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

S2 E135: Why Are We So Quick to Assume the Worst?

Why Are We So Quick to Assume the Worst? Have you ever noticed how quickly your mind fills in the blanks? Someone doesn't text you back, and suddenly you're replaying every conversation you've had with them. Someone seems distant, and before long you've convinced yourself they're upset with you. In this episode, I explore why we so often assume the worst when we don't have all the facts, how fear creates stories that may not be true, and what Scripture teaches about giving people the benefit of the doubt. I also share some personal reflections on anxiety, people-pleasing, and learning to respond with compassion instead of assumptions. In this episode: * Why our minds fill in missing information * The stories we create when we don't know the whole picture * How fear fuels assumptions and unnecessary hurt * Giving people the benefit of the doubt * Learning to respond with compassion instead of suspicion * Personal reflections on anxiety, relationships, and people-pleasing Scripture References: * Proverbs 18:13 * 1 Corinthians 13:7 🔗 Website: kathrinshaffer.com [http://kathrinshaffer.com] 🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled [https://linktr.ee/unpolishedbutcalled] #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #ChristianEncouragement #Proverbs1813 #FaithAndGrowth #ChristianLiving #Mindset #BiblicalWisdom #UnpolishedButCalled

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