Episodes

  • The Son: Enough for Our Past

    The Son: Enough for Our Past
    Jun 5 2025
    If you feel weighed down by guilt or shame, there is hope for you. Barbara Rainey explains the solution found only in Jesus.Barbara Rainey invites us to reflect on the parts of ourselves we’ve always wished were different, sharing openly about her own lifelong struggle with shyness. Through storytelling—from childhood memories to passages in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia—and a deep dive into John 9, Barbara reminds us that God doesn’t make mistakes with our design or our past. Even the things we might view as handicaps, she says, can be purposed for God’s glory. Join Barbara and host Michelle as they explore what it means to find confidence and healing through Jesus, the Son—who is, indeed, enough for every painful chapter in our story.Timestamps00:00 "Narnia Storytime"06:09 "The Paradox of a Good God"07:17 "God's Sufficiency for Your Past"12:29 "Jesus' Initiative and Compassion"15:45 Born with a Shy Nature18:06 "Embrace Your God-Given Traits"20:07 "Barbara Rainey Podcast Outro"Key Topics1. Introduction: Struggles with Our Insecurities and Personality TraitsBarbara Rainey poses a reflective question about what personal traits listeners wish they didn’t have.Michelle introduces Barbara’s own struggle with shyness.Establishing a theme of personal dissatisfaction with innate characteristics.2. Assurance of God’s Purpose and No Mistakes in CreationBarbara asserts that God doesn’t make mistakes in our design or life circumstances.She affirms that, even if we never understand why we’re made a certain way, we can trust God’s intentions.3. The Search for Satisfaction and God as the Ultimate SourceMichelle discusses universal longings and the tendency to search for fulfillment in things apart from God.Introduction to the idea that God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is sufficient for every need.4. Literary Reflection: Excerpt from The Chronicles of NarniaBarbara reads a passage from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”The children’s discovery of Narnia and initial encounter with Mr. Beaver.The children ask about Aslan and learn He is both powerful and not “safe,” but fundamentally good.Drawing parallels between Aslan and God: Good, not always “safe,” mysterious in His ways.5. Wrestling with Wanting a Predictable and Safe GodBarbara shares her own desire for a God she can understand and predict.Insights on learning to accept God’s goodness even when His ways are beyond comprehension.Introduction of the theme: “God is enough for our past, present, and future.”6. Focus on God the Son: Jesus is Enough for Our PastPlan to examine three aspects: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; today focusing on the Son.Context-setting for the selected scripture:The significance of the word “believe” in the Book of John.Exploration of belief as a feminine noun in Greek, and its relational implications (e.g., women’s faith at the tomb).Scriptural context for John 9:Story takes place midway through Jesus’ ministry, during the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah).7. The Story of the Man Born Blind: John 9Jesus notices the blind man, highlighting divine initiative.Consideration of the man’s lifelong dependence, potential for isolation, and feelings of hopelessness.Disciples’ question about the source of the man’s blindness reflects human desire to find blame and maintain control.Jesus’ response: blindness is not a result of sin, but an opportunity for the works of God to be displayed.8. Theological Implications: God’s Sovereignty and Human StruggleReference to Exodus 4:11: God as creator of all abilities and disabilities.Wrestling with the discomfort that God can allow suffering or hardship for His purposes.God’s higher plans may involve temporary or lifelong struggles to display His glory.9. Personal Application: Identifying Our Own “Handicaps”Barbara shares her own story of lifelong shyness and feeling different.Listeners are prompted to identify and reflect on their own “handicaps” or lifelong struggles.Sharing experiences of feeling like a mistake within one’s family or community.Encouragement to see personal struggles as purposeful in God’s plan.10. Conclusion: Believing God’s Good Purposes in Our StoriesReflection on the blind man’s faith and response to Jesus.Posing a question to listeners: Will you trust God’s purpose and believe, like the man born blind?Michelle’s summary: It takes faith to believe that Jesus is enough for our past and that God is wise in all He allows.11. Closing and Next Episode TeaserMention of resources (Barbara’s Substack and epic poem “The Wonder of the Word”).Preview of part two: “God the Father is enough for our present.”
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    20 mins
  • The Joys and Challenges of Parenting Teens

    The Joys and Challenges of Parenting Teens
    Mar 6 2025

    Teenagers are sometimes headstrong and over-confident. Dennis and Barbara Rainey say there's a reason God gives parents to teens. The Raineys help you navigate the choppy—and rewarding—waters of the teen years.
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    15 mins
  • Learning from Mistakes in Marriage: Episode 2 Beyond the Fairytale: 10 Rules for a Marriage that Lasts

    Learning from Mistakes in Marriage: Episode 2 Beyond the Fairytale: 10 Rules for a Marriage that Lasts
    Jan 28 2025

    No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.

    What You’ll Learn in this episode:

    1. The Importance of Understanding: Discover why getting to the heart of why something affects your spouse is more meaningful than just knowing what to avoid saying or doing.
    2. Rookie Mistakes Are Normal: Hear Dennis and Barbara talk about the rookie mistakes they made in their early years of marriage and learn why these mistakes are a natural part of growing together.
    3. Handling Differentness: Understand how recognizing and appreciating the innate differences between men and women can enhance your relationship.
    4. The Value of Perseverance: Learn why it’s crucial to stick together through thick and thin, adapting and growing in love over the years.
    5. Biblical Blueprints for Marriage: Get insights on how having a shared biblical foundation can help couples navigate life's challenges together.

    Fun Fact from the Episode:

    Did you know that teasing as a form of affection can backfire? Bob shared a funny yet insightful anecdote about how teasing, which was normal in his family growing up, didn't translate well with his wife Marianne, particularly when he pointed out her pimples. It’s a prime example of a rookie mistake that many can learn from! 😄


    Timestamps
    00:00 "Rookie Season Until Parenthood"

    03:56 Photographer Saves Wedding Day Drama

    07:49 Family Affection Through Teasing

    12:03 "Velveteen Rabbit: Love's True Beauty"

    15:43 Humorous Marriage Anecdote

    18:18 "Barbara Rainey's Wisdom Subscription"
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    19 mins
  • Beyond the Fairytale: 10 Rules for a Marriage that Lasts, Ep.1 - Marriage is for More Than Happiness

    Beyond the Fairytale: 10 Rules for a Marriage that Lasts, Ep.1 - Marriage is for More Than Happiness
    Jan 27 2025

    How can a couple invest in a marriage that lasts? It starts by gaining the right perspective. And, contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis, Barbara, and Bob cover the first two rules.

    Fun Fact from the Episode:

    Did you know? Early in their marriage, Barbara assumed Dennis could fix things just like her dad could because she believed it was a typical male trait. It took her ten years to realize that Dennis had other strengths her dad didn't, teaching her to fully accept and love Dennis for who he is!


    00:00 Acceptance in Marriage is Ongoing

    04:20 "Marriage Advice for Young Couples"

    08:30 Balancing Marriage and Biblical Roles

    10:41 "Nourishing Love: A Husband's Journey"

    15:13 Marriage Podcast Series Promotion

    16:16 "Marriage Rules Beyond Fairytales"

    5 Keys You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Shattering Unrealistic Expectations: Barbara shares her experience on accepting your spouse as they are and the ongoing practice it requires.
    2. Marriage Beyond Happiness: Dennis explains why marriage is more about a transcendent purpose rather than just personal happiness.
    3. Role of Marriage as a Growth Agent: Get insights into how marriage helps both men and women grow up and mature in ways they never imagined.
    4. Selflessness in Marriage: Discover why self-denial is crucial and how it positively impacts your relationship.
    5. Adapting to Differences: Hear Barbara’s journey of learning to appreciate the unique differences between her and Dennis.
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    17 mins
  • Choosing Gratitude

    Choosing Gratitude
    Nov 21 2024

    Have you thought about the fact that you can choose to be grateful regardless of your circumstances? Barbara is joined by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, author of Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy.
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    21 mins
  • God’s Heart for the Orphan

    God’s Heart for the Orphan
    Nov 8 2024

    Over and over in the Scriptures, God makes it clear that He loves the orphan, and that He expects His people to do the same. Dennis and Barbara Rainey outline five ways we can care for what the Bible calls "the fatherless."
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    27 mins
  • Learning from Mistakes in Marriage

    Learning from Mistakes in Marriage
    Oct 25 2024

    No marriage this side of glory is perfect. Dennis and Barbara Rainey are joined by Bob Lepine to help you avoid repeating mistakes and instead turn them into something that will strengthen your relationship.
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    19 mins
  • Disappointment with God - Part 1

    Disappointment with God - Part 1
    Sep 27 2024

    Unanswered prayer…a difficult trial…life just plain different from what you would like? These can result in disappointment with God. Dennis and Barbara Rainey explain why it happens and what to do about it.
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    21 mins