S2 E134: Are We Listening to Understand or Just Waiting to Respond?

S2 E134: Are We Listening to Understand or Just Waiting to Respond?

Are We Listening to Understand or Just Waiting to Respond? Have you ever noticed that sometimes we stop listening halfway through a conversation because we've already started preparing our response? In this episode, I reflect on a recent conversation where I realized I had already built my rebuttal before fully understanding what the other person was trying to say. That experience led me to explore what Scripture teaches about listening, assumptions, judging motives, and the difference between hearing words and truly understanding another person. We'll look at James 1:19, Proverbs 18:13, and why so many conversations break down before they ever have a chance to become meaningful. In this episode: ·         The difference between hearing and listening ·         Why we often fill in the blanks before asking questions ·         Assumptions, motives, and social media conversations ·         Understanding without agreement ·         Why people often want to be heard more than corrected ·         What James 1:19 teaches about communication 📖 Scripture References: James 1:19 Proverbs 18:13 Philippians 2:3-4 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled] #ChristianPodcast #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #Communication #BibleStudy

S2 E133: Why Are We So Busy Fixing Everyone Else?

Why Are We So Busy Fixing Everyone Else? It's easy to see what's wrong with everyone else. It's much harder to examine our own hearts. In this episode, I explore why we're often quick to correct, critique, and point fingers while overlooking the work God may be trying to do in us. Drawing from Scripture and personal reflection, we'll discuss listening, humility, self-examination, and why not every observation is an assignment. In this episode: * Matthew 7 and the beam in our own eye * Why correcting others can feel productive * Being right versus being helpful * Humility and self-examination * Focusing on your own assignment 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled] #ChristianPodcast #ChristianGrowth #FaithJourney #Humility #ChristianLiving

S2 E132: Why Do We Keep Moving the Finish Line?

Why Do We Keep Moving The Finish Line? Have you ever noticed that the things you once prayed for can become the things you barely notice? We reach one milestone, then immediately focus on the next. Before long, we're standing in the middle of answered prayers while wondering why we're still dissatisfied. In this episode, I talk about contentment, gratitude, ambition, and why we often forget what God has already done in our lives. In this episode: * Moving the finish line * Contentment and gratitude * Recognizing answered prayers * God's blessings and our expectations * Learning to appreciate the season you're in 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled] #ChristianPodcast #Contentment #FaithJourney #AnsweredPrayer #ChristianLiving

S2 E131: Can Christians Be Ambitious Without Losing the Plot?

Can Christians Be Ambitious Without Losing The Plot? Is ambition a bad thing? Or does the problem begin when ambition becomes our identity? In this episode, I explore the tension between pursuing goals, building something meaningful, and keeping Christ at the center. We'll talk about success, purpose, calling, and what it means to chase the right things for the right reasons. In this episode: * Ambition and faith * Success versus purpose * Building without losing perspective * Goals, calling, and identity * Keeping Christ at the center 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled] #ChristianPodcast #ChristianGrowth #FaithJourney #Purpose #ChristianLiving

S2 E130: Why Is Someone Else's Blessing So Hard to Celebrate?

Why Is Someone Else's Blessing So Hard To Celebrate? Most of us would never admit it, but sometimes celebrating someone else's success is harder than we expect. Comparison quietly sneaks in, and before long we're questioning our own journey. In this episode, I talk about comparison, gratitude, waiting seasons, and how learning to celebrate others can transform our perspective on God's work in our own lives. In this episode: * Comparison and contentment * Celebrating others genuinely * Waiting on God's timing * Gratitude during difficult seasons * Trusting God's plan for your life 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled] #ChristianPodcast #Contentment #ChristianLiving #FaithJourney #GodsTiming