This week, we are taking it back to the first full episode of Taking the Tov Way! We have several new followers of the podcast and for that I am so grateful! God is doing some good things while we are on this journey of becoming who He has created us to be.

In this episode, I define what it means to take The Tov Way— a play on the word tollway, this is the path that God desires for us to take as we navigate life here on earth. It’s a lifelong journey.. a choice that we must choose every day of our lives!

Taking the straight and narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14) is not easy. It’s not quick. It’s not a shortcut. It is an uncommon road that requires our full commitment and attention.

But despite all of that, this road leads us to tov, the good that God created us to be and to have when He formed us in His image. He planted a seed deep inside of our existence with potential to grow into His very own design!

Come along (again, for some) as MJ shares her passion for this journey and why she chose to go on it with you!

It’s time to get back to the good life!

In this episode of Taking the Tov Way, MJ reflects on one of the most personal and powerful moments in the Gospels—Jesus’ conversation with Peter in John 21. After Peter’s denial during Jesus’ trial, we find him back where it all began: fishing. But Jesus doesn’t leave Peter in his failure. Instead, He restores him through a deeply intentional exchange: “Do you love me?”

MJ opens up about her own connection to Peter—his passion, his boldness, and his tendency to speak (and act) before thinking. Like Peter, we can all find ourselves stuck in shame, wondering if God could still use us after our mistakes. Through Scripture, we see that Jesus not only forgives but also calls us forward into purpose.

This episode walks through how Jesus’ three questions to Peter mirror the three denials, how His instructions to “feed my sheep” reveal our calling, and how repentance restores intimacy with God. It’s a reminder that God’s love doesn’t just cover the past—it commissions us for the future.

Along the way, MJ dives into the necessity of letting go, forgiving with discernment, and trusting God’s direction for reconciliation. She challenges listeners to consider their own response to Jesus’ question: “Do you love me?”

Scriptures Referenced:

* John 21 — John’s Restoration

* Luke 24 — we learn Jesus appears to Peter

* Romans 8 — Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ..

* Matthew 18 — Peter asks how many times we should forgive.

* Love in Action

* John 3:16, He gave…

* Romans 5:8, He died..

* 1 John 4:9, He sent…

* Hebrews 9:26, He appeared once for all.

* 1 John 3:16, He laid down His life for us.

* 1 Peter 3:18, He suffered..

* Isaiah 53, He was pierced and crushed for our transgressions and our iniquities.

* Ephesians 2:4-5, He made us alive with Christ.

* Isaiah 55:8 “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.“ (Consider reading entire chapter.)

* Matthew 18:22–35

* Ephesians 4:32

* Matthew 6:14–15

* Matthew 22:36–40.

* Deuteronomy 6:1-8

Key Takeaways

* Jesus doesn’t just forgive—He restores and re-commissions.

* Our failures don’t disqualify us; they can prepare us to shepherd others with compassion.

* Repentance is not just about turning away from sin but turning fully toward Jesus.

* Love for Christ is best demonstrated through obedience and service.

* God’s calling on your life remains, even when you’ve fallen short.

🎙️ Podcast Episode Summary:

What do you do when the thing you were hoping for doesn’t happen the way you expected? When your prayer is met with silence or your faith feels buried under disappointment? In this vulnerable episode, I share the tension of living between grief and faith, doubt and trust—through my own story of loss and how God met me with a resurrected hope.

We look at Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus in John 20—not just her grief at the tomb, but her persistence, her love, and the moment she hears her name. We reflect on how Jesus meets us in our pain, and how resurrection sometimes looks different than we imagined.

This is for the one who feels forgotten, stuck, or unsure if God still sees you. He does. He’s asking you today: “Who are you seeking?”

🎵 Musical Reference:

“Brand New” by Naomi Raine – a powerful anthem for anyone walking through pain and learning to hope again.

🎧 Listen here

📖 Scripture References:

* John 20:1–18 – Mary Magdalene at the tomb

* John 16:20–22 – “Your sorrow will turn into joy”

* Romans 8:24–25 – “Who hopes for what they already have?”

* Isaiah 55:8–9 – “My thoughts are not your thoughts…”

* Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”

* Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”

* Ecclesiastes 3:11 - Everything is good in its own time.

* Psalm 73:24-26 - God is my strength and portion forever.

* John 10 - The Good Shepherd

🔗 SHOW NOTES + LINKS

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

* Apple Podcasts: Clinging to an Unexpected Hope

* Spotify: Listen here

* YouTube: Watch on YouTube

* Substack: Read + Listen

📱 Social Media Clips + Reflections:

* Instagram: @thetovway

* TikTok: @thetovway

* Facebook: The Tov Way Community

🎵 Song Mentioned:

“Brand New” by Naomi Raine

* Spotify

* Apple Music

* YouTube

📖 Scriptures to Meditate On:

* John 20:1–18

* Romans 8:24–25

* Isaiah 55:8–9

* Proverbs 3:5–6

* Psalm 34:18

💬 Want to reflect with me?

Join the conversation on Substack or leave a comment on Instagram.

The Tov Way | A Christian Blog about The Good Life God's Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

📝 Episode Summary:

In this episode, we walk through one of the most dramatic, soul-piercing exchanges in the Gospel — Jesus standing before Pilate in John 18–19. But this wasn’t just Pilate’s moment of decision… it reflects our moment too.

Pilate asks the question we all must face:

“Who is Jesus… really?”

This episode reminds us that we are all like Pilate and Peter at times — hesitant, unsure, afraid — but grace still finds us. And the verdict over our lives is not based on performance, but on Christ’s obedience to the cross.

📖 Key Scripture References:

* John 18–19

* Matthew 16:13–20

* Daniel 7:13–14

* Genesis 3:14–19

* 1 Peter 2:4–8

* Romans 8:17

* John 5:31–36

🧠 Big Takeaway:

Truth demands a decision.

What will you do with Jesus?

Will you walk away like Pilate? Or will you build your life on the Rock, like Peter?

Reflect on John 18:37 – “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”

Ask yourself: Am I listening? And what is my life saying in response?

🧾 Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, MJ dives deep into the spiritual reality behind our daily struggles and the weight of the divine assignments we carry. Drawing from John 18 and Jesus’ surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane, she challenges listeners to live spiritually awake and fully surrendered.

It’s not just about enduring suffering—it’s about recognizing the cup you’ve been given comes from the Father and is filled with purpose, power, and promise. MJ unpacks how we must lean on the Holy Spirit, embrace the Word, and fight spiritual battles with spiritual weapons. Because friend—it really is that deep.

🔑 Key Takeaways

* Everything is spiritual. Your daily interactions and challenges are connected to unseen spiritual battles.

* Jesus modeled surrender—not just to suffering, but to the will of God.

* The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) is your weapon. Without it, you will be spiritually unarmed.

* We are called to fight differently— through prayer, Scripture, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

* You can’t drink from the cup without the Spirit. But the good news? You don’t have to.

* Victory comes from surrender. Not striving.

📖 Scripture References

John 17:11–12 – Jesus prays for our protection in the name the Father gave Him.

“…Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me…”

Ephesians 6:10–18 – The full armor of God and the call to pray in the Spirit.

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power…”

Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is living, active, and sharper than a two-edged sword.

“For the word of God is alive and active…”

Ephesians 6:12 – Our battle is not against flesh and blood.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”

Luke 22:49–51 – Peter cuts off the soldier’s ear; Jesus restores it.

“No more of this!” Jesus said. And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

John 18:11 – Jesus tells Peter to put away the sword:

“Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

Acts 14:22 – “We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 11:13 – The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

“…how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit…”

Romans 8:11 – The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

“…He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies…”

Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

John 14:26 – The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us of all truth.

“…the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things…”

💭 Journaling Reflection

* What cup has the Father given you to drink?

* Are you relying on your strength—or surrendering to God’s?

* Where in your life are you being called to put down your sword and pick up the Word?

🙏 Prayer Prompt

“Lord, help me to see my assignment through Your eyes. Help me trust the cup You’ve given and rely on the Spirit You’ve sent. I surrender to Your will and choose to walk in Your strength, not my own. Amen.”

📬 Connect with MJ

* 💌 Join The Tov Way newsletter for devotionals, journaling prompts, and deeper teaching:

The Tov Way | A Christian Blog about The Good Life God's Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

* 🗣️ Share this episode with a friend who’s in the middle of their own assignment—it might be the encouragement they need.

In this vulnerable episode, Maya shares the story of her second half marathon—not just as a physical accomplishment, but as a deeply spiritual milestone. With powerful reflections, personal testimonies, and moments of profound revelation, she brings listeners into the real-time journey of faith, endurance, grief, healing, and unity.

Rooted in John 17, Maya highlights the High Priestly Prayer, where Jesus intercedes for His disciples—and for us—praying that we would be one as He and the Father are one. That unity, Jesus says, is how the world will know that He was sent by God. Through her story, Maya beautifully illustrates what that unity looks like in real life: her family cheering her on, clients praying for her, and the collective support that strengthened her in her most challenging miles.

She shares how running has become more than just physical training—it’s become sacred space. It’s been a place to meet with God, to process pain, and to walk out the faith journey mile by mile. This episode connects the spiritual significance of our individual walk with Jesus to the power of communal support—reminding us we were never meant to run alone.

Whether you’re in a season of training, enduring hardship, or struggling to press on, this message will encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus—the Champion who initiates and perfects your faith.

Scriptures Referenced:

* John 17:1–26 – Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer, including:

* “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name… that they may be one as we are one.” (v. 11)

* “I pray also for those who will believe in me… that all of them may be one.” (vv. 20–21)

* Hebrews 12:1–3 – “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us… keeping our eyes on Jesus…”

* Hebrews 12:5–13 – “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—but afterward…”

* Philippians 2:1–2 – “Be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

* Romans 15:5–6 – “May the God who gives endurance… give you the same attitude of mind…”

* Ephesians 4:3–6 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace…”

* Galatians 3:28 – “You are all one in Christ Jesus.”

* Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”

💭 Reflection Questions:

* Are you inviting Jesus into your personal race—and trusting Him as your High Priest?

* How are you living out the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17?

* Who is your “cloud of witnesses”? And how are you showing up for others in their race?

* What “weight” are you being called to lay down right now?

Whether you’re running literal miles or simply pushing through the hard hills of life, this episode reminds you:

💬 You’re not running alone.

Your training is not in vain.

And the finish line will be more glorious than you ever expected.

So take a deep breath, fix your eyes on Jesus…

And keep running.

The Tov Way | A Christian Blog about The Good Life God's Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber!

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, MJ explores what it means to rejoice in the midst of suffering. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by real-life experiences, she walks through the spiritual maturity required to shift our prayers from deliverance from hard circumstances to intimacy with God through them.

MJ shares how God’s comfort, peace, and presence meet us in persecution—not to remove us from the fire, but to walk with us through it. Drawing from her own season of discomfort, she highlights the privilege of being known by God, the power of Jesus’ intercession, and the joy that can only be found in the fellowship of suffering with Christ.

This episode calls listeners to trust God more deeply, rejoice always, and embrace persecution as part of the journey toward deeper intimacy with Jesus.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

* Spiritual maturity shifts our prayers: We begin asking not for escape, but for peace, comfort, and joy in the situation.

* We have access to God because of Jesus, who is both our intercessor and our reference. His name gives us audience with the Father (Hebrews 10:19, John 16:26-27).

* Peace is not circumstantial: It comes from knowing Jesus, not from having a problem-free life (Philippians 4:4–7).

* Suffering brings us closer to Christ: There’s grace in the fire, and it’s a space where we experience God’s love in a deeper way.

* Persecution is part of the Christian life: It’s a privilege, not punishment. It forms us, reveals God’s character, and allows us to participate in Christ’s glory (Romans 8:17-18).

* Praise is a choice and a weapon: We can choose to rejoice even when it’s hard. God commands it because He knows what it produces in us.

* God specializes in making beauty from brokenness: He brings order from chaos and reveals His goodness even in the hard places (Genesis 1, Romans 8:28).

📖 Scripture References:

* Philippians 4:4–7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always… the peace of God will guard your hearts.”

* Hebrews 10:19 – “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”

* John 16:26-27 – Jesus gives us direct access to the Father.

* Romans 8:17-18 – If we suffer with Christ, we’ll be glorified with Him.

* 1 Peter 4:12-14 – Rejoice when you share in Christ’s sufferings.

* James 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy… when you face trials.”

* 2 Corinthians 1:3–7 – God comforts us so we can comfort others.

* 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

* Romans 8:28 – All things work together for the good of those who love God.

* Genesis 1:1–2 – God creates from chaos.

🙏 Final Encouragement:

Persecution is not the end of your story—it’s part of the journey toward deeper faith, deeper joy, and deeper intimacy with the God who loves you. Rejoice in it. Praise Him through it. He’s near.

It’s time to get back to the good life!

The Vine and the Garden: The Choice to Remain

The Tov Way | A Christian Blog about The Good Life God's Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Taking the Tov Way, we return to the garden — not just a flashback to the garden of Eden, but the garden Jesus invites us into in John 15. Here, we explore what it means to remain in Him: to stay rooted in the Vine, to be pruned for purpose, and to bear lasting fruit.

Jesus, the true Vine, re-establishes what Adam lost: our connection to the Tree of Life. We are not just saved from sin — we are invited to flourish, to live fruitful lives that reflect His love, truth, and holiness. But flourishing requires pruning. Remaining isn’t always comfortable, but it is always worth it.

Through rich biblical reflection, we walk through God’s original design in Genesis, Jesus’ invitation in the Gospel of John, and the Spirit’s testimony in Hebrews — connecting the threads of redemption, obedience, pruning, and purpose.

You’ll be encouraged to trust the process, surrender your striving, and say “yes” again to the long road of holiness. Because in every season — especially the hard ones — God is cultivating something good.

Scriptures Referenced:

* John 15:1–8 — “I am the true Vine… Remain in Me and you will bear much fruit.”

* Genesis 1:28 — “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…”

* Genesis 2:9; 3:22–24 — The Tree of Life and the forbidden tree in the garden of Eden

* Hebrews 5:8–9 — Jesus learned obedience through suffering and became the source of eternal salvation

* Hebrews 10:14 — “By one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

* Hebrews 10:15–17 — The Holy Spirit testifies to the covenant: “I will write My laws on their hearts…”

* John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you… not as the world gives.”

* John 15:11 — “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

* Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruits of the Spirit

* Romans 8:28 — “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him…”

* John 15:16 — “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit…”

Key Themes:

* The call to remain is a return to God’s original purpose for humanity.

* Jesus is the true Vine who restores what was lost in Eden.

* Pruning is not punishment — it’s preparation.

* Remaining requires surrender, obedience, and trust in the midst of pruning.

* The Holy Spirit empowers and sustains us in the process of being made holy.

* We were made to bear lasting fruit — not in our own strength, but through connection to Christ.

Mentioned Concepts:

* The Tree of Life as a picture of eternal transformation

* Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s original design

* The choice to remain versus the temptation to disconnect or self-produce

* Pruning as proof of belonging, not rejection

Takeaway Questions:

What might God be pruning in your life right now, areas that need to be cultivated and cared for by His love and instruction, so that you can produce much fruit?

In what ways do you need to invite more connection with the Vine, Jesus Christ?

In this episode, we dive deep into Jesus’ comforting words in John 14:1 — “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” This is more than just a suggestion! It’s a divine prescription for a heart weighed down by fear, anxiety, uncertainty, or pain. Jesus doesn’t point us toward striving, fixing, or figuring it out on our own. Instead, He calls us to believe — to be still and to trust fully in Him.

We explore what it means to stop striving and instead, rest in God’s work — the completed work of Jesus, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Through personal testimony of physical loss, emotional pain, and spiritual wrestling, we reflect on what it looks like to believe even when it hurts, even when it’s hard, even when the outcome is unknown.

We draw a powerful connection between faith and the nervous system’s design — specifically reciprocal inhibition — and how our physical bodies are built to show us the spiritual truth that we can’t be strong and depend on God’s strength at the same time. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

We also unpack the biblical command to pursue peace, not passively, but intentionally — following the “training program” Jesus lays out. From Philippians 2:12, James 2:17, and Hebrews 4, we see that peace takes obedience, belief, and full participation in the process God sets before us.

Like a trainer guiding a client through a custom plan, God gives us everything we need through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Though we may not see Him physically, His presence is always with us — leading us into all truth (John 14:16-17, 26).

Finally, we revisit the story of the Israelites in Exodus 14, who questioned God in their distress — and the powerful reminder: “The Lord Himself will fight for you. You need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14, Psalm 46:10)

Let this be your reminder: Jesus didn’t come to temporarily ease your pain — He came to bring lasting peace through relationship with Him. Let your belief be rooted so deeply that no storm can shake it. Be still and know your God.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our substack and follow us on all social media platforms: @thetovway

The Tov Way | A Christian Blog about The Good Life God's Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

As Heard on the Taking the Tov Way Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, MJ reflects on John 13 and Jesus’ act of love and humility in washing the disciples’ feet.

This moment, full of emotion, misunderstanding, and divine intention, calls us into a deeper intimacy with God — one marked by surrender, trust, and reflection of His character.

Peter’s reaction mirrors so many of ours: resistance to God’s ways when they don’t align with our understanding. But Jesus gently tells him:

“You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” – John 13:7

Jesus’ actions weren’t just symbolic. They were foundational. He was preparing His disciples — and us — for what it means to live a life of service, love, and full dependence on the Father.

Themes Explored:

* The humility of Christ

* Our tendency to question God

* True surrender in the face of misunderstanding

* Intimacy with God through obedience

* Loving others as Christ has loved us

Scripture References:

John 13:1–17 — Jesus washes His disciples’ feet

John 13:36–38 — Jesus predicts Peter’s denial

John 15:5 — “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

John 17:20–21 — Jesus prays for our unity with the Father

Ephesians 2:1–5 — From death to life in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 — A new creation in Christ

Philippians 2:1–8 — The humility and obedience of Jesus

Romans 12:1 — Offering ourselves as living sacrifices

Galatians 2:20 — Crucified with Christ, now living by faith

Final Reflection: Live a life that reflects Him. Walk in purpose. Love fully. Serve humbly. Depend daily. All for His glory. Amen. 🙏🏾

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