Embrace The Chaos

Cultivating Togetherness: Nurturing a Deeper Connection with Your Partner

Welcome to another episode of Embrace the Chaos. Today, we're privileged to have Dick and Anna Gee join us as we explore the significant impact of recreational companionship in fostering emotional intimacy within marriages.

Drawing from their rich 33-year marital journey, Dick and Anna unveil the power of shared activities like football, marathons, and spiritual practices in fortifying their bond. Through candid discussions, they shed light on how these experiences have not only strengthened their connection but also served as pillars during challenging phases in their relationship.

Regardless of your relationship status, whether single or married, join us for invaluable insights into building enduring connections and nurturing meaningful relationships. Tune in for an enriching conversation!

Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal - Part 2: Navigating the Sabbatical Experience

Welcome to the second installment of our two-part series, "Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal." In this transformative episode, we continue our exploration of the sacred Sabbatical journey and the divine discoveries it unfolds.

In "Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal – Part 2," we venture deeper into the stories and testimonies of Ruben and Marina De Anda who’ve embarked on this remarkable path. As we journey through their experiences, we'll witness profound spiritual transformations and newfound purpose, all intricately interwoven with the presence of God.

Discover how the Sabbatical experience not only rejuvenates the soul but also ignites fresh beginnings. We'll delve into the realizations, insights, and spiritual encounters that propel individuals to take bold, faith-driven steps toward new chapters in their lives.

Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or simply exploring the miraculous power of divine guidance, this episode invites you to open your heart to the endless possibilities that await when we allow God to lead us into uncharted territories. Tune in to "Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal – Part 2" to embrace the beauty of transformation and the beginnings that arise from moments of divine connection.

 

Resource Links:

The Dark Night of the Soul” by St John of the Cross

“Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Peter Scazzero  

“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer

Practicing the Way

“Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation (Transforming Resources)” by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.

“The Way of the Heart” by Henri Nouwen

“The Deeply Formed Life” by Rich Villodas 

“With” by Skye Jethani 

“Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry” by Ruth Haley Barton

“Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation” by Ruth Haley Barton

Abide App

Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal - Part 1: Navigating the Sabbatical Experience

Welcome to "Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal – Part 1," a special two-part episode that delves into the transformative experience of a Sabbatical, guided by the grace of God. In this episode, we embark on a profound journey of renewal, reflection, and growth.

Join us as we explore the stories and insights of Ruben and Marina De Anda who have taken the courageous step of disconnecting from the daily grind to reconnect with their true selves and God's purpose. We'll uncover the challenges faced, the transformative moments experienced, and the wisdom gained along the way, all while recognizing the divine guidance of God.

Whether you're considering taking a Sabbatical yourself or simply curious about the profound impact it can have on one's life, "Unplugged: A Journey of Renewal – Part 1" will inspire and inform, offering you a glimpse into a world where self-discovery, adventure, and mindfulness converge under the loving watch of God. Prepare to unplug from the ordinary and plug into the extraordinary as we navigate the uncharted waters of the Sabbatical experience, guided by faith.

The Koch's: Finding faith after a Miscarriage

This is a special episode for us as we interview our dear friends Johnny and Rochelle Koch. We are so grateful for their vulnerability in sharing their story of loss and grief. Johnny is the Media Director for GLB Church and Rochelle is a social worker, photographer and owner of EdenK Photography. We understand this is a difficult topic to talk about and listen to and our thoughts and prayers are with all families who have lost their precious little ones. 

December 2020 Check In

Checking in with everyone during the holiday season. We also have some great episodes coming up that we share a little about. 

Relationships

We are so excited we get to interview and talk to our good friend David Bruce LMFT and addiction specialist. He shares great insight and wisdom on relationships and especially how we can embrace the new chaos we are all living in in a healthy and spiritual way. here are some quotes her mentions and resources he shares:

" If we do not transform our pain, we will most assuredly transmit it—usually to those closest to us: our family, our neighbors, our co-workers, and, invariably, the most vulnerable, our children." Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM

"Discomfort is growth trying to happen." Harville Hendrix 

Book " Making Marriage Simple:Ten Relationship Sharing Truths" by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt

Back To School: Part 2 Transitioning to Virtual Learning

This part 2 of our "Back to School" series. We are so grateful to be able to interview Roland Santos, and educator with LAUSD. Roland has helped the district transition to online learning and has some great insight and tips for us as we navigate the "New Norm." We hope everyone is doing well in the first couple weeks of school. Our experience has been all the feels! Exciting, fun, funny, interesting, stressful, and exhausting. We are grateful for God and his grace that keeps us grounded and sane. Enjoy.

Back to School: Homeschooling is the new norm

We are so excited to be back after the summer break. Life is definitely different than what we thought it would be as our kids head back to school. Here in Long Beach CA we are doing all virtual online schooling! Yikes. We are so grateful to be able to talk with our dear friend Tiffany Curry who has been homeschooling her two very smart and handsome boys for a couple years. Also we share a helpful tip about self care for parents. We like the app "Abide,"  it's a bible based meditation app that has great features to calm your mind and body down after a long day. Stay tuned for part 2 of our Back to School series where we talk to Roland Santo who is a teacher for LAUSD and has been vital for them as they transition their teachers, curriculum, and students to full time online school. Enjoy!

Mental Wellness Check-up

Our special guest is none other than Ruben's amazing sister Bianca De Anda who is an L.C.S.W. Mental health was and is an important part of our overall health especially now more than ever. Bianca share's some great insight and practicals on how we can achieve or at least strive for mental wellness during the quarantine. A resource that she shares is NAMI.org for mental health resources. 

Embracing Quarantine Together

We recorded this interview a month ago but wanted to share it. We interview our good friends William and Chelsea Thorne who are ministers in Sydney Australia and have two little beautiful kiddos. Listen to their faith and joy despite getting COVID and having to quarantine for close to a month.