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Struggling to find genuine connection in your church community? You're not the only one feeling like a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit. This heartfelt episode unpacks the transformative power of small groups and service opportunities that can turn Sunday strangers into spiritual family.

Debbie and Greg share candid insights about overcoming the initial awkwardness of joining a Bible study or small group. "It takes courage, faith, and trust," Debbie admits, while Greg recalls his own hesitation before discovering the authentic relationships that developed over time. They thoughtfully distinguish between Bible studies (more structured, education-focused) and small groups (conversation-driven, relationship-centered), helping you determine which might better suit your personality and spiritual needs.

From mountain biking crews to moms' tennis gatherings, couples' game nights to coffee meetups, the hosts showcase the creative ways churches are building community beyond traditional formats. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they describe how these spaces create safe environments where members can "share joys and struggles without fear of judgment."

The conversation shifts to service opportunities as another pathway to meaningful connection. Drawing from Philippians 2:3-4, they illuminate how serving others—whether directing traffic in the parking lot, welcoming newcomers, or resetting rooms between services—cultivates relationships that extend far beyond Sunday mornings. As Debbie poignantly notes, "Serving is not about completing tasks; it's about building relationships where lives are transformed and hope is restored."

Ready to find your place? Visit your church website, speak with leaders about available groups, or simply show up at a ministry that interests you. The community you've been longing for is waiting, and as Debbie and Greg remind us, "Jesus designed us to grow together, not alone."

Subscribe to You Are Not Alone and join us in exploring how faith can transform your everyday life. Your spiritual journey matters, and we're here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

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As summer heat rises, Debbie and Greg Gold complete their exploration of the Fruit of the Spirit with this captivating final installment focusing on faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. After sharing personal highlights—from Greg's culinary adventures to Debbie's neighborhood evangelism—they briefly recap the first six fruits before diving deep into these final three transformative qualities.

Faithfulness emerges as a two-way street between God and others, demonstrated through reliability and loyalty that builds trust in every relationship. Debbie shares how her reputation for trustworthiness directly led to career opportunities, showing how this fruit creates tangible benefits in our lives. Greg reflects on how daily spiritual disciplines strengthen this fruit, ultimately pleasing God and deepening human connections.

Their discussion of gentleness challenges common misconceptions, revealing it not as weakness but as profound strength manifested through compassion and emotional control. Debbie's vulnerable story about restraining herself from sending a harsh email demonstrates this fruit in action—choosing to diffuse rather than fuel conflict. Self-control completes the series as they explore how this empowering gift helps believers align with God's will rather than succumbing to worldly influences.

Throughout the conversation, practical examples make these spiritual concepts accessible and applicable to everyday challenges from traffic frustrations to workplace conflicts. The hosts emphasize that cultivating these fruits isn't about perfection but consistent growth through daily spiritual practices and moment-by-moment awareness.

Ready to deepen your spiritual journey? Subscribe to the You Are Not Alone podcast, share with friends, and consider supporting this growing ministry through our donation link in the show notes. What fruit of the Spirit are you focusing on developing in your life right now?

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What does it mean to walk by the Spirit in our everyday lives? This question stands at the heart of our continuing exploration of the fruits of the Spirit, focusing specifically on forbearance, kindness, and goodness.

We begin with a heartwarming story about a five-year-old's innocent yet profound understanding of prayer: "You have to pray every day or you will shrink, and when you pray, you grow." This simple childlike wisdom captures the essence of spiritual growth and our need for constant connection with God.

Diving deeper into Galatians 5:13-24, we examine the stark contrast between living according to the flesh versus walking in the Spirit. The internal conflict between these two forces often feels like those cartoon depictions of an angel and devil sitting on our shoulders, constantly pulling us in opposite directions. Yet the scripture offers a clear path forward - when we choose to live by the Spirit, we naturally begin producing spiritual fruit that transforms our relationships and responses to life's challenges.

Forbearance (patience) emerges as far more than passive waiting; it's an active choice to maintain composure during difficult circumstances. Kindness reveals itself as the compassionate heart of God working through us, creating spaces of warmth and acceptance. And goodness stands as a beacon of moral integrity that reflects God's nature in our everyday interactions. Through personal stories and practical examples, we explore how these spiritual qualities can be cultivated and expressed even in challenging situations.

Whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ, this episode offers both encouragement and practical guidance. Join us as we discover together how the Holy Spirit equips us to live transformed lives that reflect God's love to a world in need. Have you experienced the difference these spiritual fruits make in your daily interactions? We'd love to hear your story at youarenotalone@debbieandgreggold.com.

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What transforms ordinary believers into extraordinary reflections of God's character? The answer lies in cultivating the fruit of the Spirit—divine characteristics that develop naturally as we walk with Christ.

Join Debbie and Greg Gold as they launch a three-part series exploring these spiritual fruits that reflect God's character working through us. In this first installment, they dive deep into the first three fruits: love, joy, and peace. Beyond mere positive emotions, these spiritual qualities empower believers to transcend natural limitations—loving those who are difficult to love, maintaining joy during hardship, and experiencing peace amidst uncertainty.

Debbie shares a powerful personal testimony about how deepening her relationship with Jesus has transformed her spirit in ways that others notice. This isn't about religious performance but authentic heart change that comes through consistent spiritual practices. Greg adds valuable insights about trusting God while actively pursuing opportunities, demonstrating how peace and action work hand-in-hand.

Whether you're new to faith or looking to deepen your spiritual walk, this episode provides practical wisdom for growing these divine characteristics in your daily life. The hosts offer encouraging takeaways and a Bible reading recommendation that will help you understand how walking in the Spirit prevents fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

Ready to experience supernatural transformation? Listen now and discover how the fruit of the Spirit can radically change your response to life's challenges. Remember, this journey isn't meant to be walked alone—Jesus is always with you, and through this podcast community, you are not alone either.

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The wounds of childhood often leave lasting impressions that shape our relationships, emotional responses, and spiritual journeys well into adulthood. In this vulnerable conversation, Debbie Gold opens her heart about growing up in a household where "I love you" was rarely spoken and physical affection was almost non-existent.

Debbie shares how this emotional disconnect followed her into adulthood, making it nearly impossible for her to say simple phrases like "I'm sorry" to her husband. She recounts living above her parents' tavern between ages 9-14, where she witnessed her father's struggle with alcoholism and the domestic violence that followed. The painful memories of seeing her mother physically abused created trauma that took years to process and heal from.

What makes Debbie's story so powerful is her journey to forgiveness. Through her faith and recent experiences at a Freedom Group Conference, she found the strength to forgive those who hurt her most deeply. She draws particular comfort from scriptures that remind her God can use painful experiences for good: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." The realization that she would never again be truly alone because of God's presence brought profound healing to someone who grew up feeling she always had to handle problems by herself.

This episode serves as a reminder that no matter what trauma we've experienced, healing is possible through faith, forgiveness, and community. If you're carrying wounds from your past, know that your experiences can ultimately become the very thing God uses to help others. Subscribe to hear more conversations that remind you that truly, you are not alone.

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Have you ever noticed how your choices directly impact your emotional state? Join Debbie and Greg Gold as they unpack the powerful truth that "choices lead, feelings follow" in this enlightening episode of the You Are Not Alone podcast.

The duo begins by sharing their weekly highlights – Greg's kayaking adventure on Lady Bird Lake (complete with a painful sunburn lesson) and Debbie's unexpected $200 scratch ticket win. These light-hearted moments set the stage for a deeper discussion about emotional health from a Christian perspective.

Drawing from their recent experience in a church freedom group, Debbie and Greg explore how forgiveness exemplifies this "choices lead, feelings follow" principle. Debbie vulnerably shares her struggle with unforgiveness following her father's passing and family conflicts, revealing how choosing forgiveness – before feeling forgiving – ultimately led to peace and spiritual alignment. Greg adds practical wisdom about quickly releasing grudges to avoid being consumed by negative emotions.

The conversation then shifts to practical applications like overcoming procrastination using Mel Robbins' 5-4-3-2-1 technique, which helps listeners push through resistance and take action. The hosts also examine the profound impact of our words, referencing Ephesians 4:29 and providing examples of how choosing uplifting language transforms both the speaker and listener's emotional experience.

Throughout the episode, Debbie and Greg weave together biblical wisdom, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies that listeners can immediately apply to their lives. Their warm, conversational approach makes complex spiritual concepts accessible and relatable.

Ready to transform your emotional landscape through intentional choices? Listen now, and discover how aligning your choices with God's desires can lead to the healthy feelings He wants for your life. Visit debbieandgreggold.com to connect with us and continue the conversation!

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The weight of worry can feel overwhelming – finances that won't stretch far enough, career paths that remain unclear, relationships that seem broken beyond repair. In this intimate conversation about anxiety, mother-son hosts Debbie and Greg Gold share their personal struggles with worry and offer a refreshing perspective that combines practical wisdom with spiritual guidance.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is the contrast they draw between worldly and biblical approaches to anxiety. While the world tells us to seize control of everything (as bestselling author Mel Robbins suggests in "The Let Them Theory"), scripture invites us to release our burdens. Debbie and Greg vulnerably discuss their own worries – Debbie opens up about financial uncertainty after her husband's employment changes, while Greg shares his confusion about future career directions amid conflicting advice.

The heart of their message revolves around three key insights: worry is unnecessary, unnatural, and unhelpful. Perhaps most fascinating is the observation that humans are the only species in creation that worry. Birds don't fret about tomorrow's food, yet they're provided for. This perspective challenges us to examine how much energy we waste on anxieties that add no value to our lives.

You'll discover practical visualization techniques that have helped the hosts release their own worries. Debbie shares a beautiful image of throwing her concerns up like "confetti at a party" for God to transform into "a masterpiece of his will." She also describes picturing herself held securely in Jesus' arms like a child in a mother's embrace. These tangible practices offer immediate ways to find peace amid anxiety.

The episode culminates with Greg's profound insight: "What you worry about most is where you're not trusting Jesus." This simple yet powerful statement invites you to examine your own anxieties as indicators of areas where surrender might bring unexpected freedom. Join us for this heartfelt conversation that reminds us that whatever we face, we are never truly alone.

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What comes to mind when you think of Easter? Colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, family meals, pastel decorations? While these traditions create cherished memories, Easter's profound spiritual significance often gets overshadowed by its festive trappings.

Debbie and Greg Gold, our mother-son hosting team, take us on a journey from Genesis to Resurrection Sunday, unpacking Easter's true meaning. They begin by sharing their personal "highlights of the week" - Greg giving away his cherished Olive Garden breadsticks to someone in need and Debbie volunteering at a church Easter egg hunt where she witnessed pure joy on children's faces. These stories set the stage for a conversation about generosity, gratitude, and perspective.

The Golds then dive into the biblical foundation of Easter, tracing it back to humanity's separation from God in the Garden of Eden. They explain how Jesus's ministry, death on Good Friday, and resurrection three days later fulfilled God's redemption plan. Through a thoughtful exploration of scripture, particularly John 3:16, they illuminate Easter's core message: God's extraordinary love prompted the ultimate sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe.

What makes this episode special is how the Golds balance theological depth with relatable warmth. They share family Easter traditions while emphasizing the holiday's spiritual significance. For those seeking deeper understanding or those curious about Christianity's central celebration, this conversation offers clarity without judgment.

Whether you're a longtime believer or simply curious about Easter's religious significance, this episode provides both insight and invitation. As Debbie beautifully puts it, "God is not mad at you, he is mad about you." The discussion concludes with a simple prayer for those ready to begin or renew their spiritual journey.

Ready to see Easter with fresh eyes? Listen now, and discover why this 2,000-year-old event still transforms lives today. Share this episode with someone who might need its message of hope and connection.

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