Finding Peace in What IS Certain
Welcome Back to Christmas Courage. I look around and see people trying to get into the Christmas Spirit, but honestly this is not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. Those suffering heartache can’t muster the strength to put on a brave front. I have been there and so have many of you.
We have been talking about this all month. And I have seen and heard more people opening up about their struggles. Which is so powerful in helping others not feel alone.
If you have been following along, you know I have been interviewing guests that wrote blogs in the series we published this past Summer called Sunlit Stories. And as it turns out, these guest authors shared some vulnerable moments that have real application for encouraging us at Christmas.
Today we are looking into finding peace in what is certain.
Welcome Dr Joe
Dr Joe Johnson is in the studio today. Welcome Joe! Eric and I met Joe and his wife Kim when we attended Northbrook together. And also, we were all in the Cullman Christian Physicians and Spouses Group that used to meet. Annnd a little fun fact – Joe and Elvis share a birthday…and a costume.
Joe, I had a great dad growing up. He was a #girldad before it was cool. He taught me how to play basketball, change a tire, and shoot a gun. He dared anyone to act like one of his four girls should have been a boy. I’m #4 and I didn’t realize some dads preferred boys until I went to college.
So, I love it that you’re a great #girldad too! Our children are of similar ages. Natalie is a little older than mine. So, I don’t know her as well, but she seems like a good mixture of Kim and you. She looks like Kim but loves baseball. (pause)
But your other two girls participated in some of the same activities as my boys.
- Caroline and Nicholas did math team together.
- Caroline and Drew went on choir tour.
- Mallory and Drew were both in Cullman High School Theatre.
- Then Caroline married Drew’s RA from Samford University. And God blessed them with another girl in your life -your granddaughter Pheobe.
Did Kim and you meet at Samford also? Sam, not Stan. Samford in Birmingham, AL not Stanford in Cali.
Podcast Interview
Alright, let’s get into the blogs that posted this summer. On 06/024/25 Navigating Anxiety in the What If’s of Life and on 08/05/25 Finding Peace in What is Certain.
- How would you describe the “What If” mindset?
- Why is not knowing all of the hidden things in God’s will for our lives a blessing?
- Will you describe your personal experience in struggling with “What Ifs”?
- How did you learn to deal with anxiety God’s way?
- What impact did it have on your worship?
- What are some Biblical insights that helped you find peace in what IS certain?
- Will you describe the reverse order of our norm as it relates to planning for possible “What Ifs”?
- What are some practical steps that help us embrace what IS certain?
We are getting ready to wrap this up.
I have been closing out these interviews by tying in your story with having Christmas Courage. - So, how does remembering that real peace is available impact us, especially if we are struggling at Christmas?
Closing
Thank you for coming in and spreading Christmas Courage. Sharing our stories is important. It helps others not feel so alone and gives them real courage for their journey.
I loved the podcast with Dr. Joe. I am sure it has helped many people to go through hard times and realize God is in charge of our lives. He loves us and we can trust Romans 8:28. He loved us so much he gave us the indescribable gift of His Son so we can go to Heaven to be with Him forever.