LOVE IS FEARLESS

Family was meant to be a place of belonging, not behavior management. But too often, fear hijacks our relationships—driving us toward control, compliance, and exhaustion instead of trust, connection, and transformation. The LOVE IS FEARLESS podcast invites you into a new way of being with your family—one that breaks free from survival mode and rediscovers the lost art of being family. Join Janet and Doug Newberry, founders of John 15 Academy, as they explore what it means to create a home where love leads, trust replaces control, and transformation happens in the safety of secure relationships. Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and biblical wisdom, they’ll help you navigate parenting, marriage, and community with a renewed sense of freedom, joy, and purpose. This isn’t about doing more or getting it right—it’s about learning to abide in love, because love is what truly changes us. New episodes released regularly. Subscribe now and step into a life where Love Is Fearless.

#158: Parenting Adult Children: Is It Too Late to Restore Our Family? 06/04/2025

#158: Parenting Adult Children: Is It Too Late to Restore Our Family? If your children are grown—or even moving back home—and you’ve just now found language for what it means to live loved instead of afraid… this episode is for you. Today, we’re responding to questions from listeners who’ve read the manifesto, heard the message at Network 220, watched , or started exploring Practicing the Art of Being Family. They’re asking: “Do these truths still apply if my kids are already out of the house?” And, "Is there still great hope if my children are already grown?" The answer is yes. Because you’re still a parent—but you’re first a child of God. And healing begins the moment you stop striving to fix the story, and start living from what’s already true. We explore: Why your peace is more important than your perfection How formation still happens—no matter how old your kids are The difference between carrying your child’s burden and becoming their safe place What it looks like to lead your family without fear—even in a season of disappointment, distance, or regret This episode will meet you where you are—and help you begin again, without starting over. Takeaways: Your family’s story isn’t finished. The Gospel doesn’t expire with age. Restoration is still possible—because transformation begins in you, not your circumstances. You can’t give what you haven’t received. When you abide in your identity as a beloved child of God, you stop asking your children to meet needs only the Father can fill. Peace is your starting point. True leadership isn’t about control or correction—it’s about being the safest, most truthful presence in the room. Resources Mentioned in this episode: A new book and discipleship resource helping people walk in truth, identity, and grace. A beautiful book for helping children develop emotional resilience in an overstimulated world. Check out our practical and inspirational conversation with Sarah in - A free invitation to rethink family through the lens of identity, grace, and formation. - A 3-part framework for restoring the lost art of being family—through atmosphere, discipline, and life. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps us spread the message of fearless love and family transformation. You were made for a beautiful life. You don’t have to settle for less. 💙 /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/36795440

#157: An interview with Robby Angle - A Conversation About Trusting Jesus In Everyday Life 05/21/2025

#157: An interview with Robby Angle - A Conversation About Trusting Jesus In Everyday Life Today, we have the joy of welcoming Robby Angle, President and CEO of , to the Love is Fearless Podcast! Robby is passionate about helping people move from simply knowing about grace to living out their true identity in Jesus—with trust, freedom, and relational depth. Before leading Trueface, Robby pastored thousands toward authentic community at North Point Community Church. Now, he’s helping steward a powerful new resource called —an experience designed to move believers beyond striving and into a transformational life of trusting God. Also, is designed for community groups to facilitate life change through relationships. Together, we’ll explore: What inspired and why it’s so needed now How trusting God (not just pleasing Him) changes everything Why following Jesus sometimes feels harder after you surrender—and how that’s part of real transformation How families, not just individuals, can be reshaped by grace You’re in the Right Place If… You’re tired of knowing about grace but still feeling stuck. Maybe you’re looking for God’s approval. Maybe you’re looking for man’s approval. Maybe you’re tired of looking for approval, and you’re ready to admit you’re looking for meaning and purpose. You’re not sure about Jesus - and you’re really not sure about a life of faith. Too much of what you see either lacks authenticity or adds too much pressure…but, honestly, you’re tired of dreading Mondays…so if there’s more to the Jesus story than you’ve experienced so far…you’re curious. You’re ready to stop trying to figure it out alone—and start walking the path of grace with Jesus. Favorite quotes from today's conversation: (Doug's favorite) “Each and every one of us longs for fulfillment. It’s in our bones, in our blood, in our breath. We sense that we are made for peace and joy and yet it slips through our grasping fingers like water and wind. Breathe. Find the courage to look at your longing, at your closed fists. And ask: What have I been searching for?” (The City, ) (Janet's favorite) “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet." (Frederick Buechner) “Every morning we stand on the wild edge of a story unfolding beneath our very feet.” (The Story, ) 📥 to start transformative conversations in your marriage, small group, or church community. Get your copy of today and start experiencing a new story of hope in your home. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps us spread the message of fearless love and family transformation. You were made for a beautiful life. You don’t have to settle for less. 💙 /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/36653725

#156: How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Kids in a Chronically Overstimulated World | with Sarah Boyd 05/07/2025

#156: How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Kids in a Chronically Overstimulated World | with Sarah Boyd In this special episode of LOVE IS FEARLESS, Janet and Doug are joined by Sarah Boyd—author, child and adolescent development expert, and founder of . Sarah’s new book, Turn Down the Noise, offers a much-needed guide to raising emotionally healthy kids in today’s overstimulated world. This warm, insightful conversation explores the realities families face and the hope available when we slow down, simplify, and create a safe emotional atmosphere at home. You’re in the Right Place If… You feel caught between wanting to slow down and fearing what will happen if you do. You’ve seen big emotions or challenging behaviors in your child and wondered, “Is this anxiety… or are we all just overwhelmed?” You’ve ever felt like the pace of modern life is stealing the peace in your home—or wondered why your child’s emotions feel so big (or yours so close to the surface). Conversation Takeaways - Overstimulation is not a parenting failure—it’s a cultural reality. But it’s not inevitable. We can shape environments that help our children thrive. Emotional maturity in children begins with emotional safety—and safety begins with us. Slowing down is not weakness; it’s wisdom. Simplifying our home rhythms isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most: creating space for connection, rest, and delight. The emotional atmosphere of our home doesn’t have to feed the chaos. Home can become a place of healing. Resources & Links Mentioned 🌐 📘 📕 Follow Sarah Boyd - Instagram: Facebook: Explore More from John 15 Academy Read the Dive into the for our upcoming family and church curriculum! 📩 Subscribe to – Get grace-filled parenting insights delivered to your inbox every month. Sign up ! 📲 Follow Us & Stay Connected: 🔗 | | | Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/36465685

#155: How the Story We Live Shapes the Family We Build 04/23/2025

#155: How the Story We Live Shapes the Family We Build What if your parenting struggles aren’t about strategy—but about the story your family is living? In this episode, Janet introduces The Three Doors—a simple but powerful framework that reveals how the emotional and spiritual atmosphere of your home helps conform or transform the people your children become. Whether you’re stuck in survival, exhausted from striving, or longing for something more—this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and practical next steps. We’re not managing behavior—we’re building a culture where transformation grows. 🔑 You’re in the Right Place If... You’ve tried every parenting strategy and still feel like you’re falling short. Your home feels either too tense or too checked out—and you’re craving connection. You long for grace-based parenting but don’t know how to make it practical. You’ll Learn: The 3 “story environments” families live in (and how to tell which one you’re in) Why language is the fertilizer of transformation How to create a home where identity grows stronger than fear 📌 3 Key Takeaways Every family is living in a story—but not every story leads to transformation. What story are you building? The emotional and relational atmosphere of your home speaks louder than your rules. You don’t have to create a new story alone—transformation begins by walking through the door that’s already open. 🙌 Final Invitation Today, Jesus isn’t asking you to try harder—He’s inviting you to step into a free life where transformation grows, not from pressure, but from grace. Your home can be a place where shame loses its grip, and love makes you whole. 🟢 Read the 🟢 Visit m for articles, podcast episodes, and resources 🟢 about bringing this message to your church or small group 🟢 —your gift helps more families walk into Door #3📩 Subscribe to – Get grace-filled parenting insights delivered to your inbox every month. Sign up ! 📲 Follow Us & Stay Connected: 🔗 | | | Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/36055575

#154: Are You Aiming at the Wrong Target? Why Parenting Feels So Hard 04/09/2025

#154: Are You Aiming at the Wrong Target? Why Parenting Feels So Hard Episode Summary: Parenting is exhausting—but what if the struggle isn’t because you’re doing it wrong, but because you’re aiming at the wrong target? In this episode, we unpack the story of an Olympic athlete who hit the bullseye—but lost everything because he was aiming at the wrong lane. This powerful analogy helps parents recognize how our culture trains us to aim at compliance instead of wholeness—and why that’s a costly misalignment. If parenting feels like a constant battle to "get it right," this episode will help you reframe your target and find a path that leads to peace, connection, and lasting transformation. You're in the Right Place If... ✔ You feel exhausted trying to get your kids to listen and obey. ✔ You wonder why your best efforts still lead to tension at home. ✔ You’re looking for a way to parent that brings peace, not pressure. Key Takeaways: 🎯 The Target Determines Everything – If we aim at compliance, we might get short-term results but miss long-term maturity. The right target is wholeness through transformation. 💨 Stress Shrinks Perspective – When we’re overwhelmed, we default to control. But pressure and compliance don’t create maturity—they hijack it. 🌱 Maturity happens through trust, not control. Read More & Continue the Conversation 🔗 Related Articles: 📖 – How your response to struggle shapes everything. 📖 – Why parenting is about more than "just getting kids to behave." 📖 – The parenting shift that changes everything. 🎧 Listen to Past Episodes: Take the Next Step: 💡 Pause and reflect. Where am I aiming? Am I focusing on behavior or cultivating a secure connection? 📝 Journal Prompt – Where does stress cause me to default to control? What small shift can I make today to trust God in my parenting? 🎙 Share Your Thoughts! – Leave us a review or share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement. 📩 Subscribe to – Get grace-filled parenting insights delivered to your inbox every month. Sign up ! 📲 Follow Us & Stay Connected: 🔗 | | | /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/36055280

#153: Why We Struggle With Struggle—3 Steps to Strengthen Your Family’s Emotional Resilience 03/26/2025

#153: Why We Struggle With Struggle—3 Steps to Strengthen Your Family’s Emotional Resilience Struggle isn’t the enemy, but how we navigate it can either weaken or strengthen our families. In this episode of Love Is Fearless, we’re tackling a fundamental shift that can change everything about the way we experience challenges at home and beyond. The world teaches us to fear struggle, to fix it, avoid it, or control it. But the kingdom of God offers a completely different way forward—one that leads to peace, connection, and resilience instead of exhaustion and shame. Today, we’re diving into the power of relational terrain—the unseen atmosphere of trust, connection, and security that determines whether struggle will make us stronger or wear us down. 🔑 In this episode, we explore: 1️⃣ Struggle isn’t the real problem—fear, isolation, and shame are. It’s not the struggle itself that harms us; it’s how we respond to it. In the kingdom, struggle is an invitation to growth, not a reason for guilt. 2️⃣ Your home’s relational terrain shapes how your family navigates struggle. When kids feel safe, seen, and connected, they develop resilience. But when fear, control, or performance shape the home, struggle feels like a crisis instead of a place to grow. 3️⃣ 3 Steps to Strengthen Your Family’s Relational Immune System: The Habit of a Greeting: Simple, daily connection reinforces identity and worth. Technology-Free Zones: Choosing where and when we abide in real connection shapes what fills our minds and hearts. The Habit of a Good Night: Ending the day with peace and presence strengthens security instead of fueling performance anxiety. 🚀 Key Takeaways: 💡 “Struggle doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re growing.” 💡 “You don’t have to control every challenge. You just need to build a home where love, truth, and security hold steady when struggle comes.” 💡 “The terrain of your relationships determines whether struggle strengthens you or breaks you.” 📖 Great Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📚 – Janet Newberry’s book on transformation through relationships, rhythms, and learning in freedom. 📚 – James Clear’s groundbreaking book on how small, intentional habits create lasting change. 📚 – Michael Cusick’s wisdom on healing and transformation through secure relationships. 📚 – Dr. Todd Hall’s guide to relational spirituality and why love changes everything. 💌 Stay Connected & Keep Growing Sign up for , your monthly guide to restoring the lost art of being family. As a subscriber, you’ll get: ✅ Early updates on Janet’s upcoming e-book, church curriculum, and speaking events ✅ Encouraging blog posts and resources for your family’s journey ✅ Exclusive access to download the Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family manifesto for free Join us at and step into a new way of family-ing. 💙 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and leave a review! us spread the message of fearless love and kingdom parenting. 🙏 Thank you for listening! You were made for a beautiful life—you don’t have to settle for less. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/35674050

#152: Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family - A Rallying Cry for Kingdom Parenting 03/13/2025

#152: Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family - A Rallying Cry for Kingdom Parenting In this special episode of the Love Is Fearless podcast, we’re excited to launch something deeply personal and transformative—our manifesto: “Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family.” These aren’t just words on a page; they’re an invitation to reimagine what’s possible for your family. 🔑 In this episode, we discuss five key ideas from the manifesto: 1. Great parents are first great children. Before you can lead your family well, you have to embrace your identity as a child of God. Parenting isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are in Him. 2. You can’t give what you haven’t received. If you want your kids to live free from fear and shame, you have to learn to live that way yourself. Healthy parenting starts with your own transformation. 3. Quick fixes don’t last. Behavior management tricks might work for a while, but eventually, they backfire—on you or your child. Real change happens at the heart level, not through shortcuts. 4. Worth is a gift, not a goal. You’ll never give your best self to your family if you’re too busy trying to prove your value. Your worth isn’t something you earn—it’s something you receive. 5. Jesus offers what self-reliance never can. Trying to control your kids won’t bring peace. Surrendering them to Jesus will. True safety isn’t a tighter grip. It's trusting Jesus. 🚀 Key Takeaways: “The problem isn’t you—it’s the story you’ve been handed.” “Parents were never meant to carry the weight of shame—and our kids weren’t meant to inherit it.” “The Kingdom of God is at hand, and that changes everything.” 📥 to start transformative conversations in your marriage, small group, or church community. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps us spread the message of fearless love and family transformation. You were made for a beautiful life. You don’t have to settle for less. 💙 Find more great resources mentioned in this episode: Joshua Gordon - - Senior Editor at #041: #042: Visitto sign up for The Curated Life—your monthly guide to restoring the lost art of being family. As a subscriber, you’ll get: Early updates on Janet’s upcoming e-book, church curriculum, and speaking events Encouraging blog posts and resources for your family’s journey Access to download the manifesto for free Our work at John 15 Academy is made possible by generous supporters. If you'd like to , we'd be honored to have you with us. Together, there is great hope. 🙏 Thank You for Listening! /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/35674035

#151: In Defense of a Beautiful Life – A Manifesto for Transforming Family and Faith 02/26/2025

#151: In Defense of a Beautiful Life – A Manifesto for Transforming Family and Faith What if family wasn’t meant to be about striving but about abiding? For generations, we’ve been taught that good parenting means controlling outcomes, managing behavior, and setting our kids up for success. But what if that approach isn’t working? Today, we unveiled something deeply personal: our manifesto, Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family. This isn’t just a collection of words—it’s a call to reimagine what’s possible for your family. It’s a rallying cry to turn away from fear, shame, and transactional living and step into the freedom of abiding in God’s love. 🔹 You’re in the right place if… ✔️ You’re tired of carrying the invisible weight of parenting shame and wondering if there’s a better way. ✔️ You’ve tried behavior management strategies, but deep down, you know your family needs more than quick fixes. ✔️ You’re ready to believe that the Kingdom of God isn’t just for someday—it’s for your family, right here and now. 🔥 The Problem: We Were Never Meant to Carry This Weight 👉 Our children are not okay—but neither are parents. We live in an upside-down world where stress, anxiety, and shame are the norm. Parents panic over misbehavior, not just because they want what’s best for their children, but because their struggles expose something deeper—the shame we carry, too. 🛑 But what if shame was never ours to carry? 🌿 What if the Kingdom of God really is at hand—and that changes everything about how we love and lead our families? 🌱 A New Path Forward: Abiding, Not Striving Jesus didn’t come to improve our striving—He came to end it. He came to restore us to the Father, to remind us that we don’t have to prove our worth or fight for love. In the Kingdom, our identity is received, not achieved. 💡 What’s Possible: More Than Just an Above-Average Life Most families settle for survival—or maybe an “above-average” life. But Jesus promised more: 🕊️ A home where love isn’t earned, but given freely. 🔄 A family culture where transformation is the norm, not the exception. 💖 A life where shame no longer holds us hostage, because Jesus carried it to the cross. ✨ A Kingdom Invitation Imagine a family where: 🏡 Your home is a place of peace, not performance. 🪨 You rely on God’s presence, not your own capacity. 🌿 You experience the beauty of family as God intended. This is the lost art of being family. Together, there is great hope. 📥 🚀 Final Takeaways ✔️ The problem isn’t you—it’s the story you’ve been handed. ✔️ Parents were never meant to carry the weight of shame—and our kids weren’t meant to inherit it. ✔️ The Kingdom of God is at hand, and that changes everything. 💙 You were made for a beautiful life. You don’t have to settle for less. 📖 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📚 – Janet Newberry 📚 – James Clear 📚 – Michael Cusick 📚 – Dr. Todd Hall Visit and sign up for The Curated Life newsletter—your monthly guide to restoring the lost art of being family in your own home. You'll also receive early updates about Janet’s upcoming e-book, church curriculum development, and opportunities to hear Janet speak. Each edition points to insightful blog posts you might have missed and offers encouragement for your journey. will keep you informed whether you want to attend an event or invite Janet to your church or community. This podcast and our work at are made possible by generous donors and a supportive community. If you’d like to , we’d be honored to have you with us. Together, there is great hope. 🙏 Thank you for listening. We’d love to hear how this episode resonates with you—share your reflections and tag us! 👀 Next Episode Teaser: We’ll dive deeper into how these ideas change everyday family life. Subscribe to the LOVE IS FEARLESS podcast on your favorite podcast provider and stay tuned! /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/35382420

#150: Eight Benefits of Abiding You Can't Get From Striving 02/12/2025

#150: Eight Benefits of Abiding You Can't Get From Striving If you've been going to church for a very long time, you probably think "abiding" is something you do - and you don't have time for one more thing! Join us in this conversation to be reminded that abiding is NOT what you may think: It doesn't need to happen at a specific time. There is no need for a "secret place" - at least not in your house. It's not about checking "read my Bible" off your to-do list. It's not about praying because you think you're supposed to. It's not your bid to connect with Jesus. Good news! Abiding is a gift you receive, not a task you complete. It means being with Jesus in your mind and body instead of alone in your thoughts. It's a way of being with yourself that feels secure instead of insecure because you are not alone—and you're not powerless. The eight benefits you'll hear us discuss in this episode cannot be bought on Amazon, and you can't DIY these blessings either. The best part is that these benefits will change your life in the way of transformation instead of conformity. Transformation is a miracle we can't stop when we're with someone who loves us and gives us the gift of deep peace. Jesus is always available to be that Someone. In this episode, Doug and Janet walk you through a meaningful meditation that offers an abiding experience and shows you how simple it is. If this episode gives you permission to risk an abiding life, check out Janet's blog at . Find the post How To Abide - It's Not What You Think to discover a free PDF of Scripture references and a few journaling prompts. Listen now to discover eight benefits of abiding and the power of these takeaways: 1️⃣ Striving keeps us stuck in survival mode, but abiding brings peace, security, and real connection—first with Jesus, then in our families. We don’t have to earn what God freely gives. 2️⃣ Abiding isn’t just another thing to add to your to-do list. It’s a way of being—living from a secure connection with Jesus, where love, wisdom, and peace flow naturally. 3️⃣ The benefits of abiding—like deep love, wisdom beyond our own, and true rest—can’t be bought, earned, or manufactured. They’re gifts we receive when we stop striving and trust that Jesus is enough. Check out this previous episode, too: Visit and sign up for The Curated Life newsletter—your monthly guide to restoring the lost art of being family in your own home. You'll also receive early updates about Janet’s upcoming e-book, church curriculum development, and opportunities to hear Janet speak. Each edition points to insightful blog posts you might have missed and offers encouragement for your journey. will keep you informed whether you want to attend an event or invite Janet to your church or community. As a subscriber, you'll be the first to know when Janet’s Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family Manifesto is published—and you'll get exclusive access to . This podcast and our work at are made possible by generous donors and a supportive community. If you’d like to , we’d be honored to have you with us. Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/35200410

#149: How to Handle Disrespect As A Parent 01/29/2025

#149: How to Handle Disrespect As A Parent Joshua Gordon is a son, brother, husband to Sarah, dad to five children, lay pastor, author, and Senior Editor of . We're grateful that Joshua agreed to share a dad's response to the challenges of living in an economy of love. In our previous episode (#148), we challenged parents with these questions: If the kingdom of God is at hand, what's really changed in our homes? If the law is love now, what's different? If I trust the finished work of Jesus for my secure identity, how does that change my relationship with God? How does that change my relationship with myself? And with you? In this episode, Joshua Gordon admits we can be triggered when our children respond to us with an attitude instead of respect. Join us in this priceless and vulnerable conversation about navigating our emotions and personal narratives so that the child and our family benefit from the frustrating interaction instead of allowing it to weaken the relational fabric in our home. In our conversation with Joshua, we found wisdom and help for moving forward when our kids are disrespectful by discovering that many of our children's problems today: The books on our shelves don't have answers because they were written several years ago, and our culture is changing quickly. We can find the answers to these problems in conversations with God and others who rely on God in their own stories. We can also help our children listen to God and receive His help. Many of our children’s problems are really invitations from God to abide with Him because they have roots in our own unresolved issues. Our children’s problems are, in some ways, gifts that require us to ask, "Is my desperation or dependence on Jesus driving my response to this parenting crisis?" Then, we get to talk to God about why we depend on something less than our true identity (and our security with Him) when emotions get messy and problems are real. Visit and sign up for The Curated Life newsletter—your monthly guide to restoring the lost art of being family in your own home. Each edition points to insightful blog posts you might have missed and offers encouragement for your journey. As a subscriber, you'll be the first to know when Janet’s Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family Manifesto is published—and you'll get exclusive access to . You'll also receive early updates about Janet’s upcoming e-book, our church curriculum in development, and opportunities to hear Janet speak. will keep you informed whether you want to attend an event or invite Janet to your church or community. This podcast and our work at are made possible by generous donors and a supportive community. If you’d like to , we’d be honored to have you with us. Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/34947770

#148: An Economy of Love 01/15/2025

#148: An Economy of Love Welcome to Season Six: Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family. This first episode of the new year is dedicated to the letter T in The Curated Life episode. In it, we discover what love has to do with tension, transformation, and trust. Have you ever played with the nuances of a new life in Christ? Ask yourselves: If the kingdom of God is at hand, what’s really changed? If the law is love now, what’s different? Since Jesus finished the work and made me righteous, how can I let that truth change my relationship with myself? How does that change my relationship with God and you? The design for our human stories works with the law but isn't powered by it. Sometimes, in legalistic families, we get distracted and never discover our God-given identity. In homes that don't believe the government is on God's shoulders, we don't find our unique purpose in the world either. We may spend our lives doing many good things without experiencing the fulfillment we're created to enjoy in an economy of love. Linger in these takeaways and share this episode with a friend: In this world, we will have tension. Everything is not yet the way it’s supposed to be - and we will add the power of love or the power of fear to the places in our stories where life feels out of control. Fear is an inflammatory response. Love is an anti-inflammatory. Transformation doesn’t happen the way conformity does. We’ve spent a long time learning to conform to the law and missing out on the transformation love offers. We don’t have to keep putting new wine in old wineskins—especially not at home. When we add love to our experiences of tension, we begin to notice new changes that look more like transformation than conformity. This is the power of an environment of trust. Trust is the soil that offers the air of safety. Safety to fail - and recover without shame, so we can help the people who trust us recover without shame, too. Visit and sign up for THE CURATED LIFE newsletter. This year, it arrives only once a month, but it will point you to blog posts you might have missed about how you can restore the lost art of family in your own home. You’ll be the first to hear the big news when the Restoring the Lost Art of Being family Manifesto Janet is writing is published, and you can download it for free. And, you’ll about a new e-book coming soon, news about a curriculum we’re writing for churches who want to help restore the lost art of being family in their communities, find out where Janet is speaking this year, or connect with her about speaking to your church or community. Please join us on this mission. We can’t restore the lost art of being family by working in isolation. That would be the old way, not the way of flourishing in an economy of love. We are a donor-supported podcast and a community-supported non-profit. We’d be delighted for you to Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/34813290

#147: Growing Through the Pain: Celebrating the Journey to Wholeness 12/18/2024

#147: Growing Through the Pain: Celebrating the Journey to Wholeness In this end-of-year episode, we're reflecting on our journey, celebrating the present, and looking ahead at 2025 with gratitude and hope. Join us to hear some of our favorite transformation stories from 2024 and our clarified vision for 2025. You’re in the right place if... You believe growing pains are worth it because they mean you’re maturing into who God created you to be. You’re looking for hope and encouragement as you embrace transformation in your family and life. You want to celebrate the moments when God’s clarity shines through, even on a winding road. At John 15 Academy, we're embracing the mission of Restoring the Lost Art of Being Family. We envision families where love bridges the gap between our worst fears about ourselves and God’s vision for who we’re created to be. In 2025, we’re narrowing our focus to deepen our impact by creating a curriculum for churches and consulting with non-profits. Our goal is to help families embrace the transformation that love offers, moving beyond the fear-driven pursuit of 'measuring up' to a life of authentic growth and connection. Please prayerfully consider giving generously to our end-of-year giving campaign and help us meet our goal of raising $50,000 to help us pursue this meaningful work. Takeaways from this episode: Growth often comes with growing pains, but those moments of discomfort are signs that you’re growing into the person God created you to be - and who He already sees you to be. Clarity comes through surrender—trust God with your journey, and He’ll lead you to a clearer, more meaningful path. The future is full of hope when we lean into transformational relationships that reflect God’s love and truth. Enjoy these popular LOVE IS FEARLESS episodes, mentioned in our conversation today - DON'T FORGET—We have merchandise! You can find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/34476805

#146: R is for RESILIENCE, RECEIVE, and REST 12/04/2024

#146: R is for RESILIENCE, RECEIVE, and REST You’re in the right place if… You’ve been longing to understand how to build true resilience in yourself and your family, especially in a world where life often feels chaotic and overwhelming. You’re looking for practical insights on how receiving from God rather than striving in your own strength can transform your peace, relationships, and daily life. You want to create a home where connection with God and others isn’t just an idea but a way of life that fosters rest, resilience, and growth for you and your loved ones. Doug and Janet share an energizing and inspirational conversation about these key ideas: Receiving from God: We often equate resilience with pushing through and striving, but true resilience begins with receiving—accepting God’s love, wisdom, and strength as the basis for living rather than relying solely on ourselves. We discuss how being a “receiver” of God’s truth can help dissolve fear and build a foundation of peace. Rest Over Striving: When we begin with rest, we allow God to be the primary resource for our lives. We share how a daily rhythm of “receiving and resting” in His truth can actually build stronger resilience, versus the burnout that comes from self-reliance. Secure Attachments as a Source of Strength: Building resilience starts with secure attachments to God, family, and community. Living with a secure attachment means we don’t have to be our own best resource; instead, we experience transformation through relational connections that ground us. Transformational Relationships Over Transactional Ones: Too often, we look at relationships transactionally, expecting to get something in return. In contrast, transformational relationships foster growth by creating environments where emotional safety, truth-telling, and encouragement lead to real resilience. Linger in these TAKEAWAYS: 1. Resilience Begins with Receiving – Building resilience doesn’t mean pushing harder; it means receiving fully from God and leaning into the support He offers through His presence, His Word, and our secure relationships. 2. Rest as a Rhythm for Resilience—Resilience thrives when we intentionally rest and refuse to hustle out of fear. Making rest a daily habit strengthens our ability to face challenges with peace and confidence. 3. Secure Attachment is Foundational – Secure attachments to God and others empower us to live fearlessly. In safe relationships, we experience a transformation that helps us handle life’s difficulties with a rooted sense of peace, love, and resilience. This episode also launches our year-end fundraising campaign for With a $50K goal, your support will go directly towards our new curriculum project, designed to help families create transformational connections. This project will impact both our church community and non-profit partners who support women who are healing from abuse and trauma. in our mission to create environments where families can experience healing, hope, and wholeness. Together, there is great hope! Thank you for tuning in, and let us know what resonates most with you! Email to request a copy of 's prayer we read in this episode Follow and and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . DON'T FORGET—We have merchandise! You can find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/34251570

#145 Q is for QUICK to Reconnect and Repair 11/20/2024

#145 Q is for QUICK to Reconnect and Repair You're in the right place if - you've ever wondered why your home sometimes feels like a battleground rather than a safe haven, and you long for more connection and peace. you feel stuck in cycles of fear, control, and performance in your relationships and want to learn how to build a truly supportive home environment. you’re ready to shift from focusing on “good” appearances to creating a home where everyone feels safe, loved, and truly supported. if you want to understand how to make quick and meaningful repairs in relationships, even when things go wrong, to build a culture of trust and resilience. In this episode, we share the practical characteristics of a supportive and unsupportive environment at home. We also share stories about how relationships get stuck or unstuck based on the environment we breathe in. Janet shares a powerful reflection about the families she supports in consulting relationships. "So many times, families reach out because their child is stuck in a chronic struggle. In almost every case, the home environment is “good” based on cultural standards. But the child’s struggle is tied to a family dynamic where safety—explicitly or implicitly—is missing. I’ve seen profound transformation when parents begin to intentionally repair the damage done by a lack of safety. Disabilities become capabilities. Dysregulation becomes regulation. A supportive home environment truly brings healing." Listen to this episode to find great hope and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: Transformational relationships are built on love, trust, and grace, not on control or performance. When love leads, fear loses its grip. A supportive home environment is not perfect, but it prioritizes quick repairs through confession, repentance, and transformation to maintain safety and connection. Making your home a safe place involves more than meeting physical needs—it means nourishing each person’s mind, body, and soul, with joy, rest, order, and healthy boundaries. When we make repairs and lead from a non-anxious presence, we teach our children how to navigate struggles with resilience and security. This helps everyone in the family grow into who God says they are. Follow and and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . Visit our recently updated website! Find powerful resources from our friends at . DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/33675677

#144 P is for PEACE, PATTERNS, and PARENTS 11/06/2024

#144 P is for PEACE, PATTERNS, and PARENTS We recorded this episode less than one week after Hurricane Helene ravaged the southeastern United States, knowing it would publish one day after the presidential elections. Devastating loss is all around. So is chaos. Fear has been eating our peace for lunch since this decade began. Maybe it's because what we're experiencing isn't really peace. Maybe it's pseudo-peace. Listen in as we share wisdom from Dr. Jim Wilder, Dr. Todd Hall, Dr. Curt Thompson, Jamie Winship and more. We start this episode with this working definition of PEACE: Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it’s a deep sense of security and relational harmony. It comes from trusting God, living in our true identity, and being deeply connected to others in love and truth. Peace allows us to live without fear, rooted in our identity in Christ, and to offer grace and connection to others. We share personal stories of chaos and moving on in the direction we learned from insecure attachment patterns - and how that's different than moving on in the direction we experience in secure relationships with God and others. Listen and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: Peace isn’t something we have outside of a secure relationship. It is the gift of a secure relationship. Parents, peace is a gift we’re designed to give our children, so they will learn to receive it from their heavenly Father, too. "And everything I've taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!" John 16:33 (The Passion Translation) Ultimately, healing our early attachment wounds and moving toward secure attachment with God and others is essential for experiencing true peace in life. True peace comes from living in our authentic identity, secure in God’s love and grace, and being able to offer that same love and security in our relationships with others. Please pray with us about our upcoming end of year campaign for Because we're excited about a new initiative we get to offer that will have impact and influence on hundreds (maybe thousands!) of families, we're setting our biggest fundraising goal ever. to sign up for our newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE, and to We promised links to these three LIF episodes in today's conversation: An episode from New Year's Eve, 2019 - We talk about the healing power of lament in An episode with John Lynch - DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find fun choices by visiting the on . Thank you, Jana Dickson, for making a donation to for every purchase made from this collection. Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/33675652

#143: O is for OUT WITH THE OLD 10/16/2024

#143: O is for OUT WITH THE OLD Once upon a time, gas stations gave you a choice - leaded or unleaded fuel. Now, the choice we make is now how unleaded do we want to be? If we pay more, we get cleaner fuel - which is better for our vehicles, but also better for the environment. We have this choice at home, too. We can either run on the fuel by design or fuel by default. By default, we buy the cheap stuff. Fear and shame get the job done. It burns dirty, but it doesn’t cost much - and it works. By design, we make a different choice. Love and truth are not cheap. They cost us time. They require that we sacrifice the efficiency and control that fear and shame give us in our relationships. But they offer something more that efficiency and control can never provide. Learning to benefit from love and truth as the fuel in our homes, instead of the fuel of fear and shame, is the heart of everything we offer at - and it is the foundational message of this podcast. and an invitation to with families on our website. In this episode, we make key distinctions between "the old way" of fear and shame and "the new way" of Jesus, and we offer these TAKEAWAYS: Life by default offers a good life. Life by design offers an abundant life–more than we can ever dream or imagine. A man-made life conforms us to the patterns of the empire/this world. We are our own source. A God-made life transforms us more and more into the likeness of Jesus - and we only experience transformation when we follow the way of Jesus. The way of Jesus is a God-sourced life. The New Way is the original way. The old way is a knock-off. It’s like buying a counterfeit story and counting on it to be a fairy tale. We are designed to be transformed. We will never be satisfied in a life of conformity–no matter how high we set the standards. As parent and youth leaders and pastors, we get frustrated when we don’t see evidence of spiritual transformation–but we don’t stop to consider that transformation is impossible in a transactional system. Follow and and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . Contemplate new ideas in Janet's book - . DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/33147332

#142: N is for NUTRITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 10/02/2024

#142: N is for NUTRITIONAL RELATIONSHIPS We're jumping back into THE CURATED LIFE alphabet in this episode - marking places on the map of our new life in Christ in the Kingdom of God. You're in the right place if... you’re ready to make a change - not just in what you’re eating or how much you’re exercising, but you’re ready to look honestly at the stories you’re telling yourself and at the relationships that are having a significant effect on your soul. you feel exhausted by performance-driven living and parenting and want to create a home where love, acceptance, and growth are non-negotiable. you want to understand how meeting your family's true needs can lead to deeper connection, joy, and spiritual health. Doug and I are geeking out right now about the great resources on We're excited about nourishing our bodies in the way God designed them to stay healthy. And we're recognizing that our family relationships need nourishment, too. Without relational nutrition, our relationships shrink instead of grow. Our relationships get sick instead of heal. In today's conversation, we're playing with an analogy that our families are the carburetors in our homes--designed to make clean energy with love, not fear. Transformational relationships offer love in these individual-sized portions: Emotional safety Active listening Grace over performance Consistent routines Conflict resolution Encouragement and affirmation Presence and engagement Shared responsibility Spiritual growth Freedom to struggle Learn more about offering this menu of relational nutrition to your family and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: When we struggle in a culture of fear, we often change the truth. The change conforms us to the patterns of this world and deforms God’s story for our lives. When we struggle in a culture of love, the truth changes us. The change is called maturity, God’s story for our lives. God calls this change transformation. In the kingdom of God, love is a process of meeting needs, not rewarding or punishing behavior. As parents, when we say “I love you” to our child, we mean, “I will meet your needs and help you tell your story more truly.” We can say that to our children because we’ve let God say that to us. We can build homes where families intentionally prioritize transformational relationships, build emotionally supportive environments, and enjoy an identity-focused lifestyle that metabolizes the potential damage of excessive transactional relationships, emotionally immature environments, and a performance-obsessed lifestyle that feels toxic–because it is. Enjoy these resources, mentioned in this episode: - You're The Cure - a conversation with Dr. Ben Edwards and Jamie Winship LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. You can follow Janet on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE—A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/33147562

#141: "One of Us" - Embracing Our Shared Humanity with David Gregory 08/21/2024

#141: "One of Us" - Embracing Our Shared Humanity with David Gregory We're honored to welcome David Gregory to the Love Is Fearless podcast today. David is a bestselling author known for his compelling storytelling and insightful exploration of human connections, including our connection to God. His upcoming book, One of Us, promises to explore profound themes that resonate deeply with our journey of living loved and fearless. Join us as we dive into a conversation about identity, belonging, and the transformative power of understanding our shared humanity. We highlight these quotes from this retelling of the gospel, set in current times, in modern-day America: "God is going to completely change things up," he announced. "So get ready. Change how you think about God. Believe what he's about to show you." "God is completely changing how your lives are going to work," he proclaimed. "A bigger change than you ever imagined. A new government is right around the corner. God's government. A new system is coming! A totally new arrangement! The bulldozers are already on the way." "The time has arrived to accomplish what I'd come to earth for: to connect people to El Papa." The TAKEAWAYS from this episode are questions for our listeners to play with: Creativity is a gift in the Kingdom of God—and when we’re afraid, we conform instead of create. If you could create anything that would benefit humanity today, what gift would you give to our world? What would be different in your life today if Jesus came to your town? What keeps you from believing He’s here now? “God is completely changing how your lives are going to work,” he proclaimed. “A bigger change than you ever imagined. A new government is right around the corner. God’s government. A new system is coming! A totally new arrangement! The bulldozers are already on the way.” What if Jesus drives a bulldozer? What hope can you find when you trust He’s already changed the world and now we get to live like the change has already happened? One of Us is available on , Amazon, and other online bookstores. David's new website, , is coming soon! Other books by David Gregory include: by Dan Stone and David Gregory LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. You can follow Janet on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE—A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/32645477

#140 M is for MARRIAGE, MONEY, and MYSTERY 08/07/2024

#140 M is for MARRIAGE, MONEY, and MYSTERY Today’s episode is about how the traditions of fear and law teach us to navigate marriage, money, and mystery–and how safe relationships and secure environments transform our distorted stories. You’re in the right place if… Your marriage is good. You have a good routine. You even have date nights built into your routine. But if you’re honest, even the conversations you share on date nights have become routine–and if you’re really honest, you wonder if there’s something better than a good routine. Your finances are in good shape. You’ve survived COVID, and the inflation of grocery prices has been noticeable to you but not detrimental to your family. You even give an offering at church and make a few charitable contributions to causes you care about at the end of every year. But if you’re really honest, there’s a thought buried deep inside that tries to come to the surface that says, “Playing it safe in the kingdom is different than playing it safe in the empire,”--and you’re curious. Your marriage is not good–or you’re not even married. Your finances are not good either. But you are on a journey of restoration. You’re hungry for wisdom, not just another formula–or a better way to stick to a stale routine or false tradition. We've discovered a hunger for wisdom in our journeys of healing and wholeness. Wisdom is not the same as validation for what we've already known and are desperate to prove because we need to be correct. Being rightly related provides the safety we need to risk changing our minds. Join Doug and Janet in this conversation about marriage, money, and mystery in the kingdom of God and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: The kingdom is a safe place to do the real work of recovering from the empire. The kingdom of God is a wealth of resources, and we experience the benefits of these resources when we see them with the eyes of faith. Contemplation, creativity, and collaboration solve problems that tradition, legalism, and self-effort can't resolve. "When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus." (Corrie Ten Boom) This is the power of grace. In the kingdom of God, we discover we have personal agency--and that gift gets lost in the empires of this world. Better than that, we find out we have the power of grace. God's agency is more powerful than our own--and we are abiding in Him, and He is abiding in us. These valuable resources are a part of this episode: by Aundi Kolber by Jamie Winship by Julie Menanno Season Three of the LOVE IS FEARLESS podcast - LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Follow Janet on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/32466632

#139: L is for Listening, Language, and Legacy 07/17/2024

#139: L is for Listening, Language, and Legacy The worldview of the state we grew up in significantly impacted our view of personal identity, worthiness, and purpose in life. Our worldview teaches us what to value. It also teaches us our language, including the words we use and the stories we tell ourselves. More than that, our worldview constructs our nervous systems, so even when we want to change, we can't--without supernatural intervention. You're in the right place: If you’re brave enough to admit you’re stuck. It's not that you don't fit it in--you do. You may even be successful. But the underlying stuff that’s nagged you for a while is not going away. It may even be getting worse. If you love God and love church and want to pretend that all this deconstructing faith stuff is a lousy pandemic. You pray it will end soon. OR - you love God, and it’s painful to go to church, and you’re deconstructing your faith, but it seems the new theology you’re embracing is still drawing lines in the sand, which is one of the reasons why going to church is painful and you started deconstructing your faith, to begin with. If you have ever considered this idea, Jesus didn’t come to train a few followers in a new message, who then went out and changed the world. Jesus changed the world and sent out followers who embodied that change because they had trusted and experienced it. They invited others to step into what was already changed because Jesus had already changed everything. The disciples didn’t change the world; Jesus did. The disciples died because people didn’t want the changes Jesus made, but that didn’t re-establish the world to its previous state. This episode is a wild ride, friends. Thank you for believing in the changes Jesus made with us. We conclude this conversation with these TAKEAWAYS: We’re either going to listen to the stories written in our nervous systems, or we’re going to listen to God. Listening to God will rewrite our stories because it will rewire our nervous systems. New relational experiences matter because those experiences are how we construct a new nervous system that allows our new identity to live and have an impact. Without building a new nervous system, we’ll try to live in our true identity in a false state. For such a time as this, the impact of our God-given identity will be as a part of the construction crew for God’s kingdom. Our identity is our gift to the world. The kingdom is here now, and we’re building it. A new state. A new worldview. LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Follow Janet on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . Contemplate new ideas in Janet's book - . Contemplate new ideas in Jamie Winship's book - DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/32056077

#138: K is for KING, KINGDOM, and KEY CHANGE 07/03/2024

#138: K is for KING, KINGDOM, and KEY CHANGE If you’ve listened to even a few of our latest episodes, you know we’re digging in pretty deep into Jamie Winship’s teachings about our God-given unique identity and his teachings about worldview. Why is identity and worldview important? Jamie reminds us that organized religion is very resistant to paradigm shifts, and he explains it this way. “We’ve exchanged the great commandment for the great commission. Instead of lovers, we’re theological conflict starters, with a goal of overpowering.” How we see the King determines how we interact with the King. How we see ourselves determines how we interact with the King. How we see the Kingdom determines how we impact the world. In this episode, we remind ourselves that the kingdom is about a family. God is our Father. We linger in the dynamic sweetness of this question, "What does it look like to live confidently as His child?" Father is singing a song over us as His children and we may have missed the key change. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. That changes everything. Join us in this new conversation, and prayerfully consider these TAKEAWAYS: Changing how we see ourselves, how we see the King, and how we see the world impacts how we engage with God, how we engage our stories, and how we impact the world. We have a King who sets us free and who came to earth to show us how to live free, not simply to announce we’ve been set free. This journey in our earthly bodies is experienced in the Empire, but the story Father has written for our lives since before the beginning of time is experienced in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is at hand. LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Follow Janet on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED, at . DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on . /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/31681537

#137: J is for JOY, JESUS, and TRUTH-TELLING 06/19/2024

#137: J is for JOY, JESUS, and TRUTH-TELLING says, "Transformation doesn't happen in a day. Transformation happens daily." And this is true, too: Conforming doesn't happen in a day either. Conforming to the patterns of our insecure attachments happens daily, too. Until it doesn't. Father is committed to our healing and transformation, friends. Our part is to let it happen. We get to keep putting ourselves in the way of faith, hope, and love. We get to keep on remembering that we are in the Father's keeping. Join Janet and Doug in this episode about the power of JOY, JESUS, and TRUTH-TELLING and linger in these TAKEAWAYS - “Your truth is a trap. For me in my story, the first step was surrender. But surrender wasn’t giving up, it was giving into a process of confrontation of my dysfunction that would lead to transformation and the renovation of my heart–to use the language of Dallas Willard.” Chris writes about the trap of self-creation in his book, . This quote is from a podcast conversation Christ had with Dr. Lee Warren. In that same podcast, Dr. Warren said - "Our great Physician designed our minds to interface with Him and influence the wiring of our brain to optimize the function of our bodies. And He did that so we can live this life we’re created to live. We are transformed so we can help other people transform. (Isaiah 61)" Insecure attachments are the patterns of this world. Being transformed happens when we participate in the renewing of our minds and building an earned, secure attachment to Our Father–who still speaks. “Abide in Me” means more than we can imagine. (Janet Newberry) Janet and Doug mention these resources in this episode - Follow Janet on and and sign up for her newsletter THE CURATED LIFE - A FRESH TAKE ON LIVING LOVED at - by Julie Mananno, by Janet Newberry LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities by visiting the on /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/31681482

#136 I is for IDENTITY, IMAGINATION, and INNOVATION 06/06/2024

#136 I is for IDENTITY, IMAGINATION, and INNOVATION Episode #136 is all about wiping the fog off the mirror and looking more clearly at our worldview. For a long time, "worldview" was a philosophical concept, but it wasn't very practical to us. This episode unveils the freedom we find when we admit there's more than one way to see the world. God doesn’t see us the way the world does. God doesn’t see the world the way we do either. Seeing ourselves from God’s perspective is a big deal. Seeing the world from God’s perspective is a big deal, too. How does God view me? That’s my identity – and He knows me best because He made me. How does God view the world? That’s the worldview I want to see. You’re in the right place if - You’re ready to live in peace. Our lifestyles are sourced in fear and scarcity. Our souls are cluttered. Even though our identity with God is settled for eternity, we’re distracted here and now. Fear–in one form or another– prevents contemplation so we stay stuck in false identities and false traditions–that keep us living in conflict instead of at peace. You’re curating a life of faith–intentionally putting yourself in relationships with people who help you see yourself the way God does…and who help you see life (and the world) the way God does, too. You’re risking something other than a status-quo life. You’re trusting that voice inside you that tells you there’s more than the current state of our social structure and the values that come with a traditional life. God isn’t building an empire; He’s building a kingdom—and we believe that, before the beginning of time, He knit us together in our mother’s womb with unique identities. That means God has wired us to contribute our gifts to each other, to our community, and to the world–to help bring His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. And He’s wired us so that we need the gifts others are wired to contribute, too. TAKEAWAYS - Living loved happens more often in a connection worldview than in a separation worldview–and living loved generates a connection worldview, too. Giving what others need and receiving what we need is a dynamic way to explain what it means to love one another. God is asking us, “Can I help you think differently about the world around you?” Fear is the biggest obstacle to innovation. A worldview based on love and interconnectedness is necessary for positive change. Learning to view ourselves and the world the way God does is becoming my new way of understanding how Jesus, the Source of our lives, gives sight to the blind. LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. DON'T FORGET - We have MERCH! Find so many possibilities, including an 11x14 poster for sale for only $12 that reads - She was not hindered by fear. Nor was she penned in by personal preferences. Her mind was curious and her heart was open and alive. Visit the on In Season Three, we started a new conversation with Scott Morrison in episode Check it out! We found inspiration for this episode in many sources, including these podcast episodes - Janet's book shares innovative ideas for families and educators about childhood in a connected worldview. Get your copy on today. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/31630077

#135: H is for HONOR, HUMILITY, and HOPE 05/15/2024

#135: H is for HONOR, HUMILITY, and HOPE LOVE IS FEARLESS is a lifestyle that embraces intentionally curating a personal narrative with a different MO because we recognize experiences of peace instead of anxiety and love instead of fear. Season Five is a journey through THE CURATED LIFE alphabet. We're making a map of these experiences in the Kingdom of God. You’re in the right place if - You’re aware of the dangers, risks, and threats in the world today but you don’t want your nervous system shaped by what you’re afraid of. You want your nervous system transformed by what you love–and what loves you. You’ve seen enough on social media or read a few new non-fiction bestsellers to notice that people with trustworthy credentials are starting new conversations. The “power through” and “pull yourselves up by your bootstraps” strategies many of us have relied on for ourselves and in our parenting–are part of the problem with our relationships, our mental health, and the distance we sense in our relationship with God. You’re not lying to yourself any more about the risks of too much sugar, too many artificial ingredients, or too little sleep–and you’re willing to examine how you’re curating a life that builds a secure nervous system and safe relationships, not just a secure financial story or an admirable social media front. For too long, we've predicted our future based on our history instead of based on our God. A future dependent on measuring up depends on a lifestyle fueled by fear. Fear is the gas we self-generate. A future dependent on growing up into the identity God gives us (not based on our successes or failures) depends on a lifestyle fueled by love. Love is a gift we receive from God and others. In the Kingdom of God, we live from our identity not from our resume. When our history is touched by humility, our stories honor God instead of ourselves. Linger for a while in these TAKEAWAYS: God doesn’t see us as beneficial based on our success according to worldly standards. God sees us as His children and He equips us to bring the kingdom to the empire, not the empire to the kingdom My history is not my future if my personal narrative is set in the Kingdom of God. We are going on a journey of transformation because we recognize that what we have become is not all we can be. The challenge isn’t simply becoming something different. The challenge is unbecoming all we were never meant to be and becoming all we are invited to be as a community that trusts God in a broken world. We share wisdom from these friends and resources in this episode: John Lynch/ by Robert Farrar Capon LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. It’s not just a tagline—together, there is great hope. Subscribe to Janet's newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE, at. Also, shop fun merch from the . Every purchase from this collection helps support our work with /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/31055023

#134: G is for GRIEF, GRATITUDE, and GENEROSITY 05/01/2024

#134: G is for GRIEF, GRATITUDE, and GENEROSITY In season five, we’re having conversations about the atmosphere we breathe in, the rhythms we create, and the relationships and ideas we trust—and how different these things are when we live loved instead of living afraid. You’re in the right place if - You’re ready to create a lifestyle for yourself that builds a context for transformation instead of a context for conforming to the patterns of this world. You’re NOT ready to plant a flag in the land of losing, even though you’re NOT winning right now–at least not in the way the world describes victory. You’re recognizing that when you orient your life around a personal identity based on what you have, what you do, and what other people think of you - you learn to navigate painful emotions in ways that write the next scenes of your life based on your pain instead of based on God’s presence in your pain. In this episode, we're discovering that the place of grief is often where we discover our hearts' longings and our real values. Pain wants us to listen to fear instead of Love, but gratitude—not for the pain but for God's presence with us in the pain—is an antidote to fear. If you're experiencing grief in this chapter of your story, join Janet and Doug on this episode and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: Ebenezer is a Hebrew word that means “stone of help.” It has become synonymous with the idea of God reaching down to lend a helping hand to those most in need. In the Kingdom of God, we can set an Ebenezer stone in the parts of our story where things are not good because something’s missing–or because someone is missing. The stone can be a reminder of what we found in our grief that was heavy with value, not simply heavy with pain. GRATITUDE is a CONFESSION of trust in God's goodness. It is a way of moving from our sympathetic nervous system to our parasympathetic nervous system and holding God’s hand as He leads us to the playground of our mind. GENEROSITY is the fruit of living loved instead of afraid. In the Kingdom of God, we have the benefit of not being our own experts. There is an order to things. Wisdom takes the lead. We get to follow. And we get to choose who we follow - who influences us. In this episode, Janet says, "Most of the conversations we have in our marriage are about something we’re reading, listening to, or noticing in the lives of people we trust to lead us. We share wisdom from these friends and influencers in this episode: - Janet read a quote from this article in this episode. LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. It’s not just a tagline—together, there is great hope. Subscribe to Janet's newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE, at. Also, shop fun merch from the . Every purchase from this collection helps support our work with /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/31054998

#133: F is for FREEDOM 04/17/2024

#133: F is for FREEDOM You’re in the right place if: You’re curious about FREEDOM because you want it but you’re not experiencing it. You’re afraid of FREEDOM because when you offer it to your kids, life seems to go off the rails and circumstances seem to get worse instead of better. Control seems to be a better option. You’ve heard the original good news of the gospel—that you’re not a sinner striving to become a saint, but a saint who sometimes sins—AND you’re wondering why you feel stuck in your old story instead of hopeful in your new life. In this episode, Doug and Janet are playing with putting these four words together like the four sides of a puzzle: freedom, connection, completeness, and maturity. This is the puzzle we’re discovering called LIFE in the KINGDOM. Contrast those four sides of the puzzle: bondage, separateness, scarcity, and immaturity. This is the puzzle we’re walking out of called LIFE in the EMPIRE. Here's why it matters: When I believe in my completeness, my self-talk is generative, my desires are generous, and my relationships bear good fruit. When I believe in my lack, I tell myself a distorted self-story. My self-talk is critical. My desire is to control what you think of me and protect my image. I need to consume more, and I believe what I need to acquire is scarce--so I live in conflict with others. In the empires of this world, it is impossible for me to love you because I don't see myself truly. This episode is deep, wide, and practical. Linger in these takeaways and share this one with your friends. Freedom in Christ is most realized when the person reflecting me back to me sees me as complete instead of lacking. Discovering how to persevere in struggle and recover from getting off course when I pursue the desires I follow, believing lies about myself, is a key part of my journey to wholeness and maturity. JAMES 1:2-5 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. LOVE IS FEARLESS is the voice of and is a . Thank you for prayerfully considering becoming a ministry partner. to share the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand. It’s not just a tagline—together, there is great hope. Subscribe to Janet's newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE, at janetnewberry.com. Also, shop fun merch from the LOVE IS FEARLESS collection, including T-shirts, hoodies, kitchen towels, posters, and more. Every purchase from this collection helps support our work with /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/30644768

#132: E is for ENERGY 04/03/2024

#132: E is for ENERGY The kingdom of God offers us a different kind of energy than the empire of the world. The source of kingdom energy is God. His energy is love, and when we’re aware that we’re plugged into this power, we experience peace--not anxiety. Love energy is supernatural energy. That's one big reason why living loved feels so different from living afraid, so you’re in the right place if - You’re tired of running on the fuel of fear and anxiety and you’re hungry for permission to believe in something more. You enjoy hearing supernatural stories that empower you to believe in more than your natural eyes can see and your natural ears can hear. You’re ready to live a life trusting that you are valuable and protected by the God of the Universe who is your Father - and who is inviting you into a love story of epic proportions because you are His child. In this episode, Janet tells a supernatural love story, and Doug reminds us that the way things are in our world is not the way things can be in the kingdom. God is making all things new—and that’s His provision. He protects the vulnerable and writes a new story that's impossible without Him. Dare to imagine a supernatural love story with God as you listen to this episode and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: Don’t simply pray for broken relationships to be healed. Pray for God’s power to bring forth a new relationship to enjoy where broken has been something you’ve lived with for too long. Empowered means “giving someone the authority or power to do something” or “making someone stronger and more confident.” Being empowered in the Kingdom of God is very different from being empowered in the systems that exist in our world today because the roots of these systems were built before Jesus gave us a new heart, a new covenant, and ushered in a new kingdom. The energy in the kingdom of God primarily protects the vulnerable and provides the priceless. As followers of Jesus, we have this power, too. We are empowered and can empower others - with love, not fear. Janet and Doug talk about these resources in this episode: It’s not just a tagline—together, there is great hope. Subscribe to Janet's newsletter, THE CURATED LIFE, at . Also, shop fun merch from the collection, including t-shirts, hoodies, kitchen towels, posters, and more. Every purchase from this collection helps support our work with /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/30644698

#131: D is for DREAMS 03/20/2024

#130: C is for CONVERSATIONS 03/06/2024

#130: C is for CONVERSATIONS We’re recording this episode one month after the end of the holiday season - and as much as we all get excited about Christmas parties and family gatherings…most of the families we talk to are still navigating some confusing and maybe some painful relationship struggles that have carried over into the new year. You’re in the right place if - You come from a good family but your family relationships are some of the most challenging - or maybe most painful. You want to be a good family member and do the right thing but honestly, sometimes, family is the place where there are more accusers than defenders. The conversations in your family of origin haven’t changed over time because the people in your family haven’t changed. The most emotionally unstable person gets to be in charge - or have the most influence. People still choose sides as a way of self-protecting or self-promoting. When you think about it, your good family has as many things in common with a gang as it does with an alliance. You’re hungry for people who can help you heal instead of simply winning an argument or being the star of the show at family reunions. You’re more excited about being transformed than being conformed to the patterns of your childhood that taught you to live afraid in the first place. Your family matters because those relationships formed your identity - whether it is the identity that God imprinted in your DNA or not. If you’re being intentional about learning to live loved instead of afraid at this season of your life right now, learning to live afraid was what you learned first in your family of origin. The Curated Life alphabet will give you some new landmarks to put on your daily map - so you can build a life and a community that will impact and influence you with the love that reminds you who God says you are. Listen in as Doug and Janet talk about "family conversations" in the kingdom of God and linger in these TAKEAWAYS: Conversations will either transform us or conform us to the patterns of this world. Conversations are culture carriers. We learn who we are and what we value in the words we hear and speak - and the patterns we develop for how we exchange words with each other - or the patterns for how we avoid exchanging words with each other. Safe, generative, deep conversations are one of the most defining signposts in a culture of love - and shallow conversations riddled with guilt, shame, bullying, sarcasm, and dismissive accusations are possibly the most recognizable negative cycles in a culture of fear. Conversations will either transform the world around us or conform the world around us. It is not the world that generates our conversations. It is our conversations that generate our world. In this episode, we suggest listening to others have safe, generative, deep conversations as part of your Curated Life. Susie Larson and Jamie Winship have some of the most transformative conversations we've heard. A few suggestions include - This LOVE IS FEARLESS episode with John Lynch shares the power of PERMISSION in a Curated Life. Janet's book includes questions that build generative conversations. Doug read a selection from Jamie Winship's book to help you experience the difference between generative and formulaic conversations. Share today's episode with a friend and then share your considerations and questions with each other in a safe, generative, deep conversation. Together, there is great hope. /episode/index/show/janetnewberry/id/30246043

#129: Beauty Is Hope 02/21/2024

LOVE IS FEARLESS

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