The Cartographers

What does it look like to build a sustainable life as a mother? I talk with Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler for more.

Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler are in the trenches of motherhood, right alongside their readers. With a combination of accessibility, relatability, and solid Biblical knowledge, Emily and Laura have a knack for simplifying complex Biblical truths, revealing how they relate and apply to everyday life. As the co-founders of the Risen Motherhood ministry, and co-hosts of the chart-topping podcast, God has consistently and powerfully used the voices of these two moms as a vehicle to captivate women around the world with the gospel. As sister-in-laws, Emily and Laura both live in central Iowa with their families.

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast.

LINKS

Risen Motherhood website and podcast

Emily and Laura’s book: Risen Motherhood: https://amzn.to/2I0ClvI

Resources mentioned:

David Powlison’s book, How Does Sanctification Work?

Valley of Vision Prayer Book: https://amzn.to/2vmR5T5

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss: https://amzn.to/32wT7fj

Valmarie Journal: http://www.valmariepaper.com/about/journal/

Give Me Jesus Journal by Well-Watered Women: https://shop.wellwateredwomen.com/products/give-me-jesus-journal-2

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WIN A COPY of RISEN MOTHERHOOD! Subscribe to the Finding Holy Podcast. Contact @aahales on social media and you could win! #findingholypodcast

How can we know if we’re a good mom? @Risenmotherhood’s @laurawifler and @emily__jensen on #motherhood and the #gospel on @aahales’ #findingholypodcast

How do we remain faithful to God in our ministry (in and outside the home)? What’s the scaffolding of a life? @risenmotherhood

Wouldn’t it be horrible if you became famous for gospel-centered motherhood and your own family didn’t see that in you? Real life with @risenmotherhood @emily__jensen and @laurawifler

“I don’t know what’s big and what’s small and my job is just to be faithful.” @emily__jensen @laurawifler @risenmotherhood

How do we live a quiet life? is still a question we ask. @risenmotherhood on #findingholypodcast

Good questions for your closest relationships in your busy seasons @risenmotherhood @emily__jensen @laurawifler

What a gift it is to create a safe space for our children to work through hard things — to learn how to fail and how to trust God. @risenmotherhood

ONE SMALL STEP

Set a timer to read your bible every day for Lent. 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 30… whatever it is try out a new habit.

Also, consider using your imagination as you read. Maybe you imagine yourself into one of the stories of healing in one of the Gospels. Where do you need healing? How is God meeting you?

Let me know how it goes — tag me on social media at @aahales or #findingholypodcast. I’d love to hear!

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

Stay tuned for a special series for Lent with Lore Ferguson Wilbert during the month of March!

If you’re a new subscriber and want to win a copy of Risen Motherhood, subscribe and email me at [email protected]!

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Listen in to a conversation about overwhelm and how to order a life that really matters. My guest today is Justin Whitmel Earley, author of the book The Common Rule, a CT Book Award Winner. It’s 40% at IVP this week here!

Justin Whitmel Earley graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English Literature before spending four years in Shanghai, China, teaching and writing. He got his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and he now practices business law, writes and speaks in Richmond, Virginia. He is married to Lauren and has four sons – Whit, Asher, Coulter and Shep. InterVarsity Press published his book on formational habits, The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction. You can learn more about cultivating a formational set of habits at www.thecommonrule.org and more about his law practice at www.earleylegalgroup.com.

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast.

LINKS

Justin’s book, The Common Rule: https://amzn.to/2v2TYIz

Justin’s website: www.thecommonrule.org

Twitter: @thecommonrule

Instagram: @justinwhitmelearley

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“The architecture of my life was just like everyone else’s. Which worked until I collapsed.” @thecommonrule

“What was a game changer was putting some habits and limitations around my schedule.” @thecommonrule

“We like quick fixes instead of small changes. We ask pastors and doctors for a principle or a pill.” @thecommonrule

We ask our phones (rather than God): “who do I need to become today?” not just “what I need to do today?” @thecommonrule

“You are free when you are free to do what you’re made to do. Pick the master whose yoke is light.” @thecommonrule

We’re going to bow our knee to something. Personal choice at every moment leads to decision fatigue. @thecommonrule

ONE SMALL STEP

Flip the order of your morning — like Justin talks about “scripture before phone” as a habit that has a big impact.

This week, I’ll invite you into kneeling prayer at noon. Read a Psalm and kneel at lunchtime to humble yourself before God — to take the limits he gives as good gifts.

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

RATE and REVIEW this podcast and send me an email to win a copy of Justin’s book! [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When we realize we’ve been sucked into comparison, what do we do? When the “you’re perfect” line or the 5 steps to stop comparing” doesn’t cut it, how do we grow?

Richella J. Parham is the author of Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison (InterVarsity Press) and A Spiritual Formation Primer (Renovaré). She has blogged for over a decade at ImpartingGrace.com. Richella serves as a member of the Ministry Team and as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Renovaré, a Christian spiritual formation ministry. She also serves as Worship Coordinator for The Gathering Church of Chapel Hill/Durham, North Carolina, and is a member of Redbud Writers Guild. The mother of three young adult sons, Richella lives in Durham with her husband, Jack.

For Finding Holy Listeners!! WIN a copy of Mythical Me! Just rate and review Finding Holy HERE on Apple Podcasts and then email me at [email protected] to let me know!

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast.

LINKS

WIN A COPY OF MYTHICAL ME! Just rate and review Finding Holy HERE on Apple Podcasts and then to let me know by emailing [email protected]!

Richella’s website: www.richellajparham.com/ and blog: https://www.impartinggrace.com/

Richella’s book, Mythical Me: https://amzn.to/2SzNoBa

Richella’s book, A Spiritual Formation Primer: https://amzn.to/2OGg4Ht

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Comparison has been a life-long struggle for me. @richellaparham on #findingholypodcast

Enter to win a copy of @richellaparham’s @ivpress winning book, #MythicalMe from @aahales #findingholypodcast

“Love and acceptance is an irreducible human need. We’re looking for the knowledge that we’re acceptable. One of the ways we look for that is noticing those around us who appear to be loved and accepted.” @richellaparham on #findingholypodcast

“With the advent of social media, the problem of comparison has gone viral.” @richellaparham on #findingholypodcast

“We need a habit to replace the habits of comparison. @richellaparham on #findingholypodcast on comparison

ONE SMALL STEP

Use a timer for your use of social media use to begin to awaken yourself to your habits and where you’re looking for comfort and meaning. Share it with us at @aahales on social media or using the #findingholypodcast hashtag.

Pray the Lord’s Prayer before your feet touch the floor in the morning. Use your actual spaces — like Richella did when she felt pulled to compare (your bathroom, your kitchen, your office desk) and ask God’s will be done in those places.

Don’t forget to enter to WIN a free copy of Richella’s book!

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If the social fabric has broken down, what do we do about it? What might Christians have to offer our neighbors who are in search of the common good? We talk everything from loneliness, work, and ideas about how the church can be good neighbors, and how to build real community.

Join me as I chat with Jake Meador — he’s the author of In Search of the Common Good and editor-in-chief of Mere Orthodoxy. He lives with his wife and three children in Lincoln, Nebraska.

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast.

LINKS

Mere Orthodoxy

Jake’s book: In Search of the Common Good

Ashley’s book, Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much: https://amzn.to/2FQr67Z

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How can Christians be a good neighbor in a very alienating culture? @jakemeador on #findingholypodcast

Marriage, work, and sabbath are the norms of people before the Fall. @jakemeador on #findingholypodcast

We shouldn’t be surprised that people who are hungry are finding their own way to the dinner table. On faith and the common good with @jakemeador on #findingholypodcast

We have neighbors who are desperately lonely and we have something to offer them. @jakemeador on #findingholypodcast

ONE SMALL STEP

Notice something beautiful. Draw your own attention to things going around you that are beautiful and done well. Use it to talk with the others in your real life — your kids, your colleagues — bring someone along with you.

Consider ways to share in your neighborhood — share resources. Find a need. Use the need to create relationships.

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For three weeks, our Suburban Bootcamp helps you take the big ideas of secularism and connect the dots to your everyday, holy life. How do we live ordinary lives well in a secular age? Here’s some practical places to start.

Bryce Hales (church planter at Resurrection Orange County) and Ashley Hales talk about freedom and secularism, how social media changes us, and how secularism affects those of us who live in suburbs and live rather ordinary lives. We talk about secularism of the right, give you some resources, and help you connect the dots between secularism and habits to move you towards the things of God. Listen in, share and subscribe!

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast. Check out Episode 32 for our first episode in Suburban Bootcamp 2020.

LINKS

Our church, Resurrection Orange County: https://www.resurrectionoc.com/

Ashley’s book, Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much: https://amzn.to/2FQr67Z

And particularly check out this resource specifically for churches: aahales.com/forchurches

Mentioned this episode:

Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon, David Kinneman and Mark Matlock

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How has secularism infiltrated not only urban progressive places but the suburbs? Join @aahales and pastor @bahales of @res_oc talk about #secularism:

Join @aahales and @bahales as they talk right-leaning secularism on #findingholypodcast

We talk resilient disciples, information from @barnagroup, secularism, and more on #findingholypodcast

The secularism of the right looks more reactionary than outward-focused. #findingholypodcast

Meaningful life = community + freedom in a suburban secular age. Listen in to @aahales and @bahales on #findingholypodcast

Thick identities are formed through story, attention and what community we’re doing life with. @aahales and @bahales on #findingholypodcast

We have the story of the gospel in our heads but we have the story of the culture in our bones. @bahales and @aahales #findingholypodcast

ONE SMALL STEP

To form a gospel identity — consider what you give your attention to and what people you’re doing life with.

Choose to commit to your community: go to church. Make it a priority from now before Easter. Choose to show up for the same group of ordinary people and see how it goes!

If regular church-going is already your thing, consider what you might do to show up and volunteer regularly. We don’t want to see our church communities as yet another consumer product.

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

Get special info for your church here: www.aahales.com/forchurches

We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For three weeks, our Suburban Bootcamp helps you take the big ideas of secularism and connect the dots to your everyday, holy life. How do we live ordinary lives well in a secular age? Here’s some practical places to start.

Bryce Hales (church planter at Resurrection Orange County) and Ashley Hales talk about freedom and secularism, how social media changes us, and how secularism affects those of us who live in suburbs and live rather ordinary lives. We talk about secularism of the right, give you some resources, and help you connect the dots between secularism and your phone. Listen in, share and subscribe!

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast.

LINKS

Our church, Resurrection Orange County: https://www.resurrectionoc.com/

My book, Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much: https://amzn.to/2FQr67Z

Mentioned this episode:

Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon, David Kinneman and Mark Matlock

Tish Harrison Warren, “Want to Get into the Christmas Spirit?” New York Times

Pete Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day-by-Day and the EHS course here.

More on secularism:

Charles Taylor, A Secular Age: https://amzn.to/2FQSqTA

James K. A. Smith’s synopsis of Taylor, How (Not) to be Secular: https://amzn.to/2FRhLx1

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How has secularism infiltrated not only urban progressive places but the suburbs? Join @aahales and pastor @bahales of @res_oc talk about #secularism:

Join @aahales and @bahales as they talk right-leaning secularism on #findingholypodcast

We justify ourselves and the right-now experience and so we use our kids as the excuse for that” @bahales and @aahales talk about suburban secularism on the #findingholypodcast

We talk resilient disciples, information from @barnagroup, secularism, and more on #findingholypodcast

Christianity is important because we do talk about routines, habits, and liturgies, yet nothing of those are supposed to be rote. #findingholypodcast #secularism

“Secularism sees suffering as the only evil. When we’ve been insulated from suffering, we don’t feel our need for God” — #findingholypodcast with @aahales and @bahales

There’s even secular ways to even read your bible. @bahales and @aahales on #findingholypodcast talking on secularism.

We don’t like the idea that God is going to shake things up in the affluent suburbs. @bahales and @aahales on #findingholypodcast

Gut check: I’ve been pursuing happiness. Am I happy? asks @bahales @aahales on #secularism on #findingholypodcast

ONE SMALL STEP

Practice pausing in the middle of your day to remind yourself that you’re in God’s presence. We’re often not aware that we are always in God’s presence. Put an alarm on your phone or put a bright orange sticky note on your bathroom mirror to practice pausing during your day.

Read a Psalm. Move your body in a different way — sit down or stand up, kneel or go for a walk. Practice one small step to connect with the grander story of the gospel instead of the story of hurry and hustle.

Let us know how it goes: tag me at @aahales or use the hashtag #findingholypodcast to tell us about it.

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE! We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the month of January, our Suburban Bootcamp helps you take the big ideas of secularism and connect the dots to your everyday, holy life. How do we live ordinary lives well in a secular age? Here’s some practical places to start.

Bryce Hales (church planter at Resurrection Orange County) and Ashley Hales talk about freedom and secularism, how social media changes us, and how secularism affects those of us who live in suburbs and live rather ordinary lives. We talk about secularism of the right, give you some resources, and help you connect the dots between secularism and your phone. Listen in, share and subscribe!

LISTEN on APPLE PODCASTS OR ONLINE AT MEGAPHONE, or wherever you listen to podcasts subscribe to the FINDING HOLY podcast.

LINKS

This Cultural Moment podcast with Mark Sayers and John Mark Comer

Our church, Resurrection Orange County: https://www.resurrectionoc.com/

My book, Finding Holy in the Suburbs: Living Faithfully in the Land of Too Much: https://amzn.to/2FQr67Z

Charles Taylor, A Secular Age: https://amzn.to/2FQSqTA

James K. A. Smith’s synopsis of Taylor, How (Not) to be Secular: https://amzn.to/2FRhLx1

James K. A. Smith, On the Road with St. Augustine: https://amzn.to/3acimqJ

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How has secularism infiltrated not only urban progressive places but the suburbs? Join @aahales and pastor @bahales of @res_oc talk about #secularism:

Join @aahales and @bahales as they talk right-leaning secularism on #findingholypodcast

“What looks like happiness is: “I get to choose.” We see this on the right and the left. In cities and suburbs and everywhere in-between.” Join @aahales and @bahales for Suburban Bootcamp on the #findingholypodcast:

“With social media, we are the product now.” Join @aahales and @bahales as they talk about secularism in the suburbs for #findingholypodcast

“Political ideology of the left and the right is taking the place of religion in people’s lives.” @bahales and @aahales on #findingholypodcast

“We don’t have to create an identity for ourselves.” Listen in to #findingholypodcast with @bahales and @aahales:

ONE SMALL STEP

Think about where you put your phone! Grab an old-fashioned alarm clock and plug in your phone across the house. Instead of reaching for your phone as a first step each day — essentially giving our to-do lists, email and social media accounts pride of place in our lives — start your day with your true identity. Read a psalm to start off your day to remind yourself of whose you are.

Let us know how it goes! Tag @aahales and use the hashtag #findingholypodcast to share what changes you’re making (and your laundry routine)!

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE! We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate Bowler, academic and author, writes about women and power in Christian circles in her latest book, The Preacher’s Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities. Ashley Hales was able to interview Kate Bowler courtesy of The Englewood Review of Books. You can read the interview at The Englewood Review. Thanks to Englewood, here’s a longer version of the article that appeared in print.

We talk about roles of women, authenticity, forms of power, and what cuts it in the marketplace and in institutions. This is not an episode to miss!

At the Finding Holy podcast, we connect the dots between the things that really matter and your everyday, holy life. Subscribe now.

LINKS

The Preacher’s Wife: https://amzn.to/2QyBMyu

Everything Happens for a Reason: https://amzn.to/2N8wyXW

Kate’s website: KateBowler.com

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“I would be nothing without the institutions that shelter me.” @katecbowler with @aahales on #findingholypodcast

“Why else spend a decade researching? I just want to be helpful.” @katecbowler on #thepreacherswife on #findingholypodcast

“The marketplace can’t punish people appropriately. Without time and nuance, irresponsible promises are made because they sell.” @katecbowler on #findingholypodcast

“When I was researching this book, I was trying to not die.” @katecbowler on #findingholypodcast

“My research made me more empathetic to these women who have been release valves for other women.” @katecbowler on performed #vulnerability on #findingholypodcast

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE! We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

COMING UP! Suburban Bootcamp where we talk real-talk about ministry boots-on-the-ground and the influence of secularism and the digital age. Subscribe so you don’t miss it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re busy and yet we want to connect with God. Listen in to these four weeks of short conversations that you can listen to in the midst of your real life with Ashley Hales and Jen Pollock Michel. We talk about the reality of December with busy schedules and messy pine needles and how to meet God in the real instead of the ideal.

Listen in wherever you listen to podcasts!

*A quick note: I wanted to let you know that we’ve changed podcast hosts. So make sure you’ve subscribed to this RSS feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/CHRTDY4295404622

LINKS

Jen’s reflections on Advent are available to her email subscribers here.

Jen’s book, Surprised by Paradox (which has a section on the incarnation).

Ashley’s book, Finding Holy in the Suburbs, (which is helpful on consumerism and generosity this season).

Works mentioned (and recipes):

Acedia and Me, Kathleen Norris

Jen’s plum torte recipe available here.

Ashley’s millionaire shortbread recipe here.

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Food sure makes us laugh this episode. Get @jenpmichel’s plum torte and @aahales’ millionaire shortbread this episode! #findingholypodcast

Meals were so special that the whole story of Jesus can be told in a meal. This brings us back to the why. @jenpmichel @aahales #findingholypodcast

We deny the pleasures of eating. Hospitality portends something different. Listen in to @aahales and @jenpmichel on #findingholypodcast

There is both an asceticism and a pleasure or indulgence to the story of God. @aahales and @jenpmichel on #findingholypodcast

The food imagery in the Bible is no accident. @jenpmichel and @aahales on #findingholypodcast

ONE SMALL STEP

Who needs a spot at my table? Take this question with you through the month of December.

Touch your table and pray. Ask God to show you how you can use your table as a welcome for Jesus.

Keep the conversation going by tagging Ashley at @aahales on Twitter or using the hashtag, #findingholypodcast.

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE! We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

See you in January!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re busy and yet we want to connect with God. Listen in to these four weeks of short conversations that you can listen to in the midst of your real life with Ashley Hales and Jen Pollock Michel. We talk about the reality of December with busy schedules and messy pine needles and how to meet God in the real instead of the ideal.

Listen in wherever you listen to podcasts!

*A quick note: I wanted to let you know that we’ve changed podcast hosts. So make sure you’ve subscribed to this RSS feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/CHRTDY4295404622

LINKS

Jen’s reflections on Advent are available to her email subscribers here.

Jen’s book, Surprised by Paradox (which has a section on the incarnation).

Ashley’s book, Finding Holy in the Suburbs, (which is helpful on consumerism and generosity this season).

Tish Harrison Warren in the NYT: “Want to Get into the Spirit of Christmas? Face the Darkness”

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“Advent isn’t just a private experience. It’s public witness.” @jenpmichel on #Advent with @aahales on #findingholypodcast

We have to face that Advent actually sends us into the public sphere: a cataclysmic message that God is fixing the world through Jesus. @jenpmichel and @aahales on #findingholypodcast

God surprises us in how he fulfills our longings. @aahales @jenpmichel on #findingholypodcast this #Advent

Who am I in relationship with that I can be more intentional with? @aahales @jenpmichel on #findingholypodcast

ONE SMALL STEP

Take 5 minutes each day to slow down. There’s so much to be gained by In those 5 minutes! Put away your to-do list, your sense of control, and instead welcome a bigger story by giving your full attention to the people around you — from your family, to friends, to a neighbor.

Chat on social media chat with us by using the hashtag #findingholypodcast and let us know how your five minutes a day goes!

And for you planner-types, consider Jen’s question: How am I going to make room for God’s mission in 2020?

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE! We’re a new podcast and we’d love for more people to connect the dots between the things that really matter and their everyday lives. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and share with a friend.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices