The Living Room with Joanna Weaver

Life offers lots of reasons to be anxious... But God invites us to calm our hearts and still our soul by learning to rest in Him. No matter what we face. In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, best-selling author Linda Dillow shares how God has taught her to trust Him more - and the beautiful ministry He's opened to her in war-torn countries like Ukraine. This interview had me in tears - it's just that good. Hope you'll share it with a friend. Links from Show Linda's Book: Calm My Anxious Heart Other Books: What's It Like to Be Married to Me? Creative Counterpart [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.]

Let's be honest...building friendships with other women can be difficult! Even as Christians, fear of rejection, insecurity and the snare of compare often make us hold each other at a distance. In this episode, Jenn Schultz and I talk about her new study, She's Not Your Enemy: Conquering Our Insecurities So We Can Build God's Kingdom Together. Satan loves to divide and conquer, but God wants us to push back the obstacles and step into the sweet sisterhood He wants for His daughters. Links from Show Jenn's Book: She's Not Your Enemy: Conquering Our Insecurities So We Can Build God's Kingdom Together (Book Purchase Includes 10-session Video Bible Study) Jenn's Website Resources [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Jenn Website | Instagram | Facebook

Is God calling you to take a leap of faith? It's risky stepping out when God calls...but its even riskier not to obey. In this episode of The Living Room, Rachel G. Scott shares from her book, Taking the 5 Leaps of Faith: Experiencing God's Faithfulness as You Respond to His Call. She shares from her own journey and shows us how to prepare, plan and execute the leap God is asking us to take. "Taking leaps always includes risks and tons of unknowns," Rachel says, "but I want you to remember that the risk is worth Heaven’s reward." Links from Show Rachel's Book: Taking the 5 Leaps of Faith: Experiencing God's Faithfulness as You Respond to His Call. Podcast: Taking the Leap with Rachel G. Scott Quiz: The 5 Leaps Quiz [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Rachel Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Change can be exciting, but it can also be hard. But God promises to be with us every step of the way. In today's episode of The Living Room, Andi Andrew shares from her book, Braving Change: Release the Past, Welcome Growth, and Trust Where God is Leading You. Andi and I talk about the massive transitions the Lord has taken us through - and how we can fully engage in the journey. Whether it's moving across the country or navigating the loss of someone we loved, we can count on the Lord to help us brave change. Links from Show Book: Braving Change: Release the Past, Welcome Growth, and Trust Where God is Leading You Previous Episode: TLR 076: Uncomplicating Friendship Previous Book: Friendship—It’s Complicated: Avoid the Drama, Create Authentic Connection and Fulfill Your Purpose Together Podcast: Coffee With Andi [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Andi Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

As Christians, we know that Jesus is with us... But sometimes we live as though He's far away. A destination we have to reach rather than a Friend who lives within us. In this episode of The Living Room, Joni Eareckson Tada and I talk Brother Lawrences' classic book and how he practiced the presence of God in such a way it changed his life. Joni talks about practical ways we cultivate the Lord's presence in the midst of everyday life. Her new devotional, The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior, has ministered to me deeply - but it's Joni herself that inspires me to go deeper with Jesus. Much like Brother Lawrence, Joni's books and life has blazed a trail to friendship with Jesus that generations will follow. Links from Show Joni's Book: The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior Brother Lawrence Book: The Practice of the Presence of God Joni's Previous Interview: TLR 082: The Beautiful Faithfulness of God with Joni Eareckson Tada Joni's Ministry: Joni & Friends Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Joni Eareckson Tada Website | Facebook | Instagram

Is your spiritual hunger where you want it to be? In a world filled with distractions, our appetite for God can be sedated with lesser things. But God is stirring a hunger in the heart of His people. Can you feel it? A holy dissatisfaction that's awakening a desire to pursue God in a deeper way than ever before. But how to do it? That is the question. In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, Lisa Whittle shares how God used a similar desperation to take her on a journey that led to her book, I Want God: How to Love Him with All Your Heart and Revive Your Soul. We go so many beautiful places in this conversation - I hope you enjoy! Links from Show Lisa's Book: I Want God: How to Love Him with All Your Heart and Revive Your Soul Lisa's Previous Interview: TLR 043: Jesus Over Everything with Lisa Whittle Lisa's Ministry: Called Creatives Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Lisa Whittle Website | Instagram | Facebook

His words have impacted millions of Christians... But Oswald Chambers' classic devotional might not have ever been written had it not been for his wife. What a loss that would have been! For through the sermons she compiled, Oswald Chambers has been my spiritual mentor for nearly forty years. In this episode of The Living Room, biographer Michelle Ule shares the incredible story behind this classic devotional and Biddy Chambers - the woman who captured her husband's words and shared them with the world. It is an inspiring episode in so many ways! I hope you are challenged like I was to use my giftings for God's glory - no matter the pain and sacrifice that might be involved. Links from Show Michelle's book: Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World's Bestselling Devotional My Utmost for His Highest: Classic Edition / Updated Language Edition Michelle's Guest Post: Mrs. Oswald Chambers | Guest Michelle Ule Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Michelle Ule Website | Facebook | Instagram

We're surrounded by messages from culture... Messages that tell us that beauty is the highest goal. That if we'd only wear the right clothes, but the right beauty products, then we'd feel fulfilled. But the world's definition of beauty is not only skewed...it can be downright dangerous. Not only to our mental health and physical bodies, but to our spiritual life as well. In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, family therapist and author, Melissa Johnson, shares from her new book: Soul-Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless. I hope you share this episode with a friend! Links from Show Melissa's Book: Soul-Deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless. Melissa's Podcast: Impossible Beauty Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Melissa Johnson Website | Instagram

End-of-year planning often focuses on what went wrong... But what if we focused on what went right? That's what I did last month, and what I discovered was amazing! Though I haven't experienced freedom in every area, the Lord has certainly taught me a lot this past year - and He's given me several victories. And I want to share them with you: Obedience over outcome Progress over perfection Patience over anxiety Hold things loosely Let God change your heart You can listen to the podcast or check out the video below or watch on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/_vpXYS2_1BQ I hope you are encouraged by this episode of the podcast, but I especially hope you'll take time to look back at the past year, and with the Holy Spirit's help, discover the life-changing things the Lord's been teaching you. If you missed the last episode, you might want to listen to "Looking Back & Moving Forward." It's available to watch on YouTube as well! LISTEN: "Looking Back & Moving Forward in 2024" WATCH: "How to Have a GREAT Year in 2024" WORKSHEET: "Four Powerful Questions" Links from Show Joanna’s Best-selling Book: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Joanna Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Tis the season of goal-setting and making plans for the new year... But we often miss the most important part! In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, I share four powerful questions to help us look back so we can move forward with confidence into 2024, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. To help you reflect on where you've been so you can get where you want to go, I've created a FREE pdf of the questions that provides space for your answers. Hope you enjoy! Also available at YouTube - https://linktw.in/XBPhQn Links from Show Download: Four Powerful Questions Worksheet Joanna’s Best-selling Book: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Joanna Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Do you have a formula Christianity? The approach that, if I do a and I do b, then God has to do c? The problem with formula Christianity is that it doesn't work. Life tends to mess with it and God isn't bound by it. But worst of all, it tends to push us away from God rather than draw us near. In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, Michele Cushatt shares how the dismantling of her religious formulas helped her find God in a deeper way as she shares from her new book, A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart. "God didn't cause my cancer," Michele says, "but He certainly didn't waste it!" And He's not going to waste the painful things in your life, my friend. Though Satan intends it for evil, God is going to work it all together for good. Links from Show Michele’s Book: A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart Michele's Other Episodes: TLR 018: The Relentless Presence of God and TLR 005: Finding Our Identity Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Michele Cushatt Website | Facebook | Instagram

If you've been a Christian very long, you've probably experienced some hurt... That hurt can come from the most unexpected place of all - the church. If we don't give that pain to Jesus, the enemy loves to twist that hurt into a weapon that turns our hearts away from ministry, from the Body of Christ and even God Himself. In this episode of The Living Room, author and pastor's kid, Natalie Runion shares her own journey to healing from her book, Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away. Do you know someone who needs this message? Share it with a friend. Links from Show Natalie’s Book: Raised to Stay: Persevering in Ministry When You Have a Million Reasons to Walk Away. Natalie's Book Trailer Natalie's Instagram & Facebook Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Natalie Runion Website | Facebook | Instagram

Sharing your faith doesn't come easy to most of us... We love Jesus with all of our heart, but we don't always know how to give words to our faith. Especially in a way that people around us can understand. In this episode of The Living Room podcast, author Shauna Pilgreen shares from her book, Translating Jesus: How to Share Your Faith in Language Today's Culture Can Understand. Co-pastoring a church in downtown San Francisco has given Shauna a unique perspective on the needs of people as well as strategies for bringing them Jesus. You are going to love Shauna's heart for the Lord - for it spills out in a heart for people! Links from Show Shauna’s Book: Translating Jesus: How to Share Your Faith in Language Today's Culture Can Understand Other Book: Love Where You Live: How to Live Sent in the Place You Call Home Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Shauna Pilgreen Website | Facebook | Instagram

It's one of the best-selling devotionals of all time... There's a good chance you've probably not heard of the author, but Lettie B. Cowman's compilations and writings have challenged and shaped millions of people over the years - including me! I remember picking up a special edition of Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley in my early 30s. It had been my grandma's favorite devotional and since it was on clearance, I bought it. Little did I know it would become a much-needed companion that I've returned to often throughout the years. In today's episode of The Living Room, biographer Michelle Ule and I talk about the remarkable woman behind these classic devotionals. And the many lessons we can learn from the extraordinary way she loved and served the Lord Links from Show Lettie B. Cowman Biography: Overflowing Faith: Lettie Cowman and Streams in the Desert Devotional. Biddy Chambers Biography - Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman Behind the World's Best-selling Devotional Lettie's Devotionals: Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Michelle Ule Website | Facebook | Instagram

You don't have to be fatherless to have a father wound... In this episode of The Living Room Podcast, author Kia Stephens shares her journey to healing and powerful tips from her book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God’s Perfect Love. Whether your father was absent when you were growing up, or emotionally unavailable, God wants to fill your "father hole" with His love. Be sure to listen to the end - Kia's prayer is so powerful! Links from Show Kia’s Book: Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God’s Perfect Love. Kia's Podcast - Hope for Women with Father Wounds Kia's YouTube Channel Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Kia Stephens Website | Facebook | Instagram

Where are you, God? When you're walking through difficult times, it can be hard to feel God's presence. It can feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and that you're all alone. Popular radio show host and author, Susie Larson, knows what that feels like. In this episode of The Living Room podcast, she shares the powerful truths she's learned during her decades battle with chronic Lyme disease and God's nearness - even when we don't see Him or feel His presence in our lives. ' Don't miss this amazing discussion around her new book, Closer Than Your Next Breath: Where Is God When You Need Him Most? Links from Show Susie Larson's Book: Closer Than Your Next Breath: Where Is God When You Need Him Most? Susie's Radio Show: Susie Larson Live Other Living Room Episodes: TLR 001: Living Fully with Susie Larson TLR 050: Learning to Prevail with Susie Larson TLR 100: Soul Care for the Battle with Susie Larson Joanna's Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Susie Larson Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast

When we come to know ourselves better, we come to know God better. More than any other spiritual practice, journaling has helped me connect with God and get honest with myself. To really look below the surface of my life and see what I'm thinking...what I'm feeling...what I'm actually believing. But we don't always know how to do that. In this episode, Jennifer Dukes Lee gives us a power tool to help us explore deep places with the Holy Spirit as our guide. Even if you've never journaled, you're going to enjoy this conversation. And I know you'll enjoy the interactive prompts in her new book, Stuff I'd Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous Honest, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery.\ For as we get honest with God and give Him access to our hidden places, the Holy Spirit is able to radically change our lives. All because we've followed David's advice in Psalm 62:8. "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Links from Show Jennifer's Book: Stuff I'd Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous Honest, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery Previous Book: Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-Hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl Previous Interview: "The Beauty of Growing Slow with Jennifer Dukes Lee" Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Watch This Interview on Joanna’s Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Jennifer Dukes Lee Website | Instagram | Facebook

Do you want a stronger, sweeter marriage? We've all heard that a good marriage takes work - and it certainly does. But I've found that great marriages are forged through the power of prayer. In this episode of The Living Room Podcast, author Jodie Berndt shares tips for Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage: Trusting God with Your Most Important Relationship. But we also talk about our own marriages and I share the simple prayer literally changed the trajectory of our marriage forever. Links from Show Jodie's Book: Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage: Trusting God with Your Most Important Relationship. Free Marriage Prayer Printables Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Jodie Berndt Website | Facebook | Instagram

I think we’d all prefer a perfect life that's never messy… If given a choice, we'd choose a life that's never marred by our mistakes. But God isn't threatened by our junk. Instead, when we place it in His hands, He not only heals and restores us, He turns our mess into a message that brings hope to the world. In this episode of The Living Room podcast, pastor and author Ines Franklin shares her very personal story of moral failure that led to debilitating shame. But she also shares how God set her free and some of the lessons found in her new book, Uncharted: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. I know you're going to be blessed by this conversation! Links from Show Ines' New Book: Uncharted: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith Ines' Book Trailer Ines' Podcasts Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Ines Franklin Website | Facebook | Instagram

Have you ever felt God calling you to step out for Him, but have been too afraid? Lori Wilhite knows exactly how you feel. Though married to Jud Wilhite, pastor of one of the leading churches in America, for years Lori was paralyzed by fear that she might destroy their ministry. But out of that struggle came a powerful ministry to pastor wives and ministry women called Leading and Loving It. Whether you feel called to ministry or not, I know you’re going to be blessed by this conversation! You’ve been set apart for a purpose my friend. Whether its in full-time ministry or ministry to your family and friends, your life matters to the Kingdom. So allow the Lord to help you shed anything that is holding you back from making yourself fully available to His Kingdom. Right where you are - starting today. Links from Show Lori's New Study: Chasing Happy: Study in Philippians Other Book: Leading and Loving It Lori's Ministry: Leading and Loving It Joanna’s Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna’s Youtube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Lori Wilhite Website |Facebook | Instagram