Spirituality For Ordinary People

Episode 27 of the podcast features an interview with Bethany Jett. Bethany is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. She has worked on all kinds of projects, including the moving book, Through the Eyes of Hope. She is also one of the founders of the new Serious Writer Academy.It was truly wonderful to talk to Bethany. She and I met about 18 months ago at the only writers' conference I have ever attended. Since then, we've continued a friendship, mostly talking about writing, and connecting regularly on an online Writers' Chat that she has helped organize.Bethany is very open about her life and some of the struggles she faces, particularly with having a military spouse that can be posted overseas. In this interview, she really shows both her strength and vulnerability.Some of What We Talk About:Living the life God has made for youThe importance of Youth groups for teens.Talking to God throughout the day as a Spiritual PracticeFinding God in the midst of the day to day momentsHow finding time for God becomes mor

Episode 26 of the podcast features an interview with S.D. (Sam) Smith. Sam is the author of The Green Ember books and is a co-founder of Story Warren, a website for parents and others dedicated to helping foster holy imagination in children.Sam and I have a great time on this interview chatting about what it means to anticipate the kingdom of God, why the imagination is important, and some of the resources he uses to remain connected to God.Some of What We Talk About:Anticipation of the Kingdom of GodLiving by an ethic that reflects the Kingdom of GodTeaching and writing books for children that reflect ChristianityWhat "Kindling imagination” and “holy imagination” meanMatthew 13 - Parables about the Kingdom and the importance of storyHow stories are powerful and shape us as people right from childhoodConnections to God that are present in the writing of The Green Ember and in Del Ryder and the Crystal Seed.Hope and light embedded in story is vital as we have enough dark in our livesIncarnational SpiritualityC

Episode 25 of the podcast features an interview with Sundi Jo Graham. Sundi Jo is an author and blogger, and is the founder of a ministry called Esther’s House of Redemption, which is a faith-based residential discipleship program, located in rural Missouri, offering hope to broken women. They serve women from all backgrounds, ages 18+, who struggle with life-controlling issues, such as alcohol and drug addictions, depression, self-harm, the aftermath of physical and sexual abuse, and more.You'd think this episode might be super-heavy, but Sundi Jo is great at tackling big issues with grace, kindness, and simplicity.Some of What We Talk About:Why forgive and forget doesn’t work.Forgiveness is a big part of healing.The importance of actually facing your brokennessForgiveness is not a one-time thingAsking God to be your KeeperThe importance of reading the Bible and PrayerCounselling matters, friendship mattersWhy thinking we’re okay on our own is pridefulMorning routines: coffee and scriptureJournallingListenin

Episode 24 of the podcast features an interview with Adam Weber. Adam in the pastor of Embrace Church in Sioux Falls, SD, and is the author of Talking to God: What to Say When You Don’t Know How to Pray. What a phenomenal conversation. Adam has tons of energy, so much depth, and wants to help people connect with God in real ways. His book does just that!  It is great for people who don’t know much about prayer or God and it provides encouragement for long-time Christians while being engaging for new Christians.Some of What We Talk About:Challenges in our prayer livesStaying connected to Jesus through prayerHow prayer gets missed in our busy livesThe joy that comes from connecting with ChristMaking prayer routine and converting thoughts into prayersHow it is okay to ask people for help.The importance of surrendering control to God.Why we waste time on worry and stress about life goals instead of praying for discernment from God and asking God for wisdom about what to do.How to understand God’s calling and the

Episode 23 of the podcast features an interview with Lindsey Brackett. Lindsey is a writer of beautiful words. From her about page, Lindsey writes: "I like to string words together and make stories and images and memories that live and move and breathe in the confines of the imagination.” She observes life, beauty, grace, and God. Her first novel, Still Waters - (released on Sept 8, 2017), has forgiveness as its core theme. Some of What We Talk About:What does it mean to be “worthy” of forgiveness?What are the limits of human forgiveness?What does “spirituality” mean?Spirituality is about seeking fellowship with God and trying to see God every day.Being created with a need to connect with the spiritual because God wants to have a relationship with you.Every day is a gift and that ordinary things can be God teaching us.Writing as an overflow of the experience of God.Being in community through writing.Using your gifts in service for all kinds of people.How fiction and different genres helps people enter into a

Episode 22 features an interview with Steve Brown. Steve is the president of Arrow Leadership, which is an organization focussed on developing Christian leaders. We talk about how we often want a "balanced life," but that this might be quite different from a Christ-centered life. Steve is passionate about helping people develop sustainable rhythms that support a life centered on Jesus. Some of What We Talk About:Gaining basic awareness that God loves you, and why this is so importantGetting out of a performance mindset with GodServing from acceptance versus serving for acceptance.The danger of seeking “balance” in lifeBeing Christ centered rather than seeking balanceWhat are the sustainable rhythms that support a Christ-centred life?Having a plan, a place, and a time to connect with GodPraying for God to teach you to abide, and praying on the armor of GodHaving a Prayer calendarThe value of Sabbath and how our society suffers from “hurry sickness”Links and Resources:arrowleadership.orgsharpeningleaders.comLea

Episode 21 features an interview with Steve Weins. Steve is the author of Whole and Beginnings. He is the pastor of Genesis Covenant Church and had a podcast called This Good Word. This interview is packed with great stuff - what an amazing conversation! We spend most of the time speaking about Steve’s latest book, but it is a pretty free wheeling conversation. So much fun!Get Steve's latest book, Whole: Restoring What is Broken in Me, You, and The Entire World Some of What We Talk About:The wide inclusivity of restoration.What is broken and why do we need restoration?Shalom as wholeness (restoring what is broken)Moving to wholeness is a hopeful journeyThe arc that shoots through all of scripture is restorationWhat is the difference between a self-improvement project and a journey?How you find joy in the everyday, and why is joy important?He asked Eugene Peterson, “what do you think pastors are struggling with today?” The answer is so great, and tough to hear.What is the connection between the promised land a

Episode 20 of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast features an interview with Michael Priebe. Michael is the author of The Lovely Grind: Spiritual Inspiration for Workdays, a collection of 90 devotions for stress relief and personal growth. Some of What We Talk About:What do people need in their working life?What is spiritual health and its relation to physical health?Staying in a job and bringing meaning to it.What is Calling and Vocation?What does it look like to speak about faith in the workplace?Finding joy in the midst of regular life.Links and Resources:Michael Priebe's WebsiteThe Lovely Grind WebsiteBuy The Lovely Grind on AmazonThe Other Six Days by Joseph McLellandMoments of Peace in the Presence of GodThe One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattbrough.substack.com

Episode 19 features an interview with Erica Barthalow. Erica has been in various forms of ministry in her life, including three years as a missionary in India. She wrote a not so typical book about her experience there. It’s called Holy Doubt: Finding Hope When Faith is a Struggle.  She admits that three months into her time in India she felt abandoned by God. Some of what we talk about in the interview:What questions to ask about God: Is God good? Does God cause bad things to happen to us?Unlearning our assumptions about GodIf we follow Jesus will we always be safe?What are the stories of faith that get told? How do we tell stories of doubt and struggle?How we are changed by living in or visiting a different culture.Not being legalistic about reading the Bible, but attempting to read every day and read through the Bible in a yearPraying throughout the day vs. setting aside time to pray. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit m

Episode 18 of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast features an interview with Jann Martin. Jann is a children’s author and has previously served as a youth leader at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Westland, Michigan and as the Director of Family Ministry at Faith Community Presbyterian Church of Novi, Michigan. Jann has an interesting story of falling into the calling of writing, after not being able to find a children’s story for a Christmas Eve Service. God asked her to write one, so she did. Several months later it was in print! The main theme that emerged in this conversation was how to hear God speaking. What a great and important theme!  Some of what was covered in this episode: When God blocks one path and opens anotherHow we deal with the "real life” strugglesNot settling for simplistic answers in situations of pain or sufferingReading devotional material and a chapter of Scripture per day.How do you hear God speaking?The importance of going to Church when you feel disconnected Links and Res

Episode 17 of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast features an interview with Kelly Edmiston. Kelly is the student minister at First Colony Church of Christ. We pack a ton of amazing stuff in this episode, as you can see from the notes below. Such a great conversation!Some of What We Talk AboutWhat happens when we don’t “feel it” in our spiritual life?Making feelings and experiences into idols. Seeking them instead of seeking God.When God might use a period of spiritual drynessHow do we stay obedient in the absence of emotion?There is no separation between sacred and secular - all is spiritualMaking spiritual practices tangibleBreath Prayers (e.g. “I am weak, but you a strong”)Silence as a spiritual practice and what to do about distractionsBe patient, gentle, and generous with yourselfFinding help for the Spiritual life in deep sources (e.g. Julian of Norwich)What is the relationship between suffering and the spiritual life?The metaphor of pregnancy and labor for the spiritual life.Kelly's Articles on

Episode 16 of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast features an interview with author and podcaster James Prescott. We talk a bunch about James' book, Mosaic of Grace, and also touch on themes related to his podcast called Poema on the intersection of faith and spirituality.From the Intro to the Episode - I mention:That I happened to be on the Poema Podcast as a guest last week (beginning of July 2017). You can listen here.That I've started a Patreon Page where you can support the podcast for as little as $1 a month (did you know it actually costs me to produce this podcast every week?). I'll steal a line from one of my favorite podcasts. You can support the podcast for less than a coffee a month! Visit the Patreon Page and check out the free stuff if you support at the $2 level or higher!What we talk about in this episode:What is Grace really?The Japanese art of kintsugi (re-making broken pottery with gold joinery) as a metaphor for graceHow Jesus includes and loves us even when we turn from God."Poema"

Episode 15 of the podcast features and interview with Scott Perkins. He is a discipleship coach and the author of the book Tree of Lies: Transforming Decisions, Behaviors, and Relationships By Gaining Perspective On Your Identity in Christ. We have a fantastic conversation about what identity in Christ really means, and the dangers of basing our identity and value in other things.Visit Scott’s website for a special bonus just for listeners of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast!Quotes:“Ministry happens wherever you are.”“In our weakness and vulnerability there can be great power.”"The central lie that we tend to believe is that we need something in addition to or in place of God for wholeness.”"If your first thought when it comes to developing a rhythm of life is 'I don’t have the time' this might be an on-road to understanding your identity."In this episode, we discuss:The challenges of ministry in the ChurchChallenges for congregational leaders, trap of numbers, double standards for pastorsThe proble

Episode 14 of Spirituality for Normal People features a fantastic interview with Stephanie Jones. Stephanie is known as the Giving Gal, having given a gift every day for over 500 days. She is the author of The Giving Challenge.What we talk about:What does it means to give a gift?Recognizing opportunities to give a giftHow gift giving moves us away from being judgmentalListening to that “nudge” within youGift-giving is about the other person.Not being scared of rejection when it comes to giving gifts.Thinking carefully about how Jesus would treat people.How giving is more than making donations to a church or other organizationThe importance of IntentionalityStarting Small with Acts of KindnessTaking action even when we don’t feel like it - the magic of starting!Obedience, faithfulness, and just showing upResources and Links from this episode:Stephanie's Book - The Giving Challenge29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life by Cami WalkerStephanie’s list of over 500 days of givingLeadership BibleMini-H

Listen in as Matthew Brough talks about Psalm 4, which moves from our cry to God out of distress to God addressing our propensity to seek for peace in all the wrong places, to dealing with resentment at others' prosperity, to God granting us peaceful rest. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattbrough.substack.com

Episode 13 features an incredible interview with Glen Soderholm. Glen is the pastor of Two Rivers Church in Guelph, Ontario. Two Rivers began as a single house church of what he calls “a collection of strays, orphans, and exiles,”  born from the idea of actually being neighbours with the people you live close to. He had so much to share about the Spiritual life, including his theology of Spirituality and the very practical things he does.As an accomplished musician, Glen spoke about the role of music in the Spiritual life and shared his love for some musicians that you may not have heard of. There are some links below to some of them. Check them out!There is a discussion of icons, which is fascinating, and I've included in these notes images of two mentioned in the episode.Glen has an amazing way of remembering quotes. Check out the quotes section below to read some of what Glen said.Some of what we talked about:Spirituality is being included in the Triune communion of God.What it means to listen to God? How

Listen in as Matthew Brough talks about Psalm 3 with its powerful images of God being a shield and the lifter of your head. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattbrough.substack.com

Episode 12 of Spirituality for Normal People features an interview with Lisa Whittle. Lisa is a speaker and the author of six books. From her official bio: "Her love runs deep to see people pursue Jesus for life, grow deep roots of faith, and walk strong in the midst of a world that so often seems to have gone crazy."Lisa's latest book: Put Your Warrior Boots On: Walking Jesus Strong, Once and for AllWhat a great conversation! Lisa has incredible passion and straightforward honesty. Here is just some of what we talked about...How to deal with weariness and worryMoving from panic and fear to preparation and strengthIt is not about how you feel, it is about what you chooseChoosing to love, obey, and followWarrior boots as a symbol of walking in strengthPushing back on the idea of “brave”Receiving the power and strength of ChristReading through the Bible continuously.Listening in PrayerTaking the pressure off for our prayers to be a particular wayThe power of simpler, shorter prayersQuotes From This Episode"Choo

Episode 11 of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast features and interview with Jennifer DeCombe. Jen is the associate secretary for Canadian Ministries, working at the National Office of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. At the end of the interview, there is a really interesting conversation about inviting non-Christian friends to learn about faith.SOME OF THE TOPICS IN THIS INTERVIEW:What role can institutions or denominations play in the development of Spirituality?The ways congregations are struggling with engaging with following JesusLeadership modelling what they hope for the wider communityDaily Scripture Reading - The enriching of life through regular readingRitualizing Bible study and prayer and linking it to daily activity (like drinking coffee!)Lighting candles at supperPraying the Lord’s Prayer together"Uncomplicated" Spiritual Practices“Resetting” Spiritual Practices - self-discipline and making a decision to go to the Bible.Having grace with yourself when you are in a rut spiritually.Mini-

Episode 10 of the podcast features an interview with Rev. Dr. Margaret Mullin. Margaret is the executive director of Winnipeg Inner City Missions and the pastor of Place of Hope Presbyterian Church.  I had the opportunity to do this interview in person at Anishanabe Place of Hope in Winnipeg and Margaret was so gracious and generous in her honest conversation with me.Margaret recently received a Women of Faith Award, which you can read about here.TOPICS COVERED:Challenges of ministry in the Inner City of Winnipeg - 49% Indigenous population, a high percentage of immigrants, amongst the worst poverty in Canada, families who are dealing with generations of povertyThere is a great need to discover hope.Spiritual Practices that we touch on: Silent retreats (without any agenda), What is a Sweat and what is a Sweatlodge?; Journaling; Daily reflection time at the end of the day.Indigenous Practices and SpiritualityThe relationship between Christianity and Indigenous practicesWhat we need to know about Indigenous Peo