God created us with desires—good and life-giving longings meant to draw us closer to Him and to one another. But when those desires are mishandled in marriage, they can quietly turn into demands that lead to disappointment and disconnection.

In this episode, Matt and Renee explore how our desires can become a place where God does His refining work. They share how to bring those longings to Him first, communicate them with humility, invite His perspective when disappointment surfaces, and allow God’s grace to transform both our hearts and our marriage.

This is a conversation about surrendering control, rediscovering gratitude, and letting God reshape our hearts so that our desires lead to connection, not division—drawing us closer to Him and to each other.

Discussion Questions:

1. When you hear the words desires and demands, what comes to mind in the context of your marriage?
2. What are some desires you brought into marriage that have changed or deepened over time?
3. What do you notice about yourself when a desire starts to become a demand?
4. In your relationship, which expectations tend to cause the most friction or misunderstanding?
5. What helps you reorient your heart toward gratitude and grace instead of resentment or entitlement?
6. Where might God be inviting you to release control and trust Him with a longing that hasn’t been fulfilled yet?

In this episode, we sit down with a local Calvin College football coach Lamar Bell whose journey—from discipling athletes on campus to serving kids at Crossroads —embodies the very heart of ongoing conversion. Using Acts 10 as our backdrop, we explore how true conversion is more than moral improvement or theological precision; it is spiritual rebirth where God’s kingdom breaks into everyday life. Through the stories of Saul, Cornelius, and Peter, we see how God transforms the religious, the powerful, and even seasoned leaders with lingering blind spots. Our conversation with the coach shows how this same transforming work continues today—in locker rooms, in children’s ministry, and across diverse communities.

Preacher: Rod VanSolekma

Text: Acts 10-11

Sermon Link: HERE

Grief touches every part of life — our hearts, our relationships, and the way we show up to one another. In this episode, Gary and Kathy Stowie share the story of a profound loss and how it shaped them individually and as a family. We’re also joined by Nancy Kingma, a counselor who walks with individuals and families through grief and trauma, offering insight into how couples can remain connected with compassion, patience, and grace. This tender conversation invites us to slow down, honor the weight of loss, and remember that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted.

Discussion Questions:

1. What stood out to you from Gary and Kathy’s story or from Nancy’s insights?
2. How has grief touched your life or the life of those close to you?
3. When you are hurting, how do you feel most cared for?
4. What might it look like to simply be with someone in their grief rather than trying to fix it?How can we become more comfortable creating space for grief—in our marriages, friendships, and church family?
5. Who in your life might be carrying grief quietly?
6. For those currently experiencing grief, what has been challenging and what has helped? Where have you sensed God meeting you?