Category: relationship with Jesus

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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:

Pastors

1. North Point Community Church {Andy Stanley}

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.

2. The Village Church {Matt Chandler}

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.

3. Ask Pastor John {John Piper}

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.

4. Bayou City Fellowship {Curtis Jones}

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.

5. Life Church TV {Craig Groeschel}

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!

6. Focus on the Family

This one is because I need all the help I can get being a wife and mother! These speakers aren’t pastors, but it’s still good, Biblical information.

Just for Fun

7. The Simple Mom {Tsh Oxenreider}

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!

8. The Big Boo Cast {Melanie Shankle “Big Mama” and Sophie Hudson “BooMama” }

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!

Blogging/Writing

9. This Is Your Life {Michael Hyatt}

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?

So who doesn’t absolutely LOVE their SmartPhone? I know I do! It’s become even more important than my purse! In all honesty, it’s sometimes too important. I definitely have to bring in the addictive reins some days.

But today I want to share with you a very positive use of your SmartPhone. Now I have an IPhone, and I really don’t know a lot about technology. I don’t even know which IPhone I have! So I’m guessing this will work with other SmartPhones, but I’m not sure. You’ll have to check.

I have two plastic index card boxes that are stuffed full of Bible verses. I have used he “index card method” of writing down and memorizing Bible verses for years, and I still use this method sometimes. I tape them to my bathroom mirrors. I fold them so that they sit up on the kitchen table. I have even kept them in my purse.

As time has gone on, however, I wanted a method that was a little easier to manage than carrying around an index card or a stack of index cards. Since my SmartPhone is always with me, I came up with a SmartPhone Method for Memorizing Bible verses. (more…)