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This week, Matt and Rachel discuss Advent, the season of preparation and waiting leading up to Christmas Day, noting its increasing cultural popularity through various Advent calendars (like Lego or even whiskey) which are often separated from its original. They explain that Advent, derived from the Latin Adventus meaning "appearing" (not waiting as often thought), is a liturgical season intended to align believers with those who waited for Christ's first coming, prepare hearts for his birth, and remind them that Christians are still waiting for his promised Second Coming. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Rachel and Matt welcome Dr. Caroline Fleck and talk about validation, drawing from her book on the subject. They discuss how validation, which is about communicating mindfulness, understanding, and empathy to make someone feel seen and accepted, is often misunderstood as agreement or praise, but is actually a crucial therapeutic tool used to facilitate change in behavior. Dr. Fleck outlines the foundational skills of validation, like attending and copying, as a means to decrease physiological distress and open the door for psychological safety and deeper connection in relationships. Check out Dr. Caroline Fleck at https://drcarolinefleck.com/. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the Holy Spirit, discussing that this crucial member of the Trinity is often either dangerously ignored out of caution or wrongly obsessed over through a focus on specific physical manifestations. They emphasize the Spirit's biblical role as the Helper / Encourager, whose indwelling is assured to all believers through baptism, empowering their faith, providing comfort, and constantly drawing them back to the finished work of Jesus Christ. **Podcast correction: in the episode, they reference a Jennifer Knapp song, which is about the Holy Spirit, which is called "Trinity."** Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss how to argue in a world where conflict is everywhere and often seems to ruin relationships. They talk about how the political and cultural issues being discussed are often "overvalued," leading people to choose victory over connection, and they offer practical ways to engage in heated conversations by leading with love, seeking to understand, and choosing curiosity. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel talk about disappointment and unmet expectations in life. Using a framework for grieving loss, they wonder if learning to deal with disappointments, both trivial and profound, is key to emotional health. They talk about the power of naming the disappointment and the need if left unmet, and how to reach an adjusted, hopeful expectation for the future—to avoid getting stuck in cynicism or despair. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Matt and Rachel discuss the tension between money and faith, examining why this topic is often avoided or causes guilt. They note that money is a powerful indicator of the heart and deepest values—a tool people often use to pursue peace and purpose. They dive into Jesus's parable of the rich fool, and dissect the the worldly wisdom of protecting assets by building bigger "barns," arguing that a faithful approach means living generously and investing resources in things of lasting, spiritual value. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this week's episode, Rachel and Matt discuss the quiet epidemic of online sports gambling and gaming, and its addictive nature. They explore how the rise of online and in-app betting, which is now everywhere and easily accessible, is particularly affecting young men, and how online spending through betting, gambling, and even games is pervasive in our culture. They also touch on how this stems from a deeper need for human connection, and where do we go from here. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week Matt and Rachel try to work out how to have difficult conversations without letting them "go off the rails." They use the frame work of Susan Scott's "Fierce Conversations" to help them navigate, and agree that while conflict is a natural and necessary part of life, many people try to avoid these crucial discussions, which is ultimately detrimental to relationships and personal growth. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

Matt and Rachel kick off season 10 after a much needed break, talking about something we all need but something we often neglect- rest. What do we really mean when we talk about rest, and why is this such a problem in our culture anyway? They take a hard look at the pressure that glamorizes burnout and makes us feel guilty for stepping away, and the mindset that says we can't stop. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

For the last episode of Season 9, Matt and Rachel welcome back their friend Tanner Olson to talk about his new book All the Things I Say to God. They discuss prayer and our tendencies to overthink and over-complicate what comes down to a conversation. They share their experiences with prayer, their favorite ways to pray, and why prayer is complicated sometimes. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this episode of "Make It Simple," Rachel and Matt explore the concept of changing one's mind as adults, noting how challenging it can be. They discuss personal examples of shifting perspectives on things like food, politics, and pop culture, highlighting that deconstruction and maturing often involve this process. They discuss how difficult it can be as adults to admit when we're wrong and the importance of discerning which beliefs should be held firmly versus those we should remain open to reconsidering. Things Referenced in this Episode: Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better." Knox McCoy, All Things Reconsidered: How Rethinking What We Know Helps Us Know What We Believe Pop Culture: Friends, Ted Lasso, Hamilton, Back To The Future Dungeons & Dragons Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week Rachel and Matt explore the concept of trauma, distinguishing between significant and everyday hurts that create emotional wounds. They discuss the importance of acknowledging these wounds without letting them define us, advocating for a middle ground between denial and over-identification. Through a Christian lens, they emphasize honesty with God and the need to tend to our pain. Matt proposes three steps for healing: recognizing our wounds, differentiating our identity from them, and inviting compassionate witnesses to share our burdens.  Referenced in this episode: Chuck de Groot's book "Healing What's Within" Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, join Matt and Rachel as they share their personal experiences and practical insights on marriage, moving beyond simple advice. Discover the power of being "alone together," the necessity of forgiveness, and Matt's 4 essentials for marriage. They also explore John Gottman's ideas on contempt and the crucial act of "turning toward" your partner's bids for connection. Learn actionable steps to build a lasting and thriving relationship. Mentioned in this episode: Our partners and friends at The Pastors Workshop Books by Dr. John Gottman, specifically: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work The Relationship Cure The Love Prescription: includes the framework of "turning toward," "turning away," and "turning against" bids for connection.Concepts by Dr. John Gottman:John Gottman's "Four Horsemen of Marriage": Specifically, the concept of contempt. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

In this episode of Make It Simple, Rachel and Matt dive into what truly makes for a "good life," drawing insights from a decades-long Harvard study. Forget the idea of an easy, problem-free existence – they explore how meaningful relationships and the ability to bounce back from tough times are key. They also touch on the unexpected role of faith in building resilience and finding deeper meaning in life's journey. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.

This week, Rachel and Matt discuss the challenges and importance of parenting teenagers. They reflect on their own teenage years and then delve into the significant developmental stage of adolescence, particularly regarding identity formation and faith. The conversation highlights the need for parents to adapt their role from governor to guardian to guide, eventually hoping to become a guru figure in their adult children's lives, while also acknowledging the unique difficulties of navigating the teenage years, especially in the age of social media. Support the show For more information on Make It Simple Ministries, head to https://makeitsimple.org/ To support Make It Simple, head here: Support the show Buy your copy of Junk Drawer Jesus wherever books are sold.