The Boundless Show

Forgiveness according to Jesus, plus more tips on how to read a room, and if your boyfriend doesn’t budget, is that a red flag?    

Featured musical artist:  Aaron Shust

Roundtable: What Forgiveness Is and Isn’t

July 7th is National Forgiveness Day, so we’re having a hopeful and practical conversation on how to walk in forgiveness as a Christian. Usually it’s a process, not just a one-time decision, but is there a “right” way to view the act of forgiving? What does the Bible say about it? We talk about how we’ve forgiven those who’ve hurt us, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why forgiveness matters in the first place.     

Forgive for Real: Six Steps to Forgiving    

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Culture: How to Read a Room (Part 2) 

Have you ever gotten an incorrect read on what’s going on in a meeting, friend group or social situation? Most of us have. Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, emotional intelligence and discernment are relational muscles to develop. Our friend Dr. Mike Bechtle is an expert in career and professional development. His tips for how to read a room, assess a situation and win in social and business environments will save you years of trial and error. In part two of our interview, Mike outlines practical steps for how to communicate appropriately both verbally and in emails, texts, on social media and more.  

How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work   

Inbox: My Boyfriend Doesn’t Budget

Her boyfriend doesn’t have a budget, but is this a valid reason to end the relationship? A counselor weighs in. 

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Things we love about America, plus how to read a room, and what if you catch feelings for someone who isn’t a Christian?  

Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters

Roundtable: What We Love About the United States

Many people like to criticize the United States. Even US citizens love to bag on our country, and while many of our shortcomings are real and even serious, it’s also good to remember what’s good about this nation. As we celebrate Independence Day, we have a conversation about what the United States has gotten right, both now and in the past.      

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Culture: How to Read a Room (Part 1) 

Have you ever gotten an incorrect read on what’s going on in a meeting, friend group or social situation? Most of us have. Whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, emotional intelligence and discernment are relational muscles to develop. Our friend Dr. Mike Bechtle is an expert in career and professional development. His tips for how to read a room, assess a situation and win in social and business environments will save you years of trial and error. In part one of our conversation he addresses the need for interpersonal experience, why “fake it till you make it” is a bad strategy, and how to avoid misreading someone’s intentions. 

 How to Read a Room: Navigate Any Situation, Lead with Confidence, and Create an Impact at Work 

Inbox: Feelings for a Non-Believer

Our listener is asking how she can work through having feelings for a guy who isn’t a Christian. Lisa Anderson weighs in. 

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Successful small groups, plus what compatibility in marriage looks like, and what if your date was previously married?    

Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome

Roundtable: Church Small Group Success

We all long for community, and as Christians one of the best ways to cultivate deep relationships is in a small group with others from your church. But what actually makes a small group successful? We interviewed pastors and small group leaders to discover how to find a small group, what to look for, how to plug in, and what to expect from the experience.       

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Vince’s Church Website

Culture: Should You and Your Spouse Be Compatible?

It seems like dating sites and relationship experts talk a lot about compatibility. What is compatibility, and does it matter in marriage? If so, in what areas, and how do you go about finding or cultivating it? And what about “opposites attract” or the benefit of being complements to each other? Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley separate fact from fiction when it comes to compatibility and relational dynamics, specifically in the search for a mate.   

 Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love    

Read Greg’s Article: 12 Questions Every Father Should Ask His Future Son-In-Law

Listen to Greg and Erin’s Podcast: Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Inbox: Dating Someone Who’s Been Married

What do you do with concerns about your date having been married before? What should you find out on the front end? Erin Smalley weighs in. 

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Ordering your life, plus how to build a relationship with your future in-laws, and should you wait until you’re married to buy a house?   

Featured musical artist: Hollyn

Roundtable: Get Your Priorities Straight

We’re all guilty of procrastination, wasting time, and over-cluttering our schedules. As adults, we know we should do better, but where do we start? How can we prioritize our lives to make time for what’s really important? Our guests share their own struggles and strategies for how to find time for God, family, friendships and responsibilities, while also making space for rest and fun.        

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Culture: Know Your Future In-Laws

A relationship with your in-laws can be wonderful, or it can be difficult and even complicated. Finding an appropriate relational balance is tricky, as is establishing boundaries and closeness. Most of these efforts start during dating and engagement, so what does it look like to pursue a healthy relationship on the in-law front? Relationship experts Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley explain how they navigated in-law relationships, what challenges they experienced, how they had hard conversations, and what loving an extended family looks like.  

 Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love     

Read Greg’s Article: 12 Questions Every Father Should Ask His Future Son-In-Law

Link to Article: Myths and Realities of Extended Families 

Inbox: Should I Be Married to Buy a House?  

Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Should you wait until marriage to take the plunge? Recent homebuyer Ryan Wall weighs in. 

What makes someone a best friend, plus research on why men fall in love more quickly, and is our listener trying hard enough to find someone?  

Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts

Roundtable: Who Is Your Best Friend?

Who is someone you consider a best friend? Getting to that level of relationship with another person takes time, intention, and the willingness to resolve conflict and give grace. Our guests share about their best friends, what makes a best friend, ways to overcome relational barriers, and how to take friendship to the next level.       

Read Lisa’s Article: What is a Best Friend?

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Culture: Can’t Help Falling in Love

Recent research indicates that men statistically fall in love more quickly than women. Why is this and how does it play out? Glenn Stanton is a family researcher at Focus on the Family. He shares findings from a study on the subject and what they mean for the world of dating and relationships.  

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 The Sacred Search: What if It’s Not About Who You Marry, but Why?  

Read Glenn’s Article: Who Falls in Love Faster, Men or Women?

Inbox: Am I Trying Hard Enough to Date? 

Have you recently been asked why you’re still single? And does it make you wonder if you’re trying hard enough to find someone? A counselor shares some encouragement. 

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Motivation for starting over, plus a marriage expert says when to tie the knot, and balancing Christian community with non-Christian friends.   

Featured musical artist: David Dunn

Roundtable: National Start Over Day

A breakup. A job layoff. An unmet goal. When failure, loss and disappointment happen, sometimes the best thing you can do is press reset. Today is National Start Over Day, and if you need a second (or third, fourth or fifth) chance, you’ll be encouraged by our guests’ stories as they share what it’s like to start over when life knocks you down.        

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Culture: Is It Time to Propose?

Some people date for years, others for only a few months. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to moving toward marriage, but there is wisdom in knowing when to get engaged. What should you know about your boyfriend or girlfriend? About yourself? How can you tell the difference between cold feet and red flags? Bob Paul is a marriage therapist with both expertise and cautionary tales aplenty. He’ll help you parse out what you must know before deciding to tie the knot.  

 Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love   

Link To Hope Restored

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Empowered to Love: Discovering Your God-Given Power to Create a Marriage You Both Love   

Inbox: Balancing Christian vs. Non-Christian Friends

How do you know if you’re spending enough time with your Christian friends? How about your non-Christian friends and neighbors? Lisa Anderson weighs in. 

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Vacation Bible School memories and ministry, plus overcoming your fear of gyms, and when your family has strong opinions about your date.    

Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker

Roundtable: We Love Vacation Bible School!

For many of us, Vacation Bible School is a fond childhood memory of studying Scripture, singing songs, meeting new friends and playing games. Some even remember VBS as the place they first understood the gospel and accepted Jesus as their Savior. As young adults, it’s now a great opportunity for us to volunteer and invest in kids. Our panel will cover fun memories from VBS and how you can love and disciple children this summer — and have fun in the process!        

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Culture: Work Out Your Gym Fears

What’s your biggest fear about going to the gym? Using equipment? Feeling out of shape compared to others? Just getting started? Lisa’s personal trainer, Jeff Wilson, has your back. He demystifies the process of crafting a workout, understanding gym etiquette, setting realistic expectations, and killing comparison. If you’re ready to get in shape for the summer, be sure to listen in. 

  Fit God’s Way: Your Bible-Based Guide to Food, Fitness, and Wholeness   

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Inbox: Does My Family Need to Like My Boyfriend? 

Our listener is on edge about bringing her boyfriend home to meet her family. It begs the question: Should your family approve of the person you’re dating? Counselor and marriage expert Erin Smalley weighs in. 

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How to love weddings as a single guest, plus ordinary workers who did great things, and separating your work life from your personal life.   

Featured musical artist:  Aaron Shust

Roundtable: Attending Weddings as a Single

Wedding season is upon us. It’s an exciting time, but for many single adults it can be lonely or even downright depressing. This week’s guests, all single, share how to confidently show up at weddings, celebrate the bride and groom, and still have fun in the process. If you’re dreading that next wedding invitation, you’ll be encouraged by this conversation.       

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Culture: God Loves Ordinary Jobs

Some people think that to glorify God and make a difference, you need to be in full-time Christian ministry. But God loves all kinds of work and uses it (and people) for His good purposes. Jordan Raynor shares examples of people who trusted God with their “real world” jobs and used their creativity, perseverance and business know-how to make the world better. Get ready to be inspired by the true-grit stories of a pastor turned puppeteer, a toymaker and others.   

Five Mere Christians: Binge-Worthy Biographies That Show You How to Glorify God in Your Work   

Inbox: When Work Tries to Take Over

Feel like you can’t separate your work life from your personal life? Our listener needs balance in order to stop feeling drained. Counselor Rob Jackson offers hope. 

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Answering recruiter questions, plus how to craft a personal spiritual retreat, and should you only use Christian dating apps?    

Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters

Roundtable: Questions to Prepare for a Job Interview

A job interview is one of the most intimidating things you’ll do. How can you possibly be prepared for the questions you’ll be asked? And what questions should you ask in return? Three career recruiters bring their years of experience to suggest what really matters in a job interview, what questions you will absolutely be asked, and how you can be creatively and confidently prepared for the conversation, including any curveballs.      

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Culture: Take a Personal Spiritual Retreat

How do you tune out the noise in the world, take a break from the daily grind, and really focus on God? By crafting a personal retreat! Becky Harling is an expert at taking time away for worship, reflection and refreshment. She’ll walk us through the experience and its components, whether you can carve out a couple hours, a half day, a whole day or a weekend. If you’re feeling drained and discouraged or just need a spiritual boost or reset, Becky’s suggestions may be just what you need. 

Our Father: A Study of the Lord’s Prayer (A 6-Week Bible Study) 

Inbox: Only Christian Dating Apps?

Our listener is asking if Christians should use only Christian dating apps, or is it best to branch out to other ones as well. Lisa Anderson weighs in. 

Christian Cafe 

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How to navigate Mother’s Day, plus Dr. Greg Smalley continues the cohabitation conversation, and when your date has concerns about your family.   

Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship

Roundtable: What Does Your Mother’s Day Look Like?

What does Mother’s Day mean for you? For some, it’s joy-filled, but for others it’s extremely difficult — even painful. Our guests have different histories with the holiday as well as different levels of relationship with their mothers. They’ll share tips for navigating Mother’s Day, how to love our moms with Christ’s love, and how to make the day hopeful, no matter your circumstances.      

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Culture: The Cohabitation Conundrum (Part 2)

The Institute for Family Studies reports that almost 70 percent of Christian couples live together before getting married. According to psychologist Dr. Greg Smalley, both biblical and practical arguments against cohabitation seem to be “white noise.” Why so, and is there a better way to have this conversation? Greg, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Marriage, joins us for a two-part discussion on cohabitation, including new insights and research to debunk the “it’s no big deal” arguments made by many young adults. In part two, Greg shares the practical, emotional and spiritual benefits of delaying your move-in until after marriage.  

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Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love

Inbox: Your Significant Other Is Concerned About Your Family

Her boyfriend recently expressed concerns about her family and how they interact. How serious is this, and in what way should she address the problem? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. 

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