Halfway to Sunday

✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 107 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with pastor and author Robert Bass to talk about living with purpose without losing intimacy with God. Robert shares how easy it is to become busy, overwhelmed, and focused on our own agenda, doing “good things,” yet not experiencing the fruit, joy, and peace we’re longing for. They explore the idea behind Robert’s book Hidden Fruit and what it looks like to invite the Holy Spirit into everyday life so spiritual fruit isn’t just something we talk about, but something we actually live. The conversation touches on slowing down, building rhythms that don’t box us in, reading Scripture with intention (Robert mentions Psalm 23 as an example), and discerning God’s voice in practical ways. This episode is a reset for anyone who feels spiritually dry, distracted, or stuck in the busy trap. ****** PODCAST SHOW NOTES: Full episodes now out on YouTube! ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes) 🎧Listen onApple Spotify 🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon) 💌 Questions/Guest Requests ****** 🩵 ABOUT US Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ****** 🔗 LINKS Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok Follow Jill on Instagram ****** 📖 BIBLE RESOURCES   Psalm 23 Genesis The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ****** 📣 GUEST Robert’s website Follow Robert on Instagram and Facebook More information on Robert’s books ******   🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL: Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian Bellino Episode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon ****** Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 106 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Rev. Cheryl Kincaid for a trauma-aware conversation about forgiveness, healing, and boundaries. Cheryl addresses one of the hardest questions Christians face: how do you forgive without excusing what happened? She explains the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why reconciliation requires repentance and safety, especially when children are involved. Cheryl also highlights confession as a Christian tool for healing (1 John 1:9) and challenges shallow, formulaic approaches to trauma recovery. The conversation touches on shame and the “damaged goods” mindset, how Scripture speaks honestly about human sin and exploitation, and why God can handle truth-telling. This episode is for anyone who has been hurt and wants a path forward that is biblical, honest, and grounded in both grace and wisdom. ****** PODCAST SHOW NOTES: Full episodes now out on YouTube! ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes) 🎧Listen onApple Spotify 🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon) 💌 Questions/Guest Requests ****** 🩵 ABOUT US Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ****** 🔗 LINKS Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok Follow Jill on Instagram ****** 📖 BIBLE RESOURCES   1 John 1:9 Book of James (temptation/lust) Isaiah (justice; exploitation)  The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ****** 📣 GUEST Cheryl’s website Follow Cheryl on Instagram and Facebook More information on Cheryl’s books ******   🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL: Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian Bellino Episode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon ****** Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 105 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Teresa Blaes (podcast host, ministry leader, and founder of Kosh Media Productions) for a raw conversation about faith after trauma. Teresa shares her story of growing up in a broken home, facing severe medical challenges, and experiencing devastating loss that left her deeply angry at God. She describes how encounters with the supernatural pushed her to investigate what was real and, eventually, how the gospel began to break through through a praying teacher, Christian music, and a radio message that led her to “do business with God.” They talk about what it means to bring your questions to God, why Isaiah 1:18 (“come, let us reason together”) became an anchor, and why healing often starts when we stop hiding our past and bring it into the light. ****** PODCAST SHOW NOTES: Full episodes now out on YouTube! ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes) 🎧Listen onApple Spotify 🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon) 💌 Questions/Guest Requests ****** 🩵 ABOUT US Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ****** 🔗 LINKS Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok Follow Jill on Instagram ****** 📖 BIBLE RESOURCES   Scriptures Mentioned: Isaiah 1:18 — “Come, let us reason together…” Revelation 3:20 — “I stand at the door and knock…” Hebrews 13:2 (alluded) — entertaining angels unaware Psalm 27:10 (alluded) — “though father and mother forsake…” Luke 9:60 (alluded) — “let the dead bury their own dead” Luke 14:26 (referenced conceptually) — “hate father/mother…” explained as priority, not hatred Mark 3:33–35 (alluded) — “Who are my mother and brothers?”   The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ****** 📣 GUEST Teresa’s website Follow Teresa on Instagram and Facebook More information on Teresa’s book ******   🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL: Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian Bellino Episode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 104 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Dr. Angela Deulen to explore the connection between faith, stress, and the nervous system. If you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or “noisy on the inside,” Angela explains why spiritual habits can feel difficult when your nervous system is dysregulated and how calming your body can help you reconnect with God. She shares a powerful framework she calls the “Davidic arc,” showing how David’s Psalms often start in despair and move toward trust, helping us shift from fight-or-flight into a more regulated state where we can think clearly and renew our minds. They also talk about how gratitude supports regulation, why community matters (“borrow faith” from others), and how our view of God can impact fear-based responses. This episode is practical, hopeful, and deeply grounding. ****** PODCAST SHOW NOTES: Full episodes now out on YouTube! ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes) 🎧Listen onApple Spotify 🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon) 💌 Questions/Guest Requests ****** 🩵 ABOUT US Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ****** 🔗 LINKS Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok Follow Jill on Instagram ****** 📖 BIBLE RESOURCES Psalm 23 |  Psalm 22 | Romans 12 (renew your mind) | Philippians 4:8 | 2 Corinthians 10:5 The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ****** 📣 GUEST Angela Deulen’s website Follow Angela on Instagram and YouTube ******   🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL: Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian Bellino Episode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

You can now watch FULL episodes on YouTube!  ✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODE In Episode 103 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Dr. Oluwole Babatunde, psychiatrist, faith leader, and author of Adapt and Advance: A Faith-Based Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Trials into Triumphs. Oluwole shares his story of growing up in Nigeria, losing both parents at a young age, and experiencing seasons so dark they felt hopeless. He explains how faith, Scripture, and daily rhythms helped him keep moving forward plus why it’s okay to be honest with God when trust feels hard. Together they talk about identity in Christ over circumstances, reframing failure, and practical tools like journaling, learning from mentors, building a mission statement, and holding a vision even “in the pit.” This conversation is a steadying reminder: your challenges aren’t meant to stop you, they can become stepping stones as God redeems your story. ****** ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes) 🎧Listen onApple Spotify 🙏 Join the community + bonus content (Patreon) 💌 Questions/Guest Requests ****** 🩵 ABOUT US Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ****** 🔗 LINKS Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok Follow Jill on Instagram ****** 📖 BIBLE RESOURCES Romans 8:28 |  Matthew 6:33 | Romans 8:1 The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ****** 📣 GUEST Oluwole Babatunde’s website Follow Oluwole on Instagram and LinkedIn and YouTube Oluwole’s books mentioned in this episode: Adapt and Advance: A Faith-Based Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Trials into Triumphs ******   🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL: Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian Bellino Episode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

In Episode 102 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Aneta Kuzma, author of Lanterns of Light, to talk about trusting God through fear, uncertainty, and big life transitions. Aneta shares how leaving the “false sense of security” of corporate life to step into entrepreneurship became a defining moment, when her faith became greater than her fear. She opens up about the practices that helped her stay grounded: gratitude, journaling, prayer, and surrounding herself with Scripture as daily reminders of God’s promises. They also talk about how her book is built around Bible verses she’s leaned on in hard seasons, paired with honest journal entries so readers can see the internal journey behind the outward obedience. This episode is for anyone who needs courage to take the next step and wants practical tools to keep trusting God when fear is loud. ****** ➡️ Watch: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes) 🎧Listen onApple Spotify 🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon) 💌 Questions/Guest Requests   ****** 🩵 ABOUT US Halfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ****** 🔗 LINKS Follow Halfway to Sunday on Instagram Follow Halfway to Sunday on TikTok Follow Jill on Instagram ****** 📖 BIBLE RESOURCES Do not be afraid: Isaiah 41:10 | Joshua 1:9 | 2 Timothy 1:7 The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ****** 📣 GUEST Aneta Kuzma’s website Follow Aneta on Instagram and LinkedIn Listen to Aneta’s podcast: Live the Width of Your Life Aneta’s books mentioned in this episode: Lanterns of Light + Live the Width of Your Life ******   🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL: Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian Bellino Episode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

In Episode 101 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with author Kristen LaValley to talk about church hurt, spiritual perfectionism, and what it looks like to rebuild faith when it’s been tangled up with trauma. Kristen shares about her book Growing Up Saved and the “I am bad” mindset so many Christians carry, believing they must perform and become “better” to be loved by God. Together they explore the cost of spiritual perfection, the way harmful systems can distort our image of God, and the slow work of returning to the truth that we were created “very good.” They also reflect on God’s love as something we can’t fully comprehend alone, and why healing often requires community, honesty, and gentleness. This episode is for anyone deconstructing unhealthy faith and longing to find a kinder, truer way to know God.➡️ Watch next: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes)🎧Listen onAppleSpotify🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon)💌 Questions/Guest Requests******🩵 ABOUT USHalfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God. ******🔗 LINKSFollow Halfway to Sunday on InstagramFollow Halfway to Sunday on TikTokFollow Jill on Instagram******📖 BIBLE RESOURCESGenesis 1 / “God said we were very good” (commonly Genesis 1:31)Ephesians 3 /  knowing/comprehending God’s love “with all the saints” (commonly Ephesians 3:18–19)The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links******📣 GUESTKristen LaValley’s websiteKristen’s SubstackFollow Kristen on Instagram****** 🎙️ OTHER EPISODES THAT MAY BE HELPFUL:Episode #100 Biblical Boundaries, Peace and Celebrating ONE HUNDRED Episodes w/ Cassian BellinoEpisode #96 Interruptible Faith w/ Katherine Douglass and Brittany TausenEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon  Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

If you’re overwhelmed and running on empty, this episode is for you. In our 100th episode, Jill and Cassian Bellino share biblical boundaries and practical ways to create margin so you can protect your peace and keep saying yes to God without burning out. ➡️ Watch next: Halfway to Sunday (Full Episodes)🎧Listen onAppleSpotify🙏Join the community + bonus content (Patreon)💌 Questions/Guest Requests******✝️ ABOUT THIS EPISODEIn Episode 100 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill celebrates the 100th episode milestone with her friend Cassian Bellino from the Biblically Speaking podcast. Together they talk honestly about what it looks like to keep saying yes to God without burning out. They discuss the importance of boundaries and margin and how life can get painful and overwhelming when we don’t protect what matters, and how growth often comes through the hard “process” seasons. Jill and Cassian also highlight spiritual practices that strengthen and protect us, including Scripture, prayer, and fasting and creating space to be sustained by the Lord instead of striving in our own strength. This episode is part celebration, part encouragement, and part practical reset for anyone who feels stretched thin but wants to walk in deeper freedom and faithfulness.******🩵 ABOUT USHalfway to Sunday is a weekly faith-based podcast for people who want Jesus but still have questions, sharing honest, hope-filled stories of real faith through joy and loss, healing and growth, and even doubt. Not polished or performative, just real conversations that remind you you’re not alone and loved by God.******🔗 LINKSFollow Halfway to Sunday on InstagramFollow Halfway to Sunday on TikTokFollow Jill on Instagram******📖 BIBLE RESOURCESScriptures Referenced:Romans 8 (Message paraphrase) — “we weren’t made for a grave-tending life…”Isaiah 43Psalm 91Ruth 1 (Naomi/Ruth story referenced)Joshua (entering the promised land referenced)Deuteronomy (paraphrased “fruit you did not plant”) — commonly aligns with Deut. 6:10–11 wordingThe Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links******📣 GUESTCassian Bellino, host of The Biblically Speaking PodcastCassian’s WebsiteFollow Cassian on Instagram******🎙️ Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

In Episode 99 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Chaz Becker, founder of Storied, to explore why many believers know God loves them but still struggle to feel it. They talk about the gap between head knowledge and heart knowledge, and how spiritual formation can engage the emotional “right brain,” not just information and theology. Chaz shares how attachment patterns and nervous system responses affect our ability to receive love, and why imagination and guided practices can help move faith from concepts to lived experience. They also discuss why therapy can be a wise and important support when love has felt unsafe or wounds run deep. This episode offers language, compassion, and practical next steps for anyone who wants faith that’s not only true but deeply felt.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Storyed WebsiteFollow Storyed on Instagram******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links ******Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

In Episode 98 of Halfway to Sunday, Jill sits down with Kathleen Johnson, author and founder of Scripture Girl, to talk about breaking free from fear and learning to live from God-reliance instead of self-reliance. Kathleen shares how painful seasons pushed her into deeper Scripture memory, meditation, and intimacy with God and how moving truth from “head knowledge” to something that actually transforms daily life. Together they discuss what it looks like to abide on the vine, why we “wither” when we’re frantic or overwhelmed, and how to discern God’s voice through the constant “static” of modern life. Jill and Kathleen also highlight the promise of Isaiah 26:3: perfect peace is connected to a mind stayed on God. This episode is practical, hope-filled, and a powerful reminder that you don’t have to stay stuck.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Kathleen’s WebsiteFollow Kathleen on InstagramGet Kathleen’s Book!******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:Romans 12:2 — “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (core theme)John 8:32 — “know the truth… truth will set you free” (deep “know”) Romans 8:1 — “no condemnation” Matthew 4 (temptation of Jesus; Jesus responds with Scripture) Romans 10:17 — “faith comes from hearing…” James 1:25 — “the perfect law that gives freedom” John 17:17 — “your word is truth” Numbers 13 — contend/possess the land analogy John 14–16 — abundant life / abiding context (referenced) John 10:10 — abundant life (referenced by concept) John 15 — vine/branches, abiding (major theme) Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in you, the hope of glory” John 4:13–14 — living water (woman at the well) Psalm 46:2 — “though the earth give way…” (referenced) Isaiah 26:3 — perfect peace / mind stayed on God (quoted) Colossians 3:15 — “let the peace of Christ rule” (referenced) Proverbs 3:6 — “acknowledge Him… direct your paths” Proverbs 4:18 — “path… shining brighter” Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Bible teacher and prison-ministry leader James Early joins Jill to unpack a shame-free path back to Jesus. James shares how the cross and resurrection secure real freedom, why your identity as God’s child matters more than your worst mistakes, and how total surrender becomes a daily mindset. He tells a powerful prison-ministry story of a woman who finally got to ask hard questions and how she found hope, restored relationships, and new life. Together, they shift from debates to discipleship: try one step from Matthew 5–7 this week and watch what God does. If you’ve wondered whether you’re truly forgiven, or you’re tired of carrying what Jesus already carried, this episode offers language, practices, and courage to start fresh in Him.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!James' Website (and Halfway to Sunday listener resources!)Follow James on Instagram******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:1 John 4:20 (loving God vs. hating your brother). Mark 12:30–31 (Great Commandment).Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount; “do one step”).1 Corinthians 15:17 (resurrection and forgiveness) Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

In this episode Jill welcomes two friends and scholars who unite theology and psychology to help us actually love our neighbors. From Seattle Pacific University to a new season at Baylor, Katherine and Brittany unpack how situational obstacles (hurry, overload), emotions (avoidance, fear), and cognition (scarcity, labels) quietly distract us from empathy. Brittany and Katie offer shame-free, practical shifts: leave early so you can notice people, choose proximity over assumptions, and treat discomfort as spiritual formation, not failure. You’ll hear stories about students engaging in a local encampment, a 40-day “loving better” challenge, and how art, lament, and everyday practices shape faith. If loving like Jesus feels too complicated, this conversation gives you language, tools, and hope to start small and stay faithful.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Follow Loving Better on SubstackBrittany and Katie’s  WebsiteBrittany and Katie on Instagram******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:Psalm 88 – honest lament in suffering (children’s message reference)“Love your neighbor” – Jesus’ command framing the episode’s call to action (Mark 12:31) Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Deacon and mental-health counselor Constance Hastings joins Jill to talk candidly about doubt, grief, and learning to trust Jesus when life is not neat. Constance shares why she wrote The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away, naming tensions like Jesus choosing “losers,” elevating women, talking often about money, and refusing to be our instant “divine fixer.” Together they explore the Lazarus story and the prayer, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief,” offering listeners permission to wrestle without leaving. You’ll hear pastoral, practical counsel: listen first, ask the question behind the question, and create safe spaces in churches and friendships for honest faith. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the unplanned turns, this episode offers language, Scripture, and hope for staying with Jesus when answers are slow.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Follow Constance’s on SubstackConstance’s Website ******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:John 11:21–27 “I am the resurrection and the life…Do you believe this?” (Mary/Martha & Lazarus).Mark 9:24 “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” Ephesians 3:20 “Exceedingly abundantly…beyond what we ask or imagine.” Matthew 11:2–5 / Luke 7:19–23 John the Baptist’s doubt in prison; Jesus cites Isaiah. John 4 Samaritan woman—the first to tell the town. John 20 / Mark 16 Women at the tomb, first witnesses. Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links         Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:                              Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Author–artist Sharon Collins shares how God led her from a Santa Fe spark to art classes, a website, and published devotional books, each painting paired with Scripture. Along the way she learned that the Christian life isn’t radical independence but living in-dependence on Jesus, cultivating silence, and letting Him author the ideas. Sharon unpacks practical rhythms: pool-side quiet with God, texting friends “How can I pray for you today?”, and the cadence “fill, pour, repeat.” She reminds us it’s never too late (her first art class at 67, first book contract at 69) and that small yeses add up. We talk discernment, listening prayer, and re-defining “success” as simple obedience while God handles the results. If you feel behind, if life feels noisy, or if you’re unsure what’s next, this gentle, faith-filled conversation will help you hear Him and begin again - especially as we step into the new year.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Follow Sharon on InstagramSharon’s Website ******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:Matthew 7:7 — “Ask, seek, knock.” (persistence in prayer/listening)Luke 10:38–42 — Mary & Martha: being filled before serving.Matthew 6:11 — “Give us this day our daily bread.” (daily filling)1 Kings 19:12 — God’s “still small voice.” (listening in silence) Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Learning to Let God Love Me (Jill’s Story)In this Christmas-Eve special, Jill shares a vulnerable chapter: a teenage pregnancy, losing her faith community, and decades of running from a God she assumed could never love her. Through her daughters’ invitation, and a deep dive into Mary’s story, Jill began to see the first Christmas differently…and to see her own story through Jesus’ love. She realized God had been present all along, even in a far-from-home hospital room and the messy middle of becoming a family. This episode is an invitation to release perfectionism, receive grace, and believe Emmanuel (God with us) for you. A closing benediction prays for soft hearts, discernment, and everyday generosity. If you’ve ever felt unlovable or beyond repair, let this story remind you: God never left, never stopped loving, and never will.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Follow Jill on Instagram ******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTES Scripture References:John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world…” Matthew 1:23 — “Emmanuel… God with us.” Luke 2:1–20 — Nativity narrative Deuteronomy 31:6 / Hebrews 13:5 — He will never leave nor forsake Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Video producer Craig Dehut shares how Appian Media set out to solve a problem: the world needed well-made, bias-free, biblically accurate Bible films shot in the lands of the Bible and offered free. Craig walks us through Gethsemane (why Jesus likely watched the arresting party approach across the valley), the Sea of Galilee (a large lake you can see across), and Bethlehem (why a cave manger fits first-century reality better than our wooden nativity scenes). We talk “holy imagination” vs. speculation, using media with discernment, and why visuals help modern readers grasp geography, culture, and the grit of the text. Plus: their trips to Israel, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Jordan; the Seven Churches of Revelation; and a long-term plan to film Genesis → Revelation. Watch their films and behind-the-scenes on YouTube or appianmedia.org.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Ways you can connect with Craig Dehut:Follow Craig on Instagram Appian Media websiteAppian Media Videos ******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:John 18:1–3 (Gethsemane; arrest party crossing the valley) Luke 2:7–20 (manger; shepherds near Bethlehem) Luke 1:39–45 (Mary travels to Elizabeth) Mark 4:35–41 / Matt. 8:23–27 (storm on the Sea of Galilee) 1 John 4:1 (“test the spirits”) • 1 Peter 3:15 (“give a defense”) John 20:24–31 (Thomas; “these are written so you may believe”)Other Mentions:Appian Media (appianmedia.org) Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

At the height of a dream legal career, Lara Silverman collapsed into a rare neurological condition that left her largely bedridden. In the confusion, she began keeping “evidence” of God’s presence - moments of Scripture and comfort He sent right when anger and despair peaked. Then came an unexpected love story with Matt, a Christ-like friend facing terminal cancer; they married, ministered with “joy in suffering,” and Matt later passed away. Lara shares a hard-won theology of suffering, permission to lament, and the daily practices that tethered her to Jesus when healing didn’t come. We talk grief, marriage, singleness, and the church’s call to abide with those in pain. Plus: her memoir Singing Through Fire, and practical ways to walk with friends in chronic illness and loss.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Ways you can connect with Lara Silverman:Follow Lara on Instagram Lara’s websiteHer book Singing Through the Fire ******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTES: Scripture References:Psalm 34 (near to the brokenhearted)2 Corinthians 12:9 (“My grace is sufficient for you…”)Lamentations (learning to lament)Isaiah 43:20 (streams in the desert — their wedding verse)Genesis 41:52 (“fruitful in the land of my affliction”)2 Corinthians 4:17 (light and momentary troubles… eternal glory)Ephesians 2:10 (good works prepared in advance)Jeremiah 29:11 (wrestled with its meaning in suffering) Other Mentions:Devotional: Streams in the Desert (daily app she referenced)****** Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Episode 90: Not Hearing God? Deconstruction, Discernment & Surrender (with Cathy Garland)Raised at the intersection of scholarship and revival, Cathy Garland hit deconstruction at thirteen—and her pastor-dad walked with her through honest questions until the Bible’s God became personal again. Cathy explains “learn to discern” - filtering media messages at the assumption level - then takes us into the Old Testament to watch God reveal Himself in story after story. She describes discovering Andrew Murray’s Absolute Surrender, the moment she felt like a “lamp not plugged in,” and how surrender, silence, and Scripture turned up God’s voice. We talk church hurt, rebuilding trust, practical listening prayer, and why discipline creates space for presence in a busy home. If you’re craving a shame-free path back to hearing God, this conversation offers language, practices, and hope.And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content! Ways you can connect with Cathy Garland:Follow Cathy on InstagramCathy’s websiteHer book RevelationshipHer new devotional Known******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:Psalms (joy; language for emotions).Genesis 1–2 (God revealing Himself in creation).Genesis 16 (Hagar/El Roi—“the God who sees me”).Genesis 28:12–13 (Jacob’s ladder; the Lord above it).Exodus 3 (burning bush; take off your shoes—holy ground).Isaiah 54 (the rejected woman; God’s covenant love).Romans 1:20 (creation reveals God—people are without excuse)Other Mentions:Community Bible Study (CBS)—Psalms.Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender (influence on Cathy’s surrender practice).“Learn to Discern” resource (title referenced as a tool parents can use). Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

Engineer and author Nicole Gibson shares how a tragic accident left her with a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and years of emotional fallout. In the dark, she questioned God and later discovered He’d been present all along. Nicole traces the slow rebuild: vulnerable prayer in her room, steady friends who wouldn’t let go, Scripture, church, and a return to self-worth that changed her choices. We talk grief after losing her boyfriend, the cost of telling the truth in a memoir, and why small daily practices like Bible, worship, community keep you moving toward Jesus. Nicole’s mission now is to help women grow through trauma, offering practical hope and a reminder: you are seen and deeply loved. And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Ways you can connect with Nicole Gibson:Follow Nicole on Instagram Nicole’s websiteHer book Shattered Into Grace.******Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:Jeremiah 29:11  “For I know the plans…” (Nicole’s go-to anchor)Other Mentions:Book: Shattered Into Grace Website: DynamicallyCrafted.comNSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) friend community during recovery.***** Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate linksOther Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon ******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.

When Jennifer’s daughter Chloe spiraled from anxiety and depression into a life-threatening incident, Jennifer discovered a new kind of fight: surrender to Jesus while advocating with courage. She shares the ER night that changed everything, the moment God whispered “I love her more,” and how surrender meant releasing control, not abandoning care. Jennifer walks us through advocating with psychiatrists and counselors (including pushing back on meds/fit), why self-care is mission-critical for moms, and how journaling, worship, and community kept her steady. We also explore the “refining fire” season and the difference between God’s delay and God’s absence…they’re not the same. This is a lifeline for any parent navigating mental health at home: practical next steps, biblical anchors, and a reminder that you’re not failing, you’re fighting in faith. And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!Ways you can connect with Jennifer Robb:Follow Jenn on InstagramJenn’s website Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!******SHOW NOTESScripture References:Isaiah 41:10  “Do not fear… I will uphold you.” (Jen’s anchor).Matthew 14:28–33  Peter out of the boat: better with Jesus in the storm.Daniel 3 One “like a son of the gods” in the fire (refining season).Genesis 22 Abraham/Isaac: laying your child on the altar (surrender). Bible Resources:PatreonThe Bible Project The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links******Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas WestEpisode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence LesterEpisode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver BeekEpisode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha PanarisoEpisode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon******Want more Halfway to Sunday? Join our Patreon community!If you want to connect more than just once a week, join us over onInstagramTiktokYouTube******Follow Jill on Instagram Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.We're so glad you're here.