The Signpost Inn Podcast

Does real rest feel like an elusive dream? Has your rest been turned into just another productivity hack?    Today's episode examines the nature of rest and why we all feel exhausted. Join Brandon, Liv, Matt and Peter as they unpack our human desire for rest and the obstacles we face to receiving it. A core insight that the group focuses on is that rest is really a trust issue. We can't receive rest so long as we don't trust God to give it to us. The group also challenges the assumption that we rest in order to work, citing the creation account for viewing rest as the culmination of work. The group closes out the conversation with some practical advice about how they've experienced rest in their own lives.    Thanks for joining us today! Jesus loves you. Rest in his love.    Links/References Get the Ebook: How to Actually Rest in Christ Get email summaries for the show on PodSnacks! Review the podcast!     His Heart Beats, (song) by Andrew Peterson We're here to help you rest. Talk with us! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Does the Christian faith provide real hope for our day-to-day life? Or are we simply suffering here until we die?   In today's episode, the group tackles the issue of whether or not faith in Jesus provides any real hope for our earthly life. Sure, we understand that one day we'll be resurrected and live eternally, but what about dealing with all the sin and suffering we face right now? The conversation focuses on our expectations for the Christian life and our sense that we are doing something wrong if we are suffering. The group talks about how it can be freeing to simply accept the difficulty of life and lay aside attempts to deny or distract us from this reality. The episode reaches its conclusion as the hosts expound on hope as the expanding of our vision to include more than our sufferings and sin.    Thanks for joining the discussion! Leave us a review and let us know what you think     Links/References Get email summaries for the show on PodSnacks!  Liv's “How to Host an Easter Feast” ebook  Ebook: How to Actually Rest in Christ Want to talk with us?   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Is faith in Jesus more than intellectual assent? What if God meant for food and drink to invite us into the richness of embodied experiences of his love and goodness?   In this episode, Brandon interviews Gisela Kreglinger, co-author of “Wine in the Word,” a Bible study about wine and its place in Christian feasting and fellowship. A through-line in the conversation is the idea that modern Christianity emphasizes intellectual knowledge about God, but glosses over the idea of experiencing God with our bodies and our emotions. Gisela unpacks how wine in particular, rich in symbolism as well as flavor, is an invitation to enjoy God and his good gifts.    Thanks for joining the discussion! Let us know what you think    Links/References “Wine in the Word” by Gisela H. Kreglinger and Randy Frazee “Cup Overflowing” by Gisela H. Kreglinger How to Actually Rest in Christ (ebook) Sign up for our weekly email of grace-filled goodness Schedule a call with us!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

How are we supposed to survive this crazy world while we wait for God to redeem us and bring us home? In today's conversation, the gang wrestles through the question of how to endure life in the meantime between the cross and our eventual resurrection. They sit with Psalm 13 and reflect on the relatability in the psalmist's words, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” This passage launches the group off, talking about how difficult (and dangerous) it is to give an answer for the suffering we experience in life. The conversation finds its focal point in Jesus' passion and how he endured suffering alone so that we wouldn't have to.  Jesus suffered through hell for you and he promises to be with you through all of your own suffering.      Links/References Liv's articles for Lutheran Witness How to Actually Rest in Christ. “I'm with you”, by Israel Houghton Schedule a call with us! Exodus 90 Review the podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What is taking a spiritual retreat all about?   In today's episode, Brandon interviews Niecy LoCricchio on her book Space to Breathe, which is aimed at helping you plan a meaningful retreat for yourself or your group. Together, Brandon and Niecy unpack the fears we often experience as we enter times of silence and intimacy with God. Throughout the conversation, Niecy gives practical advice and teaches us about the purpose of a retreat. You won't want to miss Niecy's unique perspective on planning for “reentry” after your retreat!    Friend, God loves you. May you experience his goodness and find a space to simply be with him.     Links/References Space to Breathe, by Niecy LoCricchio Niecy's website - The Soul Care Place How to Actually Rest in Christ Virtual Event: Explore the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Signpost Inn Retreat: a grace-filled weekend of rest in Jesus Review the podcast!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What if spiritual discipline is not about achieving, but about receiving?   In today's episode, Brandon, Liv, Matt, and Peter explore the role of spiritual disciplines in the Christian life. Although easily twisted into a legalistic means of achieving moral improvement, the spiritual disciplines are actually the practices which help us receive God's love. They are indeed disciplines, because it takes effort to train our hearts to let go of our own agenda and simply receive from God. They are paradoxically very hard and very easy all at once! But when we are freed from connecting spiritual discipline with our acceptance and self-worth, we can begin to engage with them in a receptive, curious manner.    We pray that you hear the gracious invitation of Jesus to receive regular reminders of his love as you practice spiritual discipline!    Links/References How to Actually Rest in Christ Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted by Gretchen Ronnevik Signpost Inn Retreat: a grace-filled weekend of rest in Jesus Review the podcast!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What if spiritual disciplines were intended as rest for the bedraggled believer, not routines for self-driven sanctification?     Join us today for a conversation with author Gretchen Ronnevik about realistic, grace-filled spiritual disciplines. Learn from Gretchen's experience with spiritual disciplines in the exhausting vocation of full time motherhood. Brandon and Gretchen explore questions like, “What is the goal of spiritual disciplines?” “What part do my efforts play?” and “Will grace make me lazy?” With analogies and stories throughout, this conversation will change the way you understand spiritual practice and discipline!   We pray that the momentous grace of God would overwhelm you with joy and peace as you know that Jesus enjoys being with you!    Links/References Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted by Gretchen Ronnevik Gretchen's website Signpost Inn Retreat: a grace-filled weekend of rest in Jesus Domestic Monastery by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser Review the podcast!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

At the heart of the gospel is the idea of freedom. So, what does it mean to be truly free?   In this episode, we had the great pleasure of talking with Fr. Jacques Philippe, the author of one of our absolute favorite books, Interior Freedom. Joining us all the way from France, Fr. Philippe unpacks how true freedom, consenting to reality, is quite counterintuitive to our human perception that freedom is the ability to choose whatever we want. Freedom is not the ability to shape reality as we choose, but rather the acceptance that our loving heavenly Father is using all things for our good. The obstacles to consenting to reality are many, because we often find ourselves, others, and the world to be unacceptable and burdensome. We talk with Father Philippe about how God's “realistic” love helps us to accept ourselves, sinners though we be, and about how this love frees us up to accept others too.    It's a wonderful conversation and we pray that you are blessed with true interior freedom as you come to know how much Jesus loves you!   Links/References Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe Signpost Inn Retreat Send us feedback! --> podcast@signpostinn.org   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

How can I learn to be curious instead of closed off? What if I didn't need to have all the answers?   In today's Bonus Episode, Brandon is interviewed by Adam Ormord, president and co-founder of LifePoint Resources and host of the Being Formed podcast. Brandon shares his faith journey and his core desire to be curious, explore the questions of life, and yet to remain rooted in what is true. The conversation centers around Brandon's book, Changing the Conversation and the attitude of listening and curiosity.    We pray this conversation frees you up to be curious. Jesus loves you!   Links/References LifePoint Resources Changing The Conversation, by Brandon Booth Send us feedback! hello@signpostinn.org   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Wait, what?? The reality of our sin nature is good news!?   In today's episode, Brandon, Liv, and Matt tackle the topic of original sin and how the Bible paints an accurate (and freeing) picture of our slavery to sin. Pulling from chapter 2 of Not Home Yet (Brandon and Liv's book), the group unpacks the truth that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. Interestingly enough, part of our slavery to sin is our desperate attempts to liberate ourselves. The world constantly sells us various products and systems that promise to help us surpass our limitations and faults. We end up on an endless chase, always trying to find “the thing” that will enable us to break the chains that bind us. The reality of how hopeless our condition is ends up being good news because we can finally give up the chase, acknowledging that there's no point! Then, and only then, are we able to hear God when he offers us a different way forward. We pray this conversation blesses you with a freeing picture of reality.   Links/References - Not Home Yet, by Brandon and Liv - Low Anthropology, by David Zahl - The Unexpected Way, by Paul Williams (good luck!)   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What even is spirituality and what is Christian spirituality?   Brandon and Matt sit down to explore the modern emphasis on spirituality as opposed to religion. They connect the question of spirituality to the meaning crisis and how modern spiritualities all claim to have the answer for a holistic, fulfilling life. Is this analysis true of Christian spirituality as well? How does Jesus answer the questions of meaning and meet our desire for more? Tune in for the answers to those questions, and more!   Jesus, the god-man, really likes you (and we do too)! May this episode remind you that you are not alone in your desire for more.    Links/References “Not Home Yet” by Brandon and Liv Booth “In the Meantime” - Signpost Inn's weekly email   “Spirituality” by Philip Sheldrake “Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl "Theology the Lutheran Way" by Oswald Bayer   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What is scripture's primary purpose?   On today's show, Brandon, Matt and Peter further the conversation from last episode about obstacles to reading scripture. We take a deep dive into how we each come to scripture with expectations that impact how we receive its message. The guys discuss how the main objective of God's self-revelation in the Bible is to show us his character, who he really is. Brandon walks us through several scripture passages that show us the compassion of Jesus and unpacks how we can hear all of scripture through Jesus' loving voice.    Friend, today may you know the heart of Jesus who loves you enough to die for you!   Links/References Passages of scripture Matthew 5 (The Sermon on the Mount) Mark 1:4-0-42 (The man with leprosy) Luke 7:11-17 (The widow of Nain) Exodus 34:5-8 (God reveals himself to Moses) Deuteronomy 10:12-15 (Fear the Lord, keep his commandments) Send us feedback! hello@signpostinn.org   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Is God truly present in his word?   Today's conversation is centered around our shared desire to read more scripture and some of the common obstacles that get in our way. Brandon, Matt, and Peter tackle questions like, “How do we experience God's presence through the Bible?” and “Is academic study the best way to encounter God in the Bible? We wrap up with thoughts about what it means to “stand under scripture” and let its story shape us.    May this podcast be enjoyable and equip you to dive into God's Word!   Links Matt's sermon Sign up for In The Meantime, our weekly email :)   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Why is the present moment so important? Inspired by a chapter from C.S. Lewis's, The Screwtape Letters, Brandon, Matt and Peter discuss the importance of the present. Satan wants nothing more than to distract us with anxious thoughts about the future or trap us in unhealthy rumination upon past events. But God only ever invites us into the present, where we can encounter his presence and grace. The guys shift gears a bit and explore how our perception of who God is directly impacts our willingness to receive his invitation in the present moment.  We pray you enjoy the conversation and that it benefits you! Thanks for listening!   Links The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What does it mean to practice gratitude?   In today's episode, Brandon, Matt and Peter explore the topic of gratitude and how we become grateful people. The conversation centers around the idea that “you see more of what you attend to.” With some wisdom from Kurt Thompson to further guide the discussion, the gang then wraps up with how to practice gratitude and teach it too!   Thanks for listening! Jesus likes you :)   Links Kurt Thompson “Giving Thanks, Part 1” Kurt Thompson “Giving Thanks, Part 2”    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What is the way of Jesus and how can we practice it?   In today's episode, Brandon and Rachel sit down to talk about John Mark Comer's book, Practicing the Way. The conversation is guided by the book's subtitle, Be with Jesus, Become like him, Do as he did. After sharing some of the helpful insights from the book, Brandon and Rachel note a few key distinctions that need to be unpacked. What makes one a saint? What is the gospel message? What did Jesus do in the first place? Come join the conversation and learn more about the way of Jesus!   Thanks for listening! May you experience the presence of Jesus with you today :)   Links Signpost Inn's Vision for 2025 and Beyond! Practicing the Way podcast   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Is there any hope for connection in this isolated world?   Today Brandon sits down to chat with his long time friend, Luke Wall, Executive Direction of Only7Seconds, a non-profit addressing the loneliness epidemic. Together they discuss the status of our collective social health in this modern era and why we feel so lonely. A central truth soon emerges: no one person, or organization can fix the loneliness epidemic...but, no one needs to!   The fruitful path forward is to dream small and keep it simple. Take the 7 seconds to send a text. Ask someone to lunch. Tell your family you love them. Like building a set of legos, we can build towards relational health one small step at a time. Even this is hard! We first need to receive the love and attention of Jesus so that we can move past our obstacles of fear and insecurity.   Enjoy the show! Jesus cares about YOU!   Check out Only7Seconds and the work Luke and his team are doing! Read Abandonment to Divine Providence, by Jean Pierre de Caussade.   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What can we learn about Christian discipleship from The Chronicles of Narnia?   In today's episode, Brandon and Matt interview Joe Rigney, author of the book, Live Like a Narnian: Christian Discipleship in Lewis's Chronicles. Joe shares his perspective on Christian discipleship as whole person formation and how he believes C.S. Lewis's books directly further this formation. The conversation then turns towards specific characters and scenes from the books and how they shape our thinking and desire to align with the true, good, and beautiful. Stick around to hear about how books are like friends and why contrasting the books against the movies can be helpful!   Thanks for tuning in! May this show awaken you to the reality of beauty in our world! Jesus loves you.    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

How do we fix our attention? What's wrong with it anyway?   Today Brandon and Peter talk about the human faculty of attention, how and why it's often hijacked, and what needs fixing. At the core of the problem with our attention is our human need for security and significance. The world is like a chaotic carnival that distracts and overwhelms us with many loud voices all trying to bend our attention to their own interests. We're not safe and we have no idea where to turn for trusted direction and guidance. The good news is that we have a powerful ally working on our behalf. Jesus, the lord, is near. We are not alone to be harassed and manipulated, God himself is for us with the entirety of his being! Secure in his loving presence, we can finally attend to something else beyond the chaos of the world: Jesus. “Fixing” our gaze of Jesus is paradoxically what fixes our attention.    May you find this episode valuable and encouraging! Jesus love you.    The book Brandon referenced Good Judgment by Richard Davis   Brandon and Liv's new book is now available! Check out the Signpost Inn Store to grab a copy! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

What does forgiveness feel like?   It's Christianity 101: Jesus died on the cross to forgive you all your sin. But how often do we brush past this foundational truth in our daily walk with Jesus? What would it look like to sit with the truth that “I am forgiven”?  Join us on the back porch today as the guys do their best to sit with the truth of forgiveness in Christ. Psalm 103 guides us through the conversation, defining forgiveness and helping us unpack some of the resistance we have towards accepting God's forgiveness. It gets personal and a little emotional as we do our best to actually sit with this simple truth on today's show. Thanks for joining us :)    Brandon and Liv's new book is now available! Check out the Signpost Inn Store to grab a copy!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

How do we change? In today's episode Brandon and Peter discuss a theory for change and how skillful listening is a major factor. We all need change, a change in how we experience and view God. We need to deconstruct our bad/wrong images of God and rebuild a true picture of who Jesus is. The question is, "How?" We often get caught in the weeds of trying to change through behavior modification or amassing more knowledge about God, but these do not work.  We change as we encounter the goodness and love of God, and listening helps us to experience God as loving and good.   Brandon and Liv's new book is now available! Check out the Signpost Inn Store to grab a copy! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

In this exciting episode Matt sits down with Brandon and Liv Booth to discuss their new book, Not Home Yet: How to be human in an inhuman world. Brandon and Liv unpack the central image of being a weary traveler who is not at home in this world. They also chat about how Brandon is a hawk and Liv is a frog and how that influenced the book. The conversation turns to Jesus, the God-man, who shows us what it is to be human and what God is truly like.  And don't forget to check out the Signpost Inn Store to grab a copy of Brandon and Liv's new book when it's ready!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

In this episode Matt and Brandon discuss a short but powerful article by Henri Nouwen. They define spiritual disciplines, talk about why it's so hard to take time to be with God alone, discuss the struggles of Christian community and how we can engage it better, and also how the call to ministry is not what we often think. Along the way they dive deep into topics like forgiveness, faith, and prayer.  You can read the article for yourself here. And don't forget to check out the Signpost Inn Store to grab a copy of Brandon and Liv's new book when it's ready! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

A deep dive into cults and church abuse In this episode we interview our very own Matt Boland about his deep dive and presentation on cults, how they operate, and how our churches can sometimes use similar bad practices. Along the way we discuss how unconditional love always beats conditional love and how we can learn to be leaders like Jesus.  If you are fascinated by cults, and how church leadership can go wrong (and do better) this is the one for you! Books we reference on the show: Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs by Steven Hassan When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger, Henry Riecken, and Stanley Schachter Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

In this episode, Brandon sits down with Adam Ormord, the executive director of Lifepoint Resources to discuss an article Adam wrote about attending to God—and the important insight that we see more of what we attend to. In other words, attention matters! Join Adam and Brandon for a wide ranging and fascinating discussion about how, why, and what goes wrong in our attempt to pay more attention to Jesus than to ourselves.  Adam is a spiritual director, pastor, and the executive director and co-founder of Lifepoint Resources. Lifepoint Resources envisions a highly relational community of transforming people whose souls are set on being with Jesus and becoming people of love. So they have made it their mission to provide Christ-centered soul care to everyone in need so that each and every person can enjoy the fullness of life with God in the Kingdom now and forever. Adam is also the host of the Being Formed Podcast and recently hosted Brandon over on his show to discuss spiritual direction and Brandon's book Changing the Conversation: How to dance instead of fight in everyday conversation. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com

Brandon and Matt sit down with special guest, Michaela Neff to discuss attachment theory and our relationship with Jesus. Michaela, a licensed professional counselor, provides insights into how attachment styles developed in childhood affect our perception and connection with God. We also share some personal stories about our own experiences with God and ask Michaela to give us practical steps on how to change our unhealthy attachment styles and improve our attachment to God.   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com   Links from the show:  Watch Brandon's Lecture on Attachment Theory and Liturgy on YouTube Check out our new Liturgical and Sacramental Spiritual Direction Newsletter Listen to the Meier Clinics podcast Check out Meier Clinics in Richardson Texas and connect with Michaela

Taking a look in the mirror…   Hey listeners! Brandon, Matt, and Peter are on the back porch today for a conversation about looking in the mirror and embracing reality. The central idea behind today's conversation is that God reveals the truth to us for our own good. Though sometimes the truth is convicting and uncomfortable, it shows us the way forward. On the flip side, truth can also be very comforting as it cuts through the lies and false narratives that harm us. Join us for advice on dealing with “the shoulds” as well as thinking of God, the movie director! May our conversation today point us all to The Way, The Truth, and The Life, Jesus :)    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn! https://www.gemini.com/share/vgk4n65s8    Links from the show:  Send us feedback! podcast@signpostinn.org  Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey

How can we differentiate God's voice from spam and scams?   Brandon and Peter here on the back porch today to chat about our image of who God is and what his voice sounds like. Peter shares his experience of receiving spam messages from trinity@tryharder.net and his pursuit of sorting through the junk to better hear the voice of God. A central tension that we discuss is the desire to delete spam, but the fear that we'll inadvertently ignore God's real messages at the same time! Brandon and Peter discuss some “spam filters” that help us discern God's voice and have a clearer image of God. May this episode encourage and equip you! Jesus loves you :)    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn! https://www.gemini.com/share/vgk4n65s8    Links from the show:  Peter article, “Getting Spam from God” Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey

How can we develop emotional resilience when the news reminds us that the world is on fire?   In today's episode, Peter and Brandon sit down on the back porch to chat about some suggestions for navigating the morning news without panicking. We begin with a compassionate diagnosis for why we find ourselves pulled into the chaotic current of news and media. Our introduction centers on the concept of our attention and why it's so valuable. We then walk through 3 steps of developing resilience: Acceptance, Perspective, and Connection.    We pray this episode graciously points you to Jesus! You matter to him :)   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn! https://www.gemini.com/share/vgk4n65s8    Links from the show:  Brandon's article, “Faith for Fiery Days” Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey

Life is crazy! How do I attend to the reality of Christ's presence and love?   Today is a follow up episode to our podcast on “Is God Asleep in the Boat?” Brandon and Peter shift the conversation to examine 3 prayer practices that have helped them notice God's presence and love in the midst of chaotic seasons. Each suggestion flows from the foundational truth that prayer is a response to God, not a work we need to get better at. We touch on the illusion of perfect peace and also how perfect prayer is possible (hint: Jesus does it for us).  Thanks as always for tuning in! We pray that this podcast gives you practical ways to attend to Jesus' love. Jesus is for you, friend!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn!    Links from the show:  - Article, “Prayer - A Personal Response to God's Presence” - Ebook, 5 simple prayers that can obliterate anxiety   - The Serenity Prayer - The Prayer of Abandonment - Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey

Does Jesus care about us and the storms we are facing?   Living in our chaotic world makes us exhausted and angry. We often find ourselves repeating the disciples' frantic question in the middle of the storm, “[Jesus] Don't you care that we are going to perish?” In today's episode, Brandon and Peter unpack this story from scripture with an eye for how it illuminates our image of God. Is Jesus the type of person who gets angry with us for our doubts? What if Jesus' nap is actually meant to give us comfort and confidence? Join us as Jesus builds our faith and shows us that he is never inactive. Thanks for listening to today's conversation! We pray that it encourages you and points you to your capable savior!    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn! https://www.gemini.com/share/vgk4n65s8    Links from the show:  Rembrandt's Painting: https://picryl.com/media/rembrandt-christ-in-the-storm-on-the-sea-of-galilee-b39d6b  Martin Luther's book, The Freedom of the Christian: https://amzn.to/3U45s5S  Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey

The Psalms shape us by the feelings they evoke.   In today's episode, Brandon, Matt and Peter sit down on the back porch to explore a few psalms together. We work through a few common presumptions we have about the Psalms and Brandon gives us his simple guide to reading poetry. We spend some time actually doing the process with Psalm 121 and Psalm 16 to close out the conversation. We pray this evocative exploration of the Psalms helps you engage more deeply with God's Word! Thanks for joining us on the back porch!   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn! https://www.gemini.com/share/vgk4n65s8    Links from the show:  The Bible Project's Video on the Psalms Signpost Inn Spring Retreat: Register today! Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey Updates from the back porch - Disciple - Bitcoin

Can anyone say the word “chastity” without cringing?   In this episode, Brandon interviews Father Ronald Rolheiser about his brand new book, Chastity and the Soul: You Are Holy Ground. Father Rolheiser explores chastity as, “proper respect, reverence and patience,” and unpacks it in the context of sexuality and beyond. Our conversation takes us back to the Garden of Eden where we discuss a lack of chastity as the original sin. Throughout the episode, Father Rolheiser shares immersive stories that help us deepen our understanding of this important topic. Join us as we learn the fruitful path of “carrying the tension” and letting God give us gifts.    Links from the show:  Chastity and the Soul: You Are Holy Ground by Father Rolheiser Signpost Inn Spring Retreat: Register today! Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey Updates from the back porch - God or Nothing by Cardinal Robert Sarah  - Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Thanks to Rex Daugherty for creating the original theme music for this podcast. He's an award-winning artist and you can check out more of his work at rex-daugherty.com Sign up for Gemini and trade at least $100 to get free crypto. The more you trade, the more you and you and Signpost Inn will earn!  

Welcome to the Signpost Inn Podcast! We're glad you're here for today's conversation with David Zahl about the book he co-authored, Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints). We start with the question, "what does this phrase, 'law and gospel' mean? David then explains why this tool was so energizing for him and his team at Mockingbird. We find that the law and gospel filter clarifies our experience of this broken world and shapes our expectations for how God interacts with us. So grab a drink and a seat and learn with us how God uses both the law and the gospel for our good!   Links: David Zahl's website: Mockingbird The book: Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints) Signpost Inn Spring Retreat: Register today! Our weekly newsletter: Grace-filled encouragement for your journey Updates from the back porch - Zotero (file storage) - Shogun (TV series)

Welcome to the Signpost Inn Podcast! In today's episode, Brandon interviews Heidi Goehmann on her newest book, Emotions and the Gospel. Throughout the conversation, Heidi unpacks the good news regarding our complex emotions. We talk about what it means to process our emotions and how life wouldn't be better without emotions. Join us and explore how our emotions help us connect with God in different and deeper ways. Thanks for listening! We pray this episode delights and encourages you!   Links from the show: Heidi's Book, Emotions and the Gospel Heidi's Podcast, Life in Relationship Heidi's Website   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Welcome to another back porch conversation with Brandon, Matt, and Peter. We're glad you're here! Today's episode is an attempt to unpack the idea of the "gospel" of sin management. After a bit of a rough start, jumping straight into some criticisms, we refocus and find our way to the central issue of our desire for security. Even though we know we are saved by grace alone, it FEELS like we must be continuously growing, managing our sin in order to be secure in Christ's love. We ask ourselves what "abundant life" as a Christian really means and explore how abiding in Christ, not managing our sin is the way forward. Join us for the journey! May this conversation bless and encourage you :)   Links from show: Peter's camera Dopeamine Nation Infinite whiteboard Conversation about true life with Peter Malysz   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Welcome to the Signpost Inn Podcast!

Welcome to the Signpost Inn Podcast!

Welcome to the Signpost Inn Podcast!

Welcome to another episode of the Signpost Inn Podcast! Our guest today is Dr. Piotr Malysz a professor of History and Doctrine and Samford's Beeson Divinity School and a personal friend of Brandon's. Growing up in a region of southern Poland that was deeply influenced by the Lutheran reformation, Piotr holds a deep love for the intersection of history and theology. Today's conversation focuses on Dr. Malysz's article "On Death, Dying, and Dying Well." Piotr shares his perspective on death as a dehumanizing condition that leads us to live for "bare survival." Brandon and Piotr unpack some of our attempts to get out from under death's influence. But ultimately, the gospel phenomena of true life that God offers us in Christ proves to be the only way to thwart death. Piotr beautifully portrays the way in which "God for me" changes everything and allows us to live life freely.  Check out Dr. Malysz's bio for links to several articles. Or click here to go directly to his article on Death, Dying, and Dying Well. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

We have a end of year matching fund drive! Your generous gifts will be doubled, now through Dec 27! https://www.signpostinn.org/donate Please check out Restoring the Soul: https://restoringthesoul.com/ Join us this episode for an interview with Julianne Cusick about forgiveness and trauma. Julianne shares her own story of betrayal trauma and forgiveness and how God led her to minister as a betrayal trauma specialist. We talk about how to forgive, why forgiveness is so hard, and whether or not we really should forgive and forget. We pray this episode blesses you! Thanks for joining us! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Matching fund drive! -- donate and DOUBLE your gift today -- from now until December 27, 2023. CLICK HERE --> https://www.signpostinn.org/donate   When you're on a long hike, carrying unnecessary weight will slow you down. The same is true on our spiritual journeys. We all lug shame and guilt, unrealistic expectations, false identities, and distorted views of God that distract and exhaust us. In this episode, Brandon, Matt and Peter are discussing how spiritual direction can help identify unnecessary burdens you may be carrying and encourage you to lay them in God's loving hands. It's not always easy, but it's definitely possible! Here's the links we referenced! Broken Cisterns episode  Tim Keller Sermons Podcast - “Shameless Prayer”  ESDA - Find a spiritual director Anam Cara - Connect with a spiritual director Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

The journey of life can be exhausting, it's easy to focus on the difficulties and forget the beauty all around us. Sometimes we need to stop at a scenic overlook. Today we're taking a look at the ways a spiritual director can help you pause, notice, and savor the sacred moments in your life. Those times where God has made his presence known.  At these times a spiritual director can be like a tour guide, someone who is specially trained to help you notice the beauty and appreciate the details of God's presence.  As a trained spiritual director I listen carefully to help people identify moments of wonder, breakthrough, intimacy and grace. I ask discerning questions to help you cherish these spiritual vistas. I help you pause and savor the presence of God. Thanks for joining us for this multi part series on spiritual direction, we know you'll enjoy today's discussion! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Is God calling you to step off the beaten path of faith? Are you feeling the itch to explore other churches, denominations, or maybe even other religions? Do you feel disillusioned with the faith of your upbringing? Then you need a friend, and this episode is for you. In this episode we are discussing how a spiritual director can accompany you when God leads you off the beaten path of faith. There's certainly comfort in sticking to the well-worn path, but sometimes God invites us to follow him into the wilderness. Some people call it deconstruction or disentangling or disillusionment, others experience it positively as exploration and expansion, but whatever you call it, or however you experience it, these are the times you need a skillful and compassionate guide - someone who can help you discern your own motivations as well as God's invitations. So join us for today's conversation as we discuss how spiritual direction provides safety and discernment when it feels like God is leading down unfamiliar roads. Let's learn to embrace uncertainty and walk in faith, not fear. Check out "Meister Eckhart's Book of Darkenss & Light" Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Want to try spiritual direction? https://www.signpostinn.org/sd/brandon-booth When you're on a long faith journey, it helps to have a trusted travel buddy by your side - someone who's been down similar paths before. But not all companions are the same. Today we are continuing our series on Spiritual direction. What is it? And why should you have a spiritual director? In this episode, we'll distinguish spiritual direction from other relationships and explain why it's great to have a spiritual director as one of your traveling buddies. A spiritual director is specially trained to walk alongside you with understanding, discernment and care. They won't try to push you in a specific direction or solve all your problems. Instead, they'll thoughtfully listen and then ask the kinds of questions that spark self-awareness and invite you to talk to God directly. Together, you'll tend the campfire when you're feeling stuck, celebrate arrivals as they happen, and find rest in God's grace. Spiritual direction provides the rare gift of being heard and known, so you can hear and know God more intimately. Do you long for a travel buddy who won't judge the twists and turns in your spiritual journey, someone who can help you feel less disconnected from God? Then walk for a bit with us today as we unpack the unique value of spiritual direction. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Life is full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours that can leave us feeling a little lost and disconnected. We all need patient traveling companions to walk alongside us and provide care, perspective, and hope. In today's episode, we'll explore how a spiritual director listens with compassion and provides perspective and encouragement when we hit roadblocks on our spiritual journeys. Join us as we unpack how spiritual direction provides sustenance for your soul when you feel stuck or abandoned, and how it helps you find new paths to walk in hope, and new ways to reorient your soul to Jesus' love. Are you ready to get un-lost, reconnect with God, and get “back on the road” with renewed passion? Great! Let's get started! Do you want a companion on your journey with God? Sign up for spiritual direction Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Does the world feel like a scary place? Do you wonder what to do with your feeling that everybody's out to get you? Well, then this episode is for you! In this episode, Brandon and Peter tackle a single word listener question, "cynicism?" We begin our conversation with a reading from Brandon's book, Changing the Conversation: How to dance instead of fight in everyday conversation. We then explore how finding our security in Jesus allows us to embrace curiosity instead of cynicism. Thanks for joining us for this back porch conversation :) Get Changing the Conversation! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

Relationships are complicated and messy. How do we grown in self-understanding that breeds compassion for ourselves and others? Can God really redeem my broken history of relationships?  Today's episode is a conversation with our friend Shell Odum, founder of the ministry A Radical Relationship. A Radical Relationship provides community centered life coaching and groups for you to participate in! Shell speaks from her personal experience about divorce and how her relationship with God flourished in the midst of brokenness.    Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!

How am I, with all my duties and responsibilities, supposed to live a life of prayer and devotion to God? Can my family, my work, and my duties be a spiritual journey with God? In his book, Domestic Monastery, Father Ronald Rolheiser retrieves deep wisdom from the ancient monastics, making it easy to understand and very applicable to those of us who live “normal” lives.  Join us for a delightful conversation about family life, commitment, fidelity, and how God is very much in our daily lives.  Father Rolheiser is a Catholic priest in the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, former president of the Oblate School School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, and specialist in the fields of spirituality and systematic theology. He has a regular column in the Catholic Herald which is featured in approximately 90 newspapers in five countries. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources! Links to resources mentioned in the show: Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade

What is we humans capable of? What is a realistic view of what we can accomplish?    Join us for today's delightful conversation with David Zahl about his newest book, Low Anthropology. You'll breathe a sigh of relief as you listen to David share about low anthropology and it's refreshing perspective on life. The team here at Signpost Inn absolutely loved reading this book and talking with David! So much of the vision and mission at Signpost Inn is expressed beautifully by David and his team at Mocking Bird Ministries. Be sure to check them out after listening to the episode!

Why are we so afraid of acknowledging our limitations? What does needing help say about us?   In this episode, Brandon, Matt and Peter talk about needing help, recognizing our limitations, and why the doctrine of sin is so good. That's right, understanding Sin is wildly helpful to experiencing the freedom to ask for help. God knows your limitations! The pressure is off! Take a deep breath and enjoy today's show :)   Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Check out our website for more resources!