Podcasts about park cities presbyterian church

On this episode of Gifts and Graces we get to hear from Kevin Twit and J. Marty Cope on moving toward a common theology of worship. Kevin Twit is the RUF Campus Minister at Belmont University and the founder of Indelible Grace Music and J. Marty Cope is Director of Music & Arts at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. This episode was originally recorded as a seminar delivered at the 2024 General Assembly. Let's listen as Twit and Cope present a theology of worship that moves beyond preferences to seek wisdom regarding essential versus non-essential rubrics for worship.

On this episode of Gifts and Graces, we get to hear from Dr. Pete Deison provides wisdom on connecting generations and closing generation gaps in your church. Dr. Pete Deison is the Pastor Emeritus of Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas and also the President of its Foundation. This episode was originally recorded as a seminar delivered at the 2023 General Assembly. Let's listen as Dr. Pete Deison shares a simple way for the faithfulness of one generation to pass on their strength and wisdom to the next.

About the Episode: Kevin Joseph shares his testimony about how he was led to Christ through a teammate and his journey through professional baseball. He talks about his identity and desire to perform well while playing baseball knowing ultimately that baseball can't satisfy the soul. Through his platform of baseball, he had many opportunities to share the Gospel, including many mission trips and living overseas. Hear Kevin share about the limits he felt as an athlete, newer believer, missionary, and parent, and how his trust in the Lord leads him through his life. There is so much encouragement in what Kevin shares. If you are struggling with issues related to anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to deeplight@pcpc.org or 214-224-2500. About Our Guest: Kevin Joseph graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor of Arts and earned a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary with highest honors. He is married to Ashley and has four kids, with whom he served overseas in cross-cultural ministry for about a decade. Kevin played professional baseball out of college, including a stint in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals. He currently serves as the Director of Missions at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew and granddaughter Haddie), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin's Path to God by Brennan Manning PCPC counseling ministry - https://pcpc.org/care/ Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500, and we will connect you with others who can walk alongside you. (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: Hear this group of men discuss how body image affects men as well as women. These men talk about their hope in the Lord and peace that comes from knowing your identity is based in being a son or daughter of the Most High not on how you look. How do we make something that is good like exercise not become an idol? The inward focus of “look at me” shift to “look at what God has done” is a hope of all believers. If you are struggling with issues related to anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to deeplight@pcpc.org or 214-224-2500. About Our Guests: Pete Fitzsimmons has spent the last three years committed to The PE program; The Covenant School's Logic Football program, Rhetoric Boys Soccer program, and Rhetoric Baseball program. As a four-year collegiate soccer and baseball starter at East Texas Baptist University, he earned many accolades, including the Top Tiger Award (2010), Captain and All-ASC Third Team (2011), All-ASC First Team (2012), and All-ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year (2012). Between his time at ETBU and Covenant, Coach Fitzsimmons attended the Kanakuk Institute (2015) and worked for K-Life Ministries and Park Cities Presbyterian Church. He currently attends and is active in community and service at Watermark Community Church. Drew Obenchain specializes in group fitness with the ability to scale workouts for all different levels of athletes. Kingdom Workouts provided tailored daily workouts to individual clients as well as offering in-person group training with other Kingdom members. Drew has always loved fitness and being active, he played multiple sports throughout his life, but his passion evolved once he was introduced to CrossFit during his sophomore year at Texas A&M. In 2012 he suffered a devastating back injury while training, which opened his eyes to the importance of proper training as well as physical therapy. Since then he has been motivated to teach others how to not just train hard, but to train well. He now works at Corpus Performance Training. When not training, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kara, and new baby, Hattie. He is grateful for the opportunity to pursue his passion of fitness as his full-time career and attributes it all to the goodness of God. Drew is married to Kara and they have a new baby, Hattie. https://www.corpusperformance.com/our-staff.html ​John Paul Schulze is the Director of Young Adults and Community Formation. He is married to the lovely Katie Schulze and they have two daughters and a son named Libby, Ellie, and JPIII. Come introduce yourself to John Paul on Sunday mornings in the Ambassadors Sunday Morning Community; he would love to meet you and help connect you to PCPC. Contact JohnPaul.Schulze@pcpc.org. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: PCPC counseling department https://pcpc.org/care/ Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500 and we will connect you with others that can walk alongside you. (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: Hear Pat talk about what grief is and how to feel encouraged yourself or walk alongside someone in any form of grief. This feeling of loss, whether it is loss of dreams, person, job, or identity, leaves people feeling unstable. Those grieving must learn to raise their hands and ask for help. That can be super scary and not something they have experienced in the past. They have typically suppressed or simply not dealt with those feelings and have some very entrenched coping ways as to how they do that. They also must realize they need a “team.” It is not that they have one person on the journey with them, but several serving in different roles. People need others to empathize and come alongside them. The grieving person needs to know you are there and that they are not a burden. Hear how we as believers can come alongside those grieving. If you are struggling with grief or the pain of loss, please don't hesitate to reach out to deeplight@pcpc.org or 214-224-2500. (**This episode was recorded prior to the tragedy in Nashville. We hope the content will help you as you process even your own grief.**) About Our Guest: Pat Hobin is the Director of Counseling & Care at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Pat was born and raised in Dallas and has a Bachelor's degree from University of Texas as well as a Masters in Counseling degree from Colorado Christian University. Pat and Emily have been married since August of 2019 and together they have six adult children and four grandchildren with another on the way. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Grief Share Ministry: Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. You don't have to go through the grieving process alone. https://www.griefshare.org PCPC Care and Counseling ministry https://pcpc.org/care/ Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500 and we will connect you with others that can walk alongside you. (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: Hear the journey Leila and her husband experienced through infertility. She talks openly about how she saw her identity and role as a mom and the inability to become pregnant led to despair and anger. The Lord showed her that her real identity is being a beloved daughter of Christ, and healing began to happen. Hear how the Lord met her in the grief. If you are struggling with grief or the pain of loss, please don't hesitate to reach out to deeplight@pcpc.org or 214-224-2500. About Our Guest: Leila Redwine is a member of PCPC, along with her husband Blake. She first encountered PCPC through the high school ministry and has since participated in various Bible studies and ministries through the church. After a career in finance, Leila is now staying home with their two sweet boys. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Grief Share Ministry: Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. You don't have to go through the grieving process alone. https://www.griefshare.org/ A Mother's Heart Bible study at Park Cities Presbyterian Church: https://www.pcpc.org/women/bible-studies/a-mothers-heart/ Songs: “Blessings” – By Laura Story “Take Courage” by Kristene DiMarco Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or call 214-224-2500, and we will connect you with others that can walk alongside you. (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: Join us for the next in a series on sexuality where we hear from two women that serve at Park Cities Presbyterian Church as facilitators of the Care and Counseling's “unashamed” group. They share their personal stories about sexual brokenness in their lives and how that led them to want to care for other women affected by a spouse's pornography or their own struggles. Please note that this episode has material that may not be appropriate for children. About Our Guests: Angela Leaverton is married with two children and is a member of PCPC. Natalie Bills is a member of PCPC. Both women co-facilitate the women's unashamed care group. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Women's support group at Park Cities Presbyterian Church: https://pcpc.org/women-care/ "Screwtape Letters" by CS Lewis Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

On this episode of Gifts and Graces, we get to hear from Dr. Kay Gabrysch on restoring the primacy of Christian identity in a polarized culture. Dr. Gabrysch is an author, speaker, and Bible study leader at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. This was originally recorded as a seminar delivered at the 2022 General Assembly. Let's listen as Dr. Kay Gabrysch provides insights into restoring the primacy of Christian identity.

About the Episode: The nature of this topic may not be suitable for children so please take note of your environment prior to listening out loud! Join us for a series on sexuality, God's design and vision for sex for both married couples and single people, and the richness of experiencing oneness with God. Sex is one of God's special gifts for how we can really know and understand God's love for us. In this episode, we hear from Thom Maryon and Pat Hobin about the effects of sexual brokenness, the wounds within a relationship, and seemingly irreparable damage. Yet, there is so much hope to heal, restore, and experience freedom from the depths of shame. Finding the courage to know that we can be ourselves and be loved through the good news of Jesus Christ. You are loved, God has a plan for you, and God wants you to accept yourself where you are in your trial. About Our Guests: Thom Maryon is a leader in PCPC's Men's Care Ministry. For over 35 years, Thom has been involved in mentoring men to develop deeper spiritual lives as well as assisting them in overcoming life-dominating struggles. Thom is an active member of PCPC, a retired healthcare executive, and currently holds a faculty position in the University of Texas system. Pat Hobin is the Director of Counseling & Care at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Pat was born and raised in Dallas and has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas as well as a Masters in Counseling degree from Colorado Christian University. Pat and Emily have been married since August 2019 and together they have six adult children and four grandchildren with another on the way. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: PCPC Men's Integrity Group: Sign up for one of our Sexual Sanity Groups (S3), which assists men in their journey to experience deepening integrity and healing in areas of sexual brokenness. Weekly group sessions are closed. The program is completed in 15 weeks, and a 15-week commitment is required to participate. The curriculum utilized is Sexual Sanity for Men by David White published by Harvest USA. Groups are led and facilitated by previous program graduates and focus on the range of sexual brokenness that crosses all of our lives. Contact: mensintegrity@pcpc.org or visit pcpc.org/care Women's Care Group: "On the Threshold of Hope" (OTH) Support Group is a group for women who are survivors of sexual trauma and desire to work toward healing and transformation. Participants have the opportunity to be heard, cared for, and experience the freedom that comes from being part of a confidential group where their deepest pain is understood. Since mind, body, soul, and relationships are damaged through sexual trauma, the healing of these areas will be at the forefront of all reading and discussions. Most importantly, group members will learn to lean into Christ as the ultimate Redeemer and Healer. Please contact Barb Mullen or Regan Brennan at oth@pcpc.org for more information or visit pcpc.org/care. Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: The nature of this topic may not be suitable for children so please take note of your environment prior to listening out loud! Join us for a series on sexuality, God's design and vision for sex for both married couples and single people, and the richness of experiencing oneness with God. Sex is one of God's special gifts for how we can really know and understand God's love for us. In this episode, Ruth and Stephen Meek discuss intimacy and oneness through the gift of sex and union. As quoted by Dr. Gary Barns, “The Big O of marriage is not Orgasm, it is Oneness.” About Our Guests: Ruth & Stephen have been married for 37 years, are parents of four, and grandparents of eight. Stephen was the fifth of nine children raised in a nominally Italian Catholic family that moved to a new city every few years due to his father's career. While Stephen had no interest in the things of God, God nonetheless pursued him by using Stephen's love of books. The Author of life God breathed spiritual life into Stephen at age 29 when he was reading the Book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 25. Soon after his conversion, Stephen married his still now love-of-his life Jonnie Ruth McLeod. His wedding ring is engraved with the words “Hearts knit together in Christ” alluding to Colossians 2:2. Stephen and Ruth had four children who are now adults and have started their own families. Stephen has spent his entire professional career in multifamily real estate, beginning with Marcus & Millichap in Palo Alto, CA, and since 2011 with StreetLights Residential as Senior Vice President of Development. In his real estate career, Stephen has experienced the honor of working with some of the greatest leaders in the industry and the excitement of taking part early in several newly formed “start-ups” such as The Staubach Company, Columbus Realty Trust, The Apartment Group, Rivendell Development, and StreetLights Residential. In his personal life, the list includes The Providence Christian School of Texas, The Cambridge School of Dallas, and Park Cities Presbyterian Church which Stephen would affirm all helped him and Ruth raise their children alongside other covenant parents and according to the truth of God's Word. Ruth is the founder of Redeeming Messages, a teaching/speaking ministry for Christian women in which her most requested topic is, Redeeming Shulamite, a message encouraging wives to elevate-not relegate-their marriage beds. To enhance her understanding of human sexuality, Ruth took a series of courses at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) on the subject. While a student there, Ruth became a part of The Institute for Sexual Wholeness (ISW) from which she earned the title, Sexual Educator. This credential qualifies Ruth to teach a series of spiritual, Sex Ed courses. The mission of ISW is To Create a Sexually Healthy Church. This has become Ruth's mission as well. Two quotes drive Ruth's desire to help break the church's code of silence about sex: “Sex is private not secret.” -Douglas Wilson and “God will hold us accountable for every permissible pleasure we ignore.” -The Talmud About Our Host:A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: Join us for a series on addiction to alcohol and other drugs, where we will discuss the loss of choice and the shame-based disease that is addiction. Steve and Marsha Williamson share their stories as parents of a child who struggled with addiction and mental illness. They share how the two diseases both work together and are progressive. The wake of destruction for a family is large. However, God has a plan and is sovereign, and there is an ultimate hope of being with our loved ones again completely healed in Heaven. About Our Guest: Steve and Marsha Williamson are founding members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Steve is a Shepherding Elder, is a member of the Worship Committee, is active in the music ministry of our church, and serves as Managing Director for Transwestern in the commercial real estate business in DFW. Marsha served as the very first Coordinator of Ministries and Operations at PCPC, founded Stoar Consulting to serve non-profits, and currently serves as CEO of Dallas 24 Hour Club. Dallas 24 provides transitional living, support services, and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become self-supporting and contributing members of the community. Steve and Marsha's oldest son, Scott, suffered from mental health and addiction issues from an early age. He passed away four years ago. They felt tremendous support from their children, Marsha's brother, Pat Hobin, many PCPC friends and the pastoral staff, as well as Al-Anon and Marsha's Sponsor. They would encourage anyone with a loved one suffering from addiction to embrace Al-Anon which teaches you how to deal with your loved one and also make changes in your own life! Steve and Marsha's other two sons (Logan and Kirk) married sisters from New Orleans (Amanda and Allyson), and the four of them now live in Dallas with their children Emma Grace (12), Kyle (8), and Elliott (1 ½). We are very thankful for this precious family who the Lord is using to help heal our wounded hearts. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Dallas 24 Hour Club provides transitional living, support services, and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community. Each year, they help over 600 people off the streets, find employment, and learn to live a sober life. https://www.dallas24hourclub.org/ Alcoholics Anonymous: Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org) The Big Book: Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition: The official "Big Book" from Alcoholic Anonymous - Kindle edition by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Al-Anon- https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/ Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or call 214-224-2500 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About the Episode: Join us for a series on addiction to alcohol and other drugs where we will discuss the loss of choice and the shame-based disease that is addiction. Gil and Lynn Sheehan share their story of addiction, healing, and hope in their family. About Our Guests: Gil and Lynn have been married for 39 years and have 3 married sons, 2 grandchildren, and 2 on the way. They live in Dallas and are members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Gil is the President of Barrington Gifts, and Lynn is a Counselor with The Men of Nehemiah and runs the Family Program. After dealing with addiction in their family, they now have a passion to share their hope, strength, and freedom with others who are facing this same issue. God redeems what He allows, and they are thankful for what God has done in the midst of the dark valley He walked them through. About Our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Celebrate Recovery - https://celebraterecovery.com/crgroups Primary Purpose Group of Dallas - https://ppgaadallas.org Stop Loving Your Kids To Death: Breaking the Destructive Cycle of Enablement in Addiction from a Biblical Perspective Find a Twelve Step Group: 12 Step Meetings and Anonymous Groups – https://12stepnationalmeetings.com Alcoholics Anonymous: Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous https://aa.com The Big Book: Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition: The official "Big Book" from Alcoholics Anonymous Email us at DeepLight@pcpc.org or Call 214-224-2500 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

On this episode of Gifts and Graces, we get to hear from Pete Deison on the power and process of questions that lead to wisdom and spiritual maturity in families. Pete Deison is the Associate Pastor of Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. This was originally recorded as a seminar delivered at the 2022 General Assembly. Let's listen as Pete Deison teaches on the power and process of questions that lead to wisdom and spiritual maturity in families.

Chapel message #4 from our 2022 Memorial Day Family Camp. This message was given on Sunday evening, May 29. Our speaker this year is Jonathan Lotz. Jonathan comes from a well-known family. He is the grandson of evangelist Billy Graham and the son of Danny & Anne Graham Lotz. Even so, Jonathan is no stranger to pain and suffering. He has experienced athletic disappointment, abuse, cancer, divorce, unemployment, and Covid-19. Jonathan tells of how God has brought him through challenge after challenge. You'll be infused with hope as he shares his story of how God changed his life through the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. Jonathan is an ordained evangelist and currently serves as an interim pastor for The Revolution Church in Garner, NC. He has also served as a delivery driver, an assistant varsity basketball coach, and a hospitality director at Chick-fil-A. In every role he seeks to integrate his faith in Jesus Christ and utilize his gifts in hospitality, administration, encouragement, customer service, and servant leadership. As an evangelist, Jonathan is committed to preaching the Word of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of hope. He has preached around the United States and in other countries. He has served on staff with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Build the Village (a missions organization in East Africa), and Park Cities Presbyterian Church. He has also served as Vice President and President of the NC Vocational Evangelists and serves as Vice President for the NC Baptist Evangelists. He continues to preach, lead revivals at churches, speak at retreats, lead educational tours, provide leadership training and evangelism training, and more. He always desires to encourage the leader, equip the layman, and evangelize the lost. For more information about Hidden Acres Christian Center, visit hacamps.org, call our office at 515-547-2751, send an email to podcast@hacamps.org, or look us up on social media. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/support

Chapel message #3 from our 2022 Memorial Day Family Camp. This message was given on Sunday morning, May 29. Our speaker this year is Jonathan Lotz. Jonathan comes from a well-known family. He is the grandson of evangelist Billy Graham and the son of Danny & Anne Graham Lotz. Even so, Jonathan is no stranger to pain and suffering. He has experienced athletic disappointment, abuse, cancer, divorce, unemployment, and Covid-19. Jonathan tells of how God has brought him through challenge after challenge. You'll be infused with hope as he shares his story of how God changed his life through the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. Jonathan is an ordained evangelist and currently serves as an interim pastor for The Revolution Church in Garner, NC. He has also served as a delivery driver, an assistant varsity basketball coach, and a hospitality director at Chick-fil-A. In every role he seeks to integrate his faith in Jesus Christ and utilize his gifts in hospitality, administration, encouragement, customer service, and servant leadership. As an evangelist, Jonathan is committed to preaching the Word of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of hope. He has preached around the United States and in other countries. He has served on staff with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Build the Village (a missions organization in East Africa), and Park Cities Presbyterian Church. He has also served as Vice President and President of the NC Vocational Evangelists and serves as Vice President for the NC Baptist Evangelists. He continues to preach, lead revivals at churches, speak at retreats, lead educational tours, provide leadership training and evangelism training, and more. He always desires to encourage the leader, equip the layman, and evangelize the lost. For more information about Hidden Acres Christian Center, visit hacamps.org, call our office at 515-547-2751, send an email to podcast@hacamps.org, or look us up on social media. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/support

Chapel message #2 from our 2022 Memorial Day Family Camp. This message was given on Saturday evening, May 28. Our speaker this year is Jonathan Lotz. Jonathan comes from a well-known family. He is the grandson of evangelist Billy Graham and the son of Danny & Anne Graham Lotz. Even so, Jonathan is no stranger to pain and suffering. He has experienced athletic disappointment, abuse, cancer, divorce, unemployment, and Covid-19. Jonathan tells of how God has brought him through challenge after challenge. You'll be infused with hope as he shares his story of how God changed his life through the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. Jonathan is an ordained evangelist and currently serves as an interim pastor for The Revolution Church in Garner, NC. He has also served as a delivery driver, an assistant varsity basketball coach, and a hospitality director at Chick-fil-A. In every role he seeks to integrate his faith in Jesus Christ and utilize his gifts in hospitality, administration, encouragement, customer service, and servant leadership. As an evangelist, Jonathan is committed to preaching the Word of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of hope. He has preached around the United States and in other countries. He has served on staff with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Build the Village (a missions organization in East Africa), and Park Cities Presbyterian Church. He has also served as Vice President and President of the NC Vocational Evangelists and serves as Vice President for the NC Baptist Evangelists. He continues to preach, lead revivals at churches, speak at retreats, lead educational tours, provide leadership training and evangelism training, and more. He always desires to encourage the leader, equip the layman, and evangelize the lost. For more information about Hidden Acres Christian Center, visit hacamps.org, call our office at 515-547-2751, send an email to podcast@hacamps.org, or look us up on social media. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/support

Chapel message #1 from the 2022 Memorial Day Family Camp. This message was given on Saturday morning, May 28. Our speaker this year is Jonathan Lotz. Jonathan comes from a well-known family. He is the grandson of evangelist Billy Graham and the son of Danny & Anne Graham Lotz. Even so, Jonathan is no stranger to pain and suffering. He has experienced athletic disappointment, abuse, cancer, divorce, unemployment, and Covid-19. Jonathan tells of how God has brought him through challenge after challenge. You'll be infused with hope as he shares his story of how God changed his life through the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. Jonathan is an ordained evangelist and currently serves as an interim pastor for The Revolution Church in Garner, NC. He has also served as a delivery driver, an assistant varsity basketball coach, and a hospitality director at Chick-fil-A. In every role he seeks to integrate his faith in Jesus Christ and utilize his gifts in hospitality, administration, encouragement, customer service, and servant leadership. As an evangelist, Jonathan is committed to preaching the Word of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of hope. He has preached around the United States and in other countries. He has served on staff with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Build the Village (a missions organization in East Africa), and Park Cities Presbyterian Church. He has also served as Vice President and President of the NC Vocational Evangelists and serves as Vice President for the NC Baptist Evangelists. He continues to preach, lead revivals at churches, speak at retreats, lead educational tours, provide leadership training and evangelism training, and more. He always desires to encourage the leader, equip the layman, and evangelize the lost. For more information about Hidden Acres Christian Center, visit hacamps.org, call our office at 515-547-2751, send an email to podcast@hacamps.org, or look us up on social media. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hacamps/support

About the Episode: Join us to hear from PCPC's Ministry Leader of High School, Will Washington as we discuss Gen Z, their exposure to the brokenness of this world because of technology, and how this can affect outside pressures but also their awareness and hunger for truth and mission. Will talks about how this generation will crave mentoring and that what lights kids up is the thought of living on a mission. Our children are really watching where we are anchoring in moments of crisis, doubt, or fear, and we want them to really sense that we are resting in Him being enough. If you are listening to this and you don't feel you live this way, it's never too late. One of the most powerful things that children can witness is your own transformation. What happens in the family is so transformational, and that's how God designed it to be. The relational pursuit of seeking biblical answers with your children is powerful. As Will says in this episode, “The gospel is not what we do; it's what Jesus has done, and that's what changes us.” About Our Guests: Will Washington is the Ministry Leader of High School at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Will grew up in Dallas and graduated from Highland Park High School in 2009. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2012 with a B.A. in Philosophy and minors in Psychology and Religion and from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2017 with a Master of Arts in Christian Education. Before joining PCPC, Will worked for the youth ministries of several churches, as a counselor and Program Director at T Bar M Sports Camp, as a Bible teacher at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, and as the Executive Director of Armour Up Ministries. He is also currently a broadcaster for Highland Park High School's football, basketball, and baseball teams. In ministry, his passion is teaching God's Word in the context of relationships and seeing Scripture fuel a love for Jesus and His mission in someone's heart and life. He is also passionate about his Oklahoma Sooners and Boston Red Sox. Resources: The PCPC High School Ministry desires to help students connect to Christ and one another, abide in Christ, and extend Christ to the world. Our main opportunities to get connected are our weekly Small Groups, weekly High School Sunday Mornings, monthly Gatherings, and special events. See below for more information on how to get connected, and please let someone on our staff know if we can serve you in any way. Small Groups are at the heart of our ministry because we believe that discipleship happens best in smaller contexts. They are an opportunity for students to build deep and lasting relationships with leaders and each other while applying Scripture to their lives. Separated by grade and gender, they meet at various times weekly during the school year at host homes. If your student is not currently in a small group and you would like them to join one, there are opportunities for each grade/gender to get connected. For more information, contact will.washington@pcpc.org Check out upcoming events for High School Ministry here: https://pcpc.org/youth/high-school/ For Middle School Ministry, please visit us here: https://pcpc.org/youth/middle-school/ For PCPC Kids Ministry, please visit us here: https://pcpc.org/kids/ (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

**UPDATE: We apologize for the confusion, but the audio for next week's podcast was posted today. If you heard a panel on Singleness, you are a week ahead. The correct audio on Friendship will replace it.** About the Episode: We invite you to join us today to hear from two longtime friends, George and David, as they share about the importance of intimate friendship. A lot of times, we'll present a facade of whatever we think is acceptable and whatever will gain our approval. If you're accepted for your facade, you're not really known for who you are. So, you're lonely because you're really not known and you're really not accepted. But if you have a friend in your life who really knows what's going on and still accepts you, then you're really not alone or lonely. As David shares, the devil does his best work in isolation. We learn from George and David about how to hold an intimate friendship, and how to go deeper. David guides us in sharing that it's all about the questions you ask: How's your marriage? What are you most afraid of? What are you thinking about? What is your happy place? Are you abiding in Christ? George and David discuss how the most important thing is just to listen. When we start talking and there is someone to listen, the light shines on our lives, and we can almost counsel ourselves. We just need someone to listen sometimes. Despair may happen. One of the things you want when that happens is a deep friend who you can turn to in those times. During one of these times for George, David shared the following and we hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed this wonderful friendship: ”Do all you can do today. Go home and be with your family. God gives us enough grace for today. Don't borrow worry from the future.” About our Guests: George Hanson grew up in Florida and moved to Dallas in 1990 after graduating from Florida State University. He attended Southern Methodist University, earned his MBA in Marketing, and held several Marketing/Sales roles with companies such as Pioneer Electronics, Nokia, and Intuit. During the Great Recession, he transitioned to insurance and opened a Farmers Insurance Agency in 2010. He started attending Park Cities Presbyterian Church in 1991 and is currently an elder there. He met his wife Jennifer in the singles ministry, and they have three wonderful children: Haley, Laine, and Chase. David Newman grew up in Dallas and graduated from the University of Texas. He is the Chief Operating Officer of Family Legacy Ministry, an organization that seeks to glorify God by serving the vulnerable and orphaned children of Zambia so they can live up to their God-given potential. Prior to joining Family Legacy, he was the President of Newman Graphics, a division of ColorMark Printing located in Carrollton, Texas. He has been at Park Cities Presbyterian Church since it started and currently serves as an elder and co-teacher of Believers Fellowship Class. David is married to Leslie, and together they have three children: Bryan, Margaret, and John David. About the Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Resources: Find a group or source of community at PCPC here! (https://pcpc.org) For any follow-up questions from this episode or ideas for future content, please email us at deeplight@pcpc.org (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

About our Guests: Barb Mullen My name is Barb Mullen, and I am a charter member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church where I've been blessed by being involved with many exciting ministries that pointed to the Lord. I'm 64 years old. Growing up in my family was tough for me. I was abused both verbally and physically. The good news is that I was saved through God's grace when I was 14 years old. He used a neighborhood family to show me who Christ was and what His love looked like. I wanted and needed Christ and His love. One theme in my spiritual life is God continuing to reveal my idols through my shame. He is continually reminding me to let go of shame by dependence on Him. I am thankful, but it is often difficult for me. In January of 1999, when I was 42, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after 11 years of intense emotional ups and downs. Over the last 22 years, being bipolar has changed my life and the lives of those I love both positively and negatively. The negative ways are still very hard for me to think about. As I've traveled the journey of life with mental illness, I have grown closer to the Lord out of necessity. This has been the positive! I need to recall His mercy and love for me daily. My husband of 42 years is my best friend. We have two grown children who we love dearly along with our son-in-law, daughter-in-law, four grandsons, and a granddaughter. Sadie Morgan My name is Sadie Morgan, and I am thankful I have never known a day that I did not know who the Lord was. Born and raised in Dallas, and a charter member (albeit baby) of PCPC, knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ has been a part of my life since my memories were shaped. I would be remiss, though, to leave out the ever-prevalent tug of war throughout my life, between what I know to be true about God and how I viewed His love, provision, or even interest in me. There are many themes throughout my life where the enemy has used that lie that “God is certainly good,” however, “He is only good for others, not for me.” I hope to share my continual journey through that dichotomy, where I am learning to know deeply, remind myself daily, and lean on others to rest in His truth. That He is for me, with me, and even in the brokenness, can create beauty from great grief and pain. About the Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Mark loves to journal. Ask him how many journals he's filled up over the years! About the Episode: Join us in support of Barb and Sadie as they share their stories about walking through life with the challenge of mental illness. With honesty and courage, they open up about what life was like prior to a diagnosis, how treatment processes progressed their healing, and also the importance of community and ministry of presence. Come to learn, be comforted, and understand how to have compassion. Sadie and Barb's courage help us understand both how real these struggles are and how much hope there is in healing through medication as a means of grace and the love and fellowship in Jesus Christ. This episode also has lots of laughs and a few practical jokes! Resources: A prayer: “Lord would You give me eyes for people around me and a heart for them?” We would love for you to find a community within PCPC: https://pcpc.org/ Verses: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” -Lamentations 3:22-23 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

We welcome you to Park Cities Presbyterian Church's High School Podcast.

About our Guest: Pat Hobin is the Director of Counseling & Care at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Pat was born and raised in Dallas and has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas as well as a Master's in Counseling degree from Colorado Christian University. Pat and Emily have been married since August of 2019 and together they have six adult children and four grandchildren with another on the way. About our Host: A graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mark Davis came to PCPC as our Youth Pastor in 2003 and became our Senior Pastor in 2009. He and his bride, Kristina, met at a Young Life Camp in 1988 and have five amazing kids, Kara (and husband, Drew), Madalyn (and husband, Jack), Cayden, Esther Kate, & Samuel. Mark is a closet Architect and fountain pen apologist…don't get him started! About the Episode: Join us to visit with Pat about mental health, grief, depression, anxiety, and his role in creating a safe space that allows for the power of the Gospel to do amazing things. In his work as a Counselor, Pat listens to clients about the brokenness and wounds that they carry and works with them toward the root issue. The role of Pat and the counselors at PCPC is to help individuals identify and dispel the lies that we believe create this fear. Through this work, individuals begin to look at their life stories to better understand how these experiences have and continue to affect our mental health. By counseling in the here and now, Pat and the counselors at PCPC help individuals understand that they are worthy of help and the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ. Resources: • We would love for you to find a community within PCPC: https://pcpc.org/ • Men's Integrity Group is designed to give men who are struggling with sexual sin, issues with or addictions to pornography, a group of fellowship. This group is led by Thom Maryon and if you would like more information, please contact mensintegrity@pcpc.org • Pastoral Care Training: Have you desired to help a friend or family member walk through a difficult season but just not know how? PCPC is offering a special six-week class starting on Monday nights starting February 7th dealing with the topic of building healthy and deeply meaningful relationships. Please register at https://pcpc.org/events/ and for questions please email Pat Hobin at pat.hobin@pcpc.org. PCPC Counseling and Care Ministry is a safe space for people to get the help that they need: • If you are seeking help or would like further information on anything in this episode, please reach out to deeplight@pcpc.org • If you would like to help support this ministry, please consider donating to The Counseling Scholarship Fund: at https://my.pcpc.org/portal/complete-gift?v2glid=218602 or make check out to Park Cities Presbyterian Church with a note to the check that it is for the Counseling Scholarship Fund. The church address is: 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Texas 75229 • If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911 “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened against the yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 “But Paul shouted, ‘Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!'” - Acts 16:28 (music license ASLC-14EAD3E0-84F34F4276)

This week, Mark is delighted to welcome Harry Hargrave, the Chief Executive Officer for the Museum of the Bible, to the podcast. After spending over 45 years in finance, marketing and business operations, Harry found the site, obtained DC approvals and oversaw the planning and development process for this incredible Museum which is 430,000 square feet of rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history. It is among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world offering visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world around us. Harry is also the chairman of the Miracle of Nazareth International Foundation, chairman of the Christian Workers Foundation, and a founding elder of Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas. The passage he has chosen to discuss is Psalms 19. Harry begins by sharing his summary of the passage, and its meaning for both himself and the Museum. He then describes how the Museum came to be created, the impact it has upon visitors, and its continued operation throughout the current pandemic. The artifacts, their ongoing discovery, and the process of establishing their provenance is discussed as well as the Museum’s extensive American Heritage section. Harry concludes the episode, as all guests do, with the lessons he has learned about humanity. As Mark notes, the work that Harry does through this remarkable Museum is “opening the Bible and opening the hearts of the Bible by making it so interesting and so accessible and so fun” - a noble achievement. Episode Highlights: · Harry’s summary of his selected passage and why it’s meaningful to him · The Museum of the Bible and why this passage is important it · How the Museum came to be created and its purpose · What surprises Harry about people’s responses at the Museum · How it is staying open during the current pandemic · Bible artifacts and their ongoing discovery · What Harry observes in people being introduced to the Bible · How the Museum acquires artifacts and establishes their provenance · The Museum’s American Heritage section · The lessons that Harry has learned about mankind Quotes: “That’s a beautiful passage for people of all faiths, but especially the Jewish and Christian faith.” “It’s the gift that keeps giving.” “Would you come be a tour guide for us?” “It’s the book that keeps talking to you.” “It’s our job to show them the Bible, and encourage them to read the Bible, and give them reasons for that.” “Archeological discoveries are still finding the Bible to be true and fulfilling the promises that God made to all of us.” “It makes the Bible come alive when you go to Israel and spend one or two weeks there.” “We want to tell the stories of how people see the value of the Bible throughout our world.” “It’s an important part of the nation’s history and, of course, an entire subculture of the United States, and the world now.” “What I see in mankind is a great ability to make mistakes, and a great ability to forgive themselves and one another.” “It’s truly the Living Word…it seeks out your soul and just pierces you.” Psalms 19 - https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.19.1-15?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en

How Empty is Your Nest? (Part 1) - Mixed Feelings Stirred Up by the Empty NestHow Empty is Your Nest? (Part 2) - Changing RelationshipsFamilyLife Today® Radio Transcript  References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete. Changing Relationships Guests:                      Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates                         From the series:       How Empty Is Your Nest? (Day 2 of 2)Air date:                     August 2, 2016  Bob: If you work for Hallmark, keep listening. Susan Yates may have a suggestion for you here on a whole new line of party invitations. Susan: I would like to know, with a show of hands, how many of you have ever been to a party to celebrate the beginning of the empty nest?  [Laughter]  One, two— Barbara: Three.  Susan: —four—oh, yay!  [Laughter] Good for you all! You may be on the cutting age of a new movement in America. [Laughter]  We hope so because we feel like this is a season, not to be dreaded, but to be celebrated—and oh, how we need to celebrate in the seriousness of life today.  [Segment of I Just Want to Celebrate] 1:00 Bob: This is FamilyLife Today for Tuesday, August 2nd. Our host is the President of FamilyLife®, Dennis Rainey, and I'm Bob Lepine. I don't know who's version of Celebrate that was—was that Rare Earth?—I think it was; yes. Celebrating the empty nest may sound like a paradox / a contradiction in terms, but it's actually not. You can do it!  We'll talk more about that today. Stay with us.  And welcome to FamilyLife Today. Thanks for joining us on the Tuesday edition. You said it was a while before it dawned on you that the empty nest had finally arrived.  Dennis: Yes.  Bob:  But I mean, you knew— Dennis: I really had all these grand plans of how I thought we would— Barbara: Yes; he did. [Laughter] Dennis: —disengage from being parents. We would flip a switch—in true male-style— Bob: Yes. Barbara: He did. Dennis: —and we'd just be driving off into the sunset in a convertible, laughing and having fun.  2:00 Bob: And the switch didn't flip?  Is that what you are saying?  [Laughter] Dennis: Oh, my goodness!  [Laughter]  The switch may have ground its way to the other side—it took a couple of years, Bob. Bob: Barbara, let me ask you—and by the way, welcome back to FamilyLife Today.  Barbara: Thanks. Bob: If you could have flipped the switch, do you think Dennis could have flipped the switch? Barbara: Oh, yes. Bob: So he was ready. He didn't have the emotional processing moving into the empty nest that you did? Barbara: Well, he had more than I expected. I was kind of surprised because every once in a while he would walk through the house or walk around the backyard and go, “Gosh, I really miss those years with the kids.”  It would surprise me because I didn't really expect him to feel those things that I was feeling. I knew I would, but I didn't expect him to do so. Dennis: I'd come home from work and the car would be surrounded, like it was being invaded by a group of— Barbara: Yes, all those years our kids were home. Dennis: Yes—bandits. All of a sudden, you pull up in front of the house and— Barbara: Sometimes, nobody is there because I wasn't always there. [Laughter]   3:00 Dennis: —there is nothing happening!   Barbara: I didn't have to be home—it was great!   Bob: I remember you talking—you'd come into the office. The way you described it—you said, “There's no tension against the muscle,”—this muscle you've been working out with for 20-plus years. Dennis: Oh, yes. It's called the Daddy Muscle. I mean, you've had to be a daddy—now, I'm still a dad / I have adult children—you know, you go home, you leave work, you pull up in front of the house, and you get ready for your second job—being a husband and being a father. Well, all of a sudden, the father-thing is out of there—I mean no tension against the muscle. Bob: You [Barbara] spent the first part of the empty nest years together with your friend, Susan Yates, who is a pastor's wife—lives in the Washington, DC, area.  The two of you collaborated on a book called Barbara and Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest. Then, you've had the opportunity, in a number of settings, to speak to women on this subject. You were at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, a while back, and spoke to a group of women.  4:00 You outlined the key questions that women ask themselves during the empty nest years. Already, this week, we have heard you address two of those. Refresh us on what those were. Barbara: The first two questions are: “Am I the only one who feels this way?”  The empty nest can be a very lonely time for women, and you are feeling things you didn't expect to feel— and, maybe, some of them that you did. There is a real isolation factor in the empty nest. So I think most women are asking the question, “Am I the only one who feels this way?” Dennis: It is back to what Susan said at the beginning of the broadcast—there aren't celebration parties, announcing to the world: “I'm now transitioning into this new calling and season of life.” Barbara: Exactly. The second question is: “What is happening to my relationships?” because you kind of look at each other—the kids are not there—and you think: “Okay; who are you and who am I?  What is our relationship like?”  You realize that you need to, perhaps, do some renegotiating and recalibrating in your relationship.  5:00 Then, your kids want to be treated differently because they see themselves as adults and independent. You've got to figure out how to relate to adult kids, and you've never done that before. There is a lot going on that affects the important relationships in your life. So, the second question women ask is: “What is happening to my relationships?” Bob: Well, we are going to pick up with Part Two of your message with Susan Yates as she introduces the third question women ask during the empty nest years.  [Recording]   Susan: “Who have I become?” As we all know, the empty nest is a major transition; and transitions are just plain awkward. The reality is—that we, whatever season of life we are in, expect stability to be the norm—but in fact, transition is more the norm in daily life. Just look back at the transitions we have already experienced—leaving home, marriage, the first baby, a new job, a new boss and an old job, financial loss, moves, illnesses, a crisis with a child, a national or international crisis.  6:00 With each one of these transitions, we keep waiting for life to calm down; but the reality is—life never calms down / it just gets more complicated. We long for a period of predictability and stability. We think that that's the way life should be—predictable, and stable, and calm—it even seems to be so for some of our friends.  My sister is very wise. Often, when we look at other women—as you perhaps have done in this room this morning—you see another woman, and she looks so perfectly put together. You sit there and imagine her life is all together—her marriage is great, her kids are great, and she is in stability and calm.  7:00 And my sister says: “There is always data missing. [Laughter]  You don't know.”  It's helpful to remember that.  Barbara: That's right.  Susan: We are all much more alike than we give the perception of being. The empty nest is messy. Sometimes, in order to figure out whom we are and what we are to do in the season, we need to take a break. It's really important to take a break. In all honesty, Barbara was much better at taking a break than I was. I want her to tell you about that. Barbara: Well, part of the reason I took a break was because I was sort of forced to because I began the empty nest in a very emotionally-depleted state. I knew I couldn't jump into the next thing / I didn't have the energy to jump into the next thing, but Susan did. I realized I needed some time off. So, what I did is—I just sort of pulled back from things. I said, “No,” to a lot of things / I didn't join things.   8:00 I stepped back my involvement to give myself some time to recover, frankly.  But as I did that, in that season—I did that during my youngest daughter's freshman year in college—as I did that, I discovered I needed that break, as an empty nester, as much for my entrance into the empty nest as well as I did to recover from the trials and struggles that we had been through with our daughter. I discovered that I needed time to re-evaluate my life. I needed time to look objectively at who I had become over the last 28 years. I was a different person in many ways than the one I was when I got married. I needed time to think. I just needed time for a pause in the pace of my life.  I think other women do too / I think all of us need a break. All of us need a pause after the intense years of parenting that are so 24/7, year after year after year.  9:00 Susan and I want to give you permission—especially those of you / all of you who raised your hand who aren't quite there yet—we want to give you permission to take a break that first year after your youngest leaves.  Don't feel like you have to jump into the next activity. Don't feel like you have to sign up: “Now that I'm free, I can do 100 things that I have wanted to do.”  You may want to do that, but it would be wise if you took a break.  It could be as short as a weekend away, where you retreat by yourself and do some thinking and evaluating. You may want to take a couple of weeks off; you may want to take a couple of months off; or maybe, a whole semester and not do anything. Pull back, and evaluate your life, and think about: “What is it that I want to do with the rest of my life?”    As you do that, think about a couple / two things in particular. We have other things for you to think about in our book / but two in particular are: Look back over your life and say, “What am I thankful for?” and begin to make a list of the things that you are thankful for—the things that God has done—all of the good things.  10:00 It is so easy to focus on the bad things and the losses. “What are those good things that I can be thankful for?”   Then, secondly, you might want to evaluate: “What are the issues, what are the relationships, what are the needs that I have avoided because I have been so busy?  What are the gaps in my marriage?  What are the gaps in my other relationships?  What are things in my life that I have sort of swept aside because I have been so busy raising kids that I dare not ignore anymore / that now that I have the time I can focus on these issues in my life?” It would, also, be a good time to spend time with your husband, just thinking ahead: “What do we want to do for the rest of our lives?  What do we want the rest of our lives to look like?”  As Dennis and I have talked about this, we have made some promises to each other. A couple of them are—one is we have promised each other we are not going to become gripey, cynical, old people. [Laughter] We are already seeing how easy that would be to become that way because things are starting to fall apart.  11:00 We don't like the way we feel some days—you know, we're creaky—and it would be real easy to gripe about that. We have committed to one another that we are not going to do that.  Secondly, we have promised that we are going to do everything we can to stay healthy, to stay strong mentally, and to stay on the cutting edge. Then, the third thing that we have decided together, as a couple, is that we intend to use our lives for God's purposes for as long as He gives us breath. We want to be engaged in Kingdom activities. None of us knows how long we have left. We may only have a couple of years / we may have ten years; but I want my life, and Dennis wants his life—and I know that John and Susan feel the same way—we want our lives to be maximized for the Kingdom of God for the years that we have left.  Susan: Another thing that we've realized is that an important element in transitioning from our past purpose of parenting to our next purpose in life is simply the importance of taking some time to celebrate.  12:00 You know, we, women, are really good at celebrating the milestones of life—the big ones / the little ones. We have baby showers. We have our first child's lost tooth, or our grandchild loses a tooth—you know, it's a big deal. The first day of school, the last day of school, graduation, wedding showers—but I would like to know, with a show of hands, how many of you have ever been to a party to celebrate the beginning of the empty nest. [Laughter]  One, two— Barbara: Three.  Susan: —four—oh, yay!  Good for you all!  You may be on the cutting edge of a new movement in America. [Laughter]  We hope so because we feel like this is a season, not to be dreaded,— Barbara: Yes.  Susan: —but to be celebrated. Oh, how we need to celebrate in the seriousness of life today.  When Barbara and I were working on this project, we asked three gals—who are friends of ours, who we call “The Party Girls,” who live in Pennsylvania—if they would design three different parties that you could throw to celebrate the empty nest.  13:00 We have that in Chapter 10 in our book—complete with invitations. [Laughter]  Yes.  So far, we've looked at three questions: “Does anyone feel this way?” “What is happening to my relationships?” and “Who have I become?”  But we have a final question.  Barbara: The fourth question is: “What is my new purpose?”  One of the benefits of the empty nest is the nature of its transition. It is a turning point in all of our lives as women. Sometimes, it's uncomfortable; but nonetheless, it can be a season that can be full of benefits and full of opportunities because we can pull back / we can say, “Why am I here?”   In our generation, we are healthier, we have greater resources, and we will probably live longer than previous generations of women. It is a wonderful opportunity for us, in this season of life, to look forward to the empty nest. 14:00 Susan: One of the things that Barbara and I have discovered, as we have talked to other women, is how many women—now, in the season of the empty nest—are asking spiritual questions. There have many times of recommitment for both Barbara and me over the years—we've had many questions along the way / many doubts. There have been uncomfortable times; there have been hard times; but spiritual growth is much like physical growth—there are growth spurts and there are really awkward hard times—but the fact is that we are still growing.  Barbara: So, no matter where you are in your own spiritual journey, we really feel like this season is a great time to re-evaluate your life and to re-evaluate your spiritual relationship with God at the same time.  There is a verse in Ephesians—Chapter 2, verse 10—that says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works….”  As long as we are on this earth, God has a plan for us; and He wants to be working in our lives.  15:00 You can apply that to your life and say, “God has a plan for me.”  Each and every one of you—God has a specific plan for you for how He wants to use you for the rest of your life. As you transition into the empty nest or as you are adjusting in your early years of the empty nest, take some time to think, “What am I good at?” Evaluate your life and evaluate where you can plug in to make the biggest difference for eternity.  Susan: Let me give you a little snapshot of three friends that we have who started something quite by accident. They live in a small town in Pennsylvania, and they walk every morning. They did the big walk up the hill. Then, their reward for their exercise—they are all empty nesters—is to meet at Starbucks. One morning, they were at Starbucks, which is sort of the center of town. They were sitting at a table / they had their lattes, and they noticed a young mom in tears standing in line to get her coffee.  16:00 And my friend Sue said to her—she didn't really know her—but she said: “Hey, come sit with us. You look like you need a hug.”  This young mother went over and sat with my three empty-nest friends. She began to pour out her heart about a situation she had with one of her children—it was a pre-teenager, and she was in the throes of desperation.  Now, my three wise empty-nest friends had been through so much of what she was going through. They could identify with her feelings. They, themselves, had been through different issues; and they were able to listen to her, to comfort her, and yet, also, to give her some very practical advice simply because they had experience and wisdom.  As my friends sat there and visited, after a little while, the young mom got up. As she left, she turned to them and said: “Oh, thank you so much!  This has so encouraged me.”  My friend Sue said: “Well, it's just free advice!     17:00 “You can take it or leave it.”  In that moment was born the Take It or Leave It Club. [Laughter]  Sue, Sally, and Jackie began to set up a regular table at Starbucks after their morning walks. [Laughter] Word spread through this community that this was the table where hassled young moms could go and sit and be comforted by older moms.  God wants us to be what I call F.A.T. Women—faithful, available, and teachable. [Laughter]  It's a great acronym; isn't it? Barbara: Yes. Because we know you women have these nurturing skills and mothering skills, we want to challenge you to this Take It or Leave It Club idea to encourage young moms; but we want to give you another challenge as a way that you might want to care for children or be involved in providing relief for children.  18:00 Almost every county in this country has a foster care system, and almost every one of those foster care systems is broken—they are all in need of great help. They are always stretched thin, they don't have enough resources, and they don't have enough people to help.  Well, some of you love babies / some of you love children. You could provide a home. Maybe, God wants to use you to recruit other families who can do this or get involved in just helping the system work better. We, as Christians, need to be involved in helping the helpless and helping these children who don't have families.   We, in our generation, need to unite in living second-season lives of great purpose. We don't want to settle for mediocrity. Time is too short. Why do that?  God has great purposes for our lives. We want to challenge you to discover those and not settle for mediocrity but live for the Kingdom of God.  19:00 [Studio] Bob: Well, we've been listening, again, today to Part Two of a message from Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates on living life in the empty nest—getting ready for it and, then, being there. You and Susan and her husband John and your husband Dennis just spent some time together—the four of you got away and did a little vacationing together?   Barbara: We did / we had a great time. Bob: Did you talk about your empty nest adjustments at all? Barbara: I don't think we talked about our adjustments because I think all four of us are far enough past that, but we did talk about our lives, and what we are looking forward to in the future,,, and the plans that we all want to do. We had great conversations about the future and where we want to head. Bob: Those kinds of relationships, especially in the empty nest years, are vital; aren't they?   Barbara: Yes; I think they are really important because I think the danger in the empty-nest years is to become isolated because our relationships revolved around our kids, and those families, and those parents.  20:00 I think it's important, in the empty nest, that we become intentional in developing couple friendships, and woman-to-woman friendships, and man-to-man friendships that are not tied to our children. We need that for the long-haul.  Dennis: Usually, it is our friends who mirror back to us answers to questions we are asking as we transition into this season of life. In the back of one of the chapters—I think it's Chapter Nine—on “Take a Break and Evaluate Your Life”—Barbara and Susan have a number of questions in here. I do think these questions are best answered by your spouse and some of the friends who know you the best. It really can be a satisfying time.  I know there are some of the moms who are listening to us right now—or maybe a dad or two—in the early stages of your family—you are listening to us; and you are saying, “You know, this is going to be a long way off.”  Well, you know what?  It happens in a blink; and you need to prepare, get ready, and you need to do it right.  21:00 Bob: Well, and to have these questions that you have put here at the end of each chapter of your book gives a reader an opportunity to really ponder through some of the same things you have pondered through, as a mom who was new to the empty-nest season of life and weren't sure exactly which direction to go—to be able to think through these questions and be prepared for it—or if you are in the middle of it, to be able to find some help and counsel to navigate your way through it. I think it will be extremely helpful for many of our listeners.  Again, we have the book, Barbara and Susan's Guide to the Empty Nest, in our FamilyLife Today Resource Center. You can go online to FamilyLifeToday.com to request your copy of the book. Order it from us online; again, at FamilyLifeToday.com. Or call 1-800-FL-TODAY to order—1-800-358-6329. That's 1-800-“F” as in family, “L” as in life, and then the word, “TODAY.”    22:00 Now, do you know Brian and Candyce DeKruyff?  The DeKruyffs live in Prattville, Alabama. They listen to WLBF—that's where they hear FamilyLife Today. They've been to the Weekend to Remember® a couple of times. They help support the ministry of FamilyLife Today. Today, August 2, they are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. It was 20 years ago—in fact, it was right when they were getting married and the year after they got married—that's when they went to the Weekend to Remember. I am here to suggest to the DeKruyffs: “It's time for your 20-year tune-up. You need to get back to a Weekend to Remember and get your tune-up done; okay?  ‘Happy anniversary!' as you guys celebrate today.”   We think anniversaries are important to celebrate. They are a big deal, and we've been helping couples celebrate anniversaries for decades. In fact, last week, we celebrated our 40th anniversary as a ministry.  23:00 We're spending this year focusing on how important anniversaries are. And I just want to say, “Thank you,” to those of you who have partnered with us to make the ministry of FamilyLife possible over the last four decades.  If you are able to help with a gift today, we'd like to say, “Thank you,” if your gift is over $100, by sending you a set of three study guides created for The Art of Marriage® Connect Series. These are three separate study guides designed to help you, as a couple, or to help you and your small group go through significant themes related to keeping your marriage healthy and strong. It's our gift to you when you go online at FamilyLifeToday.com and make a donation; or when you call 1-800-FL-TODAY to make your donation; or when you mail your donation to us at FamilyLife Today at PO Box 7111, Little Rock, AR; our zip code is 72223.  24:00 And let me just say, “Thanks,” in advance, for whatever support you are able to provide for this ministry.  Now, tomorrow, we want to talk about the years that precede the empty nest. It's the years when you've got teenagers around the house, and those can be challenging years as well. We'll talk about how important respect is in the home when you're parenting teenagers. Hope you can tune in for that.  I want to thank our engineer today, Keith Lynch, along with our entire broadcast production team. On behalf of our host, Dennis Rainey, I'm Bob Lepine. See you back tomorrow for another edition of FamilyLife Today.  FamilyLife Today is a production of FamilyLife of Little Rock, Arkansas. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow. ©Song:   I Just Want to CelebrateArtist:     Rare EarthAlbum:   20th Century Masters—The Millennium Collection (p) 2001 Universal Motown  Copyright © FamilyLife. All rights reserved. www.FamilyLife.com    

In our latest episode of Deep Light, we welcome back Chad Scruggs! Chad serves as lead pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville. Chad grew up in Hendersonville and attended the University of Tennessee, graduating in 2001. Following graduation, he and his wife, Jada, a native of Jackson, TN, moved to St. Louis, where Chad completed a Master of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary. He then joined the staff of Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Southern Methodist University and later the pastoral staff at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas where he served as Associate Pastor. Chad and Jada have four children, John Randall, Charlie, Carter, and Hallie. In this episode, we get to hear how Chad, his family, and the church he serves, are coping during this season of COVID-19. Don't miss the end of the video where Chad talks about his favorite burger in Dallas, habits, and hankerings.

Have you ever been angry with God or felt beyond frustrated that you couldn’t control a painful situation? Nothing can make us feel more chaotic than when we are totally unable to control a specific situation, person or even what’s happening to our own bodies. In today’s episode, Bren shares about how she learned to totally relinquish control to God when faced with difficult circumstances in her life including cancer and infertility. Born and raised here in Dallas, Bren has never had to stray far from her hometown to find God’s plans for her. Her very favorite “things” big D has brought her are her husband of 25 years, Greg, and their daughter Jordan who attends TCU in Ft Worth. Bren graduated from SMU with a degree in music & vocal performance. Her musical background spans several genres and has allowed her to share the stage with everyone from local radio personalities, to Tony nominated artists, to Bob Hope, and LeAnn Rimes. Bren’s early music career was heavily focused in Regional Theater, where she performed roles such as Christine in Phantom, Mary in Jesus Christ Super Star, Magnolia in Showboat and Marion in The Music Man. Along the way, Bren has had her share of heartaches and challenges; from infertility and miscarriages, to a long battle with cancer. The Lord, however, has been gracious to give her many avenues to use her gifts to share of His faithfulness. While she has a deep love for musical theater, Bren could never escape her love for singing other genres and for leading worship. Those loves paired with her desire to encourage, shepherd and lead others inspired her to branch out into teaching, speaking, leading worship, and performing other events. Bren has been a private vocal coach for 24 years, teaching students ranging in age from 6 to 66. She has served as a speaker or worship leader for events at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Northwest Bible Church, UT Southwestern Medical School, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Trinity Christian Academy, Leadership Formation International, Fellowship of Christian Women, & Dallas Theological Seminary. She served at Northwest Bible Church as a Worship Leader for 13 years and served as the Choir and Vocal Director there for 6 of those years. While Bren continues to enjoy speaking and singing at different events, as well as teaching voice lessons, she has added yet another title to her list! She is enjoying her 9th season as a Personal Cabi Stylist. As you’ll hear from her, she never dreamed that “personal stylist” would be a title on her resume, but she is so grateful she followed the Lord’s nudging to say yes to that. She is enjoying every moment of this unexpected, soul-filling, joy-giving opportunity to connect with and serve women right where they are. Bren’s story is one of enduring sickness and health, experiencing heartache and joy, and facing uncertainty with an unchanging, unmovable, FAITHFUL God. Whether it’s through her music, her words, or her cabi clothing, Bren’s mission is to help women to find joy, beauty and strength not only in WHO they are, but also in WHOSE they are… peace by piece. Connect With Bren  Instagram:@peace.by.piece Website: Bren Jones Cabi  Verses Psalm 40:1-4 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Isaiah 55:11 "so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.”  2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment" Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

In this final podcast of the series on Loneliness in Ministry, Kari Stainback, Director of Women's Ministry at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, joins Kay Daigle to discuss how God uses our loneliness to help us grow. Listen to the first podcast on identifying loneliness or the second on meeting God in our loneliness. You can watch these as videos if you prefer.

Brannin Pitre is the founding pastor and Sr. Minister of Grace Pasadena Church in Pasadena, CA. He and his wife Tanya, planted the church in 2008 through Redeemer City to City, and with the help of several large churches from around the country. In addition to leading Grace Pasadena, Brannin is the current Chairman and President of Together LA, an organization that seeks to ask and answer the question, “how do we best love the cities that make up greater Los Angeles.” Brannin serves on the North American Steering Committee of City to City and his wife Tanya serves on the global Board for City to City. Tanya and Brannin have 3 children: Lawson 19, Hadley 16 and Judson 14. Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Brannin and Tanya lived in Dallas TX and served at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Both Brannin and Tanya are graduates of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and both are Houston natives, though they warmly embrace Southern California as home.

Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2018 Title: The Bread from Heaven Scripture: Exodus 16:1-15; John 6:1-5, 30-36, 41, 47-51; Isaiah 55:1-2Series: Christ in the Old Testament By: Brent Baker

Date: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Title: The Rock was Christ Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Series: Christ in the Old Testament Speaker: Paul Goebel

Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 Title: The Lamb of God Scripture: John 1:24-36; Genesis 3:8-13, 21; Genesis 22:6-8; Exodus 11:10-12:13; Luke 22:7-20; 1 John 1:9-10; 1 John 2:1-2 Series: Christ in the Old Testament Speaker: Brent Baker

Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 Title: The Gospel Preached to Abraham Scripture: Galatians 3:8-9; Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 17:1-8 Series: Christ in the Old Testament Speaker: Paul Goebel

Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 Title: The Favorite Son of the Father Scripture: Genesis 37:1-28; Acts 7:9-13; Genesis 46:1-15 Series: Christ in the Old Testament Speaker: Brent Baker

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Title: The First Gospel Scripture: Luke 24:13-27; Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 3:1-8, 14-15 Series: Christ in the Old Testament Speaker: Paul Goebel

Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2018 Title: The Danger of (Over) Desire - Greed Scripture: 1 John 2:15; Matthew 6:19-24 Series: Desires Speaker: Brent Baker

Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Title: The Danger of (Over) Desire - Lust Scripture: 1 John 2:15 Series: Desires Speaker: Brent Baker

Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Title: From Bios to Zoe Part 2: The Life, the Way, the Truth Series: Speaker: James Madden

Jeff and I co-interview our wonderful guests Bill and Brenda Bogart! Bill primarily works with the marriage ministry at Park Cities Presbyterian Church here in Dallas and Brenda is an artist. Both Bill and Brenda were married previously and have a big and beautiful blended family today. One of the biggest issues that arises in marriage is communication. With Bill and Brenda meeting with married couples, they try to emphasize that good communication is really about a mutual understanding and mutual respect for one another in a marriage. This sweet couple shares different tools on this episode that can help with better communication and listening. Some topics we discuss include validating feelings in your spouse, weekly dates with your spouse, and what healthy disagreements are. This episode really explores the freedom of truly working things out in your marriage in a healthy way. Bill and Brenda go into what it looks like to be intentional everyday with your husband or wife. When we work through loving our spouse well and what all that entails, it will naturally lead to greater intimacy in all areas of the marriage. When we realize that our spouse is not the enemy, but rather our teammate that we are wanting to cross the finish line of life with, the whole outlook of what your marriage is changes. Bill and Brenda speak wisely on the subject of forgiveness, the balance of discussion between internal and external processors, and how to make your spouse feel known. The world often tells us what a husband should be and what a wife should be. We are often overcoming those lies of the world to lean into what Christ calls us to be as husbands and wives. When listening to this podcast, you can’t help but see the beautiful intention the Lord had for marriage and what He intends it to be- it is a representation of our walks with the Lord. We walk along with Jesus through life and learn how to better communicate with Him as we go, learning to grow in grace, humility, and how to truly listen. This is such a parallel of the lessons we learn through marriage. As we grow in vulnerability, we grow in intimacy. This is absolutely a podcast you will not want to miss! What you will take away from this is the true pursuit of your spouse.

Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 Title: From Bios to Zoe Part 1 Scripture: I John 2: 15-17 Series: Desires Speaker: James Madden

Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Title: Surfing for God Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17; John 7:37; Psalm 27:4 Series: Desires Speaker: Vincent Parker

Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Title: Introduction to "Desires" Series: Desires Speaker: Pat Hobin

Date: Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Title: That Your Faith May Not Fail Scripture: Mark 14:17-21, 26-31, 43-50, 66-72, Matt. 27:3-10, Luke 22:31-32 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Paul Goebel

Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Title: Do You Want To Be Healed? Scripture: John 5:1-17 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Chad Scruggs

Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Title: Joy Beyond the Sorrow Scripture: John 11:1-44 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Paul Goebel

Date: Tuesday, April 3, 2018 Title: Beneath the Cross Scripture: John 19:16-30 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Chad Scruggs

Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Title: REFLECTING ON THOMAS: "Lord, Increase Our Faith!" Scripture: John 20:24-29 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Dr. Mark Dalbey

Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Title: Expect the Unexpected Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Matt Fray

Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 Title: Turning Over Tables Scripture: John 2:13-22 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Paul Goebel

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Title: When Jesus Encounters Children Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6, 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Chad Scruggs

Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 Title: I Was Blind, Now I See Scripture: John 9:1-41 Series: Encountering Jesus Speaker: Paul Goebel