John sits down with Celeste and Paula, two grief counselors, to talk about the confusing nature of grief, the wall we have to walk through, and tangible ways to integrate our losses into our changing identity.

We're recording in the Advent season, balancing expectation and joy with the tug of fear, sadness, and mourning.

The Spiritual Dark Night, when we are so desperate for God's presence but we experience only thirst. It may not be a common topic, but vital and predictable. Every follower of Jesus will experience this Desert time, and probably multiple times in our lives. John and Heather talk with therapists and counselors Paula Loring and Celeste Miller about how to endure this horrific time of deep longing.

Heather Creamer returns to discuss the voices and temptations that interfere with our calling, and the posture that leads the the best sacred listening.

We believe a lot of lies about ourselves...

We’ve hear a lot of confusing messagesd

We’re lied to, and we lie to ourselves.

We mistakenly but easily conflate our worth is what we do.

One of our most important beliefs is what we believe about ourselves.

We need to believe that we are Called.

Heather Creamer and John Garland explore this experience of Calling, this "vocalization of God over us," which we refer to as "vocation."

We listen to Gilbert Hernandez talk about his experiences receiving healing and transformation, his prayer life, and spiritual lessons from his pet turtle! Gilbert introduces us to the difference between wounds and scars, and the power of directing our own healed hearts into the healing experience of others.

Thanks so much to our Episode Sponsors:

Psalm 139 and Lettuce

We listen to Celeste Miller talk about her experience with Grief and Lamentation from her experience as a counselor. Celeste reminds us of the difference between doubt and despair, encourages us in loneliness, and offers a beautiful mediation on the resurrection spirit.

Thanks so much to our Episode Sponsors:

Psalm 22 (reminding us to call out "Why have you forsaken?!" to God)

and

The Outdoor Christmas Lights ("no matter how long the night, just untangle the light one knot at a time")

We listen to Mitzi Moore talk about her experience with Lamenting. From her experience of safety and belovedness as a child to her intense experiences of lamentation in community and loneliness, Mitzi introduces us to the power of calling out our laments in a common voice.

Thanks so much to our Episode Sponsors:

Psalm 6 (reminding us to call out "How Long?!" to God)

and

The Internet (reminding us that good hug is better than a 100 "likes")

"God I will not be afraid... I belong to You" Psalm 3 is the first prayer in this ancient prayer book, and it begins in a place of overwhelming desperation then powerful comfort in God's protection.

"God we serve you with reverence. We take refuge in You..." The second part of the ancient "Forward" to the Prayer Book of the Bible, Psalm 2 introduces the Messiah and his sacred relationship with God.

"God, let us be like trees, planted by Your waters..." This introduction to prayer--the rhythms, characters, and vocabulary of the Spirit: Psalm 1 is the first part of the ancient "Forward" to the Prayer Book of the Bible