The Living Room with Joanna Weaver

Feelings are important, but navigating difficult ones is hard. What do we do with the complicated emotions that often arise in life? Feelings that we've been taught we shouldn't feel as Christians? A lot of us push them down and pretend they don't matter. Others of us get stuck in the pain. But the Bible suggest a better way: "Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8). How do we do that? I'm so glad you asked! Anjuli's Paschall's book, Feel: A Collection of Liturgies Offering Hope for Every Complicated Emotion, has been such a gift to me. And I absolutely LOVE our tender and raw conversation. We were both in tears as we talked about the disappointments and hurts that we've faced. Anjuli assures us that rather than tidying up our emotions, we can be real and raw with God as well. Her book helps us Key Takeaways: Emotions aren't good or bad - they’re simply part of being human. Rather than denying our emotions, they can be an indicator light for the places God wants to heal. God gives us permission to feel - for we serve an emotional God! We have a Savior who not only understands our feelings, He invites us to bring them to Him. We can be honest with God and ourselves - rather than being overwhelmed by emotions, we can curious as we process them with Jesus. For they often reveal what God wants to heal. This is such an important conversation, you guys. And this book could literally change your life. Stuffing and denying our emotions only makes them come out sideways in anxiety, depression and issues with our health. How much better to bring them all to Jesus. Anjuli's book helps us do just that! Links from Show Anjuli's Book: Feel: A Collection of Liturgies Offering Hope for Every Complicated Emotion Anjuli's Other Books: Awake: Paying Attention to What Matters Most in a World That's Pulling You Apart Stay: Discovering Grace, Freedom, and Wholeness Where You Never Imagined Looking Joanna’s Latest 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 Anjuli Website | Instagram

It's easy to feel alarmed when we read the headlines... Especially when it comes to the immigration crisis. Current estimates suggest over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Many of them desperate to enter the United States - legally or illegally - which causes many people a lot of concern. But what if we could balance the need for secure borders with compassion? What if we could engage with the crisis in a way that reflects the Christian values we cherish? In this episode of The Living Room, author and human dignity advocate, Bri Stensrud shares from her book, Start With Welcome: the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation. She gives practical tips on how to align your heart with God's heart for hurting people yet still advocate for secure and safe borders. Key Takeaways: Find Out What God Says: Let Scripture shape your view on immigrants and refugees. From Genesis to Revelation, God cares for all, including the vulnerable and outcast. Seek Connection Over Fear: We often fear people different than us. Get to know immigrants' personal stories, and discover the humanity that headlines often miss. Start Small, Start with Welcome: Making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures; it begins with small, intentional acts of kindness that demonstrate God's love. Rather than getting caught up in politics and safeguarding "The American Way," let's open our eyes to the opportunities to love those around us. It was the tangible, yet practical love of God shown by Christians that changed the world 2000 years ago. And I believe that's how God wants to change the world today. Links from Show Bri's Book: Start With Welcome: the Journey Toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation Bri's Ministry: Women of Welcome Bri's Facebook Pages: Women of Welcome & Private Facebook Group Joanna’s Latest 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 Bri Website | Instagram | Facebook

What if there's more to life than you're currently experiencing? In this episode of The Living Room, Hannah Brencher and I talk about her new book, The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. She shares tips for a digital detox, showing us how to unplug from distractions so we fully engage with the people we love and the God we need. This is such an important conversation! I hope you'll share it with a friend... Key Takeaways: Constant connectivity drains us emotionally and spiritually. God can do in rest what can't be done in busyness and distraction Feeling agitated or restless is part of the process of digital detox Start small, but begin - having a clear plan and purpose helps maintain consistency Disconnecting requires trust—trust that the world won’t fall apart without us If you’re ready to experience the freedom and peace of an unplugged life, check out the links below. Start today—and see discover the gift of quiet. Links from Show Hannah's Book: The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World Hannah's 1000-Hour Challenge Joanna’s Latest 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 Hannah Website | Instagram | Facebook

Do you feel a gap between who you are and who you feel called to be? You're not alone. Many of us find ourselves caught in cycles of self-improvement and frustration, longing for transformation but feeling stuck. In this conversation with Christian psychologist, Dr. Merry Lin, she shares insights from Re-Becoming: Come Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self offer a fresh perspective on breaking free from the patterns that hold us back. Key Takeaways: Transformation is a process: Lasting change isn’t about quick fixes or external improvements but about allowing God to work a deep, inner healing. Self-awareness leads to freedom: Understanding the triggers and lies shaping our behavior is crucial for growth. We can't change what we don't recognize. Faith and psychology align: True science and scripture both reveal God’s design for us, offering practical tools for emotional and spiritual healing. This journey may be slow, but it's one worth taking—and Jesus will be faithful to lead us every step of the way! Links from Show Dr. Merry's Book: Rebecoming: Come Out of Hiding to Live as Your God-Given Essential Self Dr. Merry's Podcast: The Fully Lived Life Joanna’s Latest 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 Dr. Merry Website | Instagram | Facebook

We only have one life - shouldn't we make the most of it? Of course, that's often easier said than done. But even when life is hard, we are all surrounded by blessings. We just need the Lord's help to see them. In this episode of The Living Room podcast, my very wise and wonderful guest, Sally Clarkson, shares the lessons she's learned along the way. Especially during her time living in Oxford, England. Her new book, Well Lived, documents her journey in beautiful pictures and moving text. I can't wait for you to hear Sally's rich wisdom and reminders that the life we've been given is more beautiful than we know. Links from Show Sally's Book: Well-Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace Sally's Other Books on Amazon Sally's Podcast: At Home with Sally Joanna’s Latest 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 Sally Website | Instagram | Facebook

What do we do when happily-ever-after isn't so happy? When John and I married more than forty years ago - (wow, time goes fast!) - I was pretty sure everything would be smooth sailing. We both loved the Lord and had so much in common, how could it be anything but heaven-on-earth? In this episode of The Living Room podcast, Chelsea Damon, the author of the new book, I Thought This Would Make Me Happy: How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Marriage, and I talk about our own marital journeys and the incredible wisdom she shares in the book about building a strong, joy-filled marriage that's grounded in God and the beautiful refining that comes when we let God get His hands on us. Key Takeaways: The inspiration behind Chelsea's book and her personal experiences with marriage Practical advice on overcoming common marital challenges and fostering joy The importance of shifting focus from self-fulfillment to serving your spouse Insights on the metaphor of marriage as a garden – weeding out sin, planting the right seeds, and allowing God's grace to grow Real-life stories and testimonies that highlight the power of love, forgiveness, and faith Whether you're married or not, I promise you'll benefit from this conversation! Discover how to navigate expectations, communicate effectively, and keep Christ at the center of all your relationships. Links from Show Chelsea's Book: I Thought This Would Make Me Happy: How to Fight Less, Forgive Faster, and Cultivate Joy in Marriage Chelsea's Ministry: Living the Sweet Wife Joanna’s Latest 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 Chelsea Website | Instagram | Facebook

In a world that seems intent on pulling families apart... Chris and Julie Bennett stand firm on the importance of family as designed by God. We talk about so many things in this episode of The Living Room, because family is more than the people that live in your house. It extends to the family of God and the love we are to demonstrate to the world around us. Chris and Julie share truths from their book, Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging, including: The importance of the concept of belonging Their journey from pastoring in Oklahoma to moving to Los Angeles with their family Overcoming personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis and starting a new life in the middle of COVID-19 The importance of creating a family mission statement and fostering a sense of belonging in church as well as at home How God provided and supported them through their trials Insights on building a community and the significance of family in today's culture I love Chris and Julie's honesty as they share God's faithfulness in the difficult times and the important part each of us play in the Family of God. Let's keep pressing on together! Links from Show Chris & Julie's Book: Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging Chris & Julie's Podcast: Finding Family Podcast Joanna’s Latest 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 Chris & Julie Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Between the expectations and demands of ministry... It's easy to lose yourself in trying to be everything people need you to be. But that isn't what God intended. When He called you to serve His people, He called you to be YOU! In this episode of The Living Room, I dive deep with the amazing women behind a popular ministry podcast as we talk about their new book - Pastor’s Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty. Stephanie, Jessica, Jenna and I talk about the realities of being a pastor's wife as we explore topics like: Overcoming the pressure to be perfect Balancing personal identity with ministry roles Navigating church hurt and supporting your spouse The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership Encouraging every member of the church to find their place and serve Whether you're a pastor's wife or want to know how to love and support the ministry women in your life - this interview is for you! Links from Show The Book: Pastor’s Wives Tell All: Navigating Real Church Life with Honesty The Podcast: Pastor's Wives Tell All Facebook Group: Pastor's Wives Tell All Community Joanna’s Latest 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 Pastor's Wives Tell All Website | Instagram | Facebook

What do you do when everything falls apart? In this episode of The Living Room podcast, Courtney Joseph Fallick shares the painful yet profound journey she experienced when her seemingly perfect life was dismantled by her husband's unfaithfulness. Her book, Still Standing: How to Live in God’s Light While Wrestling with the Dark, offers hope and encouragement to anyone grappling with unexpected challenges. Topics discussed include: Courtney’s early ministry, including her blog and book "Women Living Well" The sudden and painful end of her 19-year marriage Navigating single motherhood and the spiritual warfare that ensued The importance of forgiveness, community, and maintaining faith amidst trials Practical tips for finding God's presence in everyday life and overcoming loneliness How Courtney's ministry evolved and flourished through her trials No matter what you're going through, Courtney's story is a reminder that even when life takes unexpected turns, God walks with us every step of the way. Watch on YouTube Links from Show Courtney's Book: Still Standing: How to Live in God’s Light While Wrestling with the Dark Courtney's Ministry: Women Living Well & Good Morning Girls Joanna’s Latest 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 Courtney Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

It's easy to miss the Good News if we don't understand God's heart toward us. Even as Christians, we can spend so much time trying to please God, we miss the joy of simply being His child. In this episode of The Living Room, Caroline Saunders and I have a delightful discussion about the God and His heart toward us. We talk about our own spiritual journeys, but Caroline also shares powerful truths from her new Bible study, Come Home: Tracing God's Promise of Home Through Scripture. She outlines steps to a deeper friendship with Jesus and offers advice like: Practical tips for studying the Bible The impact of themes in Scripture Encouragement for those struggling in their faith The beautiful belonging that is ours in Christ Hope you enjoy the interview like I did! Links from Show Caroline's Study: Come Home - Bible Study with Video Access Children's Book: Kids in the Bible: A Storybook Bible About God's Children Joanna’s Latest 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 Caroline Website | Instagram | Facebook

In a busy, noisy world...it can be hard to hear God. Surrounded by distractions, it can be difficult to find the stillness needed to renew and restore our soul. In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, Sarah Clarkson talk about her book, Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention (coming November 2024). She gives practical tips for reclaiming quiet. But most of all, she shares the tender love God has for us. Wooing and calling us away from noise to a deeper friendship with Him. Links from Show Sarah's Book: Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention Previous Book: This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness Previous Episode: TLR 074: God's Goodness in the Dark with Sarah Clarkson 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 Sarah Website | Instagram | Facebook

If you were to take the pulse of your life, what would you find? Does it feel like you're in "a-fib" - ping-ponging off one responsibility to another? Or have you flat-lined and feel a little dead? Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith has been where you’ve been and in this episode of The Living Room Podcast, she’s shares lessons from her book, Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. You were not made to go full tilt and burn out for Jesus. He created you for an abundant life. And that includes cultivating a rest that renews and restores your soul. Check out Dr. Saundra's "Rest Quiz." It will help you gauge where you fall in seven specific areas. (And be sure to tune in to next week's YouTube video where I'll unpack how I'm going to apply the "7 Types of Rest" this summer!) Links from Show Dr Saundra's Book: Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity Dr Saundra's Quiz: The Rest Quiz Dr Saundra's Other Book: Set Free to Live Free 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 Sarah Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

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