This week, we spent some time with one of our favorite worship artists, songwriter, and spreader of Holy mischief, Sharon Irving.  

She opens about her experience healing from the inside out this past year.  Her description of "soul care" will make you want to jump into truly finding wholeness and authenticity in who you are.  We talk about the roots of Gospel music and how it has evolved in its purpose to reflect the times we live in.  We are constantly reminded that God is a waymaker and Sharon encourages us all to shed the labels by stepping into who God created us to be.  

You can find out more about Sharon and her work, here: http://sharonirving.com/

In today's episode, we had the privilege to chat with Christy Nockels. We get to talk about her new book, what life has been like for her in this last season and what she's looking forward to in this next year. Plus, we get to celebrate a graduation! This is a can't-miss episode. 

Christy Nockels has long had a huge appreciation for music and for ministry and its role in the kingdom of God. As a worship leader for over 25 years, she’s seen first hand how music can usher people into the presence of God in a powerful way. Whether she’s singing a soft, lullaby or belting out a corporate anthem, Christy’s heart has always been to simply lead people to connect and communicate with the living God.

Christy still lives in Franklin, TN with her husband Nathan and their three children, Noah (18), Elliana (16) and Annie Rose (11). They affectionally call their homestead, “Keeper’s Branch”, a play on their street name but also a promise from Psalm 121. Their hope is that their home will be a sanctuary and a place of rest and creativity for their family, as well as all who enter in.

You can find out more about Christy and her new book here: https://christynockels.com/

Today we get to chat with our very own Lisa Thompson her husband Robb! In this episode, we are talking about marriages and we dive into some great personal stories and real life examples of how beautiful and challenging marriage can be. It takes a lot of intentionality to have a great marriage and we talk about all of that and more in today's raw interview! Can't wait to hear what you think! 

Today we are joined by our friend, Kellie Vandemark. Kellie and her husband, Blake, run college and young adult ministry at Bayside Church in the Sacramento Area and have four beautiful boys. In our chat today, we talk to Kellie about ways to engage this emerging generation of young adults and what are some encouraging trends they are seeing within the students in their ministry. Recent studies show growing trends of young people leaving churches but not necessarily their faith. Why is this happening and concerning? All this and more on today's podcast! 

In today's episode, we chat with Angie Elkins, worship leader, song writer, and podcast host of "Chatologie with Angie Elkins." We get to talk about friendships, conversations that matter, and how to honor our relationships in the midst of disagreement and differences. 

You don't want to miss out on this convo! You can find out more about Angie and her podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/angiebrownelkins

As we continue our conversations about building community and committing to friendships, this week we are learning that not all cliques are bad! Join us for a conversation with a group of friends that have committed to doing life (and vacations) together for over 15 years! What are some of the challenges, hurdles, commitments, and fun that come from choosing to be in relationship with people in all ages and stages.

“Building our community should be as natural as potty training” – Morgan May

After a year of isolation and distant community, we’ve learned that returning to life after COVID-19 highlights hope for the world would fall in love with people again because we are not designed to survive alone.  Community is essential, just as you are essential.  We sat down for a heart to heart with a dear friend, Morgan May, who shares that God’s word is the solution to messy chaos and necessary grace.  Morgan takes vulnerability to another level by sharing her personal testimony of clinical anxiety and now the reality of social anxiety many of us face today.  She breaks down scripture in Ephesians, Luke, and Acts to remind us about the purpose and value of an inner circle/small group.  This conversation opens the dialogue for dropping expectations of others and strengthening our belief in God’s word because as we elevate God, we become less consumed by ourselves.

Today we have a special episode for you featuring Thrive Worship! They have a new single out, "There is a Hope" and we got to sit down with a members of the band and writers of the song to hear about their new single, just in time for Easter!

▶ Listen: https://slinky.to/Thrive-ThereIsAHope

🎼 Learn To Play: https://www.weareworship.com/​ ‎

Connect with Thrive Worship

Website ► http://thriveworship.band/​

Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/thrive_worship/​

Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/thriveworshipofficial​

It can be easier to share the gospel than invite someone into your life because messiness is very real and not so appealing. After talking with Women’s Pastor, Lindsey Hansen, of Rolling Hills Church in El Dorado Hills, California; we discuss the blessings and challenges in taking a step of faith.  

She peeled back the layers of the biblical call for women and the urgency for inclusion that is needed more today than ever before.  In Joshua 1:9, we’re reminded that the Lord has prepared a way for us; in a space for us to thrive and flourish. Intention and invitation teach us to be the includer that keeps extending the table for women of all ages.  Lindsey asks, “What is Jesus trying to teach you through the relationships and seasons you are in?”  

It is important to know you should not be ashamed of your humanity in relationship, we are designed to pursue life together in relationships.  Listen in to hear how the power of community can be deeply spiritual and transformational.

In today's episode, we get to chat with Rebekah Lyons! We talk through what life was like for her family this past year, and also dive into her latest book, Rhythms of Renewal. Our hosts read the book and  found it so eye opening and helpful in finding some ways to understands how we all can be living with some intention and purpose behind why we do what we do. Rebekah lets us in on what led her to write the book and some practical applications we can put into place! We hope you enjoy our conversation with Rebekah! 

Rebekah Lyons is a national speaker, host of the Rhythms for Life podcast, and bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal, You Are Free, and Freefall to Fly.

An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression—and invites others to discover and boldly pursue their God-given purpose.

Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah finds joy in raising four children, two of whom have Down syndrome. She wears her heart on her sleeve, a benefit to friends and readers alike. You can find out more about Rebekah here.