Anxiety is something most of us face, yet it often feels like a burden we're meant to carry alone. This week, Chuck opens up about some of the situations in his own life that have brought anxiety and uncertainty, and why trying to control every outcome only leaves us more exhausted. Through personal experience and biblical truth, he shares a simple reminder: the weight of tomorrow was never ours to carry. When anxiety creeps in, our answer isn't found in having all the solutions, but in trusting the One who does.

n Episode 39 of First Light, Chuck reflects on how the things that matter most in life take time.

Whether it's learning a new skill, building something meaningful, or strengthening a relationship, growth rarely happens overnight. The same is true in our walk with the Lord. A strong relationship with God isn't built in a moment. It comes from spending time with Him consistently, trusting Him through every season, and allowing Him to work in our lives day by day.

Join Chuck as he shares why patience, consistency, and time are essential ingredients for growth, both in life and in faith.

First Light is a podcast of hope.

Every sunrise is a gift we don't deserve, yet one we're blessed to receive. In this episode, Chuck reflects on the meaning of sunrise, not just as the start of a new day, but as a reminder of God's faithfulness. No matter what happened yesterday, each morning brings new mercy, new opportunity, and another chance to walk with Him. Just as the first light breaks through the darkness, God's presence remains constant in our lives, offering hope, direction, and purpose with every new day.

Chuck shares how a shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep know their shepherd — just as the Lord knows us and calls us by name. Throughout First Light, we've been reminded that we are seen, led, and deeply loved by God. There's peace in knowing the voice of the Good Shepherd.

In this episode Chuck reflects on the powerful reminder that the Lord's mercies are made new every single morning, at first light. He walks through The Epistle to the Romans and explains how God's grace, freedom, and promises meet us fresh each day no matter what we're carrying. This episode is an encouraging conversation about living without condemnation, trusting the Spirit, and finding hope in the unchanging mercy of God.

Chuck talks about the start of each day and what it really means. First light is more than a time on the clock. It's a reminder of the resurrection of Christ and the opportunity for Him to be present in your life daily. Just like the sun breaks the darkness every morning, we're given a fresh start, a chance to walk in His light and live with purpose. Chuck explains how that idea is the foundation behind "First Light" and why the name matters.

Turkey season has been everything we wait for all year! Early mornings, long days, and miles in the woods. It wears you down in the best way, but it still wears you down. Chuck talks about that feeling of being tired, yet continuing to show up, staying faithful to what's in front of you. Whether it's time in the woods, time with family, or time with the Lord, the responsibility doesn't go away just because you're worn out. True rest isn't just slowing down, it's leaning into Him and finding strength where your own runs out.

Searching isn't just something we do in the woods — it's something we're called to do in life. In this episode of First Light, Chuck talks about what it means to truly seek the Lord and trust His direction, even when the path isn't clear. Just like those early mornings chasing a gobble or working through a slow hunt, there are seasons where you have to stay patient, keep moving, and believe you'll find what you're after. Time and time again, the outdoors reminds us that the reward comes to those who keep searching with purpose. The same goes for our walk with Him — seek Him daily, trust His timing, and you'll find exactly what you need.

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually." – 1 Chronicles 16:11

In this episode, Chuck talks about how hard it can be to hold on to what matters and let go of what doesn't. We tend to remember the wrong things—mistakes, regrets, and burdens—and forget the truth, the blessings, and the ways the Lord has carried us through. Scripture calls us to do the opposite. To remember God's faithfulness, His provision, and His promises, while learning to lay down our past and trust that it's been covered.

There's a balance in that. Remembering keeps us grounded and grateful. Forgetting—when it comes to sin and failure—is what allows us to move forward with freedom. As it says in Philippians 3:13, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead," we're called to keep our focus forward, trusting in where He's leading next.

It's not easy, but it's necessary. Remember who He is. Forget what's been forgiven. Walk forward in faith.

Easter is a reminder of what matters most. Not just the resurrection, but what it represents—grace, sacrifice, and a love that never wavers. It is a time to slow down, gather with family, and be thankful for the blessings right in front of us. The same way we make time for the woods, we're called to make time for the people we love and the faith that guides us.

Being around family on Easter carries a different kind of weight. It is about presence. About gratitude. About remembering that everything we have is given, not earned.

"He is not here; He has risen, just as He said." — Matthew 28:6

Hold onto that. Keep the Lord at the center, and don't take a single moment with your people for granted.