Podcast Episodes | Boundless

Vacation Bible School memories and ministry, plus overcoming your fear of gyms, and when your family has strong opinions about your date. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: We Love Vacation Bible School! For many of us, Vacation Bible School is a fond childhood memory of studying Scripture, singing songs, meeting new friends and playing games. Some even remember VBS as the place they first understood the gospel and accepted Jesus as their Savior. As young adults, it’s now a great opportunity for us to volunteer and invest in kids. Our panel will cover fun memories from VBS and how you can love and disciple children this summer — and have fun in the process! Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Work Out Your Gym Fears What’s your biggest fear about going to the gym? Using equipment? Feeling out of shape compared to others? Just getting started? Lisa’s personal trainer, Jeff Wilson, has your back. He demystifies the process of crafting a workout, understanding gym etiquette, setting realistic expectations, and killing comparison. If you’re ready to get in shape for the summer, be sure to listen in. Fit God’s Way: Your Bible-Based Guide to Food, Fitness, and Wholeness Visit Jeff’s Website Inbox: Does My Family Need to Like My Boyfriend? Our listener is on edge about bringing her boyfriend home to meet her family. It begs the question: Should your family approve of the person you’re dating? Counselor and marriage expert Erin Smalley weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube

How to love weddings as a single guest, plus ordinary workers who did great things, and separating your work life from your personal life. Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Attending Weddings as a Single Wedding season is upon us. It’s an exciting time, but for many single adults it can be lonely or even downright depressing. This week’s guests, all single, share how to confidently show up at weddings, celebrate the bride and groom, and still have fun in the process. If you’re dreading that next wedding invitation, you’ll be encouraged by this conversation. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: God Loves Ordinary Jobs Some people think that to glorify God and make a difference, you need to be in full-time Christian ministry. But God loves all kinds of work and uses it (and people) for His good purposes. Jordan Raynor shares examples of people who trusted God with their “real world” jobs and used their creativity, perseverance and business know-how to make the world better. Get ready to be inspired by the true-grit stories of a pastor turned puppeteer, a toymaker and others. Five Mere Christians: Binge-Worthy Biographies That Show You How to Glorify God in Your Work Inbox: When Work Tries to Take Over Feel like you can’t separate your work life from your personal life? Our listener needs balance in order to stop feeling drained. Counselor Rob Jackson offers hope. Link to Counseling Services Find us on YouTube

Answering recruiter questions, plus how to craft a personal spiritual retreat, and should you only use Christian dating apps? Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters Roundtable: Questions to Prepare for a Job Interview A job interview is one of the most intimidating things you’ll do. How can you possibly be prepared for the questions you’ll be asked? And what questions should you ask in return? Three career recruiters bring their years of experience to suggest what really matters in a job interview, what questions you will absolutely be asked, and how you can be creatively and confidently prepared for the conversation, including any curveballs. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Take a Personal Spiritual Retreat How do you tune out the noise in the world, take a break from the daily grind, and really focus on God? By crafting a personal retreat! Becky Harling is an expert at taking time away for worship, reflection and refreshment. She’ll walk us through the experience and its components, whether you can carve out a couple hours, a half day, a whole day or a weekend. If you’re feeling drained and discouraged or just need a spiritual boost or reset, Becky’s suggestions may be just what you need. Our Father: A Study of the Lord’s Prayer (A 6-Week Bible Study) Inbox: Only Christian Dating Apps? Our listener is asking if Christians should use only Christian dating apps, or is it best to branch out to other ones as well. Lisa Anderson weighs in. Christian Cafe Find us on YouTube

How to navigate Mother’s Day, plus Dr. Greg Smalley continues the cohabitation conversation, and when your date has concerns about your family. Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: What Does Your Mother’s Day Look Like? What does Mother’s Day mean for you? For some, it’s joy-filled, but for others it’s extremely difficult — even painful. Our guests have different histories with the holiday as well as different levels of relationship with their mothers. They’ll share tips for navigating Mother’s Day, how to love our moms with Christ’s love, and how to make the day hopeful, no matter your circumstances. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Cohabitation Conundrum (Part 2) The Institute for Family Studies reports that almost 70 percent of Christian couples live together before getting married. According to psychologist Dr. Greg Smalley, both biblical and practical arguments against cohabitation seem to be “white noise.” Why so, and is there a better way to have this conversation? Greg, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Marriage, joins us for a two-part discussion on cohabitation, including new insights and research to debunk the “it’s no big deal” arguments made by many young adults. In part two, Greg shares the practical, emotional and spiritual benefits of delaying your move-in until after marriage. Watch This Segment on YouTube Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love Inbox: Your Significant Other Is Concerned About Your Family Her boyfriend recently expressed concerns about her family and how they interact. How serious is this, and in what way should she address the problem? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Reviewing the last two years of “The Boundless Show,” plus Dr. Greg Smalley with new concerns about cohabitation, and when a family member goes MIA. Featured musical artist: JJ Heller Roundtable: What’s New Since Episode 800? What have been some of your favorite moments from the past two years of “The Boundless Show”? We take a look back at what’s happened with the show since episode 800 and recall what we learned, what surprised us, the moments we loved most — and what made them so great. Send Us Your Show Ideas Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Cohabitation Conundrum (Part 1) The Institute for Family Studies reports that almost 70 percent of Christian couples live together before getting married. According to psychologist Dr. Greg Smalley, both biblical and practical arguments against cohabitation seem to be “white noise.” Why so, and is there a better way to have this conversation? Greg, Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Marriage, joins us for a two-part discussion on cohabitation, including new insights and research to debunk the “it’s no big deal” arguments made by many young adults. In part one, Greg shares some of the most common (and maybe uncommon) reasons for living together, plus its impact on your future marriage. Watch This Segment on YouTube Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love Inbox: They’ve Cut Off Family Communication What can you do if a family member has cut off communication and shows no signs of wanting to be contacted? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

When people transition out of your life, plus Annie F. Downs on being single and not-so-serious, and how to set boundaries with your parents. Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: When People Leave Your best friend moves to a new city. Or a sibling leaves home. Or you change churches. All of these have one thing in common: They reset your social circle, plus they bring a sense of grief and loss. When people exit your life, how do you learn to adjust? Our guests talk about departures that have forced them to move on and make new friends, plus how they persevered and saw God’s hand in the transitions despite the struggle to say goodbye. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Annie F. Downs From the Inside Out If you’ve ever listened to the podcast “That Sounds Fun” with host Annie F. Downs, you’re certainly familiar with her spunk, energy, and wide array of guests and topics. This week she’s on “The Boundless Show” chatting with Lisa about singleness, accountability in everything, how to navigate a career change, how she plans her show, and where she’s trusting God right now. Watch This Segment on YouTube Chase the Fun: 100 Days to Discover Fun Right Where You Are Find Annie’s Podcast Single Purpose League Inbox: Boundaries With My Parents Are you an adult whose parents still want to know every bit of your business? You’re not alone. How can you maintain a good relationship with your mom and dad while still setting appropriate boundaries and building independence? Counselor Kari A weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Our favorite Easter takeaways and traditions, plus crafting your testimony to share, and keeping up with a Gen Zer who wants to do it all. Featured musical artist: John Waller Roundtable: The Impact of Easter We share our favorite Easter holiday activities and traditions — what we’ve kept (church, brunch, maybe a chocolate egg or two) and what we’ve tossed (Easter bunny photos, ugh) — and how we craft a meaningful celebration. We also discuss why Easter gives us hope, and what that actually means. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: How to Tell Your Story Are you good at sharing your testimony? For many of us it can feel awkward or downright intimidating. Maybe you’re not even sure what parts to leave in and what to cut out. And you certainly haven’t practiced it. Dani Crews joins us to explain the power of our own stories in sharing the gospel with others, and gives us great tips for crafting our story so others want to hear it. Watch This Segment on YouTube Rhythms of Rest: A Devotional to Move You Towards the Life You Were Always Created For Visit Dani’s Website Take Dani’s Course Inbox: That Gen-Z Lifestyle If someone you know is more of a free spirit who wants to work a flexible schedule, is forever traveling to new places, has a lot of friends but doesn’t want to make time for family or those closest to them, how do you find common ground? Lisa Anderson weighs in. Find us on YouTube

Roles and rhythms while dating, plus strategies to combat loneliness, and when he feels attraction in a relationship but she doesn’t. Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells Roundtable: Who Does What When Dating? A listener recently asked what roles, if any, men and women should play in a dating relationship. The question raises many more questions: Should the guy make the first move? Does biblical submission apply in dating? Who should pay for dates? What does leadership of the relationship look like? We tackle these questions and more with our panel of newly-married and engaged individuals. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Overcoming Loneliness Loneliness is a worldwide epidemic. A recent U.S. Surgeon General report states that one in two adults feels isolated. The need for connection is greater than ever, and Christians should be the first to prioritize it. Becky Harling has fought hard for real relationships in her life, and is here to show us how to do the same. Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World Visit Becky’s Website Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: One-Sided Attraction A listener has been dating her boyfriend for three months. He’s excited about the relationship, but she’s just not feeling it. Is there reason to stick it out and hope for attraction to grow? Counselor Kari A weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Choosing Attraction

Obeying God’s commands about sex (part two), plus Ben Stuart on breakups, engagement and marriage, and how do you prepare to be a stay-at-home mom? Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 2) Do you sometimes feel you’re the last Christian on earth who hasn’t had sex? Or you think God has bigger things to worry about than your sex life, so a little compromise here or there is no big deal. Maybe you’ve caved to sexual sin and are wondering if you’re a Christian at all. If any of these scenarios describe you, you’re not alone. God is pretty clear about His sexual standards and design, so why is it so hard to obey them? And in today’s culture, why should we? In part two of this no-holds-barred conversation, our guests discuss why church can be a difficult place to talk about sexual struggles, how sex in marriage is a big deal, and finding a future beyond sexual sin. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Moving From a Breakup to Marriage Most of us go through at least one breakup while dating, but is there a way to navigate a relationship’s demise without getting caught in a bad cycle of them? Pastor Ben Stuart broke up with a girlfriend in college and learned a few valuable lessons in the process. Breakups may be part of your journey through the relational seasons of being single, dating, getting engaged and getting married. But as Ben explains, it’s possible to survive a breakup (or several) and move toward marriage with confidence. Single, Dating, Engaged, Married: Navigating Life and Love in the Modern Age Visit Ben’s Instagram Inbox: Prep to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom Our listener dreams of being a stay-at-home mom and is asking how she should prepare. Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Obeying God’s commands about sex, plus Ben Stuart on battling adversity and temptation, and how to maximize your final year of college. Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: A Sexual Purity Reset (Part 1) Do you sometimes feel you’re the last Christian on earth who hasn’t had sex? Or you think God has bigger things to worry about than your sex life, so a little compromise here or there is no big deal. Maybe you’ve caved to sexual sin and are wondering if you’re a Christian at all. If any of these scenarios describe you, you’re not alone. God is pretty clear about His sexual standards and design, so why is it so hard to obey them? And in today’s culture, why should we? In part one of this no-holds-barred conversation, our guests open up about their sexual histories, grapple with the truths of God’s Word (even the tough parts), look forward with renewed hope, and cast a vision for finding both strength and grace in God’s forward-focused and for-our-good design for sex. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Fighting Temptation and Finding Rest We’re in a spiritual war against the world, our own sinful desires, and even Satan himself. We need to fight temptation, worthless pursuits, discouragement and adversity on every side. As fighters, our need for rest can be just as important as how we handle the battle — but where and when do we find this rest? Pastor Ben Stuart is passionate about helping young adults find intimacy with God through ancient rhythms and practices. He knows we can reject the enemy’s lies and embrace our true identity in Christ. Pushing through the struggle we are then afforded rest at the often unexpected pastures and streams that God provides. This discussion will help you start the journey. Rest and War: Rhythms of a Well-Fought Life Visit Ben’s Instagram Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: Making Your Last Year of College Count What should you do to maximize your last year of college? How can you enjoy this season while preparing for what comes next? Counselor Linda Miller weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

How we budget and save for stuff, plus what to do when you feel behind in life, and conversations with someone who has doubts about God. Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Are You Living Paycheck to Paycheck? A bucket-list trip. A new house. A different car. The latest smartphone. All great things, but they require money. Many of us have gotten used to living paycheck to paycheck and putting things on credit cards. Is there a better way to spend and save without going into debt or eating mac and cheese until we’re 40? Our guests reveal what they’re saving money for, how they’re doing it, and why delayed gratification and planning for the future can be rewarding. If you’re needing clarity on how to better save towards a long-term goal, you’ll be inspired by our discussion. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Am I Behind in Life? Your friend gets a promotion. Another friend starts dating. A couple in your small group is expecting their first child. Meanwhile, you’re underemployed and staring at another apartment’s popcorn ceiling. This was Meghan Asbury’s life. Every milestone her friends hit left her feeling more and more behind. She moved to a new city for a fresh start, but that didn’t help. The months and years following led to a fair amount of grieving, soul-searching, and reevaluating her situation. In the process she learned a lot about herself, God, His plans for us, and what it means to be “on track.” You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want Visit Meghan’s Website Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: When a Loved One Doubts God A friend or family member admits they’re having doubts about God. How can you respond without freaking out or sounding preachy? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Make your Bible reading more meaningful, plus identifying and addressing trauma in your life, and what did Paul mean by his “thorn in the flesh”? Featured musical artist: Phil Wickham Roundtable: Beyond Bible 101 You grew up in church, but is the Bible still a bunch of stories and moral lessons to you? Do you want to go deeper and not just know facts, but really get to know God himself? The possibilities for personal study and devotion are endless and sometimes overwhelming. Our guests share their favorite ways to study God’s Word, how they’ve experienced transformation through it, and what has helped them dig deeper along the way. Watch This Segment on YouTube Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Understanding the Effects of Trauma Trauma has many forms, and many of us have experienced it on some level. Whether neglect, violence, abuse, injury or tragedy, trauma can be difficult to identify and even harder to process and heal. Licensed professional counselor Eliza Huie joins us to define trauma, demonstrate how to name it, and explain how Christians can respond appropriately to ensure we or others get the help we need. Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care Visit Eliza’s Website Inbox: A Thorn in the Flesh In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul describes his metaphorical “thorn in the flesh.” What exactly did he mean by that and subsequent phrases like, “When I am weak, then I am strong”? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

A challenge to ditch your screens, plus a conversation on sexuality and the church, and when your friend says she’s bisexual and a Christian. Featured musical artist: Je’kob Roundtable: Join Our Screen Fast In anticipation of Lent, our friends at Plugged In have teed up a screen fast. Wanna join? If taking a break from digital devices including your smartphone, tablet, TV and gaming console sounds challenging (work exceptions are OK), then this fast may be for you. Two Plugged In team members plus our friend Georgia join us for an honest assessment of our own screen usage and what it might look like to pause for a week and prioritize the real world. Take The Technology Addiction Assessment Link to Bring Your Bible’s Instagram Page Link to Plugged In Website Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Discussing Sex in Church Sex is a difficult topic to talk about — especially at church. But the Bible has a lot to say about it, and sadly, sexual sin doesn’t stay outside the church walls. Ellen Dykas is single and part of a ministry dedicated to conversations and restoration around sex, including addiction. She talks with us about how the church can champion a healthy and biblical framework for sexuality and how it can offer healing to the sexually broken. Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters Visit Ellen’s Website Harvest USA’s Online Courses Watch This Segment on YouTube Inbox: When a Christian Friend Says She’s Bisexual If your friend is dating the same gender but still claims to be a Christian, how do you respond? Jeff Johnston weighs in. Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why It Matters Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Plan your wedding like a boss, plus Ellen Dykas on navigating lifelong singleness, and how to see God at work in a culture of negativity. Featured musical artist: Darlene Zschech Roundtable: How to Plan a Wedding Weddings are big business, and the pressure to have a “perfect” day is real. To make it all happen, many couples invest thousands of dollars and months of preparation. Is the effort worth it? According to experts, what deserves your time and money, and what doesn’t? What are some things to have in mind as you sort out the details? What parts of the planning should the groom-to-be have a say in or take over altogether? How can you make the day meaningful and God-honoring? Our panel of two professional wedding planners plus one engaged (and overwhelmed) guy shares first-hand experience in making your day memorable and manageable on all fronts. Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Fruitful Singleness Ellen Dykas has been in ministry most of her life, first in international missions and now in leadership for an organization devoted to sexual wholeness. Oh, and she’s in her late 50s and single. She details her journey in singleness, including the pressure to be married, how she finds purpose every day, what’s tough and what’s great about being single, what it’s like to be a leader alongside men in ministry — and much more. Next week she’ll be back to talk about sexuality and the church! Visit Ellen’s Website Inbox: Fighting Negativity When you’re surrounded by negativity and darkness in today’s world, where can you look to see God at work? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Overcommitment on church activities, plus Suzanne Gosselin on Gen Z’s apathy toward dating apps, and what if your date has mental health issues? Featured musical artist: Jeremy Rosado Roundtable: Church Involvement Overload Sunday services. Volunteering. Helping others throughout the week. Not to mention Bible study, small group, committee meetings and discipleship. If you aren’t careful, doing good and even “godly” activities out of guilt can lead to burnout. Besides, if you’re always at church, what do you do about your neighbor and others who don’t know Christ? To help us find equilibrium, our guests share how they’re learning to pause, prioritize and even cut back on their commitments to find joy in what God actually wants from them and for them. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: A Young Adult Exodus From Online Dating In the early 2000s online dating sites were brand new, and heading into the 2010s and beyond, increasing numbers of couples credited digital connections for helping them find their spouse. But the latest statistics indicate Gen Z is ditching online dating apps. Boundless friend and contributor Suzanne Gosselin shares insight on why young adults aren’t as prone to swipe right as older generations. True Love Dates: Your Indispensable Guide to Finding the Love of Your Life Dating Apps Lose Popularity Among Gen Z Visit Suzanne’s Website Inbox: Dating and Mental Health Issues Is it possible to have a good dating relationship if you or your significant other struggles with depression, anxiety, or other forms of mental illness? Counselor Joannie DeBrito joins us to answer. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Our favorite romantic films, plus the history of St. Valentine and Valentine’s Day, and attending the wedding of someone you used to date. Featured musical artist: Daniel Bashta Roundtable: Best Movies for Valentine’s Day Do you have a go-to film for Valentine’s Day? Do you prefer a rom-com or an epic romance or period drama? To help you celebrate February 14th, our panelists duke it out over the all-time best movies about love and romance. Listen in to see if your favorite makes the list and hear our opinions on what makes for a great love-centric storyline. Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Link to Plugged In Website Culture: Will the Real St. Valentine Please Stand Up? Where did the Valentine’s Day traditions of flowers, romantic cards and heart-shaped candies come from? It started with St. Valentine, a real person with a fascinating story. To help separate truth from legend, historian Bill Petro shares facts, fiction and legacy around the Roman priest and the holiday that shares his name. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity Visit Bill Petro’s Blog Inbox: Attending the Wedding of Someone You Dated What if you’re invited to the wedding of someone you used to have feelings for? What if it was someone you actually dated? A counselor offers advice. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Encouragement when your home life isn’t ideal, plus hope for single parents, and are Christians still committed to God’s standard for sex? Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Love Where You Live What’s your current living situation and how do you feel about it? You may live by yourself, with roommates, your parents, or a married couple or family. Whatever the circumstances, each situation has pros and cons. Our panelists have lived in a variety of settings and with different types of people. They discuss lessons they’ve learned along the way as well as tips for staying encouraged and making the most of where God has you right now, even if it’s not ideal. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Single Parent Path Tez Brooks got the news nobody wants when his first wife left him. His divorce was both an emotional low and a spiritual wake-up call. In the years following, he navigated life as a single dad — raising two kids, adjusting to a new normal, embracing church and community in a new way, and healing relational wounds. Now remarried, Tez shares encouragement and strategies for single parents who feel overwhelmed, plus advice for trusting God when your life is turned upside down. The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce Tez’s Website Inbox: What Happened to Sexual Integrity? Our listener is frustrated that almost none of his friends are obeying God’s Word when it comes to sex. What are the implications, and is it right to care? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

How to communicate to others with honesty and clarity, plus tips for adulting well, and addressing a struggle with OCD. Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Say What You Mean You’re trying to plan an event, but you can’t get anyone to RSVP. You know you have to turn someone down, but you don’t want to hurt their feelings. You started a text trail with a friend, and now they’ve gone MIA. Sound familiar? Why is it so hard to initiate, commit, respond, be honest — all the things that are hallmarks of mature communication? Our guests discuss the importance of following up, showing up, and speaking up honestly in our relationships. There’s a reason the Bible says, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil (Matt. 5:37). Together we can learn how to do better, starting with this conversation. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: How to Be an Adult At 19, Tez Brooks took a leap of faith and moved 1,000 miles away from home. He soon had a rude awakening that being an adult is no easy task; he couldn’t even do his own laundry. Now the author of “Adult-o-Nomics,” a fun yet practical guide to mastering life skills, Tez addresses our need to take responsibility, master necessary tasks, relate to the opposite sex, and more. Adult-o-Nomics: How to Nail It On Your Own Tez’s Website Inbox: A Christian Approach to OCD Our listener admittedly wrestles with OCD and is looking for help from a Christian perspective. Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

The perils of ghosting, plus a fitness coach’s God-centered approach to health, and should you get married if you’re poor? Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Alternatives to Ghosting “I’ve been ghosted!” It’s a common complaint among daters, but it happens in friendships and other contexts as well. Whether you’re guilty of ghosting or have been on the receiving end of this annoyingly passive “dump,” we’d all agree there are better, kinder, and healthier ways to end a relationship, say no, and move on. Our guests disclose their own confessions and frustrations around ghosting, and offer alternative solutions for these awkward junctures in relationships. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Putting God in Your Fitness If your January fitness goals have already been jettisoned, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Professional fitness coach Kim Dolan Leto thinks one of our biggest diet and exercise mistakes as Christians is not inviting God into the process. But does God care about workouts and weigh-ins? What can Kim possibly be talking about? Far from a shame-based, effort-intensive plan, Kim’s approach to getting healthy is grounded in Scripture and a holistic view of how God designed our bodies to work. If you’re tired of white-knuckling your fitness goals only to fail yet again, this conversation deserves a listen. Fit God’s Way: Your Bible-Based Guide to Food, Fitness, and Wholeness Kim’s Website Fit God’s Way Inbox: Can I Get Married if I’m Poor? Culture tells us we need to be financially secure before adding marriage to the mix. Is that true, or can you get married even if you’re poor? Counselor Joannie DeBrito weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

What confidence looks like, plus a young adult’s journey with chronic pain, and how to honor God in everyday life. Featured musical artist: Mosaic MSC Roundtable: Confident Relationships, Work and Identity What is confidence, and how do you get it? It’s probably more than Julie Andrews dancing around a Salzburg fountain and chirping, “I have confidence!” Yet it seems that some elements of confidence can be learned, if not merely wished into existence. Our guests share tips for being more confident on the job, in relationships, and in understanding who you are. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Young Adults and Chronic Pain Olivia Feller started having weird symptoms in her teens. Doctor after doctor failed to provide a diagnosis, cure, or even relief, and eventually Olivia’s pain became debilitating. College was a blur of medical appointments, skipped classes and missed milestones and events. Olivia, still on her journey, learned to face pain and chronic illness head-on as she turned to the only one with the answers — God himself. She shares what worked, what didn’t work, and how God, friends and others were her strength when she had none. Hold Hope: Encouragement for Christians with Chronic Pain Inbox: How Do I Honor God? What does it mean to “honor God” and others in the life we live and the choices we make? It’s a big question that one of our counselors sheds some light on. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

The difference between rest and procrastination, plus a challenge to go 40 days alcohol-free, and do girlfriends need to submit to their boyfriends? Featured musical artist: Danen Kane Roundtable: Are You Resting or Procrastinating? When you’re working hard to reach new goals, it’s important to pace yourself and not burn yourself out. But can you tell the difference between true rest and straight-up procrastination? Our guests share their best insights on when it’s time to take a break versus when it’s time to get off the couch and get busy. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Case for Sobriety Christy Osborne had long been a casual drinker, but when her mother died, she became alcohol-dependent. Her downtime, social time and vacation time revolved around booze. Although Scripture isn’t absolute on the issue of drinking in moderation, Christy knew that alcohol had become central to her life. She explored what sobriety might look like: how it would affect her health, relationships and mindset. Now a sobriety coach, Christy joins us to share her journey and suggestions for making an objective assessment of our relationship with alcohol. Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind Inbox: Should a Woman Submit to Her Boyfriend? Scripture tells wives to submit to their husbands. In dating, does that same principle apply between women and their boyfriends? Counselor Brenda Huerta weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services

Embracing changes in a new year, plus what grief looks like, and do you hate responsibility? Featured musical artist: Ginny Owens Roundtable: New Year, New Opportunities A new job. An engagement. Starting a dating relationship. Moving to a new place. One of the beauties of life is the chance to grow, try new things, and step into adventure. But with change comes a whole new set of challenges. To share wisdom on getting through adjustments you’ll make this year, our guests discuss what lessons they’ve learned through life’s transitions. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Process of Grief Grief comes in many forms. Whether death, injury, disappointment or betrayal, grief often arrives unannounced and without an instruction manual. Rather than progressing in a straight line or on a specific timetable, grief moves in cycles. At least that’s what counselor and educator Dr. Ray Mitsch says. The victim of a serious accident that has him in constant pain, Dr. Mitsch walks us through how to navigate the different components of grief, how to comfort the grieving, and when to know it’s time to get professional help in processing loss. The Seasons of Our Grief: Embracing the Journey Inbox: I Don’t Like Responsibility Being a grownup means taking responsibility for everything from life skills to decisions to how we treat others. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though. If you’re responsibility-averse, you’ll be encouraged by the words of counselor Jeff Brown. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Article: Adult Before 30?

Intentional relationships with non-Christians, plus what happened after Jesus’ birth, and when friends deconstruct their faith. Featured musical artist: James Peden Roundtable: Out of the Christian Bubble Many of us have at least one friend, family member or coworker who’s not a Christian. But if we’re honest, we tend to spend most of our time with other believers; between family, church, ministry opportunities and small group, it’s easy to stay in a faith-filled comfort zone. What are intentional ways to mix it up, branch out, and get out of the Christian “bubble”? Our guests discuss ways they’ve learned to step out of their routines, build community, and be a light for Christ. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: First Christmas, Then Herod If you were part of our Advent text experience, you heard regularly from John Greco. This week he reflects on lessons he’s learned from his extensive study of Advent, and why it’s good for Christians to think of the Christmas story in the bigger context of history. To that end, he’ll read a short excerpt from his book “Rediscovering Christmas” titled “The Nightmare After Christmas.” Rediscovering Christmas: A Twelve-Day Journey to the Manger Inbox: When Friends Leave the Faith How do you respond when a friend announces, “I’m done being a Christian”? One of our counselors weighs in. Find us on YouTube Link to Counseling Services Article: When a Pastor Like Josh Harris Abandons Christianity

How to be a fun date, plus sharing Jesus with the cynical and deconstructed, and how do you accept your current situation in life? Featured musical artist: Ellie Holcomb Roundtable: Fun Date Ideas Dating doesn’t always have to be serious. In fact, your ability to have fun as a couple is a good litmus test for whether you should marry. Our guests share their best strategies for staying chill in the dating process, as well as some of their most creative date ideas. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Gospel for Young Adults Aaron Pierce grew up a missionary kid in Amsterdam and saw his parents share the gospel with people in some of the darkest corners of the city. He’s now part of his parents’ ministry, specializing in reaching non-religious young adults with the hope of Jesus Christ. In his experience, what are the most natural, “just be yourself” ways to reach your peers? You’ll probably need to get out of your comfort zone, but chances are you’ll have conversations that are meaningful and eternity-focused. Join the conversation to hear some of Aaron’s best stories and suggestions. Not Beyond Reach: How to Share Jesus with the Young, the Deconstructed, and the Non-Religious Steiger International Inbox: Accepting Where You Are Your current season of life might be great or it could be a mess. Regardless of your circumstances, how do you come to terms with where you are today? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in. Guest: Tim Sanford Find us on YouTube Article: Managing Anxiety Article: How to Develop a Resilient Mindset Link to Counseling Services

Sibling time over the holidays, plus trading anxiety for peace, and should you change jobs to advance your career? Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Sibling Connections at Christmas What are your sibling dynamics like during the holidays? Some of us have great relationships with our brothers and sisters, but for others, interactions and conversations can be shallow, awkward, or even tense. Our guests share both good and difficult moments they’ve had with their siblings; if you aren’t sure how to connect meaningfully with your family this Christmas, you’ll be encouraged by our discussion. Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: What God Does With Anxiety Rates of anxiety among young adults are at an all-time high. How do we cope? Do we white-knuckle it and hope things get better? Not according to Whitney Lowe, who argues that God not only can but wants to take our anxiety if we’ll bring it to Him. Join us for practical suggestions for setting our minds on God and bringing peace to our minds and hearts. Set Your Eyes Higher: A 40-Day Reset to Slow Your Anxiety and Fix Your Focus on God Whitney’s Instagram Inbox: Will Changing Jobs Put Me Ahead? Some suggest that if you change jobs, you’ll advance in your career more quickly. But is that actually true? Career expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in. Find us on YouTube

Serious strain between parents and adult children, plus why church history matters, and should you do a missions trip when your parents disapprove?   Featured musical artist: Jonathan Cain  Roundtable: “Mom and Dad, We're Done” The holidays should be a joyous time of gathering with family and friends, but all too often they are marked by absence, distance and strife. For some, the choice to “cancel” family members — including your own parents — brings confusion, hurt and relational wreckage. Our guests this week are parents with strained or non-existent relationships with their adult children. They share the details behind their unique journeys, their hope for reconciliation, and how they're choosing to rely on the Lord as they wait.     Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services  Abusive Relationships Page   Culture: Why Care About Church History? We know about the New Testament apostles. You've likely heard of Martin Luther and John Calvin. But for what purpose? Does learning about church history (and a bunch of dead guys) inform and shape our lives today? Historian and blogger Bill Petro joins us to give a crash course, explaining why church history is not only instructive, but also fascinating.         Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity   Visit Bill Petro's Blog Inbox: My Parents Dissed My Missions Trip She wants to go on a missions trip but her parents are opposed out of concern for her safety, among other things. Is going the right or wrong decision? Missionary Wendy Hamon spent years in difficult and dangerous overseas situations; she offers advice.  Find us on YouTube   

Your home is a great place to gather, plus living each day with heaven in mind, and how to make your faith your own.   Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: Invite People to Your Home Do you enjoy hosting parties and get-togethers, or does the thought of people at your place intimidate you? With the holidays upon us, now's a great time to have people over. But hospitality isn't just for special occasions. Whether big or small, planned or impromptu, creating space and structure for people to eat, connect, feel loved and heard is something the early church modeled well. But what can it look like for us — for you — today? Our guests have creative ideas for sharing their space and fostering connection with all sorts of people; listen in as they share the challenges and benefits of gospel hospitality.     Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Why Eternity Matters Today Does the reality of heaven influence the way you live right now? Do you even think about heaven and its impact on your daily choices? Pastor Mark Bates explains how where we'll spend eternity should influence our relationships, careers, priorities, and the everyday decisions before us. If you're wondering why heaven matters, this discussion will encourage you.        Inbox: Your Parents' Faith, or Yours? You may have grown up in church — even walked an aisle or prayed a prayer. At some point, though, you have to take ownership of your faith and make it not just something you've “inherited,” but something you've internalized. How do you do this? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.  Find us on YouTube   

Living on purpose while you're single, plus ways to help the homeless and poor around you, and what's a Christian's obligation to evangelize?   Featured musical artist: Austin Stone Worship Roundtable: Purpose in Singleness  You may want to get married, but is there a way to maximize your singleness while you wait? Our guests, all single, share their best strategies for finding community, chasing after growth, meeting people, and serving others in a season of singleness. If you feel your life lacks purpose or has stalled out, you'll be inspired by their thoughts.   Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Wise Ways to Help the Homeless You stop at an intersection and a homeless person is there, holding a sign asking for help. How do you respond? We know the Bible tells us to love and care for the poor among us, but how can we do this with compassion and effectiveness? Travis Williams leads the multi-outreach Springs Rescue Mission, a place of hope for addicts, the mentally ill, homeless and others. Every day he sees these challenges first-hand, and he offers ideas to help Christians move the needle of care in our own communities.         Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World The Needy Outside My Window  Visit Springs Rescue Mission's Website  Inbox: Do I Need to Preach on Street Corners? Is aggressive, public evangelism the call of every believer — even to the point of preaching on street corners? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.  Find us on YouTube 

Overcoming faith doubts and trials, plus Joshua Rogers on a Christian's rights at work, and seeking healing from sexual trauma before marriage.   Featured musical artist: Abandon Roundtable: When Your Faith Is Challenged What's been the biggest test to your faith? A tragedy? Unanswered questions? Scientific claims? We've all faced moments that forced us to ask honest questions about God, the Bible, and the Christian faith. Our guests share about weathering big spiritual challenges, and what helped them overcome their doubts to trust God more fully.  Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: A Christian's Rights in the Workplace If you work in a secular environment, are you required to leave your faith at home? What legal rights do you have to express what you believe? Conversely, what can your employer require of you? Boundless contributor Joshua Rogers is an attorney who has these conversations every day. He gives us honest advice for living out your faith and values on the job while loving others in the process.        No Reason to Hide: Standing for Christ in a Collapsing Culture   Link to Article: How to Defend Your Faith Without Being a Jerk  Visit Joshua Rogers' Website  Inbox: Addressing Sexual Trauma Before Marriage Past sexual trauma can do untold damage to your body, mind and emotions. If you've experienced this trauma, how do you appropriately seek healing before getting married? Counselor Geremy Keeton weighs in.  Link to Counseling Services  Mending the Soul by Steven Tracy Fearless Series Resources   Find us on YouTube 

Navigating dating as a woman in your 30s, plus a psychiatrist's tips for getting mental health care, and giving church community a second chance.  Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: Dating in Your 30s (Girls' Edition) What is dating like in your 30s compared to your 20s? Is the pressure higher? The disappointments greater? Or do time and maturity actually help in the pursuit of a relationship? Join our two-part series where 30-something daters share advice from their own experiences. This week, it's the ladies' turn. (Men were last week!)   Leave Us a Voicemail Watch This Segment on YouTube Culture: Tips for Accessing Mental Health Care We know about today's sky-high rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles, but how do you start the process of getting the care you need? Psychiatrist Karl Benzio helps us understand the ins and outs of therapy, medication, psychology vs. psychiatry, counseling vs. therapy — and most importantly, how to know what you need, and when. This will save you some copays for sure, so grab a pen and paper and listen in!  Are You Really OK?: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You're Doing, and Why It Matters  Link to Counseling Services  Learn About the Honey Lake Clinic  More on Karl's Work  Inbox: Small Group Second Chances Our listener is feeling pressured to jump back into church community groups, but it never seems to go well for them. What's the best approach going forward? Lisa Anderson weighs in.  Hear Our Gary Thomas Interview  Find us on YouTube   

Navigating dating as a man in your 30s, plus sexuality and the single man, and how do you adjust to drastic life changes?  Featured musical artist: Kerrie Roberts Roundtable: Dating in Your 30s (Guys' Edition) What is dating like in your 30s compared to your 20s? Is the pressure higher? The disappointments greater? Or do time and maturity actually help in the pursuit of a relationship? Join our two-part series where 30-something daters share advice from their own experiences. This week, it's the guys' turn. Ladies, you're next week!   Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Sexual Integrity for Single Men in Their 30s Bob DeMoss is a best-selling author and the founder of Focus on the Family's Plugged In. But despite praying for a wife, he didn't marry until age 37. In a refreshingly candid conversation, Bob and Lisa discuss staying sexually faithful in singleness, combating loneliness, and navigating the “single cycle” of contentment, restlessness, poor choices, guilt and repentance.         GOAA Offer: The Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, and Any Man Willing to Show Up  Visit Bob's Website  Inbox: Weathering Drastic Life Changes We think we know where we're going in life, yet we all deal with major changes and setbacks at some point. When they come, how should we respond? Counselor Linda Miller weighs in.  Find us on YouTube 

Make your roommate situation exceptional, plus a former abortion doctor's testimony, and how to have deep relationships in a disconnected culture.  Featured musical artist: David Dunn Roundtable: Crafting Great Roommate Relationships We're all kind, reasonable and considerate until someone is in our space. This is especially magnified in a roommate situation, whether you're rooming with one person or several. What do you need to know in choosing roommates, setting house rules, respecting boundaries and resolving conflict? Our guests break it all down based on their past and current experiences.   Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: From Abortion Doctor to Pro-Life Champion Dr. Catherine Wheeler didn't see much wrong with abortion as a choice, performing them in her practice as an OB/GYN. But facts, circumstances and a new-found faith changed her mind. This week she tells her amazing story alongside a compelling argument for why abortion simply can't be an answer for women who want ultimate health and wholeness. She'll also break down the politics of abortion in a climate that is increasingly confusing and polarized.        Abortion Survivors Break Their Silence Considering Abortion? Inbox: Real Relationships After College Forming deep relationships with real people post-college can be a challenge. Lisa Anderson weighs in with feasible options for building community.  Find us on YouTube 

Trusting God with your election anxiety, plus Gary Thomas helps you find your worship “personality,” and how to ask for a raise at work.   Featured musical artist: Nathan Tasker Roundtable: Managing Election Anxiety Candidate switches, assassination attempts, war escalations, policy battles and the inevitable name-calling and slander. Who's ready for this election to be over? Our guests share their feelings around November 5th and how they are navigating conversations leading up to the big day. Is it fracturing their relationships? Are they just staying silent? And what about the outcome? How do we move forward in trusting God if our candidate doesn't win? With anxiety levels at an all-time high, this timely conversation (including mental health advice from psychiatrist Karl Benzio) will help quell your fears and turn your heart to the One who holds the outcome.   Leave Us a Voicemail Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God  Culture: Find Your Spiritual Temperament The Bible tells us that God is everywhere. But the way you connect with Him might be very different from the way your best friend does. How can you discover the beauty of worshiping the Lord in a way that is especially meaningful to you? It may be through discovering your unique spiritual temperament. Pastor and author Gary Thomas shares the nine ways we can connect with God in study, worship and experience. He'll also talk about how these pathways dovetail with standard spiritual disciplines to foster our maturity and sanctification.     Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God  Inbox: How to Ask for a Raise If you think you deserve a raise at work, how do you approach the topic with confidence and professionalism? Career expert Marshonda Dixon weighs in.  Find us on YouTube 

Good habits as a newlywed, plus a former White House staffer explains the 1960s' influence on America, and navigating singleness beyond your 20s.  Featured musical artist: Aaron Shust Roundtable: Good Marriage Habits Getting married is a big transition. Life rhythms are interrupted, and some of them change altogether. What you could do as a single — and when — is sometimes no longer an option. With that in mind, what are good habits to establish in the early weeks and months of marriage? Our guests recount their seasons as newlyweds and give ideas for establishing and maintaining rhythms with God, friends and others after you walk the aisle.   Leave Us a Voicemail The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts Culture: What the ‘60s Teach Us About Today  The 1960s were a time of extreme political and social change in America. In many ways the changes weren't good, and today's citizens are reaping the consequences. How can we learn from the past and have hope for a better future? A proud history and culture nerd, Tim Goeglein has worked in the White House and beyond. He joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on how with God's help, we can right our nation's wrongs — one faith-filled citizen at a time.       Stumbling Toward Utopia: How the 1960s Turned Into a National Nightmare and How We Can Revive the American Dream  Link to Daily Citizen Inbox: Singleness Beyond Your 20s She's neither married nor a parent. On top of wanting those things, she needs encouragement for how to do singleness well, especially now that she's in her late 20s. Lisa Anderson weighs in.  Find us on YouTube

Changing family dynamics during engagement and beyond, plus a continued conversation on stress, and focusing on your own faith walk before dating.      Featured musical artist: All Sons & Daughters Roundtable: Cutting the Apron Strings Before Marriage The Old Testament book of Genesis describes how you're supposed to leave your family of origin when you get married and “cleave” to your spouse. But how do you practically work through family dynamics? What do you do with clingy or controlling parents? How do you set habits, rhythms and traditions that define your new union? Our panel of marrieds shares ways they've learned to maintain a good relationship with their parents and in-laws while building and prioritizing their new life and relationships.   Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Stress Reduction (Part 2)  Stressors are all around us: bills to pay, work deadlines, sorting through friend and family dynamics, and news headlines galore. What effect is stress having on our brains and bodies, and how do we cope with the fallout? Licensed professional counselor Eliza Huie discusses how you can tackle stress and find peace through lifestyle, helpful practices, and active dependence on God. In part two of our discussion, she brings up the need to recognize your limitations and she walks through the acronym NEAR, a helpful primer for dealing with anxiety.      I'm Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (Ask the Christian Counselor) Visit Eliza's Website Inbox: He Ended a Relationship to Sort Out His Faith Our listener would grade his faith walk as a D-. As a result, he broke off a dating relationship, concerned that he has to figure out his faith first. Was this the right thing to do? Lisa Anderson weighs in.  Find us on YouTube

Separating feelings from fact when it comes to love, plus what to do about stress, and coming to terms when something good didn't happen.      I'm Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (Ask the Christian Counselor) Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome  Roundtable: How Do I Know I Love Someone?  The feelings and excitement of being “in love” are celebrated everywhere from movies to music. But is love deeper than a mere feeling? Are feelings even an indicator that you actually love someone? Our guests get honest about how they've struggled with discerning the difference between love as a feeling and love as a choice. They'll also explain love in the tough times and (yikes) loving the hard to love, including our enemies.  Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Stress Reduction (Part 1)  Stressors are all around us: bills to pay, work deadlines, sorting through friend and family dynamics, and news headlines galore. What effect is stress having on our brains and bodies, and how do we cope with the fallout? Licensed professional counselor Eliza Huie discusses how you can tackle stress and find peace through lifestyle, helpful practices, and active dependence on God. In part one of our conversation she addresses good vs. bad types of stress and how to recognize the repercussions of stress on our lives.      I'm Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace (Ask the Christian Counselor) Visit Eliza's Website Inbox: I Had Faith but It Didn't Happen  Our listener had faith for something that was genuinely good, but he prayed and things still didn't go as he'd hoped. How can he trust that God really cares? Counselor George Stahnke weighs in.  Link to Counseling Services  Find Tara Sun's Story in Brio Magazine  Find us on YouTube 

Ideas for getting out and making friends, plus author Jerry Jenkins on boundaries with the opposite sex, and signs you're in an abusive relationship.        Featured musical artist: JJ Heller   Roundtable: Make New Friends   You may be asking, “Where are all the great people to hang out with?” Maybe, just maybe, they're outside your front door? In order to find them, you may need to get creative. You may need to try something new. Visit new places. Join a new group. This week we discuss ways to step out of your comfort zone and meet quality people. Plus, if you're single and looking for potential dates, we'll offer thoughts on how to look without obsessing over whether every cute person could be the one.    Leave Us a Voicemail   Culture: Boundaries With the Opposite Sex   Marriage experts talk often about creating boundaries when you're married to guard against infidelity. But great boundaries with the opposite gender work best when you start early — when you're dating someone, or even before. Setting up what bestselling novelist and author Jerry Jenkins calls “hedges” can be a great and practical way to do that. In our interview, he shares what hedges might look like in dating and marriage, how to set them, and how to avoid potential excuses and pitfalls when temptation strikes.     Hedges: 7 Ways to Love Your Wife and Protect Your Marriage   Visit Jerry's Website   Inbox: Am I in a Toxic Relationship?    The word toxic is too often tossed around to describe people we simply don't like. But what are signs that you're in a truly toxic or abusive relationship? Counselor Tim Sanford weighs in.    Link to Counseling Services  Article: Just Annoying or Truly Unsafe?: How to Navigate Get-Togethers With Difficult Family  Link: Help for Abusive Relationships  Article: Destructive Conflict: Recognize It. Stop It.  Link to Show: Setting Boundaries in Toxic Relationships  Find us on YouTube   

Weird things Christians should stop saying, plus trusting God in a waiting season, and how to own your behavior in a world that shrugs responsibility.       Featured musical artist: About a Mile Roundtable: Enough With the Spiritual Platitudes God helps those who help themselves. I'm praying a hedge of protection. God will never give you more than you can handle. Some of our Christian clichés, while well-intentioned, can actually do more harm than good. Our guests share their least-favorite Christian cliches — plus ones they're guilty of. They'll also suggest better ways to encourage, exhort, and instruct others with our words.  Article: 5 Christian Clichés that Need to Die Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Waiting (Well) on God So much of life is spent waiting. Not just waiting in line or for your next Netflix series, but waiting to find a spouse, to have kids, to achieve your career goals and more. When your patience and even your faith is tested, how do you wait well? Pastor Mark Vroegop reminds us that waiting is a normal part of life and something that God uses to refine us. It's not easy, though, so this conversation will give you things to cling to as you sort and struggle through your next wait.  Waiting Isn't a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life Visit Mark's Website Inbox: Owning My Decisions and Behavior  As a Christian, how do you stay accountable for your thoughts and actions in a world that would rather make excuses? Counselor Kari A weighs in.  Link to Counseling Services  Find us on YouTube

Productive ways to use social media, plus confronting hard stuff from childhood, and is your therapist offering biblically sound advice?       Featured musical artist: John Waller Roundtable: Making Social Media Work for You Social media is usually blamed for all the bad stuff: negativity, political arguments, superficial relationships, cancel culture. But are there ways to use it productively? Absolutely, if you recognize the value of social media for job hunting, sharing your faith, connecting with others, or learning a new skill. Our team has ideas for making the most of social platforms, so rather than ditching social altogether, let us show you how to make your accounts work for instead of against you.   Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: Checking Childhood Baggage Childhood trauma and other negative experiences and patterns follow us well into adulthood. When memories and habits resurface, how can you address the pain, face the facts, and move ahead? Ike Miller is a pastor with a rough past that threatened to define him. Learn how he revisited his childhood baggage to give him the necessary tools for shaping a healthy future.  Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships Visit Ike's Website Inbox: Is My Counselor's Advice Biblical?  Many counselors profess to be Christians. But how can you discern if your counselor's advice is in line with Scripture? Counselor Rob Jackson weighs in.  Link to Counseling Services  How to Find a Christian Counselor  Find us on YouTube 

Honestly assessing your life as a 20-something, plus more with Debra Fileta on soul care, and how do you address personal shame after you've sinned?         Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells   Roundtable: Lessons Learned in Our 20s    For some of us on this week's panel, our 20s provided new opportunities, fun adventures, and lots of growth; for others, that decade is loaded with regrets. Yet all of us agree that our 20s were filled with trial and error as we learned to navigate life. As you review your 20s, how can you assess them honestly and learn from your mistakes without beating yourself up? We'll give advice based on our lessons learned.   Leave Us a Voicemail   Culture: Caring for Your Soul (Part 2)   Millennials and Gen Z report unprecedented rates of burnout and exhaustion. When our to-do lists keep growing and our frustrations add up, how do we find strength and stamina to continue? Our friend Debra Fileta shares how to create life-giving rhythms of caring for your soul, and why doing so honors God. In part two of our discussion, she outlines how to establish good boundaries, maintain your inner world, and savor life.    Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy   Visit Debra's Website Inbox: What to Do With Sin and Shame   We tend to isolate ourselves when we sin, especially if we can't shake the sense of shame that lingers. Is it possible to break free? Counselor Tim Sanford offers hope.    Link to Counseling Services    Find us on YouTube   

Living out your faith in a dark world, plus Debra Fileta on Jesus' example of soul care, and dating someone in a different life stage.         Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy   Featured musical artist:  Zach Williams    Roundtable: When the World Is Messed Up   Inflammatory news headlines, political division, divorce, abuse, people denying their Christian faith. When our world feels especially dark, what's the godliest and most loving way for Christians to respond? Our guests wrestle with this topic, discuss how to have hope, and show us where Jesus is in all the chaos.    Leave Us a Voicemail   Culture: Caring for Your Soul (Part 1)   Millennials and Gen Z report unprecedented rates of burnout and exhaustion. When our to-do lists keep growing and our frustrations add up, how do we find strength and stamina to continue? Our friend Debra Fileta shares how to create life-giving rhythms of caring for your soul, and why doing so honors God. In part one, she discusses sources of burnout and how we can learn from Jesus' example of rest.       Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, Discover Unspeakable Joy   Visit Debra's Website   Inbox: Too Much Drama to Date?   They started dating after he picked her up from a car accident. But he's currently in grad school and she just finished her master's degree. With these and other factors at play, is pursuing a dating relationship the best move? Counselor Glenn Lutjens weighs in.   Link to Counseling Services    Find us on YouTube   

Processing sadness, plus how our bodies glorify our Creator, and should you barter with God?      Featured musical artist:   Covenant Worship   Roundtable: When Sorrow Runs Deep The loss of a loved one; betrayal by a trusted friend; local and international tragedies. We live in a broken world, and heartbreaking things happen. When grief and tragedy strike, how do you process the sadness? Is it possible to continue your work, your commitments, your routines as you seek to make sense of things? Our guests share how they've learned to find comfort from God in the midst of deep sorrow.  Leave Us a Voicemail Link to Counseling Services Culture: How a Healthy Body and Mind Glorify God The human body is incredibly complex. Science keeps revealing new truths about how God has designed us, leading to insights in how we can best steward how we're made. Stephen Ko is a medical doctor, public health specialist and pastor. He offers motivation and methods for taking care of our physical and mental health, and why doing so is connected to our spiritual well-being.      Faith Embodied: Glorifying God with Our Physical and Spiritual Health Visit Stephen Ko's Website Inbox: Can I Barter With God? Our listener really wants to be married, but he also wants his dad to get saved. Is it OK to offer up a chance at marriage as a barter to God so his dad can come to Christ? Counselor Jerry Jones weighs in. Link to Counseling Services  Donate Now Find us on YouTube