The Christian Habits Podcast

Do you ever find yourself dwelling on the negative? Or complaining a little too much? Today’s guest, Chip Ingram, knows exactly what that’s like. In fact, his powerful journey through chronic pain and hardship is what led him to write his book, I Choose Joy: Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life. In our conversation, Chip shared how renewing your mind—a biblical practice that transforms how we think—became his pathway to experiencing joy in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. Choosing Joy When Life is Hard Chip’s story starts with something so ordinary—playing basketball. But that game ended with a herniated disc, setting him on a seven-year journey through chronic pain, multiple surgeries, and long, grueling rehab sessions. During those years, Chip was pastoring a large church, managing four services every Sunday, and trying to push through life as if everything was normal. But life wasn’t normal. Over time, Chip’s perspective darkened, though he didn’t see it until his wife gently pointed it out by asking, “Do you recognize how negative you’ve become?” That question stopped him. He didn’t want to admit it, but she was right. The Turning Point: Renewing His Mind In what Chip describes as the sovereignty of God, he was invited to speak at the Billy Graham Conference on Philippians 1—Paul’s letter written while chained under house arrest. Paul’s words radiated joy despite his circumstances, and that intrigued Chip. Paul wasn’t pretending life was easy. He was chained, facing possible execution, yet his focus was still on God and others. Chip realized he needed to retrain his mind, to deliberately change his perspective. “I basically went into training to renew my mind. I had to retrain my thinking to get perspective, and as I did, it revolutionized my life and my joy—even in the midst of great pain.” This wasn’t about wishful thinking or ignoring hardship. It was about forming habits that would lead to joy. The Joy Formula As the son of a math and science teacher, Chip began to see a pattern in Paul’s letter: C (Circumstance) + P (Perspective) = E (Experience) Chip explained that we have very little control over our circumstances. But we have 100% control over our perspective. And our perspective will shape our experience. He discovered four questions from Philippians 1 that help shift our perspective from victimhood to joy: Question 1: Where’s your focus? Chip learned to ask himself: Am I focusing upward (on God and gratitude) and outward (on others)? “As soon as I focused upward and outward, my perspective changed.” Question 2: What’s your purpose? Ask, “How can God use this?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?” “God’s purpose isn’t to make me happy and pain-free—it’s to fulfill His greater plan.” Question 3: Where’s your hope? Chip saw how easy it is to build our hope on “if-then” statements: If I get married, if I succeed, if my health returns… “But hope grounded in Christ is unshakable—even when circumstances don’t improve.” Question 4: What are your expectations? “We often expect life to go well if we’re faithful, but Scripture tells us it’s been granted to us not just to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His sake.” Joy is a Spiritual Discipline Chip emphasized that choosing joy isn’t easy, instant, or natural. It’s a spiritual discipline that takes intentional, repeated effort. “You can develop a habit of seeing life through a negative lens, but you can also train yourself to choose joy. You have to go into training for the habit of joy.” And, as C.S. Lewis put it, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” Chip also shared that small daily choices matter—like how we start our day. If the first thing we do is open our phones and flood our minds with the world’s noise, negativity will set the tone. But if we start by focusing on God, we can experience a mindset shift. The Unexpected Fruit Perhaps the most beautiful part of Chip’s story is what God did through his pain. Out of this difficult season came a ministry that now serves pastors worldwide. What started as an encouraging phone call during rehab turned into an international movement that has trained over 400,000 pastors across continents. “My circumstance didn’t change, but God’s purposes were fulfilled in ways I never could have imagined.” You can hear Chip’s full story, the four questions that can change your life, and his practical wisdom in the episode: “Chip Ingram: Choosing Joy When Life is Hard” on the Christian Habits Podcast. And if you’d like to dig deeper into the daily habits that help you experience joy, you can find his book, I Choose Joy, wherever books are sold.  Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast I Choose Joy: Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life by Chip Ingram The Invisible War by Chip Ingram Living on the Edge Ministries Chip’s resources for Bible Studies and Small Groups: at livingontheedge.org and on the app stores. How to Listen to the Podcast Listen or subscribe on YouTube. Listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Listen or subscribe on Android. Listen or subscribe on Spotify. Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” About the Author Chip Ingram is the teaching pastor and CEO of Living on the Edge, an international teaching and discipleship ministry. A pastor for more than thirty years, Chip is the author of many books, including Holy Ambition and The Invisible War. Chip and his wife, Theresa, have four grown children and twelve grandchildren and live in California. The post Chip Ingram: Choosing Joy When Life is Hard appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Do you often find yourself giving “helpful suggestions” to your husband? Are you silently annoyed with him much of the time? Or have you made a habit of criticizing him either out loud or in your mind? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll love this conversation with Ann Wilson, author of How to Speak Life to Your Husband (When All You Want to Do is Yell at Him). Ann brings so much wisdom, humility, and hope to this episode. Prepare to walk away encouraged and challenged in the best way. How to Speak Life to Your Husband Ann’s journey toward understanding the power of her words started with what she thought was going to be a normal speaking event alongside her husband, Dave. What she didn’t expect? Dave’s confession to the audience: “Sometimes husbands feel that the moment we walk through the door, our wives are booing us.” Ouch. Ann was stunned—and a little defensive. But instead of dismissing it, she asked God a hard question: Am I booing my husband? The answer was yes. That moment sent her on a path of personal change. She began to see that what she thought was “helping” her husband actually came across as constant correction. As she put it, “God began showing me that I was praying for Dave to change, but God wanted to change me.” And that’s when everything started to shift. What’s It Like to Be Married to Me? Ann started using the reflection question, What’s it like to be married to me? It’s a sobering thought—and a helpful one. She realized her thoughts and internal monologue about Dave had turned negative. “I’d get stuck in this spiral, thinking about all the ways he wasn’t seeing me or showing up.” But instead of venting or stewing, she sensed God nudging her: What would happen if you prayed for him as much as you complained about him? That one question was a game-changer. She started to notice how even her everyday speech had a pattern: “You should do this” or “Have you tried that?”—instructive, not encouraging. She laughs about it now, but it was a wake-up call that her way of communicating wasn’t life-giving. Small Words, Big Impact One day, she paused before dinner and intentionally thanked Dave in front of their kids. His response? “I saw the book you were reading, and I know you said that because you read it in a book, but I don’t even care. It felt so good.” That’s when she began to understand how deeply our husbands—like all of us—long to know: Am I doing okay? Does she believe in me? Ann shared a fascinating study from the Arbinger Institute, which showed that we communicate more from our way of being than from our words or behavior. “So even if you’re saying the right thing,” she explained, “your husband can feel it if you don’t believe it.” The Helper Who Stands Toe-to-Toe Ann also dove into the Hebrew meaning behind Genesis 2:18, where God says He will make a “helper suitable” for man. The word “helper” in Hebrew is azer, the same word used to describe God as Israel’s rescuer in battle. And “suitable”? That comes from kenegdo, meaning “to stand toe-to-toe.” “Being a helper isn’t weak,” Ann says. “It means standing side-by-side, back-to-back with your husband. Fierce, protective, and obedient to God’s calling—even when it’s hard.” One theologian told her, “When a man stands toe-to-toe with his wife, he sees, in her eyes, the man he could become.” That line really stuck with both of us. What are our husbands seeing in our eyes? From Criticism to Prayer When it comes to knowing when and how to say something hard, Ann now starts with prayer: “God, should I bring it up? If yes, when and how? If not, should I say anything—and if so, what?” She admits she still sometimes feels the urge to help, especially with her adult kids. “But now, I advise less and pray more.” She even fasts and prays regularly with a group of women—something she recommends for anyone wanting to grow spiritually and relationally. And the fruit of those changes? One of Ann’s friends started a gratitude journal for her husband, writing out one thing each day she appreciated about him. On his birthday, she gave it to him. He read it and cried. Why? “Because I feel like I’m constantly failing,” he said, “and when I read her words, it motivated me to be the man she saw instead of the man I felt I was.” That’s the power of speaking life. If you’re longing to be a better wife and love your husband well—even when it’s hard—you can check out Ann’s book, How to Speak Life to Your Husband (When All You Want to Do is Yell at Him). You can find it on Amazon or wherever books are sold. And if you’d like to connect with Ann, you can find her and Dave at @daveannwilson on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s keep asking God to help us see the greatness in the people we love—and to speak life every chance we get.  Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast How to Speak Life to Your Husband (When All You Want to Do Is Yell At Him) by Ann Wilson Get counseling help at getfaithful.com/christianhabits How to Listen to the Podcast Listen or subscribe on YouTube. Listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Listen or subscribe on Android. Listen or subscribe on Spotify. Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” About the Author Ann Wilson has served with her husband for more than twenty-five years, cofounding Kensington Community Church, speaking at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember®, and hosting their own marriage conferences across the country. They live in the Detroit area, and they have three grown sons, CJ, Austin, and Cody; three daughters-in-law; and seven grandchildren.   The post Ann Wilson: How to Speak Life to Your Husband appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Have you ever felt like stress was running the show—pulling the strings on your thoughts, your body, even your faith? I know I have. In this episode, I chat with author and pastor Charles Stone to talk about what stress really is, why it sticks around, and how we can respond in ways that heal rather than harm. We explore powerful, practical tools to deal with stress grounded in both Scripture and neuroscience—including what it means to “soak your soul,” how monks can teach us to pause, and why your stress might be trying to tell you something deeper. How to Deal with Stress Stress is like a coin. One side is the event—that thing that blindsides you at work, the argument that sits heavy in your chest, or the endless to-do list. But the flip side? That’s your response. And that’s where hope lives. In his practical and grace-filled book Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety, Charles Stone shares how we can manage our stress response—physiologically, emotionally, and spiritually—without it managing us. With insights rooted in neuroscience and biblical truth, the message is clear: stress doesn’t have to define you, but it can refine you. Here are a few key takeaways to help you start finding calm in the chaos. Understand What Stress Really Is Stress is your brain and body’s natural reaction to a perceived threat or demand. It shows up in two main forms: Acute stress: short-term, in-the-moment Chronic stress: ongoing and persistent When we encounter stress, our sympathetic nervous system kicks in—revving us up for action. This releases cortisol, a hormone we need in moderation. But if cortisol remains elevated for too long, even if the threat is only perceived, it can take a toll on your body, relationships, and even your spiritual life. Soak Your Soul Even Jesus—fully God, yet fully human—regularly took time to be alone with the Father. If he needed those quiet moments, how much more do we? Charles introduces the concept of “soaking your soul”—intentional time in God’s presence through spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, contemplation, and rest. These aren’t just feel-good rituals; science confirms that they help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which calms you down and lowers your stress response. According to Charles, “God wired us so that soaking our soul actually reduces our stress response.” So if you feel distant from God, know this: He hasn’t left. Sometimes, like the prophet Elijah when his stress got the best of him, it’s as simple as needing a snack, a nap… or time to breathe and be still. Pick One to Three Habits (Not All Nine) The book outlines nine neuroscience-backed habits for stress resilience. But don’t try to tackle them all at once—Charles encourages readers to focus on just one to three that resonate. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Some of these habits include: Gratitude: A practice that rewires your brain and lifts your heart. Start or end your day by naming three good things you’re grateful for. Surrendering prayer: Jesuit priest Claude de la Colombière described it as trusting God’s wisdom, believing He works for our good, and knowing He’s in control—even when we’re not. Spiritual stillness: Inspired by monks who practiced statio—a moment to pause, stand, and prepare for what’s next. Cultivate Certainty (Even in Uncertain Times) We can’t always know what’s coming. But in Psalm 125:1, David reminds us that those who trust in the Lord are as secure as a mountain. That kind of certainty doesn’t come from ruminating or problem-solving—it comes from surrender. Charles reminds us, “God is who He says He is. He loves you. His Word is true.” That’s where we anchor ourselves when life spins sideways. Practical Hope for Your Everyday Whether you’re in a season of chronic stress or just trying to make it through the day, there’s hope. With biblical rhythms, brain science, and grace for your humanness, Stress Less offers tools to help you deal with stress without it mastering you. Remember: You were never meant to carry it all. God’s presence is the safest place to set it down.  Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety by Charles Stone “30-Day Stress Resilience Planner” free with signup at charlesstone.com How to Listen to the Podcast Listen or subscribe on YouTube. Listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Listen or subscribe on Android. Listen or subscribe on Spotify. Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” About the Author Charles Stone (MDiv, DMin, PhD) has served for forty-three years in vocational ministry, thirty of those years as a senior pastor. He recently completed a nine-year role as lead pastor of West Park Church in London, Ontario, Canada, a multicultural congregation with over a thousand attendees. He has authored eight books and now serves as a coaching consultant to pastors and leaders. Over three hundred of his articles have appeared in magazines and online in publications such as Outreach Magazine, Leadership Journal, Pastors.com, SermonCentral.com, and Churchleaders.com. Charles and his wife, Sherryl, have been married for forty-five years and have three adult children and five grandchildren. You can reach him through his website at www.charlesstone.com. The post Charles Stone: Stress Less appeared first on Barb Raveling.

What if the key to lasting change isn’t trying harder but thinking differently? If you’ve been trying to white-knuckle your way to freedom from habits and behaviors that hold you back, this conversation may be the breath of fresh air you need to reframe your approach. Listen as I chat with pastor and author Kyle Idleman about his upcoming book, Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back, and how renewing our minds—not just modifying our behavior—leads to true transformation. How to Take Every Thought Captive to Christ For years, Kyle focused on behavior modification for changing his habits, but eventually realized this approach was missing something. “When we shift our thinking,” he said, “we begin to experience real freedom.” Like dieting, behavior change alone doesn’t last unless you address the thought patterns behind it. We both agreed that taking thoughts captive—choosing truth over reaction—is the real work of transformation. Kyle pointed out that this kind of change isn’t quick or automatic. It takes intentionality, grace, and a willingness to stay the course. A Daily Practice of Mind Renewal Kyle shared his simple but powerful habit: starting and ending each day by renewing his mind. In the morning, he visualizes his day, thanks God for specific things, and speaks Scripture aloud. He did an experiment—one month with this habit and one month without—and found a dramatic difference in his peace, focus, and overall mindset. Evening renewal helps him bring his thoughts back to truth before the day ends. “It may feel unnatural at the beginning,” he said, “but the more you do it, the more natural—and life-giving—it becomes.” Five Thought Patterns That Keep Us Stuck In Every Thought Captive, Kyle explores five common mental struggles: insecurity, distraction, offense, misplaced pleasure, and despair. He chose these because they’re universal—and they illustrate how transformation begins in the mind. One story that stood out was when Kyle received a sharp email. His initial reaction was offense. But when he called the sender, he found out that person was in deep pain. That moment shifted everything. “It’s to your glory to overlook an offense,” Kyle said. It reminded me how renewing our thoughts helps us respond with grace instead of reactivity. Being Intentional with What Shapes Us We also talked about distraction. Kyle shared how our culture’s constant noise makes intentional living harder—but even more necessary. He uses an app called ClearSpace (that gives him screen time for pushups) to help create healthy boundaries with technology. Another strategy Kyle uses is an “exposure journal.” Like a food diary, it tracks what he’s consuming mentally. He explained, “What we expose ourselves to shapes our thoughts, which shape our emotions, relationships, and decisions.” That one insight alone is worth the listen. Training Your Mind with Gratitude Kyle also encouraged listeners to practice gratitude—something he stacks into his daily routine by thanking God in the shower. He keeps a gratitude journal and even practices what he calls “reverse engineering your blessings”—recognizing the chain of people and circumstances behind every good thing. It’s a gentle way to practice mindfulness and refocus on God’s grace. A Resource for Deeper Change Kyle’s book Every Thought Captive is supported by a small group curriculum on RightNow Media and other tools to help you walk this out. This curriculum is helpful for individuals and groups who want to grow together in intentional thinking. You can find Kyle and his book on his website, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook by searching his name or Every Thought Captive. Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast. Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Every Thought Captive: Calm the Mental Chaos That Keeps You Stuck, Drains Your Hope, and Holds You Back by Kyle Idleman Every Thought Captive Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: How Renewing Your Mind Can Change Your Life by Kyle Idleman The Renewing of the Mind Project by Barb Raveling ClearSpace app How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here To listen or subscribe on Android: click here To listen or subscribe on Stitcher: click here To listen or subscribe on Google Play: click here To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” About the Author Kyle Idleman is the senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest churches in America. On a normal weekend, he speaks to more than thirty thousand people spread across fifteen campuses. More than anything else, Kyle enjoys unearthing the teachings of Jesus and making them relevant in people’s lives. He is a frequent speaker for national conventions and influential churches across the country. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have been married for over thirty years. They have four children, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. They live on a farm in Kentucky, where Kyle doesn’t do any actual farming. You can learn more on his website at kyleidleman.com. The post Kyle Idleman: Every Thought Captive appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly racing through life—juggling work, family, ministry, and endless to-do lists—while your soul is quietly begging for rest? In today’s episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, I chat with author and Bible teacher Samantha Decker about her new book, Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God, and the journey God took her on as she learned how to live an unhurried life. How to Live an Unhurried Life As a Bible teacher, writer, and mom of four who recently released her first book, Samantha has a deep understanding of why we need to intentionally practice slowing down. But Samantha says she didn’t set out to write a book. “It was really a step of obedience,” she shared. “The Lord used a verse in Haggai to get my attention—‘Consider your ways.’ I was doing all these good things—working, parenting, serving in church—but I wasn’t prioritizing what God was asking me to do.” That moment sparked a shift. God invited Samantha to slow down—not just in her schedule, but in her soul. And that’s the heart of Unhurried—learning to pursue God’s purposes over our own plans. The Power of Small Steps Samantha is candid about the ongoing nature of this journey. “I’m still the mom rushing to get my kids in the car,” she admitted with a laugh. But what’s changed is her posture. Instead of white-knuckling control over her days, she’s learning to ask God, “What do You have for me today?” She talked about how slowing down often begins with small, faithful steps—like answering a phone call when you’d rather keep moving or carving out time for quiet prayer. “It’s like when the priests dipped their toes in the Jordan before the waters parted,” she said. “That first step matters.” Margin Looks Different for Everyone Samantha also offers very practical advice in her book, especially for people in different life seasons. Whether you work full time, stay at home, or fall somewhere in between, she shares thoughtful insights into how each of us can create margin. “If you stay at home, maybe God is inviting you to ask what to say yes to and what to gently decline,” she said. “If you work full time, maybe there’s a routine—like stopping at the same coffee shop—that can become a space for reflection or relationship.” Having too much unstructured time can lead to its own kind of hurry. Even in my season of life, I can still feel pressured to fill the day with work or activity. Samantha reminded me—and all of us—that even Jesus modeled both work and rest. “He withdrew to be with the Father,” she said. “That rhythm of working and resting with God at the center—that’s what we’re aiming for.” Type A or Type B—We All Struggle with Hurry I asked Samantha whether she thought hurriedness was only a problem for high-achievers. Her response was so insightful. “I think we all struggle,” she said. “Our culture rewards busyness and achievement. And anytime we’re trying to control our days without asking God what He wants for us, we’re stepping into that hurried mindset—whether we’re type A or type B.” That resonated with me deeply. As a type B person, I know how procrastination can create its own brand of franticness. Samantha shared how she and her sister—who are opposites in personality—often remind each other of what really matters. “She tells me to slow down. I remind her not to wait too long. We help balance each other.” Starting Your Day with God So how do we begin to live a slower, more intentional life? Samantha’s advice was beautifully simple: “Right when you wake up, ask God, ‘What do You have for me today?’” She encouraged us to start the day with prayer, Scripture, or even a moment of silence. “It’s a posture of surrender,” she explained. “Instead of leading with your to-do list, you begin under God’s Lordship. That question alone can reorient your entire day.” I’ve practiced this myself during work struggles—pausing to pray and asking God for direction. More often than not, He brings clarity. It’s amazing what a simple question can do. Where to Learn More I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Samantha. You can find Unhurried wherever books are sold, and the audiobook just released as well! You can also connect with Samantha on Instagram @samanthadeckerwrites or at her website, samanthadeckerwrites.com. If you’ve been feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to slow down, I hope this episode is an encouragement. The invitation to live unhurried isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters, with God leading the way. Listen to the full episode on the Christian Habits Podcast! Resources Mentioned on the Podcast Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God by Samantha Decker How to Listen to the Podcast Listen or subscribe on YouTube. Listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Listen or subscribe on Android. Listen or subscribe on Spotify. Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” About the Author Samantha Decker is a wife, mom, writer, Bible teacher, and above all, a follower of Jesus. She is passionate about encouraging believers to deepen their walk with Jesus through discipleship relationships and an unrelenting love for the Word of God. She and her husband, Dustin, live in Oklahoma and enjoy serving in their local church, trying new restaurants (especially if it’s Tex-Mex), and adventuring with their three rambunctious boys and baby girl. You can connect with her at samanthadeckerwrites.com. The post Samantha Decker: How to Live an Unhurried Life appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Have you ever been in a season of waiting that feels as though it will never end? Whether you want to begin a family, meet a life partner, find your perfect career, or anything else, waiting can be excruciating—or fertile ground for personal and spiritual growth. In this episode of the Christian Habits Podcast, author and podcaster Rebecca George shares insights from her new book, You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-Up World. Learn to reframe the struggles of waiting and how to find true happiness and joy in a relationship with Christ. What We Discussed on the Podcast: The importance of recognizing common challenges during waiting seasons and how they can hinder our faith. How to shift our perspective on waiting by embracing a biblical narrative that fosters hope rather than despair. The notion of “chill hours” learned from Rebecca’s husband’s experience with olive trees, symbolizing how difficult periods can shape us for future growth and fruitfulness. Strategies for surrendering our desires to God, navigating feelings of idolatry, and cultivating a lasting joy that transcends earthly circumstances. The profound impact of bitterness and resentment during waiting times, and how addressing these feelings can lead to healing and joy. Encouragement and practical advice for attending significant life events (like a friend’s baby shower) when your own hopes seem unfulfilled. Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-Up World by Rebecca George About Rebecca George Rebecca George is the founder of Radical Radiance®, a podcast community where listeners are equipped to blend what they love with the Jesus who makes them shine. She is a podcaster, speaker, and author whose greatest joy in life is discipling others to pursue their passions in a way that builds the Kingdom. In her free time you can find her running outside, writing, or trying a new recipe with 90s country playing in the background. You can connect with her on IG at @rebeccageorgeauthor or at radicalradiance.live! The post Rebecca George: Trusting God’s Timing appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Dana K. White, creator of the No Mess Decluttering Process and author of a bestselling book, shares her journey from chaos to order. She offers a guilt-free approach to decluttering that aligns with personal tendencies. Listeners learn about the powerful 'container concept' for setting realistic limits. Dana highlights the difference between organizing and decluttering, providing strategies for creative minds and overcoming shame. Emphasizing small steps, she encourages embracing grace while finding freedom within boundaries.

When we go through a difficult season, it’s tempting to wallow in self-pity or assume that God has abandoned us. But what if, instead, He is using that time to do a great work in us and give us gifts we’d never have experienced otherwise? Today’s guest, Tyler Staton, learned this lesson first-hand when he went through a cancer battle while writing his latest book, The Familiar Stranger, about the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on what he calls “redemptive suffering” and how we can grow closer to God through ordinary practices to enhance our discernment and relationship with Him. What We Discussed on the Podcast The importance of truly understanding the Person and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives How Tyler’s cancer journey informed his understanding of redemptive suffering and how the Holy Spirit moves through suffering for our redemption How Jesus’ example shows that we need to have discernment to effectively pray for miracles Why discernment needs to be an everyday practice, not reserved for only big decisions How Tyler uses prayer walks (or cycles) and the “Prayer of Examine” (developed by St. Ignatius) to train himself in the art of discernment How God as our Shepherd guides us to where He wants us to go Tips for how to pray when we feel distracted, we’re experiencing brain fog, or at other times when it’s difficult Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton “How to Renew Your Mind” course, starting January 28, 2025. About Tyler Staton Tyler Staton is the Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his wife Kirsten, and their sons Hank, Simon, and Amos. He is passionate about living prayerfully and relationally. Tyler is the author of three books: Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, Searching for Enough, and The Familiar Stranger. Connect with Tyler on his website at tylerstaton.com. How to Listen to the Podcast Listen or subscribe on YouTube. Listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts. Listen or subscribe on Android. Listen or subscribe on Spotify. Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” The post Tyler Staton: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit appeared first on Barb Raveling.

The live 7-Week Master Class on Transformation Begins January 28, 2025!!! Do you ever say, “I can’t believe I’ve been a Christian for x number of years and I’m still struggling with this?” Are you reluctant to work on transformation because you’re afraid you’ll fail like you did last time? Do you have some area of your life where you feel stuck? My guess is that we can all answer “yes” to at least one of those questions. It’s discouraging to fail over and over again. Romans 12:2 tells us that the answer to our struggles is to renew our minds. But there are two problems with this approach: 1) We don’t necessarily know what that means or 2) we do know how to renew our minds but we can’t make ourselves do it consistently enough to see transformation. My 7-Week Master Class on Transformation will help you with both of those problems. We’ll get together, each choose an area of our lives to work on, and work together on transformation. What area of transformation would you like help with? Here are a few areas you may want to work on during this transformation class: Break a habit such as overeating, overspending, or too much time on your phone even though you have zero discipline in that area. Achieve a goal such as writing a book, developing a habit of consistently completing your to-do list each day, or starting a business even if you’re a born procrastinator and can’t make yourself work on your project or list. Break free from a negative emotion like anger, worry, discontentment, and insecurity even if that emotion has been with you as long as you can remember. Often we think we can’t let go of the negative emotions. Our only hope is to escape them with some self-destructive behavior, stuff them, or control our behavior so the emotion doesn’t hurt ourselves and others. But the truth is, God can help us let go of those negative emotions situation by situation and live in peace and joy (Galatians 5). We’ll learn how to do that in this class. What are some side benefits (but often the biggest benefits of all) of working on transformation? No matter what practical area you choose to work on, God will use the transformation process to help you achieve the following goals: Grow closer to God and more excited about your times with Him as you develop the practical habit of carrying each thought captive to the truth through the renewing of the min. Live in peace and joy as you learn how to corral, process, and let go of the thoughts that are swirling in your head, threatening to drive you crazy. Improve relationships and learn how to love others better as you grow in the fruit of the Spirit. What is the set up of the class? Here are a few features of the class: It will be live. We’ll meet on Zoom but the sessions will also be recorded if you can’t make it. I’ll give 15-30 minutes of instruction but we’ll be pausing during the class to apply what I teach to the area of your life that you want to work on. We’ll meet once a week for seven sessions but I’ll have six weeks of homework for you to do during the week to apply what you learned to the area of your life you’re working on. At the end of each class, I’ll have breakout rooms where you can share how you did with your renewing each week and what God taught you during the week. You’ll also have a chance to find accountability partners. When will the class start? The class will begin on January 28, 2025. We will meet weekly for 7 sessions on Tuesdays at 12:00 EST. Each class will be be 1 to 1 1/2 hours long. What if I can’t make the live sessions? If you can’t make the live sessions, I’ll have a replay available by the next day, possibly sooner. The replays will be available until at least 6/1/25, possibly longer, so that you have time to do the class. I will also have an online get together on February 4th at 8:30 PM EST for those who can’t make it during the day to help you find accountability partners. What is the cost of the class? Although classes like this are often quite expensive, I want everyone to be able to take it, so I’m offering the class at $27 USD. Is there a deadline for signing up for the class? Yes, the deadline is January 28, 2025. This is not an on-demand class so even if you plan to take it later, you’ll need to sign up now so I can email you links to the class videos and homework each week. Where can I sign up? To get started, go to the product purchase page by clicking on the button below. Click here to sign up for the class! How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” The post 7-Week Master Class on Transformation appeared first on Barb Raveling.

Becoming an empty nester can be a challenging time—full of bittersweet goodbyes, new routines, and a lot of questions about what’s next. My guest today on The Christian Habits Podcast, Jill Savage, knows this season well and brings wisdom and encouragement for navigating it with faith and purpose. In this episode, she shares practical insights from her book, Empty Nest, Full Life, on how to let go, grab hold of what matters most, and build a fulfilling life in the empty nest season. What We Discussed on the Podcast What to let go of and what to grab hold of as an empty nester How to employ “pray, don’t say” and trust God with your adult kids’ lives How to unhitch your emotions from your adult child’s choices and problems How to become a “safe place for your kids to land” so your kids want you to remain involved in their lives The importance of rebooting both your marriage and your friendships for a more fulfilled life Resources We Mentioned on the Podcast Empty Nest, Full Life by Jill Savage “How to Renew Your Mind” course, starting January 28, 2025. Get more info here. About Jill Savage Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging families. She is the author or co-author of fourteen books including Professionalizing Motherhood, My Hearts At Home, Real Moms…Real Jesus, Living With Less So Your Family Has More, No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Marriages (with her husband Mark), and her most recent release Empty Nest Full Life. Featured on Focus on the Family, Crosswalk.com, Family Life Today and Today’s Christian Woman magazine, Jill is the founder of Hearts at Home, an organization that encouraged moms from 1994-2017. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children, three who are married, and eight grandchildren. They make their home in Normal, Illinois. How to Listen to the Podcast To listen or subscribe on YouTube: click here  To listen or subscribe on Apple Podcasts: click here  To listen or subscribe on Android: click here  To listen or subscribe on Spotify: click here  Amazon Alexa: To listen on Amazon Alexa, say, “Alexa, play the Christian Habits Podcast.” The post Jill Savage – How to Thrive as Empty Nesters appeared first on Barb Raveling.