Studies show that Gen-Z is the loneliest generation despite the pervasiveness of technology. However, loneliness isn't new; it can be experienced by a single person, a married individual, a person in a church community - even in families. So how do we keep this experience from evolving into a lifelong condition? Jim welcomes author, speaker, and founder of Ruth Graham Ministries, Ruth Graham to discuss her book, Transforming Loneliness: Deepening our Relationships with God and Others When We Feel Alone. Having lived through many seasons of loneliness herself, Ruth shares how being honest with God and a trusted friend opens up the door for transformation - and how loneliness has a positive side if we look for it.

Jim's Takeaways

Replenishing Relationships

• We have to seek replenishing relationships. We all have VDPs in our lives - Very Draining People - but I want to focus on VIP’s. Do you have VIP’s in your life? People who really replenish your relationships?
• We need friendships primarily in two areas:
  • Mentors - do you have someone who can coach you, and give you wisdom and wise counsel? Someone you can imitate?
    • These mentors can also be found in books in certain seasons of our life - but they shouldn’t be your primary mentor.
  • Peer Support - This could be one person or a small group of peers that you are honest and open with - you tell them when you’re lonely, hurting, struggling, etc. A good peer relationship will be someone who shares back, and you can walk alongside, pray with, and encourage each other - and hold you accountable.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Ruth Graham: http://www.ruthgraham.com/meet-ruth-graham/

Ruth Graham Ministries: http://www.ruthgraham.com/

Leave a Message for HomeWord: 949-485-3905

Have a question you want Jim to answer? Email us! info@homeword.com

Books:

Transforming Loneliness: Deepening our Relationships with God and Others When We Feel Alone: https://a.co/d/6PmxxM7

In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart: https://a.co/d/8BoLlJB

Ruth Graham Books

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Blended families are a beautiful picture of hope after loss or pain. Two adults find themselves falling in love again and the possibilities seem endless! But - how does blending your family actually work? How do you navigate stepsiblings, former in-laws, money, and parenting? On today’s episode, Jim welcomes renowned blended-family expert Ron Deal to talk about the principles in his book, Building Love Together in Blended Families. Jim and Ron discuss the beauty and complexity of bringing two family units together - and how ‘all you need is love’ is, with all due respect to the Beatles, not going to cut it in the long run.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Ron Deal: https://www.rondeal.org/

Smart Stepfamilies: https://smartstepfamilies.com/

FamilyLife Blended: https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/

Books:

The Smart Stepfamily: Seven Steps to a Healthy Family: https://a.co/d/glkVkMm

Building Love Together in Blended Families: https://a.co/d/bsATUm8

Preparing to Blend: https://a.co/d/ezJ0VkN

Ron’s Books on Amazon

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/

Sometimes you hear a story that plants seeds of change in your life. It challenges you, encourages you, takes root in your heart and mind - and you can sense that God wanted you to hear it at this moment. Jim’s conversation with Megan Fate Marshman; speaker, author, and teaching pastor is one that left our team profoundly impacted. With discussions on grief, trust, suffering, and humility, we believe this episode will leave its mark. And we, like Jim and Megan, trust God to work in your life as you listen.

Megan’s new book, Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried about a Thing, is now available at most booksellers.

HomeWord Website: https://homeword.com/

HomeWord Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeword

Jim Burns Blog: https://homeword.com/jims-blog/

HomeWord+ Online Courses: https://homeword.com/homeword-plus/

About Megan Fate Marshman: https://www.meganfate.com/about

Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganfate/

Hume Lake Christian Camps: https://hume.org/about-hume/

Books:

Relaxed: Walking with the One Who is Not Worried About a Thing: https://www.meganfate.com/shop/p/relaxed-book

Meant for God: The Adventure of Trusting God and His Plans for You: https://www.meganfate.com/shop/p/meant-for-good

Order Jim’s New Book:

A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity: https://homeword.com/product/students-guide-to-sexual-integrity-gods-plan-for-sex-and-your-body/