The Inspired Podcast

Episode 3 — “Releasing Expectations: When friendship doesn't look the way we thought it would”

Welcome to a new season of the Inspired Podcast, where we’re gathering around the table and tackling the topic of friendship!

In this episode, Sam, Janice, and Chloe discuss another common carrier that keeps us from connecting with others - expectations. Together we explore the expectations we place on others, those we carry of ourselves, and how they can burden the friendships we want to develop. And we ponder what it would look like to allow God's perfect faithfulness change the expectations we carry into our human relationships.

This season, the conversation doesn’t have to end when the episode does. Each episode comes with a companion guide featuring Scripture readings and reflection questions to help you take what you’re hearing beyond the podcast and into your everyday life and relationships.

The Companion Guide for Episode 3 can be found here:

https://bit.ly/4hXVpLW

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

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Welcome to a new season of the Inspired Podcast, where we’re gathering around the table and tackling the topic of friendship!

In this episode, Sam, Janice, and Chloe discuss a big barrier to connection - vulnerability. Why is it so hard to let people in when we crave being fully known? How can we show up honestly in friendships without fear of rejection preventing us from going deeper? And how does our relationship with God overflow into our ability to be authentic and true with those around us?

This season, the conversation doesn’t have to end when the episode does. Each episode comes with a companion guide featuring Scripture readings and reflection questions to help you take what you’re hearing beyond the podcast and into your everyday life and relationships.

The Companion Guide for Episode 2 can be found here:

https://bit.ly/4e33P3h

Another helpful resource:

How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Know-Person-Seeing-Others/dp/0593230078/

Subscribe to get the latest videos and live worship:

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Connect with X Church

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

Welcome to a brand new season of the Inspired Podcast, where we’re gathering around the table and tackling the topic of friendship!

In the episodes ahead, we’re getting honest about the barriers that can keep us from the relationships we crave. From vulnerability and trust to busyness, expectations, and the fear of going first, we’ll explore what Scripture says about God’s design for community and discover what it looks like to overcome these obstacles and courageously move toward one another.

And this season, the conversation doesn’t have to end when the episode does. Each episode comes with a companion guide featuring Scripture readings and reflection questions to help you take what you’re hearing beyond the podcast and into your everyday life and relationships.

In this opening episode, Sam, Janice, and Chloe talk about the universal desire to be known, to have deep and meaningful relationships, and to feel connected to others. We’ll look at God’s design for community and begin exploring what might prevent us from experiencing the kind of connection we were created for.

The Companion Guide for Episode 1 can be found here:
https://bit.ly/4z8fPc4

What if the joy God is growing in your life was never meant to stop with you?

As we wrap up our summer series, we're turning our attention outward to discover how joy becomes one of the greatest gifts we can offer the people around us. Throughout this season, we've explored what it means to notice joy, receive it as a gift, choose what truly restores us, practice presence, and rediscover the unique ways God has designed us to delight in life. Now it's time to ask: What happens when that joy begins to overflow?

In this episode, Sam, Jess and Janice reflect on the fruit of joy - not as forced positivity or pretending life is perfect, but as the quiet, steady work of the Holy Spirit that changes the atmosphere wherever we go. We'll talk about how joyful people create create spaces where people are truly seen and where people are pointed back to the goodness of God.

Because joy isn't meant to be hidden or hoarded. It's meant to be shared.

Our prayer is that this conversation inspires you to become someone who notices opportunities to bring joy into everyday moments—through your words, your presence, your generosity, and the way you love others.

This week's practice: Pass It On

This week, spend a few quiet moments asking God to fill you with His love, His peace, and His joy. Notice what He might be inviting you to receive before asking what He wants you to give.

For some of you, this practice will be inward. Maybe God is inviting you to slow down, spend time in His presence, and rediscover the joy that comes from simply being with Him.

For others, your joy may naturally overflow into the lives of those around you. Look for one opportunity each day to encourage someone, celebrate with them, offer kindness, or simply be fully present.

Wherever you begin, remember this: we can't pour out what we haven't first received.

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

What if joy isn't hiding from you... what if you've simply forgotten what brings you delight?

Somewhere along the way, many of us stop making space for the things that make us come alive. We become so focused on what needs to get done, who needs us, and what's expected of us that we lose sight of the unique ways God created us to experience joy.

In this episode, Sam, Jessica and Janice talk about what it looks like to reconnect with the things that genuinely refresh your soul - and why giving yourself permission to enjoy them isn't selfish, but part of living fully as the person God created you to be.

We explore how our personalities, gifts, and interests reflect the creativity of our Creator, and why joy looks different for each of us. Because delight isn't one-size-fits-all. The God who made wildflowers, mountains, oceans, and sunsets also made you uniquely, and He delights in seeing you come alive.

Our hope is that this conversation gives you permission to stop measuring every moment by its productivity and start embracing the simple, ordinary things that fill your heart with joy.

This week's practice:  The Joy List

Make a list of 25 things that bring you joy. 

Not accomplishments. Not goals. Just joys. They can be big and small. 

Then… Choose one. Schedule space to enjoy it this week. Make a note of how it feels.

And then ... Repeat.

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

So much of our lives are lived either rushing ahead or replaying what’s already happened, and in the process, we miss the very moments that could hold joy.

In this episode, Sam, Alana and Anna slow down together and talk about presence. What it means to be truly available - not as a perfect practice, but as a simple shift. And how we can experience the kind of presence that helps us notice what’s already good instead of constantly chasing what’s next.

This week's practice: The Five-Minute pause.

Choose one moment every day and refuse to rush through it. Instead be where your feet are and ask God to reveal where he is moving and what he has for you when you make yourself available in these ordinary moments.

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

Not everything that feels good actually restores you.

In a world full of easy distractions, it’s never been simpler to escape—but much harder to truly feel refreshed. In this episode, Sam, Raina and Ellie explore the difference between numbing out and finding real rest.

Why do we reach for things that help us check out, instead of things that actually bring us back to life? And how can we recognize and lean into those things in every season of our life.

If you’ve ever ended the day feeling drained, even after doing things that were supposed to be “fun,” this conversation will help you recognize what’s actually restoring, and what’s just helping you escape.

This week's practice: Replace One Escape.

Choose one moment this week when you'd normally reach for an easy distraction or escape. Instead of automatically going to that one habit, pause and ask yourself "what do I actually need right now?" Be intentional in the ways you seek real restoration and notice how God refills you in new and life-giving ways.

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

What if joy isn't something you have to chase, but something you were created to receive?

In this week's episode of our summer series, Sam is joined by Rebecca and Chloe for a conversation about God's design for joy. Together, we explore what Scripture teaches about joy, enjoyment, and the generous heart of a God who not only created a beautiful world, but created us with the capacity to delight in it.

Through reflections on God's Word and stories from our own lives, we talk about how our understanding of joy has shifted over the years—from believing it was something to strive for or earn to discovering the contentment that comes from receiving the gifts God places right in front of us. We unpack what it looks like to rest, to shift our perspective, and to experience a deeper joy that isn't dependent on our circumstances but rooted in the unchanging character of God.

Our hope is that this conversation encourages you to slow down, open your eyes, and receive the goodness God is already offering.

This week's practice: Receive One Gift.

Each day this week, intentionally receive one ordinary gift from God. Don't analyze it. Don't rush through it. Simply enjoy it.

Maybe it's your morning coffee, a sunset, a conversation with a friend, a meal around the table, time outside, or your favorite song playing at just the right moment.

As you experience it, pause and offer gratitude to God who gives good gifts to his children.

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

If joy is something we're made for… why does it often feel so out of reach?

In this first episode of our summer series of the Inspired Podcast, Sam is joined by Tisha and Janice to explore the tension so many of us feel but rarely talk about. Through honest conversation and personal stories, we unpack why joy can feel elusive in the midst of busy schedules, endless responsibilities, and difficult seasons.

Together, we reflect on what God has been teaching us about slowing down, being present, and discovering joy in the everyday ordinary. We also share how, in seasons when our circumstances were anything but joyful, God faithfully revealed Himself to be our true source of joy.

Whether you're in a season of abundance or one of waiting, our hope is that this conversation reminds you that joy isn't always found in extraordinary moments—it is often waiting to be noticed in the ordinary ones.

This week's practice: Stop. Notice. Savor.

Take a few moments each day to pause, pay attention to one ordinary moment of joy, and savor it. You might be surprised by the joy that's been there all along.

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch

What happens when we gather in a room full of women and start talking honestly about pressure?

In this special bonus episode recorded live from Inspired Conference, we’re joined by Jess Connolly, Tenesha Session, and Dionna Carter for a meaningful conversation about the pressures we carry - in our calling, our responsibilities, and even how we present ourselves to the world.

Through laughter, vulnerability, and truth, we explore what it looks like to walk with God in the midst of it all, and how He meets us not after the pressure, but within it.

Subscribe to get the latest videos and live worship:

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Helping people get on the path to God.  This is the vision of X Church, led by

Pastor Tim Moore and based in South East Columbus, OH

_

Stay Connected

Website:

www.thex.church

#theXchurch