The Christian Habits Podcast
Do you ever feel like you can’t change no matter how hard you try? On the Christian Habits Podcast, we’ll talk about biblical transformation through the renewing of the mind. This is a practical, hands-on podcast that will help you break free from the things that control you: things like bad habits, idolatry, overeating, and negative emotions such as worry, insecurity, anger, and stress. We'll also talk about how to develop a close relationship with God and how to pursue goals while still keeping God first in our lives.
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Bonus Episode: Letting Go of Anxiety
04/17/2024
Bonus Episode: Letting Go of Anxiety
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Closer to God Bible Studies with Barb Raveling
04/09/2024
Closer to God Bible Studies with Barb Raveling
Today is the day! My from the series is now available. Philippians is one of my favorite New Testament books of the Bible. The beauty of it is that Paul is writing from prison and teaching Christians wonderful lessons such as how to find contentment in any circumstance, always putting God first, and making our lives about Him. This is a book to study in any season of life! We flip things around today on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), and instead of interviewing someone else, I am the one being interviewed about my new book. What We Discussed on the Podcast Why I wrote a study over a book of the Bible rather than a specific topic How this series was birthed to solve a problem in my own life The significance of the name of the series How this study is different than many others Who this book is geared towards and different ways to approach the study How my passion to see the church mature and become more Christ-like continues to drive me to write and teach others Resources Mentioned on the Podcast - YouTube by Kevin Huggins How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Healing What You Can't Erase with Christopher Cook
03/13/2024
Healing What You Can't Erase with Christopher Cook
In today's culture, there is a mental health crisis. So many are looking for answers, yet much of the advice given does not provide sustainable relief. However, we know that the only way to true and lasting peace is to know the Prince of Peace! On the Christian Habits Podcast today (links below), my guest, discusses this very topic and his new book . What We Discussed on the Podcast The culture's current mental health crisis Common advice that simply doesn't work "Anxiety is just an alarm." What does this statement mean? What is true peace? What are practical ways to fix our focus on Jesus? How the process of transformation happens Christopher's S.E.E.D. strategy for dealing with intrusive thoughts Resources Mentioned on the Podcast - pre-order today! Christopher Cook is a leadership coach, author, and podcast host focused on transformation and wholeness. With an aptitude for strategy and execution, his ability to unearth clarity out of complexity drives his mission to help individuals and organizations thrive in their true identity. His work has appeared in outlets such as SUCCESS Magazine, and he has spent over a decade coaching leaders in both the marketplace and non-profit sectors. His weekly podcast, , equips wellness-minded listeners to move beyond the limitations of self-help, and instead, toward an integrated life of wholeness from the inside out. Pulling from his own experiences with adversity and personal transformation, these efforts, embodied by his passion for mental health, emotional health, and spiritual maturity, along with his educational credentials in business administration, leadership, and ministry, have led to helping people experience healing and transformation in their spirit, mind, and body. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God
02/14/2024
14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God
Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you long to be close to Him? In today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast we'll talk about 14 practical things you can do to get closer to God. Before we look at ways to get closer to God, though, I thought it might be helpful to give some questions we can use to think about our relationship with Him: What would it look like to have a close walk with God? Is a consistently close walk with God possible? Why do you want a close walk with God? What is one thing that keeps you from having a close walk with God? What is one step you could take to have a close walk with God? The more intentional we are about our relationships, the better those relationships will be. Let's look at some practical things we can do to get closer to God. 14 Practical Ways to Get Closer to God We'll go more into depth in the podcast, but I wanted to include some of the resources below that we talked about on the podcast also the 10 ways to get close to God in case you don't have time to listen to the podcast. Find something you enjoy doing with Him. If you dread your quiet time, you won't want to do them. In the past, I didn't feel like doing quiet times because I thought they were boring. I found something I enjoyed doing, though, and all of a sudden I wanted to do my quiet times. Some of the ideas we talk about on the podcast are , , the , , and any of these . Don't worry about beginning with something simple, as you can always progress later to more Bible reading, etc. The key in the beginning is to establish the habit. Meet with God each day during the time of day that you're most alert. The advice we usually hear on this topic is to have your quiet time as soon as you wake up. That works for me and for many others, but it doesn't work for everyone. If you're a person who has more energy or self-control later in the day, it may be better to schedule your devotional time for that time of day. If you struggle with discipline in quiet times like I did for twenty years, try journaling through. Do a "closeness check" at the beginning of your time together. In the past, I used to begin each quiet time with a closeness check. I'd ask, "Am I feeling close to God?" If the answer was no, I'd think back to the previous day to see if there was anything I needed to talk to God about. I'd confess any sin that I needed to confess (often heart sin such as bad attitudes) and work through anything I needed to work through with Him. We'll talk more about the reasons for not feeling close (sin, idolatry, and not accepting what you need to accept) in the podcast and what you can do about it. Believe that He loves you. Have you ever been in a relationship in which the person actually loved you, but for some reason you felt like they didn't love you? When this happens to us, it makes us not trust that person or feel close to them. The same thing happens when we feel like God doesn't love us. If you feel like He doesn't love you right now, try praying through the following Bible verses and picture God doing the things He says He'll do in those verses. The first couple of times I tried this, it was transformative: , . Work on letting go of your idols and sin. When we feel like we have to have certain things to be happy, it interferes with our relationship with God. So does sin. It's impossible to completely get rid of sin and idols, but the more progress we make in those areas, the closer we'll feel to God. Here are a couple of posts/blog series that will help: and . Carve out a weekly (Sabbath) and/or monthly "date time" with Him. I don't know about you, but it's easy for me to get so caught up in life that I forget that life is really about God, not the other things I'm caught up in! Having a weekly Sabbath where I don't do any work and a monthly (or every two months) "date time" with God (which I explain more fully on the podcast) both help me keep Him first in my life and feel close to Him. Be thankful. Do you remember when the Israelites were grumbling in the desert after Moses led them out of Egypt? All of their grumbling distanced them from God and it does for us as well. The more we dwell on the good of God Himself and the blessings He has already given us, the more thankful we'll be--and the closer to God we'll feel. This has some verses to help with thankfulness! Spent time listening to God. John Mark Comer talked about this in his new book, , and we also visit about that on the 1/16/24 episode of the Christian Habits Podcast. Develop a prayer rhythm throughout the day. We see Daniel doing this in the Bible when he prayed three times a day. Meeting with God throughout the day will help us be aware of His presence and make us feel closer to Him. Go to God for help with negative emotions each day. I talk about this more on the podcast and give some examples of what that looks like. Don't spend too much time on social media, news, Netflix, or phone surfing. When we're constantly on our phones or watching television, we're often filling our minds with both a cultural perspective and negative emotions as we feel anger, worry, envy, and all sorts of things when we see what's happening in the world or what others are doing. The problem is that these emotions and message enter at lightening speed and we don't process them. It's easy for them to draw us away from God if we're not careful. Join a home group or Bible study. This is another tip I discovered after beginning a lifestyle where we didn't live in places long enough to have a home group or Bible study. (My husband is a travel physical therapist so we move every three months.) I didn't realize how important our home groups were for building me up in my faith. Go to church each week. I'll talk more about this in the podcast but I discovered this tip after being thrown into a lifestyle where we didn't go to church every week. If we miss out on church regularly, we can still be in the Word and listen to sermons online and even watch church online. But here's what we can't do: join other believers in person as we worship God together. There is power in worshipping God together through song and prayer. Not to mention being encouraged by others (Hebrews 10:25) and hearing some great teaching. Go to God for help with major life changes. Learn how to be content in this new life, love well in this new life, and be close to God in this new life. Why? Because when you enter into a new life stage you discover new weaknesses, new tendencies toward idolatry, and new reasons to be discontent - even if they're GOOD life changes. My prayer for all of us is that God will help us have the discipline and desire to do some of the things that will draw us closer to Him. He loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us. That's such a huge blessing. Does one of the above steps stand out to you as something you'd like to try doing? If so, I hope you'll give that a try. Additional Resources Mentioned on the Podcast How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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John Mark Comer: Practicing the Way
01/16/2024
John Mark Comer: Practicing the Way
Do you find yourself simply going through the motions in your Christian walk? Do you long for a deeply intentional and powerful relationship with God? If so, you will inspired and challenged by this episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). My guest today, John Mark Comer, talks about a whole-life, immersive approach to your faith found in his new book, . What We Discussed on the Podcast The difference a Christian and an apprentice of Jesus How fierce intentionality in your walk with Jesus changes everything The keystone habits of a practicing Christian One powerful way to overcome temptation and sin What a Rule of Life is and why the ancients practiced it The practice of contemplative prayer Resources Mentioned on the Podcast About John Mark Comer John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of seven books includingand as well as being a pastor, teacher, and founder of . His latest book is (a WaterBrook hardcover; on sale 1/16/24). After serving as the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in Los Angeles, where he serves as a teacher in residence on discipleship and spiritual formation at Vintage Church LA. His podcasts, John Mark Comer Teachings and Rule of Life, have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the US and UK. For more information visit and find him on How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Living with Joy in a Stressful World with Brant Hansen
01/02/2024
Living with Joy in a Stressful World with Brant Hansen
It's easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious when we focus on the turmoil in the world (or our own lives). Media and culture don't help because they are constantly feeding us worrisome things. However, there is hope! My guest on the podcast today, , (links below) has an encouraging new book set to release in just two weeks: . Brant reminds us that we truly can have peace and abiding joy - no matter our circumstances - if Jesus is the center of our lives. What We Discussed on the Podcast How to become joyful when that isn't your natural bent How to "outsource" our worries What it truly means to be a disciple How God's ways always lead to the best life A technique beyond list-making to increase our gratitude The importance of choosing the attitude of our heart Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Brant's newest book, - publishing January 16, 2024 BRANT HANSEN is a bestselling author, syndicated radio host and advocate for healing children with correctable disabilities through . His award-winning radio show, , airs on top stations in the U.S. and Canada. His podcast, , has been downloaded more than 15 million times. He has been named "Personality of the Year" multiple times by Christian Music Broadcasters and is called "Christian music 's most beloved radio personality" by Christian Voice Magazine. Brant writes about varied topics related to faith, including masculinity in his book, , and forgiveness in , about which he was recently interviewed on ABC's Good Morning America. Brant speaks often about being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as an adult. Brant also proudly refers to himself as a “toast-obsessed nerd’ who was no less than president of the Illinois Student Librarians Association in high school. He also plays the accordion, “in spite of popular demand.” Connect with Brant at his , , , and . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Memorizing Scripture with Glenna Marshall
11/21/2023
Memorizing Scripture with Glenna Marshall
If you're someone (like me) who has struggled for years to commit God's Word to memory, you will want to listen to my latest episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). My guest, , has a new book out about the power and unexpected blessings of memorizing scripture. It has been life-changing for her, and as I am reading her book myself, I can already tell it will be life-changing for me! What We Discussed on the Podcast The reason that Glenna began memorizing scripture The WHY behind scripture memorization The brain science of repetition and memory The case for memorization of long passages of scripture Practical tips for memorizing The "first letter" method How to use habit stacking to increase memorization Resources Mentioned on the Podcast About Glenna Marshall GLENNA MARSHALL is a pastor's wife and mother of two energetic sons. She is the author of The Promise Is His Presence and Everyday Faithfulness. She writes regularly at on biblical literacy, suffering, and the faithfulness of God. She is a member of Grace Bible Fellowship in Sikeston, Missouri. Find Glenna online at or on . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada
10/24/2023
Practicing the Presence of Jesus with Joni Eareckson Tada
Do stressful situations steal your peace? Have you allowed the disappointments in your life to keep you from feeling close to Jesus? Do you wish to experience the calm you feel in your quiet moments with God all throughout your day? In my interview on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), Joni Eareckson Tada shares wisdom from her personal life experiences about learning to stay close to Jesus all throughout the day. We also discuss her newest book, What We Discussed on the Podcast How a tragic accident early in Joni's life began to change her relationship with Jesus Why Joni can be grateful for the suffering that she has endured How to put up our spiritual antennae each day How practicing the presence of Jesus takes the edge off of our pain The pathway to joy in any situation How learning to rely on the Lord is a rewarding discipline - but it takes practice Resources Mentioned on the Podcast About Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities. Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of , a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special needs families around the world. President Reagan appointed Mrs. Tada to the National Council on Disability, then reappointed by President George H.W. Bush. During her tenure, the ADA was passed and signed into law. Mrs. Tada served as advisor to Condoleezza Rice on the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department. She served as Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. The Colson Center on Christian Worldview awarded Joni Tada its prestigious William Wilberforce Award, and she was also inducted into Indiana Wesleyan University’s Society of World Changers. Joni Eareckson Tada has been awarded several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humanities from Gordon College and Doctor of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. She is an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message in books, through artwork, radio, and other media. Joni Tada served as General Editor of the Beyond Suffering Bible, a special edition published by Tyndale for people affected by disability. Joni and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in Calabasas, California. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle
09/26/2023
Susie Larson: Staying Strong in Battle
Has the joy and peace in your life been replaced by stress and strife? Is your inner narrative filling you with thoughts of despair? Do you find yourself questioning God's goodness? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be in the midst of a spiritual battle. My guest today on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), , shares such valuable wisdom from her very personal experiences in spiritual warfare, and from her book . What We Discussed on the Podcast How to discern the schemes of the enemy The negative effect of apathy and passivity in the Christian life Why it truly is that the "poor in spirit" inherit the Kingdom How Susie's trials have taught her to aggressively contend for the promises of God How to discern the signs that you may be in a spiritual battle How the disappointments of life can lead us to believing lies about God Three questions to ask when you are disappointed Resources Mentioned on the Podcast - Susie Larson - Susie Larson - Susie Larson - Radio Broadcast & Podcast SUSIE LARSON is a national speaker, a bestselling author, and the host of the daily talk show Susie Larson Live, heard on the Faith Radio Network. Susie has written twenty books and many articles. She’s been a guest on Focus on the Family, the Life Today show, FamilyLife Today, as well as many other media outlets. Twice voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award, she is also a veteran of the fitness field. Susie has been married to her dear husband, Kevin, since 1985, and together they have three wonderful sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, three beautiful grandchildren, and one adorable pit bull named Memphis. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus. Connect with Susie on , or at . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage
08/22/2023
Dannah Gresh: Finding Healing for Your Marriage
Marriage is hard, we all agree. And when a spouse has an addiction to pornography, a marriage can be stretched to its breaking point. However, when God is involved, there is always hope! On today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), my guest, shares about this particular struggle in her own marriage which was the inspiration for her newest book, What We Discussed on the Podcast The painful cycle of pornography addiction How the effects of sexual sin are different than other sins The essential action that is the doorway to healing in a marriage The two choices we are faced with when confronting destructive addiction in marriage How compassion for the addicted spouse begins the healing process Dannah's recommendations regarding therapy for marriages in crisis Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Dannah's newest book, Article about that I referenced DANNAH GRESH is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. Her best-selling titles include , co-authored with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and . Dannah is the co-host of , a daily podcast for women, and the founder of True Girl, which provides mom+daughter connection tools including the podcast. Dannah has sold over 2 million books and reaches women and girls in more than 100 countries. She and her husband Bob live in State College, Pennsylvania on a small farm that could be confused as a petting zoo. Horses, llamas, peacocks, chickens, goats, dogs and cats abound. The family pastime is chasing whoever—or whatever—might be loose. Find Dannah online at . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Sarah J. Hauser: Finding Rest When Life is Hard
07/25/2023
Sarah J. Hauser: Finding Rest When Life is Hard
Are you going through a hard season right now? Does God feel silent? , my guest on the Christian Habits Podcast (links below), is no stranger to these difficulties. In our interview, she shares about her new book, , and about the difficult season she went through to learn the truths she writes about. What We Discussed on the Podcast Sarah's battle with depression How a perfectionist mindset can manifest in unexpected (and harmful) ways The antidote to perfectionism How we should respond to God's offer of rest found in What we should do when God feels silent in our suffering How trials often force us to examine what we truly believe about God Resources Mentioned on the Podcast by Sarah J. Hauser by Corrie Ten Boom About Sarah J. Hauser SARAH J. HAUSER is a writer and speaker living in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and four kids. She shares biblical truth to nourish the soul -- and the occasional recipe to nourish the body. Sarah completed her B.A. and M.A. at Wheaton College. She's a member of the Redbud Writers Guild and has written for Coffee + Crumbs, Risen Motherhood, The Rabbit Room, The Gospel Coalition, (in)courage, and more. Find her at , on Instagram (), or check out her monthly newsletter at How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Andrea Herzer: Living with Chronic Pain and Illness
06/27/2023
Andrea Herzer: Living with Chronic Pain and Illness
Do you suffer from chronic pain or a debilitating illness? Have you recently received a difficult diagnosis? Or are you or a loved one simply going through a difficult trial right now? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will be greatly encouraged by my interview with about her new book: What We Discussed on the Podcast How to find God's presence in the pain How God sends encouragement in unexpected ways Why it's important to cultivate strong relationships with other Christians when facing an illness The power of the word "yet" to turn our laments into worship How to find contentment and joy in the midst of a life you really don't want to be living How shifting our mindset can transform the way we go through a trial Andrea's special reminders for anyone who's recently been given a tough diagnosis Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Andrea's new book: - Sermon by Timothy Keller Follow on Request to be a part of Andrea's private group: How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Jamie Erickson: Cultivating Holy Hygge
05/30/2023
Jamie Erickson: Cultivating Holy Hygge
Do you often feel rushed and like you're not really enjoying life? Does your heart long for rest and for sweet fellowship with dear friends? If so, you'll be encouraged by the Danish practice of hygge (HYOO-guh) which my podcast guest, Jamie Erickson, discusses in her latest book: . Today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below) considers the beautiful practice of true hospitality. What We Discussed on the Podcast How, for the Christian, hygge is much more than décor and creating a cozy atmosphere The three main excuses we use to not show hospitality How true hospitality differs from merely entertaining friends Some practical tips to make opening our home to others easier to do One answer to loneliness (hint: it's not more friends!) Some helpful practices to cultivate contentment Resources Mentioned on this Episode About Jamie Erickson When she’s not curating memories, hoarding vintage books, or homeschooling her five kids, can be found encouraging and equipping a growing tribe of mothers all across the globe on the , through her blog , at national conferences, and in her book How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Mary DeMuth: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy
05/02/2023
Mary DeMuth: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy
As a parent of adult children, do you find yourself distraught about choices they are making? Do you feel guilty and like you did something wrong when your children abandon their faith? If so, you will get much encouragement from my conversation with on the Christian Habits Podcast today (links below). Mary's new book, , will give welcome advice for parenting your adult children with joy. What We Talked About on the Podcast How Mary had to make a decision to not allow her emotions to be hijacked by the choices of her adult children It's necessary to grieve when our kids take a different path than we would have liked for them to How the influence of culture - louder than ever, today, due to social media - is subverting the teaching of parents What is deconstruction and is it always harmful? Using the characteristics of love found in to guide our family interactions Availing yourself of the opportunity to apologize to your adult children The importance of making your home a safe haven Remembering that biblical love is the ability to tenderly care for your children when you disagree while still holding to biblical truth Resources Mentioned on the Podcast by Mary DeMuth A free ebook by Mary for Barb's listeners: About Mary DeMuth Mary DeMuth is an international speaker, a podcaster, and the author of over forty books, fiction and nonfiction, includingThe Day I Met Jesus. Through God’s healing, Mary has overcome a difficult past to become an authentic example of what it means to live a brand-new story. She loves to help others“re-story”their lives through the books she writes. Mary lives inTexas with her husband of 30 years and is Mom to three adult children. Learn more at Get Mary's free ebook: . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Mark Batterson: How Please, Sorry, and Thanks Can Change Your Life
04/04/2023
Mark Batterson: How Please, Sorry, and Thanks Can Change Your Life
Mark Batterson is an influential pastor and a prolific author of over twenty-three books. His latest book, digs into how every relationship can be positively effected by a new revelation and application of these three words in our lives. I think you'll really enjoy my interview with him today on The Christian Habits Podcast (links below). Things We Discussed on the Podcast How we only need to really be good at three things in our relationships: please, sorry, and thanks Why "please" is much more than just a polite word The shift from a "here I am" to a "there you are" mentality Four principles of peace-making that Mark applies in his ministries Why "sorry" needs to be specific The value of personalizing your "please" The Law of Reciprocity regarding gratitude How a gratitude journal helps us to take every thought captive according to 1 Cor. 10:5 Comment on under this episode's post for a chance to win a free book! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast by Mark Batterson by Daniel Goleman Notable Quotes from Please, Sorry, Thanks by Mark Batterson Nothing opens doors like PLEASE. Nothing mends fences like SORRY. Nothing builds bridges like THANKS. Please is the way we level the playing field and find common ground. Please is the way we show respect, even to those we disagree with. Please is the way we bring some civility back to the public square. Please is one of the most important words we can ever say. Without empathy, our apologies are empty. Saying sorry without feeling sorry sends mixed signals. Are you or aren’t you sorry? You have to own the apology! Nothing mends fences like sorry. Every apology begins with empathy. It's a heart that breaks for the things that break the heart of God. Nothing builds bridges like thanks. The theology of thanks starts with the things we take for granted. It's cultivating profound gratitude for the things we overlook and under-appreciate. Please is a first-person plural approach to life. It turns “me” into “we.” It’s a win-win approach to relationships. About Mark Batterson Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church in multiple locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Capital Turnaround, Miracle Theatre and the DC Dream Center. Mark is the New York Times bestselling author of 23 books, including Please, Sorry, Thanks: The Three Words That Change Everything and Win the Day, as well as several books for children, including The Best Worst Day Ever, written with his daughter Summer. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill and have three children. Visit and for more information. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Embracing Trust with Joanna Weaver
03/07/2023
Embracing Trust with Joanna Weaver
Do you find yourself wondering why certain things are happening in your life? Are you afraid to admit that, at times, you question whether or not God really is good? If you can relate to either of these questions, you will find yourself greatly encouraged by my interview with on today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below). We discuss her newest book, , and how to live with abiding peace and joy in the good times and the bad! Things We Discussed on the Podcast How trust is more than surrender Letting go of "if only" Joanna's Four Unshakeable Truths How expectations factor into our willingness to trust God Making peace with the mystery of our lives The concept of handling competing ideas Learning to trust God's process Overcoming perfectionist tendencies Being willing to let God change our identity How to glory in weaknesses, as Paul did, instead of resenting them Encouragement from the lives of Moses, David and Joseph, and how they had to learn to trust the outcome of their lives to God Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Joanna's newest book: Joanna's podcast: by Jordan Raynor Joanna's Joanna on About Joanna Weaver With more than 1.6 million books in print, Joanna Weaver is the bestselling and award-winning author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, as well as Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, and At the Feet of Jesus devotional. A pastor's wife, mother of three, and avid Bible teacher, Joanna loves speaking to women about the powerful freedom that is found in making Jesus Lord and trusting Him for things bigger than themselves. She lives with her family in Hamilton, Montana. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Christian Loneliness: How to Stop Being Lonely
02/08/2023
Christian Loneliness: How to Stop Being Lonely
We live in an age where people are more connected than ever through social media and email, yet loneliness is rampant in all age groups. It's easy to feel lonely even when we're surrounded by people both online and in our own lives. We're not the only ones who feel this way. once said, "The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love." In this post and podcast episode, I'd like to talk about how to cure loneliness if you're a Christian. We'll begin with asking the question, "Is it normal to feel lonely?" Is it normal for Christians to feel lonely? I would answer that question with a resounding "Yes!" Even Jesus felt lonely. In the Garden of Gethsemane He wanted his disciples with Him yet they were asleep. I'm guessing He also felt lonely when so many of His disciples had deserted him. And I can't imagine He didn't feel lonely in ministry at times. Over and over, we see Him leaving the crowds and going off to be alone with His Father where He was strengthened to once again do ministry. We also see King David who had both friends and followers feeling lonely. In Psalm 25:16, he prays, "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." And we see Elijah, hiding in a cave in 1 King 19 feeling lonely. God says, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" And Elijah replies, "I've been zealous for you, Lord, but I'm the only one left!" Elijah was feeling alone in ministry. God basically tells Elijah, "You are not alone, Elijah! There are 7000 others besides you who haven't bent the knee to Baal." Why does God allow loneliness? So why does God allow Christian loneliness? Well, the simple answer is that God is not a micromanager! He lets us do our own thing, and often the things we do lead to loneliness. Technology also contributes to loneliness. Think back to the day before television, the Internet, and even the radio weren't invented yet. My guess is that people were less lonely in those days because they spent more time visiting with each other. I think God also allows Christians to feel lonely sometimes for things He wants to accomplish in our lives. I remember when several of my good friends moved far away when my kids were young. I was super lonely and unhappy in that phase of my life, but God used my loneliness to draw me closer to Him and also to mature in ways He wanted me to mature. That said, God doesn't want us to stay in our loneliness! The two greatest commandments, love God and love others, both speak to relationship. God wants us to be close to Him and others. And He wants us to love well. The more we do that, the less lonely we'll feel. Loving others involves effort. And the interesting this is that working on breaking free from loneliness will lead toward loving others well. The first step to overcoming loneliness is to find out what is causing it. What causes loneliness? I can think of four different causes of Christian loneliness. Situational Christian Loneliness The most obvious cause is that we don't have enough friends or family. Or we have friends but they're not close friends. Or we have friends in our regular life, but we're currently someplace else where we don't have friends. We may also feel lonely if we're with a group of people who know each other well, yet we're not part of their group. Emotional Christian Loneliness At other times, we do have friends and family, but we don't feel like they love us. This happened to me when my kids were young. For some reason, I got on a no-one-loves-me kick and it was hard to get out of it. It can also happen to us if we're with a group of people who all believe differently than we do, especially if we've heard those people condemn people like us. They may still love us (and probably do!) but we think they don't because we know they don't care for our beliefs. It can also happen when we see people doing things on social media that we weren't invited to. Social Christian Loneliness Another type of Christian loneliness we might experience is a social loneliness. If we're naturally shy or socially awkward, or if we have low self-esteem, we can look at all those confident outgoing people out there and think we'll never be able to make friends. This makes us feel more lonely than ever because we don't feel like we have any hope. And because we're Christians, we can beat ourselves up over this because we think, "I should be better at this since I'm a Christian!" Spiritual Christian Loneliness As Christians, we have one other opportunity for loneliness and that's loneliness in our relationship with God. If we're not feeling close to Him, that can make us feel more lonely than ever. How do I stop being lonely? So how do you stop being lonely? After all, we can't just snap our fingers and feel like we belong all of a sudden! The truth is that it can take quite a bit of work to overcome loneliness. To be successful, we need to make overcoming loneliness a goal, not a desire. And goals take work to accomplish. But it is possible! Following are some steps to end Christian loneliness based on what type of loneliness you're experiencing. Situational Loneliness Be proactive in making friends. This is something I did a few years back when I found myself in the position of needing a couple more friends. I made it a project: find new friends! I had to force myself out of my comfort zone and start asking people to do things. Here's what I found: The first time you ask someone to go out for coffee or a walk, it feels super awkward. The second time, it's slightly less awkward. And the third time, it's fun. But it can take awhile to find a friend. You'll need to find out if you enjoy being with them, if you have common interests, if you like to talk about the same things, and if they want to spend as much time with you as you want to spend with them. Don't take it personally if they don't! Some people don't value relationships and some are just super busy and don't have time. Connect with old friends via the phone. You can also connect with old friends who have moved away. Now that we're traveling the country (my husband is a travel physical therapist), I'll often call a friend or family member and visit with them while I walk. Or the two of us will meet with another couple via Facebook for a little chat. Be proactive in building community. One of the best ways to make friends is to start groups that meet every week. It will take a little effort in the beginning to set these up, but after you get them set up, you'll have community each week with very little effort on your part! You could join (or start) a home group at your church, attend a Bible study, form a mom's group where you visit while the kids play, or find a group that meets around one of your hobbies. My daughter and her husband have a craft night with some of their friends and another friend has a scrapbooking group. When we're in Montana, we usually go hiking with a big group of friends after church on Sundays. We began it by just asking people at church to go hiking with us one Sunday. We probably rounded up a group of 10 or 12 people just by asking at church! When we're on the road, we join a home group or Bible study as soon as possible so we have community even though we know we'll only be in the area for 13 weeks. And it's surprising how close you can get to people in just 13 weeks! Find new ways to serve people locally or online. Often we think community is all about fun and family, but there is great community in serving others, and God would love to see us doing this! Spend some time brainstorming ways you could serve. We have friends who do Habitat for Humanity, and I think there's a group of handymen at our church who do home repairs for people. You could call the Chamber of Commerce and see if there is a volunteer organization in your town that matches volunteers with programs. Or look for ways to serve through your church. Emotional Loneliness Let go of unrealistic expectations for how people love you. The first step to overcoming emotional loneliness is to recognize that it's natural to feel lonely at times. We live in a fallen world and no one is perfect at loving so sometimes we'll feel lonely because others aren't loving us well. Let go of envy. It also helps to recognize that we don't know the whole story when it comes to other people's relationships. So when you see that perfect couple on Facebook, you don't know how perfect they are in real life. I remember at a low point in my own marriage, looking at two other marriages in my town and thinking, "I wish my husband were more like that man." Well, both of those marriages ended up in divorce a few years down the road because even though those men had many wonderful traits, they also had some really non-wonderful traits that caused their wives to leave them. Recognize that some stages of life are more prone to loneliness. Also recognize that each stage of life has its pluses and minuses in the loneliness department. When my kids were middle schoolers and teenagers I was rarely lonely because I had built-in friends in the house. But when they all left home, I had plenty of opportunities for loneliness. I also remember being lonely in college when I lived alone but not so lonely when I lived in a dorm full of friends. So if you're in a more lonely stage of life, you'll have to be more proactive (see situational loneliness for ideas) about making friends. Believe that people love you. It also helps to think about who does love you when you're feeling lonely. Name actual names of people! This doesn't always work though because when I was going through my no-one-loves-me phase, I felt like the only person who loved me was our super loving two year old! I was wrong. Lots of people loved me but I was too insecure to see it. Renewing my mind (see #2 in Social Loneliness) would have helped me greatly at that time in my life but I hadn't written my book yet so I didn't have that tool! Develop a thankfulness habit. This is a great step to take no matter what our problem is! For loneliness, it will help if we start thanking God for all the people in our lives. Thank Him for all the people who love you and that will help you to believe that they love you. Social Loneliness Focus on others. If your loneliness is caused by shyness or social awkwardness, it helps to focus on others. At one stage of my life when I felt intimidated at social gatherings, I would pray through 1 Corinthians 13 on the way to the gathering with the people there in mind. It helped me to get the focus off myself and onto others, which led to feeling more comfortable at the gather and also experiencing more connection since I was focused on others, not myself. Renew your mind. If you have low self-esteem, try renewing your mind before you meet with a friend or go to a social event. Use any of the insecurity questions in my books or my . It can take a bit of work to get to the point where we don't feel insecure, but it's worth the work! The key to overcoming insecurity is not to get to the point where we think we're great, but to get to the point where we're more focused on others rather than ourselves and where we're willing to be vulnerable to love them well. Ask God to help you connect with others. Sometimes we're lonely because we don't value relationships. When I was a teenager, I remember playing the piano in my home and singing a song made popular by Barbra Streisand called "People." The song said that people who need people were the luckiest people in the world - but I didn't feel like I needed people at the time. So while I sang, I asked God to help me be a person who needed people. And He did! I love people and need people so I go out of my way to make connections with people. If you don't feel that need, ask God to help you value people and relationships. Work on your faults. One last thing we can do to overcome social loneliness is to work on character traits that make people not want to be with us. We all have faults so we don't want to slip into self-condemnation here, but some faults are harder to be around than others. If we're constantly complaining or negative, or if we talk all the time, or say rude things or give advice all the time, or if we don't talk at all and never ask questions of others--all of these things can make people not want to be with us. So out of love for others, we could go to God for help with changing those things so we can love others better. Spiritual Loneliness Put effort into your relationship with God. The only way to overcome spiritual Christian loneliness is to get closer to God. It's been said that there is a God-shaped whole in each of us that can only be filled with God. Yet it takes work to grow closer to God! Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Seeking God with our whole hearts is different than just doing a 5-minute duty-driven quiet time each morning. Instead, it's making a relationship with God as important as a relationship with a close friend or a spouse. Spending both quality and quantity time with Him. Develop a renewing habit. One of the best ways I've found to do this is to start a renewing of the mind habit. When I began a regular practice of going to God to see life and people through His perspective, I grew closer to Him. I started this journey with more than twenty years ago and it has continued to draw me near to God all these year. Do a Bible study that helps you discuss life with God. Have you ever had an intimate conversation with someone you didn't know that well? I find that those types of conversations always make me feel closer to that person. But often our conversations with God are one-sided. It can help us feel closer to Him if we learn how to discuss life with Him. I have lots of free Bible studies on this website that will help you with that (just look at the Bible study tab), or you could also try my or . Here's a lesson from the James Bible study: . Well, that's about it. I hope you're not feeling too overwhelmed by all these ideas! The bottom line is that we can break free from Christian loneliness but it takes a bit of work. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all of these ideas, just print out this post and circle the ideas that appeal to you, then narrow it down to 1-3 ideas to start out with. Then ask God for help and give it a whirl! You'll not only be helping yourself, you'll also be helping all the other lonely people out there who are looking for friends! How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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A More Loving Way to Disagree with Mike Donehey
01/18/2023
A More Loving Way to Disagree with Mike Donehey
Do you have loved ones in your life with whom you disagree? Do you find it hard to engage with someone who has a different opinion than yours? Are you prone to just "agree to disagree" when beliefs differ? If any of these are true for you, my interview today on the Christian Habits Podcast with Mike Donehey (links below) will give you a more peaceful approach and practical tips to have more healthy conversations when divisive topics arise. What We Discussed on the Podcast The importance of how we disagree rather than just what is said How to gently engage another person with curiosity Maintaining openness with someone who has left the faith allows them a way back According to Romans 2:4, it's God's kindness that leads us to repentance When you're confident in what you believe, you aren't threatened by another's questions When someone feels understood, it often drains away animosity How "agreeing to disagree" isn't always the best way How to not become a "smug monster" Why Mike believes that bitterness is the most dangerous sin Why it's always more important to love the other person than to win the argument Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Mike's book, Notable Quotes from Mike's Book “If we are to love in the gray spaces—the places where our arguments find just footing on either side—curiosity and kindness must lead the way. Our desire to be heard must not overpower our need to hear what others are saying. Our desire to be understood must not overshadow our need to understand others.” “When grace is our baseline, then being disapproved of no longer feels like being disowned. We can even invite in divergence because we know where we stand. We know whose love we stand in.” About Mike Donehey Mike Donehey is a singer, songwriter, podcast host, and former lead singer of the Christian contemporary band Tenth Avenue North. He’s also the author of Grace in the Gray: A More Loving Way to Disagree (WaterBrook; on sale 1/17/23) and the bestselling author of Finding God’s Life for My Will. Mike, his wife, Kelly, and their four daughters live in Nashville, Tennessee. He’s also the host of Chasing the Beauty podcast. For more information, visit or find Mike on his social channels: , , , or . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive with Jordan Raynor
12/14/2022
Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive with Jordan Raynor
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Daniel Fusco: Unlocking Resilience When Life is a Mess
11/16/2022
Daniel Fusco: Unlocking Resilience When Life is a Mess
When trials and hard times come into our lives, we can find ourselves questioning God and becoming bitter. On today's episode of The Christian Habits Podcast (links below), I talk with Daniel Fusco about how developing resilience during trials can actually be a path to fruitfulness and growth in our lives, and also about his new book, . What We Discussed on the Podcast What is resilience? How hope and grit factor into the resilience equation How to submit to God's will, no matter what Discovering the fruit that comes from hard times in our lives Learning to walk through trials open-hearted Dispelling the "life is easy" myth The profound growth that happens during trials in our lives Building resilience before the hardship Making space to cultivate hope How the Body of Christ is at its best when our lives are at their worst Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Daniel's new book: About Daniel Fusco Daniel Fusco is an author, a church planter, and the lead pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, Washington. His radio program, Jesus Is Real Radio, is broadcast across the country, and his TV show, Real with Daniel Fusco, airs across the globe. He also hosts the popular You’re Gonna Make It podcast and is the author of Crazy Happy, and You’re Gonna Make It. He has written numerous articles for CBN.com, PreachingToday.com, and Relevant. Fusco and his wife, Lynn, have three children and reside in southwest Washington How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Jennifer Slattery: 9 Common Idols and How to Resist Them
10/19/2022
Jennifer Slattery: 9 Common Idols and How to Resist Them
Do you find yourself looking to other people or things to satisfy you? Are you tempted to doubt that Jesus alone really does offer a life of joy, peace and contentment? On today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links down below), I visit with Jennifer Slattery about nine common idols we are tempted to worship and how to resist them. What We Discussed on the Podcast What is an idol? Nine common things we are tempted to worship instead of God How idols can hurt our relationships How an inner-angst is an indicator that we may have an idol The process associated with giving up an idol Jennifer's own struggles with an eating disorder as she struggled with a food idol Wisdom for overcoming idols A great question to ask when deciding to give up an idol Resources Mentioned on the Podcast by Timothy Keller for Say Goodbye to Emotional Eating Jennifer's website, About Jennifer Slattery Jennifer Slattery is an author, speaker, and ministry leader passionate about helping God's children reach their full potential and live fully surrendered to Christ. Find her online at How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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When Life is Hard: 3 Temptations & 3 Solutions
09/21/2022
When Life is Hard: 3 Temptations & 3 Solutions
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Dana K. White - How to Declutter and Get Organized
06/01/2022
Dana K. White - How to Declutter and Get Organized
Do you feel overwhelmed by the task of getting organized? Does a simple glance around your home or office tell you that clutter is taking over your life? If so, my podcast interview with Dana K. White from (links below) will offer helpful advice about how to tackle these projects without stress. What We Discussed on the Podcast Coming to terms with our own unique clutter threshold The Container Concept Accepting the reality of the limited space we have How decluttering and cleaning are not the same things What the layers of a clean house are How Dana's method is different than minimalism How to change our goals about our spaces The Visibility Rule How decluttering is a lifelong process Resources We Talked About on the Podcast Dana's new book: Another of Dana's books: Dana's website: About Dana K. White Dana K. White is a Wallstreet Journal bestselling author, blogger, podcaster, speaker, and (much to her own surprise) a decluttering expert. In an attempt to get her home under control, Dana started blogging as “Nony” (short for anonymous) at . Dana soon realized she was not alone in her housekeeping struggles and in her feelings of shame. Today, Dana shares realistic home management strategies with her signature humor and a message of hope for the hopelessly messy through her blog, weekly podcasts, and videos. Dana lives with her husband and three kids just outside of Dallas, Texas. Learn more at . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Asheritah CiuCiu: Growing a Prayer Habit
05/04/2022
Asheritah CiuCiu: Growing a Prayer Habit
In this interview with Asheritah CiuCiu, we discuss how to grow a prayer habit using the REST method from her new book, . If you find yourself struggling to make prayer a daily habit, Asheritah offers many helpful ways to cultivate this powerful discipline in this episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below). What We Discussed on the Podcast How to make a prayer habit stick by learning, fostering and practicing it Praying through hard emotions How distracting thoughts can actually become prompts in prayer How developing intimacy with God takes time How what we believe about God influences our prayers Written prayers vs. spontaneous prayers How to stop talking and begin listening in prayer The REST prayer method: Recite God's goodness, Express your neediness, Seek His Stillness, and Trusting God's faithfulness Praying through scripture Resources Discussed on the Podcast My previous interview with Asheritah: Asheritah's newest book: App that Barb referenced: Reimagining the Examen (free app available on both Google and Apple app stores) Asheritah's books: , and About Asheritah CiuCiu Asheritah Ciuciu is a bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the podcast. She is the founder of , an online ministry that helps women all over the world find joy in Jesus through creative and consistent time in God’s word. Asheritah grew up in Romania as a missionary kid and studied English and Women’s Ministry at Cedarville University. She is married to her high school sweetheart and together they raise their three spunky kids in NE Ohio. Asheritah is the author of several books, including the best-selling Advent devotional . Her writing and speaking has been featured on Focus on the Family, Revive Our Hearts, Moody Radio, Relevant Magazine, Proverbs 31, and MOPS International. For more information about Asheritah, her books, and writing/speaking ministry, visit . How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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Joshua Becker: Overcoming Distractions to Live a More Meaningful Life
04/06/2022
Joshua Becker: Overcoming Distractions to Live a More Meaningful Life
Do you find yourself always pursuing happiness but rarely finding it? Does your life feel cluttered and unsatisfying? If so, today's episode of the Christian Habits Podcast (links below) will offer a remedy for a selfish and unhappy life. I speak with Joshua Becker, founder of , about his new book: . Things We Discussed on the Podcast How removing distractions from our lives enables us to realize our fullest potential How the pursuit of money, possessions, accolades, leisure, fear, and past mistakes hold us back Two types of distractions: internal and external The specific distractions of leisure and the pursuit of personal happiness How the principles of the Bible are effective for all people, even non-Christians How "serving others is the only way to overcome the victim mentality" The idea of retirement is found nowhere in the Bible How to transition from lives of self-centeredness to lives of service Resources Mentioned on the Podcast by Joshua Becker - My newest book is a 20-lesson Bible study for individuals, one-on-ones, or small groups who know each other well (or want to know each other well). It is also a great study for discipleship and mentoring relationships. About Joshua Becker Joshua Becker, author of (WaterBrook; on-sale 4/19/22), is also the bestselling author of , , and founder of , a website dedicated to inspiring others to find more life by owning less. The website welcomes over 1.5 million readers each month and has inspired millions around the world to consider the practical benefits of owning fewer possessions. He is also the creator of Simplify magazine and founder of The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization changing how the world cares for orphans. He’s a contributing writer to Forbes and has appeared in dozens of media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CBS Evening News, Christian Science Monitor and “The Drew Barrymore Show.” Joshua and his family live near Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit (2.75M social media followers) How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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When You Can’t Make Yourself Read Your Bible – 9 Tips
03/21/2022
When You Can’t Make Yourself Read Your Bible – 9 Tips
Do you ever have a hard time making yourself read your Bible? Or do you start out reading, only to find yourself reading the same passage over and over again because you can't make yourself concentrate? Today we'll talk about 9 tips you can use to develop a Bible reading habit.
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How to Navigate Life Change (Even if You're Not Crazy about the New Life)
03/02/2022
How to Navigate Life Change (Even if You're Not Crazy about the New Life)
Are you in the middle of a big life change? Or still adjusting to an old life change? Change can be difficult, even when it's positive. Yet so many life changes don't feel one bit positive. Here are just a few of the life changes we go through: A move Change of occupation: new job, loss of old job, career change, beginning college, etc. Engagement or marriage Divorce or separation Natural disasters and pandemics such as Covid Death of a loved one Serious illness, disease, or injury Children leaving home Retirement of yourself or a spouse Since I'm experiencing my own life change at the moment (my husband just became a travel physical therapist and we've left our home of 30 years to travel around the country), I thought it might be helpful to do a podcast/blog post on how to navigate major life change. Following are a few things I'm trying as I enter this new season of life. 10 Tips to Navigate Life Change Well Recognize that it’s hard. So often we say things like, "I shouldn't be feeling this way," or "Buck up, Buttercup!" And while I'm a big fan of that latter phrase, it's helpful to realize that it's not surprising that we're struggling. Even a happy occasion like marriage can cause adjustment problems. We'll do better if we admit to ourselves that yes, this is an adjustment, and yes, it's hard. Have realistic expectations for the process and give yourself grace. If you recognize it's hard, you'll be more likely to give yourself grace. Beating yourself up for not adjusting quickly enough isn't helpful. I've found that if I have realistic expectations for how long something takes—whether it's a task on my to-do list or an adjustment to a new situation—I'll be less likely to get worried, depressed, or beat myself up. Work on making this new life the best life possible—put time and effort into it. Often, we complain about how hard life is, but we do nothing to change it. Instead, we expect it to get better over time. While this does sometimes happen, we'll have much more success if we put some effort into making it better. The rest of these tips will give you ideas of how to make the best possible life. Brainstorm ideas to make life better. When you're in a new situation, you're not an expert at that situation. Instead, you need to learn how to be joyful in this new life. Take a list and brainstorm different ways to make it better. Talk to a friend, mentor, or loved one. Visit with someone who's been in this situation to see how they handled it. Then circle a few things from the list to try. Join a support group or get involved in a community ASAP. When we moved to our first travel assignment in Santa Fe, the first thing we did was to find a church. We tried two churches in one day and found one we loved. We visited with people in the church, and I mentioned that it was hard to leave our community in Hamilton, Montana. This led to one couple inviting us to a home group and now we have instant community--a group of wonderful people to fellowship with. If your life change is traumatic, look for a support group in your area of others who are going through a similar trial. Dwell on the good. My tendency is to dwell on the good of the old life and the bad of the new life! This is not helpful! It's easier to dwell on the good if you have a positive life change, but it can be incredibly difficult with a traumatic life change. That said, God can bring good from any situation. A bad situation is a perfect "opportunity" to develop a thankfulness habit, grow closer to God, and practice . Lean on God and expect Him to teach you new lessons. Trusting God isn't just a trite phrase. It's an active event where we spend time with Him, time in His Word, time in prayer. The closer we get to God, the happier we'll be. In fact, in some situations, this may be our only chance for happiness, at least in the beginning. and tell us that hard times are opportunities for growth. Our new pastor in Santa Fe said in a that hard times can make us bitter, battered, or better. Leaning on God (rather than the way life used to be) will help them to be better. Recognize that you'll have bad days. That said, expect to have bad days. It's a process. One day you might think, I have this new life down pat! I can handle it now! And then the next day might be a disaster. That's normal! It takes time to adjust to a new life. Don't despair and don't beat yourself up. Instead, that God will be by your side to help. Renew when upset. If I didn't already have an established renewing habit, my current life would be much worse. As I write this post, we're only three weeks into our new life. I went from being super depressed the first day here to being positive, hopeful, and excited about this life now. This happened through employing all the previous tips but this last tip was most helpful. Renewing is what helped me to see this experience from a biblical perspective, and more than anything, that's what helped me be content. I'll show you one of my renewing entries from the last few weeks below. Accept what you need to accept. Renewing helps, but often, you're still left with an unpleasant truth. Your loved one is gone. You lost your job. The government is doing things you don't like and they're not asking you for permission. Accepting what we need to accept allows us to move on. It frees us up to pursue the best possible life within the context of what we can't change. And it also frees us up to look for things—even in this life—to be thankful for. And we are far happy when we're living in thankfulness. Renewing Example: Barb's Journal Entry - 1/10/22 One of the ways I like to renew my mind is to . When you hear the phrase option chart, you might think of a chart that explores all of our possible options. But a renewing option chart explores the options we're currently taking to see how those options are affecting different outcomes we want: things like our relationship with God, our relationship with others, progress on a goal, or our personal wellbeing. In the following chart, I've listed three things I want: to be happy in our new lifestyle, to feel close to God, and to be able to be productive in this lifestyle. To write and podcast and get other writing-related things done. I put those at the top of the chart and all of my tendencies on the left side of the chart. I always start by writing down what I really want, which is always completely unrealistic. In this example, I wrote, "to be perfectly happy all the time during travel therapy." Since I am NEVER completely happy all the time, even on vacation, it stands to reason I won't be completely happy in this new life so I listed "NOT AN OPTION" on that line. With all the other options, I listed an up or down arrow indicating how I thought that action would affect the outcome and then listed a reason I thought it would go that way. You'll notice that my middle options almost always have a whole row of down arrows! Yet those are the options I consistently take if left to my own devices. On the bottom row, I always list what I call the "God" option. I think about it for a bit and record what I think God would want me to do. Then I evaluate that option with arrows. And I almost always discover that God's plan is best. Option charts help me have the strength to do what God wants me to do because they show me that God's way really is best. This option chart completely changed my perspective. I've also done some truth journal entries that have helped. By making a commitment to regularly renew and also employ some of the other tips I mentioned, I'm able to celebrate and enjoy the good aspects of this experience and live a contented life. God is good. We just need to go to Him for help to see that life is also good, especially when we're having a hard time adjusting! Have you gone through a big life change recently or in the past? I'd love any tips you have for me on how to adjust! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast - Skip is just starting this series as I write this post, but by the time it publishes, you should be able to watch all the videos in the series. by Barb Raveling by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
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How to Avoid (or End) an Emotional Affair
02/02/2022
How to Avoid (or End) an Emotional Affair
Our hearts are deceitful and in this age of technology, it is easier than ever to begin sharing your thoughts and deep feelings with someone other than your spouse. If we aren't careful, we can begin to become emotionally dependent on someone outside of our marriage. In today's podcast, Barb visits with her friend, Trish, about how to avoid (or end) an emotional affair. What We Discussed on the Podcast What exactly is an emotional affair? How an innocent friendship can morph into something more Questions to ask ourselves about interactions with the opposite sex Tips for setting boundaries about your relationships with others Tips for how to avoid getting into an emotional affair Helpful ideas about how to end an emotional affair Resources We Talked About on the Podcast How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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How to Achieve Your Goals - 10 Tips
01/04/2022
How to Achieve Your Goals - 10 Tips
Happy New Year, everyone! Well it's this time of year that many of us are focused on starting or stopping habits and setting goals. On today's podcast, I'll visit with , author, blogger, podcaster, and we will be discussing several tips about how to achieve your goals this year! Tips to Help You Achieve Your Goals Develop a routine. Make it easy. Make a plan for dealing with obstacles. Find ways to make it fun Keep your why in front of you. Let go of perfectionism. Be a good coach to yourself. Renew your mind when necessary. Gain support. Conquer procrastination. Resources We Talked About on the Podcast Melanie's blog: Melanie's podcast: Melanie's book: How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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To Give Advice or Not Give Advice? 6 Rules to Follow
11/24/2021
To Give Advice or Not Give Advice? 6 Rules to Follow
To give advice or not to give advice? That is the question. In the past I used to answer that with, Of course I should give advice! Why wouldn't I give advice?! Well, I have since learned a few reasons why I shouldn't! For starters, too much advice can hurt relationships. On our end, we think we're giving wise advice to help people be safe and happy. But on their end, they often feel like we're trying to fix them. This makes them annoyed with us and hurts relationships. Another way unsolicited advice hurts relationships is that it can make the recipient feel unloved. We're usually worried about something they're doing. And we're trying to keep them happy, safe, and close to God. They on the other hand can feel like we're focusing on something negative in them. And that we will only love them if they're perfect. Unsolicited advice also hurts relationships when we give the same advice over and over. This makes people not want to be with us because they're tired of getting advice! Finally, unsolicited advice can hurt relationships with our adult children because it's seen as a lack of respect. We think, I need to tell them this so they don't make the same mistakes I made! They think, Mom (or Dad) doesn't realize I'm an adult! So how do we break free from giving too much advice when it's something we just do without thinking? Well, let me give you some advice about that ... How to Decide if You Should Give Advice or Not Unfortunately, I have often been the person giving unasked for advice and hurting people in the process. But in this blog post (and ), I want to share an acronym I've made that's helping me know when to give or not give advice. And I'll warn you ahead of time, usually I decide I shouldn't give advice after asking the questions! I call the acronym SPIKER. Think of a person standing at the volleyball net, jumping high to shove the ball down the other side of the net and take out the opponent. That's how advice often feels to the advice-receiver. We think we're giving a nice gentle lob over the fence to help them have a better life, but they think we're pounding them with advice. This acronym will help you evaluate what you have to say so see if it's worth giving. With the holidays coming up, it seemed like the perfect time to share this acronym as many of us will be surrounded by people we want to give advice to! 6 Questions to Ask First Before Giving Advice Most rules are in the form of statements: commands to tell you how to live life. But in the spirit of this blog post (don't give advice!), I decided to list the rules in the form of questions. Ask these questions before you give advice. If you had adult kids coming home for the holidays, think about what kind of advice you may want to give them while they're here (yes, I know it's already running through your mind!) and ask yourself these questions before they get home. Or better yet, each morning they're home before they wake up! S - Sure - Are you sure you're giving the right advice or is there a possibility you're wrong or you'll find out one day that this was bad advice? P - Profitable - Will it be profitable? In other words, how likely are they to consider taking your advice? (This is especially helpful to think about for unsolicited advice.) I - Important - Is it important? Or are you wasting your advice-giving-currency on things that aren't that important? K - Knowledge - Do they already know this? E - Edifying - Is it edifying? Will this build them up or make them feel like you think they need to be fixed and that there is something wrong with them? R - Repeat - Have you said this before? How many times? (Most people don't want to hear the same advice more than once or twice.) If you'd like to hear some examples of this acronym in action, check out the . (Scroll down for links to listen to the podcast or click the player at the top of this post.) How to Give Advice: 6 Rules Okay, in this section, I will give a few rules. These rules are helpful whether you're giving advice that has been asked for or unsolicited. Be respectful. You will have a far better chance of them listening if you're respectful. Before you give advice, try thinking of five things this person is doing well or five things you like and respect about this person. This will help you be respectful. Consider asking them for permission first. Since so many people don't like unsolicited advice, it may be helpful to ask before you give advice. Just remember they may say no, and be respectful if they do. Which means no advice! (And no little comments about how they need advice!) Choose the right time and place. Try to choose a time outside the heat of the moment, but also not when they're relaxing and having fun. It may even be helpful to tell them you have something to talk about and ask them what a good time would be (if they have time). Build people up with your words. In , Paul tells us to use words that edify others. He also tells us not to let any corrupt talk come out of our mouths, and to give grace to those who hear. Try to preface your advice with a compliment. This may or may not work. After all, you don't want them to think you're buttering them up so they'll take your advice! But if it's possible, try to offer encouragement and positive feedback about other areas of their lives. And try not to only give advice or point out faults. This goes against rule #4 as we're tearing people down, not building them up. Stop before you give too much advice. So often our initial advice is short and sweet. But when we don't get the response we want, we may go into convince-them mode. This is often seen as obnoxious-mode by our advice receivers! So give yourself a little lecture and avoid the long-winded advice! Lies That Make Us Give Unwanted Advice Often we want to stop giving advice, but we believe lies that drive us to do it. Here are a few of these lies and some truth that will help us change our way. If I give them this advice, I can keep them from making the mistakes I made. Unfortunately, this isn't true. We ALL make mistakes--and even if we lived around the most advice-giving person on the planet, we'd still make mistakes. Why? Because we often think other people's advice is bad (even though it's good). And because we don't always have enough self-control to take good advice even if we want to. Not to mention the fact, that the advice-giver may be wrong! If they (do this thing I think they shouldn't do), they'll ruin their lives and be unhappy forever. Ruined lives and unhappy-forever is not dependent on one incident in life. Also, if joy comes through walking with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-24), then If they (do this thing I think they shouldn't do), they'll die. Again, this isn't necessarily true unless they're planning to jump off a high cliff. The Bible tells us our days are numbered, and they will only die if God allows them to die (Psalm 139:16). It's possible for my friends and loved ones to have trouble-free lives. We don't think this one outright, but I think we might believe it at the unconscious level. Unfortunately, we will all have troubles and trials! I need to give them advice so they can have a trouble-free life. See truth for #4. Plus, if I keep giving them unsolicited advice, I will be one of the troubles in their life! And do I really want to be that? I need to give them advice so they can continue to follow God their whole lives. Again, I have no control over this. In a world with so much skepticism, temptation, and condemnation of Christians, it's a wonder any kids grow up to follow God their whole lives. We have lots of influence when our kids are young, not so much when our kids become adults sadly. The best thing we can do is pray for our adult children. We can also work on our own sins and character flaws so we won't make them stumble with our behavior. Does that mean we should never give advice? No definitely not. Sometimes it's worth giving advice. Just think it through first if you're a person who tends to give too much of it. The Bible gives us all kinds of encouragement to ask advice from wise counselors, and advice can be life-changing! My guess is that if you're a person who gives too much advice, you're also a person who loves people and wants the best for them. That's a good thing! Resources We Talked About on the Podcast How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Google Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: To listen or subscribe on Android: To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: To listen or subscribe on Spotify: Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.”
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