We explore how God's seemingly strict laws in the Old Testament were actually protective measures designed with loving intention and divine foresight, not arbitrary rules meant to control or burden His people.

• Understanding Biblical quarantine laws as protective measures, not punishment or shame
• Recognizing God's intentionality in creating laws that protected ancient Israelites before modern scientific understanding
• Seeing how Biblical separation laws during illness parallel modern quarantine practices
• Finding God's character throughout Scripture instead of focusing on ourselves
• Discovering how God prepares us through everyday experiences for unexpected challenges
• Viewing physical fitness as preparation that enables us to protect and serve others
• Recognizing the Bible as the story of Jesus: coming, arriving, and returning again
• Learning to trust God's perfect intentions even when we don't understand His methods

Join us this summer for our running group! Whether you want to start running with intention or join our Bible reading journey, it's never too late to begin. God doesn't care if you're on day one or day 105—He simply wants you to seek Him intentionally.

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

Strong foundations don't just happen—they're built through consistent, intentional investment over time. When life's storms hit, it's the invisible work of foundation-building that determines whether we stand or fall.

For over two decades, our family has maintained a weekly gathering tradition, bringing together multiple generations for meals and meaningful connection. Nearly 20 years later, grandchildren eagerly anticipate these evenings, texting throughout the day to discover what's for dinner—not from pickiness, but from excitement for both food and fellowship. This consistency has created bonds that withstand the pressures of busy schedules and life's challenges.

The parallels between building foundations in relationships and in physical pursuits like running are striking. Ellen shares her journey of building a running base after years away from the sport, discovering that consistency transforms initial struggle into growing capacity. Just as skipping foundational training leads to physical breakdown during a challenging race, neglecting relationship foundations leaves families vulnerable when conflicts arise.

We reflect on spiritual foundations too, observing how youth who attend church without seeing consistent spiritual practices at home often drift away as adults. The foundation isn't the glamorous part—nobody compliments the concrete work on a beautiful house—but without it, everything else eventually crumbles. Whether in family relationships, spiritual growth, or athletic pursuits, what we invest in consistently reveals what we truly value.

The reward comes in unexpected moments that reveal the foundation's worth—like a teenage son calling his mother during his golf game just to check on her race progress. These connections aren't accidental but result from years of intentional foundation-building that creates relationships capable of weathering any storm.

What foundations are you building today that will support what matters most tomorrow? We'd love to hear about your family traditions and how you're creating stability for the journey ahead.

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

We explore the powerful concept of knowing your "why" and how it transforms your approach to life's challenges and opportunities.

• Understanding your why provides clarity and motivation in difficult situations
• Simple acts of service create lasting memories and meaningful impact
• Martin Luther King Jr's legacy demonstrates the power of living for something greater than yourself
• Reading the Bible as history gives deeper appreciation for the freedom we have in Christ
• Our ministry follows wherever our feet go, not just in church settings
• Creating community spaces can serve others in meaningful ways
• Jesus remains our ultimate "why," giving purpose to everything we do

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves." - Philippians 2:3

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

Nostalgia has powerful ways of shaping who we become. In this heartfelt conversation, we journey back to our childhood spring breaks, revealing how these formative experiences continue to influence our values, relationships, and even business decisions decades later.

Growing up in Alabama, "spring break" was originally known as "AEA week" - a time that wasn't about beach parties but rather cherished visits with extended family. For one of us, this meant a week in Ardmore, Alabama, working at an aunt and uncle's convenience store, making crafts, watching classic movies, and enjoying the simple pleasure of deli-sliced meat sandwiches (which would later inspire our business menu!). For the other, it meant road trips to Illinois to visit grandparents who introduced everything from tennis to community theater performances.

What emerges from these memories isn't just nostalgia, but profound gratitude for adults who invested their limited time to make us feel valued, teach us skills, and create spaces where we could develop confidence. The most powerful realization? Often it's the smallest moments - not grand vacations - that leave the most significant impressions on young hearts.

This episode offers a touching reminder of how fleeting time is and why making moments count with our loved ones matters so deeply. As we reflect on tornado warnings, Nintendo games, and Swedish restaurants, we discover that focusing on gratitude for good memories helps outweigh worries about tomorrow.

Take this journey with us and perhaps rediscover your own formative childhood experiences that continue to shape who you are today. What memories are you creating with the important people in your life right now?

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

Have you ever noticed how what you do today directly impacts your tomorrow? This powerful concept forms the foundation of our conversation about seizing opportunities and making each day count.

Recording from our coffee shop (complete with background noise and all!), we dive into why focusing on the present moment is crucial for creating your best possible future. Drawing wisdom from Proverbs 27:1, we explore the balance between not worrying excessively about tomorrow while taking responsible action today.

We share practical strategies for eliminating barriers to productivity – from something as simple as laying out workout clothes the night before to creating systems that make important tasks easier to accomplish. Through personal examples (including Calvin's confession about being distracted and Holli's admission of needing alone time as an introvert), we demonstrate how these principles apply to real life.

The conversation takes a tactical turn as we break down productivity frameworks like time blocking, the 80/20 principle, and the urgent/important matrix. Rather than presenting these as one-size-fits-all solutions, we discuss how different personality types might adapt these approaches to fit their unique styles.

Perhaps most valuably, we challenge the common excuse of "not having enough time" by examining what we truly prioritize. Whether managing a business, raising children, or pursuing fitness goals, taking ownership of our choices empowers us to create meaningful change rather than just reacting to circumstances.

Join us next week for a special spring break edition where we'll share childhood memories and stories! We'd love to hear your spring break experiences too – send us a message with your favorite memories.

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

Saying "no" might be one of the hardest yet most transformative disciplines we can practice as followers of Jesus. When Christ commanded us to "deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him," He wasn't introducing a spiritual punishment system but rather offering a pathway to freedom.

In this deeply reflective conversation, we unpack how self-denial touches every area of our lives – from the Christmas tree cakes we crave to our social media habits that steal our attention. We share vulnerable stories about our own struggles with saying "no," including a particularly memorable experience with the temptation of a Little Debbie treat that ended with "chew and spit" tactics! Beyond the humorous moments, we explore how our eating patterns often reveal deeper spiritual issues about comfort, control, and what truly satisfies us.

The discussion moves beyond food to examine our relationship with money, time, and family priorities. We challenge the notion that "having no time" for spiritual disciplines is a legitimate excuse when we somehow find hours for mindless scrolling. Through personal examples of parenting decisions and running competitions, we illustrate how denying immediate desires often leads to unexpected blessings and alignment with God's purposes.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the practical framework it provides for understanding Jesus's call to self-denial. This isn't about punishment or deprivation – it's about creating space for something greater. As the old hymn reminds us, when we "turn our eyes upon Jesus," the things of earth grow "strangely dim" in comparison to the glory and wonder of following Him. Join us for this challenging yet encouraging conversation about finding freedom through the counterintuitive practice of saying "no" to ourselves.

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

Join us for an enlightening and heartwarming episode of Running on Coffee and Christ, where we dive deep into the things that spark our inspirations. From cherished memories associated with our favorite coffee mugs to the enduring influence of icons like Dolly Parton, we explore how everyday objects and stories connect us to a broader narrative of joy, creativity, and purpose.

In this episode, we reflect on powerful movies and timeless songs that uplift our spirits, alongside the meaningful moments we witness in our running community. We share how these experiences illuminate the path to persistence, resilience, and inspiration. Moreover, we delve into the ultimate inspiration—faith—offering perspectives on how our beliefs shape our lives and navigate us through challenges.

Whether you’re on a journey of personal growth or seeking motivation, we hope to encourage you to recognize the small and significant sources of inspiration in your life. Listen in and let’s celebrate the stories and moments that inspire us all. Don’t forget to engage with us by sharing what inspires you! Subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going.

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4

Discover how our choices intertwine with our identity and sense of self-worth.

• Exploring the connections between food and identity
• Personal reflections on the impact of dietary choices
• The role of fasting in spiritual growth and clarity
• How the pursuit of simplicity can lead to rediscovery of purpose
• The importance of community and relationships in overcoming excess
• Challenging societal norms around consumption
• Identifying distractions and their impact on spiritual journey
• Encouraging listeners to embrace their true identity in Christ
• Ideas for practical steps to simplify and focus on what matters

SHARECROPPERS COFFEE ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072208428425

Music from #InAudio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5NgiN3KLb4