The Whole Family

EP10: Jesus and the Anxious Mind

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🔑 Summary
Anxiety often starts as a thought that feels true, then grows through repetition into patterns that shape how we feel and respond.
Jesus doesn’t tell us to ignore anxiety—He redirects our attention, reminding us to trust God rather than trying to control everything.
Freedom comes not from eliminating anxious thoughts, but from learning what to agree with and practicing awareness of God’s presence in the middle of them.
 
📖 Scripture
Matthew 6:25–34
Philippians 4:6–7
2 Corinthians 10:5
Romans 12:2
2 Timothy 1:7
 
🌿 Guided Practice (Simple Version)
BreatheSlow your breathing to calm your body
Recall a peaceful memoryEngage your senses (see, hear, feel)
Invite God in“God, are You here with me?”
Receive“You’re with me. I’m not alone.”
Return + respondBring that awareness into your situation“I don’t agree with fear”
 
🔁 Reminder
This is not about perfection.It’s about practicing awareness, trust, and alignment with God over time.

EP9: Christianity 101 Experiencing Gods Love

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Notes from this weeks message: 
 
Christianity 101
Experiencing the depths of Gods love 
 
🎙️ Podcast Show Notes
Main Scripture
Ephesians 3:14–19 (NLT)
“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand… how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ… Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
 
🌿 Practices for Experiencing God’s Love
These are simple, repeatable practices that help move God’s love from a concept… into lived experience.
 
1. Slow down enough to receive
Create space in your day to pause
Breathe deeply and let your mind settle
Step out of hurry so your heart can actually feel
👉 When we slow down, we shift out of survival mode and into connection
 
2. Turn your attention toward God
Gently shift your focus from your thoughts to His presence
Practice simple awareness:“God, You are here.”
Do this in everyday moments (car, kitchen, quiet spaces)
👉 What we give attention to shapes what we experience
 
3. Notice what you actually believe about love
Pay attention to your internal dialogue
Identify thoughts like:
“I’m not enough”
“I messed this up”
“I’m on my own”
Ask:Is this truth—or a pattern?
👉 Transformation begins by exposing the lies that disconnect us from love
 
4. Let your understanding stretch
God’s love is bigger than your current framework
Practice:
Imagination:“What if His love is bigger than this?”
Study:Explore scripture more deeply (word studies, journaling) 
Prayer:Ask the Holy Spirit to expand your understanding
👉 Different people connect in different ways—engage in the way that brings you to life
 
5. Pay attention to moments of love
Notice small experiences:
peace
relief
comfort
feeling cared for
Pause and sit in those moments a few seconds longer
Acknowledge them:“Thank You—you are with me.”
👉 What we notice and stay with grows
 
6. Stay connected to others
We experience God’s love both personally and in community
Let others:
encourage you
care for you
reflect truth back to you
Practice extending love:
patience
grace
compassion
👉 We are formed in love together, not alone
 
7. Practice living it out
Love becomes transformation, not just a feeling
Look for opportunities to:
respond instead of react
choose presence
act with patience
Over time:
what starts as intentional… becomes natural
👉 This is how love becomes your identity, not just your belief
 
✨ Key Takeaway
God’s love isn’t just something to understand—it’s something to experience, practice, and live from daily.
As we:
slow down
shift our attention
retrain our thoughts
and stay connected
We become people who are:rooted, secure, and formed by love.

EP8: Masterpiece on a Mission

Christianity 101
Masterpieces on Mission
 
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Scripture References
Identity in Christ
Ephesians 2:4–10“But God, who is rich in mercy… made us alive together with Christ… For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Psalm 139:13–14“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
1 Peter 2:9“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”
 
The Mission of the Believer
Matthew 28:18–20“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
2 Corinthians 5:18–20“God… gave us the ministry of reconciliation… therefore we are ambassadors for Christ.”
 
The Reality of Opposition
John 10:10“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Ephesians 6:12“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil.”
 
The Lies of the Enemy
Genesis 3:1–5“Did God really say…?”
Revelation 12:10“The accuser of our brothers and sisters… who accuses them before our God day and night.”
 
Victory in Christ
1 John 4:4“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
 
Core Truth:You are His masterpiece.You have a mission.And the enemy cannot stop what God has prepared for you to walk in.

EP7: Christianity 101 Holy Spirit

We explore who the Holy Spirit is and how he works uniquely in each and every one of us.
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Do you have a testimony from this weeks message? 
 
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wholefamilypodcast@icloud.com
 
Christianity 101 Holy Spirit
Scripture Guide
Same Spirit. Unique Expression. Endless Depth
 
1. Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit
John 14:16–17“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… he lives with you and will be in you.”
John 14:18“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
 
2. Jesus Baptizes Believers in the Spirit
Matthew 3:11“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Acts 1:8“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses…”
 
3. The Spirit Lives Inside Believers
1 Corinthians 3:16“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
1 Corinthians 6:19“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you…”
Colossians 1:27“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
 
4. Access to God Through Jesus
Hebrews 10:19–22“We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”
 
5. The Spirit Transforms Our Inner Life
Galatians 5:22–23“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
2 Corinthians 3:18“We are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.”
 
6. The Spirit Guides Believers
Romans 8:14“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
Romans 8:26“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.”
 
7. The Spirit Empowers the Church
1 Corinthians 12:4–7“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 2:4–5“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
 
8. The Life of Abiding in Christ
John 15:5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
 
9. The Mission of the Church
Matthew 28:18–20“Go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
 
10. The Tension: Full Spirit, Growing Experience
Ephesians 5:18“Be filled with the Spirit.”
Romans 8:9“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
 
Ephesians 3:16–19
“…that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being… and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

EP6: Discipleship 101

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📖 Discipleship: Apprenticeship, Formation, and Reproduction
Scripture Reference Guide
 
1. The Great Commission — The Mission of Every Believer
Matthew 28:18–20
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”
 
2. The Invitation to Apprenticeship
Matthew 4:19–20
“Come, follow me… and I will make you fishers of men.”
Luke 6:40
“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Mark 3:14
“He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out…”
 
3. The Pattern of Imitation
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.”
Philippians 4:9
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things…”
 
4. Formation — Christ Formed Within
Galatians 4:19
“…until Christ is formed in you.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
“…being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory…”
Romans 8:29
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
 
5. Shared Life in Discipleship
1 Thessalonians 2:8
“…we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
Hebrews 10:24–25
“…consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…”
 
6. Empowerment and Reproduction
2 Timothy 2:2
“…entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.”
Colossians 1:28
“…that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
Luke 9:1–2
“He gave them power and authority… and sent them out…”
 
7. The Early Church Model — Life Together
Acts 2:42–47
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And the Lord added to their number day by day…”
 
8. Identity and Ambassadorship
2 Corinthians 5:17–20
“…we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…”
 
9. The Posture of a Disciple-Maker
2 Timothy 1:7
“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
John 11:6
“So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days…”
Matthew 27:14
“But Jesus made no reply…”
 
10. The Goal — Recognition of Formation
Acts 4:13
“They recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
 
Questions for the week:
 
Am I actively apprenticing under Jesus?
Who has access to my real life?
Who am I intentionally forming?
Is Christ being formed in me — or am I stalled?
Who is becoming more like Jesus because they are walking near me?
📚 Recommended Reading on Discipleship
If you want to go deeper into emotionally healthy, Spirit-formed discipleship, here are a few books I recommend:
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship – Peter Scazzero
A powerful framework for integrating emotional maturity with spiritual formation.
Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer
A clear and accessible vision of apprenticeship to Jesus in everyday life.
The Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert Coleman
A classic look at how Jesus made disciples through proximity and relationship.
The Other Half of Church – Jim Wilder & Michel Hendricks
We explore how transformation requires relational connection, not just information.
The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
A deeper theological foundation for understanding the kingdom and life with Jesus.

EP5: Christ The Center

Megan speaks about the discovery of Christianity's integration with culture and new language for understanding sin and the intrinsic image and value of God in people 
 
We want to hear from you!
 
Do you have a testimony from this weeks message? 
 
Contact us at 
wholefamilypodcast@icloud.com
 
 
Christianity 101 
Jesus of restoration
Restoration, Not Religious Control
Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21
 
The Big Idea
Christianity is not a system of control.It is God moving toward humanity in love, absorbing separation, and restoring us to Himself.
 
1. Christ Is Our Center
Christianity is not rooted in a movement, a political party, a denomination, or a personality.It is rooted in a Person — Jesus Christ.
Key Scriptures:
Hebrews 13:8
Colossians 1:15–18
1 Corinthians 3:11
John 14:6
Acts 4:12
Reflection:Where have I allowed something other than Jesus to define my understanding of Christianity?
 
2. The Human Ache: Separation
Every human understands the pain of disconnection.From God. From others. From our true design.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 3:8–10
Isaiah 59:2
Romans 3:23
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Ephesians 2:12–13
Reflection:Where do I feel separation or fracture in my own life right now?
 
3. What Sin Really Is
Sin is more than rule-breaking.It is relational rupture.It is missing the mark of who we were created to be — image bearers of divine love.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 1:26–27
Genesis 4:6–7
Romans 1:21
Romans 3:23
1 John 4:8
Reflection:Have I reduced sin to behavior instead of understanding it as broken relationship?
 
4. God Moved First
Reconciliation begins with God, not us.Before we cleaned ourselves up. Before we performed.
Key Scriptures:
Romans 5:8
1 John 4:10
Luke 15:20
John 3:16–17
Ephesians 2:4–5
Reflection:Do I live as someone trying to earn love, or someone who has already been loved?
 
5. Reconciliation Through Christ
God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ.Not counting sins against us.Making peace through the cross.
Key Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:17–21
Colossians 1:19–22
Romans 5:10–11
Ephesians 2:14–16
Matthew 5:9
Reflection:Where do I need to receive reconciliation?Where am I being invited to extend it?
 
6. Salvation as Restoration
Salvation is rescue.It is being made whole — body, soul, and spirit.It is becoming new.
Key Scriptures:
Titus 3:4–7
John 1:12–13
Ezekiel 36:26–27
2 Corinthians 3:18
Psalm 23:3
Reflection:Am I living as someone restored, or still striving to prove myself?
 
7. We Are Ambassadors
Reconciliation does not stop with us.We are called to represent Christ in the world.
Not ambassadors of control.Ambassadors of reconciliation.
Key Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:20–21
Matthew 28:18–20
John 20:21
Isaiah 52:7
Reflection:How do I represent Jesus in my home, workplace, and community?
 
Weekly Invitation
Take time this week to sit with the Lord and ask:
Where have I drifted into control instead of trust?
Where have I replaced intimacy with responsibility?
What needs to be realigned back to Christ as my center?
Write down what He shows you.Invite the Holy Spirit to realign your heart.Bring your testimony back next week.

EP4: The One With Megans Healing Journey

Megan and Dalen talk about Megan's journey through physical healing and authority. 

EP3: The One Where Dalen Shares About Being Emotional

Look beneath the surface of an emotional mans process of understanding his emotional needs and wants while choosing not to let them rule him. Megan and Dalen discuss the importance of disassociating stereotypes with gender when it comes to emotions. Not all women are emotional and not all men are stoic, and this is a GOOD THING. 

EP2: The One Where We Talk About Connection With Each other

A great marriage doesn't stay great for long without constant maintenance and connection. Todays podcast demonstrates both the importance of connection and the pitfalls of ignoring this most vital ingredient.

EP1: The One Where We Introduce Our Family and Unschooling

There are a lot of different approaches to how people do family and education. In this episode we discuss our path of unschooling/child lead learning or natural learning. We also open up about our choices on food and family habits. Join us on the journey as we grow toward a whole family.