Let's Be Real
111 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsLiving a life of faith, a life led by the truth of the Gospel, a life desiring to be more like Christ, can be frustrating, challenging, and confusing. Join me as we talk about faith and life, as we dig into scripture, we address topics and questions, all while continually questioning, evaluating, and challenging ourselves.
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Episodes
107. Yes and Amen!
October 28, 2023 02:00 - 11 minutes - 7.91 MBI've heard this phrase, "yes & amen", for a little while now, and have wondered where it came from and what it means... and as it seems to keep showing up and becoming more popular, I figured it was time to look it up. What do you think it means? Let's talk about it.
106. Meet my friend - Laura Sandretti & the Unshakeable Girls Conference
October 18, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 11.9 MBI'm so excited for all of you to meet my friend and fellow bible teacher, Laura, hear about her ministry and her NEW book! You can check them out at her website HERE or on amazon at this link My home church, Fox River Christian in Waukesha, WI is hosting a High School girls conference November 4th, 2023 called Unshakeable! Laura and I will both be there so grab your high schooler and come with them to this amazing event - its for the girls AND the women who love them. Register HERE and com...
105 Self-Control, Discipline & Focus!
July 28, 2023 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.46 MBA short discussion on the fruit of the spirit that I tend to overlook...self-control. AND an invitation for you to join us to refocus on God's work, regain some discipline and intern benefit from the self control---through the 77Discipline Challenge! Listen in for details and join the group on Facebook, we get started next week!
104 Garden Metaphors
July 19, 2023 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIndulge me! I see so many life lessons while I'm in the garden. That's where I pray, that's where I feel the closest to God, and I believe God designed it that way :) Three metaphors, one main take away - how is your intimacy in your relationship with the Lord?
103 Theology Matters
July 09, 2023 20:00 - 10 minutes - 6.94 MBWe will continue to dive into what theology really is, and what it means to us...but in the meantime, what do you think of when you hear the word "theology"? Do you get excited? Or are you disinterested? Maybe even overwhelmed?
102. Do you watch the news?
June 29, 2023 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MBI don't really watch the news, there's too much depressing information. What do you do with the 'bad news' of this world? In your own life? What is going on in that head and heart of yours? Let's look at 1 Peter 4 and talk about being stewards of God's Grace.
What delights you? What do you meditate on?
May 30, 2023 15:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBPsalm 1 calls on each of us to make a choice to live a life marked by righteousness or wickedness. It points us to the necessity to avoid wickedness and pursue righteousness by "delighting in the law of the Lord" and to "meditate on it day and night." How do you do with meditating on the law of the Lord day and night? Me, not great. Let's Be Real with ourselves and ask, What DO we meditate on? What DOES delight us? And ask God for help to see those things, set them down, and turn to Him ins...
101. Spiritual Warfare - Retreat recap #2
January 13, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBMy friend Jessica joins me for this episode to recount her session and talk at this last years #Letthewomenretreat weekend. Listen in as we discuss the importance of being in the word as preparation for the spiritual that is SURE to come.
100!!! Advent 'Love' & New Year 'Word'
January 06, 2023 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB100th Episode - and we are finishing up the Advent Study and talking about biblical Love, and the New Year. Do you pick a word or goal each year? I picked a word this year, listen in to find out what it is - what is yours?
99. Jesus is the Reason - JOY
December 24, 2022 15:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBMerry Christmas Eve! Week 3 of advent (2 weeks ago, because I'm behind) is the week to reflect on Joy. Not circumstantial happiness but a deep Joy that comes only because of Jesus. How is your Joy? How are you doing? What are you looking at for Joy in your life? Jesus? Or something else? Let us meditate on our focus this Christmas Eve...
98. Advent 2022 - Peace
December 06, 2022 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBWho doesn't want peace? Do you have it? What is the biblical definition of peace? What do you trade your God-given peace for? Let's talk about it as we are preparing our hearts this advent season. If you still want more talk on peace, you can listen to episode #15: "Peace" as well as episode #34: "Christmas Lights and Christmas Peace".
97. Advent 2022 - Hope
November 28, 2022 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11 MBWeek 1 of Advent! Advent is my favorite time of year to study and come together with others to refocus on the season ahead of us. Let's talk about the Hope of Advent. The Hope that is a person, the Hope that is Jesus. What do you hope in?
96. Spiritual Warfare & Let_The_Women_Retreat
September 30, 2022 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBWe just finished up our 4th Annual Women's Retreat, where we spent our weekend discussing Spiritual Warfare. In this episode, I'm recapping our introduction to the topic and will spend the next few weeks reviewing the lessons from the retreat. If you couldn't join us this year, I hope you mark your calendars for next week, Sept 22-24, 2023! There are additional opportunities coming this fall and winter to study together starting with Advent, a study on the book of Acts in January, and a wee...
95. Puppies and God's Awesomeness!
September 09, 2022 16:00 - 11 minutes - 7.84 MBGet outside today, observe God's nature, meditate on and be awe-struck by the amazing glory that God show's us each and every day and often takes for granted. God's glory need not be taken for granted.
94. Fear is Forgetfulness
August 26, 2022 15:00 - 10 minutes - 6.96 MBReading in my favorite devotional this morning, Paul David Tripp's "New Morning Mercies", made me thoughtful about fear and faith. And how we make decisions based on one or the other, that fear really could be considered forgetfulness of God, that we meditate on our own selves, resources and capacities often times, instead of moving forward depending on God and meditating on his faithfulness.
93. Summer, Serving and a chat with Nolan
August 12, 2022 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBI took a few weeks off to go serve at a summer camp, 'the best camp in the land', and am back recording. I met Nolan at Northern Grace Youth Camp a few years ago and have had the opportunity to watch him grow in his faith and service to the Lord. Join me in a discussion with Nolan as we talk about serving, what it means to him, why he does, and how he is blessed. If you are looking for a fantastic Christian summer camp for your kids, visit www.northerngraceyouthcamp.org If you aren't looki...
92. Are you just winging it?
July 22, 2022 14:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThe book of Proverbs. It encourages wisdom, knowledge, instruction and the fear of the Lord. What does that look like? How well do we seek knowledge and truth? Do we value these things? Or are we just moving through life?
91. Opinions: Pride in Disguise?!
July 08, 2022 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBGod his taught me the hard way to evaluate my opinions. To see where they might actually be coming from? And am I actually entitled to them? Join me as we talk about our opinions, it is an interesting idea to meditate on, that is for sure!
90. BOOK REVIEW: "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay)"
July 01, 2022 19:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBI just finished up a 5 week book club at church reading Allie Beth Stuckey's book "you're not enough (and that's okay) Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love". We thoroughly enjoyed the book and had great discussion about some challenging topics. I give my overall review of the book in this episode and encourage everyone to read it.
89. Two sides to Every Coin
June 24, 2022 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBThe book of Job reminds me how small I really am. How I don't really have any reason to try to fully understand why God does the things He does. That at times He may have to put me in my place, like He did Job, by asking 'who do you think you are?'. It reminds me that I need to refocus, shift my thoughts and efforts away from control, and to focus on how great God is, who He is, what He has done for me and will continue to do. How do you do with that? Do you try to understand God in al...
88. Let's Be Real & Honesty
May 27, 2022 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.55 MBWith new listeners tuning in I thought it would be a good time to refresh us as to why I am here...why this podcast...why "Let's Be Real"? It's all about honesty. Being honest with others, with ourselves, with God.
87. Faithfulness - not rejection!
May 20, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 6.55 MBMy social media scrolling led me to 2 very different and opposing video's of parental experience. God is a faithful loving Father, not a father (or parent) who leaves. He does not come and go, reject you, or make you prove your worth. He is a faithful father who never leaves. His love is steadfast and unearned. 2 Thes. 3:5 "May the Lord direct your hearts, to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ."
86. Ruth Chapter 4
May 13, 2022 14:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBLet's close out the book of Ruth with the climax and conclusion of chapter 4!
85. Ruth Chapter 3
April 29, 2022 12:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBWe see a plan unfold in Ruth chapter three, and we see grace and righteousness (hesed) displayed yet again!
84. Ruth Chapter 2
April 12, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBLet's walk through the second chapter of the Ruth Scroll together. If you haven't listened to the Intro and Chapter 1, start there. If you have already, listen in :) Let's talk about Ruth, Boaz and HESED! You can view the class slides HERE if you would like to follow along.
83. Ruth Chapter 1
March 31, 2022 02:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBLet's jump into chapter one, and look at the two scenes set before us. We will look at the 'Emptying of Naomi' and the 'Interpretation of her Emptying' - while seeing a picture of true covenant/biblical love - Aheb - in the actions of Ruth.
82. Book of Ruth Intro
March 22, 2022 23:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBJoin me as we talk about some important background information for the Book of Ruth, before we jump into the book and it's important lessons over the next few weeks. This is a class I am teaching in person and am recording for you as well, so I have included the classes slides HERE for you if you would like to follow along. In this episode I refer to Gideon and Jonah; both of which I have previously recorded episodes on. If you would like to go back to those, Gideon is episode 3 and Jonah is...
81. Heart vs Life Priorities
March 11, 2022 14:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBI have 'priorities' that I value and hold in high esteem in my head and heart, but don't always show that value in my day to day life. What are some priorities that you really hold dear to your heart? Do they align with God's priorities for your life? Let's pray today and ask God to search our hearts.
80. Scripture in Context
March 04, 2022 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBThe Middle Eastern way of thinking is very different from Western thought, and that applies to how we read the scriptures as well. Reading the scripture in context can be challenging and can add great understanding to the things we have already learned. Kristi McClelland and her study "Jesus and Women" does an amazing job showing us these differences and walking you through how Jesus interacts with women in his life on earth. If you haven't done that study - I know you will love it.
79. When things don't go as planned...
February 25, 2022 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MBHow do you handle a change in plans? I'm not necessarily talking about BIG life challenges and hurts, I'm talking our daily plans. Do they throw you into a bad mood for the rest of the day? Or do you roll with it? I, honestly, can do either...it really depends. And today, I'm needing to renew my mind so that I can roll with it, with a godly perspective.
78. Prayers "Heard"
February 11, 2022 14:00 - 13 minutes - 9.39 MBI at times wrestle with the purpose of prayer, and whether or not I should even ask for things, even though scripture says I can. Am I asking for the right things? I'm sure many of you have had the same questions. This week I was working through The Weekly Prayer Project Journal (affiliate link - I think) and week 4 got me thinking about prayer and what peace comes through knowing that you have been "Heard".
77. Ephesians 4:1-16
February 04, 2022 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.5 MBLet's read some scripture together today, and let it speak to us, meditate on it and pray over it.
76. Exposure and Influence
January 28, 2022 14:00 - 18 minutes - 12.4 MBWe are exposed to all sorts of things, good and bad, all day & everyday. We also expose others to both good and bad, every day - through our influence. How are you influenced? And how do you influence those around you?
75. What do we ALL do, everyday...?
January 21, 2022 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.88 MBLet's talk about it... Why is it so hard sometimes? Why don't we always use them well? How do we use our words?!
75. What do we ALL do, everyday...?
January 21, 2022 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.88 MBLet's talk about it... Why is it so hard sometimes? Why don't we always use them well? How do we use our words?!
74. Goals, Joseph and God
January 14, 2022 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.31 MBThe New Year is always a time to set goals for ourselves, buy the new calendar, and be really motivated for a time. Let's take a look at those goals through the story of Joseph and God's sovereignty, providence and promise keeping that he shows us in Genesis 37-50.
73. 'Buffering' and the New Year
January 07, 2022 16:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBJoin me as I welcome a friend and guest, Jessica Craig, as we talk about 'buffering'! It was a new term for me, but a concept I'm incredibly familiar and skilled at. Listen in to see if you are a 'buffer-er' as well! Do you have a 'word' of the year for 2022? Do you have plans, goals and resolutions? Listen in - I think this talk will be a great help - I know it is for me.
72. Not so Silent Night
December 17, 2021 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.41 MBChristmas countdown is on! Let's talk about music, Christmas, Emmanuel - "God with Us" - and the history of 'Silent Night'!
71. God's Eternality
December 03, 2021 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.84 MBThis advent season I am once again going through a study called 'HE IS', a study focused on a different attribute of God each day - this week the characteristic of "Eternal" really stood out to me, and I share it with you.
70. Thanksgiving
November 19, 2021 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBThe seasons and holidays are great reminders of where our focus should be. As we head into this next week of Thanksgiving, lets remember that it is God's will for us to Rejoice, Pray and be Thankful. What are you thankful for? Can you get into the habit of writing out what you're thankful for each day? Are you having a hard time being grateful at the moment. Let's pray with and encourage one another in the effort of living a life of gratitude, because it will change us.
69. Don't Eat Your Words
November 12, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MBLet's Be Real is all about honestly and humbly evaluating ourselves, and today we talk about hypocrisy, and how hard it can be to see it in ourselves, and just how plain difficult it can be to not eat our words.
68. Old Testament Overview & Discipleship
October 30, 2021 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBWhat does the Old Testament have to do with the command for us to be disciples? It's so very important, its the 'Why?"!!!
67. Myths of Discipleship
October 15, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBI welcome my friend Sarah to the podcast today to recap her talk from the Let The Women Retreat Weekend, on what discipleship isn't, and what some of the myths of discipleship are that we tell ourselves. Join in for a great conversation.
66. Discipleship & The Divine Council
October 08, 2021 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBWe wrapped up our 3rd Let The Women Retreat Weekend, where we spent our time talking about discipleship. For those of you who weren't able to join us, we are going to recap our time together and what we learned about discipleship. What does the 'Divine Council' have to do with discipleship? A lot....and I'll explain more fully in the next weeks, but for now some groundwork needs to be laid.
65. Anger
September 17, 2021 14:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBDoes it feel to you, like it does to me, that the world around me is very angry...all the time...? Don't you wonder if anyone sick of being angry yet? It's almost feels like our culture is stuck in an anger rut...are you? What does that mean or look like for the Christian? Let's talk about anger...
64. Gospel Chat
September 10, 2021 16:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBWe are called to share the hope that is within us....Jesus. But sharing the gospel can be scary, sometimes we shy away from telling people about our faith. Join me and my special guest, my awesome husband, Will, as we chat about the gospel. What is it? How would you define it? How can we share it with the world around us?
Grieving with Hope
September 03, 2021 12:00 - 14 minutes - 9.72 MBHope, it is necessary to have to live this life well. It is the very thing that helps you grieve from the loss of this life. Many go through this life without it, and it is heartbreaking, or at least it should be...will you share your hope with the hurting world around you? You don't know how? Wonder what you should even say? Come back in the next weeks as we talk about ways, and equip ourselves to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us!
63. Grieving with Hope
September 03, 2021 12:00 - 14 minutes - 9.72 MBHope, it is necessary to have to live this life well. It is the very thing that helps you grieve from the loss of this life. Many go through this life without it, and it is heartbreaking, or at least it should be...will you share your hope with the hurting world around you? You don't know how? Wonder what you should even say? Come back in the next weeks as we talk about ways, and equip ourselves to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in us!
62. You are the Light of the World
August 06, 2021 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.98 MBPeople are watching us as we go about our days...what are the people you come in contact with seeing from you as you go? Light?
61. Christian Meditation
July 23, 2021 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBThere is much discussion in our culture around meditation! Have you given much thought to what it is? How the world defines it and how God defines it? I'm not very good at meditation, it is slow, purposeful, and takes time. I am fast, task minded and like to get things done...not a good combination. If you can relate to the go-go-go mentality and long to grow in your depth of relationship with God, join me in focusing on the discipline of meditation. In this episode I reference to sources ...