Scripture:
Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. – Numbers 3:38

Poem:

Struggling to fall asleep,

I wrestle with tomorrow.

How will the people respond?

Will everyone cooperate? 

Bone-weary from the enormous task

That will greet me in the morning,

I must surrender

To the need for rest.

The rays of the morning

Slip under the flaps of the tent

To touch my eyelids

And welcome me to the new day.

The gentle sway of the curtain

Brings in dew-kissed morning air, 

But my mind already wrestles

With the burden I must carry.

My muscles protest

As I rise to respond. 

I step through the opening

Into the divine greeting

Of the Creator’s goodness.

I stand in awe of it all– 

As our God feeds us

With his faithfulness.

My feet feel the earth 

As my face soaks in

The gift of sunlight.

The pressure of 

Today’s responsibility

Sets up camp against me

Announcing its threat to my peace.

My God is with me.

I will breathe the next breath.

I will take one step forward. 

~ Esther Huhn, Today’s Responsibility

Hosts Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie consider the heart of the Advent season by exploring the question: "Where on earth does God live?" Centered around the upcoming Advent teaching series, "The Meaning of the Manger," the discussion journeys from the nativity scene and its connection to God's presence throughout Scripture. 

The theme of God dwelling with humanity is traced through five key moments in the biblical narrative: the garden of Eden, the building of the temple, the arrival of Jesus, the creation of the church, and finally God’s promise for the future. All these scriptural stories reflect humanity’s longing for connection with God during Advent and the anticipation of Christ’s return.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective on the Advent season or want to see how the entire sweep of the Bible speaks to God’s desire to be present with his people, this episode is the perfect place to begin your journey. 

3 Main Takeaways:

1. God’s Presence and Dwelling with His People
   From Eden, to the temple, to Jesus’ incarnation in the manger, and continuing with the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church, the biblical story is seen as a journey of God wanting to be intimately present with humanity.
2. Tracing God’s Dwelling Places Throughout Scripture
   The Advent series will journey through the major dwelling places of God. It starts in Eden, moves through the tabernacle and temple, reaches its climax with Christ’s first coming, and culminates in God’s ultimate dwelling with his people at the end of time. 
3. Anticipation and Hope in Advent
   Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation. It is not just remembering Christ’s first coming, but also looking ahead to his return when God will dwell with his people forever. 

Timestamps:

00:00 "Where Does God Live?"

05:12 "Temple Thread from Eden Onward"

09:51 "Local Church: Hope of World"

10:41 "God's Plan: The Church's Mission"

16:38 Unchanging Word in Transition

17:43 "Dream Jobs Beyond the Norm"

Hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman sit down with Dr. Mark Yarbrough, president of Dallas Theological Seminary and a passionate advocate for helping people grasp the overarching story of Scripture.

If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect the dots in the Bible or wondered how individual stories fit into the grand narrative, this episode is for you.

Dr. Yarbrough shares his personal journey from a small town upbringing to his calling in ministry and education, revealing how his encounters with Scripture transformed his perspective. This conversation considers why understanding the Bible as a continuous, connected story can change how we see God, trust him with our lives, and participate fully in his story.

This discussion includes practical steps for reading the Bible more holistically, the importance of big-picture thinking, and the impact of experiences like The Story of Scripture seminar in churches across the country. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a lifelong student, this conversation will help you see yourself as a vital part of God’s unfolding narrative.

3 Main Takeaways:
1. Understanding the Bible as a Unified Story Deepens Faith:
Dr. Yarbrough emphasizes that seeing the Bible as one continuous, interconnected story from Genesis to Revelation can truly transform a person's spiritual life.

2. We Are Participants in God’s Story, Not Just Observers:
The power of engaging with Scripture as our shared narrative helps us recognize we are part of God’s unfolding story. Rather than standing back and looking at Bible stories as isolated events, Scripture invites us to participate in God’s mission.

3. Methodical and Big-Picture Bible Reading is Essential:
Developing Bible reading habits that connect the dots between individual passages and the overarching story, helps us approach Scripture with both the “forest” (the big narrative) and the “trees” (individual stories) point of view.

Resources:
- https://www.thestoryofscripture.org/event/kansas-city-mo-january-2026

Timestamps:
00:00 Church Engagement and Spiritual Growth
05:21 Bible: More Than Myth Stories
07:40 Faithful Parents Living the Gospel
10:14 Old Testament's Connection to Jesus
15:12 Journey to Dallas Seminary
18:06 "Big Picture and Little Picture"
20:57 "Bible's Story and Our Mission"
24:13 "Teaching the Bible to Youth"
28:27 Grace, Mission, and Understanding
30:30 "God's Continuous Story Explained"
32:57 "Resource Demand in Modern Age"
38:13 Yellowstone Fishing Adventure
38:49 Alaska's Midnight Milky Way

Welcome to a special episode of theFormed.life podcast, where hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman revisit one of their most compelling conversations with special guest Tom Nelson. In a time marked by political tension, division, and uncertainty, we dive deep into what it means for followers of Jesus to engage faithfully—and fruitfully—in the public square.

This episode is packed with essential moments from a previous three-part series exploring the radical teachings of Jesus, especially the call to love and pray for our enemies. Together, our hosts and guest unpack the dynamic and diverse perspectives within Jesus’s own circle of disciples, shedding light on how to navigate differences without division. They discuss the power of being “salt and light” in our communities as described in Matthew 5, the importance of cultivating virtue over simply winning arguments, and the need for the Church to model healthy, respectful dialogue in a polarized culture.

You’ll also hear practical wisdom for embracing humility, fostering genuine community, and developing spiritual habits that ground us in God’s love—no matter what the news cycle brings.

Whether politics is your favorite topic or one you try to avoid, this conversation will equip and encourage you to engage with grace, conviction, and hope. Let’s lean in together and discover how our faithfully present lives can bless the world around us, even in turbulent times.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Model Respectful Dialogue:
   This episode challenges the church to set the tone for political conversations—learning from one another, respecting differences, and gaining wisdom without feeling threatened.
2. Embody Faithful Presence: The idea of being “salt and light” means showing up in our communities with genuine humility and influence, but not domination. 
3. Cultivate Personal Virtue: The episode emphasizes that who we become matters more than what we do. Spiritual practices, community, and the intentional pursuit of the fruit of the Spirit can transform our approach to civic engagement.

Full Episodes:

1. Navigating Politics with Biblical Principles: Dual Citizenship & Faithful Presence - Part 1 | POD 031: https://youtu.be/JhtesHcb6ag
2. Navigating Politics: Postures for Public Engagement - Part 2 | POD 032: https://youtu.be/18JjRBO6WBo
3. Practices for Navigating Faith and Politics - Part 3 | POD 033: https://youtu.be/RmpnXFXPwbI

Timestamps:

00:00 Love Your Enemies: Radical Teaching

04:11 "Diversity in Christian Community"

08:27 "Church Unity Amid Differences"

12:42 "Salt, Light, and Incarnation"

15:13 "Humility and Gentleness in Leadership"

18:08 "Who Are We Becoming?"

20:04 "Faith, Virtue, and Growth"

24:49 Spiritual Habits and Life Transitions

26:27 Perfect Love Overcomes Fear

29:46 Captivated by Art's Impact

Introduction:
Welcome to this episode of theFormed.life podcast! Hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman dive into a topic that’s reshaping family life across America: youth sports. Once a casual backyard activity, youth sports has transformed into a $40 billion industry filled with high pressure, early specialization, and packed calendars. Drawing on Sarah Zylstra's expert insights and research, our hosts explore both the goodness and the challenges this new landscape brings—not just for kids, but for parents, too.

In today’s conversation, you’ll hear thoughtful reflections on why youth sports have become so professionalized, what’s driving parents to invest so much, and how this impacts family rhythms, faith formation, and even finances. From the blessings of leadership and community to the dangers of burnout, misplaced priorities, and accidental idolatry, we’ll unpack what it looks like to navigate these waters as people who want to shape not just future athletes, but well-formed human beings.

Whether you’re a sports-loving family, new to parenting, or simply care about how culture forms us, this episode offers wisdom, real stories, and practical questions to help you discern the best path forward. Let’s jump right in!

Bio:

Sarah Zylstra is a seasoned journalist and Senior Writer at The Gospel Coalition, renowned for her thoughtful, narrative-driven storytelling. She specializes in cutting-edge features that explore how Christianity intersects with contemporary culture, society, and family life. Sarah brings years of reporting experience, having previously served as a writer for Christianity Today, and her work is a vital resource for understanding the major trends impacting churches and communities today.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Youth Sports Have Shifted from Play to Industry
   Over the past few decades, youth sports in America have moved from being casual, neighborhood-based play to a highly professionalized, $40 billion industry. This shift is due to a combination of factors: increased affluence, fewer children per family, changes in family routines (e.g. more parents working), safety concerns, and the desire to keep kids off screens and engaged with others. As a result, many families find themselves structuring their entire lives (time, finances, social circles) around their kids’ sports schedules.
2. Formation: Both the Good and the Malforming Sides
   Participation in sports can be a beautiful gift, contributing to community, leadership, discipleship, and personal growth. However, youth sports (or any extracurricular activity) is not guaranteed to form good character—it has just as much potential to deform. The podcast challenges listeners to consider if sports have become an idol, taking precedence over faith, family, or holistic well-being. One practical suggestion is a “time and money audit” to see what your true priorities are, and to honestly reflect on whether the activity is still life-giving or has tipped into something unhealthy.
3. Challenging the Scholarship Myth and Rethinking Priorities
   One of the major pressures families face is the belief that early and intense sports specialization is the path to college scholarships and future opportunities. The facts shared in the episode highlight that the odds of getting a significant athletic scholarship are extremely low (only about 2% of competitive high school athletes play Division 1, and fewer still get substantial scholarships or lucrative NIL deals). The hosts encourage parents to focus on joy, relationship, character development, and wisely choosing family priorities (such as church and real friendships) over chasing an unlikely financial return on their investment in youth sports.

Resources:

• Gospel Bound - Sarah Zylstra & Collin Hansen: https://a.co/d/fZvCMSL

Timestamps:

00:00 The Benefits and Challenges of Sports

06:06 "Balancing Goodness in Youth Sports"

06:59 Identifying Sports as an Idol

12:51 Youth Sports Specialization Challenges

14:09 "Don't Specialize in Sports Early"

17:40 "Invest in 529 for College"

22:09 "Sports Shape Communities and Youth"

24:34 Parental Influence on Child Athletes

26:54 Prioritizing Faith in Busy Lives

31:29 Navigating Faith and Hard Choices

35:22 "Finding Joy in Kids' Sports"

36:24 "Time, Priorities, and Reflection"

Hashtags:

#YouthSports #ChristianParenting #SpiritualFormation #HealthyBoundaries #SportsIdolatry #FamilyLife #CharacterDevelopment #CommunityImpact #AthleticScholarships #theFormedLifePodcast

Introduction:

On this episode of theFormed.life podcast, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman dive into the cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement, exploring why stories of romance and celebrity captivate us all. Joined by special guest Victoria Sawyer—a licensed professional counselor in Kansas City who is newly engaged herself—the conversation ranges from the whirlwind of reactions to Taylor and Travis’ big news, to deeper reflections on our society’s fascination with love, connection, and marriage.

Together they unpack what makes certain love stories so compelling, how celebrity relationships shape our expectations, and why the desire for partnership runs so deep. With insights from Victoria’s counseling practice and a look at biblical perspectives on love and repair, the episode blends laughter, personal stories, and thoughtful commentary. Whether you’re a Swiftie, a Chiefs fan, or someone simply curious about why love stories matter, this episode invites you to consider what our attraction to romance reveals about our deepest longings—and how faith intersects with modern relationships.

Bio

Victoria Sawyer, LPC, provides a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy for individuals and families in the Olathe and Kansas City area. With a strong belief in the power of connection and understanding, Victoria works with clients facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She tailors her approach to meet the unique needs and strengths of each person, creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment.

Victoria is skilled in a range of evidence-based practices, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about helping clients of all ages thrive, restore hope, and foster meaningful change in their lives. 

3 Main Takeaways

1. Our Fascination with Celebrity Love Stories Reflects Deeper Longings
   The episode kicks off discussing the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, exploring why public romances captivate so many people. The hosts and guest reflect on how these high-profile relationships tap into universal human desires for love, connection, and celebration. The conversation highlights that our obsession with celebrity couples often points to our own hope for meaningful, lasting relationships.
2. Healthy Relationships Require Intentional Communication and Repair
   Victoria Sawyer, a licensed professional counselor, shares insights from her practice with couples—emphasizing the importance of communication, feeling seen and heard, and especially the process of repairing after conflict. She points out that, whether it’s in celebrity relationships or our own, real connection comes from being intentional, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing repair over perfection. Approaches like the Gottman Method’s "attunement" are discussed as practical tools.
3. Christian Faith Offers a Distinct Lens on Love and Romance
   Throughout the episode, the conversation weaves in biblical perspectives on love, noting that our desire for deep relationships is rooted in being made in the image of a loving God. Victoria discusses how biblical principles—like responding gently in conflict, or the ultimate story of God’s covenant love—can help shape healthier relationships. The hosts also note that human love stories often mirror the larger story of God’s pursuit of relationship with us.

Resources 

• https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/

Timestamps:
00:00 Celebrity Engagement: Reactions & Reflections
06:29 Supportive Relationship's Public Evolution

10:13 Celebrating Marriage's Goodness

11:57 "Universal Fascination with Romantic Love"

14:33 Enhancing Partner Communication Skills

19:03 "Creating Secure Attachments"

22:01 Soft Answers, Thoughtful Responses

24:13 Integrative Christian Therapy Insights

28:42 Desire for Fairy Tale Endings

33:20 Pinspiration and Self-Comparison Struggles

36:20 Lighthearted Wisdom: Balance and Enjoyment

38:12 Hostage Negotiation Fascination

Hashtags

#LoveAndRomance #CelebrityCulture #TaylorAndTravis #ChristianCounseling #ScripturalPerspective #RelationshipAdvice #AttachmentTheory #MarriageMatters #HealthyConnections #theFormedLifePodcast