Light In Your Corner

Monica & Lauren

Join Lauren and Monica as they discuss how to live in and bless our surrounding culture while carrying the LIGHT that cannot be overcome.

We are two women joining Jesus in our neighborhood while navigating family, friendships, work, creativity, and chronic health issues.  We don't always do things right the first time, and we have a borderline-unhealthy relationship with British mystery novels, but with God we can find the humor and the heart behind most things. Light in Your Corner is our first podcast.

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Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality

Episodes

(45) A Good King And A Great Adventure
Apr 25 2024
(45) A Good King And A Great Adventure
A Good King and a Great AdventureHey, friends! We are back in the Lord’s Prayer today because it really is a practical daily prayer. Also, we have a bunch of questions, like:What does it mean to keep God’s name holy in my day-to-day life?How can I see God’s kingdom here today, and actually live in it?How is God’s kingdom the antidote for all my anxiety?Is excessive knee-jerk volunteerism a thing? (Asking for a friend…)And can Jesus show me what it actually means to walk through life seeking God’s will above my own?It’s a packed episode, friends! There’s so much good stuff here and we hope you find that it makes your day just a little lighter. Enjoy!ALSO:Books we really really get intoThe holy practice of walking your dogGratefulness as a tool to keep God’s name holy AND see His kingdom comeRewriting old prayersLife with God is all adventure, even when we can’t see itNot just bringing the kingdom but also receiving it#Jesus #TheLordsPrayer #Hallowedbeyourname #Thykingdomcome #Thywillbedone #faith #trust #abundance #loveyourneighbors”For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.“‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬”“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.“‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭44‬ ‭ESV‬‬
(41) Tell Your Story
Mar 25 2024
(41) Tell Your Story
Tell Your StoryIs it a problem or an opportunity? Sometimes it’s both! Problems are discouraging, they tempt us to give up UNLESS God opens our eyes to what He is doing. So what do we do when the odds are stacked against us? When people challenge our faith? When we are dismissed and disparaged?Jesus tells us what not to do: don’t stress and obsess; because, in the end, God’s got this and He will bear witness to the truth.Here’s another little Flashlight to encourage you today!ALSO:Finding common ground in our storiesGetting out of God’s wayRap battle adviceThe Francis Chan/Bob Goff personality spectrum1 Peter 1=a good way to start your day#light #lightinyourcorner #podcast #flashlight #stress #faith #testimony #story #jesus #encouragement #opportunity #holyspirit #bible #hopeScripture: Luke 21:10-18Bad things will happen in the earth and at the hands of humansBUT THIS WILL BE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BEAR WITNESS.Why should we not meditate beforehand?If you obsess you will rely more on yourself and mistakenly think it is up to youyou get in your way with your own agendayou mistakenly think your did i on your ownin reality you will have no idea what God wants from the exchange anywayGod makes it His business to work through unqualified peoplewe aren’t married to the resultswe see how God worked through itwe don’t make it about ourselves/skills/knowledge– God gets all the creditMedia:TV Show: "Wheel of Freestyle" with Lin-Manuel Miranda
(39) The Evil Farmers and The Cornerstone
Mar 11 2024
(39) The Evil Farmers and The Cornerstone
The Evil Farmers and The Cornerstone Authority. There, we said it. It's not a happy word, but keep listening because it is the Gospel word we need to hear!We were made to submit to authority! But whose authority? And how is this good news?It’s good news because today we talk about how the One who is in charge is the One who will prevail. The One who is in charge is the One who is patient with His people. The One who is in charge is the One who acts on our behalf out of love for us.We face people and circumstances that are hard, sure. But this life is temporary. So how do we live this temporary life with an eye on eternity?How do we participate in what God is doing when we aren’t sure exactly what He is doing?How do we combat faith-crushing box checking and entitlement?We will talk about all that, and much, much more. (ALSO)Please pray for Papa Princess. If nothing else, pray. for. him.Monica votes: thumbs up for Patagonia raincoats, thumbs down for the NLT.Please don’t make me the Next Big Thing, Galaxy AI.Laundry heroes weigh in on Lauren’s stains.Life is better if we assume Jesus knows better.Drive time with Monica and Brody.God is in the business of working through idiots.#Jesus #evangelism #prayer #authority #faith #sanctification Scripture: Luke 20:9-18Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-17”Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.“‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭39‬-‭41‬ ‭ESV‬‬The Outside Podcast: https://www.outsideonline.com/podcast/Book: “Praying like Monks, Living Like Fools” https://www.amazon.com/s?k=praying+like+monks+living+like+fools&hvadid=617695327884&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019035&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12449247854035345061&hvtargid=kwd-1730838115574&hydadcr=13131_13367718&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_1kpqeawht1_e
(38) Man Climbs Tree, Experiences Dramatic Transformation. Results will SHOCK You!
Mar 1 2024
(38) Man Climbs Tree, Experiences Dramatic Transformation. Results will SHOCK You!
Man Climbs Tree, Experiences Dramatic Transformation. Results will SHOCK You!We are used to paying for transformation. Want a better body? Better bank account? Better friends? Better home? You can have it all…for a price.But what about when the transformation happens first?That’s Zaccheus’s story. The transformation was the gift–the gift that led him to give away all the things that he used to value. Because that’s what happens when you find something far better. That’s what happens when Jesus calls you by name and dwells with you. The transformation was dramatic but that’s not even the best part. Here’s the best part: Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and that means He came for you.ALSO:Campaigning for a global holiday Who would you cast as Zaccheus?Rich in possessions, poor in spiritClamoring for love we already haveDying to self v. Killing yourself for the GospelJesus wasn’t multitasking#lightinyourcorner #redemption #transformation #grace #forgiveness #love #jesusScripture: Luke 19:1-10Jim Carrey: “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Dark-Water-Stuart-Turton/dp/1728234298/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=BC57k&content-id=amzn1.sym.225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=225b4624-972d-4629-9040-f1bf9923dd95&pf_rd_r=EQ4YHTRDVW9617CE1AG3&pd_rd_wg=9qpzO&pd_rd_r=9090b037-0b67-4fed-a703-4bba875ffa23&pd_rd_i=1728234298
(37) What's Your Story?
Feb 26 2024
(37) What's Your Story?
What’s Your Story?Today we talk about stories, which makes sense because our lives, and our stories, are meant to be shared.So it is no surprise that in Luke 18, Jesus uses stories to convey some important messages. The first, that we should keep praying and never give up. The second, that humility trumps arrogance every time.And then we have those sweet sweet kiddos that can’t stay away from Jesus.Each story, each group of people, shares something in common: they are loved by God.You are too. So what is your story? And how can your life be a monument to the kindness and mercy and love of God hundreds of stories high?ALSO:Monica’s secret ceiling journalsThe books our kids can’t put downLord of the Flies hits differentWe get old and tired, God never does#mountainbikingproblems #buttbruisesScaring our kids, but in a literary way#Jesus #humility #lightinyourcorner #stories #storytelling Scripture: Luke 18:1-17The reason behind Walden Media: https://imprimis.hillsdale.edu/let-them-at-least-have-heard-of-brave-knights-and-heroic-courage/“Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.” C.S. Lewis“The kingdom of God is wherever the things God wants to get done get done.” Brant Hansen Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance.“This kingdom is really, really good, and here’s my theory: we all want it, deep down, even people who won’t admit it and don’t even believe in it. And here’s another of my weird theories—one indicated by goose bumps: we all get brief flashes of it in life, fleeting impressions that leave us moved or yearning for more. We may not even be able to explain why. There’s a German word for this, because they have a word for everything: It’s fernweh, which literally means “farsickness.” 1 It’s feeling homesick for a place you’ve never been.”— Life Is Hard. God Is Good. Let's Dance.: Experiencing Real Joy in a World Gone Mad by Brant Hansenhttps://a.co/abkEUWPNate Bargatze “Hello World” Christian Parents video clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/imij7QJbSLATed Dekker: “The Circle Series” of books: https://teddekker.com/products/the-circle-trilogyTed Dekker “Journey To Impossible Places” Book Series: https://teddekker.com/pages/journey-to-impossible-places
(33) He’s Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy
Dec 20 2023
(33) He’s Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy
We typically think of joy that belongs to us. Joy is on our greeting cards, home decor, t-shirts.We think of the shepherds rejoicing, Mary and Joseph rejoicing, the wise men rejoicing. People were excited. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!We rarely think of how excited God was. So excited that He didn’t just send one angel–he sent a whole host. Even though this gift wasn't for them they were still super excited because they displayed the joy of the Father!So what gives God joy? Lean in here–you do. That’s what Luke 15 is all about. Reconciling Himself to you, carrying you home, that is what inspires God to throw a party. He gathers His friends and celebrates. He points to you and says, “That’s my kid!”Also: Our LEAST favorite Christmas songs Teddy the squeaky neighbor dogJoy is best when shared!God is the rowdy one!Being the fun folksScripture: Luke 15:1-32Media:“Last Chance Detectives” Audio Drama“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer (PS. Christopher McCandless does NOT die by bear attack.  I think I was crossing two separate stories in my mind.  But he dies of starvation and by eating bad moose meat after not smoking it correctly.  The actual quote in his journal at the end was, “Happiness is only real when shared.”“Prodigal God” by Tim Keller“Brant and Sherri Oddcast” Podcast”The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.“‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬https://bible.com/bible/59/zep.3.17.ESV
(32) The Possibility of Peace
Dec 14 2023
(32) The Possibility of Peace
We all know December is busy and frantic and full of high expectations. But can it also be full of peace? Is peace actually possible at any moment? Really?It is. But it doesn’t come easyBecause things are coming for your peace. Good news, though! Jesus has an answer for us. Jesus IS the answer for us. What does this have to do with Luke 14? Let’s find out! ALSO: Peace= not striving for status. Peace= not comparing yourself to others.Peace= not wasting brain energy on deciding where I fit.Peace= accepting the lowest place.Peace= identity not rooted in the opinion of others.Peace= positioning yourself in a way that assumes the best about others.Peace= creating space for others to be honored.Peace= lowering yourself AND your expectations. —Simplifying—Finding someone to talk to—Practical ways to practice peace Scripture: Luke 14:7-11 ESVMedia: Poor Bishop Hooper- Band on Spotify who created songs from Psalms https://open.spotify.com/artist/7AgYdpiGbObyY3WVJXxhi0?si=R0P4LertSUejGswBfb4o0A“Untangle Your Emotions” Book by Jennie Allen https://www.amazon.com/Untangle-Your-Emotions-Naming-Knowing/dp/0593193415/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=677951576878&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019035&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=689602664989230982&hvtargid=kwd-2229209999508&hydadcr=22165_13517535&keywords=untangle+your+emotions&qid=1702585527&sr=8-1“Parks and Recreation” Episode “Bowling for Votes” 2012 https://youtu.be/fTOYZ9Jr1V0?si=G5YyqcKilM5H29fp “Holiday in Handcuffs” Hallmark Movie https://youtu.be/vWChEKOGL4g?si=go7N9r2YvsFJbr44“A Merry Friggin’ Christmas” Moviehttps://youtu.be/TGkBu_qALpg?si=RS6Bbx-tQbM44Q2X“The Office Ladies” Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-ladies/id1480311435“Bluey” Kids TV Show https://www.youtube.com/live/DbiKrRUNFuE?si=5cNdq13Os9Zt4sf7
(30) Good News: It’s in There Somewhere
Nov 28 2023
(30) Good News: It’s in There Somewhere
Good News: It’s in There SomewhereYou guys, Luke 12 has some words. Jesus warns and comforts, warns and comforts, warns and comforts. Today we talk about both and we have some good news for you:The comfort wins.Where is the comfort when we are lonely and forgotten? When we are in need? When we are divided?It is where it always was: in Jesus. And you and I have Jesus in abundance. So then we ask, where does our neighbor find comfort? The answer is the same, but the vehicle for their comfort might look a lot like you. ALSO: God sees it–He sees your service.Trusting God gives us freedom to let go and help others.What can we do to show people that they matter? How can we connect?Is it even a parade if it doesn’t have candy?LIGHT: It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom! There is nothing to fear.ACTION: Reach out to someone who might be lonely. If it is you, still reach out!Notes: Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1433556693/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=eb2aa079a02b554a6c34dfb3f1542601&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1701200389&sr=1-1-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_sccd_asin_0_title&pd_rd_w=gEsrT&content-id=amzn1.sym.417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b%3Aamzn1.sym.417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b&pf_rd_p=417820b0-80f2-4084-adb3-fb612550f30b&pf_rd_r=BSGY4N2S4KNAF7DX72BQ&pd_rd_wg=SU8CK&pd_rd_r=b0beee96-3e9f-4204-b919-3c8bdb6d5439Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Christmas-Timothy-Keller-audiobook/dp/B01LY0WS4S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19PDSDSBKVSQ&keywords=hidden+christmas+timothy+keller&qid=1701200389&sprefix=Hidden%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1One Hit Wonder?: Lil Boo Thing by Paul RussellVeggie Tales: Saint Nicholas (on Prime now!) https://www.amazon.com/Veggietales-Saint-Nicholas-Joyful-Giving/dp/B002FOFX6U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HFGCPJCAB1VZ&keywords=veggie+tales+saint+nicholas+dvd&qid=1701200181&sprefix=Veggie+tales+sa%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1Cup of Comfort Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cup-Comfort-Book-Christmas-Prayer/dp/1440500517/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NQ14GTL65DE0&keywords=Cup+of+comfort+Christmas&qid=1701189511&sprefix=cup+of+comfort+christmas%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-2Ann Voskamp
(29) It’s Christmas–we mean, Thanksgiving!
Nov 21 2023
(29) It’s Christmas–we mean, Thanksgiving!
We don’t skip Thanksgiving here at Light in Your Corner!! We celebrate it, hard.Today we have some fun talking about Thanksgiving (and Black Friday) traditions and memories. We discuss how we find joy in all the family togetherness and we take time to discuss hard things in our lives that we are thankful for. We pray that this episode blesses your Thanksgiving week! We are thankful for you!“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬https://bible.com/bible/59/1th.5.15-24.ESVShort article on the placement of Thanksgiving Day:https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-thanksgiving-in-the-us-celebrated-on-a-thursdayLonger article on the placement of Thanksgiving Day:https://time.com/5455162/thanksgiving-on-thursday/Jordan Raynor’s article about giving thanks for your thorns and thistles:https://www.jordanraynor.com/blog/the-curse-is-god-s-love-in-disguise-here-s-why