Tuesday Afternoons with Ben and Wrenn

Hello everyone! Thank you for supporting our podcast over the last 20 months! Wrenn and Ben are going to take a break from weekly recording to pursue some new and exciting paths in life. In this week's episode they talk about the exciting things before them and celebrate the season that is coming to a close.

Wrenn and Ben talk about Jesus' invitation to love one another as God loves us. It is a type of love that goes beyond feeling and emotion and calls us to action. It's an encouraging conversation that is designed to help out in those ordinary and sacred moments of life, like Tuesday afternoons!

Wrenn and Ben talk about how to cut yourself some slack in life, no matter what goals you are following after or striving towards.

In this week's episode Wrenn and Ben talk about moving past fear in life as Wrenn talks about her recent experience in skydiving!

We have a special episode for you this week! Wrenn and her husband John sit down for a talk about life and marriage.

Hey everyone, we had a little trouble getting this episode together this week- but it is here! It does not sound as well produced as usual and there are definitely some editing errors. However, we just wanted to get the conversation out there. So thank you for your grace, and we should be back with a regular podcast next week!

Wrenn and Ben are joined by their friend Elizabeth Barricklow to talk about the experience of growing older for all of them. Growing older gets a bad rap in our culture, and the three of them talk about the positive ways that getting older have actually be a wonderful thing.

Wrenn and Ben reflect on some of the events that have taken place in their lives over the last several weeks, and talk about two stories where prayer made a significant impact in their lives.

Wrenn and Ben reflect on hosting a podcast for a year. Also, we shine the Sparta Spotlight on our hosts so they can share the things that that are up to in Alleghany County!

Wrenn talks to Kate Irwin about some amazing things taking place in Sparta including Alleghany Jam!

Sparta Spotlight Feat. Jill Cockerham! Jill talks about Her journey in life, and talks about the future of Alleghany Farmers Market along with other interesting topics. Ben and Wrenn have some songs and quotes to share as well to bring some joy into your life.

We are continuing our summer of highlighting the good things that are taking place in our hometown of Sparta, NC. If you have been in the new Sparta Candle Co. Store on Main Street then you know why we wanted to talk to Jennifer about the story of that business and how she cast a vision for her new storefront. It is so exciting to see people bring creativity and passion to the small town Main Street life that we all love in Sparta. Is there something good going on in the community that you think we should check out next? Let us know!

This summer the Tuesday Afternoon Podcast is shining a light on the positive things that are taking place in our Alleghany County community. We kick things off this week in an interview with Ginger Collins and Jonah Greene of the Alleghany Writers and the newly launched Alleghany Teen Writers group. Stay tuned for more exciting interviews from all over the County every week this summer! Alleghany Teen Writers: https://www.facebook.com/Alleghany-Teen-Writers-103061638662577 Check out Alleghany Writers: https://www.facebook.com/AlleghanyWriters/

Wrenn and Ben talk about the start of summer and the ways that they are finding balance in a new season of life.

This week we have a re-broadcast of an episode from last year where Wrenn and Ben talk about the ways that hope anchors us in everyday life. We will be back with an all-new episode next week!

Friend of the show Dr. Rich Ambler joins Wrenn and Ben in the studio to talk about life and a positive perspective on self control. You will hear the sounds of life in this podcast as the grass is being mowed outside the room we record in, also we experienced a computer issue in the last few minutes so it cuts out a little early.

Wrenn and Ben talk about what they love about Sparta, NC. From restaurants, to natural beauty, to the appeal of small town life- these are a few of our favorite things. What do you love about where you call home?

Wrenn and Ben talk about how we can "abide" or "soak" in God's love.

Wrenn and Ben talk about the ways they have grown in their prayer life during the pandemic. Specifically, they talk about what they have learned about contemplative prayer.

Wrenn and Ben talk about the value of gentleness and the strength that it requires.

Wrenn and Ben talk about a funny story involving a "football ham" that has a lot to teach us about the concept of faithfulness and the resilience it can give us in difficult times.

Wrenn and Ben have some honest conversation about some baggage that can come with the Easter experience, especially in church. It is a good conversation about finding God's love and the promise of new life in the season!

Wrenn and Ben talk about how goodness can grow in our lives in practical ways.

Wrenn and Ben talk with Pastor Bob Miller about the importance of kindness and how it can transform our lives.

This week we are replaying an episode from the past that has a timeless message. Somedays, you just are not feeling it. Ben and Wrenn talk about the balance between being ok, with not being ok and taking some positive steps to avoid getting stuck in a difficult place. As always, there are interesting quotes and happy songs to cheer up your day!

Becca Babbit joins Wrenn and Ben as they talk about patience. In a conversation that spans everything from parenting to gardening we talk about positive ways that patience is growing within you.

Wrenn and Ben talk about the book that they have been reading this month called "The Ministry of Ordinary Places". Listen in for a great discussion about paying attention, blooming where you are planted, and practicing hospitality.

Wrenn and Ben talk about ways that we can embrace the freedom that God gives us to enjoy rest, create boundaries, and cultivate peace in our lives.

In this episode of the podcast, Wrenn and Ben talk about the complicated topic of Joy. How is it different from happiness? How can we find it in life? Tune in for a great discussion!

We are starting a new series on the podcast for the next few weeks as we explore the fruit of the Spirit. This week we are talking about "love" and all the different ways that God loves us and we can love others too.

Wrenn and Ben have a conversation about unity in the midst of a difficult period of history. They talk about the ways that unity is the work that God is up to in our midst and the pleasure that God takes in that. Also! exciting news about our new "book club" that you can join us in. Listen for more details!

Wrenn and Ben are thinking about a new year and new seasons in this week's episode. They talk about ways that we can identify small habits and actions that can add up to significant changes in the way we rest, parent, and journey through life.

Wrenn and Ben talk about the difficult events enveloping the United States in early January and how we can live more like Jesus in the midst of them. Here are the two blog posts mentioned: Wrenn's Blog: https://crookedzen.wordpress.com/2021/01/09/treading-water/ Ben's Blog: https://www.hopesparta.org/post/choose-peace-in-the-new-year

In the first episode of the year Wrenn and Ben talk about what contentment means to them and how they are pursuing it in the new year. Plus, lots of the good quotes, happy songs, and great conversation to bring a bright spot into your day.

Our podcast editor and producer Jonah Greene joins us in the studio this week to talk about our favorite foods, music, books, and more from 2020. It's a really fun episode, listen in and you might discover a few new favorite things yourself!

In this Christmas week episode of the Tuesday afternoon podcast, Wrenn and Ben talk about slowing down during the holiday season and looking for God in unexpected places.

Wrenn and Ben talk about the advent and Christmas season and some of the special meanings they are focusing on and some of the struggles.

As a follow up to our episode in July before Lily went to college ( check that out here if you want to: https://anchor.fm/tuesdayafternoons/episodes/Interview-with-Lily-Nilo-eh13sg. ), she comes back to tell Wrenn and Ben about what college life is like in 2020. She goes to school at Warren Wilson in Swannanoa, NC and has lots of great stories to share!

Wren and Ben talk about how to find your center and security in God and the things God has given us when times are tough. 1

Wrenn and Ben take some time to cultivate thankfulness and talk about good books, good coffee, and other simple joys in life.

Wrenn and Ben have a conversation about making space to feel the grief that comes from disappointment and changed plans around the holidays. We don't want to just settle into a pity party though! So they talk about ways to encourage each other along the journey. It's some real talk about the 2020 holiday season!

In this episode of the podcast, Ben and Wrenn discuss how viewing the world and God through a child's eyes can be a fun and helpful way to live in 2020 with a "glass half full" point of view. It can make us happy, helps us understand how to deal with stress, anxiety, and more! They also, as usual, have a happy song and quote to help bring some cheer into your week!

We are all navigating uncertainty as we journey through 2020. It doesn't matter where your angst is coming from, we are all feeling it. Stress, strife, empathy, and hope are the main topics discussed in this episode. In trying times, especially in the days of this divided election, It can be hard to find a healthy balance of self care and care for other. Ben and Wrenn discuss ways we can focus on the good, and bring hope to those around us, and working for peace. As always, they have a happy song and daily quote to bring some joy and peace into our lives. We hope you enjoy this Episode!

Ben and Wrenn talk about how walking in the way of Jesus means being willing to have conversations that heal in the midst of a culture of division. Find more information about the guidelines for healing conversations here: https://www.hopesparta.org/healing-conversations

Wrenn and Ben talk about how finding healing in the small things of nature and how nature reveals the nature of God. Ben talks about the new Fusion Innovation Academy and how that and projects like it can cause ripple effects of love and healing in our communities.

Wrenn and Ben talk about Jesus' short story of the man who had two sons. There is a lot to learn about the nature of the Divine and the grace that is abundantly given to us. Also, Ben and Wrenn often talk about the Sunday night conversations at Hope Fellowship. If those are something that you would ever like to be a part of, check out www.hopesparta.org for how you can join in our weekly Sunday night conversations on Zoom.

Wrenn and Ben talk about self care and spiritual centering to get through the weirdness of this season of life.

Wrenn and Ben talk about hope, something that we all need as much of as possible these days!

Christine Choate stops by to talk to us about mindfulness as a great way to connect to God and navigate your everyday life in a prayerful way. If you ever want to join us for one of Christine's live mindfulness sessions, she holds them outside in front of Sparta UMC every Monday morning at 9am.

Wrenn and Ben talk about parables and how they connect to our lives. We had a few issues with our audio this week, particularly with one of the mics, we will have it fixed for the next episode!

Wrenn and Ben talk about how some words, especially in a religious context, can lose their meaning and power. Especially when they are used too frequently or have picked up difficult associations over the years. On the other hand, there is a vast wealth of words and metaphors in the Bible and in tradition to draw rich new perspectives from.