The Invitation to Rest

51 - Interview with Karen Bontrager (4/4)

In the conclusion of this four-part series, Danny and Karen move beyond information and into a guided experience of rest. Karen leads a prayerful meditation intended to help listeners go "in and up" to access the presence of God. They explore the different "flavors" of God’s goodness—including power and friendship—and invite listeners to sit with the Father and hear His heart for them: "You are loved. You are precious. You are safe. You’re going to be okay". The episode wraps up with a reflection on how the "training" of rest produces a harvest of peace.

50 - Interview with Karen Bontrager (3/4)

The third installment of this series moves from theology to practical application, focusing on the specific "postures and practices" Karen uses to stay centered in God. She shares simple but profound tools, such as the physical act of smiling to engage the body in joy, "sunplanking" to soak in God’s goodness, and an "irrigation practice" to wash away the "slime" of difficult situations. They also discuss the importance of running to the throne of grace for "heart surgery" when dealing with shame or conviction, and the intimate concept of pericaresis—the mutual love found within the Trinity.

49 - Interview with Karen Bontrager (2/4)

In part two of this four-part series, Danny and Karen dive into the scriptural anchors that sustain a lifestyle of rest. They explore the depths of Psalm 91, focusing on the powerful tagline: "He who dwells will rest". The conversation also addresses how to "win" in the spiritual journey even when you lack understanding, drawing on Isaiah 50:10 to explain how we can rely on God even when walking in the dark with no light.

48 - Interview with Karen Bontrager (1/4)

In this episode, the podcast transitions into a new, slightly longer interview format as Danny welcomes Karen Bontrager, a sabbatical coach and dear friend. This is the first of a four-part series releasing over the coming weeks. Karen shares her personal journey through three distinct levels of rest: learning to "cease doing" during a "vacant lot" season in her life, implementing rhythms like personal retreats and month-long sabbaticals while in active ministry, and finally, maintaining an overarching lifestyle of rest even in the midst of physical chaos and a "100-year flood".

47 - Build from Rest - Part 3: Wisdom

Solomon built his magnificent temple from rest. He needed two specific attributes to be able to build from Rest: Humility and Wisdom. In this episode, Danny gives his definition of wisdom.