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Who do we sing? We might normally respond with, "God commanded it." Technically, that is a correct answer, but there may be more at play here than we think. Studies on the brain have shown that the entirety of it is at work, not just when we listen to music or play it, but also when we are involved in the act of singing. God created us with the power to be emotionally invested in song. Let's take a look at how.

In this deeply personal episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield shares candidly about spiritual discouragement, lingering grief, postpartum depression, and the sustaining power of God through life’s darkest seasons. Through Scripture, personal testimony, and encouragement for Christian community, this episode reminds listeners that while we may fall apart on our own, God faithfully holds us wholly together.

What did Jesus mean when He cried, “I thirst” from the cross? In Part 2 of this study, Dan Winkler and Robert Hatfield explore how this statement reflected not only Jesus’ physical suffering, but also the deep spiritual focus and longing that characterized His entire earthly ministry.

Throughout His life, Jesus demonstrated a “thirst” for the Father’s will, for righteousness, and for the salvation of souls. From His conversations with the Samaritan woman to His determination to accomplish redemption at Calvary, Jesus consistently modeled wholehearted devotion to God’s purpose.

Kelly & Kristen conclude Season 3 by talking about how God's mercy shows up - from generation to generation, in John the Baptizer's life purpose, as a pattern for us to follow, as a refusal to let us try earning our own salvation, and in Jesus becoming our mercy seat.

Episode Resources:

Merciful God Scripture Writing Plan: https://www.theruffledmango.com/may-scripture-writing-plan-merciful-god/

Merciful God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)

https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extras

Merciful God acapella playlists:

Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OCVCxAaO9SV56Fulxiw4r?si=4ksPeQUuT4yy9sjnYqnC3w&nd=1&dlsi=1533648b23b649cd

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/merciful-god/pl.u-xlyNqPds3AEDAd

Behold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254

Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:

https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extras

Our Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.com

Kelly's favorite curly hair brush: https://amzn.to/49zibGk {affiliate link}

Kristen's favorite: FLOWERS in general + floral transfers: https://amzn.to/4dukeNc {affiliate link}

Sermon that Kristen mentioned - "Firewall Failure: The Fall at Ai": https://youtu.be/q6kiFWrVQho?si=sNEYK9sudP3evICa

Have you ever felt that you just can't live up to the expectations you've set for yourself spiritually? Or, are you constantly disappointed in the failures of those around you? Good news! The Soul Training team discuss the topic of "perfection" on this episode to help you on your journey.

Other episode highlights: Joe's perfect morning

Alyssa & Kristen talk about how God describes His mercy, if His mercy erases consequences or justice, how His warnings can be considered merciful, and how we can ask for & respond to God's mercy.

Episode Resources:

Merciful God Scripture Writing Plan: https://www.theruffledmango.com/may-scripture-writing-plan-merciful-god/

Merciful God Kids' Scripture Writing Plans: (scroll down to curriculum section for free downloads)

https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extras

Merciful God acapella playlists:

Free on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1OCVCxAaO9SV56Fulxiw4r?si=4ksPeQUuT4yy9sjnYqnC3w&nd=1&dlsi=1533648b23b649cd

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/merciful-god/pl.u-xlyNqPds3AEDAd

Behold Our God Scripture Writing Journal (BACK IN STOCK): https://theruffledmango.etsy.com/listing/4383440254

Behold Our God Scripture Writing Extras:

https://the-ruffled-mango-school.teachable.com/p/behold-our-god-scripture-writing-extras

Our Etsy shop: https://theruffledmango.etsy.com

Alyssa's favorite sparkling water: https://www.walmart.com/ip/BUBBL-R-Antioxidant-Sparkling-Water-Fruit-Punch-r-12-fl-oz-6-Pack-Cans/18337122404?classType=VARIANT&from=/search

Kristen's favorite: May Day baskets! See ideas here: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3096293491800528/

If tears are a natural thing, then why do we consistently apologize for them? We need to have a serious discussion on the topic.

In this episode of Wifey Wednesdays, Emily Hatfield walks through Luke 11:33-36 and challenges Christian women to examine whether their faith is truly shining from the inside out. Jesus calls His followers to be “wholly bright” — not merely outwardly religious, but genuinely transformed by hearts that are fully seeking Him.

Emily explores the contrast between sincere discipleship and the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, reminding listeners that God desires wholehearted followers whose inner devotion matches their outward profession. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching about light and healthy eyes, this episode encourages women to seek Jesus with pure motives, surrender personal agendas, and consistently reflect His light in their homes, families, and everyday lives.

As Jesus hangs upon the cross, one brief statement reveals both the depth of His suffering and the power of His purpose: “I thirst” (John 19:28).

In this first part of our two-episode study, Robert and Dan examine this fifth saying of Jesus from the cross by focusing on the immediate context of John 19 and the profound layers behind these words. More than a physical expression of agony, this statement opens a window into Jesus’ humanity, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His unwavering commitment to the Father’s will.

In This Episode:

• The setting and significance of John 19:28–29
• Jesus’ physical suffering and the reality of the cross
• The humanity of Christ: fully divine, fully human
• Old Testament prophecy fulfilled (Psalm 22; Psalm 69)
• Why John emphasizes that Jesus spoke “that the Scripture might be fulfilled”
• How even in suffering, Jesus remained focused on God’s eternal plan

In this episode of The Book Club, Brad reviews a short but powerful deovtional book about church hurt!