In the midst of chasing that warm fuzzy feeling during the holiday season, what if the fierce and flurrying preparations were more of a distraction than a vehicle for finding the presence of the holy among us? Kris talks about what it means to be Home for Christmas in the discussion of Isaiah 9:2-7. Also … Continue reading Home for Christmas: Murder Mysteries and Jesus (Advent 4)
S3 E5: John the Baptist vs. Shopping Mall Santa
You better watch out, you better not cry... Actually, Advent is about watching out AND crying. Crying in the wilderness, that is! Changes we make because someone else ("Santa-God"?) might be watching rarely stick around. Changes we make because we are living into a preferred future have a much better chance. Susan digs into Luke … Continue reading S3 E5: John the Baptist vs. Shopping Mall Santa
S3 E4: Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Questions?
There are some things it is simple too taboo, too awkward, or too embarassing to talk about. And yet... in every question, there is a promise tucked away. Kris reflects on Malachi 3:1-4, and the prophets who are willing to help us look for the promises of God, even in our big, scary questions. Learn … Continue reading S3 E4: Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Questions?
S3 E2: Scratch and Sniff Nativity, and Other Invisible Truths
It's hard to hear an unpleasant truth, but it's nearly impossible to hear a beautiful one. Why do we insist on making Christmas so tender and mild, and what happens if we let it speak to us an uglier truth? Kris delves into Jeremiah 33:14-16 in this Advent episode of the podcast. Check out Peter … Continue reading S3 E2: Scratch and Sniff Nativity, and Other Invisible Truths
S2 E43: Game of Thrones, Ezekiel Edition
Ever feel overwhelmed by political alliances and maneuvering that seem beyond your control? Well, you're not the first. Susan shares Ezekiel's words of hope to his people in Ezekiel 17: 22-24.
S2 E38: God’s Backside
The disciples are trying to fill an open position, and try to let God make the decision for them. How often do you think God works through the randomness? Susan talks about the enmeshment of your story, our story, and God's story with Acts 1:16-25. For more information about why the United Methodist Church condemns … Continue reading S2 E38: God’s Backside
S2 E15: Demon Repellant
How do you know if the nudge you're feeling is God speaking? Kris's advice: look to see if there are any demons on the run. We dive into Mark 1:21-28 and Deuteronomy 18:15-20 in this episode, and we talk about the prophets of God, when exploitation can be a good thing, and how privilege and … Continue reading S2 E15: Demon Repellant
S2 E13: Scripture, Scapegoats, and S-hole Countries
Ever experienced something great and then told nobody anything about it? Of course not, right? Whether it's our new piece of technology, a great restaurant, a fantastic sale, a new friend, we tend to share good news. The same goes with experiencing God's grace -- we can't help but share it! This sometimes means speaking … Continue reading S2 E13: Scripture, Scapegoats, and S-hole Countries
S2 E12: There Are No Mic Drops in Heaven
While we tend to paint the stories of God speaking to people in scripture with glitter and glam, listening to and answering the call of God can be pretty risky. Samuel experiences this at a tender age in 1 Samuel 3:1-20, and we all experience call shifting, evolving, and challenging us in every stage of … Continue reading S2 E12: There Are No Mic Drops in Heaven
S2 E9: Call Me By my True Names
What color is your underwear? Got any lentils in your pocket? Any gold in your champagne? Any black eyed peas on your plate? New Year traditions and resolutions that reflect our hopes abound this time of year as we visualize ourselves differently: with more money, more love, more travel, more beauty. Kris digs into how … Continue reading S2 E9: Call Me By my True Names
Sunday Morning Sleep-In 