Morning Conversation: MyBridge Radio: Recent Episodes
MyBridge Radio
Your time is valuable. Your listening space is limited. So we cut to the chase! (...we get to the point quickly!... if you’ve ever wondered what that means 😉) with raw conversations that grapple with faith, following Jesus in a broken world, and living lives of eternal impact! Some names you’ll recognize, some you won’t. But all of them are on a common journey–striving to follow Jesus and join Him in the work He is doing in and around them. We invite you to join the conversation!
As a coach and mentor to hundreds of pastors, Chris Sonksen has a front-row seat to watch churches that were once in trouble and in danger of closing their doors start to thrive through coaching and by applying one or two ideas that could cause a church to...boom.
Sonksen is the founder of Church Boom, where he helps pastors and churches achieve their desired growth by providing personalized coaching, a supportive community, and practical resources. Sonksen knows: when the pastor grows, the church grows, and he’s helping hundreds of pastors who are experiencing the health and growth that comes from the coaching and community provided by Church Boom.
In the world of Gospel Music, few groups are more well-known and loved than the Gaither Vocal Band. A group that, for more than four decades, has toured the world, bringing the Gospel to audiences through amazing harmonies.
The list of men who have comprised the Gaither Vocal Band reads like a “Who’s Who” among the gospel music industry’s best-loved voices, including: Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, Mark Lowry, Michael English, David Phelps and many others.
Not only that, Bill Gaither –– known as the “Godfather of Modern Christian Music” –– is responsible for discovering the likes of Steven Curtis Chapman, TobyMac, Russ Taff and many others.
Through an unexpected journey, Wes Hampton landed the spot of “tenor voice” for the GVB in 2005 and is currently the longest-tenured voice in the group, other than Bill Gaither himself.
Pastors and ministry leaders are some of the hardest-working people in the world--and they have a high rate of burnout to prove it. Leaders that aren't operating at peak efficiency and, also taking care of themselves, are setting themselves up for a crash. The reality is, few in ministry feel they have the time to take a sabbatical or tend to their own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. But healthy rhythms of work and rest are the key to a thriving, long-term ministry. In their book, Don’t Burn Out, Burn Bright, Jason Young and Jonathan Malm put their years of ministry leadership and consulting experience together to show us how to fine-tune leadership and organize life in such a way that you can become a high-capacity leader without the exhaustion and discouragement so many feel.
Church is a place for meaningful connection—a like-minded community which worships, prays, and participates together for the singular purpose of glorifying God. If King David’s words from Psalm 133:1 are to be believed –– “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” –– unity can exist.
Attaining and maintaining this isn’t easy. The apostle Paul had to remind the church to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). In his book, Life-Minded, Pastor Brady Boyd draws our attention to the reality of that text by pointing out it does take effort to stay unified with our spiritual family. Effort takes commitment. It takes persistence. It takes hope.
Speaking both truth and grace, Pastor Brady offers 8 practical challenges to put peaceable unity into action.
Book info: https://ourdailybreadpublishing.org/life-minded.html
Many of us long for the abundant life Jesus promised, but instead we feel stagnant and frustrated in our faith. More of us cultivate our view of God from our family of origin than from the pages of the Bible—and a faulty view of God will always be a barrier to a satisfying spiritual life.
Bryan Clark has served in pastoral ministry in Nebraska for more than 40 years. In that time, he’s observed a lot of, as he says, “messed up” views of God. In his unique and interactive book God’s Not Like That, our guest returns us to Scripture on a step-by-step journey to identify and then correct our misconceptions about God.
Listen for specific ways our childhood influences our beliefs today and how to distinguish truth from fiction when it comes to personal beliefs.
Order Bryan’s book here: https://www.christianbook.com/not-like-redeeming-inherited-beliefs-finding/bryan-clark/9780830784394/pd/784395?event=ESRCG
The fact that you’re about to press play on this podcast says you’re aware of technology and some of its benefits. However, technology also has a darkside, especially for our children. Tech is directly responsible for increased teenage anxiety and depression, exposure to explicit material, online predators, screen addiction, and more.
Along comes David Tucker, a former pastor and current tech exec, offering parents a framework for safely navigating these dangers. Through an approachable (and Biblical) 7-step process, his guidebook equips parents with the easy to apply tools and relevant guidance needed to protect their families, while still having the benefits of technology in their lives.
Many of us want to talk about our faith with others, but we feel unprepared and uncomfortable.
Babbie Mason knows that feeling. Feeling convicted of how little she was sharing her own faith, this popular singer and songwriter asked Jesus to help her change her ways. Out of that journey came a book that shares the title of one of her most well-known songs.
Each One Reach One is about finding your own unique style of talking about Jesus and approaching sharing your faith with enthusiasm rather than a sense of obligation.
Babbie believes sharing our story of Jesus doesn’t have anything to do with rote lines, preachy words, or guilty feelings. It has everything to do with listening well, practicing compassion, and demonstrating Christ’s joy.
With a blend of worship, vulnerability, and grit, the sound of We The Kingdom is birthed out of decades of musical influences and a shared difficult experience that brought them together as a band.
Made up mostly of the Cash family, the band members had been involved behind-the-scenes in songs that have been sung around the world. That is until they came together to share their own story.
Andrew Bergthold serves as the producer and guitarist (and today, spokesman) for the band whose other members include Ed, Scott and Martin Cash.
We The Kingdom will be part of Livin’ Out Loud in Gothenburg, Nebraska on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Throughout this conversation, Andrew will share what to expect from their appearance that evening. For more information: livinoutloud.org
Lisa Anderson is accustomed to taking on a variety of challenging assignments with deadlines and late nights.However, when she took on the unexpected role of being a caregiver for her mom who was battling dementia, it was the hardest — yet most rewarding — role of her life.
Lisa never anticipated how the Lord was writing a story of hope and inspiration amid some very dark days.
Today, as she reflects on her role as a caregiver, Lisa clearly sees how the Lord’s faithfulness and His grace were on display — allowing her to spend quality time with her mom and reminding her about the sanctity of life.
When was the last time you had a real and meaningful conversation? Especially with someone who holds a worldview that differs from yours?
Differences of opinion have always been part of life. For decades, spouses, family members, co-workers, and neighbors have had spirited conversations about politics, social issues, religion, current events, and even sports. But what was different in the past is that these disagreements wouldn’t sever ties between family and friends.
Today, we live in an argumentative “cancel” culture that has led to nearly a third of people reporting they have stopped talking to a friend or family member due to a disagreement. Nearly two-thirds of people say they stay quiet about their beliefs due to the fear of offending others. From cyberbullying to hate speech, demonizing political language, verbal abuse, and intolerance, the vast majority of us―eighty-seven percent―no longer feel safe in public places to share our opinions.
Tim Muehlhoff and Sean McDowell are calling Jesus-followers higher. Can we End the Stalemate and have meaningful conversations?
https://a.co/d/0eZ3dmhf
Think of your toughest relationship. Think of a relationship that is good but could be great. Think of a group of people that drives you nuts. You want to show more kindness and generosity, but sometimes you’re just tired, stretched, and frustrated. Besides, would small actions make that big a difference? Shaunti Feldhahn says, “Yes!”
This social researcher did years of extensive research, and concluded that kindness is a superpower! It can change any relationship, make your life easier and better, and transform our culture. Turns out, you really can show kindness when you don’t feel like it.
Listen in and find out how The Kindness Challenge can make your toughest relationships better and your good relationships great—starting today.
For more information on Shaunti’s book: https://www.jointhekindnesschallenge.com/book
As a parent, your role changes drastically after your kids grow up… at least, it should.
Too many of us have faced heartache and strained relationships when our children choose difficult--even seemingly wrong--paths.
In, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Children with Joy, Mary DeMuth shares a gracious, practical resource for navigating the rocky terrain of parenting grown-ups.
If you’ve wondered: What do I do when my kids make choices that don't align with my values? Or, how do I keep communication lines open with my grown children? When do I speak, and when do I listen? And, how do I avoid the temptation of meddling in my kids' lives?
...this conversation will help. This is your invitation for spiritual growth and a path toward fulfilling relationships with your adult children.
48 million Christ followers will approach retirement age over the next two decades. Most have no real plan for impact in their retirement years. Unfortunately, too many Christ-followers have embraced the world’s retirement plan: it’s all downhill, then you die, so jam as much leisure as you can into those years.
In, The Retirement Reformation Bruce Bruinsma changes the way we think about what our culture calls retirement. While acknowledging the reality of longevity, Bruce challenges both individuals and faith-based organizations to reexamine, reshape, reform, and revitalize the fastest-growing segment of our society. God has a unique call for each of our lives, and it does not stop at sixty-five or seventy.
When life hurts, you need more than bubbly inspiration. To get through life’s storms, you need a God who meets you in the blurry confusion of heartache and carries you through to the other side.
In her book, You Can Trust God When Life Hurts, Amber Albee Swenson helps you see how you can find faith when things don’t make sense, adopt a hope-filled perspective in hard times, receive grace for when you fail, and so much more!
Whether you’re navigating hurt right now or fortifying your faith for the days to come, our guest wants to help you see how you can hope in God no matter what comes your way.
In her latest book, Recipes for a Sweet Child: Creative Bible-based Activities to Help Your Family Thrive, author Katie Trent combines her counseling and ministry expertise with her own parenting experiences to provide you with a creative guide to work past challenging childhood issues in a winsome way.
Searching for answers to help turn your children’s grumbling into gratitude? Trying to navigate ongoing issues like sibling rivalry, tattling, unforgiveness, peer pressure, or bullying? Katie will help you teach your kids how to apply biblical wisdom in any situation.
Discover simple tools to bring peace and joy into your home with easy, interactive activities and Bible lessons and enjoy making delicious recipes with your kids.
The world needs young men to grow up into real men. But with young men receiving so many conflicting messages about what it means to be a man, they find it hard to know what masculinity looks like when men are at their absolute best.
Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are designed to be in a world of cultural confusion.
We were created to work, and our work provides unique meaning and purpose in our lives. Yet today, we are living in a crisis of apathy and ignorance regarding work’s theological and existential nature.
David Bahnsen believes our understanding of work and its role in our lives is deeply flawed—we are unmoored from what he calls “created purpose". It is in work—effort, service, striving—of every kind, that we discover our meaning and purpose; a significant and successful life is one rooted in full-time productivity and cultivation of God’s created world.
Cultivating within kids a heart for generosity and wise habits around earning, saving, investing, and spending money will impact every aspect of their lives—their relationship with Jesus, their future marriage, their ability to make a difference with their lives, and much more.
Matt Bell shares stories, motivation, and the guidance you need to help your kids develop powerfully effective biblical money-management attitudes and behaviors. Matt’s book, Trusted will equip you to teach your kids the purpose of money and how to pursue biblical financial priorities—everything they need to get on the right path for a lifetime of effective, joyful, God-glorifying money management.
For more information about Matt’s book: https://mattaboutmoney.com/trusted-preparing-your-kids-for-a-lifetime-of-god-honoring-money-management/
Whether you’re facing the ordinary, daily pressures of squaring away today’s to-do list or an unexpected season of suffering that seems to have no end, sometimes it feels like Jesus’ promise of “overflowing joy” is simply not within reach for your real life.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Author and Bible teacher Tara Dew takes us to Jesus’ words in John 15 to reveal three surprising paths to a truly joy-filled life. If you’re willing to take Jesus up on His teaching, you’ll find that God’s pruning, God’s presence, and persevering in God’s commands have the power to deliver not just a taste of joy as a fruit God is developing in your life, but an overflowing bushel of it!
Do you want well-behaved kids? Or, kids with good character? Ideally, both. How do we get there? Too often, parents misguidedly prioritize behavior. Behavior modification does not guarantee g
ood character qualities.
In her latest book, Parent Differently, Kathy Koch says it’s character that influences decisions. It shows up in our speech, actions and attitudes. It’s about who we are and what we do. As Christians, we want to see the character of Jesus Christ in our children. We want our kids to be brave, compassionate and joyful. Whether a parent, grandparent or teacher, we all want to see our children grow in humility, gratitude and respect—for others and themselves.
The founder of Celebrate Kids, Dr. Kathy Koch will help us define character and why it matters as she unpacks the crisis of character in our culture today. Listen for some great tips on steps we can take to teach and develop character in our kids.
Taking on the moniker “Purveyors of Good News,” Rend Collective is a band that seeks to be authentic while delivering the Gospel in a simple old-fashioned manner.
Amid so much heaviness consuming events of today’s world, Rend Collective is sharing good news as a response to that brokenness. The five-member group identifies as a worship band with nothing to prove… just being faithful.
We live in a possession and money obsessed culture where the average American has far more than they need. Yet, many of us feel incredibly insecure, and we grasp tightly to what we have and continue trying to gain more. This impacts both how we think about our God-given resources and our willingness to be generous with what God has given us to steward.
In his book, Gospel Generosity, Nathan Harris points to the Gospel as the source of life transformation that enables us to turn our focus from ourselves to others and to follow the way of Jesus.
Harris calls Gospel generosity a way of giving that is rooted in the saving work of Jesus Christ. It is the Christian’s joyful awareness of what Christ has done for us and how we are privileged to participate in proclaiming that work through giving and advancing the Gospel.
Brant Hansen is convinced that, regardless of circumstances, you can have a deep sense of well-being. Not only is it possible, it’s promised to all who follow Jesus.
Our guest doesn't claim to follow a success plan. He just keeps simply showing up and taking Jesus very seriously. And by taking Jesus seriously in all of life, Brant has become more joyful, more peaceful and full of laughter.
In Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let's Dance, Brant does what he does best—shares stories from around the world, as well as from his own heart and head, with a writing style that will likely make you laugh, cry, and rethink your outlook on life and the kingdom of God.
Link to Brant’s book: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/god-is-good-book/?utm_source=brant_hansen&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=god_is_good_book
What if it’s all true? What if the Bible truly is the words of God written down by the hands of men? What if Jesus was more than just a good teacher but actually the Son of God – what might that mean to you and me personally?
Rick Beckwith has served with Young Life for more than 40 years. In his new book, What If It’s All True?, our guest explores this question by investigating the Person and promises of Jesus. In a culture that views absolute truth as a fixture of the past, it is necessary to have a deeper explanation of the hope available to us in Jesus. If this explanation is indeed plausible and the Bible is true, then the implications for how we live are nothing short of profound!
When JJ Weeks was a teenager, someone recognized he had some serious vocal talent. It was a talent that he learned God could use to share His love and grace through song. Though he never learned to play an instrument, he still formed the JJ Weeks Band in 2001. While today he’s a solo artist, God still has JJ Weeks on mission, singing Gospel truth. Most well known for his song Let Them See You, the native of Macon, Georgia who was once labeled a “powerhouse voice” is still intent on being used by God to make a difference in people’s lives.
Darren Mulligan is a single-minded Irishman who writes rock n’ roll anthems and intimate earthly psalms for messy, broken people. Our guest is the frontman for We Are Messengers, a band whose stated goal is to engage culture in conversation about the goodness of God. It shows up in their songs that address some of the hardest things we feel as humans.
After spending nearly a decade living in the Nashville area, Mulligan and his family have moved back to their homeland. Darren joined us from just outside his farmhouse in the hills of Ireland.
Through The Truth Project, Focus on the Family’s Del Tackett helped millions of viewers learn how to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” by looking at life through a Biblical perspective.
Now, through The Engagement Project, our guest is ready to help you take the next step –– to engage the world around you. Not in the way we’ve been doing it –– but –– in a new and fresh way. The way God wants.
All too often, couples bail from their marriages before they reach the sweet spot. The enemy of your soul loves to steal, kill and destroy, and he will whisper lies to try and tear apart your marriage. As presenters at the Family Life Weekend to Remember Marriage Conference, Pastor Dan Brenton and his wife Julie have been helping couples for nearly 30 years. Let’s be real –– on the wedding day, no one is really prepared for marriage. The honeymoon ends quickly, life gets real, then little people enter our lives. That’s when you have to realize that you are one with your spouse, not one with your kids. Through the Weekend to Remember, Dan and Julie help you figure out how to keep your relationship with your spouse front and center in the midst of busy family life.
While God does allow suffering, there’s nothing He allows that He doesn’t redeem. That’s a truth author and podcaster Susie Larson had to come to grips with when she processed her emotion over what God had allowed her to face.
Disappointment comes naturally when the "good life" lets us down. Discouragement is understandable when we face life's struggles. In all of that, the goodness of God is trustworthy, life-giving, and everlasting. Jesus wants to lead you on a healing path to redeem your story and to make you whole.
Susie’s latest resource is a 40-day devotional called, Waking Up to the Goodness of God: 40 Days Toward Healing & Wholeness.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYYYD158?ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_3JBJQ8VX0ZVBB4N566K9&tag=mobilea0e898c-20&linkCode=kpe
Although there are moments of beauty and goodness, more often than not, life is marked by fear, struggle, disappointment, and loss. And we don’t know what to do with it. We try to find hope and security in various people and places–but each proves unworthy of our trust. We need more. Something–or Someone–who won’t fail us when our world falls apart.
Michelle Cushatt presents a better way. In her book, A Faith That Will Not Fail, this author and Bible teacher explores powerful personal, historical, and biblical stories of people of extraordinary faith. She curates and shares practices to help you deepen your confidence and certainty in the God who can be trusted with your worry, questions, confusion, and grief.
Connect with a woman who has been through immeasurable suffering and hear her compassion and practical insight.
For more information on Michelle’s book, go to: michelecushatt.com/faith/
Let’s be honest, many of us have a LOT of excuses for not digging into the Word of God. We’re busy. We’re distracted. We don’t feel like it. We don’t understand it.
Prolific author, podcaster, and Bible teacher Carol McLeod says, “Enough with the excuses!” Our guest believes the only true path to transformation is actually reading your Bible…even when it seems hard. It’s like a vitamin to your spirit! Whether you feel like it or not, READ THE BIBLE, and eventually you’ll see that you GET to and you don’t have to.
Prayer is a parent’s greatest superpower!
Our responsibilities as parents can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to prayer. How do we know what to say? How can we truly pray for our kids rather than fall into a spiral of worry?
Sharon Jaynes is a Bible teacher to women and a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her unique prayer guide for mothers leads you through sixteen areas of your child’s life from head (thoughts) to shoulders (burdens) to hands (gifts) to feet (the path ahead).
Sharon encourages us to view prayer not as a means of gaining control over your child to make them who you want them to be, but relinquishing control to who God wants them to be.
Sharon uses Scripture to help you pray powerfully and purposefully. No one will be a perfect parent, but we can all be praying parents.
Suspicion. Grumbling. Sarcasm. These are just a few of the ways that negativity rears its ugly head and causes us to do and say things that damage our closest relationships. Whether we think the worst about a decision our spouse made, we refuse to see any good that can come out of an uncomfortable situation, or we let our mouths hurl a playful quip that stings, our negative attitudes and actions can hurt.
In her book, The Kindness Challenge, author and social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn identified seven patterns of negativity and unkindness that can derail our relationships.
Listen as Shaunti offers help to improve our mindsets – and our relationships – by seeking to assume the best.
Growing up in a missionary family in Romania, Asheritah CiuCiu began to have her life transformed as she learned to immerse herself in the Word of God. As a teenager with nothing but time on her hands, Asheritah would often spend hours reading her Bible and singing worship music. After being married and starting a family, free time was no longer a thing and Asheritah had to figure out what time with God could look like as a busy mom. The founder of the ministry “One Thing Alone” now helps other moms discover how to spend time with God when it feels like there is no time.
As a parent, your role changes drastically after your kids grow up… at least, it should.
Too many of us have faced heartache and strained relationships when our children choose difficult--even seemingly wrong--paths.
In, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Children with Joy, Mary DeMuth shares a gracious, practical resource for navigating the rocky terrain of parenting grown-ups.
If you’ve wondered: What do I do when my kids make choices that don't align with my values? Or, how do I keep communication lines open with my grown children? When do I speak, and when do I listen? And, how do I avoid the temptation of meddling in my kids' lives?
...this conversation will help. This is your invitation for spiritual growth and a path toward fulfilling relationships with your adult children.
Do you want well-behaved kids? Or, kids with good character? Ideally, both. How do we get there? Too often, parents misguidedly prioritize behavior. Behavior modification does not guarantee good character qualities.
In her latest book, Parent Differently, Kathy Koch says it’s character that influences decisions. It shows up in our speech, actions, and attitudes. It’s about who we are and what we do. As Christians, we want to see the character of Jesus Christ in our children. We want our kids to be brave, compassionate, and joyful. Whether a parent, grandparent, or teacher, we all want to see our children grow in humility, gratitude, and respect—for others and themselves.
The founder of Celebrate Kids, Dr. Kathy Koch will help us define character and why it matters as she unpacks the crisis of character in our culture today. Listen for some great tips on steps we can take to teach and develop character in our kids.
So much of the trouble we can find in marriage points back to not communicating our expectations. In his 30+ years of marriage, Greg Smalley has learned from that mistake more than a few times.
Words matter. Our words matter. In her new book, Well Said,* mom of seven and popular blogger Sarah Molitor explains why those words matter so much. Sarah shares how to make the most of our words and why doing so can change our lives. Through her own personal life stories, Sarah offers practical tips that are grounded in Biblical truth and convey God’s love for each person.
Choosing to use our words to speak life allows the Lord to work in ways we never imagined or could dream for ourselves. While it’s not easy, nor is it instant, it will be life-challenging and life-changing.
The world first got acquainted with Colton Dixon during season 11 of American Idol. In the eleven years since his top seven finish, he’s become well known for hit songs like, “More of You”, “Through All of It”, and more recently “Build a Boat”.
A big change came to Colton’s life in August of 2020 when he and his wife Annie welcomed twin daughters into the world.
We recently caught up with Colton in advance of his October 2023 visit to Nebraska to talk about life, ministry and the songs from his new project, Canvas.
The music of CAIN quickly became a mainstay on MyBridge radio when they released their debut single, "Rise Up (Lazarus)". Since then, the trio of pastor’s kids from Hartselle, Alabama –– Madison Cain Johnson, Taylor Cain Matz, and Logan Cain –– have continued to be used by God through their ministry of music.
Madison is the middle sibling of the family trio known for their matching colorful outfits on stage. A mom of a toddler, Madison is learning more about the love of her heavenly Father as she raises her son and she’s thankful for parents that pointed her to Jesus.
Currently on their 2023 Live and In Color tour, Madison sits down to talk to us about life as a mom, an artist, and their newest album, Jesus Music.
For the past 25 years, Focus on the Family has been ministering to singles and young adults through its Boundless ministry. When Lisa Anderson first got involved with Boundless 15 years ago, it was to host their podcast. A couple of years later, she assumed the role of director for the ministry.
In her role, Lisa helps today’s millennial and Gen Z generations to “grow up”, “own their faith”, and “date with purpose". In this episode, Lisa shares some of the reasons young adults don’t feel equipped for marriage. She also shares some eye-opening stats on couples waiting until marriage before moving in together as well as some encouragement about how these young generations are rejecting cultural Christianity.
Pastors and ministry leaders are some of the hardest-working people in the world--and they have a high rate of burnout to prove it. Leaders that aren't operating at peak efficiency and, also taking care of themselves, are setting themselves up for a crash. The reality is, that few in ministry feel they have the time to take a sabbatical or tend to their own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. But healthy rhythms of work and rest are the key to a thriving, long-term ministry. In their book, Don’t Burn Out, Burn Bright, Jason Young and Jonathan Malm put their years of ministry leadership and consulting experience together to show us how to fine-tune leadership and organize life in such a way that you can become a high-capacity leader without the exhaustion and discouragement so many feel.
In her latest book, Recipes for a Sweet Child: Creative Bible-based Activities to Help Your Family Thrive, author Katie Trent combines her counseling and ministry expertise with her own parenting experiences to provide you with a creative guide to work past challenging childhood issues in a winsome way.
Searching for answers to help turn your children’s grumbling into gratitude? Trying to navigate ongoing issues like sibling rivalry, tattling, unforgiveness, peer pressure, or bullying? Katie will help you teach your kids how to apply biblical wisdom in any situation.
Discover simple tools to bring peace and joy into your home with easy, interactive activities and Bible lessons and enjoy making delicious recipes with your kids.
Meredith Andrews has been writing music and leading worship for nearly two decades. Known for songs like “Draw Me Nearer” and “Open Up The Heavens”, Meredith has served alongside the Vertical Church Band and, more recently, with her home church, The Belonging Co. in Nashville.
Meredith opens up about marriage, and how it’s not always easy, about turning 40, and how it’s just a number. We’ll also dive in with Meredith about worship and why she writes songs for the church.
Though we believe in our minds that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present, sometimes we don't feel his closeness. How can we walk boldly in our faith, expecting Him to draw near to us as we draw near to Him? In, Closer Than Your Next Breath, bestselling author, speaker, and radio host Susie Larson helps readers experience God's trustworthiness and love—even when they feel far from Him.
No matter what you're going through today or worried about facing tomorrow, Susie reminds us God is closer than you can imagine, and His presence changes everything. When we pursue the heart of God through the Word of God, that's when we experience the presence of God—and it makes all the difference in our lives.
For more information on Susie’s new book: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/closer-than-your-next-breath/
Although there are moments of beauty and goodness, more often than not, life is marked by fear, struggle, disappointment, and loss. And we don’t know what to do with it. We try to find hope and security in various people and places–but each proves unworthy of our trust. We need more. Something–or Someone–who won’t fail us when our world falls apart.
Michelle Cushatt presents a better way. In her book, A Faith That Will Not Fail, this author and Bible teacher explores powerful personal, historical, and biblical stories of people of extraordinary faith. She curates and shares practices to help you deepen your confidence and certainty in the God who can be trusted with your worry, questions, confusion, and grief.
Connect with a woman who has been through immeasurable suffering and hear her compassion and practical insight.
For more information on Michelle’s book, go to: michelecushatt.com/faith/
The question isn’t whether you’ll face the hardest thing. It’s what to do when it’s staring you in the face. Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon from Nebraska, knows personally that trauma will reconfigure your life. After the tragic loss of his 19-year-old son, he knew he needed a plan and path back to a new season of hope, faith, peace—and even happiness. The first dose is hope—and it comes in the form of grace from the skilled hands of the Great Physician.
In Hope Is the First Dose, Dr. Warren offers tender empathy and hard-won insights to give you tangible hope. No matter what you’re facing, it doesn’t have to be the end of you.
Learn more about Dr. Warren and his new book:
https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/hope-is-the-first-dose/
Many of us long for the abundant life Jesus promised, but instead we feel stagnant and frustrated in our faith. More of us cultivate our view of God from our family of origin than from the pages of the Bible—and a faulty view of God will always be a barrier to a satisfying spiritual life.
Bryan Clark has served in pastoral ministry in Nebraska for more than 40 years. In that time, he’s observed a lot of, as he says, “messed up” views of God. In his unique and interactive book God’s Not Like That, our guest returns us to Scripture on a step-by-step journey to identify and then correct our misconceptions about God.
Listen for specific ways our childhood influences our beliefs today and how to distinguish truth from fiction when it comes to personal beliefs.
Order Bryan’s book here: https://www.christianbook.com/not-like-redeeming-inherited-beliefs-finding/bryan-clark/9780830784394/pd/784395?event=ESRCG
It’s one thing to go to church. But, there are steps we can take to really get plugged in and find the kind of “community” we really crave…even if we don’t realize we crave it. Maralee Bradley of Lincoln, NE is a busy mom of eight children and has every excuse in the book to not commit to a life group (or small group) at her church. But, she and her husband have rearranged their schedules because they understand the impact their life group has had on their lives (not to mention the opportunity the get to invest in other couples).
On this episode, Stan and Maralee dive into how making small groups a priority can be one of the best decisions you can make for your own spiritual growth and connection to other believers.
If Alex McFarland could offer you any advice as a parent, it would be to teach Biblical truth to your children. Not only teach it, but model it. Live it out. Make it a priority. He is convinced that even if your kids stray for a while, the likelihood is high that they'll return to the faith they were taught if it was authentically lived out with grace.
God got a hold of Alex McFarland's heart when he was in college. Alex wanted the same to be true of his friends. But, as he shared his faith with them, he struggled to answer the tough questions. That led our guest down the path of studying apologetics. Today Alex tours the country sharing Biblical truth and equipping parents to teach truth in the home.
Alex is the author of "The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity" and “100 Bible Questions & Answers”.
Links to Alex’s books:
https://alexmcfarland.com/book/the-21-toughest-questions-your-kids-will-ask-about-christianity-how-to-answer-them-confidently/
https://alexmcfarland.com/book/100-bible-questions-and-answers-inspiring-truths-historical-facts-practical-insights/
Cultivating within kids a heart for generosity and wise habits around earning, saving, investing, and spending money will impact every aspect of their lives—their relationship with Jesus, their future marriage, their ability to make a difference with their lives, and much more.
Matt Bell shares stories, motivation, and the guidance you need to help your kids develop powerfully effective biblical money-management attitudes and behaviors. Matt’s book, Trusted will equip you to teach your kids the purpose of money and how to pursue biblical financial priorities—everything they need to get on the right path for a lifetime of effective, joyful, God-glorifying money management.
For more information about Matt’s book: https://mattaboutmoney.com/trusted-preparing-your-kids-for-a-lifetime-of-god-honoring-money-management/
Forty-year youth ministry veteran Jeff Grenell believes too many churches have a Nickelodeon-style youth ministry model and actually treat kids about three years younger than they really are. The world is a lot harder on students than our churches are in that they expect more out of them. In his book, “Next Gen Faith: 12 Spiritual Practices for Youth”, our guest writes about how this generation needs to be re-introduced to Jesus through a relationship and how too many have heard about Jesus, but only know what they've heard and haven't really experienced Him. Jeff believes we need practices that protect our principles. We need to teach kids what to do and what to know...but also how to do it and how to know it. Jeff Grenell’s resources are available at http://www.ythology.com/
Growing up in a missionary family in Romania, Asheritah CiuCiu began to have her life transformed as she learned to immerse herself in the Word of God. As a teenager with nothing but time on her hands, Asheritah would often spend hours reading her Bible and singing worship music. After being married and starting a family, free time was no longer a thing and Asheritah had to figure out what time with God could look like as a busy mom. The founder of the ministry “One Thing Alone” now helps other moms discover how to spend time with God when it feels like there is no time.
Culture is doing its best to convince the world there is nothing special about Jesus. Sadly, too many Christians never get beyond a Sunday school understanding of their own faith. The result is that Christianity's most important historical fact –– the resurrection –– is often the most misunderstood.
In Body of Proof, acclaimed apologist and scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston sets out to show why Jesus' victory over death is central to a believer's faith. In this conversation, we connect with Dr. Johnstons about the latest archaeological and textual findings as he presents seven tangible, fresh reasons to believe Jesus really rose from the dead –– and why it matters today as the foundation of our hope in the face of suffering and grief. When you fully understand the implications of the resurrection, you will begin to understand the power of Christ in you. This changes everything!
Learn more about Dr. Jeremiah Johnston’s book here: https://a.co/d/3yDKlDu
When it comes to character, we have choices to make. We can choose kindness, patience and politeness. Dr. Kathy Koch, the founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc, talks with us about the importance of setting an example for our kids when it comes to what we expect out of them. More is caught than taught. If we want to raise children with character, it starts with being people of character. Dr. Kathy will share her “Fine Five”, a tool families can use to open up amazing conversations with the kids to help find out what's going on in their hearts.
Singer, songwriter, worship leader and podcaster Christy Nockels recently released her first album in more than five years. Connect with Christy about the new project, “This is The Hour” and hear her heart about worship and the opportunity God gives us to respond to Him in both the mountaintops and the valleys. When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want, He does still offer us a special gift which is perhaps the best answer we can get.
In this episode, Susie goes back to the beginning and shares her journey of falling in love with Jesus and tells about what she’s learned about God while facing chronic illness. Be inspired by Susie as she challenges our attitude about spending time with God. It’s more than something to check off the daily to-do list…it’s something we get to do. It’s an opportunity. Susie even shares some thoughts on how we can make the most of our time with God by journaling.
Over the past 50 years, there’s been a shift in culture from, “discover truth” to “live your truth”. It’s important to talk about truth and why It matters. What we believe about truth helps us navigate our day-to-day lives. Eternity is at stake. Our guest, Sean McDowell, will be the keynote speaker at the STINT Discipleship Weekend, March 24-25th in Kearney, Nebraska. Details on this event for high school students can be found here: https://stint.toddbecker.org/discipleship-weekend
So much of the trouble we can find in marriage points back to not communicating our expectations. In his 30+ years of marriage, Greg Smalley has learned from that mistake more than a few times.
Are you snacking or feasting when it comes to spending time in God’s Word? Wendy Speake joins us to share encouragement on how to feast on the Word of God so that we taste and see God’s goodness.
Build the habit of daily time with God in his Word! Learn some simple ways to build this habit, why we think it matters and how blessed we are to have access to the Gospel in a language we can read.
Bible Reading Plan: https://mybridgeradio.net/20in23/
Maralee Bradley, mom of 8 kiddos and champion of adoption and foster parenting, joins us today to tell us to stop lying to our children! – and why being appropriately truthful matters to our kids and builds a lasting, trusting relationship.
Life is busy! And honestly, the pressure of curating the perfect moments of connection and discipleship with our kids, to then have it all come crashing down with one tantrum, is too real. Join us as we visit with Melissa Swain about her and her late husband's book, “Write It On Their Hearts: Practical Help for Discipling Your Kids.”
https://www.writeitontheirhearts.com/
Our world worships control – from cruise control in our cars to climate control in our buildings, we think it’s our right to be in control and for things to go our way. Tim Sanford, pastor and Clinical Director of Counseling Services for Focus on the Family is here to share with us why that desire for control is causing so much anxiety.
Hope is vital for life! And it absolutely deserves an anthem. Join us for a conversation with award-winning songwriter, author and cancer survivor, Gina Boe, to discover her source of hope in times of crisis.
Hope Deserves an Anthem Playlist: https://bit.ly/Hope-Playlist
Hope Deserves an Anthem Book: https://bit.ly/Hope-Deserves-an-Anthem
America has passed a tipping point. A majority of Americans now say that truth is up to the individual and that ultimate truth cannot be known. Is all hope lost? Join us for this conversation with Dr. Jeff Myers as he shares fascinating stories of Jesus-followers who lived for Truth and transformed their world in times of crisis.
https://www.summit.org/ - Order “Truth Changes Everything” here!
Ben Fuller, one of Christian music's up and coming artists – you may know him by his newest single, “Who I Am” – joins us on the Morning Conversation today to share his testimony and how God rescued him from a hopeless place in his life.
https://mybridgeradio.net/contact/
MyBridge Radio – 888-627-1020
GOYFC - Greater Omaha Youth for Christ - exists to introduce young people to Jesus at this pivotal time in their lives. They desire to reach young people with the hope of Christ by partnering with local believers to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus. We have the pleasure of serving alongside GOYFC and Jason Currie through MyBridge Momentum, having connected with them at a critical point in their ministry’s growth.
True Girl and Staci Rudolph are here to throw the world's largest Pajama Party for you and your daughters, cultivating a safe and memorable experience for a lasting relationship to grow – all anchored in Jesus. At True Girl, they believe it is possible to raise a girl who is confident in her faith and in herself, even in this culture.
https://mytruegirl.com/
Dr. Kathy Koch, author and Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, feels strongly that kids need to believe their future is bright. In order for that to happen, we need to raise our kids to embrace life with confidence –– something that hasn't been so easy to do during the past couple of years. Dive into this conversation with us around her newest book, “Resilient Kids: Raising Them to Embrace Life with Confidence”.
https://celebratekids.com/
1 in every 3 kids struggles with anxiety today – that’s a sobering statistic to wrap your mind around. Thankfully, we have counselors like Sissy Goff, Director of Child and Adolescent Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, who desire to help counsel and write books to help us navigate these challenging dynamics of parenting.
Raising Boys & Girls Blog
Raising Boys and Girls Podcast
Michelle Nezat loves the Word of God. And, she wants to inspire others to discover and meditate on God's Word. Her unique approach to introducing God's Word is through Christian music. Our guest on this episode is the host of the "More Than A Song" podcast!
This week David Thomas, Director of Family Counseling for Daystar Counseling in Nashville, joins us to share from his years and years of experience in family and boy’s counseling. In today's episode we cover concepts in his new book.
Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas
Strong and Smart: A Boys Guide to Building Healthy Emotions
More resources at: Raising Boys & Girls
Being a youth today is not easy – what a challenging time to be growing up and navigating your faith amid everything that’s happening in our culture. In this episode, we share a conversation with Sadye Daniell, an 18-year-old from Lincoln, NE, who shares how she continues to fight for her relationship with Jesus and how her parents and mentors have made a massive impact in her walk with the Lord.
You’re likely familiar with Susie Larson through the weekly blessings of hers we share each Monday morning! If you’ve heard those or read those, you’ve unquestionably been blessed and encouraged by her words. Today, we’re sharing a conversation with Susie and her newest book, “Strong in Battle: Why the Humble Will Prevail.”
Find her newest book:Strong in Battle: Why the Humble Will Prevail by Susie Larson
Mother of recent NBA champion, Steph Curry and author of her first book, Sonya Curry joins us to share about her new book, “Fierce Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose”. In this episode, Sonya shares her faith journey, how she lives “in the world but not of the world” and how she raised a family that prioritizes character over anything else.
There are people unreached in places so hard to reach, few have been reached. And very few are trying. Activate Global, MyBridge to the Nations is actively pursuing the fulfillment of the Great Commission among the nearly 3 billion unreached people around the world! On this episode, we’re connecting with co-founder, Jessica Hotz about how they’re accelerating disciple-making through the creation of sustainable kingdom businesses.
https://activateglobal.net/
When Molly DeFrank’s kid greeted her at the door with — not, “Hi, Mom” — but, “Can I play on your phone” — she knew it was time for a change. So what change did she make? A digital detox, cold turkey! It was time for drastic measures. Molly joins us for a conversation, sharing about her book “Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids” – the book she says she wishes she had when they started their detox.
- 100 digital free ideas to get you started
- mollydefrank.com
Do you find yourself assuming your kids are struggling more than looking for the positives in their life? Shaunti Feldhahn can relate. And our kids know it too! Join us for this conversation with Harvard grad, former Wall Street analyst and our favorite accidental social researcher, best-selling author and speaker, Shaunti Feldhahn.
https://shaunti.com/
Is life so busy and chaotic lately that you’ve had trouble finding a moment to simply catch your breath? The good news is Kirsten Watson knows what you’re going through, and she’s got your back. As a mom of seven kids, wife of a professional athlete and cohost of a popular podcast, Kirsten is often asked by other women, “How do you do it?” Kirsten’s answer begins with a simple first step: take a breath.
About Kirsten Watson: https://thewatsonseven.com/hers/about
Get the book: https://www.tyndale.com/sites/sistakeabreath/
MyBridge Radio: https://mybridgeradio.net/
We live in a challenging time right now. Civil discourse is anything but civil, and unity seems to be a word we now only dream about. Thankfully, Lisa Anderson from Focus on the Family is here to help us understand and learn how to have healthy discussions and relationships with people who hold different views than we do. There’s something for everyone to learn from Lisa Anderson on this episode of the Morning Conversation: The Podcast.
Plugged In, a media review and discernment ministry, has been helping families navigate the world of media for years! Today we get to talk with Adam Holz, who oversees Plugged In’s media reviews, and who has himself reviewed over 600 movies and hundreds of albums and songs! Adam is here to help us learn how to discern media today, how to talk to our kids about it and how to equip them for navigating it themselves after they leave home.
Mike Weaver, lead singer of Big Daddy Weave, shares from personal experience that even when all we can see is our struggles and grief, God is there, holding us together.
Brant Hansen, nationally syndicated radio host and author of his newest book, “The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman and Any Man Willing to Show Up”. He also hosts a podcast with his friend Sherri, “The Brant and Sherri Oddcast” and he leverages his platform to advance the healing work of CURE, all while having honest, comedic and Kingdom-centered discussions around topics such as public policy, culture, sports, Asperger’s Syndrome and faith.
Lilly Goodman, a Dominican singer and songwriter and a favorite artist on MyBridge Español, grew up in a God-loving family, going to church daily to learn and sing as a young girl. As a teen, she’d set her sights to work in pharmacy, hoping to help people heal their bodies…until she came to realize God had other plans for her life… helping people heal their souls.
Coverage map: https://bit.ly/mybridge-coverage-map
Flier for MyBridge Español: https://bit.ly/share-mybridge-espanol
With his infectious joy and his thought provoking lyrics, singer/songwriter and former contestant from The Voice, Blessing Offor is quickly drawing people not only into his joy, but more importantly into the joy of the Lord. Today, we’re getting to know Blessing, connecting to his heart for Jesus and his desire to share his music with the world.
A conversation with Renee Swope, former executive director and radio co-host with Proverbs 31 Ministries, best-selling author and speaker! Tune in to hear her story through depression and how it spurred her heart for women and girls, sharing and encouraging them to know who they are in Christ!
Check out her latest book on her website at reneeswope.com.
Bob Paul is Vice President of the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute. He’s a licensed, professional counselor and speaks at conferences and enrichment events around the world. Additionally, Bob is the co-founder of Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored program that ministers to couples experiencing difficult marriage problems. His life purpose is to come alongside couples and help them understand Biblical concepts that help their marriage thrive! Which led him to co-authoring the book, “9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free”.
Tara Leigh Cobble from The Bible Recap and D-Groups joins us to talk about how to read God’s word. Join the conversation today to hear the helpful, practical tips Tara Leigh has when it comes to preparing to spend time with Jesus.
We are so grateful for Susie Larson! She has such a big heart for Jesus and sharing her God given gifts. Join the conversation today to learn more about Advent and Susie’s newest book, “Prepare Him Room.”