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The LightThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Chris... - Running Toward the Holy SpiritWhat would happen if we responded to the Holy Spirit immediately, without delay or second-guessing? In Running Toward the Holy Spirit, Deidre Braley shares a personal story about missing a divine prompting and contrasts it with Philip’s quick obedience in Acts 8. This powerful devotional reminds us that when the Spirit nudges us—whether it's to speak to a neighbor or extend an act of kindness—we are called not just to go, but to run. This devotional encourages believers to practice spiritual attentiveness and cultivate a “yes” mentality toward God’s promptings. If you’ve ever ignored a gent...2025-07-1606 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastRunning Toward the Holy SpiritWhat would happen if we responded to the Holy Spirit immediately, without delay or second-guessing? In Running Toward the Holy Spirit, Deidre Braley shares a personal story about missing a divine prompting and contrasts it with Philip’s quick obedience in Acts 8. This powerful devotional reminds us that when the Spirit nudges us—whether it's to speak to a neighbor or extend an act of kindness—we are called not just to go, but to run. This devotional encourages believers to practice spiritual attentiveness and cultivate a “yes” mentality toward God’s promptings. If you’ve ever ignored a gent...2025-07-1606 min
Drink from the River of DelightFrom Over-Achieving To GentlenessI sat down with Deidre Braley, poet, editor, writer, teacher, wife, and mother. She shares her journey and her heart with us in a beautiful way. Do you believe that you need to show the world that you are competent?Do you feel like you can’t keep up with the pace? Maybe you feel stuck or that you don’t have any choices. Are things “bad in your soul” right now?Tune i… This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit janetabadir.substack.com2025-07-0752 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastSigned, Sealed, and DeliveredEver felt like you were called… but stuck in a season of “not yet”? You’re not alone. Whether it’s King David or King Jesus, even God’s greatest waited between their anointing and appointing. But take heart—your “in-between” is never wasted. Key Takeaways You’re Sealed and Claimed – God put His Spirit in you as a guarantee of what’s to come (2 Cor 1:21-22). Anointed ≠ Immediately Appointed – David waited decades; Jesus waited years. Waiting doesn’t mean forgotten. God Doesn’t Rush – He moves in perfect timing (Isaiah 60:22). You’re not behind schedule—you’re...2025-05-2507 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastBuild the Lord's House FirstAre you stuck in a cycle of working hard but feeling empty? Deidre Braley unpacks Haggai’s powerful message to the Israelites—and to us: when we neglect God’s presence, our efforts fall flat. This episode reveals why shifting your priorities to build the Lord’s house first can break cycles of frustration and lead to true fruitfulness. 3 Key Takeaways ✅ Misplaced priorities drain your life.Busyness without God leads to frustration and burnout. ✅ Making space for God invites His blessing.When we shift focus to God—through rest, prayer, and obedience—He p...2025-05-0907 min
We Have This HopeDeidre Braley & The Things That Keep Us SoftThe silver lining of podcast post-production is re-listening to a really great conversation. And because that’s what I recently finished doing for today’s episode, I am here to say…this one is a true gem. Today I’m joined by Deidre Braley—writer, poet, editor, and host of The Second Cup. Her voice is a gift to those of us who are weary, who need to catch our breath from all the hustle and heartache, and who need to learn how to have fun—even if fun looks like putting it on the calendar and then wonderi...2025-04-2946 min
We Have This HopeAsking for a New Story with Jill StittThe first time I had breakfast with Jill I was captivated by her story, but mostly I remember laughing a lot. A few months ago a mutual friend reached out to say “You need to have Jill on your show.” Without even knowing what had been happening lately in her life, I knew my answer was yes because anyone who knows Jill knows that she is both whole-hearted and hilarious—an encourager by nature and someone who brings others into the fold without question. In other words, she’s a gem. At my kids’ school, she’s belo...2025-04-1041 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastThe Reality of Invisible ProtectionThe powerful story from 2 Kings 6:15-17, where Elisha’s servant feels overwhelmed and vulnerable, surrounded by an enemy army. Elisha reassures him, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them.” When Elisha prays for the servant’s eyes to be opened, he sees God’s army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. We encourage you to pray, “Lord, please open my eyes and let me see,” asking God to reveal the ways He is providing for and protecting you. By recognizing this spiritual truth, we can find comfort and...2025-04-1005 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastThe God Who Restores Withered ThingsIn this episode, we address the challenging emotions that come with doubt and uncertainty in our faith journeys. Using the biblical story of Jeroboam from 1 Kings 13, we explore how God offers restoration even when we stray from His path. It's natural to question and seek understanding during difficult times. We'll discuss practical steps for navigating these feelings, how to find hope and reassurance in God's promises, and the incredible truth that He desires to heal and restore us, no matter our past. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How do you handle moments...2025-04-0305 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastManagers of the Mysteries of GodIn this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the profound calling of being "managers of the mysteries of God." As believers, we are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of sharing and living out the truths of our faith. We’ll explore what it means to steward God’s gifts, the importance of spiritual discernment, and how to remain faithful in our mission. Join us as we discuss practical ways to embrace this calling, encouraging one another to live authentically and boldly in the light of His mysteries. Join the Conversation: We want to hear from you...2025-01-0906 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastBlessed Are Those Who Need Help with Their New Year's ResolutionsIn this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we turn our attention to those who may be struggling with their New Year's resolutions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to set and achieve lofty goals, but we’ll discuss how acknowledging our need for help can be a blessing. Together, we’ll explore the significance of community support, the role of prayer in our journey, and how God’s grace empowers us to grow. Join us as we encourage one another to embrace vulnerability and seek guidance, transforming our resolutions into shared commitments that lead us closer to God’s...2025-01-0506 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastTender Words in the Wilderness (A Christmas Devotional)In the midst of life's struggles and uncertain seasons, we often find ourselves feeling lost, weary, and alone. But even in the wilderness, God speaks tenderly to our hearts. His words bring comfort, hope, and reassurance when we need them most. Just as He spoke to His people in the desert, offering encouragement and guidance, God continues to speak words of love and promise to us today. His gentle whispers remind us that we are never truly alone, and His presence is a refuge in every storm. Join the Conversation:Have you experienced God’s tender wor...2024-12-1305 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastOur Brains Like It SimpleWe are in a season where political tensions are high, yes. Our brains are in super-categorization mode, which is made all the easier by the signs on our lawns and the flags that fly in front of our homes. We are quick to put ourselves into categories—and even quicker to do the same for others. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Our Brains Like it Simple: Being Aware of the Way...2024-11-0908 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastMaking The CutLook around. Ask God what work he has for you today as part of his holy priesthood, and thank him for choosing you to be part of the most important team in history. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Making the Cut by Deidre Braley 1 Peter 2:9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises...2024-10-1407 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastWorth More Than a PicassoIf we are to be able to complete the good works that God has already prepared for us, we have to first walk in the understanding that we are the direct product of God’s irrefutable goodness. The Great Creator designed us. There is no question that we are valuable. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Worth More Than a Picasso By Deidre Braley Ephesians 2:10: For we are God...2024-09-1506 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastWorking While We WaitGod used Joseph to execute integral parts of his much greater plan for humanity. And it was during the times of waiting and holding and longing for a change that he prepared Joseph to do the important work he had ahead. Joseph chose to do what he could, where he could, while he waited to see what God had for him next. He made good use of the time in between. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ F...2024-09-0908 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastWhat to Remember When Your Life Feels SmallAre there moments when your life feels small? Take note of any patterns. Do you feel less than great whenever you get together with that one friend who seems to have a glamorous, exciting life? Or do you feel discontentment bubbling whenever you spend time on social media? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: What to Remember When Your Life Feels Small by Deidre Braley Matthew 18:1-4: At...2024-09-0507 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastWalking and Waking in the SpiritIf you aren’t usually a morning person, consider exploring the act of waking with the Spirit for one week. It might take a few days to get into the habit, so be patient. While Christian culture might portray a certain set of circumstances/materials as “essentials” for time with God (cue the coffee, candles, journal, and fancy pen), the truth is that the only thing that’s essential for time with God is a willingness to listen and be in his presence. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-dail...2024-09-0107 min
The Way Back PodcastEpisode #12: Making Opportunities Happen with Daniel EcclesThe Way Back Podcast is brought to you by www.TheWayBack2Ourselves.com and is hosted by founder Kimberly Phinney, English professor, author, and counselor, earning her doctorate in community care and mental health counseling. You can get her debut poetry collection, Of Wings and Dirt with Wipf and Stock Publishers on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
In this unique and unscripted episode, I got to sit down with Daniel Eccles of The Opportunity Collective. We got to co-interview each other and chat about making opportunities happen in our lives through connection, community, and collaboration. We a...2024-08-171h 02The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastJesus Didn't Feel the Need to Rush, Neither Should WeIf we follow our selfish ambition or conceit, it will lead to destruction—at breakneck speed. Jesus, on the other hand, teaches us that the road to life looks a lot more like walking, stopping, talking, and allowing ourselves to move at the speed of love. Just like vehicles have built-in governors to prevent them from driving at dangerous speeds, God gives us speed governors for our lives, too—the people we’ve been entrusted to love. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://w...2024-08-1406 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastFood of the FatherWe try to satisfy the cravings we feel in so many ways, like food, social media, over-achievement, and television. But being attuned to—and in step with—the Father is often the true sustenance our bodies, brains, and souls are starving for. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Food of the Father by Deidre Braley John 4: 31-34: Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something." But h...2024-08-0906 min
The Good DaySummer in the Psalms: Psalm 96 - When I Need to Stand Up and Dance Again by Deidre BraleyWe may be familiar with the phrase, "If you pray for flowers, be prepared to deal with a little mud." But, what if we're looking at the mud all wrong? What if it's not the necessary evil this phrase implies but actually what can awaken our souls to a rebirth and a deeper promise before us?
I think that's what childhood faith is all about. As adults, we're tempted to dismiss it as icky mud, but children see puddles waiting to be jumped in! So today, put on your rainboots because we're jumping in the puddles together...2024-08-0609 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastA Change in the AtmosphereJust as our surroundings shift when a storm is coming, so too do our ordinary circumstances when the Lord comes onto the scene. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: A Change in Atmosphere by Deidre Braley When I was just a bare-footed wild child growing up on the edge of a great Maine wood, I would relish the hot, midsummer nights when the sky would turn dark and...2024-07-2806 minThe Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian PodcastSoul BrotherTake some time alone with the Holy Spirit today. Tell him you want to feel his presence and spend time with him. Consider asking him some questions to get to know him better, like: SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Soul Brother By Deidre Braley I studied abroad in Spain for one semester of college. One weekend, my friends and I made a short, cheap trip to Barce...2024-07-2506 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 12: Unlimited Motherhood with Jessica HurlbutJessica is a straight-talking writer, pastor, runner (and American Ninja Warrior, whaaaat?!), and mom to five: two adopted, two autistic, and one typical teen boy. She is a champion for foster care and adoption. She is also a champion for moms discovering their God-given purpose and calling—within AND beyond their mothering. I have to warn you: you’ve got to listen to this one at your own risk. You will likely feel challenged & convicted to go do whatever it is that you’ve been setting aside for years now, because it hasn’t been the righ...2024-05-081h 00
Grounded in the Middle.Words matter. So, let's elevate them with Deidre BraleyWelcome to Grounded in the Middle! In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Deidre Braley, a multi-talented individual who wears many hats in the world of words.
Deidre is not just a poet and essayist; she's also a captivating speaker, insightful podcaster, and a versatile freelance writer and editor. Her passion for words is evident in everything she does.
At the heart of Deidre's work lies a deep desire to connect with people through authentic storytelling. Whether it's through her poetry, essays, speaking engagements, or her podcast "The Second Cup," Deidre strives to capture...2024-04-2945 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 11: Backstage Pass to Poetry Jam & Slam, Part IIJoin Matthew Nash , Sarah Steele, Kristi Clark, Kim D. Butler, Mary Folkerts and me for Part II of this conversation where we each share an original, never-before-shared poem and the story behind its conception. Consider this your backstage pass to being part of a community of poets. And if you missed Part I, listen to it below!I try not to pick favorites, but……how can I not be over-the-moon excited to share the rest of this amazing conversation with you? If you listened to the first part of this conversation in E...2024-04-231h 13
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 10, Part 1: Backstage Pass to Poetry Jam & SlamGUYS. It’s National Poetry Month. Back when I was an elementary school teacher, April was my favorite month because it was a multi-week opportunity to educate kids on the power of poetry and to help them realize that a.) poetry is for the people b.) poetry is for rebelsAnd we did it UP. The kids would work all month on original poetry, and then we’d invite all their families in for Poetry Cafe Night, where we’d pour hot cocoa and pretend we were beatniks. The kids would perfor...2024-04-0440 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 9: All The Things Moms Want to Say Out Loud with Lara d'EntremontShare this with a mom who needs to hear it! God asks me to be faithful with what he’s given me—NOT what he’s given someone else. Lara d’Entremont My stance on talking about motherhood is that it should never, never be sugar-coated. When we aren’t honest about the ways our humanness intertwines with parenting, we do a disservice to mothers everywhere. That’s why I want you to listen to this conversation with Lara d’Entremont. She wrote the book A Mother Held: Essays o...2024-03-2056 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 8: He Knows Your Name with Paige AllenDo you remember being a kid and playing outside in the cold? You’re vaguely aware that your hands are raw and your nose is dripping, but you’ve gotten used to it and so you keep playing, until someone finally calls you in. It’s not until you kick off your boots and feel the warmth of the kitchen that you realize just how cold you really were. Well, this episode is kind of like that—coming inside after playing out in the cold for a long time.I don’t know about you...2024-02-2852 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 1: What to Read Next with Walter ShawI needed a valid excuse to shamelessly reach out to all the people I think are really cool and ask them all my nosy questions. Creating a show seemed like the perfect solution.So here it is.You’re the first to see this.If you’ve been around here for at least 10 minutes, then you know that there’s little I’d rather talk about than really great books. Especially the ones that can challenge us, encourage us, and help us experience God in new ways.That’s why I am so exci...2024-02-2326 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 4: Stuff I'd Only Tell God with Jennifer Dukes Lee“There is some action that we need to take. It’s not just putting it down, but then—what are you gonna do with that?”Jennifer Dukes Lee, on journalingJennifer Dukes Lee talks about “Stuff I’d Only Tell God” on The Second Cup Show—and no question is off the tableNo, seriously. Our conversation took us through some of our favorite questions from her new guided journal, like:* What is your 6-word memoir?* If you had a walk-up song, what would it be?* What’s your...2024-02-2346 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 3: The Science of Fun with Mike Rucker, PhD"𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭." - 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐏𝐡𝐃, Author of The Fun Habit Thank you for listening to The Second Cup! This post is free, so feel FREE to share it with someone who might love a little more fun in their life, too!Oh boy. You KNOW I've been excited to talk all things fun with Mike Rucker, PhD, ever since I picked up a copy of his book The Fun Habit and he gave me permission to schedule fun into my daily grind [life-changing!]. And this interview did. not. disappoint. So what did we talk about? Everything and anything remotely related to fun.🤓 Did I nerd out and quote sections of his book back to him and also publicly admit that playing with my kids...2024-02-2347 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 7: Prayer as a Wrestling MatchA couple weeks ago I wrote Prayer is Bloody Hard, and almost instantly, was in my messages asking if she could come onto the show and talk about prayer. Obviously, the answer was a resounding YES. Jess has been a student of prayer for years, and she shares regular and helpful content about that on her Instagram. Not only that, but she is a beloved contributor for The Truly Co. Magazine and, as the Editorial Content Director for Truly, I can always count on Jess to say something profound and thought-provoking. So we came together...2024-02-0859 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 6: Poetry, and Other Things Worth Staying Up Late ForKimberly Phinney is a night owl. I, on the other hand, prefer to nestle down for the night when most six-year-olds go to bed. When she asked if we could record this podcast at 8:30 P.M., I put on my big-girl pants (and by that I mean my comfy pants), threw back a shot of espresso, and hoped I could keep my eyes open.I’m happy to report that I had NO trouble staying awake for this conversation. We talked about all of our favorite things, dreamed of being neighbors, and made theoretical plans to come ba...2024-01-1859 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 5: Caring for Your Soul at ChristmasI’m recognizing that my intense longings for peace and joy cannot be satisfied by any amount of festivity or holiday cheer. That would be like trying to patch up a bullet hole with a butterfly stitch. This longing is so deep and wide that all the world’s eggnog couldn’t fill it.Deidre BraleyI don’t know what year it was when my child-like wonder rubbed off and I realized—much to my horror—that the Christmas spirit was elusive as some rare bird.It probably started fading circa age 8...2023-12-1942 min
The Second Cup ShowEpisode 2: God, I Trusted You—And My Worst Nightmare Came True Anyway with Mike NoriegaQuick life update & Second Cup update:Dear Second Cup Fam: It’s our last full week of August (how can this be?)! I want to share a few life & writing updates real quick before jumping into this A-MA-ZING conversation with Mike Noriega with you today: * Vivian will turn 3 next week and we’re celebrating with a tea-for-turning-three party. I’ve been thrifting tea cups and tea pots. My mom sent sparkly shoes. It’s safe to say we’re all very excited for the event. * Theo starts Pre-K in two weeks. We bought...2023-08-2335 min
The Second Cup ShowThe Gods of Achievement Don't Love YouI stand with my big belly pressed against the glass, watching the rain pool on our patio table and the maple buds unfurl their tiny fists to catch the droplets. I have spent the day lazing, moving from the couch to our bed and back to the couch again. I have stroked Pablo’s fur and noticed the way he releases his entire weight against me as he curls wherever I curl, his hazel eyes at peace because we’re warm together. Yesterday was much the same. I’m recovering from something, and my body and my...2023-05-0406 min
The Second Cup ShowDo It For DelightIt feels lofty to try to capture all that I’m trying to say here in one blog post. I think I have a whole book on this inside of me—one that’s been marinating for a long time and that’s anxious to get out. So let this be a crumb, part of a whole loaf of bread, ready to be ripped into again another time. Here’s a true thing about me: Some days I am okay with the concept of dying, and some days I am most decidedly not. I was out walkin...2023-04-1908 min
The Second Cup ShowThe Moms Who Mess UpI spent most of last night sleeping on Spongebob, his knobby arms and legs poking into my neck and leaving smush marks on my face. Theo, our three-year-old, was plagued with bouts of coughing all night, and after I went in to check on him around eleven, he wouldn’t let me out of his bed again. I resigned myself to snuggling under the edge of the covers, holding my breath when he hacked in my face and wishing that Spongebob had more stuffing. The Second Cup is a reader-supported publication. To receive new po...2023-01-0603 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 10: Delight in the Dead of WinterIn this final episode of The Joshua Year Series: Fear, Freedom, and What Happens in Between, Deidre invites listeners to step from the house of Fear into the house of Love [AKA the Promised Land!] and dares deadened hearts to dream once again. She considers the questions:* Is delight a moral obligation?* How can we find the courage to step over the threshold from fear into the Promised Land?* Is letting go of fear just unrealistic, naive, or romantic? The perfect episode to listen to as you travel for...2022-12-2126 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 09: Good GriefLLet’s face it: Christmastime can be really hard and really sad when we’re mourning the loss of a loved one. It can be tempting to push our grief aside because we don’t want to bring others down or we think it’s wrong to feel like this during such a ‘happy’ time. We often think of our feelings in a neat dichotomy: Good feelings (joy, wonder, excitement, peace) or bad feelings (sadness, frustration, anger, grief). But what if we find the courage to obliterate that dichotomy and recognize that all feelings can serve a...2022-12-0711 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 07: Scared to DeathThere aren’t many people who aren’t at least a little afraid of death (if they’re brave enough to admit it). And it makes sense: God put eternity in our hearts, but our bodies have a time limit. Living in this tension - knowing that we will someday die - can be debilitating. But we aren’t without hope. Let’s take some time to look death in the face, reckon with our finitude, and recognize how Jesus frees us even from this type of slavery - our fear of death. If we can...2022-11-1619 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 06: Don't Tell My Husband I Napped Today“Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!” I swear no scarier words have ever been spoken. [Thanks a lot, Solomon.] But he spoke the very fear that is the root of so much that we do. We strive in order to prove we matter. We work and work and work until we feel that we’ve proven ourselves worthy of existing. But what if it was never our job in the first place to make meaning of our lives?The Second Cup WebsiteThe Second Cup Newsletter on Substack2022-11-0220 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 05: The One Worst ThingAnyone who has ever lain awake at three in the morning knows that fear doesn’t play by the rules at that hour. In the middle of the darkness, it’s easy to imagine all the worst-case scenarios and be completely overcome by anxiety. In this episode, we talk about fear of bad news, and how we can learn to commit the things (and ones) we so desperately love into God’s hands so that we can have the freedom to embrace our lives without constantly worrying that they’re on the verge of crumbling. ...2022-10-2025 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 04: Not a Quid-Pro-Quo GodAre you trying to do life apart from God? Has it been a day? A season? Years? Your whole life? Is it because that’s what you really want? Because you don’t believe in him, or you don’t like him, or you don’t need him? Or are those just the stories that you have told yourself about God because you are too scared to sit in his presence and face the terrible prospect that he would see you, know you, and reject you?Spoiler alert - he won’t. Referenc...2022-10-0415 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 03: Why Are My Friends So Scary? The Bible says that there is no fear in love (John 4:18). But aren’t we all a little bit scared of love, if we dare to admit it? Aren’t we all clawing it for it, gasping for it, feeling desperately terrified of how much we need it? Is there a single human heart that doesn’t simultaneously long to be loved, and also fear that it won’t be? The rest of the verse says that perfect love casts out fear. There is only one perfect love, and only one perfect Lover, and that is Jesus. The rest of...2022-09-2720 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 02: What God Asks of UsToday, we talk about how to have a ‘burning bush’ moment with God, and how to discern his direction as we prepare for our journey out of fear and into freedom. Here’s the guided prayer that you may use to ask God for his help and direction on the journey: God, thank you for being a God who sees, hears, and knows about our suffering. Thank you for knowing and loving me. Today, I’m struggling with so many worries and fears. I know that you see how it’s affecting my heart, my...2022-09-2112 min
The Second Cup ShowJoshua Year Series | Episode 01: Burning BushesI used to be confined - and defined - by my fear and anxiety.Does this sound familiar to you? You're not alone.The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recorded that nearly 20% of the U.S. adult population have an anxiety disorder. That’s one in five people.In this age of fast media and bad news and self-sufficiency, and where trauma affects an increasingly large number of people, it’s not surprising that worry has become commonplace, and even expected.In speaking with friends, especially other women, I find that...2022-09-1411 min
The Truly Co PodcastBecoming Interruptible with Deidre BraleyDeidre Braley is a Title 1 teacher and instructional strategist at an elementary school in Maine. She enjoys leisurely breakfasts, throwing dinner parties, and writing for her blog The Second Cup. She also writes for Truly Magazine. In this episode, Deidre talks with Truly Co Podcast host Lindsay May about how she manages to stay afloat in the midst of family hardships and working full-time. In Truly Magazine’s Intentionality issue, Deidre’s article “Let’s Become Interruptible” outlines how Jesus always took time to love people first and set his checklists aside. What does this look like f...2021-07-0839 min