In this heartfelt solo episode of Faith Unfiltered, Amber hones in on the themes of free will, God's love, and letting go, especially as a parent. She emphasizes that, just as God grants us free will, parents need to let their children make their own decisions, face their own consequences, and ultimately learn and grow from their experiences. Amber shares her personal journey of faith, the emotions tied to her children leaving the nest, and the importance of placing trust in God's guidance and love. The episode is rich with scriptural references and personal anecdotes, serving to encourage and comfort listeners navigating similar life transitions.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 01:19] Amber Takes the Lead

[01:20 - 03:03] A Prayer for Guidance

[03:04 - 04:41] Let Them Fly: Free Will and Parenting

[04:42 - 06:59] The Role of Boundaries and Consequences

[07:00 - 09:02] The Challenges of Parenting Teenagers

[09:03 - 11:16] Free Will: The Hardest Kind of Love

[11:17 - 17:48] The Spiritual Realm and Human Choices

[17:49 - 19:33] Rediscovering Faith and Purpose

[19:34 - 19:48] Choosing Faith and Facing Judgment

[19:49 - 20:11] A Year of Spiritual Transformation

[20:12 - 20:36] Struggles and God's Presence

[20:37 - 23:28] Free Will and Consequences

[23:29 - 24:33] Lessons from the Prodigal Son

[24:34 - 25:11] Personal Journey and Redemption

[25:12 - 25:56] The Power of Community and Church

[25:57 - 26:39] Hearing God's Voice

[26:40 27:44] Embracing Missions and Opportunities

[27:45 - 32:18] Parenting and Letting Go

[32:19 - 33:24] Trusting God with Our Loved Ones

[33:25 - 34:15] Final Reflections and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“ Free will is a hard kind of love, but it's the kind God chooses for us.” - Ms. Amber

“ God will never stop chasing your heart.” - Ms. Amber

Journal this week:

“Lord, help me trust You with the people I love most. Even when I can’t protect them, remind me that You are with them. Help me release control and rest in Your love—just like You do for me.”

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber dive into the complexities of marriage, sharing personal experiences and lessons learned. They discuss the importance of unfiltered faith, honest communication, and the value of seeing a marriage coach. They also touch on dealing with stress, grief, chronic illness, and the importance of prayer in maintaining a healthy relationship. A special highlight of this episode includes practical advice on handling arguments, fostering emotional and physical intimacy, and the critical role of forgiveness. Additionally, the episode offers a free couple prayer guide, emphasizing the importance of praying over marriages daily. Whether you're newly married, in a tough season, or trying again after heartbreak, this episode provides numerous insights and encouragement.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 02:38] Real Talk About Marriage

[02:39 - 04:14] Personal Updates and Challenges

[04:15 - 05:54] Navigating Stress and Anxiety

[05:55 - 17:55] Communication and Expectations in Marriage

[17:56 - 19:50] God's Design for Marriage

[19:51 - 20:42] Healthy Ways to Argue in Relationships

[20:43 - 21:21] Teaching Marriage as a Covenant

[21:22 - 22:23] Open Conversations with Adult Children

[22:24 - 25:23] Apologizing and Setting Examples

[25:24 - 29:57] The Importance of Prayer in Marriage

[29:58 - 32:33] Physical and Emotional Intimacy

[32:34 - 34:25] Seeking Counseling and External Help

[34:26 - 37:55] Rebuilding After Hardship

[37:56 - 38:41] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Marriage isn't a fairytale, it's a Partnership that takes so much work.” - Ms. Amber

“ God uses marriage to grow us more into the image of Christ. “ - Ms. Angela

“ Just because you argue doesn't mean your marriage is broken. It means you're human.” - Ms. Angela

“ Normal healthy arguments in marriage is healthy.” - Ms. Amber

“ Life is a series of good stuff and really hard stuff.  And I think that is just part of the human experience.” - Ms. Amber

A Prayer to Speak Over Your Marriage

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber dive into the transformative power of gratitude, especially during life's toughest moments. They share personal stories, from dealing with health issues to facing anxiety, and emphasize that gratitude can be a grounding force. The episode includes practical tips like starting a gratitude journal, daily gratitude practices, and leveraging the power of expressing thankfulness out loud. The sisters discuss the importance of surrendering control to God and trusting in His providence, highlighting that even in the midst of storms, there are always reasons to be grateful. They also talk about the scientific benefits of gratitude and provide scripture references that encourage thankfulness in all circumstances. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt conversation about how embracing gratitude can lead to peace and presence in daily life.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:44] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:45 - 01:08] Today's Topic: The Power of Gratitude

[01:09 - 02:14] New Format and Personal Updates

[02:15 - 03:02] Angela's Health Update

[03:03 - 06:06] Amber's Anxiety and Health Concerns

[06:07 - 12:45] The Importance of Gratitude in Hard Times

[12:46 - 16:45] Faith, Fear, and Trust in Jesus

[16:46 - 18:53] Surrendering Control and Finding Peace

[18:54 - 19:12] Scientific Benefits of Gratitude

[19:13 - 19:26] The Power of Positivity and Gratitude

[19:27 - 19:52] Health Benefits of Gratitude

[19:53 - 20:10] Starting Your Day with Gratitude

[20:11 - 21:11] Overcoming Negativity

[21:12 - 25:01] Personal Stories of Gratitude

[25:02 - 25:33] The Importance of Gratitude Journals

[25:34 - 27:37] Biblical References on Gratitude

[27:38 - 34:14] Practical Tips for Practicing Gratitude

[34:15 - 35:40] Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Tweetable Quotes:

“   Gratitude in the heart. Acknowledge life is messy, unfair, and painful sometimes.” - Ms. Amber

“ Fear is natural. But we're not made to fear. We're made as followers of Christ. We are taught to put our faith and trust in him.” - Ms. Angela

“ I am who I am and where I am because of Christ and His love for me and him, carrying me through the difficult times.” - Ms. Angela

“ Things happen and God is there to carry us through them.” - Ms. Amber

“ If we're truly giving Jesus our life, then no matter what happens, I'm giving you my life.” - Ms. Amber

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, the hosts tackle the heavy yet crucial topic of anxiety, depression, and the silent struggles many face, including Christians. The hosts share personal experiences and discuss the stigma around mental health within the Christian community. Insights include what the Bible says about mental health, how Jesus meets us in our lowest moments, and practical steps to start healing. The conversation also covers the societal impact of social media, the importance of therapy, and creating a culture of connection and support to combat loneliness and mental illness.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:39] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:38 - 02:22] The Reality of Anxiety and Depression

[02:23 - 04:44] Personal Struggles and Dark Times

[04:45 - 10:38] The Impact of Social Media

[10:39 - 15:37] Navigating Mental Health as Christians

[15:38 - 17:25] The Importance of Therapy

[17:26 - 20:04] Biblical Figures and Mental Struggles

[20:05 - 21:33] Creating Safe Spaces for Open Conversations

[21:34 - 22:46] The Power of Prayer and Honest Emotions

[22:47 - 31:29] The Healing Benefits of Physical Activity

[31:30 - 34:43] Building Community and Limiting Social Media

[34:44 - 38:46] Addressing the Crisis of Suicide

[38:47 - 39:51] The Importance of Therapy and Seeking Help

[39:52 - 40:20] Final Thoughts on Healing and Support

Tweetable Quotes:

“   God designed our bodies to work with our healing.” - Ms. Angela

“ Don't rush to fix them.  Love them just as they are.” - Ms. Amber

“ There is always something. To be grateful for. There's always something, but if we hyper always think of all the negative, we don't have room for the beautiful.” - Ms. Amber

“ Show up for people even in the small ways. And raise warriors, not performers.” - Ms. Amber

“ Failing and failure is part of life.” - Ms. Amber

“ You're not alone. Jesus isn't scared of your mess, your pain, or your tears. He wants to walk with you through it, not just fix it, but be with you in it.” - Ms. Amber

“ You are not broken beyond repair. You are not too far gone.  And this world needs your light.” - Ms. Amber

In this heart-wrenching yet hopeful episode of Faith Unfiltered, Angela and Amber discuss the deeply personal story of Angela's son, Angelo, and his recent diagnosis with severe ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). From early symptoms and a sudden health decline during a mission trip to Mexico, to navigating a complex medical journey involving multiple hospital stays and procedures, Angela shares the emotional and spiritual rollercoaster her family has faced. The episode highlights the importance of community and family support, the power of prayer, and the struggle to maintain faith in the midst of ongoing medical challenges. Drawing on their experiences, Angela emphasizes the need for clear communication with healthcare providers and the critical role of family and friends in providing practical and emotional support. The episode closes with a message of hope and trust in God's sovereignty, even when life takes unexpected and difficult turns.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:44] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:45 - 01:11] A Personal Story: Angela's Son's Diagnosis

[01:12 - 05:27] The Journey Begins: Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis

[05:28 - 15:37] A Mother's Struggle: Coping with the Diagnosis

[15:38 - 16:39] Seeking Help: Family and Community Support

[16:40 - 29:36] Hospitalization and Further Complications

[29:37 - 30:12] Sharing Meals and Support

[30:13 - 31:26] Coping with Stress and Family Dynamics

[31:27 - 33:42] Navigating Life After Diagnosis

[33:43 - 34:33] Prioritizing Self-Care and Relationships

[34:34 - 35:38] Finding a New Church Community

[35:39 - 36:45] Embracing Organic Living

[36:46 - 39:47] Support Groups and Community

[39:48 - 47:37] Faith and Trust in Difficult Times

[47:38 - 52:35] Gratitude and Acknowledgements

[52:36 - 52:59] Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Life is pivoting to a different direction that you weren't expecting.” - Ms. Amber

“ The Lord does give us more than we can handle, and he does it so that he can show us that we don't need to handle it because he can handle it for us.” - Ms. Angela

“ The trials that the Lord puts us through because he does allow them to happen.  It's 100% for his glory.” - Ms. Angela

Book Mention:

Little Pilgrim's Progress

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, Amber discusses the power and freedom in asking questions about one's faith. With Angela taking a brief break, Amber reflects on her own journey back to Christianity after 20 years, emphasizing the importance of exploring doubts and seeking a deeper understanding of religious teachings. She stresses that faith and doubt can coexist and encourages listeners to be apprentices of Jesus, embracing curiosity and continual learning. Amber shares personal experiences, mentions influential scholars, and provides scriptural references, all while fostering an environment where asking questions is not only accepted but encouraged.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Welcome to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 -00:56] Angela's Break and Today's Topic

[00:57 - 01:35] Embracing Questions in Faith

[01:36 - 02:30] Exploring Biblical Texts and Historians

[02:31 - 05:42] Personal Faith Journey and Questions

[05:43 - 06:03] Encouragement for Questioning Faith

[06:04 - 07:50] Deep Dive into Bible Stories

[07:51 - 18:05] The Role of Doubt in Strengthening Faith

[18:06 - 27:34] Scriptural Encouragement for Questioning

[27:35 - 27:58] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

[27:59 - 28:23] Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Tweetable Quotes:

“   It's my relationship with Jesus. It's not my parents' relationship on me, it's not the church. I grew up in a relationship. It's my relationship and it's so freaking beautiful.” - Ms. Amber

“ Doubt doesn't cancel belief. It deepens it.” - Ms. Amber

“ Asking questions means your faith is real and it's not robotic.” - Ms. Amber

“ If your faith has questions, you're in the right place. God is not intimidated by your curiosity. In fact, he welcomes it.” - Ms. Amber

“Keep seeking, keep asking. Keep showing up. That's faith, too.” - Ms. Amber

Journal Prompts:

Faith_Unfiltered_10_Honest_Questions_to_Ask_God.pdf

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, hosts Angela and Amber share their personal journeys back to faith after significant periods of doubt and separation from the church. They emphasize that faith is a messy, unfiltered process and welcome listeners who have questions, doubts, or are simply curious about Christianity. The hosts discuss their experiences with religious rules, church hurt, and the transformation they experienced upon re-engaging with Christianity. They provide practical advice on beginning a faith journey, such as reading the Bible and finding a local church, while underscoring the importance of developing a personal relationship with Jesus over adhering to religious dogma. Throughout the episode, they advocate for honesty, questioning, and the understanding that faith is a continual journey, not a one-time achievement.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:38] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:39 - 00:57] A Safe Space for Doubts and Questions

[00:58 - 02:28] Personal Journeys of Faith

[02:29 - 03:27] The Role of Religion vs. Relationship

[03:28 - 11:46] Church Hurt and Finding Jesus Again

[11:47 - 15:23] Essentials and Non-Essentials of Christianity

[15:24 - 19:39] Rediscovering Faith and Belief

[19:40 - 20:27] The Case for Christ: A Journey from Skepticism to Faith

[20:28 - 21:30] The Power of Historical Evidence and Personal Experience

[21:31 - 22:35] Embracing Skepticism and Seeking Proof

[22:36 - 23:12] Falling in Love with Faith Again

[23:13 - 23:39] Starting Your Journey: Bible Recommendations

[23:40 - 28:35] The Impact of 'The Chosen' on Faith

[28:36 - 35:51] Finding Community and Mentorship in Faith

[35:52 - 37:02] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives

[37:03 - 38:13] Inviting Jesus into Your Life: A Simple Guide

[38:14 - 38:50] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Christ is beautiful and lovely and everything perfect.”- Ms. Angela

“ Come as you are, period. You don't clean up before coming to Jesus.” - Ms. Angela

“ He meets you in the middle of your mess and walks with you from there, and if you can't walk, he will carry you.” - Ms. Angela

“ You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to be open.” - Ms. Amber

Books Mention:

 Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

 Case for Christ

 The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

 The Gospel comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield

 Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor

 Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

In this episode of Faith Unfiltered, hosts Angela and Amber delve into the complex and often challenging topic of forgiveness. They clarify common misconceptions, emphasize that forgiveness doesn't equate to excusing the wrongdoing, and stress the importance of maintaining boundaries. The discussion highlights forgiveness as a decision rather than a feeling, and its crucial role in personal healing and mental freedom. Angela and Amber share personal stories and practical steps to approach forgiveness, emphasizing the need for prayer, honesty with God, and the supportive role of community. Listeners are encouraged to take their time with the forgiveness process and to understand that it's a pathway to releasing personal burdens and finding peace.

Key Highlights:

[00:00 - 00:40] Introduction to Faith Unfiltered

[00:41 - 01:06] Understanding Forgiveness

[01:07 - 01:28] Common Myths About Forgiveness

[01:29 - 02:55] Personal Stories of Forgiveness

[02:56 - 04:14] The Process of Forgiving

[04:15 - 06:04] The Importance of Setting Boundaries

[06:05 - 08:36] Forgiveness as a Decision, Not a Feeling

[08:37 - 17:21] Biblical Perspective on Forgiveness

[17:22 - 20:44] The Dangers of Bitterness and Resentment

[20:45 - 22:35] Breaking Generational Cycles Through Forgiveness

[22:36 - 22:16] Addressing the Pain and Breaking the Cycle

[23:17 - 25:01] A Father's Decision to Break Generational Curses

[25:02 - 25:39] The Importance of Doing the Work

[25:40 - 28:46] Coping Mechanisms and True Forgiveness

[28:47 - 30:53] Practical Steps Toward Forgiveness

[30:54 - 36:21] The Power of Journaling and Gratitude

[36:22 - 38:11] Boundaries and Key Truths About Forgiveness

[38:12 - 39:00] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tweetable Quotes:

“  Forgiveness is not reconciliation or trust being restored automatically.” - Ms. Angela

“ Forgiveness is a decision and not a feeling.” - Ms. Amber

“ You're not forgiving them for them, you're forgiving them for you.” - Ms. Angela

“  Forgiveness doesn't always mean you let the person back into your life.” - Ms. Amber

“ When you forgive, it's just such a beautiful release.” - Ms. Amber

“ If we just can focus on gratitude, there's always something good in our life.” - Ms. Amber

“ You don't need closure to forgive.” - Ms. Amber

“ Forgiveness is sacred and powerful, but it starts with honesty.” - Ms. Angela

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