Real Life Loading ...

What if time doesn't belong to us -- but to God? Is productivity really what makes a great life? Whether you're trying to find time, save it, manage it, or make the most of it, author and speaker Jen Pollock Michel's got ideas to detangle your priorities. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Deconstruction -- in yourself, or in a friend -- can shake you up. Author and speaker Dr. John Marriott talks about how deconstruction happens, how to deal with it, and even how to lean in. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Campus minister Brian Barnett has got quite the story about pain, mental health, and spiraling down into depression because of his life's circumstances. He'll talk about his struggles but also what it looks like to see things turn around by taking every thought captive to obey Christ. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . Check out Bible verses that Brian recommends for mental...

From the silly to the serious, what does the Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, ChatGPT, have to say to Shelby when he asks it about love at first sight, the resurrection of Jesus, and country song lyrics for sneakers? You'll find out on this special bonus episode of Real Life Loading... See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The struggle can be real when we want to read the Bible with any amount of consistency. Author Trillia Newbell shares some practical tips to help, and then talks about what we can expect when we regularly dive into God's Word. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What if you were charitable, kind, and quick to listen in your faith conversations? Author and professor Tim Meulhoff makes the case for compassionate understanding of those we disagree with. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Josh Havens and Matt Fuqua of The Afters unpack how the gospel comforts and simultaneously challenges them as professional Christian musicians. Check out their cautionary tale on keeping Jesus center stage. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Why is there such confusion around biology, gender, and gender stereotypes today? Do our current conversations even help? Apologist and author Rebecca McLaughlin joins Shelby for Part 2 of their two-part conversation to help us sort through these relevant issues. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Many don't know this, but most common sense ethics that are embraced by our culture today come from a Christian worldview. Rebecca McLaughlin comes on Real Life Loading... to talk about racial diversity, loving our enemies, Christian ethics in the secular worldview, and of course, Harry Potter. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s P...

What does Black History Month mean to you? Well, regardless of your race or ethnicity, you should probably know how to answer that question. Pastor Rechab Gray and producer Marques Holt join Shelby to talk about why it's important for Christians to care about Black History Month. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Can hard questions be like weight-lifting for your soul? Seminary president, author, and theologian Dr. Michael Kruger talks about struggling with faith and the battles that can make us stronger than we've ever been when it comes to faith. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Ben Bennett's life had spiraled into OCD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In this episode, he walks us through his struggles, but also talks about practical ways you can make your way out of darkness if you're struggling too. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The struggle is real if you're wrestling with sexual addiction in our current hyper-sexualized culture. But what if sexual purity wasn't about "following the rules" as a Christian? Author, pastor, and Shelby's longtime friend Garrett Kell gets super honest about a struggle so many of us face today. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife...

Professional stand-up comedian and America's Got Talent contestant Mike Goodwin knows laughing out loud not only entertains...it connects people and heals lives as well. He explains the value of humor, how it changed his story, and how it can change yours too. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

In one of the most provocative episodes of Real Life Loading... so far, Brant Hansen is going to challenge you when it comes to anger. Is there no excuse for righteous anger? How can you forgive someone who has deeply hurt you? How do we practically get rid of bitterness and anger in our lives? We get vulnerable and honest in this challenging episode with author and radio host, Brant Hansen. Show...

Anger, apathy, and even a constant desire for consumption in our lives can sap our zeal to be with God. But what if our prayer lives didn't completely stink? Ruth Bethany gets real about how to pray when you don’t feel like praying. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

What if your New Year’s resolution this year was to let God love you? What if it was to let God be rich in mercy to you in a way that you've never let him before? How would that change the way you thought about this coming year? Or more importantly, how would that change the way you interacted with God this year? Let's allow ourselves to be lifted into growth instead of trying to crowbar ourselves...

Prayer: It can be a duty, a means to an end—or the conduit to pull closer to God in connection you crave. Ruth Bethany offers ideas to drive prayer deeper. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Most people probably think they're a good friend. But what do solid friends look like, exactly? Why is apologizing to our friends such a key element to building good friendships? Swing enthusiast, Taco Bell fan, and Shelby's best friend Andy Allan weighs in. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

The Bible is THE foundation on which a follower of Jesus must live...so why is it so hard to stay in it consistently? Renowned Bible teacher and author Jen Wilkin helps you to think critically about what we actually believe concerning Scriptures and why every Christian should be a person of the Word. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLi...

Feeling lonely, low, or even depressed during this holiday season? Author and pastor Dane Ortlund helps you to gain the genuine hope and guidance that comes straight out of the book of Psalms, and then rejuvenates your soul this Christmas. Show Notes You can find us  here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Why should you as a young person care about theology? Well, what you think about God literally impacts how you live your daily life, so theology is super important. And even though you may not recognize it, you (along with everyone else in the world) is a theologian. Campus minister Jocelyn Hepler helps you to see that because you're a theologian, you need a good theology. Show Notes You can find...

Feli Velez hated her sober mind. But on Real Life Loading..., she tells Shelby Abbott how quarantine, TikTok, and running out of her marijuana stash sent her scrounging for meaning...and in her search, she found Jesus. Show Notes You can find us here on our social channels . See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Shelby talks about a super easy tradition you can steal to help develop a heart of thanksgiving both now and in the years to come. See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

How do we love people like Jesus did AND make an intellectual case for Christianity? Well, Justin Brierley from the massive international podcast "Unbelievable?" believes everyone, from a committed Christian to a committed atheist, needs to be able to explain and defend their worldview, but do so in a respectful and caring way...especially if you're a follower of Jesus. Show Notes You can find us...