Don't Take a Vacation From Spiritual Growth [The Deep Dish 38]

If you're in a weekly Bible study year If you're in a weekly Bible study year after year after year, fall and spring, after year after year, fall and spring, after year after year, fall and spring, and it's not resulting in missional and it's not resulting in missional and it's not resulting in missional living, if it's not result like that's living, if it's not result like that's living, if it's not result like that's we the Bible study is not the end game. we the Bible study is not the end game. we the Bible study is not the end game. It it serves the end game and the end It it serves the end game and the end It it serves the end game and the end game is to join God on mission and we game is to join God on mission and we game is to join God on mission and we have to know his word in order to have to know his word in order to have to know his word in order to live according to his word in order to live according to his word in order to live according to his word in order to accurately share the truth of the accurately share the truth of the accurately share the truth of the gospel. Welcome to the deep dish, a podcast from Welcome to the deep dish, a podcast from the Gospel Coalition where we love the Gospel Coalition where we love the Gospel Coalition where we love having deep conversations about deep having deep conversations about deep having deep conversations about deep truths. I am Courtney Doctor and I am truths. I am Courtney Doctor and I am truths. I am Courtney Doctor and I am here with my friend and co-host Melissa here with my friend and co-host Melissa here with my friend and co-host Melissa Kruger and we are excited for this Kruger and we are excited for this Kruger and we are excited for this conversation at the start of summer. conversation at the start of summer. conversation at the start of summer. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, is there anything you're excited about is there anything you're excited about is there anything you're excited about summer before we begin? summer before we begin? summer before we begin? >> Oh, well, first of all, I mean, we're >> Oh, well, first of all, I mean, we're >> Oh, well, first of all, I mean, we're heading into the conference. So, I'm heading into the conference. So, I'm heading into the conference. So, I'm super excited about that. I can hardly super excited about that. I can hardly super excited about that. I can hardly wait. wait. wait. >> are you talking about, Courtney? When is >> are you talking about, Courtney? When is >> are you talking about, Courtney? When is it because you know I don't remember it because you know I don't remember it because you know I don't remember these details.

these details. these details. >> I know. Thank goodness you have a >> I know. Thank goodness you have a >> I know. Thank goodness you have a calendar. She you will show up, right? calendar. She you will show up, right? calendar. She you will show up, right? Um, so TGCW 26 and June 11th through Um, so TGCW 26 and June 11th through Um, so TGCW 26 and June 11th through 13th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Join us. 13th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Join us. 13th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Join us. Oh my gosh, we're going to have so much Oh my gosh, we're going to have so much Oh my gosh, we're going to have so much fun being in person together with fun being in person together with fun being in person together with thousands of women from literally around thousands of women from literally around thousands of women from literally around the world. the world. the world. >> Yes, and we you can still register. You >> Yes, and we you can still register. You >> Yes, and we you can still register. You can still come. So, make a spur of the can still come. So, make a spur of the can still come. So, make a spur of the moment decision and come and join us. Do moment decision and come and join us. Do moment decision and come and join us. Do it in person. And we're doing a deep it in person. And we're doing a deep it in person. And we're doing a deep dish live there. So, they they can dish live there. So, they they can dish live there. So, they they can actually be in the room where it happens actually be in the room where it happens actually be in the room where it happens because they can see because they can see because they can see >> If we could sing, we could sing that >> If we could sing, we could sing that >> If we could sing, we could sing that song, but we can't. Yeah, but Nancy and song, but we can't. Yeah, but Nancy and song, but we can't. Yeah, but Nancy and Jen are joining us, so they'll make us Jen are joining us, so they'll make us Jen are joining us, so they'll make us look good. They'll make us look like we look good. They'll make us look like we look good. They'll make us look like we know what we're talking about. know what we're talking about. know what we're talking about. >> I know. I know. We'll try to look >> I know. I know. We'll try to look >> I know. I know. We'll try to look professional there. We'll try. Okay. professional there. We'll try. Okay. professional there. We'll try. Okay. Well, today we are going to talk about Well, today we are going to talk about Well, today we are going to talk about how to continue to pursue spiritual how to continue to pursue spiritual how to continue to pursue spiritual growth over the summer months, which can growth over the summer months, which can growth over the summer months, which can be really tough because I think our be really tough because I think our be really tough because I think our routines get shaken up, you know, routines get shaken up, you know, routines get shaken up, you know, schedules shift, and many Bible studies schedules shift, and many Bible studies schedules shift, and many Bible studies and community groups, they break for the and community groups, they break for the and community groups, they break for the summer. So, all of that can kind of lead summer. So, all of that can kind of lead summer. So, all of that can kind of lead to stagnation or just a Oh my goodness, to stagnation or just a Oh my goodness, to stagnation or just a Oh my goodness, it's been 3 days and I haven't even it's been 3 days and I haven't even it's been 3 days and I haven't even opened my Bible.

opened my Bible. opened my Bible. Yeah, I mean, this can just happen Yeah, I mean, this can just happen Yeah, I mean, this can just happen during the summer. Um and in some ways during the summer. Um and in some ways during the summer. Um and in some ways we might think, I'm just going to wait we might think, I'm just going to wait we might think, I'm just going to wait until fall. Well, we want to talk today until fall. Well, we want to talk today until fall. Well, we want to talk today about how can we not put that in our about how can we not put that in our about how can we not put that in our mindset, not wait till fall, but how can mindset, not wait till fall, but how can mindset, not wait till fall, but how can we use summers to really really we use summers to really really we use summers to really really um grow spiritually? But let me ask you um grow spiritually? But let me ask you um grow spiritually? But let me ask you first, how does your life change in first, how does your life change in first, how does your life change in summer? You know, does it change much? summer? You know, does it change much? summer? You know, does it change much? What What does it look like? What What does it look like? What What does it look like? >> You know, less so now that the kids are >> You know, less so now that the kids are >> You know, less so now that the kids are no longer in the house. I mean, no longer in the house. I mean, no longer in the house. I mean, obviously, when the kids were home, that obviously, when the kids were home, that obviously, when the kids were home, that was a huge a huge change uh in the was a huge a huge change uh in the was a huge a huge change uh in the summer, and and routines would change. summer, and and routines would change. summer, and and routines would change. But I would say even now, I mean, just But I would say even now, I mean, just But I would say even now, I mean, just the fact that we have longer days and the fact that we have longer days and the fact that we have longer days and uh you know, I I think of summer as a uh you know, I I think of summer as a uh you know, I I think of summer as a time of like creating more space for time of like creating more space for time of like creating more space for people and and doing more things people and and doing more things people and and doing more things outside. So, it does change. And then we outside. So, it does change. And then we outside. So, it does change. And then we do a family vacation every summer. And do a family vacation every summer. And do a family vacation every summer. And so, yeah, there are some rhythms that so, yeah, there are some rhythms that so, yeah, there are some rhythms that that kind of get, that kind of get, that kind of get, you know, changed up in the summer. What you know, changed up in the summer. What you know, changed up in the summer. What about you? about you? about you? >> Yeah, mine changed some cuz I still have >> Yeah, mine changed some cuz I still have >> Yeah, mine changed some cuz I still have kids in college, so they sometimes still kids in college, so they sometimes still kids in college, so they sometimes still come home, but sometimes it's like half come home, but sometimes it's like half come home, but sometimes it's like half the summer, sometimes it's 2 weeks in the summer, sometimes it's 2 weeks in the summer, sometimes it's 2 weeks in the summer. So, it's a little bit the summer. So, it's a little bit the summer. So, it's a little bit different. But I would say actually different. But I would say actually different. But I would say actually because of the conference, because of the conference, because of the conference, I feel full on as normal.

I feel full on as normal. I feel full on as normal. Maybe even a little fuller than normal Maybe even a little fuller than normal Maybe even a little fuller than normal up through the conference. I mean, up through the conference. I mean, up through the conference. I mean, honestly, that that has really changed, honestly, that that has really changed, honestly, that that has really changed, I would say, both you and I, you know, I would say, both you and I, you know, I would say, both you and I, you know, as we think about rhythms. And then we as we think about rhythms. And then we as we think about rhythms. And then we do try to take some sort of vacation in do try to take some sort of vacation in do try to take some sort of vacation in the summer. But I'm with you. I love the the summer. But I'm with you. I love the the summer. But I'm with you. I love the longer days longer days longer days and going for walks after work, whereas and going for walks after work, whereas and going for walks after work, whereas sometimes during the winter, you know, sometimes during the winter, you know, sometimes during the winter, you know, I'm like, "Oh, it's so dark. There's no I'm like, "Oh, it's so dark. There's no I'm like, "Oh, it's so dark. There's no way I'm going for a walk at 6:00 p.m." way I'm going for a walk at 6:00 p.m." way I'm going for a walk at 6:00 p.m." Yeah, whereas summer, it is nice and, Yeah, whereas summer, it is nice and, Yeah, whereas summer, it is nice and, you know, that that's always fun. you know, that that's always fun. you know, that that's always fun. Um Um Um Okay, one thing I love in the summer is Okay, one thing I love in the summer is Okay, one thing I love in the summer is vacations. Um and that allows us to take vacations. Um and that allows us to take vacations. Um and that allows us to take time away from work, which is mentally time away from work, which is mentally time away from work, which is mentally really good. really good. really good. Um and it gives us time to spend with Um and it gives us time to spend with Um and it gives us time to spend with people. Um you you would think that time people. Um you you would think that time people. Um you you would think that time away would give us more time to spend away would give us more time to spend away would give us more time to spend praying and reading the word, but has praying and reading the word, but has praying and reading the word, but has that been your experience? Tell me, you that been your experience? Tell me, you that been your experience? Tell me, you know, are you all spiritual on vacation? know, are you all spiritual on vacation? know, are you all spiritual on vacation? >> I always think the same thing. Like, >> I always think the same thing. Like, >> I always think the same thing. Like, this is going to be idyllic. I've got this is going to be idyllic. I've got this is going to be idyllic. I've got long slower mornings. I can just sit, long slower mornings. I can just sit, long slower mornings. I can just sit, you know, outside or, you know, just you know, outside or, you know, just you know, outside or, you know, just enjoy my time with the Lord. But I get enjoy my time with the Lord. But I get enjoy my time with the Lord. But I get out What happens for me is I just get out What happens for me is I just get out What happens for me is I just get out of a rhythm. You know, we've talked out of a rhythm. You know, we've talked out of a rhythm. You know, we've talked about like practices of prayer before on about like practices of prayer before on about like practices of prayer before on here, and one of the things that we here, and one of the things that we here, and one of the things that we mentioned was this idea of having like a mentioned was this idea of having like a mentioned was this idea of having like a place and a time, so that you really place and a time, so that you really place and a time, so that you really don't even think about it. It's just don't even think about it. It's just don't even think about it. It's just part of your daily rhythm. Well, for me, part of your daily rhythm. Well, for me, part of your daily rhythm. Well, for me, when that shifts and I'm no longer, you when that shifts and I'm no longer, you when that shifts and I'm no longer, you know, I don't have access to my place. I know, I don't have access to my place. I know, I don't have access to my place. I have a chair where I where I usually

have a chair where I where I usually have a chair where I where I usually read and pray in the mornings. And I read and pray in the mornings. And I read and pray in the mornings. And I just I don't know. I get out of the just I don't know. I get out of the just I don't know. I get out of the rhythm of exercise. I get out of the rhythm of exercise. I get out of the rhythm of exercise. I get out of the rhythm of of my time in the word. I rhythm of of my time in the word. I rhythm of of my time in the word. I mean, it's just mean, it's just mean, it's just >> into the rhythm of ice cream every night >> into the rhythm of ice cream every night >> into the rhythm of ice cream every night because that feels normal on vacation. because that feels normal on vacation. because that feels normal on vacation. >> Quickly. Very quickly I can get into >> Quickly. Very quickly I can get into >> Quickly. Very quickly I can get into that rhythm. So, it's just amazing, and that rhythm. So, it's just amazing, and that rhythm. So, it's just amazing, and I'm always so frustrated with myself I'm always so frustrated with myself I'm always so frustrated with myself because Okay, so just along I mean, what because Okay, so just along I mean, what because Okay, so just along I mean, what about you? What about on vacations with about you? What about on vacations with about you? What about on vacations with you? What do you do? Are you really you? What do you do? Are you really you? What do you do? Are you really disciplined? disciplined? disciplined? >> Yeah, well, it's funny because the kids >> Yeah, well, it's funny because the kids >> Yeah, well, it's funny because the kids sometimes sleep in. I can I have a sometimes sleep in. I can I have a sometimes sleep in. I can I have a little screened-in porch at the beach little screened-in porch at the beach little screened-in porch at the beach place we go to. So, shif- it mental has place we go to. So, shif- it mental has place we go to. So, shif- it mental has shift, you know, you can't take your shift, you know, you can't take your shift, you know, you can't take your chair on vacation with you. chair on vacation with you. chair on vacation with you. Um but I could I can go on that porch Um but I could I can go on that porch Um but I could I can go on that porch and feel alone, but and feel alone, but and feel alone, but what happens is I never know it's like what happens is I never know it's like what happens is I never know it's like little kids again. You never know when little kids again. You never know when little kids again. You never know when you're going to be interrupted. And I you're going to be interrupted. And I you're going to be interrupted. And I want to be available because I don't get want to be available because I don't get want to be available because I don't get my kids around much anymore. So it's my kids around much anymore. So it's my kids around much anymore. So it's more like, oh, if they're up and they more like, oh, if they're up and they more like, oh, if they're up and they say, "Let's go for a bike ride." I'm say, "Let's go for a bike ride." I'm say, "Let's go for a bike ride." I'm like, "Yeah, let's go for a bike ride."

like, "Yeah, let's go for a bike ride." like, "Yeah, let's go for a bike ride." So it feels very hit or miss when the So it feels very hit or miss when the So it feels very hit or miss when the space is going to be available. And so I space is going to be available. And so I space is going to be available. And so I I do think it's difficult. I I do think it's difficult. I I do think it's difficult. I And And you have this, too. We both have And And you have this, too. We both have And And you have this, too. We both have places we go back to regularly. So I places we go back to regularly. So I places we go back to regularly. So I think you can create a little bit of think you can create a little bit of think you can create a little bit of that, oh, this is where I get that that, oh, this is where I get that that, oh, this is where I get that space, but I think it's really hard when space, but I think it's really hard when space, but I think it's really hard when you're vacationing in a new spot or, you you're vacationing in a new spot or, you you're vacationing in a new spot or, you know, you're going away. know, you're going away. know, you're going away. >> point, but I'm just as bad in my regular >> point, but I'm just as bad in my regular >> point, but I'm just as bad in my regular spot. Uh you know, you and I have been spot. Uh you know, you and I have been spot. Uh you know, you and I have been like we've been in places like where like we've been in places like where like we've been in places like where we've taken trips together and you are we've taken trips together and you are we've taken trips together and you are really diligent about that. I The number really diligent about that. I The number really diligent about that. I The number of times I've woken up and you've just of times I've woken up and you've just of times I've woken up and you've just been in your PJs with a cup of tea and been in your PJs with a cup of tea and been in your PJs with a cup of tea and out with your Bible reading. And yeah, out with your Bible reading. And yeah, out with your Bible reading. And yeah, you are actually really diligent about you are actually really diligent about you are actually really diligent about that. And I'm like, oh, I'm on vacation. that. And I'm like, oh, I'm on vacation. that. And I'm like, oh, I'm on vacation. I don't even know if I brought my Bible. I don't even know if I brought my Bible. I don't even know if I brought my Bible. So So So >> No, you're good about bringing your >> No, you're good about bringing your >> No, you're good about bringing your Bible. I'm kind of terrible about that. Bible. I'm kind of terrible about that. Bible. I'm kind of terrible about that. I'm like, it's kind of heavy. It's like I'm like, it's kind of heavy. It's like I'm like, it's kind of heavy. It's like the shoes or the Bible. It's terrible. the shoes or the Bible. It's terrible. the shoes or the Bible. It's terrible. And I'm like, I can get it on my phone. And I'm like, I can get it on my phone. And I'm like, I can get it on my phone. But well, and and so that's an But well, and and so that's an But well, and and so that's an interesting question. One thing I will interesting question. One thing I will interesting question. One thing I will say that helps me say that helps me say that helps me This is going to sound This is going to sound This is going to sound I do have different things I do on I do have different things I do on I do have different things I do on vacation. So you know me, I love Daily vacation. So you know me, I love Daily vacation. So you know me, I love Daily Light. And that's But that's not hard to Light. And that's But that's not hard to Light. And that's But that's not hard to carry in my bag with me. Like even when carry in my bag with me. Like even when carry in my bag with me. Like even when I'm traveling for speaking or something, I'm traveling for speaking or something, I'm traveling for speaking or something, it's really easy to come along and it's it's really easy to come along and it's it's really easy to come along and it's not long.

not long. not long. But it does it it does help me settle But it does it it does help me settle But it does it it does help me settle and just hear the word of the Lord for a and just hear the word of the Lord for a and just hear the word of the Lord for a little bit. And so that's another thing little bit. And so that's another thing little bit. And so that's another thing I think um on vacation I'm rarely doing I think um on vacation I'm rarely doing I think um on vacation I'm rarely doing intense Bible study. I don't know about intense Bible study. I don't know about intense Bible study. I don't know about you. I'm like You you know, like oh, you. I'm like You you know, like oh, you. I'm like You you know, like oh, let's look up the Hebrew word for that. let's look up the Hebrew word for that. let's look up the Hebrew word for that. I mean that's that's just not often I mean that's that's just not often I mean that's that's just not often happening but but it is good for me to happening but but it is good for me to happening but but it is good for me to have the word in my heart at some point. have the word in my heart at some point. have the word in my heart at some point. I mean it could be read a psalm a day on I mean it could be read a psalm a day on I mean it could be read a psalm a day on your vacation. You know, I mean it could your vacation. You know, I mean it could your vacation. You know, I mean it could be something simple like so it could be something simple like so it could be something simple like so it could look different but it is so good to be look different but it is so good to be look different but it is so good to be reminded cuz then I'm like, well man, I reminded cuz then I'm like, well man, I reminded cuz then I'm like, well man, I was not nice to my people yesterday. was not nice to my people yesterday. was not nice to my people yesterday. >> Right. And I need to confess. >> Right. And I need to confess. >> Right. And I need to confess. >> Yeah, and that's you know, like the >> Yeah, and that's you know, like the >> Yeah, and that's you know, like the spiritual battles that we face, right? spiritual battles that we face, right? spiritual battles that we face, right? They don't stop in this in the summer. They don't stop in this in the summer. They don't stop in this in the summer. And so all these same things, these And so all these same things, these And so all these same things, these things that things that things that you know, that we need the word to you know, that we need the word to you know, that we need the word to instruct and convict and rebuke and instruct and convict and rebuke and instruct and convict and rebuke and train us in righteousness. We need it in train us in righteousness. We need it in train us in righteousness. We need it in the summer, we need it on vacation. And the summer, we need it on vacation. And the summer, we need it on vacation. And I think the other thing is because we I think the other thing is because we I think the other thing is because we are gone a lot and sometimes churches do are gone a lot and sometimes churches do are gone a lot and sometimes churches do different rhythms in the summer that our different rhythms in the summer that our different rhythms in the summer that our community, our church community might community, our church community might community, our church community might look a little bit different. I know look a little bit different. I know look a little bit different. I know during the summer, you know, different during the summer, you know, different during the summer, you know, different people are on vacation at different people are on vacation at different people are on vacation at different times and so so even just your church times and so so even just your church times and so so even just your church family can look a little bit different family can look a little bit different family can look a little bit different during the summer. And so not just in during the summer. And so not just in during the summer. And so not just in the word which is obviously primary but

the word which is obviously primary but the word which is obviously primary but but this idea of our our spiritual but this idea of our our spiritual but this idea of our our spiritual family, our spiritual community. How do family, our spiritual community. How do family, our spiritual community. How do we what are some ways that we can we can we what are some ways that we can we can we what are some ways that we can we can continue in community in our in our continue in community in our in our continue in community in our in our church families or in the family of God church families or in the family of God church families or in the family of God during the summer when we're a little during the summer when we're a little during the summer when we're a little bit more scattered. We're not running bit more scattered. We're not running bit more scattered. We're not running into everybody in the carpool line or into everybody in the carpool line or into everybody in the carpool line or we're not seeing everybody, you know, we're not seeing everybody, you know, we're not seeing everybody, you know, they're gone on vacation and then we're they're gone on vacation and then we're they're gone on vacation and then we're gone on vacation. What are some ways gone on vacation. What are some ways gone on vacation. What are some ways that we can prioritize and stay in that we can prioritize and stay in that we can prioritize and stay in spiritual community during the summer? spiritual community during the summer? spiritual community during the summer? Well, I think one thing and I know you Well, I think one thing and I know you Well, I think one thing and I know you would say this too is go to church would say this too is go to church would say this too is go to church still. You'll still see some people still. You'll still see some people still. You'll still see some people who you'll see and I think it's great on who you'll see and I think it's great on who you'll see and I think it's great on vacation to go to church. vacation to go to church. vacation to go to church. That was a really formative thing for my That was a really formative thing for my That was a really formative thing for my kids to see different churches. So, I kids to see different churches. So, I kids to see different churches. So, I feel like when they got out of my home, feel like when they got out of my home, feel like when they got out of my home, they did have experiences out of their they did have experiences out of their they did have experiences out of their home church. And that that's good for home church. And that that's good for home church. And that that's good for them to have seen. One thing I love that them to have seen. One thing I love that them to have seen. One thing I love that our women's director, hey Ashley, cuz our women's director, hey Ashley, cuz our women's director, hey Ashley, cuz Ashley listens to us. Um so, uh Ashley listens to us. Um so, uh Ashley listens to us. Um so, uh that she's doing this summer, she's that she's doing this summer, she's that she's doing this summer, she's doing some mentoring. Who starts a doing some mentoring. Who starts a doing some mentoring. Who starts a mentoring program in the summer? No one.

mentoring program in the summer? No one. mentoring program in the summer? No one. But what she's doing, I think, is so But what she's doing, I think, is so But what she's doing, I think, is so smart. She's actually using our smart. She's actually using our smart. She's actually using our discipline of devotion series. I'm discipline of devotion series. I'm discipline of devotion series. I'm holding up one right now. This is the holding up one right now. This is the holding up one right now. This is the worship one from Emily Jensen. She cuz worship one from Emily Jensen. She cuz worship one from Emily Jensen. She cuz these are just three chapters long. these are just three chapters long. these are just three chapters long. They're so short. And so, she's actually They're so short. And so, she's actually They're so short. And so, she's actually going to um put like little groups going to um put like little groups going to um put like little groups together of an older woman and three to together of an older woman and three to together of an older woman and three to four younger women. four younger women. four younger women. And they just have to meet three times. And they just have to meet three times. And they just have to meet three times. So, it's not a big Bible study that she So, it's not a big Bible study that she So, it's not a big Bible study that she has to organize. They can do it when it has to organize. They can do it when it has to organize. They can do it when it works for them, but it keeps and builds works for them, but it keeps and builds works for them, but it keeps and builds community over the summer on one topic. community over the summer on one topic. community over the summer on one topic. It's not hard, and three times. And it's It's not hard, and three times. And it's It's not hard, and three times. And it's not on everyone in the church calendar not on everyone in the church calendar not on everyone in the church calendar schedule. It's just those four women schedule. It's just those four women schedule. It's just those four women figuring out a time to meet. figuring out a time to meet. figuring out a time to meet. And I was like, that's a great idea. You And I was like, that's a great idea. You And I was like, that's a great idea. You know, so that yeah, what do what about know, so that yeah, what do what about know, so that yeah, what do what about you? Have you seen good ideas? What do you? Have you seen good ideas? What do you? Have you seen good ideas? What do you do during the summer? Do you have you do during the summer? Do you have you do during the summer? Do you have any personal ways you dig in? any personal ways you dig in? any personal ways you dig in? >> Yeah. Yeah. Um one thing we did last >> Yeah. Yeah. Um one thing we did last >> Yeah. Yeah. Um one thing we did last summer, and it was so fun. Um I have two summer, and it was so fun. Um I have two summer, and it was so fun. Um I have two friends here. Hey Emily. Hey Becca, friends here. Hey Emily. Hey Becca, friends here. Hey Emily. Hey Becca, since we're calling things out. And we since we're calling things out. And we since we're calling things out. And we wanted to do something together over the wanted to do something together over the wanted to do something together over the summer.

summer. summer. >> We have real friends. >> We have real friends. >> We have real friends. Real life friend. Um and we wanted to do Real life friend. Um and we wanted to do Real life friend. Um and we wanted to do something, and we decided it got a This something, and we decided it got a This something, and we decided it got a This part's a little bit funny, but we part's a little bit funny, but we part's a little bit funny, but we decided to do a podcast discussion decided to do a podcast discussion decided to do a podcast discussion group, where we would the whole group group, where we would the whole group group, where we would the whole group would listen to a podcast, and then we would listen to a podcast, and then we would listen to a podcast, and then we would come together and discuss it. And would come together and discuss it. And would come together and discuss it. And when I said, yes, I think I thought we when I said, yes, I think I thought we when I said, yes, I think I thought we were going to use kind of a variety of were going to use kind of a variety of were going to use kind of a variety of podcasts, but we used the deep dish podcasts, but we used the deep dish podcasts, but we used the deep dish every week. But I'll tell you what was every week. But I'll tell you what was every week. But I'll tell you what was so sweet about it is, you know, you and so sweet about it is, you know, you and so sweet about it is, you know, you and I start these conversations and and I I start these conversations and and I I start these conversations and and I love like this part of the conversation, love like this part of the conversation, love like this part of the conversation, but what it allowed me in particular to but what it allowed me in particular to but what it allowed me in particular to do was then step into a room of women do was then step into a room of women do was then step into a room of women and continue the conversation. And that and continue the conversation. And that and continue the conversation. And that was so fun to be able to do that. So, was so fun to be able to do that. So, was so fun to be able to do that. So, that was you know, the only that was you know, the only that was you know, the only the only work anybody had to do between the only work anybody had to do between the only work anybody had to do between meetings was listen to podcast. And so, meetings was listen to podcast. And so, meetings was listen to podcast. And so, it it it >> That's a great idea. >> That's a great idea. >> That's a great idea. >> Yeah, and wasn't that fun? I know. >> Yeah, and wasn't that fun? I know. >> Yeah, and wasn't that fun? I know. >> I love that. So, I mean, because then >> I love that. So, I mean, because then >> I love that. So, I mean, because then it's like over the next week listen to it's like over the next week listen to it's like over the next week listen to the deep dish cuz and if y'all don't the deep dish cuz and if y'all don't the deep dish cuz and if y'all don't know, we have questions every every 2 know, we have questions every every 2 know, we have questions every every 2 weeks to go with these. So, you could go weeks to go with these. So, you could go weeks to go with these. So, you could go back 6 months and pick up whichever ones back 6 months and pick up whichever ones back 6 months and pick up whichever ones you want that have been done. I love you want that have been done. I love you want that have been done. I love that idea so much. You know, because that idea so much. You know, because that idea so much. You know, because it's just great for a summer. Cuz it it's just great for a summer. Cuz it it's just great for a summer. Cuz it doesn't doesn't doesn't >> One of the women was um >> One of the women was um >> One of the women was um her husband is the pastor of the church her husband is the pastor of the church her husband is the pastor of the church where a lot of these women go and she where a lot of these women go and she where a lot of these women go and she was able to pick topics that like she was able to pick topics that like she was able to pick topics that like she could kind of just pick and choose the could kind of just pick and choose the could kind of just pick and choose the episodes. I think we did six over the

episodes. I think we did six over the episodes. I think we did six over the summer. She could pick and choose the summer. She could pick and choose the summer. She could pick and choose the topics that we listened to that were topics that we listened to that were topics that we listened to that were really kind of specific for their church really kind of specific for their church really kind of specific for their church that that she wanted that group of women that that she wanted that group of women that that she wanted that group of women to to to be listening to. So, it was a ton of be listening to. So, it was a ton of be listening to. So, it was a ton of fun. fun. fun. >> That's good cuz you know what? I could >> That's good cuz you know what? I could >> That's good cuz you know what? I could probably go back and listen to some. probably go back and listen to some. probably go back and listen to some. >> Oh gosh, right? >> Oh gosh, right? >> Oh gosh, right? >> remember we said that. That's so >> remember we said that. That's so >> remember we said that. That's so interesting. interesting. interesting. >> Well, like some of our guests, you know, >> Well, like some of our guests, you know, >> Well, like some of our guests, you know, Becky Pippert on evangelism and and Lisa Becky Pippert on evangelism and and Lisa Becky Pippert on evangelism and and Lisa Whittle on theology of the body and Whittle on theology of the body and Whittle on theology of the body and Vanessa on the reliability of scripture. Vanessa on the reliability of scripture. Vanessa on the reliability of scripture. Like you just think about I mean, some Like you just think about I mean, some Like you just think about I mean, some of our guests have just been so like we of our guests have just been so like we of our guests have just been so like we say all the time we're learning in real say all the time we're learning in real say all the time we're learning in real time time time when we have these conversations. So, it when we have these conversations. So, it when we have these conversations. So, it it would be fun to it would be fun to it would be fun to go back and listen to those. go back and listen to those. go back and listen to those. >> Well, what topic? I don't know if we've >> Well, what topic? I don't know if we've >> Well, what topic? I don't know if we've talked about this yet. Maybe we have. talked about this yet. Maybe we have. talked about this yet. Maybe we have. This is forgetful brain Melissa is This is forgetful brain Melissa is This is forgetful brain Melissa is scripture memory which I think can be scripture memory which I think can be scripture memory which I think can be great over the summer. great over the summer. great over the summer. Um Um Um But you kind of have to plan for it. I But you kind of have to plan for it. I But you kind of have to plan for it. I had a friend one year she did this in had a friend one year she did this in had a friend one year she did this in our church. She we picked five passages our church. She we picked five passages our church. She we picked five passages of scripture and they were big chunks of scripture and they were big chunks of scripture and they were big chunks maybe 10 to 12 verses.

maybe 10 to 12 verses. maybe 10 to 12 verses. And the whole summer Bible study was And the whole summer Bible study was And the whole summer Bible study was this memorize the passage and then we'll this memorize the passage and then we'll this memorize the passage and then we'll meet the next week and what we did was meet the next week and what we did was meet the next week and what we did was we each person paired off with one we each person paired off with one we each person paired off with one person and you said the whole passage person and you said the whole passage person and you said the whole passage which was a great discipline. So I would which was a great discipline. So I would which was a great discipline. So I would say to you say to you say to you yeah. And then the Bible study was we yeah. And then the Bible study was we yeah. And then the Bible study was we talked about what we had learned while talked about what we had learned while talked about what we had learned while memorizing it. Like how did the act of memorizing it. Like how did the act of memorizing it. Like how did the act of memorizing it make us pick up on certain memorizing it make us pick up on certain memorizing it make us pick up on certain words like you know on day four of words like you know on day four of words like you know on day four of memorizing it why did we think memorizing it why did we think memorizing it why did we think differently about the text? It was so differently about the text? It was so differently about the text? It was so rich because everyone had really been in rich because everyone had really been in rich because everyone had really been in the text all week and I was like that the text all week and I was like that the text all week and I was like that was great and if you missed a week you was great and if you missed a week you was great and if you missed a week you missed a week. They weren't they weren't missed a week. They weren't they weren't missed a week. They weren't they weren't building on one another. building on one another. building on one another. Um Um Um but I thought that was such a creative but I thought that was such a creative but I thought that was such a creative idea. Do you have any good tips idea. Do you have any good tips idea. Do you have any good tips on scripture memory? Well and I just on scripture memory? Well and I just on scripture memory? Well and I just before I say that I would say cuz that's before I say that I would say cuz that's before I say that I would say cuz that's really taking the word and going from really taking the word and going from really taking the word and going from studying it to really hiding it in your studying it to really hiding it in your studying it to really hiding it in your heart and meditating on it. Like it's heart and meditating on it. Like it's heart and meditating on it. Like it's that whole process of that whole process of that whole process of of you know really just like ingesting of you know really just like ingesting of you know really just like ingesting the word. And so that is such a great the word. And so that is such a great the word. And so that is such a great idea. I love that. I you know I just idea. I love that. I you know I just idea. I love that. I you know I just pilfer tips from everybody else. Um you pilfer tips from everybody else. Um you pilfer tips from everybody else. Um you know back in the day I used to just know back in the day I used to just know back in the day I used to just carry carry carry uh the little card you know 3 by 5 cards uh the little card you know 3 by 5 cards uh the little card you know 3 by 5 cards index cards and and I would just go index cards and and I would just go index cards and and I would just go through them. Do you remember back in through them. Do you remember back in through them. Do you remember back in the day the navigators and they had the the day the navigators and they had the the day the navigators and they had the whole like certain verses that you were whole like certain verses that you were whole like certain verses that you were to memorize right? Yes. I that's where I

to memorize right? Yes. I that's where I to memorize right? Yes. I that's where I started memorizing. Yes. Me too. Me too. started memorizing. Yes. Me too. Me too. started memorizing. Yes. Me too. Me too. Well, actually I started with um is it Well, actually I started with um is it Well, actually I started with um is it Ephesians 4:29? Ephesians 4:29? Ephesians 4:29? Uh do not let any unwholesome talk come Uh do not let any unwholesome talk come Uh do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is out of your mouth but only what is out of your mouth but only what is edifying to others according to their edifying to others according to their edifying to others according to their needs that it may benefit all who needs that it may benefit all who needs that it may benefit all who listen. So that would have been listen. So that would have been listen. So that would have been in the NIV back in the day, right? That in the NIV back in the day, right? That in the NIV back in the day, right? That was kind of the first verse that I was kind of the first verse that I was kind of the first verse that I memorized. And um memorized. And um memorized. And um Anyway, but tips and tricks I think Anyway, but tips and tricks I think Anyway, but tips and tricks I think carrying it with you so that you kind of carrying it with you so that you kind of carrying it with you so that you kind of always have it in front of you. I I what always have it in front of you. I I what always have it in front of you. I I what works for my brain is to remove some of works for my brain is to remove some of works for my brain is to remove some of the words or to then get down to just the words or to then get down to just the words or to then get down to just the the first letter of each word. Like the the first letter of each word. Like the the first letter of each word. Like I have to use little tips and tricks. I have to use little tips and tricks. I have to use little tips and tricks. You know, Hannah Bealieu and I wrote a You know, Hannah Bealieu and I wrote a You know, Hannah Bealieu and I wrote a Bible study together and she she um Bible study together and she she um Bible study together and she she um raps. She is the verse raps. She is the verse raps. She is the verse >> memory queen. >> memory queen. >> memory queen. >> Yes. And she would send me these, you >> Yes. And she would send me these, you >> Yes. And she would send me these, you know, these raps of the whole passages know, these raps of the whole passages know, these raps of the whole passages that we were memorizing and it was so that we were memorizing and it was so that we were memorizing and it was so fun. And then we tried to do it, you fun. And then we tried to do it, you fun. And then we tried to do it, you know, together and of course she was know, together and of course she was know, together and of course she was much cooler than me and uh tried to rap much cooler than me and uh tried to rap much cooler than me and uh tried to rap a Bible verse but a Bible verse but a Bible verse but >> She she can she can handle that and do >> She she can she can handle that and do >> She she can she can handle that and do it and I think that's so good that it and I think that's so good that it and I think that's so good that putting it to music and and I would say putting it to music and and I would say putting it to music and and I would say and that just reminds me like another and that just reminds me like another and that just reminds me like another great way if you are a mom and your kids great way if you are a mom and your kids great way if you are a mom and your kids are at home and you think, oh I don't are at home and you think, oh I don't are at home and you think, oh I don't have time to get in the word because now have time to get in the word because now have time to get in the word because now they're home all day long.

they're home all day long. they're home all day long. One thing you can do is memorize it with One thing you can do is memorize it with One thing you can do is memorize it with them. That can be part of your daily them. That can be part of your daily them. That can be part of your daily routine. In fact, I thought of this when routine. In fact, I thought of this when routine. In fact, I thought of this when I was thinking about this today. Um I I I was thinking about this today. Um I I I was thinking about this today. Um I I used to print up on and what I did I did used to print up on and what I did I did used to print up on and what I did I did it at the beginning of the summer. So it at the beginning of the summer. So it at the beginning of the summer. So this is my tip mom tip. Print them up at this is my tip mom tip. Print them up at this is my tip mom tip. Print them up at the beginning of the summer. I made just the beginning of the summer. I made just the beginning of the summer. I made just And now everything's so much cuter, you And now everything's so much cuter, you And now everything's so much cuter, you know, right? I was still with like we know, right? I was still with like we know, right? I was still with like we had clip art. had clip art. had clip art. >> I mean not we had clip art. Yeah, I was >> I mean not we had clip art. Yeah, I was >> I mean not we had clip art. Yeah, I was still with clip art. still with clip art. still with clip art. >> You can use I centered justified >> You can use I centered justified >> You can use I centered justified something I was like, look at me center something I was like, look at me center something I was like, look at me center justifying. justifying. justifying. >> I won't even show what I used to do >> I won't even show what I used to do >> I won't even show what I used to do because it's so ugly, but what I will because it's so ugly, but what I will because it's so ugly, but what I will say and I have I realized in walking say and I have I realized in walking say and I have I realized in walking with God in the season of motherhood, with God in the season of motherhood, with God in the season of motherhood, this was a Bible study I wrote years this was a Bible study I wrote years this was a Bible study I wrote years ago. In the back I had exactly what I ago. In the back I had exactly what I ago. In the back I had exactly what I put on these cards. So it'd be like the put on these cards. So it'd be like the put on these cards. So it'd be like the word forgiveness and forgive to stop word forgiveness and forgive to stop word forgiveness and forgive to stop feeling angry at someone for a wrong he feeling angry at someone for a wrong he feeling angry at someone for a wrong he or she did. Or yeah, like I'd give the or she did. Or yeah, like I'd give the or she did. Or yeah, like I'd give the definition. What's the opposite? What's definition. What's the opposite? What's definition. What's the opposite? What's the memory verse? Biblical examples. So the memory verse? Biblical examples. So the memory verse? Biblical examples. So it was actually taught kids Christian it was actually taught kids Christian it was actually taught kids Christian words as we're doing Bible memory and words as we're doing Bible memory and words as we're doing Bible memory and things they're going to have to be able things they're going to have to be able things they're going to have to be able to practice with their siblings. That to practice with their siblings. That to practice with their siblings. That was normally the whole purpose.

was normally the whole purpose. was normally the whole purpose. >> right? >> right? >> right? >> But in doing that, I was learning the >> But in doing that, I was learning the >> But in doing that, I was learning the passage, too. passage, too. passage, too. So it it doesn't have to be something So it it doesn't have to be something So it it doesn't have to be something you don't do with others, I guess is my you don't do with others, I guess is my you don't do with others, I guess is my point. Like it can be done in the point. Like it can be done in the point. Like it can be done in the community of your time with your kids at community of your time with your kids at community of your time with your kids at home. And I mean, there are now about a home. And I mean, there are now about a home. And I mean, there are now about a thousand songs that you can sing putting thousand songs that you can sing putting thousand songs that you can sing putting God's word in your heart. And I got to God's word in your heart. And I got to God's word in your heart. And I got to admit, sometimes those get in and they admit, sometimes those get in and they admit, sometimes those get in and they can't get out. Like I had a jingle do can't get out. Like I had a jingle do can't get out. Like I had a jingle do everything without arguing and everything without arguing and everything without arguing and complaining in my head and I was like, I complaining in my head and I was like, I complaining in my head and I was like, I am complaining about the song that's am complaining about the song that's am complaining about the song that's jingling in my head saying, "Do jingling in my head saying, "Do jingling in my head saying, "Do everything without arguing and everything without arguing and everything without arguing and complain." But those are just great ways complain." But those are just great ways complain." But those are just great ways and they're I would say they're pretty and they're I would say they're pretty and they're I would say they're pretty simple ways to get it in. You know, it simple ways to get it in. You know, it simple ways to get it in. You know, it doesn't take a big lift. Um well, let me doesn't take a big lift. Um well, let me doesn't take a big lift. Um well, let me ask this cuz we've both been in this ask this cuz we've both been in this ask this cuz we've both been in this position, women's ministry leaders. And position, women's ministry leaders. And position, women's ministry leaders. And you know, they're kind of pulling their you know, they're kind of pulling their you know, they're kind of pulling their hair out because they want their women hair out because they want their women hair out because they want their women to stay in the word, they want them to to stay in the word, they want them to to stay in the word, they want them to connect, but so-and-so's on vacation connect, but so-and-so's on vacation connect, but so-and-so's on vacation this week. So-and-so's on vacation that this week. So-and-so's on vacation that this week. So-and-so's on vacation that week. Should she throw her hands up? Is week. Should she throw her hands up? Is week. Should she throw her hands up? Is there any hope? What can she do? Um what there any hope? What can she do? Um what there any hope? What can she do? Um what are some good ideas we could help give are some good ideas we could help give are some good ideas we could help give for how a women's a person who's for how a women's a person who's for how a women's a person who's actually running a women's ministry to actually running a women's ministry to actually running a women's ministry to to help her women connect and get in to help her women connect and get in to help her women connect and get in God's word and pray and all that over God's word and pray and all that over God's word and pray and all that over the summer.

the summer. the summer. >> Yeah, I know when I was on staff, I >> Yeah, I know when I was on staff, I >> Yeah, I know when I was on staff, I would we picked like intentional studies would we picked like intentional studies would we picked like intentional studies that were shorter and we that were shorter and we that were shorter and we and maybe didn't have you didn't have to and maybe didn't have you didn't have to and maybe didn't have you didn't have to show up every week. And so I know like show up every week. And so I know like show up every week. And so I know like you and I have written one that we think you and I have written one that we think you and I have written one that we think is a great summer study. We wrote I is a great summer study. We wrote I is a great summer study. We wrote I was like what's the name of it? Remember was like what's the name of it? Remember was like what's the name of it? Remember your joy? And it's seven salvation your joy? And it's seven salvation your joy? And it's seven salvation stories in the Old Testament. And the stories in the Old Testament. And the stories in the Old Testament. And the reason that's a good study to use in the reason that's a good study to use in the reason that's a good study to use in the summer is because if you miss a week summer is because if you miss a week summer is because if you miss a week because you're on vacation, it's you're because you're on vacation, it's you're because you're on vacation, it's you're not moving through of the Bible. And so not moving through of the Bible. And so not moving through of the Bible. And so it's a good summer study. The other it's a good summer study. The other it's a good summer study. The other thing that we would do is we would move thing that we would do is we would move thing that we would do is we would move into homes and try to turn them into into homes and try to turn them into into homes and try to turn them into neighborhood Bible studies because a lot neighborhood Bible studies because a lot neighborhood Bible studies because a lot of women are you know maybe more open to of women are you know maybe more open to of women are you know maybe more open to that in the summer like hey come over in that in the summer like hey come over in that in the summer like hey come over in the evening. We could start at 7:00 the evening. We could start at 7:00 the evening. We could start at 7:00 after you put kids to bed or it's a after you put kids to bed or it's a after you put kids to bed or it's a little bit you know easier to get out of little bit you know easier to get out of little bit you know easier to get out of the house on a summer night. We're going the house on a summer night. We're going the house on a summer night. We're going to sit outside or we're going to sit to sit outside or we're going to sit to sit outside or we're going to sit inside. We're going to you know have inside. We're going to you know have inside. We're going to you know have some fun snacks and and have study. So some fun snacks and and have study. So some fun snacks and and have study. So it's a great way to have a neighborhood it's a great way to have a neighborhood it's a great way to have a neighborhood Bible study and it just kind of mixes it Bible study and it just kind of mixes it Bible study and it just kind of mixes it up a little bit. Takes a little bit of up a little bit. Takes a little bit of up a little bit. Takes a little bit of the pressure off of the women's ministry the pressure off of the women's ministry the pressure off of the women's ministry leader.

leader. leader. I think it's helpful I think it's helpful I think it's helpful to provide enough like structure for to provide enough like structure for to provide enough like structure for women to say hey these are you know you women to say hey these are you know you women to say hey these are you know you could you could do a five week study and could you could do a five week study and could you could do a five week study and be every other week or you could do a be every other week or you could do a be every other week or you could do a six week study and do every week and you six week study and do every week and you six week study and do every week and you know giving some and then here is some know giving some and then here is some know giving some and then here is some studies that you can you can use. But I studies that you can you can use. But I studies that you can you can use. But I think just mixing it up a little bit. think just mixing it up a little bit. think just mixing it up a little bit. Maybe take it outside if you can. If you Maybe take it outside if you can. If you Maybe take it outside if you can. If you if you're not having your women go into if you're not having your women go into if you're not having your women go into their neighborhoods, meet at the church their neighborhoods, meet at the church their neighborhoods, meet at the church and do it outside. Do something that and do it outside. Do something that and do it outside. Do something that just kind of changes it up. What about just kind of changes it up. What about just kind of changes it up. What about you? When you were on staff or or ideas you? When you were on staff or or ideas you? When you were on staff or or ideas that you've seen since then? that you've seen since then? that you've seen since then? >> Yeah, that's a good you know of course >> Yeah, that's a good you know of course >> Yeah, that's a good you know of course I'm sitting over here ideating right now I'm sitting over here ideating right now I'm sitting over here ideating right now because that's what I do because that's what I do because that's what I do and I'm like and I'm like and I'm like cuz I was just thinking one thing you I cuz I was just thinking one thing you I cuz I was just thinking one thing you I think just providing a space for women think just providing a space for women think just providing a space for women to get together to get together to get together it is really important. So you could it is really important. So you could it is really important. So you could just plan some events. And And I think just plan some events. And And I think just plan some events. And And I think one thing that can be helpful is to use one thing that can be helpful is to use one thing that can be helpful is to use the summer, maybe have different women the summer, maybe have different women the summer, maybe have different women in the church share their testimony. Um in the church share their testimony. Um in the church share their testimony. Um it's a great way, it's a great way, it's a great way, you know, to learn um about, you know, you know, to learn um about, you know, you know, to learn um about, you know, that older woman who who looks like she that older woman who who looks like she that older woman who who looks like she never never never she's known Jesus her whole life. And she's known Jesus her whole life. And she's known Jesus her whole life. And then you hear her story and you're like, then you hear her story and you're like, then you hear her story and you're like, "Not Betty Sue. She would No." You're "Not Betty Sue. She would No." You're "Not Betty Sue. She would No." You're like, "She didn't come to Jesus until like, "She didn't come to Jesus until like, "She didn't come to Jesus until she was 40? Who knew?" Um you know, she was 40? Who knew?" Um you know, she was 40? Who knew?" Um you know, whatever. And to get to hear cuz I think whatever. And to get to hear cuz I think whatever. And to get to hear cuz I think that can foster relational connection.

that can foster relational connection. that can foster relational connection. And And maybe you have one woman share And And maybe you have one woman share And And maybe you have one woman share hers with the whole group and then in hers with the whole group and then in hers with the whole group and then in small groups you you you know, you help small groups you you you know, you help small groups you you you know, you help people learn how to share, how did they people learn how to share, how did they people learn how to share, how did they come to faith? Um I think there I think come to faith? Um I think there I think come to faith? Um I think there I think you could do topic nights. you could do topic nights. you could do topic nights. Okay, we're going to come and we're Okay, we're going to come and we're Okay, we're going to come and we're going to have two discussion nights going to have two discussion nights going to have two discussion nights talking about a topic where we just come talking about a topic where we just come talking about a topic where we just come together and it's social and we have together and it's social and we have together and it's social and we have good food out and then everyone's going good food out and then everyone's going good food out and then everyone's going to break into random small groups and we to break into random small groups and we to break into random small groups and we talk about, you know, something like we talk about, you know, something like we talk about, you know, something like we talk on deep dish. But But maybe talk on deep dish. But But maybe talk on deep dish. But But maybe something that's not as something that's not as something that's not as um you know, as clear in scripture. But um you know, as clear in scripture. But um you know, as clear in scripture. But you wrestle through it together. And I you wrestle through it together. And I you wrestle through it together. And I think that can be a really good um place think that can be a really good um place think that can be a really good um place to just have conversations about things. to just have conversations about things. to just have conversations about things. And so, I do think I like what you said, And so, I do think I like what you said, And so, I do think I like what you said, switching it up, you know, making sure switching it up, you know, making sure switching it up, you know, making sure in the year we're really doing good in the year we're really doing good in the year we're really doing good Bible study. I mean, you know, you and I Bible study. I mean, you know, you and I Bible study. I mean, you know, you and I are both so for that. But that during are both so for that. But that during are both so for that. But that during the summer you can maybe the summer you can maybe the summer you can maybe I I And I know we we produced fruitful a I I And I know we we produced fruitful a I I And I know we we produced fruitful a few years ago, which were devotionals few years ago, which were devotionals few years ago, which were devotionals and we encouraged people to get together and we encouraged people to get together and we encouraged people to get together and talk about it. It was on the fruit and talk about it. It was on the fruit and talk about it. It was on the fruit of the spirit. That's an easy one cuz of the spirit. That's an easy one cuz of the spirit. That's an easy one cuz if you miss one of them, you can still if you miss one of them, you can still if you miss one of them, you can still talk about the others.

talk about the others. talk about the others. >> If you miss joy, you can still show up >> If you miss joy, you can still show up >> If you miss joy, you can still show up for kindness. for kindness. for kindness. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Exactly. Exactly. Do you remember in >> Exactly. Exactly. Do you remember in >> Exactly. Exactly. Do you remember in that we provided recipes that um each that we provided recipes that um each that we provided recipes that um each fruit like there was a fruit recipe for fruit like there was a fruit recipe for fruit like there was a fruit recipe for each one. Like I did I think I did my each one. Like I did I think I did my each one. Like I did I think I did my grandmother's peach pie. Um grandmother's peach pie. Um grandmother's peach pie. Um >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And so that's a fun thing like you could >> And so that's a fun thing like you could >> And so that's a fun thing like you could you could have somebody bring that you could have somebody bring that you could have somebody bring that particular recipe every time. We're all particular recipe every time. We're all particular recipe every time. We're all I see the common thread here. You know, I see the common thread here. You know, I see the common thread here. You know, we're all about the food. The name of we're all about the food. The name of we're all about the food. The name of the podcast is on a pizza. We're trying the podcast is on a pizza. We're trying the podcast is on a pizza. We're trying to figure out how we can gather for to figure out how we can gather for to figure out how we can gather for food, but it's very biblical because man food, but it's very biblical because man food, but it's very biblical because man does not live by bread alone, but on does not live by bread alone, but on does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from her mouth. every word that comes from her mouth. every word that comes from her mouth. >> There's a lot of feasts. Study all the >> There's a lot of feasts. Study all the >> There's a lot of feasts. Study all the feasts of the Bible and eat food while feasts of the Bible and eat food while feasts of the Bible and eat food while you do it. you do it. you do it. That's another one. Okay. There we go. Well, we probably need to take an ad Well, we probably need to take an ad break for just a minute to hear from our break for just a minute to hear from our break for just a minute to hear from our sponsors and then we will be back to sponsors and then we will be back to sponsors and then we will be back to talk about what we're doing this summer. talk about what we're doing this summer. talk about what we're doing this summer. So, thanks for listening.

>> This episode of the deep dish is brought >> This episode of the deep dish is brought to you by Cozy Earth and Melissa, you to you by Cozy Earth and Melissa, you to you by Cozy Earth and Melissa, you and I have become borderline obsessed and I have become borderline obsessed and I have become borderline obsessed with with all things Cozy Earth. Their with with all things Cozy Earth. Their with with all things Cozy Earth. Their sheets, their pajamas, their robes, but sheets, their pajamas, their robes, but sheets, their pajamas, their robes, but now there is a new outfit. now there is a new outfit. now there is a new outfit. >> I know. And I'm pretty excited about >> I know. And I'm pretty excited about >> I know. And I'm pretty excited about this one because somehow it's what you this one because somehow it's what you this one because somehow it's what you can wear can wear can wear all day long and if you even want to all day long and if you even want to all day long and if you even want to wear it at night to bed, you probably wear it at night to bed, you probably wear it at night to bed, you probably could, but it's great for morning could, but it's great for morning could, but it's great for morning coffee, school pick up, different coffee, school pick up, different coffee, school pick up, different errands. It's so cute. Tell us a little errands. It's so cute. Tell us a little errands. It's so cute. Tell us a little bit more about it. bit more about it. bit more about it. >> Yeah, it's called it's Cozy Earth's >> Yeah, it's called it's Cozy Earth's >> Yeah, it's called it's Cozy Earth's brushed bamboo jogger set and it's made brushed bamboo jogger set and it's made brushed bamboo jogger set and it's made from viscose from bamboo and so it's from viscose from bamboo and so it's from viscose from bamboo and so it's really soft, breathable, comfortable. really soft, breathable, comfortable. really soft, breathable, comfortable. It's kind of that like like you said, I It's kind of that like like you said, I It's kind of that like like you said, I could wear it 24/7. could wear it 24/7. could wear it 24/7. >> And to go along with the new jogger set, >> And to go along with the new jogger set, >> And to go along with the new jogger set, one thing that we both love are these one thing that we both love are these one thing that we both love are these new clogs. They're kind of the same idea new clogs. They're kind of the same idea new clogs. They're kind of the same idea for your feet. They're easy to slip on. for your feet. They're easy to slip on. for your feet. They're easy to slip on. They're supportive enough if you're They're supportive enough if you're They're supportive enough if you're standing at the kitchen, but they're standing at the kitchen, but they're standing at the kitchen, but they're just cozy enough to forget that you're just cozy enough to forget that you're just cozy enough to forget that you're wearing them as you go through your day. wearing them as you go through your day. wearing them as you go through your day. >> They are fantastic and the thing I love >> They are fantastic and the thing I love >> They are fantastic and the thing I love about Cozy Earth is I've kind of gotten about Cozy Earth is I've kind of gotten about Cozy Earth is I've kind of gotten to know their products is not only do I to know their products is not only do I to know their products is not only do I love them, but they know they're great love them, but they know they're great love them, but they know they're great because listen to what they offer. They because listen to what they offer. They because listen to what they offer. They offer a 100 night trial and a 10-year offer a 100 night trial and a 10-year offer a 100 night trial and a 10-year warranty. So, warranty. So, warranty. So, the pieces that they're making are the pieces that they're making are the pieces that they're making are pieces that are made to last. So, if pieces that are made to last. So, if pieces that are made to last. So, if you'd like to see some of these you'd like to see some of these you'd like to see some of these different products, go to cozyearth.com different products, go to cozyearth.com different products, go to cozyearth.com and use the code deep dish for 20% off.

and use the code deep dish for 20% off. and use the code deep dish for 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, And if you see a post-purchase survey, And if you see a post-purchase survey, let them know you heard about Cozy Earth let them know you heard about Cozy Earth let them know you heard about Cozy Earth on the deep dish. Welcome back. We're so glad you're here. Welcome back. We're so glad you're here. Um here's a question, Courtney. What Um here's a question, Courtney. What Um here's a question, Courtney. What does fulfilling the Great Commission does fulfilling the Great Commission does fulfilling the Great Commission look like over the summer? Um I think look like over the summer? Um I think look like over the summer? Um I think sometimes we don't just take a break sometimes we don't just take a break sometimes we don't just take a break from, from, from, you know, you know, you know, our Bible reading or our personal our Bible reading or our personal our Bible reading or our personal disciplines. We kind of take a break disciplines. We kind of take a break disciplines. We kind of take a break from, oh yeah, there there's all these from, oh yeah, there there's all these from, oh yeah, there there's all these people in the world who need Jesus. And people in the world who need Jesus. And people in the world who need Jesus. And we're kind of like, oh yeah, I'll I'll we're kind of like, oh yeah, I'll I'll we're kind of like, oh yeah, I'll I'll do that in September. do that in September. do that in September. So, how how can we put this at the So, how how can we put this at the So, how how can we put this at the forefront of our minds even as we go forefront of our minds even as we go forefront of our minds even as we go into summers that might feel strangely into summers that might feel strangely into summers that might feel strangely busier even though they're more relaxed? busier even though they're more relaxed? busier even though they're more relaxed? What what are the opportunities of What what are the opportunities of What what are the opportunities of summer? Let me ask you that. summer? Let me ask you that. summer? Let me ask you that. >> Well, I think it's an important question >> Well, I think it's an important question >> Well, I think it's an important question because, for two reasons, one, so that because, for two reasons, one, so that because, for two reasons, one, so that we can actually talk about the ways that we can actually talk about the ways that we can actually talk about the ways that this can happen, but also to step back this can happen, but also to step back this can happen, but also to step back and say, if you're in a weekly Bible and say, if you're in a weekly Bible and say, if you're in a weekly Bible study year after year after year, fall study year after year after year, fall study year after year after year, fall and spring, and it's not resulting in and spring, and it's not resulting in and spring, and it's not resulting in missional living, if it's not result missional living, if it's not result missional living, if it's not result like, that's we the Bible study is not like, that's we the Bible study is not like, that's we the Bible study is not the end game. It it serves the end game, the end game. It it serves the end game, the end game. It it serves the end game, and the end game is to join God on and the end game is to join God on and the end game is to join God on mission. And we have to know his word in mission. And we have to know his word in mission. And we have to know his word in order to order to order to live according to his word in order to live according to his word in order to live according to his word in order to accurately share the truth of the accurately share the truth of the accurately share the truth of the gospel. And so, Bible study serves that.

gospel. And so, Bible study serves that. gospel. And so, Bible study serves that. So, even just a little plug for if we're So, even just a little plug for if we're So, even just a little plug for if we're not incorporating missional living in not incorporating missional living in not incorporating missional living in our in our lives, then then we're we're our in our lives, then then we're we're our in our lives, then then we're we're missing it. missing it. missing it. Um but I think I love the idea of Um but I think I love the idea of Um but I think I love the idea of thinking about it strategically in the thinking about it strategically in the thinking about it strategically in the summer. So summer is a great time to do summer. So summer is a great time to do summer. So summer is a great time to do things. If you're in a neighborhood, um things. If you're in a neighborhood, um things. If you're in a neighborhood, um you know, set up a table with ice cream you know, set up a table with ice cream you know, set up a table with ice cream sandwiches and have neighbors stop by. sandwiches and have neighbors stop by. sandwiches and have neighbors stop by. Like start building relationships. So Like start building relationships. So Like start building relationships. So there's a ton you can do for relational there's a ton you can do for relational there's a ton you can do for relational um like building relationships. Have um like building relationships. Have um like building relationships. Have more of your neighbors over for, you more of your neighbors over for, you more of your neighbors over for, you know, grill out or or do a potluck or, know, grill out or or do a potluck or, know, grill out or or do a potluck or, you know, have every bit everybody bring you know, have every bit everybody bring you know, have every bit everybody bring like a part of a salad and you know, like a part of a salad and you know, like a part of a salad and you know, just start building the relationships just start building the relationships just start building the relationships because that's key to but because that's key to but because that's key to but I think the idea of then moving towards I think the idea of then moving towards I think the idea of then moving towards conversations that lead to the gospel, conversations that lead to the gospel, conversations that lead to the gospel, um that's really important. And so how um that's really important. And so how um that's really important. And so how do you do that? What are some ways you do you do that? What are some ways you do you do that? What are some ways you can set that up? And I do think can set that up? And I do think can set that up? And I do think neighborhood Bible studies are a great neighborhood Bible studies are a great neighborhood Bible studies are a great way to do this. There is a There were way to do this. There is a There were way to do this. There is a There were two summers when I was on staff at a two summers when I was on staff at a two summers when I was on staff at a church in St. Louis that I said we're church in St. Louis that I said we're church in St. Louis that I said we're not doing Bible study where I'd done not doing Bible study where I'd done not doing Bible study where I'd done kind of those short studies before. Said kind of those short studies before. Said kind of those short studies before. Said we're actually not doing Bible study at we're actually not doing Bible study at we're actually not doing Bible study at church this summer. Um but instead I am church this summer. Um but instead I am church this summer. Um but instead I am going to provide each of you with um up going to provide each of you with um up going to provide each of you with um up to 10 pre-printed invitations that you to 10 pre-printed invitations that you to 10 pre-printed invitations that you would then fill in the information and would then fill in the information and would then fill in the information and the challenge was you go put those in, the challenge was you go put those in, the challenge was you go put those in, you know, your neighbor's door, your you know, your neighbor's door, your you know, your neighbor's door, your neighbor's mailbox.

neighbor's mailbox. neighbor's mailbox. Um Um Um and invite them to and invite them to and invite them to a a discussion group. You know, uh we're a a discussion group. You know, uh we're a a discussion group. You know, uh we're going to read this book and we're going going to read this book and we're going going to read this book and we're going to have a discussion around it. And so to have a discussion around it. And so to have a discussion around it. And so that is less intimidating, you know, that is less intimidating, you know, that is less intimidating, you know, than a Bible study. But then you pick than a Bible study. But then you pick than a Bible study. But then you pick your book accordingly and it could be it your book accordingly and it could be it your book accordingly and it could be it could be a popular level book that would could be a popular level book that would could be a popular level book that would lead to some rich discussions or you lead to some rich discussions or you lead to some rich discussions or you could even push it a little further and could even push it a little further and could even push it a little further and um you know, I I wrote a book called um you know, I I wrote a book called um you know, I I wrote a book called From Garden to Glory for just that From Garden to Glory for just that From Garden to Glory for just that purpose. Like 10 10 weeks with purpose. Like 10 10 weeks with purpose. Like 10 10 weeks with discussion questions at the end that discussion questions at the end that discussion questions at the end that kind of can spur some questions um and kind of can spur some questions um and kind of can spur some questions um and some good conversations about what the some good conversations about what the some good conversations about what the Bible is and how it holds together, but Bible is and how it holds together, but Bible is and how it holds together, but I think there are these ways that if we I think there are these ways that if we I think there are these ways that if we just set our mind on being creative and just set our mind on being creative and just set our mind on being creative and moving, whether it's into our workplace moving, whether it's into our workplace moving, whether it's into our workplace or into our neighborhoods, um that that or into our neighborhoods, um that that or into our neighborhoods, um that that summer is just it because the days are summer is just it because the days are summer is just it because the days are longer, because people's routines are longer, because people's routines are longer, because people's routines are different, I just feel like they're more different, I just feel like they're more different, I just feel like they're more willing to um to enter in. And then the willing to um to enter in. And then the willing to um to enter in. And then the only other thing I would say is if your only other thing I would say is if your only other thing I would say is if your church or some church in your community church or some church in your community church or some church in your community offers VBS, invite unbelieving kids to offers VBS, invite unbelieving kids to offers VBS, invite unbelieving kids to those VBSs because those VBSs because those VBSs because what parent doesn't want to break for a what parent doesn't want to break for a what parent doesn't want to break for a week? What parent's not going to be week? What parent's not going to be week? What parent's not going to be like, "Hey, that sounds great. They're like, "Hey, that sounds great. They're like, "Hey, that sounds great. They're going to do crafts, get a snack, going to do crafts, get a snack, going to do crafts, get a snack, >> I'm doing this church that week in June, >> I'm doing this church that week in June, >> I'm doing this church that week in June, the next week is this week. Yeah.

the next week is this week. Yeah. the next week is this week. Yeah. >> And then pray that the kids are like, >> And then pray that the kids are like, >> And then pray that the kids are like, "That church was awesome. I want to go "That church was awesome. I want to go "That church was awesome. I want to go back there." But I mean, VBS is a great back there." But I mean, VBS is a great back there." But I mean, VBS is a great place to reach out and invite um invite place to reach out and invite um invite place to reach out and invite um invite neighbors and friends in. neighbors and friends in. neighbors and friends in. >> And volunteer because I think sometimes >> And volunteer because I think sometimes >> And volunteer because I think sometimes we think evangelism is only we think evangelism is only we think evangelism is only peer-to-peer. peer-to-peer. peer-to-peer. Man, what an opportunity that you have Man, what an opportunity that you have Man, what an opportunity that you have to share the gospel with kids in your to share the gospel with kids in your to share the gospel with kids in your neighborhood just by being a welcoming neighborhood just by being a welcoming neighborhood just by being a welcoming home. Yeah, just like letting your home home. Yeah, just like letting your home home. Yeah, just like letting your home be the one that can get trashed and be the one that can get trashed and be the one that can get trashed and you're just like and they will remember you're just like and they will remember you're just like and they will remember the warmth of being in your home. Yeah, the warmth of being in your home. Yeah, the warmth of being in your home. Yeah, when you put up the cheap plastic pool when you put up the cheap plastic pool when you put up the cheap plastic pool in your backyard with the sprinkler, in your backyard with the sprinkler, in your backyard with the sprinkler, let's go old school 80s style and just let's go old school 80s style and just let's go old school 80s style and just like let them run around and then like let them run around and then like let them run around and then yeah, I mean, yeah, I mean, yeah, I mean, just taking that opportunity and maybe just taking that opportunity and maybe just taking that opportunity and maybe even doing a kids Bible study in your even doing a kids Bible study in your even doing a kids Bible study in your backyard. backyard. backyard. >> Exactly. And have the snacks just so we >> Exactly. And have the snacks just so we >> Exactly. And have the snacks just so we stay on brand. Have the snacks. stay on brand. Have the snacks. stay on brand. Have the snacks. >> Yes. And order pizza. And a lot of >> Yes. And order pizza. And a lot of >> Yes. And order pizza. And a lot of parents, I mean, you talk about a real parents, I mean, you talk about a real parents, I mean, you talk about a real opportunity. opportunity. opportunity. You know, if you said, "Hey, I'm going You know, if you said, "Hey, I'm going You know, if you said, "Hey, I'm going to do this little Bible lesson thing to do this little Bible lesson thing to do this little Bible lesson thing from 4:00 to 6:00. We're going to have from 4:00 to 6:00. We're going to have from 4:00 to 6:00. We're going to have the Bible lesson from 4 to 5 and then the Bible lesson from 4 to 5 and then the Bible lesson from 4 to 5 and then have pizza after. You know, I mean, have pizza after. You know, I mean, have pizza after. You know, I mean, who's not going to let their kid go to who's not going to let their kid go to who's not going to let their kid go to that? And so, I think there there are that? And so, I think there there are that? And so, I think there there are ways that and and those are just things ways that and and those are just things ways that and and those are just things I think really can get in kids' hearts I think really can get in kids' hearts I think really can get in kids' hearts and later on, you know, they they just and later on, you know, they they just and later on, you know, they they just it might make them one day feel it might make them one day feel it might make them one day feel comfortable to walk into a church. It comfortable to walk into a church. It comfortable to walk into a church. It might make them tell their parents, might make them tell their parents, might make them tell their parents, "Hey, I want to go to that lady's "Hey, I want to go to that lady's "Hey, I want to go to that lady's church." Um and that's that's

church." Um and that's that's church." Um and that's that's many many families come to faith because many many families come to faith because many many families come to faith because the kids came to faith. And so, it's a the kids came to faith. And so, it's a the kids came to faith. And so, it's a real opportunity for that. Yeah. Yeah, real opportunity for that. Yeah. Yeah, real opportunity for that. Yeah. Yeah, so that's that actually that feels so that's that actually that feels so that's that actually that feels exciting. exciting. exciting. >> testimony involves a VBS or children's >> testimony involves a VBS or children's >> testimony involves a VBS or children's Bible camp or a neighborhood study, pop Bible camp or a neighborhood study, pop Bible camp or a neighborhood study, pop it in the show notes. We want to hear it in the show notes. We want to hear it in the show notes. We want to hear that. That's We do hear those, don't we? that. That's We do hear those, don't we? that. That's We do hear those, don't we? They're just amazing. A neighbor invited They're just amazing. A neighbor invited They're just amazing. A neighbor invited me to VBS. me to VBS. me to VBS. Um or a neighbor invited my children and Um or a neighbor invited my children and Um or a neighbor invited my children and then I started going. Like it's just then I started going. Like it's just then I started going. Like it's just yeah, incredible. Incredible. yeah, incredible. Incredible. yeah, incredible. Incredible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, let me ask >> Well, let me ask >> Well, let me ask >> Michael Graham, can I Yeah, Michael >> Michael Graham, can I Yeah, Michael >> Michael Graham, can I Yeah, Michael Graham or our our fact our Michael Graham or our our fact our Michael Graham or our our fact our Michael Graham who knows all things not knows Graham who knows all things not knows Graham who knows all things not knows all things, that's a little heretical. all things, that's a little heretical. all things, that's a little heretical. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Not true. Michael Graham who does a lot Not true. Michael Graham who does a lot Not true. Michael Graham who does a lot of research and knows a lot of data. Um of research and knows a lot of data. Um of research and knows a lot of data. Um one thing he'll say is like most I mean, one thing he'll say is like most I mean, one thing he'll say is like most I mean, and I think we've seen this lived out. and I think we've seen this lived out. and I think we've seen this lived out. Most people who come to faith not do Most people who come to faith not do Most people who come to faith not do come, you know, in the earlier years of come, you know, in the earlier years of come, you know, in the earlier years of of their life. They're introduced to of their life. They're introduced to of their life. They're introduced to faith young. So, that's a real faith young. So, that's a real faith young. So, that's a real opportunity. Doesn't mean we shouldn't opportunity. Doesn't mean we shouldn't opportunity. Doesn't mean we shouldn't be reaching out to our 80-year-old be reaching out to our 80-year-old be reaching out to our 80-year-old neighbor. 100% do that, too. But a lot neighbor. 100% do that, too. But a lot neighbor. 100% do that, too. But a lot of time exposure that happens young of time exposure that happens young of time exposure that happens young leads to a lot a lifetime of fruit leads to a lot a lifetime of fruit leads to a lot a lifetime of fruit later. So, just a just a good option.

later. So, just a just a good option. later. So, just a just a good option. So, another idea, um one because we'd So, another idea, um one because we'd So, another idea, um one because we'd love to see you there, is to come to love to see you there, is to come to love to see you there, is to come to TGCW 26 this summer. It And I actually TGCW 26 this summer. It And I actually TGCW 26 this summer. It And I actually think of it as a springboard of think of it as a springboard of think of it as a springboard of spiritual growth. You just get to come, spiritual growth. You just get to come, spiritual growth. You just get to come, you get to just receive, you get to take you get to just receive, you get to take you get to just receive, you get to take in the talks. But, you know, we even in the talks. But, you know, we even in the talks. But, you know, we even have a Bible study that goes with the have a Bible study that goes with the have a Bible study that goes with the conference. You could do that this conference. You could do that this conference. You could do that this summer. That'd be an easy way to take summer. That'd be an easy way to take summer. That'd be an easy way to take what you learn from the conference, but what you learn from the conference, but what you learn from the conference, but you can also listen to all the you can also listen to all the you can also listen to all the conference material all summer. So, all conference material all summer. So, all conference material all summer. So, all the sessions you didn't get to go to, the sessions you didn't get to go to, the sessions you didn't get to go to, you could have time to listen to those, you could have time to listen to those, you could have time to listen to those, you know, week-to-week on your walks or you know, week-to-week on your walks or you know, week-to-week on your walks or whatever you're doing during the summer. whatever you're doing during the summer. whatever you're doing during the summer. >> That's so good. I didn't You know, we >> That's so good. I didn't You know, we >> That's so good. I didn't You know, we didn't even mention Turn Your Eyes. Um didn't even mention Turn Your Eyes. Um didn't even mention Turn Your Eyes. Um and Turn Your Eyes is a Bible study that and Turn Your Eyes is a Bible study that and Turn Your Eyes is a Bible study that works through the Psalms. And so again, works through the Psalms. And so again, works through the Psalms. And so again, you don't have to show up every week. you don't have to show up every week. you don't have to show up every week. >> Actually, our last three conferences, >> Actually, our last three conferences, >> Actually, our last three conferences, Remember Your Joy, Behold and Believe, Remember Your Joy, Behold and Believe, Remember Your Joy, Behold and Believe, and Turn Your Eyes, all have Bible and Turn Your Eyes, all have Bible and Turn Your Eyes, all have Bible studies that are great for the summer studies that are great for the summer studies that are great for the summer for that exact reason. They're not just for that exact reason. They're not just for that exact reason. They're not just moving through a book. And so, any of moving through a book. And so, any of moving through a book. And so, any of those would be a great resource for a those would be a great resource for a those would be a great resource for a summer Bible study.

summer Bible study. summer Bible study. >> So, I want to like go back to not just >> So, I want to like go back to not just >> So, I want to like go back to not just outreach, but being in the word and outreach, but being in the word and outreach, but being in the word and growing spiritually. And so, we've growing spiritually. And so, we've growing spiritually. And so, we've mentioned a couple resources that we mentioned a couple resources that we mentioned a couple resources that we would recommend, but is there anything would recommend, but is there anything would recommend, but is there anything recommend to our listeners to help them recommend to our listeners to help them recommend to our listeners to help them be intentional about being in the word, be intentional about being in the word, be intentional about being in the word, growing spiritually during the summer? growing spiritually during the summer? growing spiritually during the summer? >> Um are there any that you would add to >> Um are there any that you would add to >> Um are there any that you would add to the things that we've already mentioned? the things that we've already mentioned? the things that we've already mentioned? I know we've mentioned like do a I know we've mentioned like do a I know we've mentioned like do a discussion group on the deep dish, um discussion group on the deep dish, um discussion group on the deep dish, um the Remember Your Joy Bible study, the the Remember Your Joy Bible study, the the Remember Your Joy Bible study, the Fruitful study that we put out a few Fruitful study that we put out a few Fruitful study that we put out a few years ago. Um you mentioned one of the years ago. Um you mentioned one of the years ago. Um you mentioned one of the Disciplines of Devotion series, but Disciplines of Devotion series, but Disciplines of Devotion series, but there's there's there's six. six. six. >> Mhm. Mhm. >> Mhm. Mhm. >> Mhm. Mhm. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, the cover the cover >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, the cover the cover >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, the cover the cover one brief chapters. Here's the other one brief chapters. Here's the other one brief chapters. Here's the other thing. thing. thing. We most of those we talked to We most of those we talked to We most of those we talked to >> about community. >> about community. >> about community. >> I also just want to say, we are >> I also just want to say, we are >> I also just want to say, we are responsible for our own spiritual growth responsible for our own spiritual growth responsible for our own spiritual growth at some level. I think, you know, you at some level. I think, you know, you at some level. I think, you know, you could actually buy Courtney Courtney's could actually buy Courtney Courtney's could actually buy Courtney Courtney's got a great study on Romans. You could got a great study on Romans. You could got a great study on Romans. You could buy it and work through it and watch the buy it and work through it and watch the buy it and work through it and watch the videos. I mean, you know, you don't have videos. I mean, you know, you don't have videos. I mean, you know, you don't have to uh take a break. It In some cuz then to uh take a break. It In some cuz then to uh take a break. It In some cuz then you're on your own schedule. Maybe you you're on your own schedule. Maybe you you're on your own schedule. Maybe you Yeah, maybe when you're on vacation that Yeah, maybe when you're on vacation that Yeah, maybe when you're on vacation that week you don't do it. But I I I do week you don't do it. But I I I do week you don't do it. But I I I do think, you know, I did a lot of Kay think, you know, I did a lot of Kay think, you know, I did a lot of Kay Arthur studies Arthur studies Arthur studies >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> just on my own. Nobody was doing them >> just on my own. Nobody was doing them >> just on my own. Nobody was doing them with me. It was just my way to keep with me. It was just my way to keep with me. It was just my way to keep growing spiritually. So, there there is growing spiritually. So, there there is growing spiritually. So, there there is some sense where you could just do that some sense where you could just do that some sense where you could just do that or I would even say if you feel or I would even say if you feel or I would even say if you feel intimidated intimidated intimidated with your neighbors, like you can't with your neighbors, like you can't with your neighbors, like you can't teach, I just want to say that's a great teach, I just want to say that's a great teach, I just want to say that's a great place to use a video study. Say, "Hey, place to use a video study. Say, "Hey, place to use a video study. Say, "Hey, I'm going to work through this. Come I'm going to work through this. Come I'm going to work through this. Come watch it with me on whatever night and watch it with me on whatever night and watch it with me on whatever night and you know, then then you can be like, you know, then then you can be like, you know, then then you can be like, yeah, I didn't agree with what Courtney yeah, I didn't agree with what Courtney yeah, I didn't agree with what Courtney said. Neither did I." Yeah, I mean, you said. Neither did I." Yeah, I mean, you said. Neither did I." Yeah, I mean, you can use the You can You can use her as can use the You can You can use her as can use the You can You can use her as the problem. the problem. the problem. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> but it's just your It's a great >> but it's just your It's a great >> but it's just your It's a great opportunity. So, there are studies like opportunity. So, there are studies like opportunity. So, there are studies like that that I think um don't don't think that that I think um don't don't think that that I think um don't don't think you can't because you're not doing it at you can't because you're not doing it at you can't because you're not doing it at your church. your church. your church. Um Um Um Can everyone hear Gus barking? Can everyone hear Gus barking? Can everyone hear Gus barking? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Okay, Gus is barking. Hey, Gus. >> Okay, Gus is barking. Hey, Gus. >> Okay, Gus is barking. Hey, Gus. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. >> Yes, he Gus. I can hear him. He just >> Yes, he Gus. I can hear him. He just >> Yes, he Gus. I can hear him. He just wants to be on the deep dish. We need to wants to be on the deep dish. We need to wants to be on the deep dish. We need to invite him on the deep dish. invite him on the deep dish. invite him on the deep dish. >> I'm probably getting a package is what >> I'm probably getting a package is what >> I'm probably getting a package is what that means. that means. that means. >> Yay. That's very fun.

>> Yay. That's very fun. >> Yay. That's very fun. Um okay, I love that. So, going back to Um okay, I love that. So, going back to Um okay, I love that. So, going back to your Kay Arthur studies that you did on your Kay Arthur studies that you did on your Kay Arthur studies that you did on your own, did you listen to cassette your own, did you listen to cassette your own, did you listen to cassette tapes because I did? tapes because I did? tapes because I did? >> I did not know about the cassette tapes. >> I did not know about the cassette tapes. >> I did not know about the cassette tapes. >> Yeah, and it was like in a in a big >> Yeah, and it was like in a in a big >> Yeah, and it was like in a in a big plastic thing and you'd open it and then plastic thing and you'd open it and then plastic thing and you'd open it and then pull, you know, you'd work through it pull, you know, you'd work through it pull, you know, you'd work through it and pull the cassette tapes out. and pull the cassette tapes out. and pull the cassette tapes out. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh-huh. I had the videos. I was a modern I had the videos. I was a modern I had the videos. I was a modern >> I was modern enough to get videos, >> I was modern enough to get videos, >> I was modern enough to get videos, Courtney. Courtney. Courtney. >> That's amazing. Did you actually have >> That's amazing. Did you actually have >> That's amazing. Did you actually have them on like CDs or DVD Sorry, DVDs? them on like CDs or DVD Sorry, DVDs? them on like CDs or DVD Sorry, DVDs? >> That's a good question. When I was doing >> That's a good question. When I was doing >> That's a good question. When I was doing I did her Lord series on my own and I I did her Lord series on my own and I I did her Lord series on my own and I don't think those had video. Like, Lord, don't think those had video. Like, Lord, don't think those had video. Like, Lord, I need grace to make it. Lord, where are I need grace to make it. Lord, where are I need grace to make it. Lord, where are you when things are I don't think those you when things are I don't think those you when things are I don't think those had videos. When I did the precept, I had videos. When I did the precept, I had videos. When I did the precept, I was always at a church. So, I bet they was always at a church. So, I bet they was always at a church. So, I bet they had had had I bet they had VHS. I bet they had VHS. I bet they had VHS. >> You're right. I bet they did. Anyway, we >> You're right. I bet they did. Anyway, we >> You're right. I bet they did. Anyway, we just love to age ourselves. Um okay, just love to age ourselves. Um okay, just love to age ourselves. Um okay, you're so sweet to mention one of my you're so sweet to mention one of my you're so sweet to mention one of my favorite things. I feel like we've been favorite things. I feel like we've been favorite things. I feel like we've been we've been popping each other's we've been popping each other's we've been popping each other's um, like books and studies in here. We um, like books and studies in here. We um, like books and studies in here. We don't normally do that, but this don't normally do that, but this don't normally do that, but this particular like particular like particular like we're obviously more familiar with our we're obviously more familiar with our we're obviously more familiar with our resources, and so this particular resources, and so this particular resources, and so this particular episode does seem to have a lot of um, episode does seem to have a lot of um, episode does seem to have a lot of um, our own recommendations, but I'm just our own recommendations, but I'm just our own recommendations, but I'm just going to throw one back to you because going to throw one back to you because going to throw one back to you because in the summer the book you wrote, in the summer the book you wrote, in the summer the book you wrote, Growing Together, is a great one to grab Growing Together, is a great one to grab Growing Together, is a great one to grab another woman and say, "Hey, let's just another woman and say, "Hey, let's just another woman and say, "Hey, let's just take the summer and work through this take the summer and work through this take the summer and work through this book." Uh, it is and grab two other book." Uh, it is and grab two other book." Uh, it is and grab two other women and do it. So, yeah, I think that women and do it. So, yeah, I think that women and do it. So, yeah, I think that that is um, that is um, that is um, a great way to continue both your own a great way to continue both your own a great way to continue both your own spiritual growth, but also growth within

spiritual growth, but also growth within spiritual growth, but also growth within a community of believers, and you're a community of believers, and you're a community of believers, and you're actually building that community that actually building that community that actually building that community that community out. Um, community out. Um, community out. Um, Anyway, do you have any books you would Anyway, do you have any books you would Anyway, do you have any books you would say, "Hey, read this with just a friend say, "Hey, read this with just a friend say, "Hey, read this with just a friend this summer?" I mean, The Pursuit of God this summer?" I mean, The Pursuit of God this summer?" I mean, The Pursuit of God by Tozer. I mean, that's just like those by Tozer. I mean, that's just like those by Tozer. I mean, that's just like those those old classics. I mean, I would say, those old classics. I mean, I would say, those old classics. I mean, I would say, "Go back and any any Tozer, any Packer, "Go back and any any Tozer, any Packer, "Go back and any any Tozer, any Packer, any you know, there these are just any you know, there these are just any you know, there these are just they're just a little bit before our they're just a little bit before our they're just a little bit before our time, and they're so good. They have time, and they're so good. They have time, and they're so good. They have stood the test of time. They are stood the test of time. They are stood the test of time. They are they deeply root your faith. I mean, they deeply root your faith. I mean, they deeply root your faith. I mean, they're just fantastic. So, any of those they're just fantastic. So, any of those they're just fantastic. So, any of those we would Okay, I want to do a whole we would Okay, I want to do a whole we would Okay, I want to do a whole episode on old books. episode on old books. episode on old books. And we just talk for like 5 minutes And we just talk for like 5 minutes And we just talk for like 5 minutes about each book and why we loved it. I about each book and why we loved it. I about each book and why we loved it. I want to do an episode on that and like want to do an episode on that and like want to do an episode on that and like create like a summer fun reading list or create like a summer fun reading list or create like a summer fun reading list or something. That'd be fun. Okay, that something. That'd be fun. Okay, that something. That'd be fun. Okay, that would be so fun. Yeah, let's do that. would be so fun. Yeah, let's do that. would be so fun. Yeah, let's do that. And then we can hear from everybody And then we can hear from everybody And then we can hear from everybody else. I know.

else. I know. else. I know. See, I can't remember your name, but I See, I can't remember your name, but I See, I can't remember your name, but I can ideate I know. can ideate I know. can ideate I know. all day long all day long. Okay, well, I all day long all day long. Okay, well, I all day long all day long. Okay, well, I want to go back and remind ourselves why want to go back and remind ourselves why want to go back and remind ourselves why why we care about this. Why does it why we care about this. Why does it why we care about this. Why does it matter that we are intentional about matter that we are intentional about matter that we are intentional about growing spiritually over the summer? You growing spiritually over the summer? You growing spiritually over the summer? You know, I think a lot of us it's like, know, I think a lot of us it's like, know, I think a lot of us it's like, well, I don't want to feel guilty about well, I don't want to feel guilty about well, I don't want to feel guilty about the fact that I'm, you know, not the fact that I'm, you know, not the fact that I'm, you know, not consistent in my Bible reading or I do consistent in my Bible reading or I do consistent in my Bible reading or I do it so that I can feel like, it so that I can feel like, it so that I can feel like, you know, I am so proud of myself that I you know, I am so proud of myself that I you know, I am so proud of myself that I am I am even consistent in my Bible am I am even consistent in my Bible am I am even consistent in my Bible readings on vacation. readings on vacation. readings on vacation. If if that's you, go listen to our marks If if that's you, go listen to our marks If if that's you, go listen to our marks of righteousness episode. of righteousness episode. of righteousness episode. But it's the Neither of those are right. But it's the Neither of those are right. But it's the Neither of those are right. We don't We don't feel guilty and we We don't We don't feel guilty and we We don't We don't feel guilty and we don't do it out of pride or earning don't do it out of pride or earning don't do it out of pride or earning something before the Lord, but we do it something before the Lord, but we do it something before the Lord, but we do it because, I think you said this earlier, because, I think you said this earlier, because, I think you said this earlier, Melissa, the Melissa, the Melissa, the It is It is our responsibility to It is It is our responsibility to It is It is our responsibility to continue to grow in Christ. And I think continue to grow in Christ. And I think continue to grow in Christ. And I think about just all the different phrases about just all the different phrases about just all the different phrases that are used that are used that are used in scripture, you know, that we're to in scripture, you know, that we're to in scripture, you know, that we're to grow up in Christ, that we're to be grow up in Christ, that we're to be grow up in Christ, that we're to be strengthened, like we're actually strengthened, like we're actually strengthened, like we're actually supposed to be stronger throughout the supposed to be stronger throughout the supposed to be stronger throughout the course of our our life. Scripture talks course of our our life. Scripture talks course of our our life. Scripture talks about the fact that we need to reach about the fact that we need to reach about the fact that we need to reach maturity in this and that we won't be maturity in this and that we won't be maturity in this and that we won't be tossed about, but we're going to be tossed about, but we're going to be tossed about, but we're going to be anchored, we're going to be steady, anchored, we're going to be steady, anchored, we're going to be steady, we're going to be, we're going to be, we're going to be, you know, immovable in the Lord. Like you know, immovable in the Lord. Like you know, immovable in the Lord. Like those are beautiful things and those

those are beautiful things and those those are beautiful things and those don't just happen passively, right? don't just happen passively, right? don't just happen passively, right? Those happen as we actively pursue Those happen as we actively pursue Those happen as we actively pursue Christ. So, how would you encourage Christ. So, how would you encourage Christ. So, how would you encourage someone in the why of they of the why of someone in the why of they of the why of someone in the why of they of the why of why they want to continue to grow why they want to continue to grow why they want to continue to grow spiritually over the summer? spiritually over the summer? spiritually over the summer? >> To me, it is the most natural outworking >> To me, it is the most natural outworking >> To me, it is the most natural outworking of belief. of belief. of belief. Because what the what the scriptures Because what the what the scriptures Because what the what the scriptures tell me is, tell me is, tell me is, you know, that when Jesus in the garden you know, that when Jesus in the garden you know, that when Jesus in the garden in John 15, he's talking about abiding. in John 15, he's talking about abiding. in John 15, he's talking about abiding. He says, "Apart from me, you can do He says, "Apart from me, you can do He says, "Apart from me, you can do nothing. You're like a dry, withered nothing. You're like a dry, withered nothing. You're like a dry, withered branch." And he says, "Abide in me and I branch." And he says, "Abide in me and I branch." And he says, "Abide in me and I in you." in you." in you." Um and and and you know, and apart from Um and and and you know, and apart from Um and and and you know, and apart from me you can do nothing, but in me, yeah, me you can do nothing, but in me, yeah, me you can do nothing, but in me, yeah, you can yeah, I I'm going to make you you can yeah, I I'm going to make you you can yeah, I I'm going to make you this fruitful vine. And so, basically, this fruitful vine. And so, basically, this fruitful vine. And so, basically, if I say, "I'm going to take a break if I say, "I'm going to take a break if I say, "I'm going to take a break during the summer." I'm kind of saying, during the summer." I'm kind of saying, during the summer." I'm kind of saying, "I'm going to take a break from "I'm going to take a break from "I'm going to take a break from spirit-filled living." Which he has spirit-filled living." Which he has spirit-filled living." Which he has directly linked to abiding in him.

directly linked to abiding in him. directly linked to abiding in him. You know, I mean, he's created a means You know, I mean, he's created a means You know, I mean, he's created a means by which he works in our soul. And so, by which he works in our soul. And so, by which he works in our soul. And so, it's kind of like saying, "Yeah, I'm not it's kind of like saying, "Yeah, I'm not it's kind of like saying, "Yeah, I'm not really I don't I'm not really interested really I don't I'm not really interested really I don't I'm not really interested in bearing fruit this summer." I think I in bearing fruit this summer." I think I in bearing fruit this summer." I think I can just work hard enough on my own to can just work hard enough on my own to can just work hard enough on my own to be loving and joyful and peaceful and be loving and joyful and peaceful and be loving and joyful and peaceful and patient and kind and all these things. patient and kind and all these things. patient and kind and all these things. And and it's actually saying, "No, I And and it's actually saying, "No, I And and it's actually saying, "No, I believe I can do that without him." believe I can do that without him." believe I can do that without him." And so, I'm going to plant myself, I'm And so, I'm going to plant myself, I'm And so, I'm going to plant myself, I'm going to park myself here because I want going to park myself here because I want going to park myself here because I want to have a good summer. to have a good summer. to have a good summer. Not as a work space, not as a I earn a Not as a work space, not as a I earn a Not as a work space, not as a I earn a good summer because I do, but apart from good summer because I do, but apart from good summer because I do, but apart from him I can do nothing. You know, I'm him I can do nothing. You know, I'm him I can do nothing. You know, I'm going to be going to be going to be a brittle little branch because that's a brittle little branch because that's a brittle little branch because that's how much I need him. So, it's it's not how much I need him. So, it's it's not how much I need him. So, it's it's not about earning, it's about knowing. about earning, it's about knowing. about earning, it's about knowing. >> Well, even as you're talking about the >> Well, even as you're talking about the >> Well, even as you're talking about the relationship piece, the relational relationship piece, the relational relationship piece, the relational piece, I mean, I'm thinking, how painful piece, I mean, I'm thinking, how painful piece, I mean, I'm thinking, how painful if somebody said to us, "Listen, I just if somebody said to us, "Listen, I just if somebody said to us, "Listen, I just need to take a break from you this need to take a break from you this need to take a break from you this summer." Like I mean, maybe you feel it summer." Like I mean, maybe you feel it summer." Like I mean, maybe you feel it sometimes, Melissa, but you know sometimes, Melissa, but you know sometimes, Melissa, but you know Like can you imagine Like can you imagine Like can you imagine >> not happening this summer.

>> not happening this summer. >> not happening this summer. >> Yeah, Melissa break, a break from >> Yeah, Melissa break, a break from >> Yeah, Melissa break, a break from Courtney. I mean, how much greater, like Courtney. I mean, how much greater, like Courtney. I mean, how much greater, like how painful would that be if that's how painful would that be if that's how painful would that be if that's basically what we're saying to the Lord, basically what we're saying to the Lord, basically what we're saying to the Lord, like like like yeah, I don't know, just as you were yeah, I don't know, just as you were yeah, I don't know, just as you were talking, the relational piece of that, talking, the relational piece of that, talking, the relational piece of that, how how painful that would be. Um, and how how painful that would be. Um, and how how painful that would be. Um, and we don't want to do that. Well, we we we don't want to do that. Well, we we we don't want to do that. Well, we we always want to end with this kind of a always want to end with this kind of a always want to end with this kind of a fun little question, so I'm going to ask fun little question, so I'm going to ask fun little question, so I'm going to ask you this time. you this time. you this time. And there's a right answer on this, by And there's a right answer on this, by And there's a right answer on this, by the way. the way. the way. And there are some wrong answers. So, And there are some wrong answers. So, And there are some wrong answers. So, you just have to know that going into you just have to know that going into you just have to know that going into it, okay? it, okay? it, okay? >> Okay, now I feel really intimidated. >> Okay, now I feel really intimidated. >> Okay, now I feel really intimidated. >> What is your favorite place to be in the >> What is your favorite place to be in the >> What is your favorite place to be in the summer? summer? summer? >> Oh, you know that's easy for me. >> Oh, you know that's easy for me. >> Oh, you know that's easy for me. On a boat. On a boat. On a boat. >> Wait, stop. No, no, see you're going >> Wait, stop. No, no, see you're going >> Wait, stop. No, no, see you're going you're going to do the wrong answer. No. you're going to do the wrong answer. No. you're going to do the wrong answer. No. What is your favorite place to be this What is your favorite place to be this What is your favorite place to be this summer? summer? summer? >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, you girl, I am not going to be answering you girl, I am not going to be answering you girl, I am not going to be answering in the spirit of truth if I say in the spirit of truth if I say in the spirit of truth if I say Indianapolis. I am very excited to be there. I I I am very excited to be there. I I cannot wait for the moment that we are cannot wait for the moment that we are cannot wait for the moment that we are at Giordano's eating deep dish pizza at Giordano's eating deep dish pizza at Giordano's eating deep dish pizza with you in Indianapolis. That will be with you in Indianapolis. That will be with you in Indianapolis. That will be >> goodness. We go in early just to do it.

>> goodness. We go in early just to do it. >> goodness. We go in early just to do it. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> Okay, but if it was not a conference >> Okay, but if it was not a conference >> Okay, but if it was not a conference year, year, year, if it was not a conference year, then if it was not a conference year, then if it was not a conference year, then Beaufort, North Carolina, it's it's Beaufort, North Carolina, it's it's Beaufort, North Carolina, it's it's pronounced Beaufort, it's spelled the pronounced Beaufort, it's spelled the pronounced Beaufort, it's spelled the exact same way as Beaufort, South exact same way as Beaufort, South exact same way as Beaufort, South Carolina. I always like to specify that, Carolina. I always like to specify that, Carolina. I always like to specify that, but it's Beaufort, North Carolina. On a but it's Beaufort, North Carolina. On a but it's Beaufort, North Carolina. On a boat, with my dog, boat, with my dog, boat, with my dog, looking at the water. That's the best. looking at the water. That's the best. looking at the water. That's the best. What about you? Where do we where other What about you? Where do we where other What about you? Where do we where other than Indianapolis? than Indianapolis? than Indianapolis? >> Other than Indianapolis, on the >> Other than Indianapolis, on the >> Other than Indianapolis, on the non-conference years, then my favorite non-conference years, then my favorite non-conference years, then my favorite place to be is this little town in place to be is this little town in place to be is this little town in southwest Missouri, southwest Missouri, southwest Missouri, uh on the edge of Table Rock Lake, uh on the edge of Table Rock Lake, uh on the edge of Table Rock Lake, sitting out on the back deck, looking sitting out on the back deck, looking sitting out on the back deck, looking out over just actually actually no, it out over just actually actually no, it out over just actually actually no, it would be on the boat, on the water. On would be on the boat, on the water. On would be on the boat, on the water. On the boat, on the water. And actually my the boat, on the water. And actually my the boat, on the water. And actually my favorite place on the boat is on the favorite place on the boat is on the favorite place on the boat is on the front, and somebody else is driving, and front, and somebody else is driving, and front, and somebody else is driving, and I can just feel like all the like I love I can just feel like all the like I love I can just feel like all the like I love to go fast and sit up front and just I to go fast and sit up front and just I to go fast and sit up front and just I mean, it is just heaven to me. So, yeah, mean, it is just heaven to me. So, yeah, mean, it is just heaven to me. So, yeah, probably probably probably >> Okay, you know what I'm going to do? I'm >> Okay, you know what I'm going to do? I'm >> Okay, you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to just start by going to just start by going to just start by I have not been with you there, and you I have not been with you there, and you I have not been with you there, and you have not been with me to Beaufort. I I have not been with me to Beaufort. I I have not been with me to Beaufort. I I mean, that needs to change. We need to mean, that needs to change. We need to mean, that needs to change. We need to do some deep dish episodes on the lake do some deep dish episodes on the lake do some deep dish episodes on the lake and at the ocean. Can we do a deep dish and at the ocean. Can we do a deep dish and at the ocean. Can we do a deep dish episode episode episode >> on a boat?

>> on a boat? >> on a boat? >> Oh, you know I love boats. >> Oh, you know I love boats. >> Oh, you know I love boats. >> The microphone might be hard to hear. >> The microphone might be hard to hear. >> The microphone might be hard to hear. >> It'd be hard to hear, but we can try. Okay, well, we better wrap this up, Okay, well, we better wrap this up, friends. We do hope that you have been friends. We do hope that you have been friends. We do hope that you have been encouraged by this episode of the deep encouraged by this episode of the deep encouraged by this episode of the deep dish from the Gospel Coalition. We hope dish from the Gospel Coalition. We hope dish from the Gospel Coalition. We hope that it actually helps equip you and that it actually helps equip you and that it actually helps equip you and encouraged you to continue being in the encouraged you to continue being in the encouraged you to continue being in the word either by yourself or in a word either by yourself or in a word either by yourself or in a community of other believers over this community of other believers over this community of other believers over this summer. And of course, we do hope that summer. And of course, we do hope that summer. And of course, we do hope that we get to see you in Indianapolis in we get to see you in Indianapolis in we get to see you in Indianapolis in just a couple of weeks. But this episode just a couple of weeks. But this episode just a couple of weeks. But this episode has been helpful, consider sharing it has been helpful, consider sharing it has been helpful, consider sharing it with others and invite them over for a with others and invite them over for a with others and invite them over for a discussion on how you all can be in the discussion on how you all can be in the discussion on how you all can be in the word together. We will see you next word together. We will see you next word together. We will see you next time.