Cabin Conversations

Join Dave Bondeson and Whitney Swenson as they process Sunday's sermon with a guest. Each week we have a fun, casual conversation through that week's biblical text and try to apply what we heard on Sunday in a conversational, comfortable setting. We'll nerd out a bit on the Bible, laugh a lot, and also try to find things to do over the weekend in the community of Central Wisconsin!

Eternal Hope and Daily Life 06/04/2025

Eternal Hope and Daily Life Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon look back on the "Chosen Exiles" series from 1 Peter, discuss the eternal perspective and living as "chosen exiles." They highlight memorizing Scripture and the blessing of deep biblical engagement. The conversation transitions to the new sermon series, "Next Right Thing," focusing on missions locally and globally. Plus, hear about their personal summer plans including camping and mission trips. Stay connected and inspired! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36864050

Trusting When It's Unclear 05/28/2025

Trusting When It's Unclear Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug explore the challenging but rewarding path of trusting God's leading, inspired by the sermon on 1 Peter 5. Join them as they discuss Peter's journey, the importance of humility in leadership, and how to respect those in authority even when we don't understand their decisions. Are you struggling to understand God's plan? This episode offers a refreshing perspective on faith, leadership, and the upside-down kingdom of Christ. It's not about climbing the ladder, but lowering ourselves to serve others, mirroring Christ's example. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36737980

Beyond the Open Door 05/14/2025

Beyond the Open Door Where Dave, Whitney, and Gabby explore the true meaning of hospitality based on the recent sermon from Woodlands Church, stemming from 1 Peter. They discuss how it goes beyond simply opening your home and extends to a posture of genuine love, unhurried presence, and a willingness to share your life with others. Has the culture of hospitality changed? Listen in as they discuss the difference between "known" and "stranger" hospitality, and the intimacy of sharing meals. Do you extend the same welcoming spirit to everyone? How can we cultivate this type of environment within our church community? They challenge us to consider hospitality as a reflection of Christ's love and witness, rather than just a task on our to-do list. They also discuss the benefit of memorizing scripture. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that might just leave you feeling convicted and inspired. Books Mentioned: Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosario Butterfield /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36563670

Carnival Night and Church Rhythms: Behind the Scenes at Woodlands 05/07/2025

Carnival Night and Church Rhythms: Behind the Scenes at Woodlands Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea provide a rich discussion revisiting last week's sermon, focusing on 1 Peter. They unpack how to live Christ-like lives in a hostile world, the importance of unity, dealing with difficult Bible passages, and the call to bless others. Tune in to hear insights from Keelea's seminary journey and discover practical takeaways for spiritual growth. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36487485

The Weight of the Cross 04/16/2025

The Weight of the Cross Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug unpack the meaning of the cross and its implications for our lives today. In this episode, they discuss preparing for Good Friday and the contrast between the despair felt by Jesus’s disciples and the hope of Easter. They dive into how God uses even our darkest moments for His glory. Join them as they explore the weightiness of sin, the brutality of the cross, and the incredible restoration offered through Jesus. They ask: What does it mean to be saved from our sins and saved to something? And don’t miss Doug's dream car reveal! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36183865

The Garden: Failure & Faith 04/09/2025

The Garden: Failure & Faith Where Dave, Whitney, and Jed dig deep into "The Garden" sermon from Woodlands Church! Join them as they explore the themes of failure, betrayal, and God's enduring faithfulness, connecting the dots from Genesis to the Gospels. They share how the message resonated with them personally and offer practical tips for applying its truths to your own life. This week they ask themselves how they can take the message of “One Day” and apply it to their lives today. Join them as they consider, "What junk do I have right now in between me and Jesus?" and how we can embrace God's grace as we prepare for Easter. Join us as we consider how we must remember that we are the monster, but we are forgiven. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/36069845

Gather Around the Table 04/02/2025

Gather Around the Table Where Dave, Whitney, and Elizabeth delve into the powerful message of "The Table," exploring themes of betrayal, love, and unity presented in last Sunday's sermon at Woodlands Church. They examine the significance of the Last Supper, the act of foot washing, and the communal experience of communion. They discuss preparing their hearts for worship and reinforcing the tangible reminders that can go unnoticed. Join them as they share their personal reflections and challenge us to consider how we approach the table together as a church family. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35969405

Faith, Marriage & Compassion Sunday 03/20/2025

Faith, Marriage & Compassion Sunday Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon dive deep into the challenging themes of 1 Peter 3:1-7, exploring marriage, relationships, and how Bible shapes our lives. The discussion centers on the themes of relationships within the context of marriage and household dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding scripture in a healthy way while addressing common misinterpretations. They explore the concept of sanctification through relationships, the call to reflect Christ-like behavior, and the significance of community support. Don’t forget about this upcoming Compassion Sunday—a chance for us to sponsor children in need. Key insights and truths await us all! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35817920

Sojourners and Subjects 03/05/2025

Sojourners and Subjects Where Dave, Whitney, and Gabby explore the complexities of being a Christian in today's world! Join us as we reflect on last Sunday's sermon, unpacking the powerful concept of "chosen exiles" and its implications for our daily lives. We discuss how to approach Lent with intentionality, moving beyond mere ritual to embrace genuine generosity and self-reflection. Using a guest's personal experience living abroad, we delve into the challenges of feeling isolated and misunderstood as followers of Christ. We then grapple with 1 Peter 2:13-17 – the call to be subject to governing authorities – sharing relatable and sometimes funny stories of navigating this call. Let's wrestle through these important themes together! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35531765

Chosen People, Powerful Community 02/26/2025

Chosen People, Powerful Community Where Dave, Whitney, and Jed reflect on a this week's sermon from Woodlands Church! Join us as we unpack the message of being "Chosen Exiles," exploring how our identity in Christ shapes our lives and relationships. We discuss the transformative power of seeing Scripture as a love letter from God, not just a textbook, and the importance of fostering genuine community amidst life's challenges. Jed shares his incredible experience of a high-energy Sunday service filled with powerful testimonies. We delve into the four C's – Community, Chosen, Cleansed, and Called – and how they intertwine with our spiritual journey. They explore the "stumbling stones" we face and how to navigate them with grace and honesty. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35461715

Growing Up with God 02/12/2025

Growing Up with God Where Dave, Whitney, and Colton delve into the message of 1 Peter from Woodlands Church's recent sermon. They explore the sermon's core ideas: preparing your mind for action through intentional habits; understanding the biblical concept of "fearing God," balancing awe with intimacy; and applying these principles to daily life. They share personal stories and relatable examples that make these powerful concepts easy to grasp and apply. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement in your spiritual journey! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35255195

Unseen Love 02/05/2025

Unseen Love Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug delve into the powerful message from last Sunday's sermon at Woodlands Church. They explore 2 Peter 3:9, unpacking the meaning of loving and believing in an unseen God. They discuss the present-tense nature of our relationship with Jesus and the significance of daily trust in Him. They also highlight the crucial role of community in our faith journey. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement as they share personal reflections and insights! Books mentioned: A Praying Life and A Loving Life by Paul Miller /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35162295

Living Hope and Spiritual Inheritance 01/29/2025

Living Hope and Spiritual Inheritance Where Dave, Whitney, and Debbie Smith delve into the rich themes of 1 Peter 1:3-9. This week's Cabin Conversations unpacks the meaning of being "born again to a living hope," exploring the transformative nature of faith and the enduring reality of an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance. The conversation tackles the challenging reality of trials and suffering, offering perspective on how to maintain hope amidst hardship. Debbie shares personal insights on navigating family inheritance, emphasizing relationships over material possessions. The episode also explores the practical aspects of spontaneous prayer and the importance of active engagement with Scripture. Books Mentioned: My Heart Christ's Home by George Mueller. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/35065005

Stewardship and the Parable of the Talents 01/08/2025

Stewardship and the Parable of the Talents Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon explore the "Theology of Stuff" from this week's sermon, focusing on the Parable of the Talents. They discuss the importance of stewardship and how our relationship with possessions can reflect our faith. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement to live generously! Books mentioned: "The Gospel Comes with a House Key" by Rosaria Butterfield. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/34777810

Christmas Cheer and Hairy Conversations 12/04/2024

Christmas Cheer and Hairy Conversations Where Dave, Whitney, and Colton gather around the cabin to share their thoughts on the joys of the Christmas season, the quirks of family traditions, and the ever-pressing question of hair genetics! In this festive episode, they dive into the spirit of Advent, discuss their favorite Christmas movies, and reflect on the music that shapes their lives. From the warmth of worship music to the hilarity of holiday films, this conversation is filled with laughter and insight. Plus, they explore the surprising statistics of Wisconsin's hunting season and its ranking among the world's largest armies! Join us for a cozy chat that will leave you feeling merry and bright as we celebrate the season together! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/34263850

Navigating Disagreements: The Power of the Gospel in Conflict 11/27/2024

Navigating Disagreements: The Power of the Gospel in Conflict Where Dave, Whitney, and Jed dive deep into the complexities of ministry and relationships in this episode of Cabin Conversations. Join us as we explore the recent discussions surrounding the Jerusalem Council and how these biblical events intersect with our everyday lives. We reflect on the importance of the gospel's simplicity, the tenacity required for mission, and the faithfulness that keeps us moving forward, even amidst disagreements. With humor and vulnerability, we share personal stories and insights on marriage, conflict resolution, and the beauty of community. Books mentioned in this episode: "The Art of Pastoring" by David Hansen "Shepherding: Love and Acceptance" by David Hansen "The Pastor" by Eugene Peterson "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals" by John Piper "The Grasshopper Myth" by Carl Vaters Tune in for a rich conversation that encourages us to embrace our differences while remaining united in our mission to spread the gospel. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/34157625

The Fruit of Faith and Encouragement 11/13/2024

The Fruit of Faith and Encouragement Where Dave, Whitney, and Justin dive deep into the heart of community, faith, and the nuances of discipleship in this episode of Cabin Conversations. Join us as we explore the significance of returning to strengthen and encourage one another, just as Paul did on his missionary journeys. We discuss the importance of being fruitful in our spiritual lives, the role of encouragement in our communities, and how our experiences shape our understanding of faith. Plus, we touch on the power of music and media in our spiritual formation, and how they can influence our perspectives on life and faith. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to reflect on your own journey and the impact you can have on those around you! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33905522

Miracles, Misunderstandings, and Maturity: A Deep Dive into Acts 14 11/06/2024

Miracles, Misunderstandings, and Maturity: A Deep Dive into Acts 14 Where Dave, Whitney, and Doug explore the profound themes of Acts 14, diving into the significance of the gospel message, the miracles that accompany it, and the misunderstandings that often arise in our faith journey. As they reflect on the beauty of God's grace amidst the chaos of life, they challenge listeners to consider what truly fills their hearts and how we can grow in maturity as followers of Christ. Join the conversation as they discuss the importance of being grounded in the gospel, the role of miracles in our lives, and the call to be light in a world filled with distractions. With a sprinkle of humor and heartfelt insights, this episode is sure to inspire and encourage you in your walk with God. **Books Mentioned:** - "Finishing Well" by Bob Buford - "Finishing the Course with Joy" by J.I. Packer - "Just Courage" by Gary Haugen Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that reminds us of the miracles in our everyday lives and the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33817406

Joy in the Journey: Navigating Faith, Family, and the Gospel 10/30/2024

Joy in the Journey: Navigating Faith, Family, and the Gospel Where Dave, Whitney, and Gabby dive deep into the heart of faith, family, and the joy that comes from following God. In this episode of Cabin Conversations, we explore Gabby's journey from intern to staff member at Woodlands Church, her home renovation adventures, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Join us as we discuss the beauty of partnering with God in our lives, the transformative power of the gospel, and how joy can flourish even in the midst of suffering. We also share insights on how to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and joy with those around us, and the importance of being faithful in our spiritual journeys. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that encourages you to embrace the journey of faith and the joy that comes from it! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33683702

Navigating Faith, Community, and the Unexpected 10/23/2024

Navigating Faith, Community, and the Unexpected Where Dave, Whitney, and Keelea dive into the depths of faith, community, and the unexpected twists of life in this week's episode of Cabin Conversations! In this episode, we also discuss the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's leading, the dynamics of church community, and the significance of faithfulness over fruitfulness. Plus, we share some fun trivia about the deadliest animals and the surprising truths about our furry and scaly friends! **Books Mentioned:** - "Dwell" by Dr. Barry Jones Tune in for insightful conversations, laughter, and a few surprises along the way! Don't forget to subscribe for more weekly discussions. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33598137

Step in to Community 10/16/2024

Step in to Community Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon dive deep into the heart of community in this week's episode of Cabin Conversations. As they wrap up the "Step In" sermon series, they explore the importance of authentic relationships, the barriers to community, and the transformative power of being connected with others in faith. They share personal stories, insights on the messiness of life, and the necessity of having a support system when the bottom falls out. Join them as they discuss how to evaluate your community connections and the vital role they play in spiritual growth. Whether you're part of a thriving community or seeking to build one, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will inspire you to step into deeper connections and embrace the beauty of community! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33453307

Step in to Generations 10/09/2024

Step in to Generations Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon dive into the rich tapestry of intergenerational relationships within the church. In this episode of Cabin Conversations, they explore the importance of mentorship, the dynamics of communication styles across generations, and the unique contributions each age group brings to the community. They discuss the challenges and joys of fostering connections between younger and older generations, emphasizing the need for both sides to actively seek out relationships. With insights from personal experiences and a focus on the value of community, this episode encourages listeners to embrace the beauty of diverse generational perspectives in their faith journeys. **Books Mentioned:** 1. *Mere Christian Hermeneutics by Kevin Vanhoozer 2. *Paul and Time: Life and the Temporality of Christ* by Jervis 3. *Paul and the Resurrection of Israel: Jews, Former Gentiles, and Israelites* 4. *The Interpretation and Inspiration of Scripture: What the Early Church Can Teach Us* Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the significance of community and the transformative power of relationships across generations! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33390792

Step In To The Missions 10/02/2024

Step In To The Missions Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon dive into the heart of Woodlands Church's mission, exploring the balance between local and global outreach. In this episode, they reflect on the importance of community engagement, the role of individual believers in sharing the gospel, and the impact of various local ministries. They also discuss the significance of being a Christ-centered community and how good works can lead to goodwill and opportunities to share the good news. Books mentioned: - "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer Join them for a lively conversation filled with insights, humor, and a passion for serving others. Don't forget to send in your questions or feedback to [email protected] or text 888-225-7675! /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33300112

Step Into Sunday Mornings 09/25/2024

Step Into Sunday Mornings Where Dave, Whitney, and Jon dive into last week's sermon, exploring the nuances of Sunday worship and the creative processes behind it. In this episode, they discuss the importance of community in worship, the challenges of communicating precise truths to a diverse congregation, and the personal journeys of each host as they navigate their roles in ministry. They also touch on the significance of being open to the Holy Spirit's leading during worship and the value of production for participation rather than performance. Books mentioned in this episode: - *Be Thou My Vision* (devotional guide) - *Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools* by Tyler Staten Join them as they reflect on their experiences and share insights that encourage listeners to engage more deeply in their own worship experiences. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33189187

Step In to Growth 09/18/2024

Step In to Growth Whitney, Dave, and Jon sit down and talk about the start of the fall rhythm (and the spelling of the word). Dave's Tidbit leaves everyone's head's spinning (see below for the math). They process giving space in the service for community building, and all the good feedback they've gotten. And then, they talk about how hurt people might step in, and get connected at church. Jon gives two steps: first, acknowledge that the pain is deep and real. And second, acknowledge that the courageous baby steps each individual might take will look different than others - and don't judge yourself by those standards! They process hurt, but also forgiveness. A striking line from Jon: "I'm good with Jesus but I'm not good with you is not an option in the church." We need to do everything we can to restore the bond of peace in love. Step in to growth this year - you'll get out what you put in! Don't forget to give us feedback: . The math behind Dave's Tidbit... : "In 1 billion years there are ~3.15x10^16 seconds. This x24901 miles (circumference at the equator) ×2000 steps per mile (2.64ft per step) x 411million cubic miles (volume of the Pacific ocean) x 4.168x10^15 ml per cubic mile x 20 drops per ml gives you the time to drain the pacific. That's 5.38x10^49 seconds. That is 1 page on the ground. 1 page is ~0.004in thick, giving you ~250 sheets per inch. So now you take 5.38x10^49 x94.09mil miles to the sun x 5280 feet per mile x 12in per foot x 250 sheets of paper per inch. This gives a total time to stack the paper to the sun in this scenario of 8.019x10^64 seconds. Meaning you would have to do this entire thing 1006 times to complete the timer, and thus you are .099% complete after 1 time. Less than 0.1%, not just 1%." credit @tomduff51 /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33093337

Step In! 09/11/2024

Step In! Whitney, Dave, and Jon talk about Sunday's service and all the beautiful messy complications that involves! They talk about what the church is - and what it isn't. They talk about how to make the church more and more like a hospital - a place where sharing your history and your messiness feels healthy and like a path to growth, rather than condemning or scary - and what it means to practice healthy living in our homes. Questions or comments on this episode? Email to share any insights. Books Discussed: The Screwtape Letters - CS Lewis /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/33006977

Season 4 is Coming! 09/04/2024

Season 4 is Coming! Where Dave and Whitney reflect on the podcast's evolution, mentioning the challenges of earlier seasons and the improvements made in Season 3. The hosts share their excitement for the upcoming season, which will feature a six-week series called "Step In," where they will discuss questions from the Sunday service with guest Jon. They also discuss their recent sabbaticals, highlighting the importance of rest and spiritual reflection. Dave focused on gardening, reading, writing, and running, while Whitney aimed for a more relaxed approach, spending time in nature and with family. Both emphasize the need for intentional rest and the lessons learned during their time off. /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/32898042

Humble Forgiveness 04/25/2024

Humble Forgiveness The final episode of season 3! Where Dave, Whitney and Jon talk about sports (ha, not for long!), and the upcoming baptism service. Jon and Dave agree it's going to be one of the best preached services ever. They talk about the faithful service of missionaries, and then pivot to last Sunday's service. How do we navigate conflict in the church? And how do we pursue humility in all things? We need to learn to be humble and we need to learn to eagerly forgive. Books mentioned: Habits of the Household - Justin Whitmel Earley /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/30973993

Community through the Seasons 04/17/2024

Community through the Seasons Where Dave, Whitney and Doug sit down and talk about community - what it looks like in different seasons, and how different communities can speak truth into different areas and seasons of our lives. Life groups are important, but so are friends who have walked through specific circumstances and who can speak into different needs that we have. Our community is a gift provided by God. As we pursue life-changing community, Doug challenges us to pray, "Help me not to grieve the things I give up that are not important." /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/30850963

Together with Jesus and Others 04/10/2024

Together with Jesus and Others Where Dave, Whitney and Barry sit down and talk about community - especially community in a new stage of life. How do we keep navigating family tensions, amidst life transitions and new expectations? They talk about Sunday's sermon - in particular wondering, "What learning gaps do we have? How do we know?" After all, sometimes you don't know what you don't know! At the base level, what does it look like to intentionally be with Jesus, as a course of life? /episode/index/show/cabincconversations/id/30768043

Cabin Conversations

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