Smiling at the Future

In this episode I share with my friend Arlenys Buckelew on her podcast "Ordinary People with Extraordinary Lives" how I came to know Jesus Christ and my journey in growing in assurance of salvation.  We also chat about what my family life was like growing up, my parent's godly example, and how my podcast became a reality. smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Resources Recommended: "Knowing and Growing in Assurance" by Joel Beeke "Saved Without a Doubt" by John MacArthur "Heaven on Earth" by Thomas Brooks "A Believer's Assurance" by John MacArthur "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan "The Gospel Primer" by Milton Vincent "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer

Hohn and Heather have ministered to Christian singles for many years, and bring biblical wisdom on questions in dating such as: How should I think through preferences like age, ethnicity, height, denomination, and political party? What should my parents role be in my relationship? And what should we think about the "Purity Culture" movement? Another powerful message Hohn gave at Grace Community Church on "Challenges in Christian Dating." https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/14741 smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

Maize takes a deep-dive into the biblical motivations for why a Christian woman should prioritize the stewardship of her body. She tackles questions such as: Should Christians practice self-care, and is it Biblical? Why do some Christians neglect caring for their bodies? What does your coffee consumption say about you? What should Christians be aware of regarding the trend with"mindfulness" apps? And are there rhythms and routines that can refresh your body for the glory of God?  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

Heather walked through 4 years of Lyme Disease, and brings so much hope and encouragement to this discussion on chronic illness.  She answers questions such as: How did friends encourage you during your illness? What encouragement can you offer someone who is battling undiagnosed health issues? What is the balance of praying for God to deliver you, but also the human effort needed to find a solution? How can someone with chronic illness still minister in the church? And, how do you deal with the fear of not being an adequate helpmeet to a future spouse?  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Books Recommended:  "Trusting God" by Jerry Bridges "The Power of Suffering" by John MacArthur "The Valley of Vision" - Puritans "Depression: Looking up from the Stubborn Darkness" by Edward Welch "Weary Warriors" By Carrie Coffman "The Hidden Link Between Adrenaline and Stress" Dr. Archibald Hart "When God Weeps" By Joni Erickson Tada   "God's Passion for His Glory" by John Piper "A Praying Life" by Paul Miller

Lynne is back, and gives sound, biblical, loving answers to the following questions: How would you encourage the lady who has just been rejected? What are common temptations the "slighted" party might experience? If you're not interested, how can you graciously turn down a guy who asks you out? How do you handle if someone doesn't take "no" for an answer? And how do you respond if the guy uses the end of a relationship to tell you everything you did wrong and need to change?  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com  Lynne's Podcast "Utterly Astounded":  https://anchor.fm/lynne-brown6

Lynne is back with practical wisdom on how to navigate the early stages of a relationship. She addresses how to respond if the man is not initiating spiritual conversations, how to handle if he is moving too slow or too fast, and what to do if you just don't know if you should go on a second date. This is as practical as it gets! smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com  Lynne Brown's Podcast "Utterly Astounded" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/utterly-astounded/id1544690860

The most influential woman in my life shares how she learned contentment through the adventure of trusting God throughout her life.   Book recommended: "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

In this roundtable discussion we talk through how to graciously and humorously respond to questions people might ask you about your singleness. Some of the questions include: Why aren't you married? Do you want to get married? Are you picky? What are you looking for? And, have you tried online? Christi also shares about how to think through and navigate the world of online dating.   smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com 

Kimberly and Shelbi from "The Women's Hope Podcast" give a fresh perspective on aging as a single woman for the Glory of God.  smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com

Jennifer shares how a right understanding and response to God's Sovereignty changed how she viewed many things in her single years. This conversation tackles questions such as: Is it wrong to pray for a husband? How should I view past regrets? And, how does God's Sovereignty change my attitude in life? smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Books mentioned: 1. "The Sovereignty of God" by Arthur Pink