A podcast aimed at Christian single women to explore practical topics like habits single women should be developing, living with roommates, caring for aging parents and navigating long-distance relationships. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future." Proverbs 31:25 smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com
The Smiling at the Future podcast has been a true Godsend for me in my season of singleness. For the past six years, I have struggled with feelings of loneliness and have often found myself compromising my standards in order to avoid being alone. However, God has convicted me of this behavior and led me to this podcast, where I have found encouragement and wisdom that I desperately needed. This podcast has helped me remain content in my singleness, even as I witness my friends getting engaged and married. The daily episodes provide a much-needed boost of encouragement and guidance, especially during those weak moments in the early mornings. I am so grateful for the wisdom and insight shared on this podcast.
One of the best aspects of The Smiling at the Future podcast is that it addresses relevant topics for single Christian women, while also providing valuable insights that can be applicable to people in all stages of life. The host, Christi, does an excellent job of asking thought-provoking questions that many Christian single women may be afraid to ask themselves or others. She brings on wise and godly women as guests who provide wise counsel and always root their discussions in Scripture. The use of Bible verses in their correct context is greatly appreciated, as it helps to establish a solid foundation for their conclusions. This podcast has truly uplifted my day and reminded me of Biblical truths and my true identity in Christ.
While there aren't any specific worst aspects to mention about this podcast, it's worth noting that not every episode may resonate with every listener. Each person's experience with singleness is unique, so some episodes may feel more relatable or helpful than others depending on individual circumstances. However, even if not every episode speaks directly to your personal situation, there is still much wisdom to be gained from listening to the conversations and insights shared.
In conclusion, The Smiling at the Future podcast is a wonderful resource for Christian women, whether they are single or not. The discussions are rooted in Scripture and provide practical and godly wisdom for navigating various aspects of life and ministry. This podcast has been a source of encouragement and inspiration for me, as well as a valuable tool to share with others who may be struggling with singleness. I am grateful for Christi's work in creating this podcast and for the contributions of her guests. May it continue to bless and encourage many more women in their journeys of faith.
Pastor Philip De Courcy charts us through the murky waters of indecision by answering the following questions: God has given us the stewardship of making decisions in life, but can you expand on the blessing and challenge this presents? What are common reasons behind indecision? Should someone seek to have "peace" before moving forward with a decision? When is it appropriate to take a step of faith? What posture should we have before the Lord when making decisions? If I make a decision that doesn't turn out so well, am I now living God's “second best?” Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024“Off Color” Series by Philip De Courcy: https://ktt.org/sermons/series/off-colorRecommended Books: “How to Know God's Will” by Wayne Grudem “Decisions Made Simple” by Tim Chester“Found God's Will” by John MacArthur Related Episodes: 85. Navigating Decisions with Chris Hamilton 48. How to Make Decisions with Chris Hamilton
Author Pam Hardy helps us hold onto reality and hope at the same time by answering the following questions: What are reasons people tend to lose hope? How is hope cultivated in a believer's life? Should believer's hope for things in this life, or is our hope only on eternal matters? If someone loses their balance in the area of hope, what are the symptoms they may see? If someone doesn't have a firm grasp on reality, how might this negatively affect their life and decisions? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Pam Hardy's Book: “Keeping Your Balance: Navigating Wisely Through the Challenges of Life”
Returning guest Lynne Brown addresses the common struggles of feeling left behind in life by answering the following questions: How can we avoid comparison to our peers when they seem to be moving effortlessly through life and we feel stuck? How do you answer the “What's new?” question when nothing is new? How can those getting married later in life navigate the imbalance of having children later in life, or being in the newlywed class with couples much younger than them? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Lynne Brown's Newsletter “Faith: A Refusal to Panic”: https://lynnemariebrown.substack.com/
Pastor Smedly Yates sharpens our perspective on those seasons of waiting by answering the following questions: Why does God have us wait, and what is He accomplishing in us through waiting? How should Christians wait? What are wrong ways people respond to waiting? How can we grow in embracing delayed gratification? And how can we enjoy and trust God's plan when we are longing for something else? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Smedly's book: Wait: Waiting on God in a World that Won't Wait
In this second episode on keeping Christ central in the home, biblical counselor Marie Clark highlights the relationships and roles within the family by answering the following questions: Why is it important for Christians to understand their God-given roles and how to live them out for the harmony of the family? How do you go about developing a family culture? How do you keep practices like praying before a meal from becoming simply ritualistic? How would you encourage the woman who has a more passive husband in leading the family spiritually? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Biblical counselor Marie Clark shares from God's word and her own personal experience on how to keep Christ at the center of your home by answering the following questions: What are the priorities a woman should focus on to keep Christ magnified in the home? What can we do if burdens from our past create fear for our future? How can we temper our desire to have a beautiful home without becoming materialistic? How can we successfully accept and blend family cultures when we get married? And what are the daily habits you and your family have built in to keep Christ at the center of your home?Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Wife and Mom of 6, Cathy Olewiler shares her experience of how developing a life purpose statement helped shape their family life and culture by answering the following questions: What are the rewards of setting a life purpose statement for your life? How would someone go about developing a purpose statement? How do you say “no” to good things and keep from getting sidetracked with side issues rather than the main thing? What do you do when you feel overcommitted? How can you encourage your husband to lead in creating a family purpose statement? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Author and biblical counselor Martha Peace shares practical wisdom on how to navigate PMS symptoms by answering the following questions: What is God doing in our hearts through PMS? When do overwhelming emotions cross the line from being simply physical symptoms into being sinful responses? How should we respond when God does not deliver us from a long-standing trial? Why is it essential to think and act rightly even when we don't feel like it? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
The common tendency to overthink can be overcome, and Taylor Jones provides helpful insight in this process by answering the following questions: What is "overthinking"? What are the fruits produced by mature thinking, and the negative fruit produced by overthinking? Is it possible to overthink the Christian life? How can we curb the tendency to overthink ourselves, and our relationships? And how do we move from being preoccupied with ourselves to worshiping Christ? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources: Biblicalcounseling.com "Self Image" booklet by Lou Priollo "When People are Big and God is Small" by Ed Welch "Trusting God" by Jerry Bridges
Biblical counselor Marie Clark helps us understand the negative women in Proverbs so that we can avoid being characterized as lacking discretion, being contentious, bringing shame to our husband, tearing down our house with our own hands, or being an adulterous woman. Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Sophie helps us understand how to guide our emotions in a way that pleases the Lord by answering the following questions: If a woman is emotionally stuck on a crush or previous relationship, why is it important that she actively address those longings? How can you be aware if your emotions after a relationship ends are healthy and normal or are sinful and idolatrous? When God has made it clear that a relationship is not moving forward, what steps can we take to accept God's will and begin to move forward in our hearts? Is it ok to remove yourself from contexts where you will interact with the man? And how can we shift our focus from what we have lost or given up to excitement for the goodness and care of God and for what is to come? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Book: “Picking Up the Pieces” with Lou Priollo Recommended Episodes: 30.False Starts: Navigating Rejection and Breakups with Lynne Brown: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-false-starts-navigating-rejection-and-breakups/id1526155723?i=1000523786604 63. A Biblical Understanding of Food and Body Image with Sophie Southedon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-a-biblical-understanding-of-food-and-body/id1526155723?i=1000587968859 57. Recovering from a Breakup: Hope in the Midst of Heartache with Liz Tittle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/57-recovering-from-a-breakup-hope-in-the/id1526155723?i=1000578555277
Pastor John Tucker and his wife Jane share comfort for those who have walked the painful road of sexual abuse by tactfully answering the following questions: Of all kinds of sin in this world, why is sexual abuse so devastating to the victim? For someone who has been abused, how do they know if it is something they still need to work through with a biblical counselor? What are wrong ways people deal with shame, and what is God's prescription for how to move forward to healing? How can someone move forward in hope and trust into a future relationship, not protecting what happened in the past in this future situation? For those who feel that they have “baggage” or are tarnished in some way, how can they place their identity in Christ instead of a past event? And if you're the friend of someone who has walked through abuse, how can you effectively come alongside and help bear that burden with them? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources: “Treasure in the Ashes” by Maria Brookins “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges “God's Battle Plan for the Mind” by David Saxton “Making all Things New” by David Powlison “Instruments in the Redeemers Hands” by Paul David Tripp
Pastor Jeremy Vuolo balances our mindset on play and recreation by answering the following questions: Does Scripture help us see play as a gift from God, or as a distraction to be minimized? What are helpful principles that can help Christians avoid falling into pitfalls in our approach to recreation? How would you encourage a Christian who may feel guilty about spending time not in work or specifically spiritual pursuits? And how can Christians be wise in selecting hobbies or recreation? Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Returning guest Chris Hamilton brings helpful clarity to questions couples may have during engagement such as: What are the contents and benefits of premarital counseling? What are the different topics that should be discussed during an engagement stage as opposed to the dating phase? What advice would you give a couple considering elopement? How should a couple navigate “cold feet” if one or both experience this during engagement? What are appropriate reasons to break off an engagement? Can physical boundaries change during engagement? And how can a couple keep their priorities straight during the excitement and busyness of engagement? Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Biblical counselor Dr. Ernie Baker shares insights on how couples can grow in relational and communication skills by answering the following questions: What are God-honoring motives for pursuing growth in these two areas? What is the difference between character qualities and relational skills? What are the core areas of communication we need to put intentional effort into improving? What counsel would you give a couple who have different communication styles? What are the common ways that couples stumble regarding conflict resolution? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources: “Marry Wisely Marry Well” by Dr. Ernie Baker “Help! I'm in a Conflict” booklet by Ernie Baker “Peacemaking for Families” by Ken Sande “Marriage Maintenance and Minefield Management” article by Ernie Baker: https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2021/04/26/marriage-maintenance-and-minefield-management/
Sarah Dougherty helps us understand the rich meaning and application of the virtue of “kindness” by answering the following questions: what is the biblical definition of kindness, and how is it different from the world's version? How do we cultivate this fruit of the spirit? Why do we need to be trained how to be kind? And why is it so important that kindness flows from a heart of love? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Biblical counselor Greg Gifford brings clarity to understanding the motives of our heart by answering the following questions: Why do our motives matter so much to God? What are questions someone can ask themselves to identify their motives? How should we interact with the tension of mixed motives? What is the process for purifying our motives? And how can we grow in the habit of believing the best of other people's motives? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources: Greg Gifford's website and podcast: Transformed.org “Heart and Habits” book by Greg Gifford “Motives: Why do I do the things I do” booklet by Ed Welch “Suspicion” booklet by Lou Priolo Google: David Powlison X-Ray Questions
Dawn Harcus explains the spiritual mothering model laid out in Titus 2 by answering the following questions: We have the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, but why does God incorporate the human element of training into our sanctification? Is spiritual mothering best done in groups or one-on-one? Who is responsible for initiating this relationship? Should a woman have more than one discipler? What character qualities does this Titus 2 passage highlight that should exemplify a spiritual mother? What hindrances do you most commonly see that prevent women from obeying this command? And why is it best to have a real person mentoring you over an online influencer? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resource: “Spiritual Mothering” by Susan Hunt “Let The Women Be Women” By Chris Mueller
Lynne Brown walks us through how to recover from failure by answering the following questions: How do we recover in those moments when we fail to live up to our expectations or the expectations of others? When a Christian fails and sins, what is the process of restoration? In what ways does the painful experience of failure serve as a gracious gift from God? And how should we respond when someone we are close with sins against us? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources Lynne Brown's website: https://lynnemariebrown.com/ Lynne's Email: lynne@lynnemariebrown.com Recommended Book: “The Gospel Primer” by Milton Vincent
Musician and music educator Kellie Cunningham guides our understanding of the theology behind singing by answering the following questions: Why did God design and command us to sing? Can you explain why it's important to listen to and sing music that is biblically sound? Why is congregational singing so important for believers? For someone who doesn't enjoy singing, how can they grow to love it? And how do we align our hearts with the words coming out of our mouths so we can offer sincere worship? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources: Spotify Playlist for Singing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hDKPrD2LwsR44Mb3nSvEp?si=YOSA9sObQGKqdfK8NuRUPg&pi=u-GVi7I_YIRmqG "Sing" by Keith and Kristyn Getty "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin "On Worship" by H.B. Charles
Pastor Philip De Courcy brings the comfort of God's Word to help us identify and overcome sinful fear by answering the following questions: How do we discern the differences between natural, sinful, and holy fear? How are we as Christians to understand the supposed disconnect between our theology of God's protection and our experience? What is the antidote to sinful fear? Do you think single women could fit into the category for God's special care and protection for widows? Is there wisdom for a single woman to remain in her father's home if she has the opportunity to? For those women who are prone to being fearful, what passages of Scripture would you direct them to meditate on? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Recommended Resources: "Take Cover: Finding Peace in God's Protection" by Philip DeCourcy "Help! I'm Anxious" by Philip DeCourcy "Courage: Fighting Fear with Fear" by Wayne and Josh Mack "When People Are Big and God is Small" by Edward Welch "Anxious For Nothing" by John MacArthur "Anxiety: Knowing God's Peace" by Paul Tautges "Fear: Breaking It's Grip" by Lou Priollo "What Are You Afraid Of" by David Jeremiah
Biblical counselor Hannah Fuller offers encouragement to persevere well through trials by answering the following questions: How does perseverance look different for a Christian, and what fruit is produced when we persevere well? When we are in an extended challenge how do we guard our minds and hearts from despair? How do we persevere through the mundane seasons of life? And how can we grow in our ability to encourage each other? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024
Chris Hamilton shares the wisdom in seeking counsel by answering the following questions: what are the areas of life where counsel is useful? How many counselors should someone have in their life? What are the characteristics of a discerning counselor? What are the types of questions you should ask when seeking counsel? What weight should counsel have on your decisions? How do you process through conflicting counsel? Is it ever wise to go against counsel? How should a single woman go about seeking a male perspective on a life decision? And what is your advice of being able to be a good counselor to others? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Episode #48 on how to make decisions with Chris Hamilton: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christi13/episodes/48--How-to-Make-Decisions-with-Chris-Hamilton-e1en522/a-a7f1tpq
ER Doctor Carlan Wendler joins the podcast to provide practical guidance on how to navigate a medical emergency by answering the following questions: What is a Christian's responsibility when confronted with a medical emergency in everyday life? How can you help a family member or friend navigate the healthcare system? How do I know if I should go to Urgent Care or the ER when I need to see a doctor urgently? What encouragement can you offer someone who is stuck in endless online research for an undiagnosed health issue? What are proper expectations for those who are disillusioned with the US healthcare system? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024 Carlan's Nonprofit: https://www.theamefund.org/
Biblical counselor and author Stuart Scott helps set the tone for this year by encouraging us to put off pride and put on humility by answering the following questions: What are symptoms of pride? What are common ways you see pride manifesting in singles and in dating relationships? How can we identify and steer clear of "counterfeit" humility? What would humility look like in a future husband / spiritual leader? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Recommended Resources: "From Pride to Humility" by Stuart Scott "Humility: The Journey Towards Holiness" by Andrew Murray "Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness" by Gavin Ortlund "Humility: The Forgotten Virtue" by Wayne Mack
Author and pastor Tim Challies encourages us with the truths about Heaven, our eternal home, by answering the following questions: Why is the topic of Heaven particularly meaningful for you? Why is it that Christians think so little about Heaven? Can you share some of the common misconceptions about Heaven you see among believers? Can you help us understand the balance of longing for the gifts of Heaven, but ultimately the Giver of those gifts? How can we use the topic of "Heaven" in our evangelism? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Tim Challies Website: https://www.challies.com/ Recommended Books on Heaven "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn "We Shall See God" Charles Spurgeon "The Glory of Heaven" by John MacArthur "Biblical Teaching on the Doctrines of Heaven and Hell" by Edward Donnelly "Heaven on Earth" by Derek Thomas
Our vocational work dominates our time perhaps more than any other activity in our lives. Reagan Rose joins this podcast discussion to give a biblical perspective on work by answering the following questions: How should Christians view their work, and is it just a necessary means to an end? How would someone evaluate if they have a proper "work/life" balance? Because stress in the workplace is at an all-time high, when should someone consider switching jobs or careers? What are your tips for how to have an exemplary work ethic? For women who desire marriage, a vocational job can feel like plan "b" in their lives...how would you encourage women who struggle with this attitude? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Reagan's Website: https://redeemingproductivity.com/ Reagan's Recommended Resources: App and Website Blocker: Freedom.to Internet Time Tracker: Rize.io
As a pastor and biblical counselor, Lance Quinn provides encouragement on how Christians can demonstrate the love of Christ through bearing one another's burdens by answering the following questions: What does the Bible say about bearing one another's burdens? What are types of burdens we should help bear, and for how long should we bear them? How should you ask for help when you feel burdened beyond your ability? If you become aware of a need for someone, how do you know if you should be the one to meet that need? With technology, we are aware of more burdens than ever before. How do we understand our responsibility in that realm? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Mother of five, Rachel Zwayne helps us understand the Titus 2 principle of "loving your children" by answering the following questions: How should Christian's view children, and what lies from the world do you see even Christians believing about children? How can the gospel play a central role in motherhood? What attitudes can single women "put on" that would make loving their children easier in the future? What attitudes can we "put off"? When is it appropriate to talk about children when you're dating, and which areas should you align on in child-rearing? And is it wise for single women to consider adoption or fostering? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Recommended Resources: Rachel's website: https://rachelzwayne.wixsite.com/joyfulmothers "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp "Parenting" by Paul Tripp "Age of Opportunity" by Paul Tripp "What the Bible Says About Parenting" by John MacArthur "Found God's Peace" by John MacArthur
Heidi Kinzel joins the discussion today to give practical guidance on how to prepare in singleness to love your husband in the future by answering the following questions: Why is this the first priority in the Titus 2 principles? We have the Scripture and the Holy Spirit, but why did God design that we also needed to be taught this by older women? What are attitudes that women need to "put off" that would make it more difficult to love their husband in the future? What are attitudes to "put on" that would make it easier? How have you and your husband maintained such a strong marriage after so many years? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Lynne Brown helps us regain a Biblical perspective on the timing of events in our lives by answering the following questions: How does God relate to time in a way that's different from us? Why is it important to understand God's unchangeableness? What are some examples of God's perfect timing in the Bible? How can we train our minds and hearts to respond rightly when we're confused about the God's timing or are struggling with impatience? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Pastor Chris Mueller helps us understand the important quality of sensibility by answering the following questions: What is sensibility as defined by Scripture? Why is the way you think important for your spiritual life? What does sensibility look like played out in a dating relationship? How does being sensible affect our emotions? What would sensibility look like practically lived out in the life of a godly man? And what are practical ways we can grow in sensibility? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Chris Mueller's Church: https://www.faith-bible.net/ Series of messages Chris gave from 1985: Let The Women Be Women: https://media.faith-bible.net/audio/vintage/women-be-women/ Let The Men Be Men: https://media.faith-bible.net/audio/vintage/men-be-men/ Book Recommendations: "Let The Men Be Men" - https://a.co/d/7NPdpN5 "Let The Women Be Women" - https://a.co/d/3B7p9pY
Pastor Jerry Wragg brings a balance of comfort and conviction to the following discouragements that singles face: What truth can you offer women who are experiencing loneliness? How would you encourage the woman who sees a lack of marriage-minded men in her context? How would you direct the single woman who is unsure where and how to invest her life outside of the defined roles of wife and mom? What hope can you offer the woman who is losing heart in the waiting? How would you recommend women to be praying during this season of singleness? What exhortation would you give to the men listening? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Lara McVicker and Heather Wiebe jump into the discussion to share their wisdom on how to support a bride as a bridesmaid during the wedding planning process by answering the following questions: How should we think about the role of being a bridesmaid? How can we honor God when we face the disappointment of expecting to be asked to be a bridesmaid and are not? How can you interact with the bride if you have certain convictions on modesty? How should we think about spending and how can we have those conversations with the bride if finances are tight? How can we point our friend to Christ throughout the logistics of the wedding planning process? How can we encourage the bride even when geographically far away? How can we practice rejoicing with those who rejoice when we ourselves long for marriage? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Returning guest Chris Hamilton unpacks this topic by answering the following questions: How far into the dating process should you get others involved in vetting a man's character, and is this an ongoing process? If a lady doesn't have believing family members she can turn to for help in discerning a man's character, how should she go about seeking this out? Would "vetting" look different in a long-distance relationship? How can you extend grace, understanding that no one is perfect, while still being discerning? Are there questions the lady can ask that may give insight into the man's heart? Do you have any advice for how the woman can stay sensible / sound-minded in a relationship? How do we stay humble ourselves in the vetting process, not assuming in our hearts that we deserve the perfect man, and not viewing ourselves more highly than we ought? Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Lynne Brown and Teri White bring clarity to this topic on matchmaking and set-ups by answering the following questions: Do you think there is a need for this in the church, and should people really engage with setting people up? How much involvement should the "matchmaker" have in the set-up process? How can "matchmakers" help to make the set-up situation as low pressure as possible? Why should a woman be open to being set-up as a way to meet a spouse? What attitude and mindset should the lady have when walking into a set-up / blind date? And what encouragement would you give the lady who doesn't get a second date after being set-up? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Lisa has counseled hundreds of college students through the process of education, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in answering the following questions: What are wise and unwise motivations for pursing education? What factors need to be considered in this pursuit? What are the pros & cons of pursuing higher education for women who desire to be married someday? If pursing degrees would limit the ability to do ministry in the church, is it still worth it? How do you deal with the fears that your level of education would scare away the men in your life? For women who have chosen not to pursue education, how do you avoid comparing yourself with others? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Two feminine and courageous women, Lynne Brown and Ann Bradley, join the conversation to discuss the roles God has designed for women and to shed light on the fallacies of feminism by answering the following questions: Where did feminism have it's roots? Can you help us understand what it means to be a "helper," and how singe women can live out this role also? Can you shed light on the biblical role of "submission"? How can we realign with God's word on gender roles, and live this out with boldness in a society that is so against God's design? And how can women encourage biblical masculinity in the men around them? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637
Passionate and intentional, Tom and Dawn model how to live out the gospel proclamation by answering the following questions: How do you build friendships with unbelievers in order to share the gospel with them? Should people share their faith in the workplace? What are the obstacles that keep people from sharing the gospel? How should we measure "success" in evangelism conversations? How do you use tracts in your evangelism? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Recommended Resources: "Jesus Cares for Women" by Helene Ashker "One Verse Evangelism" The Navigators "Ultimate Questions" by John Blanchard
Fellow podcaster and author of the book "Redeeming Productivity," Reagan Rose helps us understand that our productivity matters to God, and increases our motivation to live for God's glory by answering the following questions: What does it mean to glorify God, and how is our productivity tied to this? What suggestions do you have for helping us be more productive in our morning routines? What "unfair" advantages do Christian's have in being productive? Why should Christians be proactive in using their spiritual gifts, and do those gifts have an impact on other areas of life beyond the church? Do you have tips for how to set attainable goals? Why are heavenly rewards a reason given in scripture to be more productive in this life? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Reagan's website: redeemingproductivity.com Reagan's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeeming-productivity/id1476403107 Recommended Books: "Redeeming Productivity" by Reagan Rose "Do More Better" by Tim Challies "Redeeming Your Time" by Jordan Raynor
In her 80 years of life Betty Price has learned how to cultivate a thankful heart. She shares these insights by answering the following questions: What is the connection between being thankful, and being sound minded? Why is thankfulness such an integral part of our worship? How do we pray "with thanksgiving"? How can we give thanks in everything? And what steps can we take to grow in thankfulness? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Recommended Resources "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss "The Gospel Primer" by Milton Vincent "Growing in Gratitude" by Mary Mohler
Biblical counselor Janet Aucoin shares practical wisdom on communication by answering the following questions: Why does our speech matter so much to God? How do we know the line between complaining, and sharing the real struggles about our lives with others? Do you have helpful ways you steer the conversation if it is verging towards gossip? What are areas of communication that are helpful to fine-tune in preparation for marriage? Do you have any tips for how to graciously accept a compliment? What are questions that you can ask a trusted mentor to help you understand where your communication is lacking and needs improvement? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Janet's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joyful-journey/id1544666986 Recommended Resources: "Words that Hurt Words that Heal" by Carole Mayhall "When Words Matter Most" by Caroline Newheiser and Cheryl Marshall "In the Arena of the Mind" by John Vandegriff "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer "Gospel Primer" by Milton Vincent
Darrell Harrison joins this episode to shed light on the following questions: Do you think someone who is frustrated with the downsides of social media should give up on it altogether? What steps do you think through before you post something on social media? How do you recommend that people limit their time on these platforms? Do you have guiding principles for how you choose what entertainment to view? What place should entertainment have in a Christian's life? How would you encourage a Christian to show grace to another brother / sister in Christ with a different perspective on entertainment? What questions about entertainment should a lady ask the man she is dating? And do you think this is an area they need to have the same convictions on? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Darrell's website: justthinking.me Darrell's Recommended Resources: With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ – A. Craig Troxel The Enemy Within: Straight Talk About the Power and Defeat of Sin – Kris Lundgaard Disciplines of a Godly Man – R. Kent Hughes The Fulfilled Family – John MacArthur The Gospel & Pornography – Russell Moore and Andrew T. Walker Depression, Anxiety, and the Christian Life: Practical Wisdom from Richard Baxter – Michael S. Lundy, MD Communion with God – John Owen Keeping the Heart – John Flavel God's Battle Plan for the Mind: The Puritan Practice of Biblical Meditation – David W. Saxton The Duty of Self-Denial – Thomas Watson
Biblical counselor Jocelyn Wallace helps bring comfort and direction to how we understand and steward time during this busy time of year by answering the following questions: How does it glorify God when we understand our "finiteness" and God's infiniteness? What is the difference between being busy, and being diligent? Do you have tips for how to graciously say "no" to a request? What encouragement can you offer the woman who is weary and worn down with "busyness"? Do you have time-saving systems you use to keep life organized? How can we understand and enjoy resting without feeling guilty? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Vision of Hope Treatment Center: https://www.faithlafayette.org/voh Jocelyn's session on dealing with burnout: https://store.faithlafayette.org/browse-by-topic/christian-life-and-growth/contentment-satisfaction/helping-ladies-who-are-burned-out-with-all-their-responsibilities/
In this conversation, Sophie Southerden takes a deep dive into the theology behind food and body image by answering the following questions: What is the biblical perspective and purpose for why God designed us to live in physical bodies? How do we balance stewarding our bodies so that we don't end up in either the ditch of obsessing or neglecting them? If someone struggles in their relationship with food, how can they overcome those addictions? How do you help a friend who is struggling in this area? Is obesity a sin? And how would you encourage a woman who thinks she will not be able to get married if she is overweight? Support $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62433637 smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Biblical Counselors https://biblicalcounseling.com/ Vision of Hope Treatment Center: https://www.faithlafayette.org/voh "The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness" Timothy Keller "Love to Eat Hate to Eat" Elyse Fitzpatrick
My brother, Nate Rose, explains how to have a tactful and winsome approach in evangelism by answering the following questions: How do you grow your compassion for the lost- specifically strangers? How do you keep the right mindset in evangelism to keep the urgency, while also trusting God's sovereignty? Do you always have to share the whole gospel message in one conversation? How do you start evangelistic conversations with strangers? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Recommended Resources: "The Name Book": https://www.amazon.com/Name-Book-Meanings-Spiritual-Significance/dp/0764205668/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IWHX7L1QJNPA&keywords=the+name+book&qid=1668382503&sprefix=the+name+book+%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-1 "Tactics in Defending the Faith" DVD course and workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Tactics-Study-Guide-Updated-Expanded/dp/0310130573/ref=asc_df_0310130573/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509467422400&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1076170143209907039&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031151&hvtargid=pla-1324417857244&psc=1
Hiding God's word in her heart has been a faithful pursuit for Susan, and she shares her wisdom with us on the following questions: Why should we put the effort into memorizing Scripture when we can "google" a verse? Why do you advocate for memorizing an entire chapter or book over individual verses? Which Bible translation is best to memorize from? Do you have any tips for making Bible memory easier? How do you review what you have already memorized? If someone doesn't know where to start, what chapter or book would you direct them to? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support $5 per month: patreon.com/user?u=62433637 Susan Recommended the Following chapters and books to memorize: Psalm 42 - If you're struggling with Depression Psalm 51 - If you're struggling with life-dominating sins Psalm 145 - If you want to focus on God - 16 attributes of God Colossians 3 - "Put off, put on" chapter Philippians 4 - Keys to contentment, and ways to pray when we are anxious Books of the Bible to memorize: Colossians, James, Philippians, 1 John.
Insurance expert Daniel Clarke will hold your attention with his answers to the following questions: What is the balance for Christians between purchasing insurance, and trusting God's sovereignty? What types of insurance should ladies have beyond what their employer offers? Do single people need life insurance? Do stay-at-home-mom's need life insurance? If someone works part-time and doesn't qualify for health insurance, where would you direct them? Do people who rent need renter's insurance? How should someone set up a living trust? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Daniel's insurance company: https://greyhawkinsurance.com/ Daniel's Insurance Podcast: Risky Assets | Podcasts on Audible | Audible.com
In this episode Chris Hamilton unpacks the biblical mandate of honoring our parents as adult children, and also answers the following questions: How does our relationship with our parents change over the span of our lifetime from cradle to grave? Parents may have certain expectations for their children in regards to their education, career, who they should marry, and where they should live. How can a daughter communicate differences in these areas to her parents in a way that is still respectful? For those with unbelieving parents, or those who have a challenging relationship with their parents, how would you encourage them and how can they still build up those relationships? If you don't agree with a decision your parents make, or they are doing something sinful, how should you exhort them? Looking to the future, what counsel would you give a woman for how she can cultivate her relationships with her in-laws? Smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com For parents: Chris Hamilton on "Parenting Adult Children": https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/12345
Rick and Kim Holland are a dynamic couple passionate about discipleship. They share their wisdom on the following questions: How do I weigh biblical qualifications vs. the Christian ideal in choosing who to date and marry? What areas do women have on their "husband checklist" that do not matter in the long run? What does it look like to let men initiate a relationship? Why do you think Christian singles are waiting longer to date and marry? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Rick Holland's Dating Series: https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/series/300
Returning guest Liz Tittel brings compassion and biblical clarity to this discussion on recovering from a breakup by answering the following questions: How would you encourage someone who is adjusting BACK to singleness after a breakup? How would you advise someone who has experienced a breakup, but still has regular contact with that person? How would you encourage someone who was never given a clear reason for the breakup, and is left living with that uncertainty? How would you direct someone to be using their time following a breakup instead of filling it with entertainment or distractions? What if the person is struggling with thoughts like, “I will never find someone again like____"? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Book Recommendation: Picking up the Pieces by Lou Priolo: https://www.amazon.com/Picking-Up-Pieces-Recovering-Relationships/dp/1596383801/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MT89BQY141DS&keywords=picking+up+the+pieces&qid=1662131371&sprefix=picking+up+the+piec%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1 Previous Episode on Breakups: https://anchor.fm/christi13/episodes/30--False-Starts-Navigating-Rejection-and-Breakups-with-Lynne-Brown-e11orq7 Previous Episode on Forgiveness: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rhy0UkTt1sb
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