Ever feel completely out of control?

Trying hard to hold onto something? Praying for specific outcomes to God? Frustrated because you feel very little certainty?

How do you get to a place of surrender when you feel those things?

Sammi and I have an honest dialogue about considering moving, changing businesses, changing life directions and we end up having a deep chat about surrender and trusting God with what's next.

If you haven't felt clarity in your life or you have struggled with surrender, take the time to listen to this week's episode.

please check out our courses at www.aliveandfreeconsulting.com

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:01) - Navigating Life and Relationships With Authenticity
(0:05:09) - Navigating Surrender and Decision Making
(0:16:54) - Trusting in God for Home Transition
(0:23:28) - Longing for Security and Surrender
(0:36:38) - Journey of Surrender and Healing
(0:50:22) - Leave a Review for Impactful Episodes

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:01) - Navigating Life and Relationships With Authenticity
Personal growth, marriage, and spirituality are explored through candid discussions on control, provision, and trusting God's timing.

(0:05:09) - Navigating Surrender and Decision Making
Balance between waiting on spiritual guidance and taking decisive action, trusting in divine timing and valuing connection over direction.

(0:16:54) - Trusting in God for Home Transition
Internal struggle with self-worth, trusting in a higher power, financial recovery, and holding material possessions lightly.

(0:23:28) - Longing for Security and Surrender
Personal struggle between home ownership and spiritual surrender, entrepreneurship and social media metrics, and creating authentic content aligned with personal values.

(0:36:38) - Journey of Surrender and Healing
Encounter with Jesus at the well, living water, nurturing next generation, relinquishing control, healing fears through God's love.

(0:50:22) - Leave a Review for Impactful Episodes
Reflect on our discussions, leave a review, share with a friend, and find additional resources for healing and aiding others.

This is an episode of the Alive & Free podcast that we just absolutely loved, although we might have had just a bit of a vulnerability-hangover afterwards.

We all have seasons or circumstances in our lives that drain our capacity for anything else.

But how can we still own our pain, not blame our loved ones, and fight for deep connection?

In this episode, We take you through the trials and triumphs of raising our son, Wilder, and the toll it takes on sleep, sanity, and our relationship. Parenting is far from perfect, and we're here to share our journey through the sleep-deprived nights and the joyous moments that make it all worth it. More importantly, we open up about how we've managed to stay connected, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Listen in as we tackle the intimate aspects of postpartum life, including the changes in our sexual dynamics after Wilder's arrival. We get candid about the challenges of maintaining intimacy, Spencer's past struggles with lust, and how we've navigated our desires and needs in the midst of newfound parenthood. It's a conversation that sheds light on the emotional complexities of a relationship in transition, and how we've found fulfillment and connection beyond just the physical.

This is an episode for both men and women. If you don't get actionable steps and help from this episode, at the very least, you will feel understood at deep levels of your painful and difficult seasons.

For info on our inner healing course for men and women, you can find more details at https://www.yourheartfree.com/comealivecourse/

For info on our life coaching and business school, go to https://www.thecoachlaunch.com/go

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:01) - Navigating Parenthood
(0:12:34) - Navigating Postpartum Intimacy Challenges
(0:24:44) - Navigating Pain, Compassion, and Selflessness
(0:36:10) - Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Motherhood
(0:48:11) - Navigating Hard Times Together

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:01) - Navigating Parenthood
Our honest reflection on marriage, parenthood, and raising a high-needs baby, including struggles and triumphs, personal growth, and spiritual walk.

(0:12:34) - Navigating Postpartum Intimacy Challenges
Postpartum challenges, managing sexual needs, and enduring pain and growth in different seasons of our relationship.

(0:24:44) - Navigating Pain, Compassion, and Selflessness
Validating personal pain in relationships, self-compassion, and spirituality's role in healing and connection.

(0:36:10) - Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Motherhood
Balancing family, work, and marriage while relying on non-family child care can impact attachment, boundaries, and intimacy.

(0:48:11) - Navigating Hard Times Together
Compassionate commiseration, self-care through spirituality, and embracing vulnerability for healing during tough times.

Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Sam Cabra, a pastor from Reunion Church, as we explore the depths of our spiritual journeys and the quest for authenticity in our relationship with God.

In this episode, you'll discover the transformative power of personal encounters with the divine, moving you beyond intellectual understanding into the realm of experiential faith. We tackle the challenging task of reconciling the images of God from the Old Testament with the loving figure of Jesus, and engage with touching stories of healing, miracles, and the pursuit of a deeper connection with our Creator.

Our dialogue with Pastor Cabra offers profound insights into the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our faith and decisions, and how embracing the concept of God as 'Abba, Father' can enrich our spiritual lives. Hear about moments that defy logic and challenge the balance between faith and reason, inspiring a renewed openness to the charismatic gifts of the Spirit.

This conversation is an invitation to reflect on the humility and growth that come from our personal experiences with God, and how they can navigate us through trauma, skepticism, and towards a genuine embrace of His presence. Wrapping up, we contemplate the delicate dance between taking action and patiently waiting on God's timing.

The heart and the Holy Spirit emerge as central guides in this journey, leading us to trust in the wisdom within us. As you join us on this episode, we trust you'll be inspired to recognize the joy that stems from a true, loving connection with God, and to appreciate the balance between self-reliance and divine surrender. Don't miss the opportunity to have your heart stirred towards a deeper, more authentic faith.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:01) - Navigating Relationship With God and Authenticity

(0:10:43) - Encountering God's Healing Presence

(0:15:49) - Encountering Miracles and Spiritual Growth

(0:28:11) - Deep Dive Into Spiritual Growth

(0:39:44) - Fatherhood and the Holy Spirit

(0:43:48) - Trusting Your Heart in Faith

(0:48:14) - Trusting in God and Self

(0:57:56) - Gratitude for Podcast Support

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:01) - Navigating Relationship With God and Authenticity Experiencing God's presence, reconciling Old Testament image with Jesus, creating space for personal encounter to understand His goodness.

(0:10:43) - Encountering God's Healing Presence Spiritual experiences can heal trauma, bypass conventional communication, and challenge traditional religious expectations.

(0:15:49) - Encountering Miracles and Spiritual Growth Divine intervention, humility, skepticism, and healing through prayer and ministry are explored through transformative experiences. (0:28:11) - Deep Dive Into Spiritual Growth Jesus's actions reflect God's nature, offering choices and challenging individuals to let go of pride and find fulfillment in their soul and love.

(0:39:44) - Fatherhood and the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit helps us see God as a loving father, transforming our beliefs and behaviors through encountering His love.

(0:43:48) - Trusting Your Heart in Faith God's word, heart's deepness, old vs. new covenants, trusting our hearts, Holy Spirit's guidance, genuine desires for joy and love.

(0:48:14) - Trusting in God and Self Trusting God in decision-making, balancing action and waiting, and staying connected to Him through life's challenges.

(0:57:56) - Gratitude for Podcast Support Nature's discussions on language, culture, and perception, and the importance of ratings and reviews for our work.

To learn more about what Sam is doing in church or in his ministry school:

Reunion Church: www.reunionhawaii.com

Kingdom Living ministry school: www.kingdomlivingoahu.com

If you've been a christian long enough and attended church for long enough, the chances are high that you have been hurt by a person or a leader...

So what do you do with that?

And what is a healthy way to go about church community?

Should we just attend and serve? Is it wrong to "church shop"? Should we just honor leaders no matter what?

We get very vulnerable with our process in this episode as well as build a case for how we believe church community should be done.

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Embark on a soul-searching expedition with us as we confront the comfortable but treacherous terrains of 'cruise control Christianity.' We lay bare our own spiritual struggles and triumphs, revealing how an active pursuit of God goes beyond prayer to include decisive action. As we peel away the layers of guilt-driven religion, we uncover the liberating truth that God's love is the real spark for change. We'll invite you to consider the authenticity of your faith journey and challenge you to stoke the spiritual flames that lead to a life transformed by divine love.

In our candid conversation, we delve into the complexities of human narratives and the necessity of leaders to embrace vulnerability, drawing lessons from the stories of public figures like Mike Bickel and Carl Lentz. By sharing our own moments of reckoning, we hope to illuminate the grace found in our imperfections and the strength gained by admitting our uncertainties. This episode is not just a dialogue but a heartfelt communion with all who seek a deeper, more meaningful connection with God amidst the cacophony of life's demands.

Finally, we make a heartfelt request to continue this conversation beyond just our voices. Your experiences, thoughts, and stories are a crucial thread in this tapestry of shared spiritual growth. As you carve out your own sacred spaces and confront the noise of the everyday, remember that your journey, like ours, is vital to the collective experience. We eagerly await your insights and extend our deepest appreciation for your companionship on this path. Join us, share with us, and let's burn with a passion for God, together.

(0:00:01) - Journey to Burn for God
Active pursuit of God, avoiding guilt and fear, and taking responsibility for our faith to deepen our connection with Him and the community.

(0:11:46) - Understanding Narratives and Embracing Uncertainty
Human tendency to create narratives for powerlessness in relationships and faith, embracing uncertainty and vulnerability, and returning to God's grace.

(0:15:41) - Finding Margin for Spiritual Growth
Stepping back from social media to prioritize spiritual growth and authenticity, and the impact of busyness on inner fire.

(0:22:10) - Seeking Deeper Connection With God
Creating space to reconnect with God, avoiding complacency, being present in life, reassessing motives and actions.

(0:33:43) - Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership
Leaders face challenges like moral failures and influencer culture, but authenticity and vulnerability can lead to profound love and personal growth.

(0:49:07) - Request for Ratings and Reviews
Nature's impact on our lives, your feedback's importance, and our gratitude for your engagement on this journey.

Spiritual Invigoration, Relationship with God, Passionate Faith Life, Spiritual Walk, God's Love, Transformative Force, Human Narratives, Divine Journey, Vulnerabilities, Leadership, Social Media, Spiritual Growth, Quietude, Vulnerability, Authenticity, Genuine Leadership, Unconditional Love, Empowerment, Authentic Pursuit, Divine Inspiration, Personal Responsibility, Inner Fire, Busyness, Spiritual Nourishment, Identity in Christ, Cruise Control Christianity, Worldly Pursuits, Moral Failures, Public Life, Influencer Culture, Fame, Personal Empowerment, Ratings and Reviews, Feedback, Engagement

In this episode we take you through our personal experiences with money and how we've navigated our relationship with it in our marriage, our faith, and our pursuit of dreams. We challenge the common misconception that money is the root of all evil, clarifying that it's the love of money that can be problematic.

I share my journey of overcoming a poverty mentality, while Spencer offers insights into his straightforward approach to financial conversations.

We tackle the intricate relationship between money, purpose, and personal growth, reflecting on our journey with Alive and Free—a business and ministry that generated significant income while serving others. I share my internal conflict over the necessity of money in achieving our goals without letting it overshadow our core values.

We explore the journey of faith and obedience in entrepreneurship, highlighting the sacrifices made when choosing to follow a spiritual calling over purely financial success.

Together, we address the complexities of discussing wealth and abundance, acknowledging the various triggers and religious mindsets associated with this topic. We aim to strike a balance between recognizing the potential excellence of prosperity and maintaining humility in our financial blessings.

Join us as we candidly explore the emotional landscape of money, our path to an abundance mentality, and the grace we afford ourselves along the way.

(02:09 - 03:22) Mindsets and Abundance in Money
(05:20 - 07:00) YouTube Support and Money Mindsets
(10:00 - 11:00) Balancing Wealth and Humility
(16:28 - 20:15) Challenging Limiting Beliefs About Money
(22:45 - 23:44) The Rich Young Ruler's Dilemma
(26:52 - 27:46) Teaching Heart Posture in Life
(32:01 - 33:37) Teaching Abundance and Gratitude
(39:18 - 40:33) Investing in Skills and Knowledge
(44:52 - 46:17) Giving & Trust
(49:59 - 50:33) Navigating Relationships and the Gospel

Do you ever feel like you're being fixed by your partner?

Or do you ever feel the urge to fix your partner's pain or struggles?

We address the challenges and nuances of avoiding codependency and 'fix-it' dynamics in relationships, particularly between spouses and friends.

We talk about the balance between being supportive and overstepping into a counseling role within our personal connections.

Through our personal experiences, we touch on the importance of self-awareness, growth, and the recognition that relationships naturally ebb and flow through phases of codependency. We also explore the power of surrender, ownership, and the gift of love that comes with less dependency on others' affection.

Through this episode we hope that you will learn how to question your intentions and be comfortable with rejection, and aim to cultivate healthier dynamics in your relationships and avoid the helper or fixer roles.

In this episode, we share our story of transitioning from best friends to life partners, a topic that garnered a whirlwind of reactions when I shared a piece of our story online. We dive into the backlash we received on a recent instagram post, and further explain to give more context how our friendship evolved into a complex but rewarding romantic relationship. Now, six years into our marriage, we celebrate the growth and healing it has required. Through this episode, we aim to inspire others to embrace their narratives of love, regardless of societal expectations or judgments.

(06:08 - 08:06) Interpreting Video Comments and Masculinity Issues
(17:24 - 19:16) Healthy Boundaries in Relationship Communication
(27:14 - 28:03) Miscommunication About Friendship and Romance
(29:50 - 32:36) Learning Emotional Intelligence and Communication
(36:14 - 38:35) Adjusting Boundaries With a Friend
(44:54 - 46:30) Sexual Trauma and Breakup Podcast Episode
(51:21 - 53:15) Confessing Feelings, Uncertain Response
(54:31 - 56:31) Unexpected Romantic Encounter
(01:01:42 - 01:03:55) Healing and Growth in Relationships