The French Press

Emily Downs
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Need a spot of encouragement? Looking for a good book? Join me on the French Press for cups of conversation about faith, pages I've dog-eared, and the life in-between. Check out my website: The Demitasse Drafts

  1. 56 Little Women: A Case Study

    22H AGO

    56 Little Women: A Case Study

    Little Women is one of my favorite stories. A novel worth re-reading in different stages of life. The March sisters make for a fascinating case study of the different ways we struggle in our hearts. Join me as we look at this wonderful classic. What's the history behind Louisa May Alcott writing this famous book, and how is it still relevant today?Books mentioned in this episode:Little Women by Louisa May AlcottInstruments in the Redeemer's Hand by Paul David TrippResource:Biblical Counseling Training, San Antonio, TX  https://share.google/5K1IetOSSBc7gw3Xr

    1h 19m
  2. 55 Looking for Eden

    FEB 10

    55 Looking for Eden

    Have you ever wondered why most books and movies follow a similar narrative? Join me as we explore the epic story arc of the Bible and see that as humans, made in God's image, we are so often retelling this awe-inspiring plot. You will never look at your favorite stories the same way. God has put the echo of a story in our hearts and it is full of lore, danger, evil and good. There is a bigger story being told and we are invited to step out of our small lives into the grand story of the Gospel. Books mentioned in this episode: Epic by John Eldredge

    1h 8m
  3. 54 You are Here

    JAN 27

    54 You are Here

    We were all born into an epic story. The narrative started long before we showed up on the scene. Most of us spend part of our life trying to figure out what happened and where we are at in the story right now. Thankfully, God gave us a guide book. The Bible tells us where we came from and where we are going. Are you looking at a map trying to figure out where you are in this timeline? Join me in this episode as we look at The Greatest Story Ever Told, one in which we ourselves have been given a role. Books mentioned in this episode: Epic by John Eldredge Tea Time Discipleship by Sally Clarkson

    1h 15m
  4. 53 Don't Spill the Coffee

    JAN 13

    53 Don't Spill the Coffee

    Sometimes we focus too much on the task itself, like a young child walking with a cup of coffee, if we freeze up with every step it will jostle what's inside. When we pay attention to where we are going (eternity) we will walk with a natural gait and not spill the coffee. How do we keep our eyes on the Lord? In this episode, we dig deeper into how a Christian reaches perfection, or do they?  Books mentioned on this episode: The Optimism of Grace by Cliff Sanders  1 Samuel

    1h 15m
  5. 52 Adorned

    12/16/2025

    52 Adorned

    At Christmastime we strive to make everything feel special. In the novella, The Romance of Christmas Cards, the author mentions the transformation of plain packages into those that are beribboned and behollied. We transform our homes for this season, but do we transform our hearts? Join me in a conversation about two classic Christmas stories of reconciliation, forgiveness and sacrifice. Let's start to adorn our hearts with the love God bestowed on us by sending his son as a babe in a manger to call us home.  Books mentioned on this episode: Twelve Classic Christmas Stories by Timothy Larsen

    1h 7m
  6. 51 Feast in the Desert

    12/03/2025

    51 Feast in the Desert

    Psalm 23 teaches that the Lord sets a table for us- even in the desert. He overwhelms us with hospitality. As Christians, we are set apart to Him, separate, no longer common, but holy. Like Abigail in 1 Samuel, we can come to a situation not only bearing gifts, but sweet words, bringing peace and encouragement. The Bible teaches that we are anointed with oil and our cup runneth over. Because of this abundance of favor, we can spill God's goodness on all those we encounter.  Abiding Women: Untangling Prayer (Featured Guest): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Ys8usHxnPnXIUyToDvFDB?si=qKPWRstcQeuvHnUXaWhgUA Books mentioned in this episode: Every day a New Shade of Blue by Dan Roper  The Optimism of Grace by Cliff Sanders 1st Samuel

    1h 24m
  7. 50 Casting Call

    11/18/2025

    50 Casting Call

    Do you feel like you were cast in the wrong part? Surely someone more qualified or more loving or more "Christian" would be better leading this ministry, raising these kids, or talking to that person. We feel like God messed up when He cast our roll. Yet, He knows our short-comings and our weaknesses and He has chosen us to represent Him in the places we have been cast. We take a deeper look at Psalm 23 and what it means to walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Like The Pilgrim's Progress character Christian, we will walk through many trials, doubts, and fears, yet we don't need to worry because God is with us. Feeling stage fright?Books mentioned in this episode:Every Day A New Shade of Blue by David Roper

    1h 19m
  8. 49 Polished by Pressure

    11/04/2025

    49 Polished by Pressure

    Pearls are formed when an irritant or a sharp grain of sand gets inside an oyster shell. The same is true for us spiritually, the things that feel so painful to go through can actually be the catalyst to forming Pearls of Wisdom in our lives. Are we willing to step into other people's suffering and, alternatively, allow others into ours? How is the terrain of our heart? As we examine the parable of the sower we want to make sure we have good soil for the seed (the word of God) to grow.  Books mentioned in this episode: Through the Bible commentary series: Matthew by J.Vernon McGee  The optimism of Grace by Cliff Sanders Experience Jesus. Really. by John EldredgeArticle about Jim mentioned in the episode: https://www.heraldpalladium.com/news/longform/st-joseph-community-rallies-in-support-of-willard-on-als-journey/article_527e3922-f48f-521d-b844-6af0f00d12b3.html

    1h 12m
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About

Need a spot of encouragement? Looking for a good book? Join me on the French Press for cups of conversation about faith, pages I've dog-eared, and the life in-between. Check out my website: The Demitasse Drafts

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Downs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Emily Downs
  • Show Website
    The French Press