FamilyLife Today®

In this episode of the podcast, Nana Dolce, a guest and author, discusses the powerful themes from the Old Testament book of Exodus, particularly how it points toward Jesus. The conversation begins with a reflection on favorite Old Testament books, where Nana shares her deep affection for Exodus, highlighting its role as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the greater Redeemer. The Book of Exodus is seen as a narrative of God’s deliverance, with significant moments like the burning bush and the Red Sea crossing, and Nana connects this historical story to the Christian journey of salvation.The main topic of the episode is Week 3 of Nana's devotional “You Are Redeemed,” focusing on God’s provision. This section explores the Israelites’ journey after their deliverance from Egypt, especially their struggle with thirst in the wilderness. Despite their miraculous escape from Pharaoh's army and the parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites quickly begin to complain about their thirst. This transition from praise to grumbling serves as a reminder of human weakness and our tendency to forget God’s provisions when faced with new challenges.The conversation includes an illustration about a man named Chaz Powell, who walked the Zambezi River trail in Africa without adequate water, underscoring the desperation of thirst and the crucial need for water. Nana draws parallels to the Israelites’ experience, showing how their situation led them to bitter water at Mara, which, despite their hope, turned out to be undrinkable. However, God shows mercy by healing the water and providing them with sweet water and leading them to Elam, where they find twelve springs of water.The episode dives deeper into how God's provision is not just about physical sustenance, but also about spiritual healing. Nana shares that even in moments of longing and dissatisfaction, God provides us with the living water that satisfies, as seen in the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in the New Testament. The episode touches on real-life issues like disappointment and unmet desires (such as in marriage) and encourages listeners to trust that God, through Jesus, is the ultimate source of fulfillment.The conversation also highlights the importance of prayer and spiritual practices in finding contentment. The hosts share insights on how moms and women, in particular, can turn to prayer to combat feelings of fatigue and dissatisfaction. There’s a recurring theme that despite feeling empty or frustrated, turning to Jesus and acknowledging the dryness in one’s soul leads to sweet mercy and a renewed sense of hope. The hosts emphasize that by relying on God’s strength and grace, even in the mundane aspects of life (like parenting and marriage), individuals can experience God’s provision in deeply meaningful ways.The episode ends by promoting Nana's devotional series, encouraging listeners to engage with the devotional to experience more of God's redeeming power in their lives. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Nana Dolce at her website. Recieve Nana's new devotional You Are Redeemed for a donation of any amount.  Get encouragement when you feel unseen.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

This episode features Nana Dolce, a beloved teacher and author, who discusses her 40-day devotional called "You Are Redeemed" that takes women through the Book of Exodus. Nana reflects on her life journey, her experiences with adoption, and the importance of understanding God’s redemption story. She shares deeply personal stories about her son, Kian, who was adopted as an embryo through the National Embryo Donation Center. Kian was frozen for 20 years before being adopted by Nana and her husband Eric. This miraculous story is deeply tied to Nana’s perspective on God's redemption and care for the seemingly unseen and forgotten.Nana also recounts the emotional meeting between Kian and his genetic mother and grandfather, who met him for the first time after years of waiting. The story touches on the miraculous nature of God’s work in preserving life even in seemingly impossible situations. She connects this narrative to her devotional, which explores the themes of God's plan for redemption through the Exodus story. Nana highlights the story of Moses and the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, emphasizing that God’s plan for His people has always been to dwell with them.The episode also explores the deep theological insights of God’s love, presence, and redemption. Nana’s book reveals how the Book of Exodus is not just a historical account but a foreshadowing of a greater redemption found in Jesus Christ. Through personal stories and reflections, Nana emphasizes that God sees, hears, and knows the pain of His people, drawing parallels to the experience of Jesus, who suffered deeply for humanity. The episode concludes with a call to those feeling unseen or forgotten to know that God’s love is constant, and He is always with them, even in their pain. Nana’s devotional aims to reassure readers that God's redemption story is for everyone, and it will ultimately lead to a time of eternal dwelling with God. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Nana Dolce at her website. Recieve Nana's new devotional You Are Redeemed for a donation of any amount.  Get encouragement when you feel unseen.  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this engaging and insightful podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson dive into the topic of faith, questioning God, and navigating life’s challenges, especially when those challenges lead to feelings of resentment or doubt toward God. The discussion starts by emphasizing the importance of asking children—and even oneself—when they've felt resentment toward God. The hosts share personal experiences, including one host reflecting on the loss of her sister and the deep, unresolved questions that came with that loss. The conversation then transitions into addressing the belief gap between what people often expect from God and what they experience in reality. Lisa Fields, the guest speaker and author, shares her wisdom, acknowledging that doubt, questioning, and wrestling with God is a natural and important part of spiritual growth. She suggests that these struggles don’t signify the death of faith but rather the key to it. The hosts also discuss how wrestling with faith brings believers closer to understanding their beliefs and the concept that theological growth is not just about memorization but about heartfelt conviction.Lisa Fields emphasizes that wrestling with difficult questions allows people to form stronger beliefs that are rooted in both knowledge and personal experience. She talks about the importance of recognizing pain points in people’s struggles—such as peace, provision, protection, and purpose—and how people often look for peace in temporary solutions, like drugs, relationships, and other distractions, rather than in God. A significant part of the conversation touches on the concept of peace, explaining that true peace is not about the absence of negative emotions but about the assurance of God's presence in the midst of trials. Fields also shares her personal story of heartbreak, where she had to wrestle with forgiveness after being betrayed by someone close to her, illustrating how faith, forgiveness, and personal growth can intersect. She also talks about how peace with God, peace with others, and peace within are all necessary to experience true inner peace.The episode further explores the idea that many people, particularly younger generations, struggle with finding purpose and meaning in life, often seeking it in things like social media validation or material success. The hosts emphasize that true purpose comes not from what we do but from who we become in Christ. Fields challenges the notion of purpose tied to achievement, instead shifting the focus toward becoming a person of integrity, compassion, and love. As the conversation wraps up, the hosts encourage parents and believers to engage deeply with the Bible and to understand the full scope of what Scripture promises and teaches, which includes not just prosperity but the reality of trials and suffering.The episode concludes by stressing the need for families to navigate these faith struggles together, acknowledging that faith can be complicated and sometimes disappointing but that God uses these challenges to grow us. Lisa Fields’ book "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Receive" is highlighted as a resource for those wanting to bridge this gap and engage in deeper conversations about faith, doubt, and the complexities of spiritual life. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Lisa Fields on her website and get her book, "When Faith Disappoints" on our shop.  Learn more about the "Jude 3 Project".  Get marriage and family help right now by calling 1-800-358-6329. Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Lisa Fields, the founder and CEO of the Jude 3 Project. They explore themes of faith, doubt, disappointment, and the emotional struggles Christians often face when their experiences seem to conflict with their beliefs. The conversation opens with a question about a book titled "When Faith Disappoints," which deeply resonates with Dave, due to his own past struggles with faith crises.Lisa shares that the book is, in part, a memoir of her own faith journey, including her struggles as a seminary student who faced a crisis of faith. Dave and Lisa discuss an emotionally impactful moment in Dave's life when he questioned the reality of his faith after encountering the harsh realities of the world, like terrorism and violence against innocent children. Lisa recounts a memorable conversation with her professor, where, instead of offering deep theological explanations, her professor simply said, “me too,” which helped validate her doubts and let her know that her struggles were normal.The discussion then shifts to Lisa’s ministry, the Jude 3 Project, which she started as a passion project to equip Black Christians with apologetics and engage skeptics. She reflects on the lack of representation of African Americans in the apologetics space and her motivation to fill that gap. The project began humbly, but grew to serve a significant need within her community. Dave and Lisa also discuss the challenges of working in ministry while dealing with the pressures of maintaining a personal connection with God. Both share their own experiences of burnout, disillusionment, and the crucial importance of community and therapy in overcoming these crises of faith.Dave and Ann talk about the emotional toll that disappointment can take on a believer, emphasizing that doubt is a normal part of the Christian journey and should not be repressed. Lisa emphasizes that it’s important for Christians, especially parents, to create spaces where young people can vocalize their doubts and disappointments. She believes that listening to their struggles without judgment and offering shared vulnerability helps foster a safe environment for growth.Finally, the episode touches on the rising trend of Gen Z exploring spirituality outside of traditional Christianity, seeking supernatural experiences and peace. Lisa and Dave discuss how understanding this generational shift can offer opportunities to engage young people in conversations about faith in a way that respects their experiences and questions.The conversation is heartfelt and practical, offering listeners valuable insights on navigating doubt, disappointment, and spiritual growth. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Lisa Fields on her website and get her book, "When Faith Disappoints" on our shop.  Learn more about the "Jude 3 Project".  Get marriage and family help right now by calling 1-800-358-6329. Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the concept of a "sacred home" and how to cultivate an environment that prioritizes faith, simplicity, and connection over perfection. The episode opens with a humorous and relatable story about Ann's embarrassing moment as a young mom when her parents unexpectedly visited and her house was a mess. Despite the chaos, she emphasizes the importance of creating a home where Jesus is at the center, not one that's always perfectly tidy.Jennifer Pepito shares her wisdom on the importance of simplicity in the home and the role women play in setting the tone for a sacred environment. She discusses the importance of decluttering, minimizing distractions, and ensuring that family time and connection with God are prioritized over maintaining a pristine home. This leads to a conversation about the need for balance in life, and Jennifer talks about the nine habits of rural life that bring peace and stability to mothers. One example she shares is the story of Madeleine L'Engle, who, despite personal struggles, maintained her commitment to faith and family, illustrating that balance can help moms navigate the chaos of life.The conversation turns to the topic of forgiveness, both in terms of personal relationships and the necessity of forgiving oneself as a mother. The hosts reflect on how unforgiveness can create bitterness, affecting both personal well-being and family dynamics. They share examples of how bitterness has affected families and relationships, noting that letting go of anger and resentment is crucial for fostering a sacred home environment.The episode also explores the topic of simplicity, specifically how it can help reduce distractions and allow for more meaningful connection with God and family. The hosts discuss how the culture of busyness, particularly in America, often leads to the accumulation of excess stuff, which becomes overwhelming. Instead, they suggest practicing simplicity by minimizing possessions and focusing on the things that truly matter: family, faith, and purpose.Finally, Dave and Ann touch on the importance of prayer in creating a sacred home. They share the story of Amy Carmichael, a missionary who was deeply committed to prayer and sought to create a sanctuary for those she served. They emphasize the importance of making prayer a daily priority, even in the midst of a busy family life, and how doing so can align a mother’s heart with God's purposes. The episode concludes with an invitation to dive deeper into the principles shared in Jennifer's book, Habits for a Sacred Home, which offers practical advice for living a faith-centered life in the home. Show Notes and Resources Follow Jennifer Pepito on Instagram.  Learn more about "The Restoration Home" community, listen to Jennifer's podcast, and find her book, "Habits for a Sacred Home" on our shop.  Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this podcast episode, Jennifer Pepito returns to discuss creating a "sacred home" and how families can live intentionally and peacefully by establishing routines and habits that honor God and foster connection. The conversation begins with an exploration of the concept of a "sacred home," which Jennifer clarifies is not about perfection but about setting a home apart for the Lord, even in the midst of chaos. She reflects on her own journey of parenting and the importance of establishing habits that promote peace and spiritual growth within the home.Jennifer introduces the idea of a "rule of life," which she likens to a family mission statement, offering structure and guidance for daily living. Drawing inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict, she and her husband created a family mission statement that helped them focus on their core values—like a love for nature, missions, and time spent together—while making decisions in line with those values. They prioritized certain family essentials and, throughout their life together, chose to sacrifice materialism and structured activities in favor of a simpler, more meaningful life that aligned with their spiritual beliefs.The conversation dives deeper into specific habits that can make a home more peaceful and sacred, beginning with the first: the habit of work. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of teaching children the value of hard work and how this principle can foster not only practical skills but also spiritual maturity. Through examples like her own family’s tradition of hard work in manual labor, she explains how work is a reflection of one's spiritual life and relationship with God.The podcast also touches on the importance of spiritual practices like prayer and Bible study, suggesting that they are not always about immediate joy but about the discipline of showing up regularly and putting in the work. Jennifer points out that habits are the framework through which values like spirituality, responsibility, and community are lived out in daily life. She encourages moms and dads to be intentional with their time, to avoid distractions like social media, and to practice simple actions—like eye contact, hugs, and spending time outside—to create meaningful connections with their children.The discussion moves to focus on the necessity of balance in family life. Jennifer, despite her busy schedule as an entrepreneur and mother of six children, emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself and not overcommitting. She encourages listeners to write down their vision for family life and to regularly audit how their time aligns with their goals. Jennifer advises moms to avoid feelings of guilt, offering practical solutions for making time for connection, including a "connection challenge" that includes simple actions like giving your children a 30-second hug or looking them in the eye for 20 seconds a day.The episode also addresses the needs of working moms, who may feel torn between their jobs and their families. Jennifer emphasizes that it's possible to nurture both roles, offering the "connection challenge" as a simple way to reclaim precious time with children. She encourages mothers not to feel guilty for needing to work outside the home, but to ensure they are creating meaningful connections with their children and maintaining balance.The episode ends with a profound reflection on the importance of family legacy. Jennifer and her co-host stress that the most important thing parents can do is create a godly legacy that will endure beyond their lives. Ultimately, it’s about creating a life centered on Christ and prioritizing relationships over material pursuits. They encourage listeners to embrace small, manageable habits that will help build a sacred, peaceful home, one step at a time. Show Notes and Resources Follow Jennifer Pepito on Instagram.  Learn more about "The Restoration Home" community, listen to Jennifer's podcast, and find her book, "Habits for a Sacred Home" on our shop.  Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In this podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the concept of a "sacred home" with Jennifer Pepito, a mother, author, and entrepreneur. Jennifer, who has seven children and has been homeschooling for years, shares her journey and insights into creating a home environment rooted in faith and devotion to God. She introduces her book "Habits for a Sacred Home," which draws inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict, focusing on developing habits that bring peace, structure, and connection in the midst of life’s chaos.The conversation explores the challenges of motherhood, particularly raising children in today’s uncertain world. Jennifer speaks candidly about the struggles of fear, control, and perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of consecrating one’s home to God. Through personal stories, such as her own struggles with perfectionism and a challenging experience with her daughter’s eating disorder, she highlights the significance of grace and attunement to God in creating a peaceful home environment.Jennifer also addresses the fears and anxieties modern moms face, from worries about homeschooling to concerns over societal changes. Despite the chaotic nature of family life, Jennifer encourages moms to build spiritual disciplines and healthy habits that align with God's will for their lives. She stresses that living with a Christ-centered perspective helps moms foster stability, hope, and a sense of purpose in their homes.In addition to personal insights, the episode delves into practical advice on nurturing sacred homes. Topics like prayer, connecting with children, setting boundaries, and cultivating routines based on faith are discussed. The conversation also touches on the idea of "sacred chaos," suggesting that while homes may not always be perfect, they can still be holy and dedicated to the Lord. The episode encourages listeners to surrender their homes to God, marking them as consecrated spaces where His presence can dwell. Show Notes and Resources Follow Jennifer Pepito on Instagram.  Learn more about "The Restoration Home" community, listen to Jennifer's podcast, and find her book, "Habits for a Sacred Home" on our shop.  Experience the Easter story with Resurrection Eggs and explore more resources in our shop  Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Author and podcaster Rosie Makinney knows the aftermath of a porn-wrecked marriage. She offers hope and steps forward for a radically different tomorrow. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Rosie Makinney's "Fight For Love" ministry.  Purchase "Fight For Love" online. Find our Resurrection Eggs here Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

From her own blistering story, author and podcaster Rosie Makinney offers biblically-based, proactive action to take back your marriage from porn. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about Rosie Makinney's "Fight For Love" ministry.  Purchase "Fight For Love" online. Find our Resurrection Eggs here Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

On this episode of FamilyLife Today, Ron Deal, along with hosts Dave and Ann Wilson, introduces Devon and Asha Still as they share their personal journey of overcoming the challenges that come with a blended family. This conversation dives deep into how they navigated both blended family struggles and personal battles, focusing on communication, faith, and intentional effort.Devon and Asha came together under difficult circumstances. Devon, a former NFL player, had to make life-changing decisions when his daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He decided to retire from football to care for his daughter. After Leah went into remission, Devon and Asha married, but they soon realized they had not fully prepared for the challenges of blending their families. Both came from divorced homes, which made it difficult to establish a clear understanding of what a healthy marriage and blended family should look like.Their relationship struggled in the early years, as they didn't have tough conversations about roles and expectations within their marriage and blended family. This lack of communication led to unnecessary chaos and hurt. However, they learned to lean into their faith and make intentional efforts to course-correct. They discovered the importance of creating an environment of empathy, understanding, and trust. This enabled them to navigate challenges together, and over time, their relationship started to grow stronger.Devon and Asha also discussed how critical it is to take accountability and seek resources to help them through difficult seasons. The couple admitted to feeling tired at times, but they emphasized that the key to making it through tough situations is not to give up, but to stay intentional. Their journey shows that when couples prioritize communication, faith, and intentional effort, they can overcome the challenges that come with blended families. Show Notes and Resources Learn more about FamilyLife Blended on their website. Get tickets for Blended and Blessed 2025 online. Purchase "The Smart Stepfamily Marriage" online Listen to the full episode of Asha and. Devon on FamilyLife Blended Find our Resurrection Eggs here Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com. See resources from our past podcasts. Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife's app! Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy