Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

Katelyn J. Dixon, a writer and advocate for spiritual healing through creative writing, talks about the power of writing as a means of healing, empowerment, and self-discovery. She discusses the challenges of seeking validation and the importance of writing for oneself and as a conversation with God. The podcast also explores overcoming fear of failure, pursuing gifts and passions, and the transformative power of deep observation and creativity.

In this podcast, they explore the importance of humility and contentment, reflecting on the concept of a calmed and quieted soul. They discuss finding life-sustaining connection with God and offer a different method for approaching prayer and scripture. With guided prayers and spiritual conversations, listeners can sink into the depths of Psalm 131.

Prayer doesn't have to be perfect, just real. Brian Morykon and Nathan Foster talk about music and writing as forms that help us craft authentic prayers in this 2015 episode of the Renovaré Podcast.Brian's song that is referenced in the podcast conversation and played at the end of the episode is What Can I Do (lyrics below), from The Smallest Seed, released December 18, 2012. (c) All rights reserved.Please give me grace to be weakThe moment I'm strong I get up and leaveWhere am I going in such a rush anywayMy heart tap of love is running dryTried to fix it myself and clogged my mindI'm knee deep and need Your touch to put things rightWhat can I do apart from You?I made a god of self-controlWorshipped my will like it saved my soulMade sacrifices but nothing satisfied itWhere is that 12 step meeting placefor addicts high on their own waysI'm ready to surrenderI can build my house on the sandA fragile façade where I can pretenduntil one strong blow of your windI am left standing without any wallsAnd the Wind that just broke me breathes in my soulthe Breath of Life... oh…Find more of Brian's music at morykon.com.

"Each day is God's gift… But we have a choice." Jan Johnson talks with Nate about how to rejoice and be glad with the help of spiritual disciplines. Find more Jan Johnson resources at janjohnson.org

Mimi Dixon invites us to let Julian of Norwich teach us that “all shall be well" in this encore episode that first aired in 2017. 

Nathan Foster takes a famous quote from Julian of Norwich and festoons each phrase with his own thoughts. Come linger over Julian’s words in this audio retreat, with music by Joshua Banner.

With gratitude for the life of Donn Thomas, we share this episode from the Renovaré Podcast archive (originally aired April 13, 2020). Donn speaks with Nate about his cancer diagnosis and other scary situations, and how God's presence helps us move from fear to confidence.

Monica and Jeremy Chambers join Nate to discuss ways of engaging with two transforming prayers for the Christian life: Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer.

Katie Davis Majors shares her story of formation through suffering and explains the message of her book, Safe All Along.

Tina Dyer (Renovaré Board Treasurer) and Grace Pouch (Renovaré’s Content Manager) talk with Nathan Foster about the brilliance of Sojourner Truth and how her story has impacted their lives. Tina and Grace will lead the Renovaré book club through The Narrative of Sojourner Truth beginning on March 27.Show Notes[1:51] I am curious to know how you two discovered Sojourner Truth.[4:26] How has her story impacted you two?[10:08] What makes her credible?[13:02] I think I know you two well enough to know that you're both open to having potentially difficult conversations about your experiences and about race. So what was that like for the two of you to explore Sojourner's life together?[19:06] How would you like people to approach Sojourner's story?[22:11] Could you share one [question from Sojourner that you’re sitting with]?[23:10] What is your hope for people to take away from Sojourner's work? Resources:The Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth, written by Olive GilbertBeautiful Vessels by Bakht Singh, Sojourner Truth, Richard J. Foster, Tina Dyer, Grace Pouch