Joyful Journey

Caring for family members with dementia can be exhausting, difficult, and can even feel hopeless. What guidance can we find in the scriptures to support those caring for individuals with dementia? In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn interview Keri Allen, a former special education teacher who served as the primary caregiver for her father from his early-onset frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis...

In today’s episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. Whether in easy or difficult times, the Lord's steadfast love never fails. Together, they share Biblical wisdom on maintaining a thankful heart through every season.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Books A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23 - Phillip Keller Heav...

Idolatry might seem like something relegated to ancient cultures worshiping statues of stone, bronze, or gold, but how does it manifest in modern-day culture? This week, Janet and Jocelyn dive deep into idols of the heart. While they've touched on this topic in previous episodes, it deserves its own dedicated discussion. Heart-idolatry can stem from virtually any desire—even those that appear "goo...

In our hyper-connected era, many children grapple with worry and anxiety. How can parents nurture faith and peace in their kids amidst these challenging times? Janet and Jocelyn discuss parenting anxious children with Dr. Amy Baker, Ph. D., Resource Director at Faith Church, board member of the Bible Counseling Coalition, and ACBC certified counselor. They explore using God's Word, particularly th...

What are "boundaries" in relationships, and are they biblical? Many counselees use this term, but its meaning isn't always clear. Janet and Jocelyn examine the origins of "boundaries" and explore biblical teachings on relationships, particularly how loving our enemies intersects with setting personal limits. Can Christians set biblical boundaries in relationships? ⁠⁠ ⁠Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

"Judge not that you be not judged" is often invoked by Christians feeling scrutinized. But what does Scripture actually say about discerning right from wrong versus being judgmental? This week, Janet and Jocelyn welcome Dr. Rob Green - author, pastor, and counselor. As MABC Department chair at Faith Bible Seminary and an ACBC fellow specializing in marriage and reconciliation, Pastor Rob explores...

What do you do when all hope seems to be lost? How can Christians support one another through times of discontent and despair? In this episode, Janet and Jocelyn explore the challenging topics of discontent, self-pity, and despair. They discuss the root causes of these struggles and suggest that discontent with God often lies at the heart of the matter. The hosts examine the concept of biblical co...

Adoption offers a picture of the spiritual adoption Christians experience in Christ. However, for many adopted children, this journey can also involve deep sorrow and grief over the separation from their birth families. This week, Janet and Jocelyn have the honor of hosting Pam Bauer, a graduate of Faith Seminary’s MABC program. Pam and her husband have adopted 12 children from Russia. Pam dedicat...

Despite being more connected than ever through social media, many people today are struggling with what some have termed “the loneliness epidemic.” But what guidance does the Bible offer on the topic of loneliness? This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore loneliness from a Christian perspective, reflecting on how Christ’s example can shed light on our feelings of isolation. They delve into the roots o...

Pride can easily take root in the hearts of Christians, often unnoticed. Humility is frequently seen as the remedy for pride, but how can Christians genuinely cultivate this virtue? This week, Janet and Jocelyn interview Dr. Stuart Scott, a seasoned educator who has taught at Southern Seminary and Masters Seminary, and is now collaborating with Bob Jones University to establish a counseling center...

Often in the Christian life, we are called to encourage others spiritually by affirming their right choices. However, it can be challenging to avoid the pitfalls of flattery. What does Scripture say about affirming others in spiritual matters? This week, Janet and Jocelyn discuss how to genuinely affirm others on their spiritual walk. They explore the importance of motivation, emphasizing that aff...

Meditation is frequently recommended in popular culture as a way to alleviate stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of calm. The Bible, however, provides specific guidance on what authentic, biblical meditation and contemplation should entail. This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore the tenets of biblical meditation and contemplation, highlighting how they differ from worldly perspectives. They...

Parents often feel overwhelmed, unsure, and nervous about speaking with their kids about sex, but what principles about “the talk” can we find in scripture? This week, Janet and Jocelyn explore how Christians can approach conversations about sex with their children. They share personal examples of discussing the beauty of biblical sex, highlighting how their approaches varied based on each child&#...

We welcome special guest, Aaron Birk, to the podcast to talk about the sovereignty and providence of God. In this episode, we talk about this beautiful, theological topic that can be difficult to grasp. We answer some of the big questions about God’s sovereignty. Aaron is the pastor of global missions for Faith Church and Pastor of Faith West Ministries. Aaron oversees Faith Church West, internati...

In this episode, we welcome special guest Dr. Dan Wickert to the podcast to discuss a highly requested topic, postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a common experience of moms that is not always well-understood.  As an OBGYN doctor and certified biblical counselor, Dr. Wickert brings deep knowledge and experience as Janet and Jocelyn discuss this sensitive and complex issue from a medica...

Fear can often seem all-consuming and overpowering, especially in our fallen, sin-cursed world. How can Christians see fear in light of the Bible? Today’s episode features a returning guest–  renowned author Dr. John Henderson, an associate pastor at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR. In addition to being a professor of Biblical Counseling at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,...

Christians can often be tempted to bristle underneath the authorities God has given us. It can be hard to submit to certain authorities in our lives, and sometimes it can be hard to discern how far submission should go.  This week, Janet and Jocelyn discuss a biblical basis for authorities and submission–not only in marriage, but throughout the Christian life.  Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resou...

Humans will inevitably experience suffering which is often labeled as “trauma”, but how would the Bible define trauma?  Today’s episode features renowned author Dr. John Henderson, who is an associate pastor at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, AR. In addition to being a professor of Biblical Counseling at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, he is a board member for the Biblical Co...

Christians know that the main focus of Easter is Christ’s resurrection providing salvation, but what does salvation really do? Janet and Jocelyn discuss the benefits of salvation not only to the believer, but God’s self-glorifying plan of redemption. This week we are reminded that salvation of sinner is ultimately to the praise of God’s glorious grace.  Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Books...

In popular culture, the conscience is often depicted as a little voice that tells you what you should do. How does the Bible describe the conscience? Does our conscience interact with our emotions? This week on the podcast, we welcome special guest Dr. Andrew Naselli to discuss the conscience, the topic of his book entitled– Conscience: What is it, How to Train it, and Loving Those That Differ. Dr...

Our hosts, Janet & Jocelyn, had the opportunity again this year to record a special live episode at our church’s Biblical Counseling Training Conference in Lafayette, Indiana. Janet and Jocelyn answer audience questions submitted online. We enjoyed meeting many of our listeners and we hope this can be a blessing to those who weren’t able to attend live. For more information about the Biblical...

In American culture the word love can be overused, seem trite, and easily misused. Biblical love, on the other hand, is love as exemplified in the life of Christ and how he selflessly cared for the souls around Him.  In today’s episode, Janet and Jocelyn discuss how biblical love cares for the souls of others by making it easy for them to pursue righteousness.  Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources...

Our hearts are constantly crying, “More, more!” Rarely do we find ourselves completely at peace with the circumstances in our lives. So what is it about humanity that makes it so difficult to be content? And what even is contentment - just feeling happy all the time even as the world crashes down around you? Janet and Jocelyn help us find a biblical definition of contentment and overview how we as...

Do we need our souls refreshed? Do we need to be made wise? Do we need joy in our hearts and light in our eyes? All of these things can be found in learning to love the Word of God. Janet and Jocelyn walk us through Psalm 19, a psalm of David that shows the delight of deep affection for the truth of God’s Word. Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Songs O Lord Our Rock and Our Redeemer - Sovereign Gr...

It’s that time of year again: Ask Us Anything! You submitted questions to our team, and we chose as many as we could to respond to in this Q&A style episode to close out our Season 3 episodes for 2023. Episode Transcript⁠⁠⁠⁠ Resources Books Between Us Girls - Trish Donohue Beautiful Girlhood - Karen Andreola Girl Talk - Caroline Mahaney Feminine Appeal - Caroline Mahaney  Becoming a Titus 2 Wo...