TLR 137: Coming Home to God with Caroline Saunders

Feelings are important, but navigating difficult ones is hard. What do we do with the complicated emotions that often arise in life? Feelings that we've been taught we shouldn't feel as Christians? A lot of us push them down and pretend they don't matter. Others of us get stuck in the pain. But the Bible suggest a better way: "Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8). How do we do that? I'm so glad you asked! Anjuli's Paschall's book, Feel: A Collection of Liturgies Offering Hope for Every Complicated Emotion, has been such a gift to me. And I absolutely LOVE our tender and raw conversation. We were both in tears as we talked about the disappointments and hurts that we've faced. Anjuli assures us that rather than tidying up our emotions, we can be real and raw with God as well. Her book helps us Key Takeaways: Emotions aren't good or bad - they’re simply part of being human. Rather than denying our emotions, they can be an indicator light for the places God wants to heal. God gives us permission to feel - for we serve an emotional God! We have a Savior who not only understands our feelings, He invites us to bring them to Him. We can be honest with God and ourselves - rather than being overwhelmed by emotions, we can curious as we process them with Jesus. For they often reveal what God wants to heal. This is such an important conversation, you guys. And this book could literally change your life. Stuffing and denying our emotions only makes them come out sideways in anxiety, depression and issues with our health. How much better to bring them all to Jesus. Anjuli's book helps us do just that! Links from Show Anjuli's Book: Feel: A Collection of Liturgies Offering Hope for Every Complicated Emotion Anjuli's Other Books: Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart Stay: Discovering Grace, Freedom, and Wholeness Where You Never Imagined Looking Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Anjuli Website | Instagram

It's easy to feel alarmed when we read the headlines... Especially when it comes to the immigration crisis. Current estimates suggest over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Many of them desperate to enter the United States - legally or illegally - which causes many people a lot of concern. But what if we could balance the need for secure borders with compassion? What if we could engage with the crisis in a way that reflects the Christian values we cherish? In this episode of The Living Room, author and human dignity advocate, Bri Stensrud shares from her book, Start With Welcome: the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation. She gives practical tips on how to align your heart with God's heart for hurting people yet still advocate for secure and safe borders. Key Takeaways: Find Out What God Says: Let Scripture shape your view on immigrants and refugees. From Genesis to Revelation, God cares for all, including the vulnerable and outcast. Seek Connection Over Fear: We often fear people different than us. Get to know immigrants' personal stories, and discover the humanity that headlines often miss. Start Small, Start with Welcome: Making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures; it begins with small, intentional acts of kindness that demonstrate God's love. Rather than getting caught up in politics and safeguarding "The American Way," let's open our eyes to the opportunities to love those around us. It was the tangible, yet practical love of God shown by Christians that changed the world 2000 years ago. And I believe that's how God wants to change the world today. Links from Show Bri's Book: Start With Welcome: the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation Bri's Ministry: Women of Welcome Bri's Facebook Pages: Women of Welcome & Private Facebook Group Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Bri Website | Instagram  | Facebook

What if there's more to life than you're currently experiencing? In this episode of The Living Room, Hannah Brencher and I talk about her new book, The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. She shares tips for a digital detox, showing us how to unplug from distractions so we fully engage with the people we love and the God we need. This is such an important conversation! I hope you'll share it with a friend... Key Takeaways: Constant connectivity drains us emotionally and spiritually. God can do in rest what can't be done in busyness and distraction Feeling agitated or restless is part of the process of digital detox Start small, but begin - having a clear plan and purpose helps maintain consistency Disconnecting requires trust—trust that the world won’t fall apart without us If you’re ready to experience the freedom and peace of an unplugged life, check out the links below. Start today—and see discover the gift of quiet. Links from Show Hannah's Book: The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World Hannah's 1000-Hour Challenge Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Hannah Website | Instagram  | Facebook

Do you feel a gap between who you are and who you feel called to be? You're not alone. Many of us find ourselves caught in cycles of self-improvement and frustration, longing for transformation but feeling stuck. In this conversation with Christian psychologist, Dr. Merry Lin, she shares insights from Re-Becoming: Come Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self offer a fresh perspective on breaking free from the patterns that hold us back. Key Takeaways: Transformation is a process: Lasting change isn’t about quick fixes or external improvements but about allowing God to work a deep, inner healing. Self-awareness leads to freedom: Understanding the triggers and lies shaping our behavior is crucial for growth. We can't change what we don't recognize. Faith and psychology align: True science and scripture both reveal God’s design for us, offering practical tools for emotional and spiritual healing. This journey may be slow, but it's one worth taking—and Jesus will be faithful to lead us every step of the way!   Links from Show Dr. Merry's Book: Rebecoming: Come Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self Dr. Merry's Podcast: The Fully Lived Life Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Dr. Merry Website | Instagram  | Facebook

We only have one life - shouldn't we make the most of it? Of course, that's often easier said than done. But even when life is hard, we are all surrounded by blessings. We just need the Lord's help to see them. In this episode of The Living Room podcast, my very wise and wonderful guest, Sally Clarkson, shares the lessons she's learned along the way. Especially during her time living in Oxford, England. Her new book, Well Lived, documents her journey in beautiful pictures and moving text. I can't wait for you to hear Sally's rich wisdom and reminders that the life we've been given is more beautiful than we know. Links from Show Sally's Book: Well-Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace Sally's Other Books on Amazon Sally's Podcast: At Home with Sally Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Sally Website | Instagram  | Facebook

What do we do when happily-ever-after isn't so happy? When John and I married more than forty years ago - (wow, time goes fast!) - I was pretty sure everything would be smooth sailing. We both loved the Lord and had so much in common, how could it be anything but heaven-on-earth? In this episode of The Living Room podcast, Chelsea Damon, the author of the new book, I Thought This Would Make Me Happy: How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Marriage, and I talk about our own marital journeys and the incredible wisdom she shares in the book about building a strong, joy-filled marriage that's grounded in God and the beautiful refining that comes when we let God get His hands on us. Key Takeaways:  The inspiration behind Chelsea's book and her personal experiences with marriage Practical advice on overcoming common marital challenges and fostering joy The importance of shifting focus from self-fulfillment to serving your spouse Insights on the metaphor of marriage as a garden – weeding out sin, planting the right seeds, and allowing God's grace to grow Real-life stories and testimonies that highlight the power of love, forgiveness, and faith Whether you're married or not, I promise you'll benefit from this conversation! Discover how to navigate expectations, communicate effectively, and keep Christ at the center of all your relationships. Links from Show Chelsea's Book: I Thought This Would Make Me Happy: How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Marriage Chelsea's Ministry: Living the Sweet Wife Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Chelsea Website | Instagram  | Facebook

In a world that seems intent on pulling families apart... Chris and Julie Bennett stand firm on the importance of family as designed by God. We talk about so many things in this episode of The Living Room, because family is more than the people that live in your house. It extends to the family of God and the love we are to demonstrate to the world around us. Chris and Julie share truths from their book, Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging, including: The importance of the concept of belonging Their journey from pastoring in Oklahoma to moving to Los Angeles with their family Overcoming personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and starting a new life in the middle of COVID-19 The importance of creating a family mission statement and fostering a sense of belonging in church as well as at home How God provided and supported them through their trials Insights on building a community and the significance of family in today's culture I love Chris and Julie's honesty as they share God's faithfulness in the difficult times and the important part each of us play in the Family of God. Let's keep pressing on together! Links from Show Chris & Julie's Book: Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging Chris & Julie's Podcast: Finding Family Podcast Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Chris & Julie Website | Instagram  | Facebook | YouTube

Between the expectations and demands of ministry... It's easy to lose yourself in trying to be everything people need you to be. But that isn't what God intended. When He called you to serve His people, He called you to be YOU! In this episode of The Living Room, I dive deep with the amazing women behind a popular ministry podcast as we talk about their new book - Pastor’s Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty. Stephanie, Jessica, Jenna and I talk about the realities of being a pastor's wife as we explore topics like: Overcoming the pressure to be perfect Balancing personal identity with ministry roles Navigating church hurt and supporting your spouse The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership Encouraging every member of the church to find their place and serve Whether you're a pastor's wife or want to know how to love and support the ministry women in your life - this interview is for you! Links from Show The Book: Pastor’s Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty The Podcast: Pastor's Wives Tell All Facebook Group: Pastor's Wives Tell All Community Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Pastor's Wives Tell All Website | Instagram | Facebook

What do you do when everything falls apart? In this episode of The Living Room podcast, Courtney Joseph Fallick shares the painful yet profound journey she experienced when her seemingly perfect life was dismantled by her husband's unfaithfulness. Her book, Still Standing: How to Live in God’s Light While Wrestling with the Dark, offers hope and encouragement to anyone grappling with unexpected challenges. Topics discussed include: Courtney’s early ministry, including her blog and book "Women Living Well" The sudden and painful end of her 19-year marriage Navigating single motherhood and the spiritual warfare that ensued The importance of forgiveness, community, and maintaining faith amidst trials Practical tips for finding God's presence in everyday life and overcoming loneliness How Courtney's ministry evolved and flourished through her trials No matter what you're going through, Courtney's story is a reminder that even when life takes unexpected turns, God walks with us every step of the way. Watch on YouTube   Links from Show Courtney's Book: Still Standing: How to Live in God’s Light While Wrestling with the Dark Courtney's Ministry: Women Living Well & Good Morning Girls Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Courtney Website | Instagram  | Facebook | YouTube

It's easy to miss the Good News if we don't understand God's heart toward us. Even as Christians, we can spend so much time trying to please God, we miss the joy of simply being His child. In this episode of The Living Room, Caroline Saunders and I have a delightful discussion about the God and His heart toward us. We talk about our own spiritual journeys, but Caroline also shares powerful truths from her new Bible study, Come Home: Tracing God's Promise of Home Through Scripture. She outlines steps to a deeper friendship with Jesus and offers advice like: Practical tips for studying the Bible The impact of themes in Scripture Encouragement for those struggling in their faith The beautiful belonging that is ours in Christ Hope you enjoy the interview like I did! Links from Show Caroline's Study: Come Home - Bible Study with Video Access Children's Book: Kids in the Bible: A Storybook Bible About God's Children Joanna’s Latest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]   Connect with Caroline Website | Instagram | Facebook