Sometimes I would go into my apartment after work on Friday evening and not come out until Sunday. Having talked to no one. Having seen no one. Then I would go to church and even though I talked to a few people it didn’t make a difference. My lips moved but my soul still ached. I knew that in a few short minutes in would be over. I’d be back in my apartment again – alone.
Nothing reminds you that you’re single like weekends do.
After I moved inside the city (before I lived outside of Atlanta), I became more involved at church, and my community grew. There were less desperately lonely moments, but they never went away totally.
No matter how big your social circle there are going to be lonely times when you’re single. The choice is whether you fall into them or resent them. I pray you fall into them.
Yesterday we started the conversation answering the question, “Do Christian singles have to go to church?”, and the conclusion I drew was, yes, Christian singles should go to church. I’m sure that’s not surprising.
Last week I was listening to a podcast. It was training for my direct sales business, but the speaker is a Christian and runs a Christian-based business so she prays at the beginning and end of the podcasts and includes Bible references throughout her teaching.
She mentioned in this particular training that over the past year God had led her to no longer attend church but spend time with Him at home reading the Bible, listening to sermons online and doing “church” there.
When she made this comment something in my Spirit made me raise my eyebrows and then made me question her teaching. (more…)
The past few days I’ve been counting down. Four more days of 2013. Three more days of 2013. Two more days of 2013. I don’t know if it’s age or what, but each year I become increasingly more nostalgic about it ending.
Image courtesy of Digital Art/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Sometimes a year’s ending is a welcome close, like walking out of that last final exam for the semester. For me, that year was 2010. It was the most tumultuous year I have yet to experience.
Other times it’s not the year you’re stepping into that’s a relief, but the one you’re stepping out of. What’s awaiting you on the other side of December 31st is a big question mark. A question mark stuffed with fear. (more…)
I have to tell you, I’m a full-on morning person. My very favorite time of day is 5 o’clock in the morning. I come downstairs, black still covering the pre-dawn air, my big overstuffed chair with tufted buttons waiting for me, and of course, the coffee already brewed.
After pouring that first cup, and sitting deep into my chair, legs folded up criss-crossed, my chatting begins. I talk to Jesus, there in the silence, sometimes even out loud. Then I open my Bible. And He talks back. (more…)
Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I am totally addicted to podcasts. They are the best part about having an iPhone. I can now listen to pastors and writers and bloggers from all around the country (and even world) while brushing my teeth!
If you’re not familiar with podcasts, they are digital files – like audio or video files – that can be downloaded onto a portable electronic device. And of course, there’s a podcast app. Nowadays, many churches have their weekend sermons available for download as podcasts for you to listen to or watch anytime you want. Many writers, bloggers, and business people also produce podcasts.
My favorites change every so often, but here’s what I’m listening to now:
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
This one’s a staple. I am slightly biased because this is where I went to church when I lived back home in Atlanta. But besides that, Andy Stanley is still one of my favorite pastors. What I love about his sermons is that they are rich in the Bible but very practical. After listening to one of Andy’s sermons, I feel like I’ve learned something new about the Bible and I know how to use what I’ve learned in my life! A supplement to the weekend messages is the Your Move podcast by Andy. It is from past sermon series.
Oh wow!! I can’t say enough! Right now this is my absolute favorite pastor to listen to! I appreciate the depth of Bible teaching that Matt Chandler uses. After listening to a sermon, I feel like I’ve been in a seminary class. I also appreciate his no-nonsense approach. He talks about tough topics and doesn’t apologize for it or go for a “feel good” approach.
With Matt Chandler, this is a top favorite! And it has its very own app. Who know how you have these questions you want to ask your pastor but never get the opportunity? Like “Would you attend a gay ‘wedding’?” Yes, that’s on there. If I have a quick question about something, I check here first just to see what John Piper has to say about it.
This pastor I found out about through reading Beth Moore’s blog. He is Beth’s son-in-law. I’ve listened to him a few times, but I really like his messages. I tend to like pastors who dive head first into the Bible. Curtis does that.
I haven’t listened to Craig Groeschel in a while , but I do like his preaching. In my opinion, his style is a little easier on the brain, meaning that it’s not as deep maybe or theological as say Matt Chandler, but I still recommend him!
Do you know Tsh from The Simple Mom blog? Well, she does a very fun blog about, well really, anything! From blogging and writing to traveling and renovating homes to public school and homeschool, she talks about all of it. The format of her podcast is her and another blogger talking just like they would talk if they were sitting together over coffee. It’s a lot of fun!
This one’s just fun! It’s a new one for me, I haven’t listened for long, but this two moms talk about everything, too. And they do it with a lot of humor! When you want to relax, listen to The Big Boo Cast!
How can you go wrong with Michael Hyatt, right? Every one of his podcasts are very practical and at the same time inspiring. No matter what “business” you’re in – even the stay-at-home-mom business – you can glean tons of wisdom from Michael Hyatt.
And here is one that I want to check out but just haven’t yet – The City Church by Jude Fouquier. Have you listened to him? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
This list is obviously not exhaustive! What would you add? What are your favorite podcasts?
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