Episode 58 - I Choose Today to Slow Down and Be with God

Episode 61: Best Of - I Choose Today to Let God Uproot the Weeds

Have you ever wondered why some areas of your spiritual life seem stuck, even though you genuinely love God and want to grow? In this Best Of episode of I Choose Today, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful messages from the podcast. Using Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and a unique artichoke analogy, Mo explores how the weeds in our lives can quietly choke out the growth God desires for us. Sometimes the obstacles aren’t obvious sins. They can be fears, wounds, distractions, unhealthy thought patterns, misplaced priorities, or beliefs we’ve carried for years. Left unattended, these weeds compete for the nutrients God intends for healthy spiritual growth. The good news is that God doesn’t expose weeds to condemn us. He reveals them so He can heal, restore, and transform us. If you’ve been feeling spiritually crowded, distracted, overwhelmed, or stuck, this episode offers encouragement and a practical reminder that transformation begins when we invite God to tend the soil of our hearts. In This Episode: * Jesus’ Parable of the Sower and what it teaches about spiritual growth * How the artichoke illustrates hidden obstacles in our lives * Why weeds often grow unnoticed * The difference between behavior modification and heart transformation * How God lovingly uproots what is hindering growth * Practical steps to partner with God in the transformation process Today’s Step Ask the Lord: “Is there anything growing in my heart that is competing with You?” Spend a few quiet moments listening. If He reveals something, don’t respond with shame. Respond with surrender. Invite Him to begin the process of uprooting and healing whatever is standing in the way of deeper growth. Scripture References * Luke 8:4–15 * Psalm 139:23–24 * John 15:1–2 * Galatians 5:22–23 Connect Website: ichoosetoday.org Instagram: @i.choose.today Facebook: I Choose Today with Mo Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

Episode 60 - I Choose Today to Know It Very Well

How well does your soul really know that you are wonderfully made? In this deeply personal episode, Mo reflects on Psalm 139 and the powerful truth that God didn’t create us randomly or carelessly. He formed us intentionally, intimately, and with purpose. But many of us struggle to truly believe that about ourselves. Using the imagery of knitting and craftsmanship, this episode explores the difference between intellectually knowing Scripture and allowing our souls to fully rest in it. Together, we’ll talk about identity, value, comparison, striving, and what it means to finally see ourselves through the eyes of our Creator. This episode also serves as a gentle doorway into Mo’s upcoming sabbatical season—a season of slowing down, reconnecting with God, and remembering that our worth was never rooted in productivity, but in belonging to Him. If you’ve ever questioned your value, compared yourself to others, or struggled to believe God intentionally created you, this conversation is for you. Scripture References * Psalm 139:13–16 * Ephesians 2:10 * Genesis 1:26–27 In This Episode * What it means to be “fearfully and wonderfully made” * The difference between knowing Scripture intellectually vs. knowing it in your soul * The intentionality behind God’s design * Why comparison disconnects us from our God-given identity * How resting in God’s workmanship changes the way we live * A personal reflection on slowing down and reconnecting with God during sabbatical Today’s Step Take five quiet minutes today and ask the Lord: “Where have I believed lies about my value, identity, or purpose?” Then slowly read Psalm 139:13–16 aloud—not as a passage about humanity in general, but as God’s intentional truth spoken over you. Pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out, and write them down. Connect with Mo / I Choose Today * Podcast & Blog:  I Choose Today * Listen to more episodes:  I Choose Today Podcast * Instagram:  @i.choose.today Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

Episode 59 - I Choose Today to Receive God’s Comfort in the Valley

Sometimes we expect God’s comfort to arrive in dramatic ways, but often, His presence meets us through ordinary people willing to show up in love. In this episode, I share reflections from recent opportunities to walk alongside people facing fear, grief, uncertainty, and loss, and how it reminded me of the comfort God brought into my own valley after losing my son Bobby. From phone calls and prayers to meals, lawn mowing, and even a giant box of toilet paper, this conversation explores the practical and spiritual ways God cares for His people through the body of Christ. If you are walking through a difficult season right now, I pray this episode reminds you that: * God has not abandoned you in the valley. * His comfort often comes in forms we may not immediately recognize. * And even in deep suffering, His goodness is still present and at work. We also talk about: * How suffering changes the way we see and care for others * Why presence matters more than perfect words * The difference between minimizing pain and holding onto hope * How God can bring redemption and beauty from even the deepest heartbreak * Comfort as both practical and spiritual Scripture References * 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 * Psalm 23:4 * Romans 8:28 * John 11:33–36 Today’s Step Ask God two simple questions today: “Where are You comforting me right now?” And: “Who around me may need comfort today?” Then respond to whatever He brings to mind. Connect with Me Website:  I Choose Today Instagram:  @i.choose.today Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

Episode 58 - I Choose Today to Slow Down and Be with God

In this episode, I’m sharing some of what God has been stirring in my heart as I prepare for a sabbatical season this summer. This isn’t about walking away from ministry or stepping back from faith. It’s about intentionally slowing down to reconnect with my first love and return to deeper communion with God. Together, we talk about: * contemplative prayer and what it actually means, * David being formed in hidden places before becoming king, * how God uses wilderness and waiting seasons to shape us, * why intimacy with God cannot survive indefinitely on leftovers, * and how transformation happens through abiding in God’s presence, not striving harder. This episode is ultimately an invitation: to slow down, to listen, to be still, and to respond when God says, “Come and talk with Me.” Maybe your response today can simply be: “Lord… I’m coming.” Scriptures Referenced * Psalm 27:8 * 1 Samuel 13:14 * 1 Samuel 16:11–13 * Psalm 19 * Psalm 23 * Psalm 139:23–24 * Psalm 51:10 * Psalm 46:10 * Luke 2:19 * 2 Corinthians 3:18 Resources Mentioned * The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas Today’s Step Set aside a few quiet minutes this week to simply be with God. No agenda. No performance. Just presence. Read Psalm 27 slowly and honestly pray: “Lord… I’m coming.” Thank you for listening to the I Choose Today podcast. If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a rating or review and share it with someone who may need this reminder today? You can listen to past episodes, read blog posts, and find additional resources at: I Choose Today [https://ichoosetoday.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: YouVersion Bible App [https://www.bible.com/app?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Episode 57 - I Choose Today to Return to My First Love

Have you ever found yourself doing all the right things—showing up, serving, praying—and yet still feeling distant from God? In this honest and gentle episode, Mo shares from her own recent experience of feeling disconnected, even in the middle of a powerful conference surrounded by worship and truth. Instead of pushing through or pretending everything was fine, she recognized something deeper: an invitation. This episode is not about striving harder—it’s about returning. If you’ve been feeling spiritually dry, distant, or out of rhythm, this conversation will remind you that God hasn’t moved—and He’s still inviting you back into relationship. Scripture References: * Revelation 2:4-5 * James 4:8 * Mark 1:35 Key Takeaway: Feeling distant doesn’t always mean God is far. Sometimes it’s an invitation to return to relationship. Today’s Step: Don’t try to fix the feeling or create the perfect quiet time. Just sit with Him honestly and say, “Lord, I miss You.” Connect with Mo: Website: https://ichoosetoday.org [https://ichoosetoday.org/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.choose.today Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app [https://www.bible.com/app]