Hole in My Heart Podcast

Christmas Bonus!

We go a bit off the rails with this one. Matt, Steve, and I (Laurie) talk about our best Christmas presents ever, and then we devolve...yet again...into angst/joy about Trans-Siberian Orchestra. If you've never listened to us, this is a great start to see if you like us. Merry Christmas!
 
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Episode 19: I’m Coming Out with Amber McClurg

If you choose a life of vulnerability, you choose a life of continuously coming out--no matter your story, no matter your vulnerable places, no matter your struggle. ​
You are always coming out into authenticity.
Today, I (Laurie) share one of the first times I came out to a friend. And this is cool: This friend, Amber McClurg, is on the show! Hear Amber and I talk about that first (quite awkward) coming out experience, and what good came from it in spite of the awkwardness.
Additionally, Matt, Producer Steve, Amber and I chat about our words for 2018, things we don't like sharing, how to know if someone is safe to come out to, having a "healthy mistrust of yourself," heart-focused accountability, how we need more than one friend, and the risks of friendship.
 
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Episode 18: The Loneliness of Leadership

Are you a leader? (Is everyone a leader?)
Do you ever feel lonely as a leader? Why is that? What can we do about it?
We talk about loneliness on the podcast today as well as big changes that are happening at HIMH (no Matt??!), people who like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (ew), and visit Gory Island as opposed to Goofball Island to brag about how we got our childhood scars. (Thanks for carrying me like a lamb in Jesus's arms, sixth-oldest sibling, Suzie!)
 
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Episode 17: The James Progression

Let's talk temptation!
Often, temptation is viewed as the line before falling into sin. But is there another way to look at temptation that is not so laden in shame and fear?
Things we also discussed were Matt's silent retreat (where Laurie didn't respect his silent boundaries!), what do we hope for the new year, and best dates ever.
 
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“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15).
In counseling, Matt uses what he calls, “The James Progression” based off of these verses to help clients self-diagnose what their heart needs in temptation.
Core Needs ----- > Desires ----- > Temptation ----- > Sin ----- > Death
 
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Episode 16: Concern and Hope for the Church with Matt Tuininga

It's easy to look around the world and become discouraged. The polarities on any conversation can make a person either want to stand up and scream or dig their heads in the sand and hide. 
Is there any gift to choosing neither option? Is there another way to weather the storm of extremes?
Matthew Krieg is gone this week but Matthew Tuininga is here as a special guest! He is a professor of moral theology at Calvin Seminary, and is a courageous, authentic, intelligent thinker.
We talk extremes we see both politically and in the Church. We share where it concerns us and the good that can come in the midst of it. We also talk about how we want to be more Christ-like at Christmas, and gender stereotypes we follow and don't at all.
 
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Check out Matthew Tuininga's page here!
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Bonus Track! Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all in the U.S! We are so thankful for YOU, our listeners! We wish we could spend time hearing what all of you are thankful for around a giant thanksgiving table. Perhaps that's our longing for heaven talking...
 
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Episode 15: The New Health and Wealth Gospel with Greg Coles

Sometimes, Millennials can look at the Christians before them and judge those who have believed a gospel of, "If I pursue God, I will have a lot of money and never get sick."
However, Millennials can have their own version of a "health and wealth gospel" in the way we believe, "If I pursue God, I will be happy." But is this true?
With SPECIAL GUEST Greg Coles (author of 'Single Gay Christian') we talk about this question as well as our favorite parts of the Caring Well Conference and Christmas traditions.
 
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Episode 14: Idolatry of Sex

How can we as the Church look more like the Church? It starts with looking at what we have misperceived to be the ultimate connector for too long: sex. We need to confess our idolatry of sex, and lean into relationships in a new way.
The crew also discussed worst dates and Christmas favorites. (Hallmark movies? Yay? Nay?)
 
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Episode 13: Marriage Matters

How can we cultivate intimacy in marriage when we're in a tough season?
But wait! This track is not just for married folk. People who are in relationships of any nature will benefit from practical ways to lean into relationships when they are not easy. Also discussed are things to bring on a desert island (hint: bag o' books) and swallowing the first five sentences you want to say when someone triggers you.
[Please note we talk about sticking with marriage no matter what, but know if you are in an abusive relationship, we are not encouraging staying. Please read this article "Enough is Enough" with Gary Thomas for more.
 
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Episode 12: Heart to Heart Prayer with Carolyn Schroeder

Laurie's "Spiritual Dumbledore" is in the house! Often when Laurie speaks she talks about her mentor/counselor, Carolyn Schroeder. Carolyn was instrumental in Laurie's decision to follow Christ no matter what. Matt, Laurie, Producer Steve, and Carolyn talk Heart to Heart Prayer, how to find your own spiritual Dumbledore (AKA...a good counselor or mentor), and discuss what they wish they hadn't quit from childhood.
 
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