Have you ever felt stuck in your decisions, as if changing your mind would mean admitting defeat? This week, we’re talking about the beauty and bravery of pivoting, whether it’s within your marriage, the way you parent your children, or other areas of life. We unpack the reasons we may have trouble granting ourselves permission to change, whether that’s worry, fear, pride, ignorance, identity, or even dynamics within our family of origin.

Sometimes, the ideals we held before marriage or parenthood no longer fit the reality of our lives. Maybe your spouse or kids don’t match the expectations you once had — or maybe you have changed. And that’s okay! A willingness to adjust requires humility and a deep dependence on God, acknowledging that we are “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) and are in need of His guidance to discern what needs to shift.

In this episode, we explore practical ways to zoom out, reflect, and ask God, “Is this actually working?” We discuss tools like scripture, prayer, and the wisdom of community to navigate these changes. Plus, we share our own stories of moments, both big and small, where we’ve had to change course — and how those shifts brought unexpected peace and growth.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to pivot, this is it. Join us for an encouraging, hope-filled conversation about embracing change with grace and courage.

Scripture Mentioned: Proverbs 16:9, Genesis 18:22-33, Acts 27 + 28, Matthew 5-7, John 8:29, Daniel 1:8-10 + Ephesians 5:21-33

Book Mentioned: “Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart” by Jacques Philippe

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This week, we welcomed author, speaker, fellow podcaster, and overall inspiring, vibrant and magnetic human Annie F. Downs to the show.

First, we highlighted the children’s book Annie co-wrote with her sister, ”Where Did TJ Go?”, which helps kids navigate grief and loss. The story was born from personal tragedy. After her sister’s family lost a baby, Annie wrote it for her nephew, Sam, to help him understand where his baby brother, TJ, had gone. What began as a heartfelt story for one child became a beautiful illustrated book that offers comfort to many.

Annie wrote the book her family needed at the time but couldn’t find — a visual story that kids can connect to, pointing them to heaven, while acknowledging the deep sorrow they feel here on earth. Our conversation was hopeful yet honest, embracing the tension of holding both joy and suffering at once. We found comfort in the truth that “there is good news even in sad stories.”

We also discussed singleness in the church, a topic Annie is passionate about through her work in the Single Purpose League as well as within her own personal life. She instilled wisdom on ways to bridge the gap between single people and married couples within the church, emphasizing the pressing need for increased communication across the board. While acknowledging the church’s shortcomings in embracing and empowering single people, Annie continually returns to grace.

It was an absolute joy to have Annie F. Downs on the show — and we have a feeling this won’t be our last conversation!

Materials + Resources Mentioned:

Where Did TJ Go? (Released February 18, 2025)

Pastoring Singles: A Free Resource for Church Leadership

Single Purpose League

Annie F. Downs: Website, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Books, Instagram

Scripture Mentioned: Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:6, Hebrews 11:6 + Hebrews 11:1

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This week on the podcast, all four of us (Brook, Elizabeth, Phil and Diane) sat down to respond to some questions centered on avoiding bitterness in your marriage while dealing with sickness and the unique challenges of parenting neurodiverse children alongside neurotypical children.

We discussed the reality of living out the marriage vow, “in sickness and in health,” and how it requires a deep loyalty to one another, a shared sense of suffering and oneness, and a desperate dependence on God. We addressed how to avoid bitterness towards your spouse suffering from sickness, which demands honesty about the situation, acceptance that this is your reality, and understanding that faith is not a “fix-it” system.

We also responded to two related questions about parenting children with neurodiversity — 1) How do you parent both neurodiverse and neurotypical children in a way that is God-honoring and full of compassion, grace and truth towards each individual child and their needs? And 2) How do you work through disagreements and differences with your spouse in how you parent neurodiverse children? Drawing from our own experiences happening in real time, we talked about our unrelenting reliance on God, our larger family system, our community, and each other — as well as many other helpful strategies, such as getting on the same page AND staying on the same page.

This episode is packed with scripture references, personal examples, and lots of light and hope — even amidst some heavy, complex questions.

Poem by Jane Kenyon: Otherwise

“The cross means the acceptance of limitation on desire.” — Dallas Willard

Scripture Mentioned:

Hebrews 12:15, Matthew 5:3, Genesis 2:24, Lamentations 3:1, Romans 12:15, Romans 8:22, and Philippians 2

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This week on the podcast, we welcomed back Ruth Chou Simons — author, artist, podcaster, and mom of six(!) boys — for an inspiring conversation about nurturing relationships with our kids.

Ruth shared her wisdom on fighting for connection, especially during the teenage years, emphasizing the importance of leading with vulnerability. We explored the idea of viewing parenting as a journey rather than a destination, the importance of feeling empowered in our role as parents, the art of consistently pursuing our kids at every stage, and so much more.

We also discussed Ruth’s beautiful new children’s book, Home Is Right Where You Are, inspired by Psalm 23. Ruth shared how a personal, unexpected challenge solidified the very message of her book — that God, as our Shepherd, calls us to abide in Him. This truth has transformed how she entrusts her kids to His care, realizing that home isn’t a place but a posture of resting in God’s presence.

Ruth’s Books:

Previous Podcast with Ruth Chou Simons

Ruth’s Podcast with her son’s story:

The Ruth Chou Simons Podcast

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In this episode, we take a heartfelt and insightful dive into the unique challenges and profound joys of parenting neurodivergent children. We acknowledge the emotional, spiritual, and practical complexities that come with raising children who experience the world differently, while also embracing the beauty and growth that can emerge from these experiences. Throughout our discussion, we explore how faith plays a vital role in navigating the uncertainties and trials that parents often face, offering a source of strength and hope amid moments of grief and self-doubt.

Parenting children with special needs demands an extraordinary level of humility, adaptability, and grace. It requires a willingness to learn, unlearn, and continuously evolve as both a caregiver and an advocate. In this episode, we address some deeply personal and thought-provoking questions from our listeners—questions about how to cultivate a spirit of gratitude even in the midst of struggle, how to deepen trust in God during challenging times, and how to effectively communicate with family, friends, and the broader community to foster understanding and support. Whether you are a parent, a loved one, or simply someone looking to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent families, we invite you to join us in this enriching conversation. Enjoy!

Birdies Story 

Tim Keller Book 

Scripture Mentioned:

Romans (I will boast in my weakness…)

Joshua 1

Psalm 26

Marriage Retreat

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Today on the show, Brook+Elizabeth and Phil+Diane answer your marriage-related questions, offering practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom for navigating the challenges and celebrations of married life. They tackle everything from difficult in-law dynamics and moments of overstimulation to prioritizing your spouse during the busiest or most exhausting seasons. With a focus on communication, respect, and prayer, this discussion is packed with advice, encouragement, laughter, and essential tools to help you build a stronger, more resilient relationship. Don’t miss it!

Scripture Mentioned:

1 Peter 3

Psalm 34

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We wholeheartedly welcome back Sally Lemos, MS, LPC, to our show today to talk about trauma as it relates to families through generations. In this episode, we want to lay a foundation and start at the beginning by defining what trauma and abuse are and how they can show up in different ways in us, in our families, and how it’s passed down to future generations. Sally shares with us through the wisdom of her professional lens and her lived experience to teach us some tools to name the trauma, be with the wounded parts, and sit with our healer. Please be advised the topic of today's show may not be suitable for younger audiences; please use your discretion when watching or listening. Enjoy!

Scripture Mentioned:

Exodus 20

Romans 7

Resources:

What Is Epigenetics?

Intergenerational Trauma Infographic

Finding your ACE Core

What Is Intergenerational Trauma?

Marriage Retreat

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Merry Christmas! Welcome to our special Christmas episode! Today, Brook and Elizabeth, along with Phil and Diane, dive into the challenges of navigating interpersonal relationships, especially in a culture where it’s often easier—and even socially accepted—to cancel those who feel inconvenient. Together, they share eight essential principles for handling difficult relationships and explore the better, more compassionate way that Jesus teaches. Along the way, they open up about their own personal experiences with relational tension, offering honest and heartfelt stories that bring these lessons to life. We’re so glad you’re here!

Year End Match…Give Here!

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In this episode, Brook+Elizabeth, and Phil+Diane tackle three insightful questions about navigating

relationships and faith. They explore how to foster deeper connections with family members who

struggle with vulnerability by modeling openness, inviting honest conversations, and listening

without judgment. They also share how they have learned to support self-critical loved ones through the power of specific encouragement and patience while speaking the truth in love.

Lastly, they share thoughts about responding to loved ones who have drifted from faith

with prayer and compassion. Enjoy!

Year End Match…Give Here!

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MERCH: 

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On the show today, Brook and Elizabeth and Phil and Diane talk about complaining. They unpack how complaining often masks deeper issues like grief, unmet expectations, or a lack of acceptance.

True lament invites God into our pain, helping us process grief without getting stuck, while

godliness with contentment reorients our perspective. By repenting of entitlement, embracing

suffering as part of our calling, and teaching others, including our children, to lament with God,

we grow in faith and resilience. Enjoy!

Scripture mentioned:

Philippians 2

1 Timothy 6v6

Phillippians 4

Genesis 6v6

Psalm 119

Romans 8

Job

Jerry Sittser’s books:

Year End Match…Give Here!

Marriage Retreat

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MERCH: 

Gear for the journey 

Grab a copy of our book: 

Raising Passionate Jesus Followers (Now available in audiobook!)

Website:

Blogs 

The Intentional Film Series