SUMMARY:

-Dating is harder today due to digital misrepresentation and added life complexities after 40 (widowhood, divorce, family-of-origin issues); real-life community is essential for discernment and support.

-Prioritize meeting and observing potential partners in Christian community and everyday life to see a 360-degree picture (church involvement, service, friendships, parenting).

-Four non-negotiables for compatibility: 1) a disciple of Jesus (vibrant, fruit-bearing faith), 2) adult readiness for marriage (responsibility, job, ownership), 3) humility and teachability, 4) generally aligned direction/calling.

-Avoid “project” dating and rescuer roles; don’t ignore red flags—marry a whole person as you bring your whole self, with ownership and healing underway.

-Therapy can be valuable, but vet carefully; seek biblically grounded counseling and community oversight (e.g., Focus on the Family’s vetted counselor network).

-Lisa’s book, The Dating Manifesto, urges intentional, biblically honoring dating, debunks rom-com myths, and equips singles to live with purpose and hope while navigating grief and unmet expectations.

-Churches often center on families; singles can be part of the solution by serving, leading, and creating community rather than criticizing from the sidelines.

-Treat early dates as exploratory conversations (not instant marital auditions); ask your own questions, keep emotional perspective, and ensure you can remain in community, in a healthy way, if it doesn’t work out.

-Discuss difficult topics (past relationships, addictions, pornography) as the relationship progresses; look for transparency, accountability, and community verification—humble, teachable responses are key.

-Identity in Christ anchors dating and marriage; sexual integrity matters (avoid premarital sex and cohabitation), trust God’s timing, and “wait well” by abiding in Christ, engaging community, and pursuing purpose with open hands.

PODCAST INTRO:

Our conversation is based on a biblical viewpoint of dating. I know many think it too strict but if we’re honest, God’s ways always bring life, peace, joy, protection and that’s a pretty good return on your investment.

Lisa lays out some clear boundaries on dating and even sharing how to reflect on our own personal wholeness (meaning in what mental/emotional condition are we showing up, which can also help us know if we’re even ready to be dating). She talks about how to find a mate who is healthy themselves and what does healthy even mean. Her point being, if you’re dating after 40 then there’s been a lot of life that has happened. That’s a reality that we must fold into the process and so how can we discern between healthy, a hot mess, a fixer upper?

I don’t know about you but at my age the thought of a fixer upper is not appealing but Lisa takes the reality of how life takes it toll on us and she breaks down on exactly how to tell if this is someone who has taken responsibility and is moving forward, vs stagnate or a straight up red flag.

Oh and then there’s the challenges of digital dating. That seems to raise the bar on deception but in all fairness I’ve had friends who have used digital dating and they had good experiences. So don’t be dismayed, Lisa says there’s some good news. You don’t need perfect conditions to move forward, you need community, clarity, and courage. And that’s what Lisa delivers in this conversation.

Real quick, Here are 2 of her dating suggestions that I think are solid:

Start with real community

One of the safer places is to meet someon

Should you celebrate Advent this year?

Host Tina Yeager welcomes special guest Susan Mathis, a prolific author of over 30 works, to guide us through the rich history and deeper meaning behind Advent celebrations. Together, they unpack the origins of the Advent wreath, the spiritual significance of waiting well, and the ways this season can uplift our hearts in the midst of a commercialized holiday rush. Susan shares practical tips for making Advent meaningful for individuals and families, from lighting the candles to weaving scripture and acts of kindness into your traditions. Whether Advent is already a part of your spiritual life or you're curious about starting, tune in for inspiration and encouragement to center your Christmas season on hope, peace, joy, and love.

Whether you're new to the tradition or looking for ways to deepen it, here are three key takeaways:

• Intentional Pausing: Advent challenges us to slow down, reflect, and actively wait—shifting our focus from consumerism to the true hope and anticipation found in Christ.

• Family Connection & Spiritual Anchoring: Lighting the Advent wreath and gathering for conversation or journaling brings families together, fostering unity and gratitude amid the season's chaos.

• Personal & Social Benefits: Making Advent personal—through scripture, service, or acts of kindness—not only deepens our spiritual walk, but also boosts mental well-being and strengthens relationships.

Connect With Susan Mathis Want more inspiration or to explore Susan's books as holiday gifts? Visit her website at www.susangmathis.com—just be sure to include the "G" for sweet, G-rated historical fiction!

We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.

To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/

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From Christians Engaged President Bunni Pounds and Vice President Ben Quine, this special year-end episode recaps everything God did through Christians Engaged in 2025 — explosive ministry growth, national partnerships, Academy expansion, Gen Z leadership development, and the historic momentum toward America Reads the Bible in 2026.

Bunni and Ben also outline bold goals for next year:

• Growing to 1.5–2 million believers
• Launching Christians Engaged en Español
• Doubling Academy and church engagement
• Preparing for 7 days of nonstop Bible reading in Washington, DC

Subscribe to Conversations with Christians Engaged for weekly encouragement, biblical-worldview insights, and stories of Christians impacting America.

Connect with America Reads the Bible: americareadsthebible.com

Learn more, support, and get involved:
▪️ christiansengaged.org
▪️ christiansengaged.org/donate
▪️ christiansengaged.org/pledge

#PrayVoteEngage   #ChristiansEngaged   #BunniPounds   #BenQuine   #YearEndUpdate   #AmericaReadsTheBible