Commonfolk

Episode 42: In Need of Renovation

The individual who goes through a heart bypass surgery often says "I haven't felt this great in a long time," after the fact. We can be unhealthy for so long that we forget what it feels like to be healthy. This same thing happens to us spiritually. Many of us can recall a time when we were "firing on all cylinders" with God, and in doing so, we become aware of the fact that we aren't spiritually healthy. We are in need of renovation. The good news? Jesus wants to renovate us! Today we talk about how we can get there.  

Episode 41: The Right & Wrong of Routine

Many of us rely on routines to get through life. Routines are extremely important, helpful, and necessary. But there are occasional shortcomings of routines. Our priorities change through life, and if our routines don't change with them, our priorities can become out of alignment. Today we discuss the benefits and downfalls of routines, and the right and wrong about how to use them in our daily walk. 

Episode 40: Never Lose the Awe

Today we discuss the awe and wonder of God that we experience when we allow ourselves to gaze at the stars. This awe and wonder is critical to our spiritual wellness. When we have wonder, we have enough. When we stop being awed by God, we stop being content. When we don't feel like we have enough, we begin to covet things that we can't have, and that begins to slowly eat away at our soul. We can never lose the awe.  

Episode 39: Edification - The Litmus Test

The possibilities are endless. There are countless ways for us to busy ourselves. And many of us have no problem doing so. Getting things done is the name of the game in our culture where accomplishments are celebrated. But is the drive to get more done always good? With so many options to constantly busy ourselves, what do we say "yes" to and what do we say "no" to? On this episode we talk about a word in scripture, edification, that can be used as the litmus test for what things are worthy of our time, energy, and attention, and which things aren't. 

Episode 38: Everyone Needs a Gary

In this episode we have the privilege of reflecting on a life well-lived. In contrast to our previous episode where we talked about the danger of grieving what we no longer have, in this episode we talk about the incredible value of celebrating what was. Fellow believers are a gift. It is a blessing to be impacted by them during their time on earth, and a few of them are so special they continue to impact us after their time on earth has ended. Gary was a beloved brother, elder of the church, and prayer warrior. We were blessed to know him, and we feel that everyone needs to find a "Gary" in their life.   

Episode 37: What's Wrong With Reminiscing?

We hold onto memories. Good ones and bad ones. Happy ones and sad ones. Memories can be the gift that remains from a past season, but also a curse causing discontentment in the current season. God says in His Word "forget the former things; don't dwell in the past; I am doing a new thing!" Reminiscing can be good for the soul when used to cast light onto current circumstances. But how do we toe the line; looking at the past to live in the present? Join us as we talk old times! 

Episode 36: Unsustainable Hype

The recent solar eclipse brought with it no shortage of hype. Whether you got excited about it or not, it provided a good opportunity for us to think about the effects of hype in life. Faith journeys often begin with an emotional experience, often "hype," at a level beyond normal. That's why we are attracted to it - it's different than the "same old normal." Hype is often used as a tactic to get people interested. Many people grow dependent on hype as their fuel to keep going. While there may be a time and a place for hype, it's important for us to realize that it's not sustainable over the long haul.  

Episode 35: Love Opposes Fear

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." The greatest commandment begins with love. Today we discuss how love is the opposite of fear, an antidote to fear, and that a lack of love toward others is actually an indicator of underlying fear.  

Episode 34: Okay to Not Be Okay?

How are you? You're okay? Are you sure? Why do we always say we're okay even when we're not? We've heard "it's okay to not be okay," but do we believe it's true? If the bible has so much to say about trials and challenges, why do we try to hide them? Too often, trials lead to shame. But there's a greater purpose for trials. If the bible has so much to say about the purpose of trials, maybe we should fully embrace them!

Episode 33: Steadfast

Today are talking all about freedom - what it is, what it isn't, and how much confusion there tends to be around the topic of freedom these days. Understanding freedom, and actually obtaining it are two different things. How can we obtain true freedom as followers of Christ? Through steadfastness. Steadfastness in what? Take a listen!