 – Finding purpose beyond the dream you’re waiting for
25:00 – Emma’s calling to speak & preach
29:00 – Being a woman in ministry when others disagree
34:00 – “I’ve had people walk out” — navigating opposition
37:00 – Using your gifts for God’s glory
40:00 – Jesus Time & learning to hear God through His Word
42:00 – How Emma lives her faith outside of Sunday

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Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

In this episode, Laura and I are taking you behind the scenes of the Thinking Matters No Rivals conference in Auckland! We chat about some of our highlights from the weekend - from meeting the next generation of Christian thinkers to hearing from speakers like Annaliese and Nic Blackie, Dave Mann, Dr Luke Barnes and Abdu Murray, and recording some really great conversations along the way.

More than anything, we left the weekend so encouraged by what God is doing in the Christian space here in New Zealand. We talk about the importance of knowing why we believe what we believe, equipping the next generation, reaching people rather than rejecting them, and being willing to engage our nation with the gospel. We hope this episode leaves you encouraged and looking forward to the episode to come - we can't wait to share them with you!!

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.

0:00 – Why we’re doing things differently this week
1:05 – Behind the scenes & Thinking Matters highlights
3:35 – Equipping the next generation
5:15 – Reaching the Muslim community with the gospel
8:55 – Encouragement from Outside of Sunday listeners
10:45 – Why Christian camps matter
13:15 – The value of human life, abortion & the hope of Christ
18:15 – Dave Mann, Hope Project & why NZ needs the gospel
22:20 – From Christian nation to post-Christian NZ?
24:20 – Why apologetics matter
27:50 – The case for a Creator: science, reason & God
31:35 – Abdu Murray’s journey to faith
34:00 – The moments that made me cry
35:15 – Why we can be encouraged by what God is doing
37:00 – Why Thinking Matters matters & final encouragement

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Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

What happens when the life you thought you’d have doesn’t go according to plan? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Emma Robinson from Your Jesus Time to hear her story of growing up in a Christian home, coming to personally understand the gospel, studying at Bible college, meeting her husband, and finding your purpose in God. 

Emma also shares vulnerably about her journey of trying to start a family, the questions and disappointment that came with waiting, and the moment she realised that her purpose couldn’t be dependent on becoming a mum. Then, in a deeply moving part of her story, she shares about losing her baby during the launch week of Your Jesus Time - and the unexplainable peace she and her husband experienced in the middle of their grief. This is a conversation about disappointment, purpose, lament, hope, and what it looks like to trust that God is still faithful when you can’t see what’s next.

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.

0:00 – Coming Up: Faith, Pregnancy Loss & Finding Peace
0:40 – Welcome & Introducing Emma Robinson from Your Jesus Time
2:35 – Emma’s Journey to Faith & Growing Up in a Christian Family
4:40 – Moving Countries as a Child & How It Shaped Her Faith
5:30 – The Gift of Christian Hospitality & Opening Your Home
8:40 – From Christian Kid to Truly Following Jesus
12:08 – Bible College, Studying Scripture & Understanding What You Believe
15:30 – University, Communications & Finding Her Calling
16:20 – How Emma Met Her Husband & Their Christian Marriage
18:28 – Emma’s Pregnancy & Infertility Journey
26:35 – Trusting God Through Disappointment & Unanswered Prayers

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

In this week’s Insights episode, Laura and I are talking honestly about motherhood, postpartum struggles and trusting God through the changing seasons of life. Laura shares her own experience with postpartum depression as we discuss the heartbreaking Lindsay Clancy case, the challenges many new mothers face, and the importance of support, understanding and taking postpartum mental health seriously.

We also reflect on the bittersweet reality of seasons coming to an end. As Laura prepares for her youngest child to start school, we talk about motherhood, identity, laying down passions for a season and remembering that the things God has placed in your heart don’t necessarily disappear forever. Motherhood is a season asks a lot from us - but the season isn’t forever.

Plus, we unpack the Cory Asbury and Forrest Frank shirtless photo controversy and share our thoughts on modesty, personal responsibility and avoiding judgment. We also discuss what to do when you're facing a big decision and God doesn’t seem to be giving you a clear answer. Wherever you find yourself right now, we hope this conversation encourages you to trust God with the season you’re in - and with whatever comes next.

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube. 

0:00 - Coming Up
0:35 - Welcome + a special announcement
3:47 - Cory Asbury & Forrest Frank: The shirtless photo controversy
9:28 - What does biblical modesty really mean?
15:20 - Recapping our conversation with Aleisha
16:33 - Laura’s initial thoughts on Aleisha’s story
18:25 - Laura’s stay-at-home mum season is coming to an end
19:55 - What do you do when God doesn’t make the decision clear?
27:40 - Motherhood, sacrifice & laying down your passions for a season
29:34 - The Lindsay Clancy trial: motherhood, tragedy & postpartum mental health
35:53 - Laura shares her experience with postpartum depression
51:53 - Final thoughts: trusting God through every season

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

Click here for part 1!

In Part 2 of our conversation with Aleisha, we unpack some of the lessons she learned from her Christian dating experience. From protecting your heart and not rushing relationships, to navigating boundaries, spiritual intimacy and learning to enjoy the season of singleness, Aleisha shares honestly about some of the things she wishes she had done differently - and the advice she would give Christians navigating dating today.

We also hear how Aleisha found her purpose and passion through creativity and photography. From unexpectedly discovering a love for photography, to building a successful business, stepping away from it for a season, grieving what she thought was over, and eventually feeling God call her back - her story is a beautiful reminder that God can lead us through every season of life.

Whether you're dating, single, figuring out your purpose or wondering what God is doing in your current season, we hope this conversation encourages you to protect your heart, trust God's timing and keep following Him wherever He leads.

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.

1:36 – “I’m Done With Guys”: Choosing God and a New Season
2:18 – Discovering Her Passion for Graphic Design
2:43 – Convicted to Stand Out as a Christian
2:58 – YWAM or Design School? Making a Big Decision
3:48 – When a Christian Friend Called Her Out
4:44 – What I Would Do Differently in Dating
5:05 – Can Christians Get Spiritually Intimate Too Soon?
6:27 – Why You Should Enjoy Your Season of Singleness
6:48 – Christian Dating Advice: Protect Your Heart
7:48 – Dating Boundaries, Purity & Honouring God
1:03:11 – Getting Back Together and Fighting for Their Relationship
1:07:08 – How Photography Became Her Unexpected Passion
1:13:16 – Why She Closed Her Successful Photography Business
1:15:13 – Grieving the Loss of a Passion
1:17:24 – Three Signs From God to Return to Photography

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

In this Insights episode, Laura and I are talking teen dating! After reflecting on Aleisha's story of growing up in a Christian home and navigating dating, we're chatting about the blessings of a Christian heritage and teen dating - should Christians date young??

We get into the big conversation: what should Christian dating actually look like? Is having a crush wrong? How do we talk to our kids about relationships and dating without making the conversation awkward or shame-filled? We unpack boundaries, waiting, treating one another with purity, and why the goal of dating should ultimately be marriage - not simply having a relationship. We also look at what the Bible says about love, wisdom, sexual purity and “not awakening love before its time.”

This is a relaxed but honest conversation about Christian dating, teen relationships, parenting, marriage and trusting God’s timing - and hopefully one that gives you plenty to think about whether you’re single, dating, married, or raising kids.

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.

0:00 - Coming Up: Teen Dating, Crushes & Christian Dating
0:30 - Welcome to Insights
1:09 - What’s Happening in the Online Christian Space?
7:07 - Why Doesn’t the Church Talk More About Christian Dating?
8:35 - Recapping Alicia’s Christian Dating Story
9:41 - Laura’s Reaction to Part 1
10:00 - The Blessing of Growing Up in a Christian Home
16:29 - Christa’s Highlights from Alicia’s Story
18:20 - Should You Move Churches for Your Kids’ Youth Group?
20:11 - Raising Your Hands in Worship as a Public Declaration of Faith
21:55 - Millennial Memories & Our First Crushes
23:30 - Is Having a Crush Wrong?
28:24 - How Do We Talk to Our Kids About Dating?
30:41 - What Dating Was Like as Christian Teenagers
32:23 - Should Christian Teenagers Wait Until 18 to Date?
36:35 - What Should Christian Dating Be Pointing Towards?
41:19 - Waiting for the Right Time and Season to Date
42:52 - How Should Parents Respond When Their Child Has a Crush?
45:04 - Turning Off the “Dating Switch” When You’re Married
46:33 - “Do Not Awaken Love Until the Appropriate Time”
52:35 - The Purpose of Marriage: Love, Sacrifice & Reflecting Christ
55:04 - Final Thoughts: Trusting God’s Timing in Dating & Relationships

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

I’m joined by Aleisha Liebezeit for a fun and very honest conversation about growing up Christian and the tangle of Christian dating. We’re reminiscing on growing up as a millennial Christian, making her faith her own as a teenager, and even how she “stalked” her future husband and got his number at 13! But behind the funny stories is a much deeper conversation about teenage relationships, heartbreak, and learning to keep God at the centre.

We talk about getting emotionally dependent on another person, dating non-Christians, the influence of romantic books and movies, and what Aleisha now thinks about “not awakening love before its time.” We also chat about prayer and the beautiful reminder that God cares about the little things in our lives. This is an honest, funny and encouraging conversation about faith, relationships and trusting God with our desires.

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube. 

0:00 - Welcome & Introducing Alicia 
2:55 - Growing Up Christian: Faith, Family & Answered Prayers
8:00 - Growing Up as a Christian & Making Faith Your Own
17:00 - Secret Dating: Navigating Teenage Relationships
21:20 - Christian Romance Books: Helpful or Harmful?
24:09 - Christian Dating: Navigating Relationships as a Teenager
32:50 - Can Relationships Get in the Way of Your Relationship With God?
34:00 - Alicia’s Thoughts on Christian Romance Books & Movies

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

What if finding your purpose isn’t about discovering one big thing God wants you to do?

In this ‘Insights’ episode, we’re starting today by discussing the recent spectator ban at Saturday netball in Tauranga. Then Laura and I unpack what purpose really looks like for a Christian, reflecting on Ine-Marí Venter’s story of identity, netball and learning to glorify God through her sport. We explore why we can put so much pressure on ourselves to “figure out” our purpose, why purpose doesn’t equal importance, and why both Christians and people in the world can have such a deep craving for purpose and significance.

Your purpose isn’t necessarily a title, career or big calling. It’s bigger than that - and it starts with knowing Christ, glorifying God and faithfully living for Him right where you are. You don’t have to wait for a special calling or anointing to start living out God’s purposes for your life.

0:26 - Welcome
0:58 - Tauranga Netball Drama & Christian Perspectives on Sport
4:52 - Transparency Around Our Podcast Funding
15:04 - Recap: Faith, Netball & Finding Your Purpose
15:39 - When Sport Becomes Your Whole Life
18:43 - What Is Our Purpose as Christians? To Glorify God
20:58 - Purpose vs Importance: What’s the Difference?
23:08 - Why Are We Searching for Purpose? Culture, Christianity & Identity
24:39 - Do Christians Have One Big Purpose? Understanding God’s Calling
28:34 - Keep Your Eyes on God: Finding Stability When Life Changes
32:15 - Where Does Your Identity Come From?
34:09 - Is Finding Your Purpose Why We Come to Christ?

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media. 

Click here for part 1!

In Part 2 of our chat with professional netballer Ine-Marí Venter, we dive deeper into her journey in professional sport, from the highs of representing South Africa at the Commonwealth Games to the disappointment of being benched, losing her contract and eventually reaching a point where she almost walked away from netball. Ine-Marí shares how God changed her why when it comes to netball, and how she has learned that her identity and worth cannot be found in her performance, selection or success.

We also chat about what it looks like to be unashamed about your faith in the sporting world, and of course, why she kneels after every single game - whether she wins or loses. Thank you Ine-Mari for this beautiful testimony! 

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube.

0:52 – Ine-Marí Venter’s Journey to the Commonwealth Games
6:26 – What Is It Like Playing Netball at the Commonwealth Games?
7:19 – Did Ine-Marí Meet Netball Legend Irene van Dyke?
10:11 – The Future of Ine-Marí’s Professional Netball Career
10:35 – How Does Faith Affect Her Netball Career?
12:27 – Why Ine-Marí Kneels After Every Netball Game
15:26 – Christian Faith in Professional Sport: South Africa vs New Zealand
18:08 – Facing Negative Reactions to Being Open About Faith
19:55 – What If God Took Netball Away?
25:11 – Can Your Faith Impact Others Through Sport?
26:57 – What Does Ine-Marí Want People to Know About Jesus?
27:55 – How Does Ine-Mari Live Your Faith Outside of Sunday?

Support the show

Outside of Sunday is part of the Outsider Network and is made with the help of Inspirational Media.