Coffee Talk

In this episode of Coffee Talk, Liv and Jessica talk about the dreaded topic of submission. They discuss practical examples of healthy submission, covering both what is it and what it is not, and how we can live it out in our jobs, marriages and relationships.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Ephesians 5-6:18 Luke 22:42 2) Additional Resources Blog post by Liv Alliston: The Link Between Submission and Spiritual Warfare

In this episode of Coffee Talk, Liv and Gabbi talk about biblical fasting.  What does it mean? Why should I make fasting a regular practice? Can I have chocolate?  They answer all these questions and more!  So, grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Isaiah 58 Matthew 6:16-18 Luke 4:2 Daniel 1:8, Daniel 10:3 Ezra 8:23 Acts 13:2 Exodus 34:28 Esther 4:16 Psalm 54:4 Psalm 55:22 Resources for Further Study Gut-Punched and Fancy Free blog by Gabbi Hartzell Podcast Episode #26, Being Spirit Led Social Media post by Liv Alliston https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-ARY_gVKd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In this episode of Coffee Talk, Liv and Jessica are joined by their husbands, Drew and Bryson, as they talk about what it means to be led by the Holy Spirit. They talk about the seemingly crazy, anti-cultural journey God has them on, as they lean into Him and rely on His Spirit to guide even the littlest decisions.  So, grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation! Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Romans 8:1-11 Ephesians 5:15-21 Galatians 5:15-23, 25-26 Daniel 3:17 Hebrews 11 Ephesians 1:13 John 10:10 Isaiah 55:8 Resources for Further Study Seeking to Find blog by Liv Alliston Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer Wild Good Chase by Mark Batterson Podcast Episode #15, Living With Open Hands Part 4

In this episode, Liv shares the final installment message from the Harmony of the Gospels and Acts series at her church women's ministry.  She talks about how sometimes what we think is a detour is actually the destination that God has orchestrated for our lives.  And, when we choose to press into God through the unknown and uncertain, we can enjoy the ride. Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Acts 27:1-28:14 Acts 23:11 Additional Resources Podcast episode: https://livalliston.com/e/identifying-the-holy-spirit Podcast episode: https://livalliston.com/e/surrendering-our-wills-to-his

In this episode, Liv shares the message God gave her to give to the women at her church in their message series Harmony of the Gospels and Acts.  She dissects key passages in the first half of the book of Acts and explains the person and purpose of the Holy Spirit, diving into how we can and should operate out of the spirit of God living inside of us.  Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Acts 1:4-8 John 14:19-20, 24-26 John 16:7 Acts 2:1-4 Ephesians 5:15-20 Romans 8:1-11 Acts 4:1-13, 23-33 Additional Resources Podcast episode: https://livalliston.com/e/surrendering-our-wills-to-his

In this episode, Liv talks about what it means to surrender our lives and our wills to God.  Taking an in-depth look at Matthew 8, Liv reveals applicable truths to how we can cling to God in any and all circumstances, and how we can live with joy and peace in the midst of turmoil.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Matthew 8:18-27 Galatians 5:22-23 Ephesians 1:13-14 2 Timothy 2:13 2) Points to Remember: "Sometimes God will tell you to do something that inflicts momentary pain but produces eternal glory." "God is more concerned about producing the fruit of the Spirit in your heart, than in preventing the difficult in your circumstances." "God will do whatever is necessary and remove from your life whatever or whomever He must in order to draw you closer to Him." "Just because we can't see Him working doesn't mean He is sleeping." "God will allow hard circumstances in our lives to reveal to us our heart posture and faith." 3) Additional Resources: Blog post, Carried by Liv Alliston (featured on Liv Free Today) Podcast episode, Identifying Ourselves in the Image of God Podcast episode, Living With Open Hands Part 1 Podcast episode, Living With Open Hands Part 5

In this episode, Liv and Kari talk about how sometimes our mundane tasks in life seem dull, boring and insignificant.  But, how does God view these things?  Together, we will look at scripture and talk about how we can live in and even celebrate the mundane in light of an eternal perspective.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: John 2:1-11 Mark 9:33-37 Matthew 25:31-46 Colossians 3:17 Ephesians 5:15-21 Ephesians 1:17-19 Psalm 51:10 Romans 3:23 James 1:17 2) Additional Resources: Paul David Tripp quote: "If God doesn't rule your mundane, then He doesn't rule you. Because that's where you live." The Calling of God, blog by Kari Copling: https://www.livalliston.com/post/2019/03/29/the-calling-of-god Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full by Gloria Furman

In this episode, Liv and Drew talk about what it means to have healthy communication in a marriage.  Communication is the building block of any relationship, and marriage is no exception.  Marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church and having a healthy marriage is paramount in your testimony and witness to others. Liv and Drew also include practical and fun ways to strengthen your communication and deepen your overall relationship with your spouse.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: James 1:19 Ephesians 4:15, 26-27, 29-32 Proverbs 18:21 Proverbs 15:1 Colossians 4:6 Romans 14:19 Romans 12:18 1 Peter 3:8-11

In this episode, Liv is joined by her husband, Drew!  Drew and Liv have been happily married for almost 9 years and have 2 sweet boys and 1 spunky pup.  In this Get to Know Us segment, the two talk about everything from their dream vacations to what kind of eggs the other enjoys. Join this fun and spirited conversation! 1)Book Recommendations in this Episode: Waking the Dead by John Eldredge Defiant Joy by Stasi Eldredge Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst Prodigal God by Timothy Keller A Severe Mercy by Sheldon VanAuken Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers Flint by Louis L'Amour 2) Additional Resources "The glory of God is man fully alive." - Saint Irenaeus

In this episode, Liv and Gabbi talk about how they study God's Word.  Are there any wrong ways?  What additional resources are good to use?  What should I look for in my quiet time? Hear from each of them about how they've learned to study God's Word and how it has launched them into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Luke 24:45 Psalm 51:10 2) Additional Resources Resource, Bible Study Guide by Liv Alliston: https://0e3a86a5-77c4-4eef-8009-1d2b4fa1d47f.filesusr.com/ugd/54fc29_802b8987474d40d6923ea138a39a3d07.pdf?index=true Resource, Recommended Devotionals: https://www.livalliston.com/resources The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp Awaken by Priscilla Shirer Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/ Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/ David Guzik Commentary: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/  

In this episode, Liv is joined by her sister, Gabbi Hartzell.  Gabbi is married ----more----and a mom to two girls.  She also works at her local church and serves as the women's minister.  The girls talk about their childhood, what God is teaching them and, of course, the enneagram.  Join the conversation! 1) Recommended Books Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Developing Female Leaders by Kadi Cole The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott Boundaries With Kids by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile Defiant Joy by Stasi Eldredge Amy Clipston (Amish Christian Fiction author) 2) Recommended Podcasts Moxie Mamas with Gabbi Hartzell: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moxie-mamas/id1449611999 How I Built This with Guy Raz: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297 Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oprahs-supersoul-conversations/id1264843400 Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carey-nieuwhof-leadership-podcast-lead-like-never-before/id912753163 Office Ladies: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-ladies/id1480311435 Risen Motherhood: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/risen-motherhood/id1072833310 The Bible Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bibleproject/id1050832450  

In this episode, Liv and Kari talk about how we can truly forgive the unforgivable person - the one who doesn't deserve it, the one who continues to offend and hurt us.  They discuss how we can continue to be in relationship with difficult people and how God uses these people to refine us.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Colossians 3:13 Matthew 6:14-15 Ephesians 4:31-32 Matthew 6:9-15 Mark 11:25 Luke 17:3-4 Psalm 19:14 Psalm 51:10 2) Notes on forgiveness from Scriptures: Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13). Forgive as you've been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:31-32, Matthew 6:9-15, Mark 11:25). Continue to forgive; it's a process (Luke 17:3-4). Pray for those difficult people and relationships. Fill up first with the Word of God, so you can then be poured out as a blessing to those around you.   3) Additional Resources Podcast episode #11: https://livalliston.podbean.com/e/dealing-with-difficult-personalities Blog post by Liv Alliston: https://www.livalliston.com/post/2017/12/11/the-forgiveness-battle  

In this final episode of the series Living With Open Hands, Liv and her husband, Drew, talk about how to trust God with the dreams of their hearts and how to discern the difference between the dreams we have for ourselves and God's dreams for us.  Mixed in with funny anecdotes from their marriage, they each give their testimony in this area and how God has refined them, lovingly showing them that He is enough and His plans are better than anything we could have dreamt up on our own.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Genesis 22:14 Jeremiah 29:11 2) Additional Resources Podcast Episode #12, Living With Open Hands: Part 1 Podcast Episode #13, Living With Open Hands: Part 2 Podcast Episode #14, Living With Open Hands: Part 3 Podcast Episdoe #15, Living With Open Hands: Part 4 Corrie ten Boom quote: "Hold everything loosely in your hands; otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open." Blog post by Liv Alliston, Let It Go: https://www.livalliston.com/post/2016/12/21/let-it-go Names of God bible study by Liv Alliston: https://www.livalliston.com/jehovahjireh

In this episode, Liv continues the series Living With Open Hands and talks about how we should and can trust God with our time, plans and calendars.  She talks about her journey with this and how, as a confessed 'OCD planner,' she has put this into effect in her own life.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Proverbs 16:9 Proverbs 27:1 Colossians 1 James 4:13-17 2) Additional Resources Podcast Episode #12, Living With Open Hands: Part 1 Podcast Episode #13, Living With Open Hands: Part 2 Podcast Episode #14, Living With Open Hands: Part 3 Matitiahu Tsevat quote: "Simply: Every seventh day the Israelite renounces his autonomy and affirms God's dominion over him in the conclusion that every seventh day the Israelite is to renounce dominion over time, thereby renounce autonomy, and recognize God's dominion over time and thus over himself. Keeping the sabbath is acceptance of the kingdom and sovereignty of God.” (Matitiahu Tsevat, The Basic Meaning of the Biblical Sabbath, 453-455.) Corrie ten Boom quote: "Hold everything loosely in your hands; otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open." Tony Evans, Hope in the Midst of Heartbreak: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ynuyV415U The Bible Project podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-project/id1050832450 The Bible Project website and resources: https://thebibleproject.com/ The Bible Project Seventh Day Rest Series: https://thebibleproject.com/podcast/series/7th-day-rest-sabbath/ Blog by Jessica Gresham: https://www.livalliston.com/post/make-room

In this episode, Liv and Austin continue with Part 3 in the series Living With Open Hands.  Austin shares her testimony and struggles and triumphs in this area, as they continue talking about what it means to trust God fully with the lives and well-being of our children and loved ones and how we can practically live this out, entrusting those we love to the sovereignty of God.  Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Exodus 17 2) Additional Resources Podcast Episode #12, Living With Open Hands: Part 1 Podcast Episode #13, Living With Open Hands: Part 2

In this episode, Liv and Austin continue with Part 2 in the series Living With Open Hands. They will talk about what it means to trust God fully with the lives and well-being of our children and loved ones and how we can practically live this out, entrusting those we love to the sovereignty of God. Join the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Job 1:21 Luke 22 Ruth 1-4 2) Additional Resources Podcast Episode #12, Living With Open Hands: Part 1 Blog, Is He Enough by Liv Alliston (featured on Liv Free Today) Podcast Episode #4, Hope In the Midst Blog, Foundations Revealed by Alexa Van Hal (featured on Liv Free Today)

In this episode, we are beginning a new series called Living With Open Hands. In Part 1, Liv and Jessica talk about what it means to trust God in every area of our lives, specifically with our finances and provision. Join us to hear the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Exodus 16 Psalm 143:8 Psalm 37:25 2 Timothy 2:13 2) Additional Resources Blog, Carried by Liv Alliston (featured on Liv Free Today) Blog, Do You Trust Me? by Liv Alliston (featured on Liv Free Today)  

In this episode of Coffee Talk and as we approach the holidays, Liv and Kari talk about the hard relationships we all have and how we can apply God's Word to transform our attitude toward those difficult people. Join our conversation as we talk about how to rise above the strained relationships and love the hurtful people in our lives. Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Mark 12:29-31 Romans 12: 9-10, 14, 17-19, 21 Matthew 6:14-15 Colossians 3:13-14 Luke 17:3-4 Ephesians 4:31-32 Ephesians 4:2-4 Mark 11:25 Proverbs 19:11 James 1:5-6 Hebrews 12:1-3 Resources for Further Reading "Bear" - "anecho" - to hold up, to endure, to suffer, to put up with (Blue Letter Bible, https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G430&t=KJV ) The Forgiveness Battle blog by Liv Alliston

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we meet Austin Stratton - wife and mom to 4 kiddos (2 of which are special needs).  She is also a teacher, student, writer and Crossfit guru!  Join our conversation as we learn more about her life, her family and her faith. Fitness Recommendations Dwell Yoga Studio - Frisco, TX Crossfit Richardson - Richardson, TX Book Recommendations A Cricket in Times Square by George Selden A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis Sage Alexander Series by Steve Copling Lord Change My Attitude by James MacDonald Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer What a Difference a Mom Makes in the Life of Her Son by Dr. Kevin Leman Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Screens and Teens by Dr. Kathy Koch Other Recommendations Rachel Haughton Wagner  

In this episode, Liv and Jessica dive into what biblical rest looks like in our busy, technology-laden world; and, how when we are rooted and grounded in God's love we can have rest in Him no matter what our circumstances may look like. Join us to hear the conversation! 1) Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Hebrews 4:1-13 (resting through obedience to Christ) Matthew 11: 28-30 (resting through Christ's work on the cross) Genesis 2:1-3 (resting is blessed and commanded) Exodus 33:12-14 (resting through dwelling in the presence of God) Mark 6:30-32 (resting before being poured out) Psalm 23:1-4 (Notice the succession: 1st - He is Lord, 2nd - He is provider, 3rd - He leads us to rest, where He restores us, 4th - He strengthens us when we rest in Him in the valleys and the trials) Ephesians 2:14 2) Additional Resources Blog, Rest by Jessica Gresham (featured on Liv Free Today) The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst

In this episode we meet Jessica Gresham, one of the members of our guest writing team at Liv Free Today.  Jessica is a native Texan who is married with 4 children and 2 babies in heaven. She is actively involved in her church, specifically through leading life group and participating in women's ministry.  Most days you will find her homeschooling her littles, helping her husband run a company and ministering to those in her circle of influence. Join our conversation to get to know more about Jessica! Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode: Lamentations 3:22-26 Psalms 143:8 Ephesians 3:16-21 Romans 8:38-39 Ephesians 2:8-9 Books Mentioned in this Episode: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti The Acorn Story: Seeing Ourselves and Others Through the Eyes of Eternity by JK Montgomery The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst Fervent by Priscilla Shirer The 5 Love Languages for Your Kids by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell Waking the Dead by John Eldredge Captivating by Stasi Edlredge Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae The Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers  

In this episode, Liv talks about who Christ is and who we are in Him, as children of God. We cannot know ourselves until we first know the One in whose image we were created.  Join the conversation and be encouraged in who God made you to be. Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode John 1:1-3 Genesis 1:1-3 Job 26:13 Psalm 104:30 Hebrews 1:1-2 Colossians 1:15-20 Hebrews 1:3 Luke 1:31-33 Luke 2 John 1:14 Genesis 1:26-27 1 John 4:8 Ephesians 3:14-20 1 John 3:1 Colossians 2:9-10 1 Corinthians 6:19 Romans 8:9-13, 14-17 Other Recommended Reading Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer Devotional and Bible study tools on Liv Free Today Resources page

In this episode, Liv and Kari explore what it means to have a heart like God's, just as is spoken of the Psalmist. They also discuss how we, too, can cultivate a heart after God so we can better reflect His image to those around us. Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode 1 John 1:5 Exodus 34: 5-7 James 1:17 Psalm 40-43 2 Timothy 2:13 1 Peter 2:25 Colossians 3:3 Luke 24:45 James 4:8 Jeremiah 29:13 Proverbs 8:17 Luke 11:9-10 Acts 17:26-27 Psalm 9:10 Psalm 119:18 Names of God Mentioned in this Episode El Elyon (Genesis 14:18) Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 14:22) Jehovah Nissi (Exodus 17:15) Jehovah Rophe (Exodus 15:26) Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35) Jehovah Shalom (Judges 6:24) Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 23:6) References Names of God Bible study by Liv Alliston (featured on Liv Free Today) Psalms Bible study by Liv Alliston (featured on Liv Free Today)

In this episode we meet Kari Copling, one of the members of our guest writing team at Liv Free Today.  Kari is married and a stay-at-home mom to 4 kids. Most days you will find refilling her coffee mug,  homeschooling her 2 oldest and encouraging just about everyone in her path! Join our conversation to get to know more about Kari! Books Mentioned in this Episode: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers (Mark of the Lion Trilogy) Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full by Gloria Furman Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson Prodigal God by Timothy Keller The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken Recommendations Mentioned in this Episode: Summer Moon Coffee (Frisco, TX) Sixty Vines (Plano, TX) Edith's French Bistro (Plano, TX)

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we meet with Alexa and Eric Van Hal.  They lost their sweet baby Harper through stillbirth at full term in May of 2018. Today we will be asking them how they handled the grief individually, within their marriage, and with their other two children.  We will also be talking about their new Bible study that they co-wrote, Hope in the Midst, and that they will be leading at Prestonwood Baptist Church North beginning September 2019.  Join our conversation as we navigate the road of grief together. Resources for Grieving Parents Hope Mommies https://hopemommies.org/ A Home Yet to Come blog (Alexa and Eric Van Hal) https://www.ahomeyettocome.com/ A Hope in the Midst by Alexa and Eric Van Hal https://www.facebook.com/events/2439571456263951/ To register go to: prestonwood.org/connect/group-studies/midweek-adult-classes (select North campus at the top and Register-North Campus at the bottom) Every Wednesday at 6:45pm from September 11 - November 20, 2019 (Room B230)  

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we meet Alexa Van Hal, one of our guest writers at Liv Free Today. She is a wife, momma to 4 and teacher. Most days you will find her making memories with her kids and strolling the aisles at Target!  Join the conversation to get to know more about Alexa! Books Recommended in this Episode Homebody by Joanna Gaines The Notetaking Bible (CSV) The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop It's Not Supposed to be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst Parenting by Paul David Tripp Wild at Heart by John Eldredge The 5 Love Languages for Your Kids by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Becoming Myself by Stasi Eldredge Other Recommendations in this Episode Baby Clothes: H&M, Zara, Cat and Jack, Janie and Jack, Leveret, Baby Gap Gospel-Minded Parenting blog post by Alexa Van Hal

In this first episode of Coffee Talk, Liv introduces herself and discusses the issues on which God has been dealing with her that are hindering her relationship with Him. Maybe you can relate too? Listen to this uplifting message as Liv opens up about her spiritual walk with God. Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Ephesians 1:17-19  2 Timothy 2:13  James 4:8  Psalm 51:10

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Talk!  In this episode, I will be sharing with you the vision for this podcast, which officially launches at the end of August.  I am so excited for this next chapter of Liv Free Today and invite you to journey with me as we navigate life together through the lens of God's Word. Subscribe today so you can receive all the updates as they post next month!