Smiling at the Future

Sophie helps us understand how to guide our emotions in a way that pleases the Lord by answering the following questions: If a woman is emotionally stuck on a crush or previous relationship, why is it important that she actively address those longings? How can you be aware if your emotions after a relationship ends are healthy and normal or are sinful and idolatrous? When God has made it clear that a relationship is not moving forward, what steps can we take to accept God’s will and begin to move forward in our hearts? Is it ok to remove yourself from contexts where you will interact with the man? And how can we shift our focus from what we have lost or given up to excitement for the goodness and care of God and for what is to come? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Recommended Book: “Picking Up the Pieces”  with Lou Priollo Recommended Episodes: 30.False Starts: Navigating Rejection and Breakups with Lynne Brown: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/30-false-starts-navigating-rejection-and-breakups/id1526155723?i=100052378660463. A Biblical Understanding of Food and Body Image with Sophie Southedon: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/63-a-biblical-understanding-of-food-and-body/id1526155723?i=100058796885957. Recovering from a Breakup: Hope in the Midst of Heartache with Liz Tittle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/57-recovering-from-a-breakup-hope-in-the/id1526155723?i=1000578555277

Pastor John Tucker and his wife Jane share comfort for those who have walked the painful road of sexual abuse by tactfully answering the following questions: Of all kinds of sin in this world, why is sexual abuse so devastating to the victim? For someone who has been abused, how do they know if it is something they still need to work through with a biblical counselor? What are wrong ways people deal with shame, and what is God’s prescription for how to move forward to healing? How can someone move forward in hope and trust into a future relationship, not protecting what happened in the past in this future situation? For those who feel that they have “baggage” or are tarnished in some way, how can they place their identity in Christ instead of a past event? And if you’re the friend of someone who has walked through abuse, how can you effectively come alongside and help bear that burden with them? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.comEmail: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Recommended Resources: “Treasure in the Ashes” by Maria Brookins “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges“God’s Battle Plan for the Mind” by David Saxton“Making all Things New” by David Powlison “Instruments in the Redeemers Hands” by Paul David Tripp 

Pastor Jeremy Vuolo balances our mindset on play and recreation by answering the following questions: Does Scripture help us see play as a gift from God, or as a distraction to be minimized? What are helpful principles that can help Christians avoid falling into pitfalls in our approach to recreation? How would you encourage a Christian who may feel guilty about spending time not in work or specifically spiritual pursuits? And how can Christians be wise in selecting hobbies or recreation? Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024

Chris Hamilton returns with his insights on navigating the engagement phase, offering couples clarity on premarital counseling benefits and essential topics to discuss. He tackles the transition from dating to engagement, emphasizing deeper conversations and alignment on values. Chris shares helpful advice for couples feeling 'cold feet' and explores the complexities of setting boundaries during this time. He also discusses elopement as a unique choice and highlights the importance of prioritizing faith in relationships.

Biblical counselor Dr. Ernie Baker shares insights on how couples can grow in relational and communication skills by answering the following questions: What are God-honoring motives for pursuing growth in these two areas? What is the difference between character qualities and relational skills? What are the core areas of communication we need to put intentional effort into improving? What counsel would you give a couple who have different communication styles? What are the common ways that couples stumble regarding conflict resolution? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Recommended Resources: “Marry Wisely Marry Well” by Dr. Ernie Baker“Help! I’m in a Conflict” booklet by Ernie Baker “Peacemaking for Families” by Ken Sande “Marriage Maintenance and Minefield Management” article by Ernie Baker: https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2021/04/26/marriage-maintenance-and-minefield-management/

Sarah Dougherty helps us understand the rich meaning and application of the virtue of “kindness” by answering the following questions: what is the biblical definition of kindness, and how is it different from the world’s version? How do we cultivate this fruit of the spirit? Why do we need to be trained how to be kind? And why is it so important that kindness flows from a heart of love? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024

Biblical counselor Greg Gifford delves into the importance of understanding our motives, exploring themes like aligning desires with God's glory, purifying motives through repentance, and fostering trust and understanding in relationships.

Dawn Harcus explains the spiritual mothering model laid out in Titus 2 by answering the following questions: We have the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit, but why does God incorporate the human element of training into our sanctification? Is spiritual mothering best done in groups or one-on-one? Who is responsible for initiating this relationship? Should a woman have more than one discipler? What character qualities does this Titus 2 passage highlight that should exemplify a spiritual mother? What hindrances do you most commonly see that prevent women from obeying this command? And why is it best to have a real person mentoring you over an online influencer? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Recommended Resource: “Spiritual Mothering” by Susan Hunt“Let The Women Be Women” By Chris Mueller 

Lynne Brown walks us through how to recover from failure by answering the following questions: How do we recover in those moments when we fail to live up to our expectations or the expectations of others? When a Christian fails and sins, what is the process of restoration? In what ways does the painful experience of failure serve as a gracious gift from God? And how should we respond when someone we are close with sins against us? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Recommended ResourcesLynne Brown’s website: https://lynnemariebrown.com/Lynne's Email: lynne@lynnemariebrown.comRecommended Book: “The Gospel Primer” by Milton Vincent 

Musician and music educator Kellie Cunningham guides our understanding of the theology behind singing by answering the following questions: Why did God design and command us to sing? Can you explain why it's important to listen to and sing music that is biblically sound? Why is congregational singing so important for believers? For someone who doesn't enjoy singing, how can they grow to love it? And how do we align our hearts with the words coming out of our mouths so we can offer sincere worship?  Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Recommended Resources:  Spotify Playlist for Singing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hDKPrD2LwsR44Mb3nSvEp?si=YOSA9sObQGKqdfK8NuRUPg&pi=u-GVi7I_YIRmqG "Sing" by Keith and Kristyn Getty"Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin "On Worship" by H.B. Charles