Smiling at the Future

128. Avoiding the Slippery Slope of Self-Pity with Lauren Arif 26.05.2026 57m

Lauren Arif alerts the podcast listeners to the dangers of self-pity by answering the following questions: Life is hard, so why is self-pity wrong when we are experiencing a trial? What are some biblical examples of self-pity, and how did God respond to that? Why is instruction or correction often a catalyst for someone to sink into self-pity? If someone has a habit of seeking pity from others, what might that look like, and how would you exhort them? How does practicing self-pity harm those around us? God often shows us mercy. How can this truth reshape our thinking when we are having a “pity party”? What practical strategies can someone practice when they sense self-pity pulling them down?Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠⁠Recommended Book: "Dead End Desire: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming Self-Pity" by Phil Moser

127. Undistracted Devotion: Studying the Bible with Brad Klassen 12.05.2026 56m

Pastor Brad Klassen discusses the importance of Bible study by answering the following questions: Why is it important for every Christian to study the Bible on their own even if they attend a sound Bible-teaching church? What attitude should a believer have when approaching the Scriptures? What encouragement would you give the person who feels their time in the Word is dry? How can believers pursue disciplined study of the Word without allowing that study to become disconnected from a personal devotion to Christ? What helpful steps should someone take when setting up a Bible study plan? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠Recommended Books: "How to Study the Bible" by John MacArthur "Living by the Book" by Howard & William Hendricks "How to Study the Bible" by Richard Mayhue"Grasping God's Word" Duvall & Hays

126. When Life Shifts: Navigating Change with Michelle Wendler 28.04.2026 1h 5m

Christi’s older sister, Michelle Wendler, shares her wisdom on how to navigate change by answering the following questions: What are some common areas we experience change? What Biblical examples do we find of people experiencing change? What unique challenges during change can single women face? What are healthy ways to help process change? How can we encourage those around us who are experiencing change? What encouragement would you give the person who is afraid of change? For the person who is hooked on change, what should they be reminded of? What encouragement would you give someone when things don’t change and life feels static? Why is change important for us, and what character qualities are strengthened through change?Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

125. Sharpening Your Discernment with Pastor Travis Allen 14.04.2026 43m

Returning guest, Pastor Travis Allen, shares the importance of discernment for every Christian by answering the following questions: What is the biblical definition of discernment, and why is this an important virtue for a believer to grow in? In what areas do you see Christian women in particular lacking discernment or being easily swayed? How can a single woman cultivate discernment without becoming overly cautious or fearful? Scripture encourages us to seek counsel, but how would you exhort the woman who distrusts her own judgment so much that she relies primarily on others when making decisions? What would discernment look like in a dating relationship? And, what habits help sharpen discernment? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠⁠

124. Go Outside with Uncle Dave Coppedge 31.03.2026 33m

My favorite Uncle joins the podcast to share about his passion of enjoying the wonders of God's creation by answering the following questions: Can you tell the listeners about Creation Safaris and what motivated you to start that ministry? What are the spiritual and physical benefits a believer can gain from spending time in God's creation? What are your favorite Bible passages about God's creation? And what does good stewardship of God's creation look like for a believer? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠Uncle Dave's Website: crev.infoUncle Dave's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@GeographicArtistryCreation Safari's Website: creationsafaris.com

123. Faithful Singleness in the Church with Pastor Travis Allen 17.03.2026 37m

Pastor Travis Allen joins the podcast to help us think biblically about singleness in the church by addressing several important questions: How does your marital status help or hinder your service to Christ? What encouragement would you give married couples and families for how to embrace singles in the church? What would characterize an intentional Christian single? Why has dating in the church been such a challenging area for many singles? And what would you tell the person who is unwilling to step into marriage until they are sure they will be more effective for Christ married than single? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

122. Stress: When Your Capacity Feels Maxed Out with Liz Tittel 03.03.2026 56m

Lit Tittel helps us navigate stressful seasons by answering the following questions: What types of stress are there and what are common life stressors? Should we try to gain relief from stress? What are things we can do to mitigate some of the physical and emotional toll that stress takes on us? Is it ok to medicate during very stressful times? How do people compound the pressures of life and make stress worse? What characteristics should you look for in how a man responds to stress? And how can we effectively serve others who are experiencing a season of stress? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠Recommended Resources: “I’m Praying For You” by Nancy Guthrie “Refresh” Shona Murray Sermon by Micah Lugg“When God Allows a Marriage to End” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-god-allows-a-marriage-to-end-the-biblical/id447732584?i=1000656178145

121. Modesty: Following Jesus in a Visual World with Marie Clark 17.02.2026 1h 13m

Biblical Counselor Marie Clark skillfully opens the Scriptures to answer the following questions about modesty: What is biblical modesty, and why is this important to God? Is it possible to dress modestly and still not be pleasing to God? How does legalism show up in this area? Can you help us understand the dynamic of why modesty seems to be largely situational, cultural, and generational? Why is the "androgyny" trend something Christian women should be on guard against? And what are sinful motives that lead someone to dress immodestly? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

120. Online Dating: A Practical Discussion with Ashley Saunders 03.02.2026 56m

Ashley brings both experience and discernment to this conversation to help singles navigate the world of online dating by answering the following questions: For someone resistant to online dating, what's a more balanced and hopeful perspective? What should women include in their own profiles and what are healthy things to look for in a man's profile? How can women show interest without taking the lead? What are good questions to ask in the first few messages and should you feel obligated to respond to every message you receive? What dating sites or apps would you recommend? And when online dating feels discouraging, what truths should women remind themselves of? Ashley’s Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11WO8uTruxB8xlBfwLMYd4?si=231ThWPqQiyefnEYd0EsmA&pi=UB2oRZLIRlWPvWebsite: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

119. Taming Your Phone with Reagan Rose 20.01.2026 49m

Reagan Rose helps us kick off this year with motivation and tactics to tame our smartphones by answering the following questions: What spiritual benefit have you noticed in the steps you have taken to limit technology in your life? Beyond shortening our attention spans, how are smartphones changing people? What are practical tips someone can take today to put boundaries on their smartphone usage? And what encouragement would you give someone who is considering limiting or deleting their social media accounts?Reagan's Website: https://redeemingproductivity.com/Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

118. Putting On a Heart of Joy with Christi - Bonus Episode 16.12.2025 49m

Christi explores how to pursue joy by answering the following questions: What are misconceptions people have about joy? What are things that can hinder our joy? And what are ways that God pours joy into our heart? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

117. Dating Fatigue or Never Dated with Lynne Brown 18.11.2025 44m

Lynne Brown returns to help our perspective in dating by answering the following questions: For the woman who is burned out by dating, when should she step back and take a break, and when should she continue to persevere? What are encouraging reminders for the woman who is discouraged by multiple failed relationships? What did God teach you in the ups and downs of dating? What would you tell the woman who is tired of being a disappointment to her family and friends in the area of dating? And what encouragement would you give the woman who has never been on a date or in a relationship? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

116. Fertility, Children, and Trusting God with Donna Barlow 04.11.2025 54m

Donna Barlow is a midwife and a mother of 5, and she helps bring clarity to the topic of fertility and children by answering the following questions: Should a single woman go to an OBGYN and have her fertility checked? Or should she wait until she is engaged to look into that area of her health? What are common myths about fertility? If someone has a condition that may impact fertility, how early should they disclose that in a dating relationship? What practical steps can a single woman do to help her fertility and hormones? What would you tell a woman who doesn’t have a strong desire to have children? Should couples seek to have children right away after marriage? For a woman who is thinking about freezing her eggs, what should she consider before a decision like that? And what comfort can you offer to women who are beyond child-bearing years? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024⁠

115. Money in Marriage: Preparing for Financial Unity with Chris Hamilton 21.10.2025 52m

Chris Hamilton addresses some common concerns surrounding money in a marriage relationship by answering the following questions: What do you see are common struggles married couples have with money, and what can single women do now to prevent those future conflicts? What attitude should a woman have when she submits to her husband’s leadership in this area? For a dating couple, who should pay for the date? And if the couple is in a long-distance relationship, is it appropriate or even expected for the man to help with the woman's travel expenses? In marriage is there a principle for who should handle the money? How do men and women think differently about money? And for a married couple who wants to keep their finances separate, what biblical wisdom can you offer on that decision?Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024

114. Identifying and Avoiding Manipulation, Part 2 with Marie Clark 07.10.2025 45m

Marie Clark helps us see how subtly manipulation can show up in our communication by answering the following questions: How would people manipulate others without fully realizing it? What is the opposite of manipulation that we are called to put on? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024

113. Identifying and Avoiding Manipulation with Marie Clark 23.09.2025 47m

Biblical counselor Marie Clark helps us understand manipulation and navigate manipulative people by answering the following questions: What does a godly response to manipulation look like? What character flaws make is easier for someone to manipulate you? How do we know if something is flattery or sincere praise? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024

112. Undistracted Devotion: Prayer with Pam Hardy 09.09.2025 51m

Pastor's wife Pam Hardy encourages us in our prayer life by answering the following questions: There is a temptation to approach prayer with an attitude of guilt. What mindset should the believer seek to cultivate instead? If God knows everything, why does He want to listen to us? Why did Jesus pray, and how can that help us understand prayer and our need to pray? What is the value of praying with others one-on-one or in a group setting? What are practical considerations for before and during our prayer time? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024

111. "She's Got the Wrong Guy" with Deepak Reju 26.08.2025 41m

Pastor, biblical counselor, and author Deepak Reju walks us through his book on the topic of why women settle for men with major sin issues by answering the following questions: What inspired you to write a book about women “settling”? Women are sometimes accused of being too picky, but how do we know when the flaws outlined in your book are big enough to break off a relationship? What concerns would you have for a woman who is dating a “passive” man? What would a life look like being yoked to the “unteachable” man? How would you convince the woman to break off a relationship with the “commitment-phobic” man? And how would you encourage women who feel like all the good guys are taken and are disheartened by the current dating landscape? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Deepak Reju's book: "She's Got the Wrong Guy: Why Smart Women Settle" https://a.co/d/1rwIhLK

110. The Gift of Singleness with Jonny Ardavanis 12.08.2025 50m

Pastor Jonny Ardavanis provides helpful clarity to the gift of singleness by answering the following questions: What is the gift of singleness and what are common misconceptions about this gift? How can we maintain a balanced view of both the gift of singleness and the gift of marriage, and why is that important? Extended singleness has become more common even in the church. How can we think biblically about this trend? There is a temptation for people to be critical of members of the opposite sex in how they steward their singleness or relationships. How can we guard against that spirit of resentment, and have a Christ-like perspective instead? How would you encourage a single woman to cultivate a desire for marriage, while also not making it an idol? What are ways you've seen Christian women leverage their singleness? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-2024Jonny's Ministry and Podcast: https://dialinministries.org/

109. Appreciating and Understanding Men with Lynne Brown and Ann Bradley 03.06.2025 58m

Drawing from biblical wisdom and real-life experience, Lynne Brown and Ann Bradley offer guidance to help women better understand and value the men in their lives by addressing these key questions: What are misconceptions that women have about men? What are common ways men misunderstand women, and how can knowing this help women respond better to them? Can you explain the importance of respect in dealing with men? How can you respond if there is a man in your life that you do not respect? And can you help us understand the strengths for the different “types” of men? Website: smilingatthefuturepodcast.com Email: smilingatthefuturepodcast@gmail.com Support The Podcast: ⁠⁠https://donorbox.org/smiling-at-202430 Day Respect Challenge: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-respect-challenge/?srsltid=AfmBOoo_65FCJ-3Pmww3ipzOKwt9OgIIwglM4eZEBchMz_mFCV78195d