Looking Above

It’s a new season of Looking Above and we’re talking about resilience. Brooklyn and Karen introduce the new season in this episode and talk about some of their own experiences with loss and adversity.  We will all face difficulties in life, but hopefully, as we go through the storms, we cling to Jesus and become more like Him.   If you’re discussing with a group, here are some questions to guide y...

We have made it to the final episode of the season on rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss restlessness and why we struggle to find our rest in God.  As St. Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." The world contributes to our restlessness and spews empty promises of rest. But true rest is found in God and in living according to His ways. After listening, it w...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss sensory rest.  Sensory rest involves allowing our senses to take a break from the constant stimulation that assaults your nervous system. I. After listening, it would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these questions:   Do you think you have a naturally high or low tolerance t...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn discuss creative rest.  Creative rest is not doing arts and crafts, it actually involves appreciating God's handiwork. If the weather is nice, you should sit outside or take a walk while you listen to this episode. After listening, it would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these que...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Lindsey sit down to discuss emotional rest.  They discuss the dangers of hiding and inauthenticity and the necessity for authentic expression of emotions.  Learn how empathy can both be a blessing and a curse when it somes to emotional rest. It would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these qu...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Brooklyn and Sara talk about Psalm 46:10 and what it can teach about having a good foundation of who God is.  They discuss the importance of having a relationship with God and knowing who He is in the midst of storms:   Read Psalm 46 together. Do you have a hard time being still?   What could/does being still look like for you?  Who is God? Ma...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about Hebrews 4 and what it can teach us about earthly and eternal rest.  They discuss the importance of keeping our eyes on the glory and eternal rest of being with God forever, and Paul’s caution of missing out on that:   Read Hebrews 4 together. What stands out to you the most in this passage?  Have you ever felt as...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about the story of Mary and Martha and what it can teach us about slowing down.  Many of us find ourselves in this story, and unfortunately many of us relate to Martha. We live our lives at such a breakneck pace, its easy for us to miss time in Jesus' presence.  After listening, take time to slow down and sit with a fr...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about Jesus' invitation to rest which is found in Matthew 11:28-30.  We've all heard these verses so often, it's easy to overlook or trivialize them.  But today we're going to pick these verses apart, phrase by phrase and see what Jesus is offering, to whom it is being offered, and what we need to do to receive the off...

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode,  Karen and Brooklyn talk about the Biblical concept of Sabbath.  They'll share a quick overview of what Sabbath is, dive into why it is so hard and why we resist Sabbath, and then talk about what it could be and why it is good for us. By the end of the episode you'll also know why Karen thinks Sabbath is like taking a camping trip. In order to...

This episode begins our new season!  Karen and Brooklyn talk about "rest" and why this season will focus on rest. Our society as a whole is pretty bad at resting, and odds are you've struggled to make time for rest or to rest effectively.  Karen will share her testimony of being bad at resting, and how that has affected her and led to her "year of rest."   Let's dig into this challenging concept t...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn answer questions submitted by some of our college listeners. We'll tackle how to handle waiting, discerning a future spouse, Sabbath, sexual temptation, and more!  Listen in and then discuss these questions with a friend:   Do you take a Sabbath?  Why/ why not? What are you looking for in a potential spouse? What makes waiting for a spouse difficult?  What makes...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss friendship and relational breakdown.  They talk about how to know if a friendship is healthy and good, and when its time to move on.  They'll also encourage you not to give up too easily, and to put in the work to maintain good friendships.  Listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss!   What does good friendship look like to you?  What qua...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about the hard parts of life and how we can suffer well.  Let's be honest, life is hard.  We all face difficulties and trials. Often, we withdraw or push others (and God) away.  But, is there a better way to handle painful seasons?  Listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss! List (without going into detail) 3-4 difficult seasons that you hav...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss parenting.  Parenting might just be the most difficult job we've ever had. Okay, it is for sure the most difficult job we've ever had.  But it is truly such a blessing! If you're a parent, or hope to be a parent, or struggling because you are not yet a parent, listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss! If you're a parent, talk for a few m...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss marriage - the good, the bad, and what they wish they had known when they were younger.  Listen to the podcast, and then grab a friend and discuss marriage! What is one thing you loved about your wedding day?  What is one thing you wish you could have changed? What do you love about being married? What is one thing (in marriage) that your spouse is reall...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss what they've learned about the world's wisdom versus godly wisdom.  Listen, find a friend, and get together to discuss these questions: How would you have defined success when you were younger?  How do you define success now?  How do these compare to God's definition of success? How would you have defined beauty when you were younger?  How do you define...

This is the start to our "between the seasons season" that we have affectionately called "Dear Younger Me..."  In the break between Life Group seasons, Karen and Brooklyn are going to discuss things they wish they knew when they were younger.  But, this episode is devoted to getting to know them better.   Even though you might not be meeting with your Life Group over the next three months, we enco...

On this episode, Karen and Brooklyn wrap up their discussion on the book of Ephesians with a chat about the armor of God and the spiritual battle that surrounds us.  Tell a story of a fight you had with someone when you were much younger. Verse 12 says our battle is not against flesh and blood enemies. Why is this important information? How do we maintain that perspective when we are "fighting" wi...

Looking Above ep. 31 - Ephesians 5:21-6:9 / Submission On this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss the biblical concept of submission as presented in Ephesians chapters 5 and 6 and discuss how this view of submission is far different than our society's take on the topic. Without naming names, talk about a best friend of yours. What makes him/ her your best friend? Why do you love him/her? What wou...

Looking Above ep. 30 - Ephesians 5:1-20 / Fasting As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?  What or who do you imitate today? Do you know God well enough to imitate Him?  How do you know what you know about God?  Skim thru the passage and come up with a list of "do's" and "don'ts". Can you put a reason with each item on the list-why would Paul say "to do" or "not to do" that? Give an...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss the second half of Ephesians 4 and talk about the discipline of confession.  They belong to a confessional community and talk about how confession helps us individually and corporately. Questions for Group Discussion: Last week you were encouraged to SOAP this week.  Take a few minutes and share something that you discovered during your Bible study. Tell...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn chat about the discipline of study and how it is an important discipline if we want to strengthen our faith.  They will give you some ideas for how to begin to study Scripture (this passage) on your own. Be sure to bring paper Bibles, notebooks, highlighters, pens, and your phone (to access biblehub.com) when you meet with your group this week. Group activity: T...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss a little bit of history about Paul, talk about God's plan, and look into some of the insights we learn about God in this chapter.  Brooklyn also shares her experiences with practicing the discipline of meditation. Questions to discuss with your group: How does the knowledge that Paul was in prison while writing this letter change the way you read it? Are...

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn chat about covenants, unity, and how fellowship is a discipline. Questions to discuss with your group: What does it feel like to be far away from Christ? We live under the new covenant.  Because of Christ's sacrifice (vs. 13) we have been brought near.  What does this mean for us? Does fellowship come naturally to you, or do you need to discipline yourself to do...