Recap Book Chat

Do you know the last fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5? It is the theme of today’s podcast from chapter 4 in The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher, Control Yourself. Fisher explains the two phases of every argument, ignition (aka fight or flight) and cooling (aka rest & digest). “Ignition happens when, with enough friction, the productive becomes destructive.” In this phase, the...

Kate and Sheila share their favorite books about freedom, liberty, and captivity—fiction, nonfiction, and kid lit—ready for America's 250th Independence Day! This firecracker of an episode has a different look. Kate and Sheila discuss a myriad of "freedoms," highlighting book after book. Whether fiction or nonfiction, these treasures are guaranteed to hook. Contrasting both the cost and the blessi...

Let’s dive into the poetry and wisdom genre of the Bible! Today we recap Psalms 1-41 a.k.a. Book 1. David wrote all but 2 of this group, most are prayers of distress or statements of confidence in God. David reminds us in Psalm 1 to delight in the law of the Lord. The man who meditates on His law day and night will be like a tree planted by the water. What a robust visual! As we’ve mentioned befor...

In episode 232, we discover The Truth About Connection, chapter 3 in Jefferson Fisher’s  outstanding book, The Next Conversation.  This was a powerful point: “You’re living in a world of transmission, not connection. . .Transmission conveys information, but connection breathes life into it.” Transmission is reading sheet music and connection is hearing a symphony perform it. We must remember that...

“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more,” Jane Austen’s well-known line from her classic novel, Emma, written in 1815. Readers will love Mr. Knightley, family friend, who does not hesitate to confront Emma Woodhouse when she is in the wrong.  Mr. Knightley: You are materially changed since we talked on this subject before. Emma: I hope so – for at that time I was a fool. Emma b...

Greetings fellow communicators! Are you ready to level-up to chapter 2 in  The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher? Have you ever had a moment when you played out a conversation in your head and it went totally awry? Jefferson has a powerful reminder for us: “Have something to LEARN not something to prove.” The next conversation can be much more transformative than the initial one. It levels us...

Kate and Sheila are joined by Jonah as they recap Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. Their one word choices were Kind, Protect, and Brave. The beginning is grim. A tragic accident leaves Jeffery Magee an orphan at the age of three.  He is sent to live with a divided family, his aunt and uncle do not talk to each other. By age 11 Jeffery runs away and ends up in Two Mills, a divided town. East side ve...

Let’s dive into episode 228. It’s an absolute gem. The Next Conversation - Argue Less, Talk More - Chapter 1 By: Jefferson Fisher It is so packed full of great information, we wanted to deliver it a chapter at a time.  Jefferson Fisher is a Texas trial lawyer that grew up in a family with a legacy of lawyers. His no nonsense approach aptly applies to all seasons of life.  Chapter 1 - Never Win an...

If you had to choose a book of the Bible that has suffering for its theme, which would you pick? Hands down most would gravitate to Job. God is in the storm even though we sometimes don’t have eyes to see.  Job is about perspective. Job’s, his friends, and God’s all give different perspectives. Job reads like a play, each part revealing something. Job 28:28 is so powerful! “Behold, the fear of the...

Greetings listeners! May brings Mother’s Day our way! Please join Kate and Sheila as they share a mother acrostic using book titles and celebrate stellar moms found in literature! Without moms where would people be? (One need only to read The Brothers Karamazov to find out 😀) Let’s dive into episode 226! Here are few suggestions for moms and mentors in your life: Middlemarch One Thousand Gifts Th...

What would it have been like to walk the first century streets of Galilee when Jesus was healing the sick and teaching the crowds that love was stronger than hate? The main character is an 18 year old Jewish boy named Daniel bar Jamin. He is fueled by his hate for the Romans who killed his father when he tried to help his uncle escape imprisonment for being unable to pay his taxes. Sadly, his moth...

“...and if I perish, I perish.” Esther was all in! David asked God in Psalm 86:11 to give him an undivided heart. Esther and David were on the same page. May we join them!  Kate’s take away was spot on: God works in ordinary events. Step us with courage when your moment comes. Trust God’s sovereignty-Lean into to HIM. God never abandons His people. Meet oppression and uncertainty without worry. We...

Marme:You are not God. You don’t determine the outcome. The outcome is not the point. March: What is the point? Marme: The point is the effort. Grace: I do not ask your absolution. I simply as you to see that there is only one thing to do when we fall, and that is to get up, and go on with the life that is set in front of us, and try to do the good of which our hands are capable for the people who...

“In a world full of vapor, GOD is the only thing SOLID.” One of the many powerful points found in Michael Whitworth’s book What Is the Book of Ecclesiastes?. Many see Ecc. as a dark book, but when you substitute meaningless for a more accurate translation such as temporary it reads much differently.  Solomon tried using wisdom, entertainment, and the gathering of stuff to find happiness. We can le...

Episode 221 is exciting! Change is hard, but it is what we must do to wholeheartedly follow God! Kate & Sheila recap Rob Reimer’s Soul Care: 7 Transformational Principles for a Healthy Soul in today’s podcast. These 208 pages pack quite a powerful punch!  “We can either act on fear or we can act on faith, but we cannot act on both.” The Healing Tools of God: Identity - spend time alone with Go...

Chuck Black’s allegory addresses a number of issues/themes such as letting go of the past, forgiveness, fear, healing, etc. as it transports readers to the Middle Ages. The battle of good vs evil is a classic one. It is still fought every day as Christians strive to be in the world but not of the world. This action packed book has Biblical connections astute readers will discover as they  join Sir...

In this episode, we explore the rich themes, memorable characters, and powerful symbolism of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic trilogy. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to Middle-earth, these insights will deepen your appreciation and inspire your own journey of purpose and resilience. Key Topics: Overview of the setting in Middle-earth and the significance of the final chapter Main characters: Frodo,...

Let’s march into the season of GREEN!  As the time change springs us forward, some of us are kicking and screaming while some are rejoicing, Kate and Sheila recap books with GREEN in the title.  There’s the obvious Green Eggs and Ham and Anne of Green Gables but we wanted to give a shoutout to some undervalued titles.  The GREEN Ember series really can grow us not just as readers but as people!  I...

Rebuilding anything brings challenges. Nehemiah shows us where to start in chapter 1 when he cries out to God, “We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments…” Nehemiah tells the hard truth. God had said if the people were unfaithful they would be scattered and it happened. Was this what God wanted or man’s doings? God put it on Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild Jerusalem’s...

Who among us would not want to be an agent for depth and goodness in a world where everyone is wrapped up in the busyness of their own agenda?  Allen Levi introduces us to just such an individual in his first novel, Theo of Golden .  Here are a smattering of quotes from this transformative text: “There is no virtue in advertising one’s sadness. But there is no wisdom in denying it either. And ther...

Let’s meet Ezra, a priest, a scribe, and the leader of the second group of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Ezra rebuked the people for intermarrying and worshiping false gods. He wanted them to know the Word of God is always right and that following Him should be our purpose regardless of how hard it might be. The rebuilding of the temple was halted for 15 years by opposition from the peopl...

Greetings dear listeners! “Love can heal the deepest wounds.”  The Indigo Girl by Natsha Boyd “Real love only exists outside of our comfort zone.” -Heart Talk by Cleo Wade That Light can come into this world only as LOVE and LOVE can enter only by suffering.” -A World Lost Wendell Berry “An enemy can only be loved with Divine love.” Hearts are everywhere as we embark in month two of 2026. We know...

Are you ready for an action-packed recap? In The Two Towers   the fellowship is disbanded, but not the mission secure. Merry and Pippin are hobbitnapped, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli meet up with a refined Gandalf the white who sweeps them into a war while Frodo and Sam are led by Gollum through the swamps. They meet Faramir, Boromir’s brother who has  wisdom that Boromir lacked. “War must be, whil...

Greetings dear readers! Welcome to episode 212 as we recap 1 and 2 Chronicles.  We learn about the prophet Samuel and King Saul and David, boy and king in 1 Chronicles. It Retells 1 & 2 Samuel and gives the genealogies all the way back to Adam! 2 Chronicles retells 1 and 2 Kings, giving details of each kings' reign and Jerusalem’s fall along with the destruction of the temple. Elijah and Elish...

Happy New Year dear listeners! Please join us as we dive into 1 & 2 Kings. Kate called this a roller coaster ride and that is spot on! We see the rise and fall of God’s Kingdom through the rise and fall of His kings. These two books were originally one,  written in Israel’s exile to show WHY Israel was there. From his deathbed, David tells Solomon, “... keep the charge of the LORD your God, wa...