Shows
Curious Living74: How can we cure the loneliness epidemic?Our church participated in a demographic survey last year and we were astonished at how many people shared that they feel incredibly lonely. And what surprised us the most was that the largest demographic experiencing loneliness was young adults. So we were excited to talk with Dr. Jake Thurston to get his perspective. He is a young adult and works with young adults so he can speak directly to our curious question. Guest Info Dr. Jake Thurston is the lead pastor and church planter of Resilient Church, a growing ministry that serves a large number...2025-07-0143 minCurious Living73: How can I get my spouse to change for the better?When we get married or enter into a long-term relationship, we soon realize the stark differences between ourselves and our mate. The flaws that were invisible to us at the beginning are now, perhaps, all we see. This goes both ways because our significant other sees those flaws in us as well. Couples tend to spend a great deal of energy looking for ways to "change" their mate, when, in fact, they don't have the power to create change in others. So, what do you do? How can you encourage your partner to make positive changes? Our g...2025-06-0132 min
Curious Living72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences?In today’s world, clear communication feels increasingly challenging. With so many differences and divides among us, it’s harder to express ourselves honestly and lovingly while being understood as we intend. This challenge is especially visible on social media, where misunderstandings often deepen the divisions between us. Scripture speaks profoundly to this struggle, particularly in the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to communicate across divides. In the Christian tradition, we call this moment "Pentecost." This year, we celebrate Pentecost on June 8, 2025. It’s a time to reflect on what the Holy Spirit...2025-05-0147 min
Curious Living71: Where can we find God in Classic Rock?This episode guest hosts, Rev. Wesley Smith and Kevin Ward, dicuss the curious question; Where can we find God in Classic Rock? Our two guests this week are both avid rock enthusiasts and musicians, playing guitar in their spare time. Let's here them dive into our latest curious topic on how God relates to rock and roll greats.2025-04-011h 12
Curious Living70: What are the blessings and challenges that come with adopting a child?Our guest host, Mary Ana Smith, sits down with Rev. Carrie Wright to discuss her journey as an adoptive mom. Adoption seems to many as more of a challenge than a blessing, but Carrie feels the opposite having not only adopted two children, but also having fostered many. If you have considered fostering or adopting then this episode is a must listen! Guest Info What gives Carrie life is spending her days with people of all ages learning to give praise to God. We are all on this journey in different stages but each of u...2025-03-0136 min
Curious Living69: Can helping those in need actually hurt them?It certainly feels good to help others in need. We donate food, money, and even time to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And, oftentimes we assume that we have done what's best for them. But was it the best for them? Or, was it something that made us feel good in the moment? This is a tough question to ponder and our guest on this episode shares some incredible insights and wisdom to help us tackle it. Guest Info Kevin Ward is the Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Missions at Williamson's Chapel...2025-02-0148 min
Curious Living68: Does Questioning Christianity Mean I'm Not A True Christian?Is it acceptable to question God or Christianity if you call yourself a Christian? Does doubt mean you're not truly a Christian? Should faith be so unwavering that questioning is off-limits? These were questions I wrestled with in my youth, and I believe that misconception still lingers today. In this episode, our guest will help us explore the beauty of curiosity and how asking questions can deepen our faith. Guest Info Mandy Pallock passionately believes that lives will change as people engage with God’s Word. She is happily married to the man of...2025-01-0136 min
Curious Living67: Why Does It Seem Like Christianity Is Absent From Hollywood?We all love TV or movies in some way, shape, or form. Entertainment is a form of enjoyment for most of us. I believe we'd all agree, however, that a movie or TV show today looks vastly different than it did just 20 or 30 years ago. Our guest on this episode produces wonderful and educational Christian films and even worked in Hollywood for a time. His insight is invaluable and he provides us with great things to consider as we mull over our curious question. Guest Info Craig Dehut is a seasoned freelance video producer with...2024-12-0130 min
Curious Living66: How can we love those who believe so differently than we do?This episode is intentionally released just before election day. We know that voting season can sometimes bring out the worst in even the kindest and most loving individuals. In quieter moments, it’s easy to love and accept others. However, when those around us express beliefs and feelings that differ greatly from our own—especially when they openly voice those differences—it can be challenging to maintain that "loving feeling." How do we navigate the complexities of loving others in a time of such diverse opinions? Our guest is here to help us explore this topic, offering valuab...2024-11-0138 min
Curious Living65: How can I stay faithful when I'm angry with my church and the people in it?This is an uncomfortable topic - especially for clergy and others who serve the church. We understand anger toward the church. We get it. But how do we help those who are angry at the church and angry at those within the church keep their faith strong? It's hard ... especially in today's divisive world. Our guests today have some amazing insights to share and they do a great job exploring this curious question! Guest Info Pastors Wes and Toni Ruth Smith are the lead pastors of Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville, North Carolina. T...2024-10-0151 min
Curious Living64: Can An Addict Really Change?** This episode addresses more adult concepts and may not be suitable for a younger audience. Addiction is more prevalent in our society than we may realize. And, addiction is not limited to certain demographics - it touches them all. When we are in a relationship (any type of relationship) with someone who is struggling with addiction we may wonder if we will perpetually be the person picking our loved one up, getting them out of trouble, or being devasted by their actions. We wonder, "Will they ever heal and recover from this?" Our guest on...2024-09-0150 min
Curious Living63: Is It Possible to Balance Parenting With Full-Time Work?Many parents have pondered this question. And, especially in today's financial climate, full-time working parents is becoming more of the norm. Yet there are increasing demands for our kids - the sports they participate in and the other extracurricular activities. Not to mention trying to help our children develop a deep faith and grow within a faith community. How does a working parent manage all of this? Anna has a lot of wisdom to share with us on this subject. Guest info: Anna McLaughlin is a homeschooling mother of four, life coach, podcaster and investor. Over a...2024-08-0128 min
Curious Living62: Is Discomfort a Path to Transformation?No one likes to be uncomfortable (if you do, I'd love to interview you for my next episode!). Many of us may even go to great lengths to avoid discomfort. But what if discomfort is how we grow, how we transform? What if we are missing out on great things when we avoid the hard things? Guest Info Erik Allen, raised in a broken home, battled addictions, jailed at 18, and became bankrupt at 21 only to turn everything around. Gave his life to Jesus at 24 and is now 19+ years sober, has a beautiful wife, and two k...2024-07-0126 min
Curious Living61: How Can Christian Singles Navigate Healthy Dating in Today's World?Our world has so many great tools and resources for those who are married. In many ways, our culture is geared toward married couples much more than toward single adults. And, in today's digital age, the dating scene has become one of skepticism, unrealistic expectations, and disappointment . . . especially for Christian singles seeking likeminded partners. Our guest on today's show encountered this while she was single and felt God's call to do something about it. This episode is eye opening and provides a great deal of hope for Christian singles seeking their life-long mate. Guest Info Michelle...2024-06-0132 min
Curious Living60: What Kind of Relationship Does God Want With Us?How does God interact with us? How would God like us to see and perceive Him? What type of relationship would God want to have with us? How do WE want/need to connect with God? Great questions that many followers of Jesus ask as they work toward deepening their faith. At times, we struggle to answer this question because we were brought up believing that God is beyond us and out of reach so having a "relationship" with God sounds strange. Others of us are simply trying to determine God's will in our lives and how that ties...2024-05-0126 min
Curious Living59: Where is God When My Life Is Always A Struggle?Finding or recognizing God's presence in the midst of life's struggles can be challenging. We want and need God's support, strength, and compassion but we end up feeling disconnected from God and, maybe even, disappointed at the lack of presence we feel. If you have found yourself in that place listen to this episode. Our guest will unpack his journey with many challenges (happening at once!) and how he found God in the midst. Guest Info A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Clay Boatright has lived in Texas since 1994, where he and his wife Carole raised...2024-04-0149 min
Curious Living58: Can Clay Speak God's Language?Sometimes we don't realize how often, and in how many ways, God speaks to us. God speaks, but are we listening? What is God saying to us today? And, in what creative way is God communicating with us today? Guest Info Morgan McCarver was born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Her work is inspired by her past and present female mentors and her connection to Victorian corsetry through her scoliosis journey. She received an art degree with a ceramics concentration and a double minor in art history and business in 2019 from Anderson University in...2024-03-0114 min
Imagine Yourself PodcastHeart to Heart: Communication Tips for Couples Everyone tells us communication is key, but HOW we communicate actually enables that key to unlock the door to maintaining a good relationship. In this episode, our guest, Relationship Coach, Monica Humpal dives into the ways to make it happen. We’ll get invaluable advice on navigating emotions, boundaries, and the importance of approaching conversations without preconceived expectations.Listen for tips to transform the way you communicate and resolve conflicts with your partner. In fact, many of these tips can actually apply to ANY relationship. We think it’s a game changer. Click play if you’re...2024-02-1027 min
Curious Living57: Can Love Really Change the World?Those of us who want to make a difference in the world sometimes feel as though we don't have the power to do so. Could it be as simple as loving others? Our guest on this episode shares intriguing insight into how love really can change the world. Guest Info Paul Zolman is the author of "Role of Love." In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies Paul Zolman to speak about love? His childhood experience of...2024-02-0140 min
Curious Living56: How will AI shape our future and the future of the church?Artificial Intelligence has developed at accelerated levels over the past few years. Since the introduction of Chat GBT, it has now become an everyday tool for all of us. We are either excited about the possibilities or frightened of them (or somewhere in between). Our guest on this episode is a best-selling author who has written about AI in his novels. Through his extensive research (and his military background) he has so much to share about our curious question. Guest Info International bestselling author Jeffrey Wilson has at one time worked as an actor, a f...2024-01-0134 min
Curious Living55: What is the Christian Message in Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"?Many of us have either read the book and/or watched the movie at Christmastime. But have we truly listened and watched for how Dickens weaves Christianinty into the story of "A Christmas Carol?" If you, like me, have not paid that close of attention, this episode is for you! Guest Info Reverend Cheryl Kincaid is a Presbyterian Minister who studied Marriage and Family Therapy at Bethel Seminary and has a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Rev. Kincaid seeks to tell the story of God’s comforting redemptive grace amid an imperfect worl...2023-12-0134 min
Curious Living54: How Can We Possibly Raise Christian Kids in Today's World?Parenting is different today than it was just 40 years ago . . . even just 20 years ago. Christian parens are facing unprecedented challenges when trying to raise children in a Christian household. How can we raise our kids to know God with such obstacles today in society and in the world? Our guest on this episode helps us explore that with some hard questions and great exploration so we hope you'll join us! Guest Info Mirella Acebo is a certified life coach and mom (a.k.a., The Life Coach Mom). She has over 10 years of experience leading...2023-11-0138 min
Curious Living53: How Can God’s Grace Bridge the Divide in the World?We would all agree that today's world is incredibly divided. This division isn't just political, it's societal, it's religious, it's even within families and between friends. As people of faith we wonder where God is in that division. How is God, or IS God, working in it for good - to help bridge the divide? Our guest on this episode is perfectly equipped to help us explore that question. Guest Info Rev. Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. is the resident bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. Along with the Cabinet...2023-10-0130 min
Curious Living52: How Can We Focus Our Attention On What Really Matters?In today's world, "focus" is hard to come by. Our attention spans are shrinking by the minute and the worldly things that distract us become more and more enticing. We can easily lose the limited amount of focus we have and forget to keep our eyes upon the things that really matter in life. Wes Woodhouse shares his expertise with us so that we can learn how to put our focus on those things that matter most. To truly "pay" attention! Guest Info Wes Woodhouse is a husband, father, marathon runner, and fighter pilot. His mission...2023-09-0141 min
Means of GraceIs There Hope After Tragedy?: Guest Episode from The Curious Living Podcast produced by Williamson’s Chapel UMC, MooresvilleThis week we are delighted to share a guest episode from the podcast of one of our local churches! The Curious Living podcast is sponsored and produced by Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville, and hosted by Rev. Monica Humpal. In this podcast, Rev. Humpal helps us “explore our curious questions as we unpack these curiosities through the lens of Scripture and our Christian faith. Through thoughtful and engaging interviews with neighbors, pastors, and experts, we will walk through some common, and even challenging, questions while valuing individual perspectives along the way. Perhaps these curious conversations will spar...2023-08-1535 min
Curious Living51: Is there hope after tragedy?In this episode, we will hear from an incredibly brave woman who endured a devastating tragedy. She not only endured, but she grew closer to God and found an incredible hope throughout her experience. She shares all of this with us in this episode so we hope you'll check it out! Guest Info Debbie Wilkins Baisden, mom of four boys, was widowed without warning. The depth of pain was only matched by the depth of God’s faithfulness. A former teacher, this remarried widow is a mompreneur with a passion for helping women thrive. In 2013 she c...2023-08-0133 min
Curious Living50: How can we do better at helping younger generations be their absolute best?If you are listening to this episode and were born before the turn of the 21st century, then you may be looking at today's youth and wondering the same thing. How in the world can we help this younger generation be their absolute best when they are being raised in unprecedented times (COVID, technology, etc.) Our guest on this episode is not just talking about helping youth, he IS helping youth today and has a great deal of wisdom to share with all of us. Guest Info Motivational consultant, international speaker, and author Ahmard Vital...2023-07-0141 min
Curious Living49: Does my story matter?We all endure challenges in our lives. Then, down the road, we face a situation where someone else is having a challenge as well. Do we share our story? Does it matter? Would it really help? Our stories have power and this is one of the many ways God uses the challenges in our lives to bring about good for us and for others. But, how do we share our story? Should we? And how do we know it will actually make a difference? Our guest on today's show has recently published a book that c...2023-06-0128 min
Curious Living48: What do Christians mean by the "Holy Spirit?"The concept of the Holy Spirit is challenging for Christians to wrap their minds around, let alone those who are not Christians. Oftentimes we simply choose to ignore this part of the triune God because it can be hard to explain and understand. In this episode we will face this curious question head-on with the lead pastor of Williamson's Chapel UMC - Rev. Wes Smith. Guest Info To paraphrase Paul, if we don't have love, then there's no point in anything else we do as Christians. Helping the church grow together in love is what We...2023-05-0159 min
Curious Living47: How can my faith guide my thoughts?Our thoughts are powerful and they drive us to do all things in our lives. As followers of Christ we often wonder what is guiding these thoughts . . . is it us? is it society? is it media? or is it God? Our guest on this episode helps us sort through those curious questions and helps us land in a place where we know how to lean into our faith in such a way that it guides our thoughts, and then our actions. Guest Info Victoria Lydon is a Christian Author, Certified Christian Life Coach, Podcaster, Entrepreneur...2023-04-0145 min
Wisdom for the JourneyYou Belong. (Ft. Monica Humpal)Hey friends! I am glad you are back for the 2nd episode of season 4!
In this episode, I speak with Monica Humpal on being ghosted, being left out, and belonging to God. Monica is a pastor at Williamson's chapel and a life coach. She has so much wisdom on this topic, and I know this episode will be a good listen!
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wisdomforthejourney/
My Blog: https://wisdomforthejourne.wixsite.com/wisdomforthejourney?_sm_au_=iVV1psSRSjr0sRRH4vVRvKQvJQ6BF
Monica's Podcast: https...2023-03-241h 14
Curious Living46: How can we heal from trauma?There is so much trauma in the world - much of it is unresolved and carried around with us. It shows up in many ways - most of which are unhealthy. So how do we heal our trauma to move into a healthier life? How does our faith help us heal? We explore these curious questions in this episode with the author, podcast host, and coach Danielle Bernock. Guest Info: Danielle Bernock is a childhood trauma survivor who turned her pain into purpose as an international, award-winning author, dynamic speaker, host of Victorious Souls Podcast...2023-03-0150 minImagine Yourself Podcast6 Ways to Boost Your Love LifeHuman beings are obsessed with love. The number of songs, movies, books you can find about it seem infinite! Of course, there are many types of love, but the one we’re focusing on in this episode is the romantic kind. A few weeks back, we featured an episode with Relationship Coach Renee Suzanne called “Finding Love at Any Age.” The episode was so popular the advice she gave was so incredible, we wanted to see if we (as married women) could apply it to long term relationships and marriage. What we come out with is six tips th...2023-02-0420 min
Curious Living45: Why is it so hard to communicate with my spouse?Communication is hard - especially when you're married. Not only do we bring different personalities to the table, but we bring all sorts of different ways to think, feel, and do. No wonder it's such a challenge at times to communicate effectively to the one you spend the most time with! Our guests on this episode bring not only a ton of wisdom to the conversation, but they bring their own personal experiences as a married couple who has worked hard to figure this out for themselves. Guest Information Pastors Wes and Toni Ruth Smith...2023-02-0148 minCurious Living44: Is there purpose in pain?We all experience pain and suffering in our lives. And, we tend to respond with, "why is this happening to me?" The truth is that we may never know the "why" behind things, but we can spend quality time exploring the curious question of "is there purpose to be found within this painful experience?" Our guest today has experienced her fair share of suffering in her young life and is a true inspiration. You will be blessed by her story. Guest Info Mary Ana Smith is a junior in high school and a member of Williamson's...2022-12-1926 minCurious Living43: What do we do when we don't feel jolly during the holidays?The holidays are not so jolly for many people. Grief, sickness, financial worries, stress, relationship issues, and so many other "life" events can lead us to feel "off" during the holidays. We want to enjoy the festivities and have fun, but we just can't. What do we do about that? In this episode, we will hear from not only a wise pastor but a woman who has struggled with this in her own life. Guest Info Pastor Toni Ruth Smith is the co-senior pastor of Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville, NC. She co-pastors a...2022-12-0139 minCurious Living42: How do we truly love others?It's one thing to love someone - it's another thing to love them as Jesus loves them. Those who follow Christ feel as though they know what this looks like and practice it daily. But are we TRULY loving them like Jesus? Our guest on this episode has studied love in a very profound way after experiencing losses and challenges in her own life. Her wisdom comes shining through in this episode. Guest Information Kim Sorrelle is an entrepreneur, director of a non-profit organization, author, speaker, and lover of all people. Four months a...2022-11-0124 minCurious Living41: How can we talk to others about our faith?Sharing our faith with others can be intimidating, uncomfortable, and scary. What if they ridicule us? What if we push them further away from God? What do we say? These fears are especially strong when the person we are talking to doesn't believe in God. How do we effectively share our faith with them? Our guest in this episode is that person who once didn't believe in God. She was witnessed to by her husband and others and shares with us what was helpful in her journey to faith and how we can use those same tools...2022-10-0131 minCurious Living40: How can we "agape" love ourselves?We hear it all of the time - how important it is to love yourself. This is rule #1 when building (or rebuilding) self-esteem. But to "agape" love yourself is so much more. It's a deeper love. It's the love Jesus has for us and that's a powerful love. In this episode, we talk about how to truly "agape" love ourselves the way Jesus loves us. Our guest, Amy Connell, guides us through the importance of this practice and how to integrate this level of love into our everyday lives. Guest Info Amy Connell i...2022-09-0137 min
Curious Living39: Am I enough?This is a tough curious question to address. Many of us have had times in our life when we felt worthless - not of value to anyone or anything - and simply not enough. This leads to struggles with our mental health and contributes to dysfunctional and unhealthy relationships. And, some of us have encountered situations in our childhood that contribute to this feeling of not being "enough" in this world. Our guest in this episode is a life coach and specializes in helping us embrace our "enough" so that we can move beyond just "e...2022-08-0130 minCurious Living38: How can we care for the most vulnerable?This episode is close to our heart at Williamson's Chapel because it's about caring for kids who age out of the foster care system. We have several families who are foster parents and we are devoted to helping families who foster and the children in the foster care system. Miriam's ministry is powerful and you may feel called to join her in helping these vulnerable children. Guest Information Miriam Cobb is the founder and director at Empty Frames Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to empowering orphaned and vulnerable youth as they transition out of state care.2022-07-0119 min
Curious Living37: How can we embrace transition?Chang is hard. Transition is hard. And, yet, we all have to endure it in our lifetime. In this episode, we talk with our very own Pastor Jan who is entering into a huge transition as she enters retirement. She shares her wisdom and experience with us as well as some biblical insights that can help us move through transitions with confidence and grace. Rev. Jan Brittain has served as the senior pastor of Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church since 2011 and has been serving the church for over 40 years. Pastor Jan has a passion for preaching and tea...2022-06-0132 minCurious Living36: How can we best navigate disruptions in our lives?Change requires us to make a "shift" - in our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions. Our guest on this episode explores the concept of a "God shift" and how we can lean into that and respond in such a way that amazing and powerful things can happen in our lives and the lives of those around us. Guest Info Shayna Rattler, the Founder of the God Shift ™ Movement, is a prophetic minister, author, and speaker who empowers individuals and organizations around the world to experience a God shift that moves them out of disruption into a gr...2022-05-0132 min
Curious Living35: Is There an Upside to Suffering?It's part of our nature to view suffering as a bad thing. But, what if there are blessings that can come from it? What if suffering is a gateway to something better? In this episode we talk with a guy who can speak from personal experience about suffering and the blessings that can come from it. Podcast host Paul Granger shares his story with us and helps us recognize the upside to our suffering. Guest Info: Paul Granger has been serving in inner-city ministries since 2005, with a focus on shepherding others as they s...2022-04-0134 min
Curious Living34: How do we really know what God is calling us to do?Is this "calling" something that I'm driving, or is this something God is genuinely calling me to do? This is a question many of us ask as we try to figure out next steps in any given situation. Are we driving this, or is God? Our guest for this episode helps us sort through that question and land in a place where we feel confident with our next steps toward God's true calling in our lives. Guest Information Kevin Bjorklund is a "creative" live coach who helps his clients determine their true calling in l...2022-03-0138 minImagine Yourself PodcastThe Power of Prayer in MarriagePrayer has the power to change things and that includes marriages. In this bonus mini-episode, we dig into more of our discussion with Relationship Coach, Rev. Monica Humpal, this time with a focus on faith. So much impact can be made when we pray with and for our spouse, and so much good can come out of looking to the example of Jesus to help us with communication, boundaries and how we treat each other. In our last episode “Are You Fighting Fair With Your Partner?”, Rev. Humpal gave us lessons in effective communication that were both brill...2022-02-1208 min
Curious Living33: How Can We Be Salt and Light in a Polarized Society?It's crazy how divided we are these days. We argue over most things and we struggle to see the gray in any issue. It seems to always boil down to "I'm right/you're wrong!" Our guest on this episode has a lot to say about that and wrote a fabulous book that addresses this very issue. Check out the links below to get her book and to read more about her. Guest Information: Staci Diffendaffer is the author of Unconditioned Love: Healing Hearts and Minds in a Time of Conflict and Division. She’s passionate ab...2022-02-0134 minImagine Yourself PodcastAre You Fighting Fair With Your Partner? (w/Relationship Coach, Rev. Monica Humpal)Fighting is a given in relationships. While it’s certainly not healthy to constantly be in conflict, it is normal (and potentially beneficial) to argue with your partner. It’s how you both handle it that can make all the difference. Do your clashes strengthen the bonds of love and respect or rip them apart piece by piece? We called on relationship coach, Rev. Monica Humpal to help us fight fair and lead us through the keys of effective communication in good times and bad. In addition to opening up about some of our own marriage struggles, we’ll...2022-01-3039 min
Curious Living32: What is a “radically normal” Christian and how can I be one?Have you ever wondered what a "normal" Christian is supposed to look like? Well, let's take that up a notch and ask what a "radically" normal Christian may look like! I think we'll all be surprised . . . or, at the very least, intrigued by what our guest for this episode, Josh Kelley, has to say about this. Josh has a fascinating story to share and was a phenomenal guest. You will most certainly be blessed by his insights! Guest Information Josh Kelley has been a pastor, bartender, and adjunct Biblical Studies professor. He is a traditionally p...2022-01-0143 min
Curious Living31: Can there be joy on the other side of grief?Grieving a deep loss is a process and, at times, we may feel as though we will never have joy again. But there can be joy on the other side and our guest for this episode helps unpack grief and shares hope for the joy that this to come. We intentionally published this episode as Christmas approaches because we know the challenge many face as the holidays arrive. Others expect us to smile and have joy, as they do, but they simply don't understand how hard it is to have joy in the midst of our grief. W...2021-12-0126 min
Curious Living30: How Can We Trust That God Will Provide?This episode is packed with fantastic insights and motivation to lean into our faith and trust in a God that ALWAYS provides. Today's world is a bit scary for many of us as we are unsure about our job security, finances, and health. But our God is one that provides for our needs in ways we never imagined. Mike was a fantastic guest with great energy and wisdom to share. Plus, he just interviewed Bob Goff for his podcast (Bob is one of my favorite people!) and that episode is a must-listen. Check out this episode and walk away...2021-11-0129 min
Curious Living29: How can we provide sacred leadership in the workplace when we live in a secular world?In today's divisive culture we may be finding it harder than ever to express our faith openly - especially in the workplace. In this episode, we unpack this challenge and learn ways to overcome our fear of providing "sacred" leadership in all aspects of our life. Peggy provides incredible insights that can help us navigate this hostile climate and be the people God is calling us to be in the world. About Our Guest Peggy Bodde has been a corporate manager or leader for over thirty years and has spent her entire career mentoring women...2021-10-0123 min
Curious Living28: How is Cooking Related to Scripture?What a cool thing to ponder! How is cooking related to scripture? That is the curious question we are pondering on this episode and I'm sure you will be as intrigued by this conversation as we were! Guest Info: Jill Dobrowansky resides in Manahawkin, New Jersey, with her husband of 30 years, Eric. Together, they have one son who recently married the woman of his dreams. Jill has been a teacher and administrator in the public school system for 18 years. She is a proud member of Bayside Chapel, where she is part of the leadership team...2021-09-0132 min
Curious Living27: How can one person really create positive change?Sometimes we feel like we are not able to truly make a difference as just one person. Then, we just give up or move on saying, "the larger, more powerful groups or entities will make the difference - I'm just not significant enough." But we ARE powerful enough to make a positive change in this world! Our guest for this episode helps us identify the many ways we can be a catalyst for change. Guest Information Rick Ornelas wasn't always interested in helping others on a global scale despite being pushed repeatedly in that direction by...2021-08-0130 min
Curious Living26: Can we truly have joy every single day?This has to be one of my favorite interviews so far. I literally could have talked with El for hours! I believe you will tag this as one of your favorites, too, as El's contagious joy leads us to find our own joy in the midst of, what seems to be, a joyless world. She offers wise and easy tools for us to find joy even in challenging situations in life. And, she provides some of the best advice I've ever heard about how to change our attitude and our negative thoughts. Really good stuff! Guest Info2021-07-0150 min
Curious Living25: What do we do when God doesn't make sense?We have all been there . . . grieving, frustrated, hurt, angry. We have all had to endure times in our lives when we are devastated and wondering how God could allow such a horrible thing to take place. We cry out to God and ask "why?" Our guest in today's episode has also had moments like this and she shares how she struggled, cried out to God, and found hope along her own journey. You won't want to miss this! Show Information Elizabeth Meyers is an Air Force Academy graduate, the wife of a full-afterburner...2021-06-0137 min
Curious Living24: Why Do We Need to Worship in Person?Many churches are opening as COVID restrictions are lifted. Yet, churches are finding that the number of people that used to worship on their campus is much lower than before. Part of that is due to the concerns some have for their health as well as those who may not be vaccinated yet. However, there is a part of our faithful population that has become accustomed to worshiping at home. We will always have an online option for folks and we value the need for that type of access for those who are unable to attend in person. But...2021-05-0138 min
Curious Living23: How Can Easter Help Us Understand How God Makes All Things New?Easter is the ultimate reminder of new life, new growth, and how even after a lifeless winter there can be something new. We have all experienced a very long time of feeling lifeless - of feeling as though we want something new. With Easter just around the corner, we can embrace the "newness" it brings and especially how God makes all things new. In this episode, Pastor Jan shares not only some great insights on this concept of God making all things new, but shares some interesting history about "Easter" that answers some burning questions we all have. 2021-04-0135 min
Curious Living22: What's the best way to share our faith without pushing people away?As followers of Christ, we are called to share the good news of the Gospel with others. We want to do this, and we know we are called to do this, but so often we hesitate. We worry about how the other person will respond. Will they get angry? Will our words push them further away from God? Will we be able to defend our faith if they ask questions? What if we say the wrong thing? Our guest for this episode, Rev. Joe Precht, oversees the witness ministry of Williamson's Chapel UMC and shares some amazing...2021-03-1524 min
Curious Living21: How can we keep a positive attitude when others around us are negative all of the time?It's difficult to remain positive these days - especially when so many around us seem to be negative all of the time. How can we overcome all of this negativity? Life coach, Kerry Rasenberger, joins us in this episode to provide wonderful tools for us to put to use when we are trying to stay positive in today's negative world. Make sure you check out the show notes below to make note of the lists she provides in the show. Show Notes: Kerry was born in sunny California and has lived all over...2021-03-0136 min
Curious Living20: How can we strengthen our marriage when life takes up all of our energy?Marriages tend to take a back seat whenever life throws a curveball at us. The kids are in two different ball leagues and they are mostly out of town. His job requires traveling now. The kids are having to do virtual school now and need a lot of help with their school work. Her mom moved in with them after her father died. You get the picture. Life will always get in the way. But, our marriage, that life-long commitment we made with another human being, needs to remain a priority. The question is, how do we...2021-02-1533 min
Curious Living19: What are the hardest parts of parenting teens today and what can we do about it?Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs we have as adults with kids. This grows exponentially when our cute cherub-faced little ones become teenagers. As parents, we continually seek out ways to help our teens become responsible, compassionate, and wise adults. This is not easy - especially in today's world. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Kirk, the director of youth ministries at Williamson's Chapel UMC. Andrew is phenomenal at working with students but has amazing insights for parents as well. He also shares some great wisdom for us regarding key elements of communicating with...2021-02-0129 min
Curious Living18: How can we better respond to the changes around us?We have been forced to change more over the past 10 months than we ever have. COVID has put us all in situations where we've had to change and adapt if we want to continue life as we know it. Now, with a new year and a whole new set of potential obstacles ahead, we are facing even more change - in our personal lives, in our communities, and in our country. Changing is not simple or easy for most of us. It requires stepping out of our comfort zone and entering into scary and unfamiliar territory. Many o...2021-01-1520 min
Curious Living17: What is the most important new year's resolution we can make?It's a new year (thank goodness!) and many of us are already considering what new year's resolutions we plan to make. The question we tackle in this episode is how we can avoid the typical resolutions and adopt goals that are more meaningful and less about us and more about others. Our guest, Whitney Cassell, helps guide our conversation and offers an enlightened perspective. Happy new year! Show Notes Whitney Cassell is the Interim Director of Missions and Outreach at Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church. She has a background in teaching and nonprofit work and d...2021-01-0119 min
Curious Living16: How Can I Find Peace?"Peace on earth" is a common quote spoken and read during the Christmas season. But "peace" is far from what many of us feel. Studies show that anxiety and depression is higher than ever due to the myriad of struggles in our world today. So how does one find "peace" in the midst of all of this? Pastor Jan tackles this tough question and provides incredible wisdom and insight to help us find that peace we are looking for. Rev. Jan Brittain has served as the senior pastor of Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church since 2011 and...2020-12-1524 min
Curious Living15: What Good Things Have Come From This Pandemic?2020 has been a very difficult year for many of us. It is easy to focus on the negative things COVID has brought into our lives. But, what if we chose to focus on the positive things that have come instead? What if we found a place of gratitude for this moment in time? In this episode we will do just that. Rev. Dr. Nancy Rankin helps us take a step back and examine our lives through a lens of gratitude - even in this COVID world. Our attitude really is everything so let's join together in recognizing t...2020-12-0137 min
Curious Living14: What Will Our Education System Look Like Beyond COVID?As with most things these days we are all wondering what our world will look like post COVID. How will things change? How will they remain the same? One of the institutions that has had to make the biggest shift in how they do things is our education system. Not only have the administrators and teachers made huge shifts, but families are having to shift as well. So what does this mean moving forward? We get some fantastic insights from Jen Chaffman, a local educator and podcast host in this episode. She offers some great wisdom from...2020-11-1536 min
Curious Living13: Where is God in All of This?This is a question people of faith are struggling with these days. Coronavirus, political division, racial tensions, 2020-11-0135 min
Curious Living12: Who is My Neighbor?After being cooped up in our homes and away from others for such a long period of time, many of us may be looking for ways to get back out there and help those in need. Who are these "others?" Are they our neighbors? How can we help them most right now? Are their needs more than they were prior to COVID? In this episode we talk with the Executive Director of the Mooresville Christian Mission, Amy LaCount, to ask these very questions. She shares some important insights for us as we begin seeking ways to truly...2020-10-1525 min
Curious Living11: What Determines My Self WorthWe are living in a time of uncertainty and chaos. Due to COVID we have encountered so many changes and unknowns. There are those whose jobs have literally been eliminated because they are no longer needed. Some who are working from home are suffering because they don't feel as productive. Even parents are questioning their parenting skills as they try, and fail, to help their children with online learning. We are a community of people who are doubting ourselves - doubting our worth. Cindy Ray is a professional therapist in the Mooresville are and joins us for t...2020-10-0128 min
Curious Living10: Why Can't We All Just Get Along? (Part 2)Today's world is incredibly divisive. And that's to be expected, to some degree, because we are all unique individuals with differing opinions. However, we have lost the ability to still like one another if we disagree. In some cases, we see violence erupt due to this divisiveness. So why can't we get along even when we disagree? How is this effecting the church and those of us who are called to love others? And, how can we do a better job of getting along with others and even tolerating those who can't seem to get along with others? Find...2020-09-1531 min
Curious Living09: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?Today's world is incredibly divisive. And that's to be expected, to some degree, because we are all unique individuals with differing opinions. However, we have lost the ability to still like one another if we disagree. In some cases, we see violence erupt due to this divisiveness. So why can't we get along even when we disagree? What's the science behind that? And, how can we do a better job of getting along with others and even tolerating those who can't seem to get along with others? Find out in this episode! Rev. Dr. Mark Young is...2020-09-0132 min
Curious Living08: What Makes a Person Good or Bad? Part 2**This is part 2 of a 2-part series Our human nature is to judge others within seconds of meeting them. Depending on the circumstances, we deem them a "good person" or a "bad person" based on how they look, their behavior, or their past actions. We ponder this question today as we see more and more hostility in the world, name calling, and inappropriate assumptions being made about people. And, what would (or should) be the Christian response to this question? Are Christians not held to a higher standard when it comes to how we view (and love...2020-08-1534 min
Curious Living07: What Makes a Person Good or Bad?Our human nature is to judge others within seconds of meeting them. Depending on the circumstances, we deem them a "good person" or a "bad person" based on how they look, their behavior, or their past actions. We ponder this question today as we see more and more hostility in the world, name calling, and inappropriate assumptions being made about people based on the color of their skin. And, what would (or should) be the Christian response to this question? Are Christians not held to a higher standard when it comes to how we view (and love) others? 2020-08-0139 min
Curious Living06: How to Remain Physically Healthy When Life Is Disrupted?In these days of COVID-19, quarantine, and uncertainty, we are all wondering what happened to our "normal" lives. When will we be able to dine out without masks again? Will our kids go to school like normal? Will I still have a job in six months? For many of us, our lives have literally been turned upside down. This type of stress can affect us in many ways - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In this episode we talk with Dr. Connor Donoghue about ways we can take care of our physical health - even when we are...2020-07-1521 min
Curious Living05: How to Remain Emotionally Healthy When Life Is Disrupted?In these days of COVID-19, quarantine, and uncertainty, we are all wondering what happened to our "normal" lives. When will we be able to dine out without masks again? Will our kids go to school like normal? Will I still have a job in six months? For many of us, our lives have literally been turned upside down. This type of stress can affect us in many ways - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In this episode we will talk to Vincent and Laura Ketchie, licensed counselors from Mooresville, NC. They share some great suggestions for remaining emotionally...2020-07-1533 min
Curious Living04: How to Remain Spiritually Healthy When Life Is Disrupted?In these days of COVID-19, quarantine, and uncertainty, we are all wondering what happened to our "normal" lives. When will we be able to dine out without masks again? Will our kids go to school like normal? Will I still have a job in six months? For many of us, our lives have literally been turned upside down. This type of stress can affect us in many ways - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In this episode we will talk with Rev. Jan Brittain about how we can ensure that our spiritual life remains healthy - even when...2020-07-1531 minCurious Living03: How Can the Church Be a Catalyst for Love and Healing?This episode is full of lively conversation with a pastor from Mooresville North Carolina who is bringing white and black churches together for the purpose of finding common ground and a unified message of anti-racism. Pastor Lawrence is incredibly wise and provides some powerful insights not only as a black pastor who serves a racially diverse congregation, but as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Pastor Lawrence Williams is a native of Queens, New York and accepted Christ and became heavily involved in youth and adult ministry at an early age. In 2004, Pastor Lawrence and his family r...2020-07-0132 min
Curious LivingWhat Questions Should we be Asking About Race? Part 2**NOTE: This is part 2 of this podcast conversation with Dr. Lucretia Berry. Please make sure to listen to episode #01 as well to hear the full interview. This is one of the most important questions we can ask right now. Engaging in conversation surrounding the subject of racism is critical if we want true societal and systemic changes to take place. This is not an easy conversation to have, though. It's especially hard for the white community because it often causes discomfort. Dr. Lucretia Berry has a heart for those looking to begin this conversation. In t...2020-06-1532 min
Curious LivingWhat Questions Should we be Asking About Race? (Part 1)This is one of the most important questions we can ask right now. Engaging in conversation surrounding the subject of racism is critical if we want true societal and systemic changes to take place. This is not an easy conversation to have, though. It's especially hard for the white community because it often causes discomfort. Dr. Lucretia Berry has a heart for those looking to begin this conversation. In this 2-part podcast episode she helps us understand where to start and how to keep the conversation going. Her wisdom and background provide a safe and comfortable place t...2020-06-1527 min
Curious LivingIntroduction to Curious LivingWhat are you curious about? What questions do you find yourself pondering? I bet many of use ask the same questions, so let's engage in dialogue and explore these curious questions together.2020-06-0103 min
Metro District Sights & SoundsLeading Through Uncharted Territories - Rev, Monica Humpal and Rev. Emily Kroeger Family Ministry Pt. 2A conversation with Rev. Monica Humpal and Rev. Emily Kroeger. Because Covid-19 has forced the world to shelter in place, and although each state, has begun the opening Phase 1 and Phase 2 process, SPIRITUAL FORMATION has shifted from the church buildings to where ever people are sheltered in place together. During my coaching conversations with leaders has been how to shift, pivot, and re-focus through these Uncharted Territories into our global New NORMAL. Rev. Monica and Rev. Emily and I will have a conversation focused on family ministry and how to engage so that families are equipped to deepen their fa...2020-05-2546 min