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During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology Alli, Dr. Howard and I will exploring a few of the awesome ~ albeit often overlooked ~ theological truisms in the Christmas story. Because while Jesus is of course the main point and the unmistakable Hero of Luke's heartwarming birth narrative, if you read between the lines, you'll find a distinctive trinitarian motif as well. And the Incarnation ~ that is when divine grace was embodied in a baby boy born to an unmarried teenage mom in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago ~ was always intended to be the first of two Advents. Because the infant those ancient shepherds marveled over is the very same Messiah John refers to as the Ancient of Days in the book of Revelation who will return triumphantly to redeem those of us who've put our hope in His unconditional love. In other words, there's an eschatological component to the Christmas story too, y'all! Despite our familiarity with the nativity scene, there's still some gorgeous facets to discover in that proverbial crown jewel of Holy Writ. So please take a break in your "elving" errands and grab a non-fat, no-foam mocha latte with one pump of peppermint, or a hot spiced apple cider with a hint of caramel, or a nutmeg-laced eggnog with extra heavy yak cream, or whatever overpriced, holiday-themed concoction you prefer, and your Bible, then come prop your feet up on the porch with us. We're really happy we get to hang out with y'all today!
Hello friend. Thanks for joining me today.
Can you believe we're halfway through December? Christmas will be here in just a few days. As you're no doubt busy preparing for the holidays, I pray today's episode gives you a few moments to reflect on the Savior who comes at just the right moment.
In this episode, Christine Caine will equip you to stay strong and persevere, no matter what challenges you face. It can be tempting to think that God has forgotten about you in challenging seasons, to believe that you'll never see His promises come to pass in your life. Oftentimes, not getting our hopes up feels better than taking a risk on hoping only to be disappointed again. But even when disappointment, discouragement, or disillusionment set in, God has not forgotten you. This episode will empower you to lean into God's presence while navigating life's challenges, knowing that He walks alongside you. He never stops loving you, and He will always make a way. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
Welcome to the last episode of the 3-part Catching Whimsy series! Bob and Kim discuss the intricacies of launching a book, emphasizing the importance of timing, community engagement, and effective marketing strategies. They explore how authors can build a launch team, utilize social media, and manage pre-sales to create momentum for their book releases.
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
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Order a copy of Catching Whimsy at catchingwhimsybook.com.
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer's Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
During today's conversation on Back Porch Theology we're talking about how to cultivate a more relaxed, trusting, and intimate relationship with Jesus. My first time, guest co-conspirator on the porch is Megan Fate Marshman, a Bible teacher and theological scholar who spews joy with the same effervesce that a shaken bottle of Coke spurts soda when you unscrew the cap. And her joy is especially compelling when you find out it coexists with heartbreaking loss. I've wanted to meet Megan since a mutual friend sent me a clip of her teaching last year and I was undone by her honest grappling regarding how to cling to the goodness of God after she became a young widow with two little boys. Just listen to this wisdom bomb she dropped recently: Do we want a relationship where we strive independently, sidelining our awareness of His sovereignty or are we yearning for a relationship where we engage in heartfelt conversations with God, forsaking the need to figure everything out on our own? Dependence requires our humility - acknowledging our need for help, voicing our worries and hopes, and opening our plans for His guidance. Megan goes on to explain how her grief has given her the gift of perspective. How the math of God is abundance - how under the canopy of His sovereign mercy even pain has the potential to multiply love, joy, and peace. And how the opposite of joy isn't sadness, it's hopelessness. If you've ever wondered if gut-wrenching loss and deep faith in the kindness of God can truly coexist, you're going to meet the honest affirmation to that seeming juxtaposition today. So please grab a peppermint mocha or a gingerbread latte and your Bible - unless of course you're up to your elbows in sticky fake snow because you're trying to recreate one of those gorgeous, flocked garlands you saw on Pinterest - and come hang out on the porch with Megan and me. We're really glad to get to spend this time with you!
Hi friend. I hope you're doing well today.
The past few episodes we've been talking about what it looks like to live in a way that reflects God's glory to the world around us. We've considered different aspects of life where we can take the focus off ourselves and put it on God. For some, the most difficult time to do that is when we're succeeding. It's wonderful to be good at something but remember this: God made you good so you can make him known.
Tune in to part two of this three week series where Bob and Kim are talking shop about the editorial process of publishing. Through the lens of Bob's new devotional, Catching Whimsy, they discuss the importance of knowing when to seek feedback, how to find the right editor, and the value of crowdsourcing. The conversation also touches on the challenges of knowing when to stop revising so the writing project can continue to move forward.
Connect with Bob: @bobgoff
Connect with Kim: @kimberly.stuart.writes
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Order a copy of Catching Whimsy at catchingwhimsybook.com.
Learn more about Writing Coaching with Bob and Kim: bobgoff.com/writing-coaching
Come join Bob and Kim at the Oaks for a Writer's Workshop. Wherever you are in the writing process they are ready to help you figure out your next steps! Visit bobgoff.com/events to learn more.
In this episode, Christine Caine will empower you to deepen your relationship with God through the power of prayer. Prayer is one of the great privileges that God has given us. A privilege that we can exercise anywhere, anytime, about anything. This episode will equip you with confidence and faith to pray boldly about anything that concerns you. God is always faithful and will meet you where you are, and His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Get your free Episode Reflection Guide here.
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Christine Caine is a speaker, activist, and best-selling author. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization The A21 Campaign. They also founded Propel Women, an initiative that is dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose. Each week she brings you a Gospel-centered message filled with Biblical truths that will equip and empower you to step into the life God has for you.
Hello my friend. I hope you're having a good day.
As we continue this series about living a life that reflects the glory of God, might I suggest that includes your struggles? We all have things in our lives we would change, things we wish we didn't have to deal with. Illness, financial challenges, difficult relationships. But take comfort in this truth, friend: there is nothing you will face that God has not ordained, and he will use it for his purposes.
Celebrate the holiday season with The Hey! It's The Luskos Christmas Special! Join Levi and Jennie Lusko for a family-filled episode packed with laughs, meaningful Advent reflections, and favorite Christmas traditions. From snowy mountain adventures and stop-motion movies to reading the Christmas story, this cozy, faith-filled podcast is perfect for the holiday season. Whether you're looking for family-friendly inspiration, reflections on faith and parenting, or just a dose of holiday cheer, this episode has it all. Merry Christmas from the Luskos!
Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife
[Links]
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Time Stamps:
02:15 - Stop-motion films & snowy fun
05:10 - Levi's wild sunrise ritual
08:45 - Favorite Christmas movies revealed
12:30 - Hot chocolate, laughter & family moments
16:28 - Advent: the beauty of waiting
22:27 - Reading the Christmas story
