Fall Rhythms | POD 076

Hosts: Jacob Nannie

Guests: Carolyn Poage & Deb Tosh

Introduction

This episode explores how the arrival of fall brings shifts in routines and busyness, especially with the start of the school year. Carolyn, a pastor and mom of three, and Deb, a retired school nurse and grandmother, discuss how to stay connected to God amid hectic schedules, competing responsibilities, and changing life seasons. The conversation highlights the importance of grace, presence, and sustainable spiritual rhythms, offering practical insights for navigating both the demands and blessings of fall.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Embrace Grace, Not Perfection, in Spiritual Rhythms

Both Carolyn and Deb emphasize that connecting with God doesn’t require rigid routines or perfection. During busy seasons, especially in the fall, it’s important to let go of unrealistic expectations—whether for ourselves or our families—and to instead seek God in the everyday moments, embracing grace even when our spiritual practices don’t look ideal (05:02, 25:26).

2. Ordinary Life Is Where Connection with God Happens

Everyday activities—driving kids, walking outside, or even the stresses of work—can become cues for prayer and gratitude. Both speakers describe how God meets us in these ordinary, sometimes chaotic, moments, and that discipleship often happens in small, daily interactions rather than set-apart, uninterrupted times (08:00, 09:00, 10:01).

3. Community Is Essential in All Seasons

The conversation underscores how friends, church groups, mentors, and intergenerational relationships provide practical and spiritual support, especially when personal rhythms feel inconsistent. Being open, visible, and plugged into community isn't just helpful—it’s foundational for encouragement, accountability, and experiencing communal grace (18:44, 19:54, 22:44).

Resources

Lamentations 3:22–23, referenced by Carolyn as a reminder of God's steadfast love and new mercies each day (27:28).

Matthew 11:28–30, referenced by Deb as a comfort for those who are weary, emphasizing coming to Jesus with burdens (27:54).

Timestamps

05:02 — Carolyn reflects on the difference between life-giving spiritual rhythms and spiritual performance, emphasizing God's desire for connection over achievement.

07:15 — Deb shares how she experienced God's presence during her work as a school nurse, especially through coworkers and everyday moments.

09:09 — Carolyn describes transforming the stress of busy afternoons driving her kids by intentionally inviting God into those moments and creating a liturgy for school pickup.

12:07 — Deb discusses what she wishes she had understood about God’s sovereignty, busyness, and faithfulness during her working years.

24:21 — Deb and Carolyn offer one small, sustainable spiritual practice for fall, along with encouragement to release unrealistic expectations.

Keywords

Fall, Rhythms, Routine, Busyness, Grace, Spiritual rhythms, God's presence, School year

Prayer, Community, Rest, Seasons, Family, Slowing down, Spiritual practices