Shows
FilosoferikaJanet Conner - Writing Down Your SoulIn this episode I talk to poet, writer, mystic witch and prayer artist, Janet Conner. She is the author of Writing down your soul - How to activate and Listen to the Extraordinary voice within. We talk about:- how Janet first discovered her voice within- how she went from a miserable life with domestic abuse, no money, no where to live, no friendship - to rebuilding herself through guidance- what the method of soul writing is- how do we know it's not our imagination...
2024-08-291h 16
Let's Be Real98. Advent 2022 - PeaceWho doesn't want peace? Do you have it? What is the biblical definition of peace? What do you trade your God-given peace for? Let's talk about it as we are preparing our hearts this advent season.If you still want more talk on peace, you can listen to episode #15: "Peace" as well as episode #34: "Christmas Lights and Christmas Peace".
2022-12-0621 min
Let's Be Real97. Advent 2022 - HopeWeek 1 of Advent! Advent is my favorite time of year to study and come together with others to refocus on the season ahead of us. Let's talk about the Hope of Advent. The Hope that is a person, the Hope that is Jesus.What do you hope in?
2022-11-2816 min
Let's Be Real96. Spiritual Warfare & Let_The_Women_RetreatWe just finished up our 4th Annual Women's Retreat, where we spent our weekend discussing Spiritual Warfare. In this episode, I'm recapping our introduction to the topic and will spend the next few weeks reviewing the lessons from the retreat. If you couldn't join us this year, I hope you mark your calendars for next week, Sept 22-24, 2023!There are additional opportunities coming this fall and winter to study together starting with Advent, a study on the book of Acts in January, and a weekend event simulcast of the IF Gathering on March 3&4th! Stay...
2022-09-3025 min
Let's Be Real95. Puppies and God's Awesomeness!Get outside today, observe God's nature, meditate on and be awe-struck by the amazing glory that God show's us each and every day and often takes for granted. God's glory need not be taken for granted.
2022-09-0911 min
Let's Be Real94. Fear is ForgetfulnessReading in my favorite devotional this morning, Paul David Tripp's "New Morning Mercies", made me thoughtful about fear and faith. And how we make decisions based on one or the other, that fear really could be considered forgetfulness of God, that we meditate on our own selves, resources and capacities often times, instead of moving forward depending on God and meditating on his faithfulness.
2022-08-2610 min
Let's Be Real93. Summer, Serving and a chat with NolanI took a few weeks off to go serve at a summer camp, 'the best camp in the land', and am back recording. I met Nolan at Northern Grace Youth Camp a few years ago and have had the opportunity to watch him grow in his faith and service to the Lord. Join me in a discussion with Nolan as we talk about serving, what it means to him, why he does, and how he is blessed.If you are looking for a fantastic Christian summer camp for your kids, visit www.northerngraceyouthcamp.orgIf you a...
2022-08-1217 min
Let's Be Real92. Are you just winging it?The book of Proverbs. It encourages wisdom, knowledge, instruction and the fear of the Lord. What does that look like? How well do we seek knowledge and truth? Do we value these things? Or are we just moving through life?
2022-07-2217 min
Let's Be Real91. Opinions: Pride in Disguise?!God his taught me the hard way to evaluate my opinions. To see where they might actually be coming from? And am I actually entitled to them? Join me as we talk about our opinions, it is an interesting idea to meditate on, that is for sure!
2022-07-0818 min
Let's Be Real90. BOOK REVIEW: "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay)"I just finished up a 5 week book club at church reading Allie Beth Stuckey's book "you're not enough (and that's okay) Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love". We thoroughly enjoyed the book and had great discussion about some challenging topics. I give my overall review of the book in this episode and encourage everyone to read it.
2022-07-0118 min
Let's Be Real89. Two sides to Every CoinThe book of Job reminds me how small I really am. How I don't really have any reason to try to fully understand why God does the things He does. That at times He may have to put me in my place, like He did Job, by asking 'who do you think you are?'. It reminds me that I need to refocus, shift my thoughts and efforts away from control, and to focus on how great God is, who He is, what He has done for me and will continue to do.How do you do with...
2022-06-2418 min
Let's Be Real88. Let's Be Real & HonestyWith new listeners tuning in I thought it would be a good time to refresh us as to why I am here...why this podcast...why "Let's Be Real"? It's all about honesty. Being honest with others, with ourselves, with God.
2022-05-2712 min
Let's Be Real87. Faithfulness - not rejection!My social media scrolling led me to 2 very different and opposing video's of parental experience. God is a faithful loving Father, not a father (or parent) who leaves. He does not come and go, reject you, or make you prove your worth. He is a faithful father who never leaves. His love is steadfast and unearned. 2 Thes. 3:5 "May the Lord direct your hearts, to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."
2022-05-2009 min
Let's Be Real86. Ruth Chapter 4Let's close out the book of Ruth with the climax and conclusion of chapter 4!
2022-05-1328 min
Let's Be Real85. Ruth Chapter 3We see a plan unfold in Ruth chapter three, and we see grace and righteousness (hesed) displayed yet again!
2022-04-2927 min
Let's Be Real84. Ruth Chapter 2Let's walk through the second chapter of the Ruth Scroll together. If you haven't listened to the Intro and Chapter 1, start there. If you have already, listen in :) Let's talk about Ruth, Boaz and HESED! You can view the class slides HERE if you would like to follow along.
2022-04-1250 min
Let's Be Real83. Ruth Chapter 1Let's jump into chapter one, and look at the two scenes set before us. We will look at the 'Emptying of Naomi' and the 'Interpretation of her Emptying' - while seeing a picture of true covenant/biblical love - Aheb - in the actions of Ruth.
2022-03-3137 min
Let's Be Real82. Book of Ruth IntroJoin me as we talk about some important background information for the Book of Ruth, before we jump into the book and it's important lessons over the next few weeks. This is a class I am teaching in person and am recording for you as well, so I have included the classes slides HERE for you if you would like to follow along.In this episode I refer to Gideon and Jonah; both of which I have previously recorded episodes on. If you would like to go back to those, Gideon is episode 3 and Jonah is a short...
2022-03-2333 min
Let's Be Real81. Heart vs Life PrioritiesI have 'priorities' that I value and hold in high esteem in my head and heart, but don't always show that value in my day to day life. What are some priorities that you really hold dear to your heart? Do they align with God's priorities for your life? Let's pray today and ask God to search our hearts.
2022-03-1117 min
Let's Be Real80. Scripture in ContextThe Middle Eastern way of thinking is very different from Western thought, and that applies to how we read the scriptures as well. Reading the scripture in context can be challenging and can add great understanding to the things we have already learned.Kristi McClelland and her study "Jesus and Women" does an amazing job showing us these differences and walking you through how Jesus interacts with women in his life on earth. If you haven't done that study - I know you will love it.
2022-03-0418 min
Let's Be Real79. When things don't go as planned...How do you handle a change in plans? I'm not necessarily talking about BIG life challenges and hurts, I'm talking our daily plans. Do they throw you into a bad mood for the rest of the day? Or do you roll with it? I, honestly, can do either...it really depends. And today, I'm needing to renew my mind so that I can roll with it, with a godly perspective.
2022-02-2512 min
Let's Be Real78. Prayers "Heard"I at times wrestle with the purpose of prayer, and whether or not I should even ask for things, even though scripture says I can. Am I asking for the right things? I'm sure many of you have had the same questions. This week I was working through The Weekly Prayer Project Journal (affiliate link - I think) and week 4 got me thinking about prayer and what peace comes through knowing that you have been "Heard".
2022-02-1113 min
Let's Be Real77. Ephesians 4:1-16Let's read some scripture together today, and let it speak to us, meditate on it and pray over it.
2022-02-0407 min
Let's Be Real76. Exposure and InfluenceWe are exposed to all sorts of things, good and bad, all day & everyday. We also expose others to both good and bad, every day - through our influence. How are you influenced? And how do you influence those around you?
2022-01-2818 min
Let's Be Real75. What do we ALL do, everyday...?Let's talk about it... Why is it so hard sometimes? Why don't we always use them well? How do we use our words?!
2022-01-2112 min
Let's Be Real74. Goals, Joseph and GodThe New Year is always a time to set goals for ourselves, buy the new calendar, and be really motivated for a time. Let's take a look at those goals through the story of Joseph and God's sovereignty, providence and promise keeping that he shows us in Genesis 37-50.
2022-01-1413 min
Let's Be Real73. 'Buffering' and the New YearJoin me as I welcome a friend and guest, Jessica Craig, as we talk about 'buffering'! It was a new term for me, but a concept I'm incredibly familiar and skilled at. Listen in to see if you are a 'buffer-er' as well! Do you have a 'word' of the year for 2022? Do you have plans, goals and resolutions? Listen in - I think this talk will be a great help - I know it is for me.
2022-01-0738 min
Let's Be Real72. Not so Silent NightChristmas countdown is on! Let's talk about music, Christmas, Emmanuel - "God with Us" - and the history of 'Silent Night'!
2021-12-1710 min
Let's Be Real71. God's EternalityThis advent season I am once again going through a study called 'HE IS', a study focused on a different attribute of God each day - this week the characteristic of "Eternal" really stood out to me, and I share it with you.
2021-12-0312 min
Let's Be Real70. ThanksgivingThe seasons and holidays are great reminders of where our focus should be. As we head into this next week of Thanksgiving, lets remember that it is God's will for us to Rejoice, Pray and be Thankful. What are you thankful for? Can you get into the habit of writing out what you're thankful for each day? Are you having a hard time being grateful at the moment. Let's pray with and encourage one another in the effort of living a life of gratitude, because it will change us.
2021-11-1913 min
Let's Be Real69. Don't Eat Your WordsLet's Be Real is all about honestly and humbly evaluating ourselves, and today we talk about hypocrisy, and how hard it can be to see it in ourselves, and just how plain difficult it can be to not eat our words.
2021-11-1212 min
Let's Be Real68. Old Testament Overview & DiscipleshipWhat does the Old Testament have to do with the command for us to be disciples? It's so very important, its the 'Why?"!!!
2021-10-3037 min
Let's Be Real67. Myths of DiscipleshipI welcome my friend Sarah to the podcast today to recap her talk from the Let The Women Retreat Weekend, on what discipleship isn't, and what some of the myths of discipleship are that we tell ourselves. Join in for a great conversation.
2021-10-1548 min
Let's Be Real66. Discipleship & The Divine CouncilWe wrapped up our 3rd Let The Women Retreat Weekend, where we spent our time talking about discipleship. For those of you who weren't able to join us, we are going to recap our time together and what we learned about discipleship. What does the 'Divine Council' have to do with discipleship? A lot....and I'll explain more fully in the next weeks, but for now some groundwork needs to be laid.
2021-10-0816 min
Let's Be Real65. AngerDoes it feel to you, like it does to me, that the world around me is very angry...all the time...?Don't you wonder if anyone sick of being angry yet? It's almost feels like our culture is stuck in an anger rut...are you? What does that mean or look like for the Christian? Let's talk about anger...
2021-09-1716 min
Let's Be Real64. Gospel ChatWe are called to share the hope that is within us....Jesus. But sharing the gospel can be scary, sometimes we shy away from telling people about our faith. Join me and my special guest, my awesome husband, Will, as we chat about the gospel. What is it? How would you define it? How can we share it with the world around us?
2021-09-1038 min
Let's Be Real63. Grieving with HopeHope, it is necessary to have to live this life well. It is the very thing that helps you grieve from the loss of this life. Many go through this life without it, and it is heartbreaking, or at least it should be...will you share your hope with the hurting world around you? You don't know how? Wonder what you should even say? Come back in the next weeks as we talk about ways, and equip ourselves to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us!
2021-09-0314 min
Let's Be Real62. You are the Light of the WorldPeople are watching us as we go about our days...what are the people you come in contact with seeing from you as you go? Light?
2021-08-0608 min
Let's Be Real61. Christian MeditationThere is much discussion in our culture around meditation! Have you given much thought to what it is? How the world defines it and how God defines it? I'm not very good at meditation, it is slow, purposeful, and takes time. I am fast, task minded and like to get things done...not a good combination. If you can relate to the go-go-go mentality and long to grow in your depth of relationship with God, join me in focusing on the discipline of meditation. In this episode I reference to sources I'd like to share with you...
2021-07-2317 min
Let's Be Real60. Trying to get the "good life"?We have a bad habit of trying to define for ourselves what the 'good life' is by what this world has to offer. What do you consider as part of the good life? Following Jesus, and knowing Him IS the good life, not anything that we can attempt to attain, that we believe will make this life better, easier or more fulfilling, nothing on this earth will satisfy our souls. Let's redefine the 'good life.'In this episode I mention the devotion called 'New Morning Mercies' by Paul David Tripp, and I highly recommend it. You...
2021-06-2527 min
Let's Be Real59. How are you at listening?Listening. It can be hard, it is a skill we need to practice, it is how we show people they are loved and valued. How are you doing at listening?
2021-06-1814 min
Let's Be Real58. Garden Geeking and SoilThe metaphors that we see in nature to our spiritual life are beautiful, there is so much to learn from God's creation! Humor me as I geek out on gardening and soil, and how that relates to our heart condition and our spiritual walks.
2021-06-0421 min
Let's Be Real57. Living Present....and an announcement!I struggle with living in the moment, I often wish for the next day so it will all be over. Have you been there? I'm sure you have. Let's try to remind each other there is much to learn in the moment, and to try to live in the present....way easier said then done!Stick around until the end for a special announcement!
2021-05-2815 min
Let's Be Real56. It's 2am...And I am NOT a night owl! I've been having a really hard time sleeping lately, too many thoughts, too many frustrations, too many things that I am giving my peace away to. Have YOU ever been there?
2021-05-2109 min
Let's Be Real55. You are Worried are about many things...You are probably familiar with the story of Mary and Martha, and how applicable the lessons of it is. Today I needed the reminder to check my priorities and my heart condition, I'm hoping that you don't need this reminder as often as I do, but in the event that you do - listen in!
2021-05-1417 min
Let's Be Real54. Jonah Chapter 4Last week of Jonah, finishing up with chapter 4 and Loving our Enemies!
2021-05-0735 min
Let's Be Real53. Jonah Week 4 (Chapter 3)Let's pick up the story of Jonah, where our hypocritical prophet has been vomited out and is 'obeying' God by finally going into Ninevah. We see a God of Love AND Judgement, where he ushers us into his grace.
2021-04-3038 min
Let's Be Real52. Jonah Week 3 - In the Belly of the BeastWe continue in our deep dive into the book of Jonah, and we are in chapter 2. We see Jonah wake up from his spiritual apathy, and cry out to God as he is swallowed by a sea beast. His awareness of God's presence is heightened and realized, he moves to a place of gratitude and thankfulness, WHILE he is still in the belly of the beast! God is present and near in the midst of our suffering...what do we do? How do we pray ourselves out of these situations?
2021-04-2339 min
Let's Be Real51. Jonah Week 2 - Spiritual ApathyWe take a dive (pun intended) into Jonah chapter 1 this week and get to see the picture of a life 'asleep at the wheel' and completely oblivious to the world around him.
2021-04-1641 min
Let's Be Real50. 4 Weeks of JONAHI am so excited to start this journey of deep diving into the book of Jonah. To rescue it from familiarity and to look at the message that God has for us in the pages of the book of Jonah. A satire that has humor, wit and sarcasm - a story for adults to dig into, not a story to water down for a children's book. Join me as we look at the lessons that God is teaching us as we look at Jonah.
2021-04-0936 min
Let's Be Real49. Long FridayIn Denmark, they call 'Good Friday', Long Friday...I like that, it seems appropriate to me. That day must have felt very long by the time it was over. Reflect with me on the drama of that day, what it was really like, what was really going on, and what it really meant. Before we can celebrate on Sunday, we need to reflect on the death of Christ and what that means in our daily lives.
2021-04-0214 min
Let's Be Real48. Communication CultureThe way that we communicate in the States, by default (with of course exception), is not one deeply rooted in honesty. It is more the norm to be concerned with ease of delivery and lack of conflict.I believe that self-evaluation is made more difficult because of the lack of honesty in how we communicate in relationships. I am not advocating, for everyone to walk around saying whatever it is they are thinking at all times, we all see how well that can go on social media. What I am advocating, is for each of us to take...
2021-03-2619 min
Let's Be Real47. Living selfless...We start a mini-series today regarding selfishness. About living outside of ourselves and living in light of the BIG picture. This is a big topic, and a touch topic...so today I will start small with a question and a phrase for you to ponder and ask yourself honestly - this is not easy, but it is worthwhile.
2021-03-1916 min
Let's Be Real46. Even IF....and Happy Birthday!Let's Be Real Podcast is celebrating it's FIRST birthday! I cannot even believe it.We are going to talk about IF Gathering 2021 in a quick review, and some of the great takeaways I had from the weekend, and camp on counting the costs of our faith and holding fast EVEN IF things don't go as we hope.
2021-03-1223 min
Let's Be Real45. Muddy SpringI've learned to love and value the seasons that God has created. To value them for what they are, winter a time of rest, spring a time of rebirth. Spring for me is a time to evaluate what God has in store for me in the upcoming changing of seasons, both literally and metaphorically. Let's look at nature and see God, and ask him what seeds he has planted in our hearts and how to embrace his promptings.
2021-03-0513 min
Let's Be Real44. Competing PurposesAre you a planner? Or are you spontaneous? How well do you react when your plans get bumped or ruined? I had a long month of learning about my plans versus God's plans, and odds are you've had the same experience once or twice as well.
2021-02-2619 min
Let's Be Real43. RelationshipsJoin my friend Shelley and me as we talk about relationships. Who can't use a little wisdom about marriage, children and friend relationships? I think we all can, and wisdom is what you will get in this episode as Shelley shares her many experiences in navigating relationships. Listen in!
2021-02-1242 min
Let's Be Real42. DiscipleshipWhat do you think when you hear the word discipleship? Does it sound great, but not for you? You don't have time or enough knowledge to disciple someone? Let's talk about what it really is, and how as a member of God's family we are called to disciple!
2021-02-0519 min
Let's Be Real41. Talking about TraumaJoin me and my friend Kristen this week as we talk about trauma. What it is, why it can look like, and practical helps for the church as we walk alongside others who suffer from it.
2021-01-2923 min
Let's Be Real40. Psalm 22...so cool.We are reading through the bible in a year here at Let's Be Real, and we are in the book of Psalms. I had to stop and talk about one of my favorite Psalms, chapter 22. It is SO COOL! There is so much to see and unpack and we only get to scratch the surface - Listen in
2021-01-2227 min
Let's Be Real39. I'm going to see a victory...?Songs have a very powerful ability to evoke emotion in us. They get us excited, they make us cry, they help us celebrate and help us mourn. I have so many worship songs that I absolutely love and that evoke a lot of emotions, but also don't always speak a whole lot of truth. Let's talk about truth, emotion, songs and what all of our souls long for!
2021-01-1530 min
Let's Be Real38. 2020 Reflections with Jessica!I am joined by one of my greatest friends to talk about lessons learned in 2020 that we hoped are carried into 2021. Jessica shares her experience in 2020 and much wisdom gained through it all. I think you will be able to relate and will be able to take a lot away from her! Listen in.
2021-01-0838 min
Let's Be Real37. January 2021! Happy New YearI have lots of dreams, hopes and goals....always! Join me in 2021 by picking a word, or joining me with my first 'word' ever. Lets read through the Bible together this year, let's be ignitied to get moving in kingdom work and grow in our relationship with God. Let's share our stories and testimonies!Here's looking forward to 2021!
2021-01-0122 min
Let's Be Real36. Theophilus and the Christmas StoryI love reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke, but I think there are some very interesting details that tend to get over looked. Like who is Theophilus? The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth...why doesn't Joseph get more attention?Listen in and then join me in watching the Nativity Story this year, because I can't say enough good things about that movie!THEN come back in January to talk all about our goals for 2021!
2020-12-1828 min
Let's Be Real35. Emmanuel - God with UsWe have only a few Christmas traditions in our house, and one of them is a Christmas morning playlist to start waking everyone up, and it begins with "O Come O Come Emmanuel" - a cry for the presence of God, and ends with a song called "God with Us" - which is the Christmas story. Of God sending Jesus to earth to be the presence of God in flesh, to be Emmanuel, to be God With Us.Let us take this week, and the rest of this Christmas season, to be still and be in awe of...
2020-12-1120 min
Let's Be Real34. Christmas Lights and Christmas PeaceWho doesn't love the glow of Christmas lights? I think we've all been waiting for them, and some of us have busted them out early! Oh how we long for the beauty of the lights. I believe light represents peace, join me as we talk about having Peace during this season of Advent.
2020-12-0426 min
Let's Be Real33. Mercy's LightI love hearing God's stories and today we get to hear another one of what God is up to. Listen in to God's working in Carrie's life, what he has done in her and through her. I know you will be inspired and blessed by her sharing her story.If you would like to get in touch with Carrie or either of her ministries you can visit her pregnancy center's website at https://mercyslight.org/ as well has her Infinitely More ministry at https://www.infinitelymorelife.org/. You can find her active on Facebook as well at htt...
2020-11-2048 min
Let's Be Real32. SeasonsI love having 4 seasons that God has created for us to enjoy, and for the earth's needs. There are many different seasons throughout life as well, expected and maybe even planned seasons, and seasons that surprise us and may change our lives. They are no surprise to our unchanging God. How do you prepare for the changing seasons? We need to prepare for the ones that are expected and we know are coming as well as those that are unexpected. We need to dig the well before we need it!
2020-11-1326 min
Let's Be Real31. Love is PATIENTWe hear phrases all the time about how important love is in living this life well. I talk about one aspect of love in this episode, and that is the about being patient. Man, does this seem incredibly difficult right now?! How are you doing with patience? With bearing with one another? How does it affect those around you?Let's Be Real and ask ourselves, "how is our patience?" Let's notice what our lack of patience looks like throughout the day - we might be a bit surprised by our own answer.
2020-11-0614 min
Let's Be Real30. Fret Not - Psalm 37This week Psalm 37 was read over me and it really spoke to my heart, and was very encouraging. Today I will read it over you, and hope it speaks to your heart as well.But before I even get there, I might go off on a 4 minute rabbit trail about gaining 'knowledge' in the scripture - I guess I couldn't help myself!
2020-10-3009 min
Let's Be Real29. UnityAll throughout scripture we see believers being called to live in UNITY, to have one mind and one heart. In this episode I introduce an opportunity this coming Advent season to do a study together in Christian unity, and talk about how important unity is, and where we see the failings and divisiveness in our society, because of unity. Let's begin to work together as a body of believers with the common purpose of pointing others to Christ!
2020-10-2320 min
Let's Be Real28. The God of HopeThis week we continue talking about Hope, and we talk about the Hope that we know through God's word, the hope that IS God and his character, nature and attributes. We talk about our imaginations and thoughts, how we learn and pray, and visualize hope, and leave with a challenge of what to, and not, to focus on in light of hope!
2020-10-1628 min
Let's Be Real27. Biblical HopeI just wrapped up the 2nd Annual "Let the Women Retreat" weekend where we talked about biblical hope. Listen in for the first of two podcasts where I recap what we learned in our time together. This week, the difference between worldly hope and biblical hope and one of the ways we experience it in the here and now. Next week we'll talk about hope in the context of God and his character!
2020-10-1234 min
Let's Be Real26. The Power of WordsAre we just talking? Or are we saying something? Our words carry a lot of power, lets acknowledge the weight they carry and use them well. Are we trying to get a desired outcome over communicating our hearts? Join me in a short and sweet reminder to be aware of our words...
2020-09-2514 min
Let's Be Real25. 20-20-20 UpdateAn update to episode #4 and all of my ambitious goals for the year, and reflections of what I've learned about myself so far in 2020, and a challenge for us to finish out the year sowing and reaping, being kind to ourselves and having realistic expectations!
2020-09-1822 min
Let's Be Real24. God's stories are never boring!In this episode I get to talk to my friend Callie about her faith journey and she shares her fascinating testimony with us - a path from Christianity to Judaism and back. She shares the next endeavor in her journey, which is joining her friend Jackie and creating a podcast about women leaving fundamentalist communities, and how they want to be a resource and encouragement to women in similar situations that they themselves have walked through. The conversation is incredibly interesting & enlightening - I hope you will listen in to this episode, then go find their podcast...
2020-09-1144 min
Let's Be Real23. AnarchyAnarchy is a word that we are hearing a LOT lately - but what does that have to do with us? In our personal lives? Let's talk about an idea I call 'Anarchy of the Heart'. You may not want to hear this idea, but this is where we have to be willing to 'Be Real' in our walk with the Lord, and what that looks like in the lives we live.
2020-09-0425 min
Let's Be Real22. Who Loves Drama?As believers, created in God's image, we are created for a love of drama. But where do we fill up on drama? In the pages of Scripture, the character of God, and the power of the Gospel? Or in the happenings of this world? Let's Be Real and honest with ourselves, as we evaluate our need for drama!
2020-08-2820 min
Let's Be Real21. Prayer and WartimeI believe our default is to live as if we are living in peacetime, but as believer's we are living every day in a battle. We must live and unite as if it is wartime, and start our fight with prayer. Join me in a challenge of living in wartime and in a night of prayer!
2020-08-2111 min2020-08-1418 min
Let's Be Real19. Gospel Primer Week 3Ephesians 2:11-22 talks about the reconciliation of the Saints into one body, and into God's family. As we talk about rehearsing the truth's of the gospel, I believe focusing on 'our Inheritance with the Saints', is a very practical and helpful aspect of the gospel to remember.
2020-08-0716 min
Let's Be Real18. Gospel Primer Week 2We continue our look at the book 'A Gospel Primer' by Milton Vincent. We fight a daily battle, one that is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces - that is why our daily protection that gospel offers is so important. We also talk about resting in Christ's righteousness rather than in our own...join in as we continue to talk about ways that the gospel informs and can encourage our daily lives.
2020-07-3114 min
Let's Be Real17. The Gospel...God's PowerLet's take the next couple of weeks to talk about a book called "A Gospel Primer" by Milton Vincent, where we will learn helpful hints on how to rehearse and preach the gospel to ourselves everyday. This week we'll talk about one way to meditate on the Gospel, and how it is called in scripture, "God's Power". Get the book and follow along with me and I highlight some of my favorites that he teaches, or listen in for the next 3-4 weeks.
2020-07-2414 min
Let's Be Real16. What to Expect When You're ExpectingWe look at the story of Namaan the Leper in 2 Kings 5, to see a picture of how expectations can blind us from God's working, and how people can encourage others in their faith in the midst of those expectations.
2020-07-1719 min
Let's Be Real15. PeaceJohn 14:27 Tells us that Jesus gives us His Peace...We already have it! So why don't we always feel peaceful? Maybe that is because we give it away.
2020-07-1016 min
Let's Be Real14. TimeTime goes FAST... Crazy Fast! Who needs a reminder to slow down and live in the moment? This girl! This 4th of July weekend, in a weird and different time for us all, let us reflect on the gift of time each day, and live in the present.
2020-07-0314 min
Let's Be Real13. Party in Psalm 73! (Pity Party that is...)This week came a day of great frustration for me, that resulted in a pretty solid pity party! Who else has been there? But I LOVE it when God reveals himself to me in such a timely way, to help encourage and challenge me, with what is going on in my life in the moment. God's goodness is amazing.
2020-06-2618 min
Let's Be Real12. Sandpipers, Blacktop & Sleep ApneaGod uses interesting things in our lives to remind us of His teachings and of Himself. In this episode we talk about the threats in life that we experience. How the devil tries to weaken our faith and dependence on God in many different ways, and how we can be on the look out for those threats.
2020-06-1933 minLet's Be Real11. Confession TimeI find myself in a cycle of finding it difficult to sit, be still and be in God's word. Have you ever been there? I'm sure I'm not alone...lets join together and encourage each other to Seek Him First.
2020-06-1213 minLet's Be Real10. Walk by the Spirit...Love.As believers in the good news of Jesus Christ, the gospel, we receive freedom in Him. Jesus, because of his death and resurrection, He alone fulfilled the law and we are no longer oppressed by it. Because of Jesus, we live in the Spirit! Let's look at Galatians 5 what it means to walk by the Spirit...and in turn, love.
2020-06-0519 min
Let's Be Real9. QuestionsQuestions are a good thing, a healthy part of the learning process. We need to be humble enough to ask questions and to acknowledge it's part in growth, understanding and wisdom. Let's take a peek at Acts 8 and the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and Phillip!
2020-05-2920 min
Let's Be Real8. "Truth"My daughter wanted me to name this episode, "Spittin' Truth" - but that is way too teenager-esque for me! So it is just "Truth". I believe it is very important for us as believers to be paying attention to how we use, and possibly overuse, the word "truth" and what this word usage looks like and means in our culture and in our faith. Join me for episode 8!
2020-05-2214 min
Let's Be Real7. Biblical Self CareI am joined by my friend Natalia as she shares a story important to her out of 1 Kings...a model of biblical self care...eat, nap & rest well! Doesn't that sound great?
2020-05-1533 minLet's Be Real6. Thanksgiving +...Living a life of thankfulness and gratitude is SO important! God calls us to be thankful in all circumstances...but lets not forget about Praise!
2020-05-0814 min
Let's Be Real5. God writes the best stories!Join me as I talk to my friend Sarah, about her faith journey and hear a story of hope! From a difficult childhood to a saving faith, from seeing God as a disappointed dictator to acknowledging him as her Father. I know you will be encouraged by her sharing God's working in her life.
2020-05-0140 minLet's Be Real4. 20-20-20I set some goals for myself for 2020. One of them was to memorize 20 verses, and the first on the list is 2 Corinthians 4:16, "So we do not lose heart, though our outer self is wasting away our inner self is being renewed day by day."What does this verse look like in your life? Join me as I talk about what it looks like in mine!
2020-04-2420 minLet's Be Real3. Lessons from GideonI have learned a lot from Gideon, and relate to him all to well. From insecurity and doubt, to obedience and victory. We are enough because we have God. It is in our inability and weakness that he is strong through us. Thank you God that you are sufficient for all my needs!
2020-04-1724 minLet's Be Real2. WorshipThis slowed down time during the Corona Crisis, that has us "Safer at Home" is a perfect time for us to take a look at our lives and hearts, and evaluate what we worship!
2020-04-1015 minLet's Be Real1. It's great to meet you!My name is Erika and I am incredibly excited and rejuvenated by the word of God, all the things he teaches me and all the truth he has for each of us and for our lives. I am less enthused by all the flaws I see in me and all the work I need to address in my life each day. In this episode I introduce myself and my story thus far, where I come from, who I am, what I've done and where I am going...which honestly - I'm not entirely sure where that is yet.
2020-04-0316 minLet's Be RealLet's Get Started Already!It has taken me a little bit to get the courage to start up this podcast. To work through the fear and insecurity, and trust God with whatever His plan is. So Let's get started already!My goal and passion for this podcast is that as women of faith we can discover what it looks and feels like to be humble and honest in our walk with the Lord. To see how authenticity with ourselves, and others, can deepen our relationship with God, and how that growth not only effects our lives, but also how it impacts...
2020-03-2702 min