Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (Hope Rises International) Bill Simmons speaks with Nate about burnout and the Sabbatical experience that brought deep healing to his soul.Show NotesBill’s book: The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational LifeRead an excerpt from The Way of InterruptionFind Bill at billsimmons.net, hoperises.org, and LinkedIn.  Bill Simmons is President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (soon to be Hope Rises International), part of his two-decade journey leading national and international organizations. Bill brings deep insight to the intersection of organizational leadership and spiritual formation, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in spiritual formation at Gordon Conwell Seminary. Bill holds a BA from the University of Tennessee. Bill and his wife Cindi live in Greenville, SC.

Nathan speaks with renowned author Kathleen Norris about writing about her sister in her new book, Rebecca Sue: A Sister’s Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love.

The McMinn's join Nate to talk about life on their farm and finding the right pace for a flourishing life.

In this audio meditation, Nathan Foster weaves together a selection of beautiful and challenging sayings by 17th-century spiritual director, Jean Pierre de Caussade that invite us to embrace God’s formation deep into our souls.

Walter Strickland II, an assistant professor of theology and teaching pastor, shares insights from his book Swing Low, exploring the rich tapestry of Black Christianity. He emphasizes how suffering shapes faith, challenging the prosperity gospel while revealing the resilience found in African-American traditions. Strickland discusses the theological foundations of the Black church, rooted in the Exodus narrative, and reflects on the journey of understanding diverse worship practices. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the unique contributions of marginalized voices in the Christian faith.

Amanda Held Opelt, a talented author and songwriter from Boone, North Carolina, delves into her profound journey through grief and its intersection with faith. She shares how her theological beliefs were tested during her darkest times. The conversation highlights the difference between wholeness and happiness, and the importance of embracing grief through art and ritual. Amanda discusses the healing power of love amidst sorrow and presents a holistic view of life's challenges, emphasizing personal growth and the significance of vulnerability in the healing process.

James Catford, a seasoned leader in Christian organizations and former CFO of the British Bible Society, dives into the thought-provoking insights of Jean-Pierre de Caussade's 'Abandonment to Divine Providence.' He discusses how faith can flourish amidst adversity and the importance of living in the present moment. Catford also explores the historical influence of 17th-century French spiritual writers, emphasizing the vital role of prayer and approachable translations in engaging with classic spiritual texts.

Reward Sibanda joins Nathan on the Life With God podcast to share his insights on fasting as a God-designed process of total surrender through which our bodies, minds, and spirits grow wide-awake to God.

Matthew Lewis joins Nathan to talk about his new book Human and the beautiful way God designed for our deepest longings — when we give them our attention — to lead us home to Jesus.Where to find MatthewThe Follower Podcast: https://wearefollower.com/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewis516/Follower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_follower/Website: https://mattlewis.co.zaMatthew's book — Human: How our deepest longings lead us home

Today’s podcast is a 13-minute meditation — an audio retreat — on a prayer by the French priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Put on some headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let your soul be quieted.