These last few weeks have been hard in the world. Catching up on international and local news reveals heartache at almost every turn. I'm praying as Jesus taught his disciples, asking for his kingdom to come and reign on this earth, but it's hard to miss that things are not as they should be. So … Continue reading Episode 107 – A Word on Lament
Episode 106 – Mandy Smith
Mandy Smith is a pastor, speaker, and author and her latest book, Unfettered, nearly wrecked me (in the best possible way!). In the book and our conversation, Mandy unpacks the baggage of Western culture and how it is impacting our faith. Mandy's journey in this season began with a sabbatical, observing a flock of geese, … Continue reading Episode 106 – Mandy Smith
Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette
Mark Scandrette is an author, pastor, theologian, and gifted teacher. During this conversation, we talk about his newest book, The Ninefold Path of Jesus: Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes. When we read the "blessed are the...." in the Beatitudes it can sometimes feel overwhelming. We ask ourselves how we can do or be all of … Continue reading Episode 104 – Mark Scandrette
Episode 102 – Elsie Tshimunyi McKee
Dr. Elsie Tshimunyi McKee, retired professor of Reformed Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, joins me on the podcast today. She has co-written a lovely book with her friend Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna, whom you'll hear us refer to as Maman Monique during the course of our conversation. Both ladies grew up in the Democratic Republic … Continue reading Episode 102 – Elsie Tshimunyi McKee
Episode 099 – Kat Armas
Kat Armas, author of Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength, is on the podcast this week! Kat is a Fuller grad, on her way to Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is a wrestler in the faith. In her book, Kat introduces us to her grandmother and other women … Continue reading Episode 099 – Kat Armas
Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk
For this episode, I had the chance to interview my professor, Dr. Matthew Kaemingk. Matt teaches classes on faith and public life, including the areas of politics and the workplace. A few years ago, Matt wrote an article on Christian political hospitality viewed through the lens of Holy Week. At the heart of the issue … Continue reading Episode 092 – Matthew Kaemingk
Episode 072 – Amy Crouch & Andy Crouch
This episode with Amy Crouch and her dad, Andy Crouch, is truly one for the whole family. We talked about their new book My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices and how our relationship with technology is reflective of so many other parts of our lives. Our conversation hit … Continue reading Episode 072 – Amy Crouch & Andy Crouch
Episode 069 – Mae Elise Cannon
Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace. Her most recent book Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a must-read for anyone who wants to pursue justice, but is having a hard time figuring out where to start. In our conversation we touched on … Continue reading Episode 069 – Mae Elise Cannon
Episode 068 – Scott Sauls
Scott Sauls is the senior pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. His latest book, A Gentle Answer: Our "Secret Weapon" in an Age of Us Against Them, released this summer and it is an answer to prayer! We all realize 2020 has turned out to be more than we bargained for, but the … Continue reading Episode 068 – Scott Sauls
Episode 067 – Brenda Salter McNeil
Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil has been working in the space of biblical reconciliation for over three decades and the wisdom and grace she brings is invaluable! Thirty years into pursuing racial justice and speaking the truth, she is still entirely convinced of the bravery this job requires. With the heart of a mentor, she actively … Continue reading Episode 067 – Brenda Salter McNeil
Episode 065 – Drew G.I. Hart
Dr. Drew G.I. Hart is a theology professor at Messiah University and author of the new book Who Will Be a Witness? Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance, which was the basis for much of our discussion in this episode. Ultimately, if we are taking our discipleship of Jesus seriously, we have to … Continue reading Episode 065 – Drew G.I. Hart
Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp
Mary Jo Sharp grew up in the Pacific Northwest as an atheist, moved to the Bible Belt for college, and became a Christian. But her faith journey was not as predictable as that makes it sound. When she experienced hypocrisy in the Church she felt her budding faith getting trampled. She began studying apologetics to … Continue reading Episode 064 – Mary Jo Sharp
Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess
As of this airing, we are approximately one week away from the end of the 2020 election cycle. We have complicated questions, strong opinions, curated convictions, and close relationships to navigate and at times it feels impossible. Enter Kaitlyn Schiess! Her new book The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor … Continue reading Episode 063 – Kaitlyn Schiess
Episode 062 – Scott Erickson
Advent couldn't come soon enough for me this year; and I don't think I'm alone! Scott Erickson helps bring the season a little closer to home with our conversation on his book, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now. Scott is an artist, which encompasses a whole host of creative … Continue reading Episode 062 – Scott Erickson
Episode 061 – David Swanson
David Swanson is the pastor of a multiracial congregation in Chicago and author of Rediscipling the White Church: From Cheap Diversity to True Solidarity. In a world where diversity is valued and even sought after, David recognizes it is not always the answer. Racial injustice cannot be addressed by an emphasis of diversity alone; true … Continue reading Episode 061 – David Swanson
Episode 060 – Unbelievable
How important are our words? How do they compare to our actions? The Apostle John and the late Brennan Manning have similar thoughts on the subject. When we say with our mouths we love God, but deny the assertion by denying to love our neighbors, we have failed. We make ourselves liars. Listen in as … Continue reading Episode 060 – Unbelievable
Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby is the New York Times best-selling author of The Color of Compromse: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism. He is also the president and co-founder of The Witness - A Black Christian Collective. Jemar talked about the current civil rights movement, what Christians can do to educate themselves and gave … Continue reading Episode 059 – Jemar Tisby
Episode 058 – Justin Giboney
I am so thrilled to bring you this conversation with Justin Giboney. Justin is an attorney, political strategist and co-founder of the AND Campaign and talks to us about what it means to be faithfully and intellectually engaged in politics. We talk about why critical thinking in the political arena is so important and what … Continue reading Episode 058 – Justin Giboney
The Nature of God
By Alexis Busetti Originally published as an exclusive on FamilyChristian.com Photo by David Monje on Unsplash God with us. This is one of those miracles that I hope never grows old to me. The Creator of everything, living with His creation. We see glimpses of Emmanuel throughout all of history, but we celebrate the ultimate … Continue reading The Nature of God
Three Ways Church is Like Group Exercise Class
By Alexis Busetti Originally published as an exclusive on FamilyChristian.com Photo by Luis Quintero on Unsplash Recently I went to one of those group exercise classes at my gym. You know the ones I’m talking about. They range from old school step aerobics to kickboxing to yoga to aerial silks. This particular class was a … Continue reading Three Ways Church is Like Group Exercise Class
A Beautiful Obedience
By Alexis Busetti Photo by Dennis Ottink on Unsplash This article was first published as an exclusive on FamilyChristian.com I am by no means an expert skier (I think the term my husband uses for our whole family is novice to novice +), but we love getting out on the slopes. We’ve only been a … Continue reading A Beautiful Obedience
Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire
Today's conversation is with movement maker Terri Broussard Williams. Whether it's philanthropy, policy or building or joining a movement that aligns with your passion, Terri is here to help. This political season feels chaotic at best and hopeless at worst and I found myself succumbing to the whims of the culture. That's when I knew … Continue reading Episode 055 – Terri Broussard Williams, Author, Find Your Fire
Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey
I am so excited about this episode with Chrystal! I don't know any Christian who hasn't struggled with aspects of his or her prayer life and Chrystal is no exception. Her new book The 28-Day Prayer Journey: A Daily Guide to Conversations with God began out of her own journey to see her relationship with … Continue reading Episode 054 – Chrystal Evans Hurst, Author, The 28-Day Prayer Journey
Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life
Cara Meredith is an author, speaker, and conversationalist. She's also a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. But how I encountered her most meaningfully is as a student. Her spiritual memoir, The Color of Life: A Journey Toward Love and Racial Justice tells the story of how Cara met and fell in love with her … Continue reading Episode 053 – Cara Meredith, Author, The Color of Life
Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good
Megan Fate Marshman brings the encouragement in this conversation and in her new book Meant for Good: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You! Her joy is contagious and her teaching is challenging in the best way possible. In the book, Megan breaks down the famous verse Jeremiah 29:11, and the three … Continue reading Episode 052 – Megan Fate Marshman, Pastor and Author, Meant for Good
Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity
What does it mean to affirm someone's dignity as a person? This question has been circling around in my head for months now. It seems like everywhere I turn I am hearing about it or reading about it and it's caused me to look deeper into what it means. How is our dignity inherent to … Continue reading Episode 051 – Affirming Human Dignity
Free From Fear
By Alexis Busetti Originally published as an exclusive article for Family Christian Photo by Jonathan Sebastiao on Unsplash Historically I spent much of my life as a worry wart, my Grandma Joy said I came by it honestly, so I grew accustomed to seeking out scripture passages and stories about God saving. I looked up … Continue reading Free From Fear
Episode 049 – Sarah Jackson, Casa de Paz
Sarah Jackson is the founder of Casa de Paz and author of The House That Love Built: Why I Opened My Door to Immigrants and How We Found Hope Beyond a Broken System. Sarah wasn't looking to become an advocate in the complicated world of immigration in the U.S.; it just kind of happened to … Continue reading Episode 049 – Sarah Jackson, Casa de Paz
Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)
Pastor and author Ashlee Eiland and her husband, Delwin, are both on staff at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI where Delwin leads worship and Ashlee serves as a Formation and Preaching Pastor. Ashlee has a message that could not be more relevant and timely for us living in the current cultural climate … Continue reading Episode 048 – Ashlee Eiland, Pastor and Author, Human(kind)
Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth
Michael Lacy is definitely one of my favorite voices in the personal finance space today! He coaches, hosts a podcast, writes, and offers resources on all things money through his company Winning To Wealth. He also recently was laid off from his job as a result of slow downs due to the coronavirus pandemic (affectionately … Continue reading Episode 047 – Michael Lacy, Winning To Wealth
Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project
Adam and Randi Blair are the married couple behind the diversity consulting firm, The Selah Project. Their current work in helping churches create more diverse communities is birthed from their experience in being an interracial couple in ministry. I love what they say about the training they provide to leaders and congregations - that it … Continue reading Episode 046 – Adam & Randi Blair, The Selah Project
Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Sean Dietrich, better known as Sean of the South, is a popular blogger and storyteller. He hosts a podcast and is the author of his memoir and most recent book, Will the Circle Be Unbroken? A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be Okay. If you know me in real life, you know there's … Continue reading Episode 045 – Sean Dietrich, Author of Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race
Here on the podcast, we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life. You have surely noticed that recently in our country, and really across the world, eyes have turned to racial injustice in America. I have not shied away from talking about race on the podcast because this topic definitely fits into the original premise. … Continue reading Episode 044 – Let’s Talk About Race
Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University
The soon to be Rev. Dr. Malcolm Foley was on the podcast and I can honestly say it was one of my favorite conversations to date! Malcolm is a PhD candidate at Baylor University and his dissertation research asks the question, how Black Protestants affirmed their own dignity in the late 19th and early 20th … Continue reading Episode 043 – Malcolm Foley, Department of Religion at Baylor University
Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco
This conversation with Gary was recorded on May 29, 2020. Gary Wardlaw is the founder and co-owner of The Relationship Clinic of Waco. Heholds a dual license as a Marriage and Family Therapist and as a ProfessionalCounselor in both Texas and Virginia. Gary’s skill development has come from an arrayof clinical settings. Prior to relocating … Continue reading Episode 042 – Gary Wardlaw of The Relationship Clinic of Waco
Repenting for Racism
By Alexis Busetti I feel completely unprepared to write about this topic. In fact, this is the second draft of this article because I completely trashed the first one (that I spent days re-working and then published only to un-publish again). But because it’s important, I’m going to try again. I want to talk about … Continue reading Repenting for Racism
Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw
Dr. Christina Crenshaw is a full-time lecturer at Baylor University where she teaches on faith, writing, and vocational and church leadership, among other topics. She has researched, written, and spoken extensively on human trafficking and she is an advocate for biblical justice. In our conversation we used her experience in human trafficking to frame a … Continue reading Episode 039 – Dr. Christina Crenshaw
Run Your Race
By Alexis Busetti My dad used to kickbox. Like, competitively. He has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and since he had a martial arts school in my hometown I didn’t usually have to say much during those “my dad is tougher than your dad” debates in elementary school. As part of his training … Continue reading Run Your Race
Episode 038 – Shannan Martin
I had a blast talking to Shannan Martin! Shannan is a speaker, writer, mom, and wife to Cory who works as a chaplain at the local jail. I finished her first book Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted literally only moments before our interview and I'm pretty sure I'm digesting parts of … Continue reading Episode 038 – Shannan Martin
Being Faithful in the Small Things – and Money is a Small Thing
By Alexis Busetti You’re at a backyard barbeque on a sweltering Texas summer evening. You’re chatting with friends, happily enjoying yourself, sipping your tea when all of a sudden your tablemate smacks you on the back of the arm. You spin around and before you can get out what you want to say, she claims … Continue reading Being Faithful in the Small Things – and Money is a Small Thing
Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church
It's not everyday that I get to interview such a dear, personal friend for the podcast! Through this episode, I have the absolute privilege of introducing you to Andrew Franklin. Andrew serves as the Counseling Pastor of Antioch Church in Norman, OK. Seth and I have known Andrew for around 15 years and to say … Continue reading Episode 036 – Andrew Franklin, Counseling Pastor with Antioch Church
Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble
Jeanne Bishop is an attorney, advocate, and author. Her most recent book release, Grace from the Rubble, tells the story of Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh who was convicted of bombing the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 and Bud Welch, who is the father of one of the … Continue reading Episode 035 – Jeanne Bishop, Author of Grace from the Rubble
Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses
This weekend we celebrated Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection far away from our loved ones, under stay-at-home orders, and inside of an epidemic. But we can still respond to His resurrection relationally. It's what we saw the women do when they found an empty tomb. It's what His disciples did when they had dinner with … Continue reading Episode 034 – Resurrection and Relational Responses
Episode 033 – Mike Hickman
Mike Hickman is hilarious! He is a comedian, actor, and musician and we first saw him perform his variety act last year and cracked up the whole time! But all of Mike's life hasn't been fun and games. He and his family suffered the tragic loss of their son just over five years ago. In … Continue reading Episode 033 – Mike Hickman
Episode 032 – Kim Harms
Kim Harms is a wife, mom, believer, and freelance writer. Kim's diagnosis of breast cancer came just one month after turning forty. Shortly after her diagnosis, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and five months of reconstruction. I'm so thankful for Kim's vulnerability and openness about her process. She's putting the finishing touches on her first … Continue reading Episode 032 – Kim Harms
Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House
I can't wait for you to hear this conversation with Michael Meissner of Abba's House! Michael, who has been a pastor for 27 years, his wife Julie, and their children live right where they minister. They welcome refuge families, one at a time, into their home where they show them the love of Jesus in … Continue reading Episode 029 – Michael Meissner of Abba’s House
Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath
Have you noticed a curiosity regarding Sabbath reemerging in the Church lately? It's beautiful! I think we're starting to notice how worn out we are and we're seeking rest and relaxation in the form of the Sabbath. My family and I have been on a similar journey for almost two decades now and God has … Continue reading Episode 028 – Celebrating Sabbath
Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class
God gave us a community to do this following Jesus thing with and that community is called Church. And, in some ways church is like a group exercise class at your local gym. We're together, working, and learning from each other and an instructor the art and science of following Jesus and loving Him and … Continue reading Episode 022 – Church is Like Group Exercise Class
Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance
Mental health struggles within the church aren't usually included in the popular topics of conversation, but that is changing in no small part thanks to organizations like The Grace Alliance. In this episode I host Casey Pruet of The Grace Alliance and she talks about the importance of helping the church serve one another inside … Continue reading Episode 019 – Casey Pruet with The Grace Alliance
Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us
Emmanuel, the invisible God, being with us is a hard concept to grasp for us humans. We're used to being around things we can see, more specifically, things that look kind of like us. But God, who is entirely "other," came to earth to show us who He is, so we would never have to … Continue reading Episode 018 – Emmanuel, God With Us
Episode 017 – The Family of God
Have you ever thought about what it means to be part of the family of God? That God Himself hand-selected you to be His son or daughter? It feels almost unbelievable - too good to be true - but it isn't! God loves you with an eternal love and He wants you to know your … Continue reading Episode 017 – The Family of God
Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2
Nathan Wilbur is back! If you missed Part 1, be sure to go back and listen; he shared all about growing up as a son in Paul Wilbur's house. Now Nathan tells us about his role as director of Wilbur Ministries and what God is doing through First Fridays in his church in Florida. He … Continue reading Episode 016 – Nathan Wilbur Part 2 of 2
Identity Crisis
By Alexis Busetti Originally published on Family Christian Ever since I was in college I have struggled with who I am. I have participated in and led Bible studies on identity in Christ and often felt like it was a concept too intangible to be grasped. Thankfully God is never far from us or our … Continue reading Identity Crisis
Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2
Oh my goodness! This conversation with Sarah will get your mind spinning for all the different kinds of work that needs done in the Kingdom! Sarah shares with us about her organization Saving Moses and what they do to save and improve children's lives around the world. In this conversation, we specifically focus on their … Continue reading Episode 012 – Sarah Bowling Part 2 of 2
Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2
We all know God deeply desires for us to hear His voice, but how do we do that? Part of it comes as a gift, and part of it is learned. Listen in as Sarah Bowling tells us about growing up in a household where learning to hear from the Holy Spirit became second nature. … Continue reading Episode 011 – Sarah Bowling Part 1 of 2
Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth
Have you ever built a house? Even the thought of that kind of project makes me a little nauseous. All the details! But God built a house that got torn down and rebuilt again. Then, it got destroyed and raised up in all of us! We are the new temple of God and Jesus is … Continue reading Episode 010 – Salt of the Earth
Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie
Have you ever felt like God was moving you to a new stage or even a new state in your career? Were you completely sure or did you have some uncertainty surrounding whether you should stay or go? Well, you are not alone. Coppelia joins us this week to share her journey from Puerto Rico … Continue reading Episode 009 – Coppelia Marie
Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2
On the first episode, Bob gave us a look into his journey from aspiring educator to accidental comedian. This time, he shares how his faith foundation revealed itself when his marriage fell apart after 17 years. But don't worry, there's a happy ending! Bob's wife even texted during the interview and one of his "bonus" … Continue reading Episode 007 – Bob Smiley Part 2 of 2
Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2
In the second half of my conversation with Michelle McKinney she offers us her expertise in empowering women to live their God-given dreams! She shares about her experiences of taking high-level executives from "here to there" and how we can do the same with the help of some simple steps she'll teach us. Her passion … Continue reading Episode 004 – Michelle McKinney Part 2 of 2
Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2
Listen in on this amazing conversation with Michelle McKinney! Michelle is the founder and Dream Architect of Dreams Unleashed. In Part 1, Michelle talks about losing her mother at a young age. She also shares about adopting her own daughter and how God taught her about pain, redemption, and calling from both experiences. Learn more … Continue reading Episode 003 – Michelle McKinney Part 1 of 2
Episode 002 – The Price is Right!
In college, God started really speaking to me about personal finance (or more accurately, I started really listening). From an often misinterpreted verse in the gospel of Matthew to an old, red Mitsubishi, I learned lessons about money I (and I hope, YOU) will never forget! Episode Transcript: Intro 0:44 Hi, I'm Alexis and welcome … Continue reading Episode 002 – The Price is Right!
Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure
Have you ever found yourself digging through the trash looking for something precious when there you are, up to your elbows in banana peels and dirty napkins, and God speaks a word to you? Not really? All alone out here? Well, listen in to what I heard Him say when I was doing just that. … Continue reading Episode 001 – Looking for Lost Treasure
Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer
Welcome to the That Makes Total Sense! podcast. I'm Alexis Busetti and I'm so glad you're here! This is the place where we talk about faith, finance, and everyday life in a way that makes total sense. It's not so much about changing our convictions as it is about messing with our methods. So grab … Continue reading Episode 000 – That Makes Total Sense! Trailer
Fill Your Tank
This week the gulf coast has been bracing for the potential hit of Hurricane Barry.
Salt of the Earth
By Alexis Busetti Originally posted on Family Christian My husband and I have never built a house. We have several friends who have done it and the process seems incredibly overwhelming to me. I can’t even fathom making all of those decisions. It’s the details. I’m a detail-oriented person (and I tend to be rather … Continue reading Salt of the Earth
Joseph Had a Plan
By Alexis Busetti Originally posted on familychristian.com The biblical feast of Passover is coming up in a few short weeks and Jewish people all over the world (and more and more Christians as well) will celebrate with a traditional seder meal. There will be matzah, time with family, and a retelling of how God brought … Continue reading Joseph Had a Plan
10 Ways to Create a Faith Based Wealth Mindset
By Seth Busetti Is wealth the same thing as having money? There are many families who live so modestly that money brings them no joy and offers little reward. For them money is utilitarian, it simply pays the bills and that’s it. On the other hand, there are many people in America with ample cash … Continue reading 10 Ways to Create a Faith Based Wealth Mindset