164 - Mike Novotny: Day Two and Following

164 - Mike Novotny: Day Two and Following

Whether you've been married for six months or sixty years, every relationship faces moments where expectations collide, communication gets complicated, and love requires more grace than we expected. In this conversation, pastor and author Mike Novotny shares practical, biblical wisdom from his book Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One. While the book is written with newly married couples in mind, the principles we discuss apply to every season of marriage—from learning how our families have shaped us to navigating conflict, communication, finances, intimacy, and the everyday decisions that strengthen a relationship over time. Along the way, Mike offers honest stories from his own marriage, memorable illustrations, and practical tools that couples can begin using right away—including simple ways to improve communication, pray together, and grow closer to one another by growing closer to Christ. Whether you're preparing for marriage, newly married, or you've been walking through life together for decades, this conversation is filled with biblical encouragement and practical insights that can help any marriage become stronger, healthier, and more centered on Jesus. https://timeofgrace.store/collections/pastor-mike-s-books/products/newlywed-a-christian-guide-for-loving-year-one

163 - Seph Schlueter: Living for What Lasts

Christian artist Seph Schlueter has written songs that have encouraged countless people to trust God, worship through every season, and remember His faithfulness. But behind those songs is a deeply personal story. In this conversation, Seph shares how his faith became his own, what inspired songs like Counting My Blessings and Valley of Worship, and why he believes worship is far more than music—it's a way of living that gives every part of our lives back to God. Along the way, we talk about becoming a father, navigating the heartbreaking loss of his first daughter, learning to trust God's heart when life doesn't make sense, and discovering that God's presence is enough even when answers don't come. Whether you've been encouraged by Seph's music or are simply looking for hope in your own journey, you'll find a conversation filled with honesty, biblical wisdom, and a beautiful reminder that God is worthy of our worship in every season of life.

162 - Connor Essegian: Chasing Jesus Instead

Nebraska basketball fans know Connor Essegian for what he does on the court. But in this conversation, Connor shares the much deeper story of what God has done in his life off the court. With remarkable honesty, he talks about chasing success, losing his identity in basketball, battling unhealthy habits, and how a series of unexpected moments—including a conversation on a golf course and a late-night stop outside a church—became turning points in his journey of faith. It's a powerful reminder that even when our plans unravel, God is still at work drawing us to Himself. Connor also shares what he's learning about living boldly for Christ in the spotlight of Division I athletics, why he sees his platform as an opportunity to point others to Jesus, and how God used injury and disappointment to deepen his faith and redefine his purpose. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, a coach, or simply someone searching for lasting identity and peace, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and a refreshing perspective on what it truly means to live for something greater than yourself.

161- Dr. Matthew Spalding: We Still Hold These Truths

As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's a good time to ask a simple question: Why does a document written nearly two and a half centuries ago still matter today? In this conversation, Dr. Matthew Spalding of Hillsdale College helps us look beyond the familiar phrases and historical events to uncover the ideas that have shaped the American experiment from the beginning. Together, we explore the enduring truths found in the Declaration, why generations of leaders have returned to it in moments of national challenge, and what it can still teach us about freedom, equality, self-government, and human dignity. We also discuss the often-overlooked role of faith and providence in America's founding, why the founders believed these principles were rooted in something bigger than politics, and what the upcoming America 250 celebration can mean for our nation today. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of civics, or simply someone who wants to better understand the ideas that have influenced the United States for 250 years, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into America's past, present, and future—and why those truths are still worth revisiting.

160 - Dr. Bob Paul: Different by Design

Why do the differences that first attracted us to someone often become the very things that frustrate us later? In this conversation, Dr. Bob Paul of Focus on the Family's Marriage Institute explores one of the most common challenges couples face: learning how to navigate their differences. Drawing from decades of counseling experience, Bob explains why "irreconcilable differences" are rarely the real problem and how healthy marriages learn to value, rather than fight against, the unique ways God has created each spouse. Along the way, we talk about communication, prayer, conflict, emotional connection, and what it means to build a marriage that both people genuinely love. Bob shares practical wisdom on everything from knowing when your spouse wants empathy instead of solutions to discovering how God can use differences to create greater unity. Whether your marriage is thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers encouragement, hope, and practical tools for building stronger relationships and growing closer together.