Theologically Fashioned

Grief changes everything.

👉 Free Guide: How To Read Your Bible Better where I offer tips, and free resources: https://bit.ly/FreeBibleStudyGuide

Whether you've lost a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend, or are simply walking through a season of deep loss, grief can leave you feeling overwhelmed, numb, and wondering where God is in the middle of your pain. In this episode of Theologically Fashioned, Monica sits down with author Lisa Appelo to have an honest conversation about grief, lament, healing, and the hope that God offers in the darkest seasons of life. After unexpectedly losing her husband and becoming a single mother to seven children overnight, Lisa shares what grief really felt like, why we can't rush the healing process, and how God faithfully met her in the midst of unimaginable loss.

Where to find Lisa: website: https://lisaappelo.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTNJg1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwUmJ5SDJEWDBhRm54MnU1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhjLC7dHGCRZYXkCXpAfnmFqRpeLJ-L1cQ4Yq3wJ8z21APCn-qeQzw11LFId_aem_fpqag97SP5mZZCcOZvv94w

Instagram: @lisaappelo

Youtube: @lisaappelo8956

God of Comfort: https://on.ltk.com/+Ex2rEqbTw-Fc2AAx6ahp4A

👉 Free Guide: How To Read Your Bible Better where I offer tips, and free resources: https://bit.ly/FreeBibleStudyGuide

Can the Holy Spirit alone help us understand Scripture? Or do we also need biblical scholarship?

In this episode, Monica explores why these aren't competing ideas. The Holy Spirit is essential for reading and living God's Word, but God has also given the Church faithful teachers, scholars, and centuries of wisdom to help us interpret Scripture well.

Together we'll discuss:

- Why the Holy Spirit and biblical scholarship work together

- The dangers of "just reading the Bible plainly"

- Why historical and cultural context matters

- Common mistakes Christians make when interpreting Scripture

- How to approach the Bible with both humility and confidence

Whether you're new to studying the Bible or have been reading it for years, this conversation will encourage you to read Scripture more faithfully and more deeply.

💬 We'd love to hear from you: Have you ever changed your understanding of a Bible passage after learning its context? Let us know in the comments!

Hard truths I wish I had learned as a new Believer! 👉 Free Guide: How To Read Your Bible Better where I offer tips, and free resources: https://bit.ly/FreeBibleStudyGuide As a Christian, I've come to realize some important truth about faith and personal growth. This journey has taught me that God desires us to experience delight, and as we draw closer to Him, we truly become more ourselves. These harsh truth have reshaped my understanding of spirituality, moving beyond superficial expectations to a deeper, more authentic connection.

👉 Free Guide: How To Read Your Bible Better where I offer tips, and free resources: https://bit.ly/FreeBibleStudyGuide

What can the brave women of the Bible teach us about courage today? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Laura L. Smith, author of Brave Woman, Mighty God, to explore the stories of women like Rebekah and how their faith, fear, and obedience still speak into our lives right now.

If you've ever felt: Not good enough Afraid to step into what God is calling you to Overwhelmed by life's challenges This episode will remind you that biblical bravery isn't about feeling fearless—it's about trusting God in the middle of fear.

Where You can Find Laura:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825448921

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Website: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraLSmithAuthor/featured

Does the Bible reveal God's maternal side?

👉 Free Guide: How To Read Your Bible Better where I offer tips, and free resources: https://bit.ly/FreeBibleStudyGuide

In this conversation with Elizabeth Bergette, we explore the maternal imagery of God in Scripture, motherhood and spiritual formation. This discussion dives into theology, parenting, faith, gentleness, and the surprising ways God meets us in everyday life.

In this episode, we take an honest look at the current state of women's Bible studies and ask a bold question: Are they truly helping women grow in deep, transformative faith, or just offering inspiration that doesn't last?

We unpack common trends in women's ministry, including the focus on topical studies, storytelling, and devotional content, and explore whether these approaches are enough to build strong theological foundations. You'll also hear the truth behind a widely shared statistic about faith in families—and why it matters more than you think. This conversation isn't about tearing down women's Bible studies—it's about calling women higher. Women are capable of deep theological thinking, wrestling with Scripture, and growing in true biblical literacy.

Sign up for my email list for a 3 part "How To Read Your Bible Better" series where I offer tips, and free resources: http://monicaritchie.com/

Sources mentioned in this episode:

https://baremarriage.com/2024/10/podcast-the-93-myth-that-fathers-matter-more-than-mothers/

https://substack.com/@baremarriage/note/p-195342199?r=25qogx&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

Sign up for my email list for a 3 part "How To Read Your Bible Better" series where I offer tips, and free resources: http://monicaritchie.com/

If you've ever wanted to read your Bible more but didn't know where to start, this video is for you. In this video, I will walk you through a simple, realistic approach to Bible study that helps take the pressure off and invites you into a deeper understanding of God's Word.

Whether you're brand new or have been reading for years, these tools are designed to help you slow down, engage with Scripture, and grow in your relationship with God. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to begin.

Sign up for my email list for a 3 part "How To Read Your Bible Better" series where I offer tips, and free resources: http://monicaritchie.com/

No matter your story God wants to heal you and make you whole, and call you to your true identity. Have you ever felt like something was wrong? Maybe it's felt wrong for a long time? Or maybe you have feelings like you've disappointed God, and we have to wait until we've improved before we can feel his closeness again? If you've been there or if that's where you are, you're not alone. I'm coming back to the podcast this month to sit down with author Whitney Lowe as we discuss her new book, Called Back to Who You Are. In this book Whitney reminds us that God pursues you, his goodness truly does follow you all of the days of your life, and through him and his endless love, wilderness isnt the end. Because God's pursuit you can experience life to the fullest and maintain your soul.

Where You Can Find Whitney:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneypiersonlowe/

Book: https://liketk.it/65cVf

In this Advent conversation, writer and spiritual director Megan Nilsen helps us slow down, breathe deeply, and step into a deason that's often more chaotic than contemplative. Instead of chasing a perfect Advent, Megan invites us to an uncluttered posture - one that welcomes God in our limitations, our longings, and our everyday routines.

Together, we explore:

• How to release the pressure of a "picture perfect" Advent
• What Scripture reveals about waiting, hope, and holy anticipation
• Why formation begins with honesty, not performance
• Rhythms that ground our emotions and quiet our hurried minds
• How to make space for God in the middle of real life, not ideal life

If you're craving a season that feels more like rest than striving, presence over productivity, and sacred attentiveness instead of overwhelm, this episode will gently guide you back to the heart of Advent.

Find Megan

Instagram: @megan_nilsen

Website: meganbnilsen.com

In this episode, I'm joined by Christian therapist Meaghan Hampton, who speacializes in helping parents heal, regulate, and lead their homes with peace instead of reactivity. Together we explore why our emotional health matters for the spiritual formation for our kids, what regulation actually looks like in a busy household, and how the gospel invites us into a calmer, more connected way of parenting. If you've ever wondered how to respond instead of react or break cycles you never meant to repeat - this conversation will encourage, equip, and remind you that transformation is possible

Connect with Meaghan

Instagram: @Soulcareforfamilies

Substack: Soul Care Circle