What I'm Listening To

The music, podcasts, and sermons I’m loving right now.

As a stay-at-home mom, there are some days when I miraculously have time to read the Bible, journal, and dig into every word and question for an hour with no distractions. But most days? Most days, I’m scrambling to get a bit of the Word into my heart and mind while taking care of my seven-month-old full-time. That’s when listening to the audio version of the Bible is key, and worship music, podcasts, and sermons come in handy. These resources help pour the truth over me and keep my eyes fixed on the Kingdom.

Here are a few of my favorites right now. I’d love to hear what you’re listening to, too! Leave me a comment below.

Music

“Rescue” by Lauren Daigle

I was a big fan of Daigle’s hit song “You Say” (and wrote about it here), but there’s something different about “Rescue” that I love even more. Whereas “You Say” focuses on what God says about who we are as His sons and daughters, “Rescue” highlights the character of God. He sees us, He knows us, and He is always working for our good and His glory. He will never leave us or forsake us. He’s the good shepherd, and we are His flock.

“Raise a Hallelujah” - Bethel Music

This song is guaranteed to make you turn the volume up. My son and I love dancing around to this, praising God and His faithfulness.

“O Praise the Name (Anastasis)” - Hillsong Worship

I almost always tear up to “O Praise the Name.” This live version is especially powerful. It helps me to meditate on what Jesus Christ did for me. How He died for the world, yes, but for me individually and for you. He died and He rose again with great purpose: to save you and invite you into His kingdom!

“O praise the name of the Lord our God, o praise His name forevermore. For endless days, we will sing Your praise, O Lord, O Lord, our God.”

Podcasts

Risen Motherhood

I discovered Risen Motherhood this year, and I’m officially hooked. I love how the hosts apply the gospel to everything they discuss, from finances to body image to screen time. Each episode is about 20 minutes, making them perfect to turn on while you wash dishes or fold laundry.

In the Market with Janet Parshall

This podcast is also a show on Moody Radio; it comes on here in Nashville during the evening commute. My husband and I so appreciate how Parshall dissects current events and hot-button topics through the lens of the Bible. A must-listen.

That Sounds Fun with Annie Downs

Downs interviews different guests each week—some of my favorite episodes include Sadie Robertson, Rebekah Lyons, Trey Kennedy, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck—and she always makes sure she asks them what sounds fun.

Sermons

The Answer for Anxiety - Long Hollow Baptist Church, Pastor Robby Gallaty

Our former church is going through a series called “Real Life,” and dang, it’s good. This message on anxiety has been incredibly helpful for me and reminded me to run to Christ when I feel anxious. Gallaty has also preached on depression and social media. He weaves the truth of Jesus and the Bible with his own personal testimony, even discussing medication (which no, is not a sin). Watch online or download the podcast version.

Practicing Prayer - The Village Church, Pastor Matt Chandler

Matt Chandler is the first evangelical pastor I ever listened to, and he’s someone I turn back to time and time again. His messages continue to be rooted in scripture; this one is no exception. Chandler breaks down how Jesus teaches His followers to pray. Watch online or download the podcast version.

The Underdog’s Secret - Summit Church, Pastor JD Grear

I heard this sermon on the radio a few weeks ago, and I was blown away. I’d never listened to Grear before this. Like Gallaty and Chandler, Grear’s powerful voice and love of the Word make for some convicting and encouraging sermons. Here, he discusses the story of Gideon and how God often uses the small and weak to fulfill His plans. Listen online or to the podcast version.

My First Podcast Interview

I was honored to do my very first podcast interview last week for the brand new Long Hollow Stories podcast. This weekly podcast gives a behind-the-scenes look at the life within our church, giving others a chance to hear how God is moving within our midst. 

When my boss talked about starting a podcast this summer, I thought it was an exciting idea. I thought this would be something I'd totally listen to—stories of God working in and through His people. I never once thought I would be on it. But when he approached me last week with an opportunity to share my story—to share specifically about anxiety and eating disorders—I knew I had to say yes. I felt in my heart that God could use this story as a way to show people more of Him. 

I was actually shaking as we sat down to do the interview. I had read over my testimony that morning, and I brought a notecard into the studio with some of my favorite verses on it. Other than that, I didn't do any formal preparation. I prayed. I asked God to give me wisdom and to speak through me. I prayed that His words would be mine. I prayed that He would get the glory through this. And I will keep praying that. To thine be the glory.

I'm still a work in progress. I still struggle, and I still have room for healing. But God is faithful. He reminds me that trials lead to endurance and strengthen our faith. That when I seek Him, He hears me and delivers me from all my fears. That I am His, a new creation, no longer a slave to the old self.

Let me tell you, friends, amazing things can happen when your life is in His hands. 

Click below to listen, and as always, feel free to comment or send me a message to keep this conversation going!

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If you want to talk more about Jesus Christ and faith and what-the-heck-is-all-this-stuff, shoot me a message. I love meeting new people, whether virtually or in person, and gabbing about life. 

And if you'd like to know more of my story, you can read my testimony here.

Truly, He makes beautiful things.