Into the Trenches Podcast

The first 10-40min of our day can be critical to how we set the rest of the day. We are in the season of Lent and we dig deep into how we are trying to use this time to shape our family by establishing good habits and how a powerful the start to our day can be a difference maker. Morning liturgies can be key to our ability to see and live out the challenging subversive practices we are called to. Huge shout out to Justin Early and his book Habits of the Household

Me: Of course they know I appreciate them. They know they are doing a great job and on track. Interviewer: When was that last time you told them that? Me: .... We often think people are clearly aware of the thoughts in our head. Or we think people just want to be recognized with cash and not some cheesy gesture. When actually a non-financial reward or recognition is the most meaningful of all. This is the same in our families and communities. Quote from: The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

One would think it would be hard to find yourself lonely in your Marriage, but I think it's actually the opposite. I think we feel lonely a lot more than we would like to admit. We are in no way relational experts but thought it would be good to be open and honest about how we have to work to not silo ourselves in our marriage. This was a fun, honest conversation about how Sarah and I are working to rid the feeling of being on an island. Are you sharing your desires? How are you and your significant other getting immersed into creation?

I think I am convinced that for the most part email makes us miserable. It for sure has given me stress and anxiety and at times killed my productivity. What workflows do you or should you change so that you don't have the constant feeling of running and getting nowhere. This is a quote from a book that has become one of my favorites. A World Without Email by Cal Newport

Being in the trench will cost. But if you can do it I think you'll find a new reverence for one another that will give you a new definition of abundance and life. I am feeling the pull and need a strong community to keep me moving in the right direction.

If you continue to interrupt all of your available time with email, social media, calls, or solving problems you are robbing your directed attention. One of the best ways to enhance your critical thinking or concentration to make sure you are letting yourself the freedom to have downtime - preferably time that is immersed in nature.

It was just a simple shirt that said "you belong here" that instantly made me want to come back. The best leaders can connect with us after our worst moments and make us 10 times stronger than we ever were before. They do this by connecting and making us feel like we belong. Isn't that a strong desire in all of us? Here is a safe place for you to give you absolute best effort and it feels like home. This is a quote from The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

If you want to do something more stick it in the middle of your living room. I love what James Clear says. B= f(P,E) Behavior is a function of people and environment. Having trouble sticking with a behavior or habit you strongly desire? Having trouble getting rid of a bad habit? Maybe you should take a hard look at your environment. This has a Huge impact on whether your setting yourself up for success or failure. This quote is from Atomic Habits by James Clear

Sometimes we are blessed with people in our lives that continue to show us heaven on earth. I get the joy of sitting down with a dear friend of mine Oscar Gomez to talk about this thing called life. I continue to be blown away by his incredible journey and if you stay till the end I think you'll see your creative juices flowing. I love that I can pick on him and laugh without concern. If nothing else I hope you start seeing the world as seen from above - without lines. God can come dwell in you - in us - is that not just blowing your mind right now?

I can't even being to understand the level of mental and physical power Rubin "Hurricane" Carte had when he was given three life sentences for something he didn't do. He made every moment count and refused to be label by a bunch of lies and non-truths. I think we can learn a lot from this story and the road bumps we face both professionally and at home. This quote comes from the book: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Why would I give my best? Where am I giving my best? With whom do I need to demand their best? The best leaders make everyone smarter. You'll never be disappointed if you give your best regardless your role. "I give you space - you give me back your best work" These quotes are from the wonderful Lis Wiseman and her book multipliers

Followers generally want to believe that what they do is their own idea and most importantly that it genuinely makes a difference. Lincoln chose kind unassuming persuasion rather than coerce. By doing this he was able to gain commitment through openness and empowerment. How well are you able to work through negotiations? This great quote comes from Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips

It is so critical that we are doing life together. Its too often that we are in motion and forget to stay. When we give up self and stay I think we quickly find a transformative moment. Our heart burning because we taste life to the fullest. This can most often be found when we slow down and seen those around us. We greet them when they arrive - and they are given what they need. Join us as we conclude our journey to Emmaus.

When faced with an obstacle are you looking for solutions or scapegoats? Do you find yourself leaning into victim thinking and complaining or elevating the world around you by practicing personal accountability. I think by changing the questions you ask will will help you shift to a joy filled day of helping others and yourself get out of the trench. This quote comes from QBQ! The Question behind the Question by John Miller

If your feeling the weight of hard and are struggling with constant dysfunction at work or in your home I bet at the core you'll find the absence of trust. Without this how can you expect to have healthy conflict, freedom to share struggles, and a drive towards commitment. How should I define trust? Why is it so valuable? What are some practical things I can do to build this foundation? This comes from: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team By: Patrick Lencioni

Did you feel like your intelligence was defined by how you tested or your grades as a kid. Maybe you got a terrible grade in math and that fixed your understanding on how good you were in that subject. It would also not be surprising if some of the fixed mindset that was developed in you at a young age continued to carry over to your career. With method, training, and patients I think you'll find yourself amazed by what you can become with the right mindset. Push yourself to learn and grow a little bit more everyday. This comes from one of my favorite books "mindset" by Carol Dweck.

There is SO much to unpack when talking about suffering. I am learning that all my effort to avoid it or not talk about it is preventing me from being FOR you. That sucks - we want to be for you - we want to do life together. I AM did the unthinkable for a wretch like me and it's Illuminating.

We are shaped by the powerful, the culture, and mainly those that are close. Those that you bring in close - they really matter - because they are shaping you everyday. We don't always get to choose who we do life together with but I believe it is something we should pay close attention to. I have found the Close can help you thrive both personally and professionally. There are some of you reading this now that have shaped me in an amazing way - I sit in thankfulness. It has helped push me out of trenches and given me the heart to help others out of the trench. This comes from Atomic Habits by James Clear

I think we forget to invest in the power of moments and the impact these can bring. I hope by listening this will spark a light in your soul and lead you to creating or experiencing a moment not quickly forgotten. Expect the unexpected! Thankful for all those that have created impactful moments in my life. This comes from "The Power of Moments" by Dan and Chip Heath.

Creating a good plan might be one of the best tools you can have both professionally and personally. Time-blocking has become an extremely powerful tool that I have used to help keep my time and efforts focused. I have a clear plan to minimize unrelated distractions. The day ends with a clear shutdown. This comes from Cal Newports book Deep Work - Check it out

Stop for a second and allow yourself to expect the unexpected. You might walk away surprised I might not know where you are in life or who you are but that should never stop me from viewing you the same way Christ views me. Join us in this 5th part of this series as we walk through Luke 24. Knowing God through diverse community of ALL types will light you up and show you the beauty of his kingdom. Show notes: Books: Fiber Fueled by Will Bulsiewicz Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

"But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem" - Luke 24:21 When have you let yourself hope for something only to have your hopes dashed? Ha - You can't relate to that right? Join us in Part 4 as we continue to discuss the power of life together and why its so critical to share our hopes, dreams, desires, frustrations, and disappointments.

"I look at God, I look at you, and I keep looking at God." - Julian of Norwich How can I be present to God on the Others behalf? How can I listen others into free speech? "When you dig in and share the issue you intend to act on the most powerful message is a faithful life." - Eugene Cho Check out part 3 as we talk about Listening and how were Faithing. Show notes: Friends clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdHPsG-6JSc Brain Regan (Me Monster): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vymaDgJ7KLg

"It's easier to unfollow, unsubscribe and delete the existence of those who think, act, vote or live different than you. When we exclusively engage difficulty online, it becomes easier and more tempting to forget the humanity of others." Welcome to part two of life together. Taking a hard look at what it looks like to welcome the stranger as we discuss the story of two radical disciples on their journey to Emmaus. This has been a very powerful conversation for me. Am I canceling people or am I treating them as if they were Christ?

"We can no more be conformed to the image of Christ outside corporate spirituality than a coal can continue to burn outside the fire." Its crazy to think about all the thoughts that come to mind when we hear the word community. I don't know what that looks like for you but I am willing to bet we might be confused about community because we make it primarily about us. This is the start of an 8 part series where we walk through Luke 24 and talk about the road to Emaus and how powerful it can be when we choose to walk together. Especially as we are journeying between the now and not yet.

Join us in our 50th episode where myself and my wife go LIVE to talk about the overwhelming amount of stress we have and how quickly we are feeling burnt out! We dive into the weight our communities are carrying and how we feel God is calling us to respond. I hope you find comfort in the fact that you are not alone and encouragement as you continue down this road called life. Here is the link to our live video: https://www.facebook.com/5117074/videos/10111155876595722/

"Where you stand affects what you see. Your notion of reality is completely shaped by your perspective and what you bring to what your looking at." - Hank Willis Thomas I wanted to be open, honest, and broken. This is myself and my wife humbly pour out our hearts in how we feel God is calling us to respond in the midst of civil unrest and injustice. If nothing else I hope our stories, loved ones of significant impacts, art, books, movies help push you towards God and next level thinking within your communities.

In the blink of an eye ... everything can change. In a time where I am seeking in my journey I try to look at someone I know is living life to its fullest despite their lot in life (sickness, poverty, political unrest, droughts, and more). Here is a quick conversation starting with my wife highlighting how were having fun stuck at home and then a phone call with one of my deepest and dearest friends Pastor Monoit! I hope you get the same thing I got from hearing how he is doing through this crazy time and his powerful prayer for myself/my community/and country - taste of Heaven on Earth.

I start work at about 6am in my basement to hide from my kids and then leave a little after 4 and I have not desired going back into what is now my stay at home office after hours to do a PODCast! Welcome to our first shelter in place PODCast we are back ... I am ready to explode from the hart. What if the same thing we see from COVID-19 (compounding growth, intensity, and life altering) could happen with love or the Kingdom now. I hope you enjoy an honest conversation from myself and my wife Sarah on how Gods moving in our lives, how there are just some things we suck at in this new way of living, the good and bad of sheltering in place, and some practicalities on ways to love with a new set of boundaries.

As I look for ways to journey with Christ in the desert for 40 days during this season of Lent I find myself wondering what it would look like to fully trust my community - fully trust my family - fully trust God into an amazing promise of abundance. Some of the choices we need to make can't be made in security. I don't feel like we are called to create a build your own safe zone and hope you can hold on tight until the end - "let's go to the other side." into the trenches

You better tune in because I will only have this episode up for a short time. YOU DON'T want to miss it! ... No I am just kidding it will be up for a while, I was using loss aversion to talk you into listening to my PODCast. This was a really fun topic and had a great open discussion with my wife regarding the things that we feel are a threat to our Kingdoms and acknowledging what happens when we lay our kingdom down. Seriously only 3 left in stock - if your gonna purchase you better do it now. ;)

I often am awaiting a prize that I think will fix my mess (the ideal), but maybe its a lie. The real is, in my mess there is a Treasure worth fighting for. When cultivated (sacred space with God) from a radical perspective Hope is awakened. Listen to our hearts on how light is shining even through the weight of the world.

This has probably been one of my favorite discussions with my wife because of its honesty and raw form talking about my thought towards God - "What the Hell?" Do I believe all shall be well? Why am I not okay with the cost of pain/fear? How do we get God's goodness in the midst of pain? Will my interaction with God wreck what I am trying to protect? Am I teaching my kids to hustle for comfort/self worth? I hope as you listen you can expect a miracle to happen and hear myself and Sarah talk about what we have in our hands and how we are opening ourselves up for God's transformation. I hope our story invades your own and you can being to see the Hope in the midst of Chaos. Also on the lighter side - WE WOULD LOVE to hear your family Thanksgiving Traditions. A shout out to J.S. Ondara for the music throughout the PODCast.

"To care means to be brave" Join me in my wonderful interview with the amazing author Stephanie Morrill talking about her journey as a writer and her newest book Within These Lines. Taking place shortly after Pearl Harbor this historical fictional book has a powerful message. One that I think is very relevant to some of the disorientation we face today. It an awesome invitation into the heart of an author and how impactful our stories can become. For more on Stephanie's work here is a link to here website: https://www.stephaniemorrill.com/

The outcome or byproduct of wrestling with God is Wisdom. I don't claim to know all (not even close) but want to be willing to talk or speak towards challenging topics that I think we battle every day. I have noticed an ongoing thread of disorientation around the topic of sex outside of marriage. I am blessed to have a family and community that has always taught me and supported me in laying a solid foundation. But for a lot of us the Bible can quickly become the source of our disorientation. Based on a meditation my father wrote I wanted to have a high level discussion on this difficult topic of sex (this is a great conversation to have with your Dad ;). If you agree then great take some more time to really understand "why" - if you disagree then I would encourage you to really figure out "why is it you disagree". I hope we can all grow in sanctification and feel the joy of Redemption, Grace, and the Faith required to see Gods will.

Take a moment to think about the air you breath... sometimes its good to pause and expect something amazing to happen. It seems like we are facing a time of constant addition putting us in a position that constantly produces shallow work. I want to stop and take a look at what is becoming a lost art "depth" Re-thinking what it means to be Christ Like - leave the shallow end and go deep. Take the stones you were given and build cathedrals!

Perhaps this is the moment in which you were created for? How do you find yourself in the story of the Gospel? What do you do with this everyday miracle? As I thought about the name that currently defined my soul I quickly thought of someone waiting for action - as they say be careful what you wish for. My eyes continued to see the beauty of the kingdom all around me. Are you in the margins? If so cling on and don't let go. Are you in a blessed position in society? Then you don't just have rights but obligations to those in the trenches.

I hope the title has your curiosity. I hope there is a great since of light after listening. Love: Are we leaving people out? Unity: Are Christians so ununited we are unrecognizable? Suffering: Can transformation happen without pain?

"Right is of no Sex - Truth is of No Color - God is the father of us all and we are all Brethren." -Frederick Douglas Shaun King and his fairly new PODCast the Breakdown has sparked a new fire in both myself and Sarah's heart. Are we perfect - far from it. Can we sit around a clam ignorance - absolutely not. Hear our honest conversation as we "break down" how God is moving in our home and our desire to take the low place regardless of color. That we would have the courage to see it, the heart to own it, the wisdom to solve it, and the means to do it. Stick around for the end - as we come back for an encore.

Sometimes there are people you invite in that bring such a fresh breath of air. In relation we can create powerful moments by Breaking the Script and gain something magical. It was pure joy hearing Josh Madden's story - how he is breaking the script - and moving to the wilderness that God has called him. A community and church my family is blessed to be a part of. I think you'll find this episode so Good for the soul. God is lighting up on your street - can you see it? Are you willing to break the script?

My hope is that my story will invade your own. That you can relate to the pressure of so many unmade decisions and the heavy weight our cultural places on our shoulders. Join me and my Mom (Mary Peed) as we discuss the weight of the world. The pressure to take risk and be extravagant because just good isn't enough. A lie that tells you to be king of the hill. The truth that tells you to be still... to take risk.. but for love not for economical gain.

I have been in quite a few discussions recently about Reality TV. During this season of lent I wanted to take an honest look at my own families narrative. Are we living in a false reality? Are we too comfortable and content? Or are we on an epic adventure moving towards a loving God and bringing the kingdom now? I quickly begin to understand as we step out of the lies and fake TV we find we are a lot more willing to find a beautiful community of people that we can do life with and step into unknown!

It's not always easy moving into the unknown, but there is something deep inside us all that longs for an adventure. I think if we took the time to empty out our own opinions and selfishness we could see a God calling us on a Journey that would require full surrender and its gonna be awesome! Join me with my co-worker Gerald Hart who is on an inspiring journey to complete a 350 mile .. yes you read that right a 350 mile bike ride across Kansas, and how God is using this experience to focus his passion and drive on Christ and away from Self.

Along the sea shore I found myself mesmerized by the beauty of a shell until I uncovered what was hidden ... it was broken. What once seemed beautiful quickly became trash of the sea... in that moment I could feel God calling me out. Is there a part of me that is treating my community the same way? Check it out as me and my wife are open and honest about what God continues to reveal in our home.

Am I the kind of person who sings until my heart hurts and then stops, Or am I the king of person who sings until it hurts and then sings again? It's always an honor to sit in the presents with my brother Brent Copeland. I love his fresh take on life and becoming apart of the unique ways God is calling him to be missional. His artist community project is inspiring and love seeing him fight through the trenches pushing all of us to a level of excellence regardless our level of brokenness. Check it out!

"We are still creatures of singular interest and value, agile of soul as we have always been and as we will continue to be even despite our errors and degradations for as long as we abide on this earth. To value one another is our greatest safety, and to indulge in fear and contempt is our gravest error.” -Marilynne Robinson Join myself and Sarah as we dig into how God is at work in our lives. How we often see we are Breaking Bad and Christ is not breaking out. Are we willingly blind or willingly his. Plus my wife makes my PODCast like a hundred times better than normal. Also - I have a new segment - that's right - where I share one of the many dreams I have every night and I want your feedback. What do you think it means??

I am afraid to retreat because I run from the fear of loneliness when no one else is around. Have I given God the opportunity to fill the void in my soul and be my King? Can I be free to question my understanding or why certain things have happened? Can I have doubt that God is who he says he is? I am completely Inspired by Francis's story and his willingness to share the story of the death of his first born son and how the suffering of his baby manifested a rising anger towards God. How, if we allow Him, God continues to illuminate whats right in front of us transforming death and darkness to life. I am learning slowly that I don't need certainty and that Christ welcomes our deepest questions.

"The world breaks everyone and afterword many are strong in the broken places" - Ernest Hemingway United in similar passions my co-worker Camille quickly moved from being a friend to being family. Blessed by his willingness to join me on my trip to Haiti we got to see Christ build a bridge bringing Heaven to Earth. It was awesome to have Camille meet my extended family at House of Blessing in Calebasse Haiti. I wanted to showcase Camille's powerful story and his instant impact on my life.

Time with Family is such a Joy ... Right? Recently I have been fascinated by universal joy's like a treehouse, or icecream cone, or swimming pools, or mountains, or bright vibrant colors. My little brother continues to find Joy despite road ahead and chooses a life that cost him greatly. Join our dialog as I dig into my little brothers story and discuss both joy and frustrations in his vocation and community. He plays a huge role in who I am today and my heart to get into the trenches of life with those around me. Yes, we probably shouldn't have been allowed to do a PODCAST together ;)

Join us in our home and me and my wife talk about how God is awakening our hearts to His gospel in the Suburbs. Sometimes it seems like a scavenger hunt God is leading us through - each moment drawing us closer to Him. Starting a new - ridding Self - getting to know the Kingdom of God because the Kingdom of Earth has left us parched. A new look a generosity - we are what we Love - and how can we tether our hearts to God and his people. Our longing for deep relationships. Welcome to our HOME!

I am in Awe of how Katy naturally lives out the Kingdom now. Both myself and Sarah were taken in by the Greene family when we left our home for college. Shorty after they left from Orlando to set some amazing roots in Guatemala. I just love Katy and her family's story. Despite the struggles and the hardships they continue to show up and saturate others in Love. You'll love listening to Katy's story about her journey moving to Guatemala as a missionary at a young age and her journey back to the states. Check out their families organization at https://www.catalystresources.net/ And check out Katy's blog at https://www.thekathrynwilsonblog.com/