Journeywomen

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, I’m chatting with my friends Laura Wifler and Emily Jensen about perfectionism. If you know Laura and Emily of the Risen Motherhood podcast, it’s no surprise that this conversation really helped me apply the realities of the gospel to my performance-oriented, perfectionistic self. So you’ll know them a little better, Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler are the co-founders of the Risen Motherhood ministry, and co-hosts of the weekly podcast. As sisters-in-law, Emily and Laura both live in central Iowa with their families. Their first co-written book, Risen Motherhood, releases September 3rd and is available anywhere books are sold and we highly recommend checking it out! RESOURCES Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler Church Series  CONNECT WITH RISEN MOTHERHOODWebsiteFacebookInstagram SCRIPTURE REFERENCES1 Peter 2:221 Peter 1:19-25Jude 1:241 Corinthians 2Psalms 127 Matthew 5 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS• What are some areas in your life where you don’t feel like you are enough? • Read 1 Peter 1:15-25. What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?• How does the gospel redeem our perfectionism? • Discuss the four parts of the gospel: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation.• What are some areas you could grow in your ability to connect the gospel to the everyday moments in which you find yourself wanting to perform?• What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week? FULL SHOW NOTES SPONSORSFOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, we're chatting with Ruth Chou Simons about freedom from a self-focused life. The heart of what we discuss is how gazing at the beauty of the gospel draws our eyes to Christ, enabling us to walk in the freedom of self-forgetfulness.So you’ll know her a little better, Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and speaker. She shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and paintbrush through GraceLaced.com and on Instagram. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure. And, she’s also the author of Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship, as well as GraceLaced, which won a 2018 Christian Book Award.RESOURCES Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller How to Worship Jesus Christ by Joseph S. Carroll The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas ChalmersCONNECT WITH RUTH Website Facebook InstagramSCRIPTURE REFERENCES 2 Corinthians 3:18DISCUSSION QUESTIONS • What does it mean to behold? • What do you find yourself beholding on a daily basis? • What does it look like when you are being self-focused? • How can fixing your eyes on God shift your perspective? • How does beholding God change the mundane moments of life? • What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week? FULL SHOW NOTESSPONSORSFOR MORE: Subscribe: iTunes | Android Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook Support the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen! 

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, we’re talking about anxiety and depression. I asked my friends Hope Blanton and Christine Gordon to join me because Hope is a trained counselor and Christine has formal theological training. Together, they write At His Feet Bible studies, which I cannot recommend highly enough, and all that said, you might be surprised to learn that both of them actually have and still wrestle with either anxiety or depression. Hope A. Blanton is wife to Ray and mother of three. She earned her master's in clinical social work at Temple University. Currently she works as a counselor in San Antonio. She loves good food, making people laugh, and being outside. And Christine B. Gordon, MATS, is wife to Michael and mother of three. She earned her Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Covenant Seminary. She currently lives in St. Louis where she works as the intake coordinator for a counseling center. She loves to walk, make music with other people, and share bad puns with her family. RESOURCES Not the Way It's Supposed to Be by Cornelius Plantinga Jr. Affliction by Edith Schaeffer Book of Job  Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Ed Welch CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE & HOPEWebsiteFacebookInstagram SCRIPTURE REFERENCESLuke 52 Corinthians 12:7-92 Corinthians 4:7-9JobIsaiah 25Revelation 21 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What is the difference between anxiety and depression? Have you experienced anxiety and/or depression in your life and what did that look like? How have you seen the gospel impact the day to day hardships in your life? What does it look like to be present in the lives of others? How can you walk in surrender and open confession with your community? What is the hope we have to look forward to? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  Find all of the links & related resources from the show here. SPONSORSHIP DETAILS FOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, we’re continuing our ten-part series living in light of redemption. Today we're chatting with Abigail Dodds about comparison and we're willing to bet her take on it will leave you with a lot to chew on. Abigail is a wife, mother of five, and graduate student at Bethlehem College and Seminary. She’s a regular contributor to Desiring God and the author of (A)Typical Woman: Free, Whole, and Called in Christ (2019).  RESOURCESWord search on Blue Letter Bible (compare, envy, bitteress, imitate) The Chronicles of NarniaKilljoys Seven Deadly Sins Small Talks What to do with Unmet Expectations episode ADVICE YOU’D GIVE 25-YEAR-OLD ABIGAILDon’t be afraid of submission. There are no perfect human authorities. CONNECT WITH ABIGAILWebsiteFacebookInstagram SCRIPTURE REFERENCESPsalm 40Psalm 89:6 Isaiah 402 Corinthians 31 Corinthians 11:1Hebrews 4:13 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Name some ways you’ve seen comparison lead to pride or envy in everyday life. How can you encourage a friend in this area with the hope of the gospel?  How can comparison lead us to God? What would it look like to “imitate principles, not methods?” If you find you are comparing yourself to others, how can you rightly orient your mind? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  Find all of the links & related resources from the show here. SPONSORSHIP DETAILS FOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

In this episode of the Journeywomen podcast Hunter talks with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth about how the little pieces of our story nestle themselves in the context of the greater story of redemption. Nancy has touched the lives of millions of women through Revive Our Hearts and the True Woman movement, calling them to heart revival and biblical womanhood. Her love for Christ and His Word is infectious, and permeates her outreach. Her books have sold more than three million copies and are reaching the hearts of women around the world.  RESOURCES You Can Trust God to Write Your Story by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth & Robert Wolgemuth Commentary on Ruth by John PiperThe book of Ruth Book of Ruth on Revive Our Hearts Story of Redemption Bible The Jesus Storybook Bible CONNECT WITH NANCYRevive Our HeartsTrue Woman SCRIPTURE REFERENCESRuthIsaiah 402 Corinthians 12:9-112 Corinthians 4:17-18Psalm 42:11 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What is redemption? What does God’s story of redemption look like over all of history? What helps you remember God’s redeeming power in your own life?  How does the reality of redemption offer you hope in the current struggles you are facing?  Read 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. What is the hope we have?  What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  Find all of the links & related resources from the show HERE SPONSORSHIP DETAILSFOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen! 

Today I’m chatting with Trillia Newbell on the mission of the church. We talked about everything from how we see the ancient church fulfilling the mission they were given by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded, to how we are united with them in that very same mission today. We pray this episode aids your understanding of what we have been called to as Christ followers, to go into the world by the power of the Spirit with the goal of making disciples by proclaiming the gospel for the glory of God and for the good of the world. RESOURCES9 Marks ADVICE YOU’D GIVE 25-YEAR-OLD TRILLIALife is hard. God is faithful. CONNECT WITH TRILLIAWebsiteFacebookInstagram SCRIPTURE REFERENCESMatthew 28:19-20ActsEphesians DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What is the mission of the Church? Where do you see that in Scripture? How does the gospel empower us to accomplish that mission? How are you accomplishing this mission within the context of community? Are there things hindering you as you seek to live out the mission of the Church within the context of community? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week? What is your biggest takeaway from this series on the Church?  Find all of the links & related resources from the show HERE SPONSORSHIP DETAILSFOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, I chatted with Elizabeth Woodson about unity in the church. So you’ll know her a little better, Elizabeth is a passionate Bible teacher whose deepest desire is to know Christ and to make Him known! Engaging both the heart and mind, she loves to teach the truth of Scripture, empowering believers to experience abundant life with Jesus! On most days you can find her hanging out at The Village Church, where she has the joy to work as the Institute Associate Minister doing what she loves – writing, teaching, and developing leaders. Elizabeth is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Christian Education, and formerly served as the Single Life Ministry Coordinator at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Dr. Tony Evans. ELIZABETH’S RESOURCES Horizontal Jesus by Tony Evans Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer ELIZABETH’S SIMPLE JOYSFriends and familyGood food - Pecan LodgeMusic CONNECT WITH ELIZABETHWebsiteInstagram SCRIPTURE REFERENCESActs 2:42-47 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What is the big story of the Bible? What gets in the way of our ability to reflect God’s glory? How would your life look different if you loved people as God has loved you? What does the gospel look like on display in the midst of community and conflict? How has God used community in your own life to draw you closer to himself? How have you seen God’s image reflected in those around you? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  Find all of the links & related resources from the show HERE SPONSORSHIP DETAILSMarriage After God is led by Aaron and Jennifer Smith who have a new book out called Marriage After God! In their book Marriage After God they transparently share their journey from a marriage in crisis to a marriage built on Christ’s redemptive love. For 15% off your purchase at shop.marriageaftergod.com use the code JOURNEYWOMEN at checkout. You can find them on Instagram at @marriageaftergod.Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. All you need to do is sign up, and you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping meals ahead of time. For a free 2-week trial, go to PrepDish.com/journey.Westrock Coffee believes in people and the drive not only to survive but to live with dignity and achieve greatness. Find Westrock coffee on Amazon and other retails stores around the United States or go to westrockcoffee.com to learn more. FOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, I’m chatting with Mary Willson about women’s roles in the church. We’re praying this conversation will serve as a catalyst to dig into the Word and to pursue further dialogue with women in your own local churches. Ultimately, our hope is that you’ll walk away encouraged to joyfully celebrate the importance God has placed on women’s roles in the body. MARY’S RESOURCESThe Scripture Women and God by Kathleen Nielson Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles by Kathy Keller His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God by Kristie AnyabwileBiographies of Different Women MARY’S SIMPLE JOYSTime with her nieces and nephewsReading books that are compilations of lettersSleeping in DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Where do we see women exercising their design in the Scriptures? What is our God-given design as women? What does it look like to joyfully celebrate God’s good design for men and women in the context of the local church? How are you exercising your God-given gifts in the context of your local church? How can we love others when we hold differing views? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  SPONSORSHIP DETAILSFOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, I’m chatting with Matt Lantz about serving the Body of Christ with our spiritual gifts. Matt gave us an overview of the purpose and function of each of the spiritual gifts and how we can go about identifying our gifts and use them to serve in our local churches. What’s the purpose of stewarding our gifts for the glory of God?Matt is a husband, father, and pastor who lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife and three children. He’s a graduate of TCU and Dallas Theological Seminary and has been working in full-time ministry since 2000 preparing the way for the Lord Jesus in the lives of men and women. Matt was the founding director of a discipleship program called the Forge at Pine Cove where he spent 12 years helping young men and women learn their identity and steward it well. He has recently moved on from the Forge and is now serving as the Recruitment and Development Pastor and the Associate Pastor of the West Campus at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, TX. MATT’S RESOURCESTalk to your churchServeAsk a mentor for their insight DEVELOPING AN IDENTITY STATEMENT“It’s less about crafting a cool sounding statement, than it is about understanding in humility who you are and how God designed you (Ephesians 2:10). The identity statement is essentially not a discovery of who you are as much as a declaration of what God has done in creating you. You cannot do that by yourself.”With the help of others, begin to determine these three elements of an identity statement: You are designed in this way… To work with these kinds of people… To accomplish this goal “An identity statement is a statement about design, who the design is for, and what the design is meant to accomplish specifically for the kingdom within the Body of Christ.” CONNECT WITH MATTWebsiteInstagramTwitter DISCUSSION QUESTIONS What are spiritual gifts? What are the areas in your life that you are naturally good at that you find yourself using for your own purposes? How can knowing that help you see your spiritual gifts? What spiritual gifts do you see in the lives of those around you? What gifts have others seen in you over the course of your life as a Christian? What would it look like to grow in and develop your gifts for the glory of God? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  SPONSORSHIP DETAILS FOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!

On today’s episode of the Journeywomen podcast, I chatted with Kristie Anyabwile about what to do when church gets hard. We ran the gamut on what kind of stuff makes church difficult and why it’s important that we press in, even when it’s challenging.Kristie is a pastor's wife, mom, Bible teacher and author of His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God, which will be released in September. She works with the Charles Simeon Trust as the Associate Director of Women's Workshops, helping to equip women Bible teachers. She joyfully supports her husband of 27 years, Thabiti, as he pastors Anacostia River Church in Washington, DC. KRISTIE’S RESOURCES What Is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti M. Anyabwile The Compelling Community: Where God's Power Makes a Church Attractive by Mark Dever Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp KRISTIE’S SIMPLE JOYSEarl Grey teaSnickersCooking DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Use 3-5 words to describe your personal experience with church over your lifetime. What would it look like to engage in church while working through the things that can make church hard? How can you exhort and encourage those in your circle to engage in church when it is hard? How have you seen God’s provision for you through hard times? What role did the Church play? How have you seen God use your pain and hard times to minister to others? What are you going to do or implement as a result of what you’ve learned this week?  SPONSORSHIP DETAILSFOR MORE:Subscribe: iTunes | AndroidFollow Us: Website | Instagram | FacebookSupport the podcast by writing a review*Affiliate links used are used where appropriate. Thank you for supporting the products that support Journeywomen!