Rhythms of Grace

What is a liminal space? It's a time of transition, of standing on the threshold. In this episode Sung and Nate discuss the parts of life that feel like an airport, pregnancy, and a violin. They share their own experiences of walking through transitional times, and what the heck God might be doing in the midst of upheaval.

Job's wife is an excellent example of how NOT to treat someone who is suffering. But before we judge her too harshly, let's remember that she too had lost everything. In this week's episode, Sung and Nate talk about how to co-suffer with a loved one. They talk about their own relational storms, and their saintly wives.

Hold on to your hats - in this episode we're tackling Spiritual Warfare. From early experiences in charismatic churches to their current perspective on the "unseen" Sung and Nate talk about angels and demons, God and Satan.

It's a podcast mini-series! Sung and Nate take a deep dive into issues surrounding the sermon series on the book of Job. They cover topics left on the "cutting room floor" for Sunday's sermon, and talk about their personal experiences of suffering.

Unlike lots of the other stages we've talked about, old age is a season where we experience the consequences, both good and bad, of life choices we've made. Sung and Nate talk about the most common regrets of the dying, and lament how old they feel as well.

Emotional and spiritual adulthood is at the heart of living a life of faith. Sung and Nate talk about how to give of yourself in a sustainable manner, and how to avoid a mid-life or quarter-life crisis.

In this episode we talk about the transition from adolescence to early adulthood both developmentally, and spiritually. What marks a maturing faith versus an immature one? Sung uses the example of horse fences to help us understand the difference.

Adolescence is a turbulent time for many. Issues of identity and rebellion come to the surface, and can take root in our emotional, mental, and spiritual lives. Sung and Nate have opposite experiences of adolescence. One involves much more alcohol than the other.

What happens in the school-age stage of development? Is that why Sung speeds up for yellow lights and Nate practices learned helplessness in the checkout aisle? From report cards to Ignatian spirituality, Nate and Sung talk about their childhoods.

Childhood takes center stage as Sung and Nate talk about guilt, shame, and their counterintuitive opposites. Sung judges people in the grocery store, and Nate takes a silent retreat to a cabin in the woods.

In the first stage of development, according to author and psychologist Erik Erikson, babies learn to trust or distrust based on one simple input. How does that relate to our spiritual and emotional development?

Nate and Sung talk about families of origin and the stages of development. They also take a detour into Nate's experience eating at a restaurant with Sung and his family for the first time.

Summer is an easy season. Every seed you plant in your soul or in the soil seems to grow. How do we avoid the two extremes of complacency and overwork in a season of spiritual bounty?

Literal and Spiritual winters have much in common. The rhythms of winter can sustain us through extended periods of darkness. And even in the coldest weeks of a winter season, we can find a measure of hope, comfort, and the promise of spring. This week Sung and Nate talk about everything from tree roots to meditation in their discussion of winter.

Here in Ann Arbor, Fall is the favorite season for many. And with good reason! Amazing things happen on the farm, in our relationships, and in our souls during the season of Fall.

Spring means new life in our souls and soils. We talk tractors, cleaning closets, and reigniting passions in our discussion of the rhythms of spring.

Each season of our life requires a different set of rhythms. In this episode, Nate and Sung discuss the different ways of naming and observing seasons - from Ignatian spirituality to planting soybeans.

Just like our days, our weeks can have a rhythm as well. From work to sabbath and back again, Sung and Nate talk about how to set up weekly rhythms that heal, restore, invigorate, and maximize efficiency.

What is the difference between a balanced day and a rhythmic day? Sung and Nate talk about their daily rhythms at home, on the farm, and in their spiritual journeys.

Episode 1: Why the pursuit of balance in life between work and family or professional and personal NEVER works.