Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

In this episode, Gem reflects on a powerful moment from a difficult season in her life when she found hope in a simple yet profound image: a long, dark tunnel with a pinhole of light in the distance. This light became a symbol of God's presence, reminding her that even in the darkest moments, His light is enough to guide us forward. She explores the invitation from Psalm 27:4 to dwell, gaze, and seek God, unpacking each of these spiritual practices and how they bring us closer to Him. Through reflection and personal insights, this episode encourages you to embrace God's presence in the everyday moments—dwelling in His love, gazing upon His beauty, and seeking His guidance with a childlike heart. Tune in and discover how these simple practices can deepen your connection with God and His sacred presence in your life. In this episode, you'll reflect on: How can we find hope and God's presence even in dark or uncertain seasons of life? What are some practical ways to engage with the spiritual practices of dwelling, gazing, and seeking God? How can cultivating a childlike wonder and expectancy transform our spiritual journey? Resources and Links: Psalm 27:4 Psalm 139:7-10 Marina Abramović’s The Artist is Present ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Alan talks with Steven Lawson, creator of the Monk Manual, a daily planner inspired by monastic wisdom. Together, they explore how we can live with more purpose, productivity, and presence, moving beyond the chaos of busyness to truly engage each moment. Steven shares how we can align our daily actions with our values, creating a life that is more intentional and deeply fulfilling. Rather than rushing through our days, he emphasizes that slowing down can lead to deeper productivity and stronger, more meaningful connections. Steven also offers practical strategies, like the Monk Manual and his PAR method (Prepare, Act, Reflect), that can help us live with greater clarity and presence, even in a fast-paced world. What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between busyness and productivity and how to focus on what truly matters. The importance of living intentionally and deeply, rather than just rushing through life. Practical tools, including the Monk Manual and the PAR method (Prepare, Act, Reflect), to cultivate presence and find balance in a fast-paced world. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"We do Kingdom things in Empire ways. What might it mean to do Kingdom things in Kingdom ways?" Mandy Smith poses this powerful question, inviting us to reimagine Christian leadership—not as coercion or burnout, but as a life deeply rooted in the ways of Jesus. In this episode, we explore why so many Christian leaders are exhausted, losing faith, or misusing power, and how confessing our limitations might be the key to rediscovering the true heart of ministry. Mandy, a pastor and author, doesn’t offer quick-fix strategies. Instead, she calls us back to the simplicity of followership, integrity, and sharing our lives with God in ways that bless the world. Together, we unpack the pressures of modern church culture, the hidden desires that overwhelm leaders, and how we can make space for God amid ministry demands. In this episode, you’ll learn: How cultural tendencies like efficiency and control are shaping (and distorting) church leadership. Why embracing our limits can lead to deeper faith, healthier leadership, and renewed joy. Practical ways to make space for God and soul care in the midst of ministry demands. Join us for a conversation that will renew your vision, refresh your soul, and remind you of the invitation at the center of it all. ________________________ Mandy Smith is a pastor, author and speaker who, after living and ministering in the US and UK, now ministers in her homeland of Australia. She is a cohort co-leader for the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination and regular contributor to Missio Alliance. Her books include: The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry (IVP) Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith Beyond the Baggage of Western Culture Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader’s Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Reliance on God. Mandy and her husband, a New Testament professor, live in the parsonage at St Lucia Uniting Church where the teapot is always warm. ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is the Christian life really about? Is it prayer, church involvement, ministry, justice, or evangelism? These are all meaningful aspects, but is there something deeper at the heart of it all? In this episode, I reflect on a question my mentor, Chuck Miller, often asked: “What is the Christian life?” His answer offers a profound simplicity—one that shifts our focus from what we do to who we are with. Together, we’ll explore how Jesus as our Good Shepherd transforms our faith from a list of tasks into an ongoing, intimate relationship. If you’ve ever felt like the Christian life is overwhelming, like a growing list of commitments, this conversation is for you. We’ll look at Jesus’ words in John 10, where he calls his sheep by name and leads them out—not just in the past, but in the present moment. You are not alone in this journey of faith. Jesus invites you into his life, guiding you, speaking to you, and walking with you every step of the way. In this episode, we discuss: How shifting our focus from “what” to “who” can transform our faith. The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and why it still matters today. Practical ways to listen for and recognize the voice of Jesus in daily life. Resources & Links: Read more about living an unhurried life: www.unhurriedliving.com Follow along on Instagram for more reflections: @unhurriedliving Get my book on slowing down and deepening your walk with Jesus: An Unhurried Life Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever found yourself in a dark, overwhelming season, wondering if God could hear you? We explore the healing power of lament as a way to express grief, open to God’s presence, and find rest for your soul. Lament isn't about having all the answers; it’s about allowing space for God to meet you where you are. What to Expect as you Listen: How lament can deepen your connection with God during times of grief. Practical steps to process loss through honesty, community, and restorative practices. Reflection questions to help you engage with lament in your own life and leadership. Recommended Resources: Psalm 116 Scripture Reference Resources from Unhurried Living - Explore more resources on spiritual practices and personal growth at Unhurried Living: Unhurried Living Resources Prophetic Lament by Soong Chan Rah ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Who is the Holy Spirit to you—an intimate friend or a mysterious stranger? In this episode, Alan Fadling speaks with Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of The Familiar Stranger, about rediscovering the Holy Spirit and stepping into a more experiential, Spirit-led life. Tyler shares practical insights and biblical metaphors that invite us into deeper intimacy with the Spirit and a greater awareness of His presence and power. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How the Holy Spirit is like a tabernacle, a river, and living water. The dangers of over-intellectualizing or misusing the Spirit, with lessons from Nicodemus and Simon the Sorcerer. The power of discernment as a gift of recognizing God’s voice amid the noise. A practical, grounded approach to prophecy and speaking on behalf of God. 💡 Guest Bio: Tyler Staton is the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and a passionate advocate for prayer and honest spiritual exploration. He’s the author of The Familiar Stranger as well as Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools and Searching for Enough. Tyler lives with his wife, Kirsten, and their three sons, Hank, Simon, and Amos. Tune in to explore how growing in intimacy with the Spirit can transform your faith and life. Resources: The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton Tyler Staton website Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website. Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We’re thrilled to share a powerful episode from Rachel Wojo’s Untangling Prayers Podcast on Unhurried Living! In this episode, Rachel addresses the common struggle of staying focused in prayer and finding clarity when life feels uncertain. In Untangling Prayers Rachel provides practical tools for overcoming distractions in prayer and trusting God’s timing when you need fresh direction. If you’ve ever felt unsure of the next steps in your life, this episode offers invaluable wisdom to help you lean on God’s guidance. Rachel walks through the inspiring story of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, as an example of how prayer can provide clarity and direction, even in the midst of uncertainty. This episode is packed with encouragement for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and trust Him more fully. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to stay focused in prayer and overcome distractions. Practical tips for bringing your attention back to God when your mind wanders. How to trust God’s guidance when you’re uncertain about the future. The assurance that God meets us in our distractions and guides us according to His perfect plan. Plus, exciting news from Rachel Wojo: Her new audiobook, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments, is now available wherever you purchase audiobooks! This powerful resource will encourage and empower you to pray boldly during challenging times. If you’re looking for practical advice on how to grow in your prayer life and trust God more deeply, this episode is for you! Listen to more episodes of Rachel Wojo’s Untangling Prayers Podcast wherever you enjoy podcasts, and don’t forget to follow her on social media for more inspiration and updates. Follow Rachel Wojo: Website Instagram Subscribe to the Unhurried Living Podcast for more insights on slowing down, embracing peace, and living with intention in the busy moments of life. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the key to spiritual growth isn’t rushing to answers but learning to ask deeper, slower, and more transformational questions? In this episode, we explore how formational questions can shape your journey with God. You’ll hear examples of questions that unlock insight, guidance on crafting your own soulful questions, and encouragement to hold these questions as prayers in your heart. Be patient. Live the questions now. And trust that, in time, the answers will come. Join Gem and Brenda as they reflect on the creativity, patience, and grace required to live the questions God places in our hearts. Resources Mentioned: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” Rainer Maria Rilke ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it mean to truly abide in God? How do we move beyond merely knowing about God to experiencing deep communion with Him? In this episode, I sit down with Michael John Cusick, author of Sacred Attachment, to explore the life-changing power of living in loving connection with God. Michael, a licensed professional counselor, spiritual director, and founder of Restoring the Soul, shares how our core needs—being seen, soothed, safe, and secure—are met in Christ. We also discuss the barriers that prevent us from experiencing intimacy with God, from false beliefs to misguided attempts to ease our pain. Together, we unpack practical insights like: The difference between accurate knowledge about God and communing with Him. Why our struggles often stem from mishandled pain. How imagination can open the door to experiencing God more fully. And how mysticism invites us to spiritual oneness with God. Join us for a conversation that will deepen your understanding of God’s invitation to abide and inspire you to take your next step toward living in sacred attachment. 💡 Guest Bio: Michael John Cusick is the founder of Restoring the Soul, author of Surfing for God, and a trusted voice in the integration of faith and counseling. His work has been featured in Relevant, HuffPost, and Red-Letter Christians. He lives in Littleton, Colorado, with his wife, Julianne. 👉 Tune in and discover how to abide in God’s presence today.   ___________________________________ Connect with Alan on LinkedIn or learn more about Unhurried Living programs on their website.  Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Crafting a rhythm of life isn’t just about adding more to your schedule—it’s about making intentional choices that shape who you’re becoming. Inspired by Ruth Haley Barton’s question, “How do I want to live so I can be who I want to be?” this episode explores the beauty of setting limits as a doorway to creativity, discernment, and rest. We’ll discuss how a rhythm of life can act like a trellis, supporting your growth and flourishing. With insights from spiritual writers like Margaret Guenther and Evelyn Underhill, we’ll uncover practical ways to create daily, weekly, and seasonal practices that feel life-giving and sustainable. Join me as we take one small, simple, and gracious step toward cultivating a life that aligns with God’s invitations and your deepest desires. 🌱 Reflection Questions: What feels life-giving to me? What brings me joy? What enables me to rest? Resources Mentioned: Ruth Haley Barton book - Sacred Rhythms Evelyn Underhill book - The Fruits of the Spirit Margaret Guenther book - Holy Listening Learn more about our PACE cohort training: www.unhurriedliving.com/pace Take a moment to pause, reflect, and begin building a rhythm of life that nourishes your soul.   ______________________________________________________ Connect with Gem on Instagram and learn more on the Unhurried Living website and her new book, Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads Learn about PACE: Certificate in Leadership and Soul Care Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.