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

Introduction

Gloria Van Den Bosch joins our conversation focusing on global mission, cross-cultural ministry, and understanding the heart of God for people from every nation. One concept discussed was how the story of Jonah challenges personal biases about who deserves mercy and highlights God's compassion toward all people. The discussion explores personal experiences in vocational mission, the importance of being available to serve both locally and globally, and practical ways to live with a mission mindset wherever one is placed.

3 Main Takeaways

1) God’s Mercy Extends Beyond Boundaries

Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s mercy is not limited by our personal preferences, prejudices, or sense of justice. He pursues and loves people we might avoid or struggle to care for, and calls us to do the same—even with those who have hurt us or whom we see as enemies. This challenges us to wrestle honestly with our own hearts and to ask if we truly desire mercy for all people, not just those like us (02:13).

2) Mission Starts at Home

Successful vocational missionaries are those who are already serving and loving people where they are. Churches play a vital role by equipping and supporting individuals (17:45).

3) Every Christian Is Called to Be on Mission—Here or There

A mission mindset is not reserved solely for those who go overseas. All followers of Jesus are invited to be faithful wherever God has placed them—whether as parents, coworkers, friends, or neighbors. This means being intentional about noticing and serving others, building relationships with those who might be overlooked, and praying for people both locally and globally. Prayer, in particular, is highlighted (20:27).

Resources
https://reachglobal.ministries.efca.org/

Timestamps

02:13 – Gloria reflects on what the book of Jonah teaches about God's heart for mercy that extends beyond our personal preferences and prejudices, challenging listeners to wrestle with their own willingness to see God love those they've struggled to love.

04:16 – Gloria recounts the unexpected call into cross-cultural mission, describing the pivotal church presentation that changed her family’s direction toward serving in Romania.

15:56 – Gloria discusses the lack of preparation and models for missionary care when she and her husband began, and how their journey shaped their later work assessing and training missionaries.

20:27 – Gloria offers practical advice for developing a mission mindset wherever you are: noticing who God might want you to see, being intentional in prayer, and redefining success as faithfulness rather than busyness.

23:07 – Gloria challenges listeners to build relationships with overlooked people and those they might consider enemies, emphasizing that God’s heart and mission are broader than our own comfort zones.

Keywords

Mission, Jonah, Mercy, Cross-cultural, Romania, Calling, Vocational missionary, Prayer,

Church planting, Support, Discernment, Compassion, Training, Community, Faithfulness