Smiling at the Future

We make decisions every day, but sometimes this can be a difficult process. Chris Hamilton joins the podcast again to bring clarity to this topic by answering the following questions: How do we discern the will of God when making a decision? How can you tell if asking for help in making a decision is actually a crutch for not thinking an issue through yourself? How do you pray when seeking the Lord's help in a decision? How do you avoid "paralysis by analysis"? What Scriptures have you leaned on when in a decision-making process? What are telltale signs of a bad decision? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com

No matter the season of life we find yourselves in, contentment is a quality that we often need to rekindle.  In this episode, Lynne shares powerful, biblical truths on how to cultivate contentment in your heart.   smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com  Lynne Brown's podcast: https://anchor.fm/s/44148a40/podcast/rss Book Recommended: "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs 

Marci Ferrell from "The Thankful Homemaker" podcast, answers helpful questions such as: what is the biblical support for women to be homemakers, even single women? What homemaking skills do you wished you had mastered before marriage and family? How do you keep the right attitude in homemaking so that you don't neglect or idolize it? What if you don't enjoy cooking and cleaning? What are your favorite homemaking tools? And do you think single women have an allowance to put homemaking on the back burner so that they can prioritize other ministries better? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com https://thankfulhomemaker.com/podcast/ Recommended Resources Recipe Organization App: https://www.paprikaapp.com/ SH-MOP :https://www.amazon.com/SH-MOP-SH-WIPES-TELESCOPING-ALUMINUM-HANDLE/dp/B0039PEB6W/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=SH-MOP&qid=1642626720&sr=8-2 Wool Dryer Balls: https://www.amazon.com/Wool-Dryer-Balls-Alternative-Softener/dp/B014WOWNAY/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1ASPOB0TC68CV&keywords=wool%2Bdryer%2Bballs&qid=1642626780&sprefix=wool%2Bdryer%2Bballs%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-5&th=1 "Laundress" Detergent:  https://www.amazon.com/Laundress-No-Laundry-Detergent-fl/dp/B00M9ZQW5Q/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2V58TXN8N2P8D&keywords=Laundress&qid=1642626824&rdc=1&sprefix=laundress%2B%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-5&th=1

Foundational and mysterious; returning guests John and Jane answer the following questions about marriage: What are wise or unwise reasons to get married or remain single? Should a person who desires to be married, expect to be married? What is the difference between a contract and a covenant? What involvement does the government or church have in regulating marriage? What is the difference between egalitarianism and complementarianism? And what does being a "help-mate" look like?  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

Happy New Year, and why this podcast was named "Smiling at the Future."  Join us January 11th for another full-length episode :)  Smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

Father to three grown daughters, and chairman of the elder board at Grace Community Church, Chris Hamilton answers the following questions in a clear and biblical way: What should I look for as marks of maturity in his spiritual walk? How do I know if he is ready to be a provider? Does the kind of job he has matter? How will I know if he is a wise steward of his finances? What should I look for in how he interacts and treats others? What sins do I need to mortify before I can get married?  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

Janie Street brings her wealth of biblical counseling experience and study of the Bible to this discussion as she answers questions such as: What are misconceptions that Christians believe about forgiveness? What language should you use when asking for forgiveness? What role do our emotions play in the forgiveness process? Should you offer your trust after a repeated offense? Where do you see that couples struggle most in the forgiveness process? And how do you handle the guilt that comes from remembering a past offense?  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com

Single motherhood is a journey that both Sarah and Erika have walked. In this episode, they share wisdom for both single mothers and for those who can come alongside and help; listen to them answer these questions: What do you wish others knew about what it is like to be a single mother? Where should a single mother get plugged in at church? How does one become two parents? And how should a single mother address the fear of "why would a man want to take me on with kids?"  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com  Recommended Resources:  The Elizabeth Elliot Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elisabeth-elliot-podcast/id1537596556 "Women Counseling Women" by Elyse Fitzpatrick  "What Does the Bible Say About Parenting?" By John MacArthur  "Everyday Talk: Talking Freely and Naturally about God with your Children" by John Younts  "Christian Living in the Home" By Jay Adams "The Path of Loneliness" by Elizabeth Elliot  ACBC Counseling: https://biblicalcounseling.com/ "Help! I'm a Single Mom" Carol Trahan

Christi's brother, Nate, joins the podcast today to share simple strategies for online safety that you might not be aware of: choosing secure passwords, limiting information that apps collect, and knowing what information you should not post on social media.   smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Recommended Resources:  Credit Karma: https://www.creditkarma.com/auth/logon Last Pass: https://www.lastpass.com/

Josh and Liz share their story of how God brought them together, and answer questions such as: What are the differing views on divorce and re-marriage among Christians? What questions should you ask someone to discern if their divorce was biblical? What questions should you ask their church leadership to vet their character? What kinds of reactions can you anticipate from other believers when they find out you are dating someone who has been divorced, and how can you be gracious in your responses? And what were the unexpected blessings that you experienced? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Recommended Resources "The Divorce Dilemma" by John MacArthur "Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage" by Jim Newheiser