Pastor & Author Tracey Bianchi joins the podcast today to talk about Lent, liturgy and why being intentional about Holy Week matters. She also shares vulnerably about how her husband's unexpected health crisis turned her world upside down, what it has taught her -- and is continue to teaching her-- about the messiness of life, letting go of control and living in the hope of Easter Sunday.

Tracey Bianchi has served in the local church for twenty years. She’s led as pastor in Student Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Worship Arts, Adult Ministry and as a regular preacher at Christ Church, located in the western suburbs of Chicago. She is the author of four books and Bible studies on faith-based parenting and formation for women. In 2013, her work was noted by Christianity Today a “One of Fifty Christian Women Leaders to Watch.” Tracey also serves at several Christian institutions of higher education. She’s on the Board of Trustees at Denver Seminary and teaches courses in preaching, worship, and practical ministry at a Chicago area seminary. She earned her BA in History and Political Science from the University of Iowa; her Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary; and is about to earn her doctorate at Duke Divinity School.

Alan Noble talks about his award-winning book On Getting Out of Bed: The Gift & Burden of Living.

Alan shares his motivation for writing the book, explores the myth of a happy life and takes a deep dive into the reality of living with mental afflictions--as well as those who love them. Alan emphasizes why getting out of bed is not only courageous, but a choice that ultimately reflects the goodness of God.

Takeaways

• Mental health is an important topic that needs to be addressed.
• Suffering is a normal part of life, and it is important to acknowledge and support those who are going through difficult times.
• Building intentional relationships and creating safe spaces for sharing stories is crucial for supporting one another.
• When trying to help someone with mental health issues, it is important to be mindful of how our words and actions may impact them.
• Finding a sense of purpose and answering the question of why we should get out of bed every day is essential for mental well-being.

Suanne and award-winning author Jen Pollock Michel explore what it looks like to have a counter-cultural perspective on time, productivity and faithfulness. Jen shares her own journey of redefining productivity as well as key insights from her book In Good Time: 8 Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry and Practicing Peace. Jen discusses how implementing a Rule of Life and can help transform "time anxiety" and bring freedom as we make decisions that honor God and one another.

Key Takeways

• Redefine productivity as fruitfulness and focus on the long-term growth and impact.
• Recognize the cultural conditioning towards constant acceleration and busyness.
• Create a rule of life to establish intentional habits and practices that align with your values and priorities.
• Make space to be open and available to God and others, allowing for interruptions and reevaluating the importance of tasks.

Learn more about Jen's books and her Rule of Life Intensive at www.jenpollockmichel.com and @jenpmichel

Join us for Part Two of Suanne's conversation with author, researcher and professor Steve Argue, co-author of Growing With: Every Parent's Guide to to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in their Faith, Family & Future. Steve & Suanne are joined by Christ Church Family Pastor & Fuller Seminary Doctoral Student Steve Noble.

Together, Dr. Argue & Steve share insights about how a parents' relationship with their child changes over time, what this means for parents as they, too, learn to grow and adapt to the needs of their kids, the real pressure parents feel for their kids to "measure up" (and what happens when they don't), and how relational warmth, empathy and community lead to hope and joy in parenting.

"Our children are changing as they get older. We are changing as they get older. Our relationship with them is changing as we get older. Often our parenting focuses on behavior but as our kids get older, it doesn’t work so much. We need to go on a mutual journey with our kids as all of us change and grow together," Steve Argue.

Learn more about Steve Argue's research, including his books, at stevenargue.com

Suanne & Kris Stevenson talk about the origin & traditions of Advent, the gift of longing for Christmas, how each Gospel treats the Christmas narrative a little differently and what the gifts of the wise men have to teach us about Christmas.

Author, speaker and seminary professor Steve Argue explains the landscape facing emerging adults today. Not only does he share the unique challenges adults in their 20s are facing, but reminds all of us--parents, mentors, employees, church leaders, aunts, uncles, grandparents!-- why empathy and presences are key to connecting with this generation. Visit his website to learn more about Steve's speaking, writing and resources.

Sherri Adams, Christ Church staff member and Generis Consultant, talks about her passion for the local church, why generosity matters in the lives of God's people, and how her plan to donate a kidney to her brother went completely awry. Sherri opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer, questioning her faith, what if felt like to be angry with God, letting go of her pride, and how God ultimately used her story in ways she never could have imagined.

ABC7 Chicago's Tracy Butler joins the podcast to talk about her journey through broadcasting (including the surprising call she received in 7th grade that changed her life), what might surprise you about her job and how her faith has grown through family, friendship and studying God's Word. Tracy also shares what it was like hear the word "cancer," how early detection may have saved her life, and why she is now so passionate about encouraging women to schedule their mammograms.

Tracy Butler is Chicago's longest-running female meteorologist and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.