How Weakness Can Bring You Closer to God

How Weakness Can Bring You Closer to God

What if weakness isn’t something to hide, but a doorway to grace? In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson explores how our limits can open us more deeply to God’s strength, comfort, and love. Over a 2016 Chilean pinot noir, he discusses pride, dependence, Mother Teresa’s reliance on grace, and why pinot noir’s delicate nature makes it the perfect wine for a conversation about spiritual weakness. Plus, Father Charleston shares practical ordering tips for long (and short) restaurant wine lists and the benefits of a white wine spritzer. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine (01:20) Wine of the Day: 2016 Ventisquero “Grey Glacier” Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile  (06:30) Why this wine for the episode topic: weakness? (08:40) Tasting notes (10:15) Food pairings (11:40) What is your biggest weakness? (15:30) Embracing weakness (19:00) Reaching the limits of your own strength (20:20) What should we do in moments of weakness? (23:50) Listener question: How do you select wine at a restaurant?

Why Laughter Belongs in a Life of Faith

In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson explores the gift of laughter and what it reveals about joy, humility, and the Christian life. Over a glass of Pol Roger champagne, he reflects on why laughter can be more than a reaction. It can be an act of hope, a spiritual exhale, and a reminder that God’s grace is often found in ordinary human moments. From Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint Philip Neri to Winston Churchill, Chick-fil-A nugget math, and The Andy Griffith Show, the conversation blends humor, faith, and practical wisdom. Along the way, Father Charleston reminds listeners that holiness does not have to be sour-faced, joy can resist despair, and sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is laugh at ourselves. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine (01:20) Wine of the Day: MV Pol Roger “Brut Réserve” Champagne, Champagne, France (05:25) Tasting notes (10:35) Food pairings (12:45) Is laughter the best medicine? (19:20) The power of laughter in preaching (22:45) Why does taking ourselves less seriously make room for God? (25:45) Listener question: Should you use products to remove histamines from wine? (29:10) What’s the deal with tannins? (30:20) What’s your favorite sitcom?

Why Forgiveness is So Hard and Why It’s Worth It

What does forgiveness really look like when life gets messy? In this episode, Father Charleston Wilson dives into the tension between knowing we should forgive and actually doing it. He unpacks why revenge can feel so satisfying, why forgiveness can be so difficult, and how God’s grace reshapes both. From a powerful real-life encounter that shows forgiveness in action to practical reflections on forgiving others and ourselves, this conversation reveals that forgiveness is less about fairness and more about freedom. Along the way, he sips a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and reminds us that even the hardest spiritual truths can unfold in the most ordinary, human moments. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine (01:20) Wine of the Day: 2023 TeMata Estate Sauvignon Blank, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand (03:55) Why this wine for this episode? (06:00) Tasting notes (10:10) Food pairings (12:00) Is it harder to forgive yourself or others? (15:00) A powerful story of forgiveness (19:25) Who and what does God forgive? (23:20) What do we have to do to receive God’s forgiveness? (27:10) Listener question: Do you drink anything other than wine? (30:10) Final food pairings and wisdom

Why God is Reliable and Why We're Not

In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston explores the idea of reliability through the lens of faith, human nature, and a bottle of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. As he unpacks the topic, the conversation moves into deeper territory around grace, expectations, and the freedom that comes from understanding God’s unchanging character. With humor, insight, and practical reflections, this episode invites listeners to rethink how they view disappointment and trust. Stick around for the end, where a fun blind taste test of a bottle of wine brings honest reactions and a memorable close to the conversation. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine (01:45) Wine of the Day: 2020 CrossBarn Pinot Noir by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma Coast, USA (06:40) Tasting notes (11:20) Food pairings (14:10) Why this wine for today’s topic: reliability? (17:25) Why are we fickle and unreliable? (19:45) Is God fickle? (22:20) The doctrine of God’s immutability (25:10) How can we keep from getting disappointed in people? (27:00) Listener question: Who pastors the pastor? (30:25) 10th episode special: Blind wine tasting (31:30) Initial impressions (33:45) Tasting notes, price, and wine reveal

Finding Peace in the Middle of Fear

In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson dives into the reality of fear and what it reveals about our lives. From everyday anxieties to life-changing diagnoses, he explores why fear shows up and how faith reshapes our response to it. Over a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio, the conversation blends spiritual insights with practical wisdom, unpacking themes like surrender, control, and trust in God. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of fear, a renewed sense of perspective, and simple ways to move forward with peace even in uncertain moments. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine (01:20) Wine of the Day: 2023 Livo Feluga Pinot Grigio, Colio, Italy (05:00) Tasting notes (09:50) Food pairings (11:10) Why this wine for today’s topic of fear? (14:50) Is there a common fear people come to talk to Father Charleston about? (17:25) Top fears (19:10) Advice for people’s fears (21:45) Legitimate fears - a holy reverence (22:45) What should we do when we are afraid? (24:40) What prayers do you come back to? (28:10) What are you most afraid of? (30:30) Listener question: What does it mean for a wine to have “good skin contact?” (32:10) Final food pairings