The Urgency of SlowingDown

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The Urgency of SlowingDown

Our hustle culture is loud, but Jesus' invitation to walk in His unforced rhythms of grace is sweet and restorative. Join Laura L. Smith and amazing guests as they talk about how full our lives are AND what we can take out to make room for the things that help us live the abundant life Jesus offers us.

Episodes

  1. Episode 6: Slowing Down to Surrender with Mike Donehey

    3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 6: Slowing Down to Surrender with Mike Donehey

    Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because I’m joined by Mike Donehey, the lead singer of 10th Avenue North. Mike is also an author, and a dad to four girls. You might also know him from his incredible Bible teachings on social media, lovingly referred to as “Mike Drops.” In this conversation, Mike and I explore what it means to slow down and live intentionally, particularly when it comes to worship, community, and reconciliation. Mike shares such rich insights on how worship is so much more than music—it's a way of life. We talk about surrendering control and finding freedom in letting go, which allows us to live more fully in the present moment. We also dive deep into the beauty and power of forgiveness and reconciliation, and how God’s unconditional love calls us to be agents of peace in our relationships. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: - Worship goes beyond music—it's expressed in the way we live. - Surrendering control brings more freedom and fulfillment. - Community is vital in our spiritual journey, and reconciliation is part of our calling. - Forgiveness is essential for healing and experiencing true freedom. - Living in abundance means being present and grateful for the gifts in our lives. - God’s love is unconditional, and we’re called to reflect that in our relationships. Mike’s heart for worship and reconciliation will inspire you to live more intentionally, surrender to God’s plans, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. If you’re ready to experience the fullness of God’s love and live in deeper connection with those around you, this episode is for you! About Mike Donehey: Mike is the frontman and lead singer for 10th Avenue North, an author, husband, dad to four girls, and the voice behind the popular Bible teachings known as “Mike Drops” on social media. Mike is passionate about worship, community, and encouraging others to live in God’s grace and abundance. Links: Website Instagram Tenth Avenue North God’s Life for My Will book Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters

    50 min
  2. Episode 5: Slowing Down to Destress with Barb Roose

    2 DEC

    Episode 5: Slowing Down to Destress with Barb Roose

    Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you, especially if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s demands. Today, I’m sitting down with my dear friend, Barb Roose, and we’re talking all about slowing down and de-stressing. In our fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed can seem like the norm, but Barb and I dive deep into how we can set boundaries, simplify our schedules, and prioritize self-care to find peace in the midst of the chaos. Barb shares practical wisdom on how to create simplicity in our lives—whether that’s through meal planning, simplifying our wardrobes, or letting go of emotional clutter.  Here are a few takeaways you won’t want to miss: - Slowing down and de-stressing is vital for our well-being—both mental and spiritual. - Feeling overwhelmed is common, but there are practical steps we can take to manage it. - Setting boundaries, simplifying our schedules, and practicing self-care help reduce stress. - Spiritual disciplines, such as surrender, Sabbath, and simplicity, are essential for peace and rest. - Surrounding ourselves with a supportive Christian community provides the encouragement and accountability we need to thrive. - Simplifying daily routines like meal planning or wardrobe choices can free up mental space and time for what truly matters. - Making intentional choices that align with our values leads to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Barb’s insights will leave you feeling inspired to make intentional choices that not only reduce overwhelm but also lead to deeper connections with God and those around you. If you’re seeking practical ways to simplify and destress, this episode is for you! Barb is a speaker and author. She’s passionate about helping women set boundaries, embrace spiritual disciplines, and build supportive Christian communities that nurture their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Links: for Barb: Website  Facebook  Instagram Stronger Than Stress book   Barb’s Free Gift: Taking Care of You: 101 Self-Care Tips for Tough Times   Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book The Polish Pottery Barb describes in our chat

    54 min
  3. Episode 4: Slowing Down to Celebrate with Debra Fileta

    25 NOV

    Episode 4: Slowing Down to Celebrate with Debra Fileta

    Hey friends! I can’t wait for you to hear this episode, where Debra Fileta and I explore something that has the power to change our hearts and minds: gratitude. Debra, a licensed professional counselor and author, shares her insights on how practicing gratitude and celebration can transform the way we approach life, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but all year round.  We dive deep into why gratitude is essential for avoiding burnout, reducing stress, and bringing more joy into our lives. Deborah also offers practical tips for celebrating and savoring the good things in life, whether that’s through family time, meaningful conversations, or simply being mindful of the world around us. Together, we explore how intentionally slowing down to practice gratitude and celebrate can help us experience the fullness of God’s goodness and find rest in our busy world. Here are some key takeaways from our chat: - Gratitude is a rhythm of a healthy life—it helps us avoid burnout and keeps stress at bay. - Practicing gratitude increases joy, decreases stress, and leads to better overall well-being. - Celebration should be part of our daily lives, not just saved for special occasions. - Slowing down and practicing gratitude is a powerful way to challenge unhealthy mindsets and experience God’s goodness in new ways. - Taking time to rest, celebrate, and give thanks requires intentionality but leads to empowerment and transformation. This conversation is so needed in today’s hustle culture, and I hope it helps you find new ways to slow down and truly celebrate the beautiful life God has for you. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or struggling to find joy in your every day, this episode is for you. Debra is a licensed professional counselor, author, and speaker known for her work in healthy relationships and mental health. She’s passionate about helping people live full and abundant lives by understanding their emotions, setting boundaries, and finding joy. Links: Debra Fileta WEBSITE  Facebook Instagram Soul Care book Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

    44 min
  4. Episode 3: Slowing Down to Savor the Small Stuff with Jennifer Dukes Lee

    18 NOV

    Episode 3: Slowing Down to Savor the Small Stuff with Jennifer Dukes Lee

    Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because it’s with a woman I truly admire—Jennifer Dukes Lee. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or the constant pressure to achieve more, this conversation is going to speak right to your heart. Jennifer is a bestselling author and joins me to talk about the dangers of “hurry sickness” and how we can resist hustle culture by intentionally slowing down. In our chat, Jennifer opens up about her personal journey of hitting a wall from hustle, and then intentionally making a shift to set boundaries and create rituals that help her enjoy her life and focus on what matters most. We dive into practical ways to find work-life balance, resist the pull of technology, and savor the small moments that might pass us by if we’re rushing through life. We also talk about the deep roots we need to cultivate in our faith to grow steadily and sustainably. Here are a few takeaways you won’t want to miss: - Slowing down allows us to truly savor life’s beauty and blessings. - The pressures of hustle culture can affect both our physical and mental well-being. - Developing daily rituals and setting boundaries are key to finding balance. - Technology is useful but can also be a distraction—resisting it can strengthen our relationships. - Jesus offers us a path to rest and renewal, inviting us to trust Him over the noise of the world. Jennifer’s wisdom is so timely, and I hope this episode encourages you to take a breath, slow down, and find rest in Jesus. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or struggling to balance all the things, this is for you. Jennifer is the bestselling author of Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. She’s a lover of queso, bright lipstick, and great harmonies. Jennifer and her husband live on a family farm in Iowa, where they grow crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans—all while cultivating deep faith and lasting joy. Links:  Jennifer Dukes Lee: Instagram Website Growing Slow book Growing Slow resources Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

    45 min
  5. Episode 2: Slowing Down for Silence and Solitude with Bethany Allen

    11 NOV

    Episode 2: Slowing Down for Silence and Solitude with Bethany Allen

    Hey friends! I’m thrilled to welcome you back to another episode of The Urgency of Slowing Down. Today, I’m chatting with the incredible Bethany Allen, and we are diving into a topic that feels more necessary than ever—silence and solitude. In a world that constantly pulls us in every direction, Bethany and I explore what it means to intentionally create space for quiet, how it transforms our connection with God, and why it's so crucial for our spiritual growth and our overall well-being. Bethany, who serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation & Leadership Development at Bridgetown Church, brings such deep wisdom on this practice. Together, we unpack the noise and distractions that fill our lives and the challenges of making room for God to speak. Bethany encourages us to be honest with God, to let go of our burdens, and to lean into the quiet—because that’s often where we encounter His voice the loudest. Here are a few key takeaways from our conversation: - Silence and solitude are vital for deepening our relationship with God. - The purpose of this practice is to make space for God’s presence and to listen for His voice. - Expect distractions, but don’t be discouraged—this is part of the process. - Start small! Practicing silence and solitude doesn’t have to be overwhelming. - True rest and empowerment often flow from these moments of quiet. Bethany’s insights are so good! Praying this episode inspires you to carve out time in your life for silence and solitude. If you’re longing to hear from God, this conversation will remind you that it’s possible—and that it starts by slowing down. Bethany is deeply passionate about helping people discover their identity as image-bearers of God. With a Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry, in addition to her leadership at Bridgetown Church, Bethany works with Practicing the Way and coaches in the Propel Women’s Cohort.  Links:  Bethany Allen Instagram Bridgetown Church Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down

    53 min
  6. Episode 1: Slowing Down for Sabbath: With Annie F. Downs

    4 NOV

    Episode 1: Slowing Down for Sabbath: With Annie F. Downs

    Hey friends, welcome to the very first episode of The Urgency of Slowing Down! I’m excited to kick off this journey with one of my absolute favorites–Annie F. Downs. If you don’t already know Annie (though I bet you do!), she’s a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun podcast. Her charm, honesty, and wit make you feel like you’ve been friends for ages. In this episode, Annie and I dive deep into the practice of Sabbath—what it means, how it looks in our current culture, and why it’s so important. Annie shares how her journey with Sabbath began in 2015 after experiencing a Shabbat in Israel. Since then, her practice has evolved, adapting to her schedule and commitments, but always with the same focus—rest, celebration, and worship. We discuss the challenges and gifts of setting aside time for intentional rest. Sabbath doesn’t have to look the same for everyone–in fact it probably won’t.  Annie beautifully explains how you can find a Sabbath rhythm that is restful for your soul. Annie also chats about her yearly month long Sabbath–you’ll definitely want to listen for details of how that works. Some key takeaways from this conversation: - Sabbath is a gift from God - Sabbath is all about intentionality. You need to find what works for you. - Rest, celebration, and worship are at the heart of Sabbath. - You don’t have to start big. Find small ways to incorporate Sabbath into your life, then gradually build from there. - Community matters! Having support makes practicing Sabbath more sustainable. Annie is a wealth of wisdom and joy, and I know you’ll love this conversation as much as I did. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply craving rest, this episode is for you! Annie is a bestselling author of “Chase the Fun,” “That Sounds Fun,” and “100 Days to Brave.” She’s also a popular speaker and podcast host based in Nashville. Annie will shoot straight with you, remind you that God is good, and make you laugh along the way. Links from today’s episode: Annie F. Downs Website  Instagram  Sabbath resources Advent study John Mark Comer’s books Garden City, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry & Practicing the Way  An Unhurried Life by Alan Fadling 24/6 by Matthew Sleet Laura L. Smith  Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down

    46 min

  7. TRAILER

    Trailer The Urgency of Slowing Down

    Our hustle culture is loud, but Jesus' invitation to walk in His unforced rhythms of grace is sweet and restorative. Join Laura L. Smith and amazing guests as they talk about how full our lives are AND what we can take out to make room for the things that help us live the abundant life Jesus offers us. For more from Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book

    1 min

Trailer

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Our hustle culture is loud, but Jesus' invitation to walk in His unforced rhythms of grace is sweet and restorative. Join Laura L. Smith and amazing guests as they talk about how full our lives are AND what we can take out to make room for the things that help us live the abundant life Jesus offers us.

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