It might seem like being a "good Christian" and "working hard for God" is all that's available when it comes to following Christ. Yet eventually, most of us run into struggles, questions, or doubts that leave us needing to untangle ourselves from a faith that once felt solid. What does it look like to live a better life with Jesus?

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi have a conversation with Tim Timmons — a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, plus author of a new book called Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief & Gratitude. He talks about how his diagnosis of incurable cancer helped him to wake up to Jesus' nearness and discover a lighter and freer life in God. His fresh perspective will inspire you to pursue deeper trust and fuller joy in how you relate to Jesus and follow him.

Resources for this Episode:

• Visit Tim's Website to Get His Book, Listen to His Music, & More
• Subscribe to Tim on Substack
• Learn More About Soul Shepherding
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

Those of us who have a zeal for serving God often don't realize we're susceptible to running too hard for too long. We might not see our need for rest until we're weary, exhausted, or overwhelmed. Whether you're burned out or simply desiring a sacred season of renewal — all of us need extended times of rest for healing, discernment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus.

​Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss the importance of rhythms, such as retreat and Sabbatical for all followers of Jesus. You'll learn how powerful longer, immersive experiences of rest are for cultivating health and wholeness in everyday life and ministry.

Resources for this Episode:

Sabbath rest is a gift that's talked about all over Scripture. Yet, we often interpret what God intended to be a blessing as a burden instead. Let's be honest: the idea of setting aside work to embrace a day of rest might feel unnecessary, intimidating, unattainable, legalistic, or just plain boring.

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi unpack the biblical heartbeat of the Sabbath — a day to slow down, trust God with your responsibilities, and delight in Jesus. They'll help you overcome resistances to God's gift of rest and equip you with simple, doable rhythms to help you experience the deep soul rest you long for through practicing Sabbath and spiritual retreats.

Resources for this Episode:

• Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke: Rhythms of Grace to De-Stress and Live Empowered
• Attend a Soul Shepherding Retreat
• Donate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

All of us long to experience the renewal of deep, soul-nourishing rest. Trying to rest through entertainment or "zoning out" often leaves us feeling more restless than before. Even some vacations are not truly restful. What does it look like to genuinely recover and recharge in body, mind, and spirit?

​Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi teach us how to take a real rest with Jesus. You'll learn how to differentiate between temporary relief and holistic renewal as you grow in the ability to practice soul care alongside the Good Shepherd.

Resources for this Episode:

Nobody wants to be in the position of needing to forgive another person for harming them. It's unsettling to feel angry or to realize we hurt someone. It’s worth the effort because forgiveness  brings healing to us and others.

​Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi talk about the "hidden blessing" of forgiveness. Learning to prayerfully walk through the process of forgiving others helps you go deeper into the grace and truth Jesus offers. You'll be empowered to overflow with God’s empathy for everyone — even those who have mistreated you.

Resources for this Episode:

Many of us have learned that forgiveness includes minimizing hurt or making superficial reconciliation. These misunderstandings hinder us from stepping into the freedom we long for. Yet the Bible paints a more holistic picture of forgiveness that helps us trust Jesus with our emotions and follow him into relational wisdom.

​Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi bring helpful clarity to what forgiveness is and is not. You'll find the courage to surrender outcomes of conflict to Jesus and experience the settledness of releasing those who hurt you into his hands.

Resources for this Episode:

Forgiving those who have wronged us is one of the most challenging things to do in apprenticeship to Jesus. It’s tempting to rush into surface-level forgiveness in effort to be a “good Christian.” Yet authentic forgiveness requires that we get into our hearts. Often it includes walking through a process of addressing uncomfortable emotions and relational conflict. 

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi share honestly about a recent conflict that happened in their relationship. You'll learn from their example how prayer, reflection, and patience are valuable dimensions of forgiveness that lead to greater growth and freedom.

Resources for this Episode:

God designed us to flourish in “love one another” relationships. That’s why it’s impossible to cultivate mental health in isolation. Yet all of us know that relationships can be a complicated blessing, with the temptation to keep our hearts hidden or take too much responsibility for others.

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi discuss how to navigate caring for others while also accepting your own limitations and needs. You’ll learn how to prioritize the support you need so you can help others carry their burdens without getting drained.

Resources for this Episode:

Do you ever feel bombarded by noise, screens, or crowds? It can be impossible to go anywhere without “clutter” running in the background and building up in our souls. Sadly, living in a constant state of stimulation damages our mental health and makes us feel disconnected from God’s loving presence. 

Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi break down how to recenter your soul in God. You'll learn a simple practice to help you overcome distraction and stay connected with Jesus during every moment of life — whether spending time in solitude, running errands, sorting through emails, or ministering to others.  

Resources for this Episode:

It's impossible to be loving and healthy like Jesus without a heart that's fully surrendered to the Lord. Yet, we often try to "fix" ourselves, slipping into behavior modification rather than genuine transformation of our whole self. Thankfully, we can learn to cultivate healthy heart habits that trust God to care for us and partner with him to will good for others.

Tune in for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi cast a beautiful yet practical vision for living with a pure heart that's attached to God and attuned to his will. You’ll learn a simple and powerful practice to help you stay attentive to your heart and rely on God’s grace instead of drifting into unconscious sin or unhealthy patterns.

Resources for this Episode: