Jason Feffer and I had a fantastic conversation about the role of imagination in spiritual practices -- and it drifted into many more interesting topics and stories. You won't want to miss this delightful, thought-provoking conversation with a good human who knows Jesus in ways many long for -- yet is very possible. God wants to show up for you in ways that are tailor-made for you, too. Jason Feffer is a pastor, teacher, spiritual director, and an evangelist for the spiritual disciplines. For ov...
Oct 25, 2020•37 min•Ep. 74
We love Cheri Hudspith, and so will you. She lives in rhythms of grace that keep her grounded, listening and delighted in experiencing God's life-changing grace herself and sharing it with others. Our conversation meanders thru topics of Spiritual Direction, Life-Mapping and experiencing God first-hand. Here's her Bio: Cheri served on the staff of her church experiencing first hand the rhythms and demands of church life. Through her years at Grafted Life Ministries, Cheri helped leaders bring fo...
Oct 18, 2020•48 min•Ep. 73
Listen into Sharon Swing's conversation with Chrystal Evans Hurst. We'll talk about getting into a regular rhythm of prayer, her new book, '28-Day Prayer Journey,' and her experience with life-mapping using 'Listen to My Life.' Like me, you'll be hoping to meet Chrystal for a cup of coffee and a great conversation on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Here's a link to her new book: '28-Day Prayer Journey' on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/28-Day-Prayer-Journey-...
Oct 07, 2020•39 min•Ep. 72
When we gather people for a workshop or a class, we often ask people to participate in a 'one-word checkin' to help people connect with themselves and others. It helps us become more self-aware, God-aware, and other-aware. You may want to use it by yourself, with or around the dining room table sometime soon! oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helping people to recognize and respond to God in their stories. The seven lies Darrell talks about invitations to consider how a few shifts in p...
Sep 06, 2020•26 min•Ep. 71
What is breath prayer, and why would you want to know? Calming, connecting, and centering, this way of praying breathes life into any collection of practices. oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helping people to recognize and respond to God in their stories. The seven lies Darrell talks about invitations to consider how a few shifts in perspective on how we think about God and faith effect our ways of being in the world. You don't have to agree with everything he says to appreciate the ...
Aug 28, 2020•22 min•Ep. 70
Forget being productive and do what matters! Teresa loves to help people see the bigger picture and learn to feel fulfilled in all areas of life. As a Certified Coach, Speaker and Enneagram Professional, she guides clients through a step-by-step application of a customized "REALIFE Process," helping real people change their lives by discovering their REALSELF, and doing their REALWORK in the process of their REALIFE. Find out how Teresa thinks about how life story work fits into doing what matte...
Aug 23, 2020•34 min•Ep. 69
I love Steve Carter. He's a great conversationalist and a good human being. Listen in as Steve and I (Sharon Swing) talk about spiritual formation and life story. He gave plenty of sermons that included encouraging people to dive into their own life stories while he was preaching at Willow Creek Community Church while I was there. I cheered him on from the cheap seats. Life took quite a turn for Steve and his family a few years back that left him searching for next steps in immediate fashion. He...
Aug 16, 2020•48 min•Ep. 68
Are you responsible TO others or responsible FOR them? It's a very useful distinction for all of our relationships. It may keep you out of trouble, improve your relationships, and put words to why having kids grow up messes with us as parents! We have used this important piece of work from the book, 'Listen For Heaven's Sake' in many of our 'Listen to My Life' workshops as we teach listening skills and explore why some of our relationships need a tune up, and help us name why we take more on tha...
Aug 09, 2020•41 min•Ep. 67
Sibyl Towner and Joan Kelley join Sharon Swing to discuss Mama Maggie Gobran's wisdom on silence. “I learned that silence is the secret. Silence your body - to listen to your words. Silence your tongue - to listen to your thoughts. Silence your thoughts - to listen to your heart. Silence your heart - to listen to your spirit. Silence your spirit - to listen to his spirit.” MAMA MAGGIE GOBRAN, Founder and CEO, Stephen’s Children Ministry Request a free download of this quote in printable form her...
Aug 03, 2020•32 min•Ep. 63
Is all of life prayer? Sharon Swing talks with Sibyl Towner and Joan Kelley about this intriguing idea that may have you thinking about your prayer life in a new and intriguing way. oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helping people to recognize and respond to God in their stories. The seven lies Darrell talks about invitations to consider how a few shifts in perspective on how we think about God and faith effect our ways of being in the world. You don't have to agree with everything he ...
Jul 23, 2020•47 min•Ep. 66
One way to help you find your way forward is to do more of what connects you deeply to God-given design. Peak Experiences is the name of the 3rd visual map in the 'Listen to My Life' portfolio. Host of the oneLife Maps Podcast and Co-Author or 'Listen to My Life,' Sharon Swing, discusses the power of mapping and finding themes shared by peak experiences in our lives with Co-Author Sibyl Towner and Director of Facilitator Development, Joan Kelley. oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helpi...
Jul 05, 2020•54 min•Ep. 65
How might you go about selecting spiritual practices that fit for this season of your life? How might you expand the number of possibilities? Sharon Swing hosts a conversation with Co-Author of 'Listen to My Life: Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Story,' Sibyl Towner and Joan Kelley, Director of Facilitator Development for oneLife Maps, about the 'Life-Giving Rhythms' visual map from the 'Listen to My Life' portfolio. Order just the 'Life-Giving Rhythms,' map #7 from the 'Listen ...
Jun 28, 2020•38 min•Ep. 64
Jon Peacock has come to love his daily time of solitude. He says he's become a better man because of it. He loves his dog, Jack, too. Jack is a big part of making this spiritual practice a part of his life. Jon is a Founding Pastor of Mission Church in Bloomingdale, IL. He is husband to Kelly and dad to his two beautiful, growing daughters. He's good at what he does. He's another fine human we want you to meet. You can watch Jon's messages and more from Mission Church on YouTube here: https://ww...
Jun 15, 2020•33 min•Ep. 62
I love this conversation with Ashlee Eiland. I love Ashlee. You will, too. Please listen to a piece of her story here, and then also read her book, "Human(Kind): How Reclaiming Human Worth and Embracing Radical Kindness Will Bring Us Back Together." Her memoir in short essays recounts events in her life that shaped her view of herself, of God and the world around her. Finding yourself in the midst of so many conflicting messages can be a difficult task, especially when so many people have opinio...
May 29, 2020•41 min•Ep. 61
Liz Lassa, Creator of the 'Spiritual Circle Journal' joins us for a conversation on how journaling helps us become God-aware and self-aware. The specifics of the journaling prompts will help you get started on this very useful tool for spiritual growth. You can purchase the 'Spiritual Circle Journal' at https://spiritualcirclejournal.com and find out more about the May 2020 'Coping Well Together' Journaling Challenge at https://www.facebook.com/groups/863262523718041/ . oneLife Maps is, at its c...
May 04, 2020•21 min•Ep. 60
Adele Calhoun joins Sharon Swing for a conversation about Adele's book, 'Invitations from God.' Here's a description of her book: Some invitations we desperately want: "Will you marry me?" "Would you consider a promotion?" Other invitations we never want to receive but must respond to all the same: "What treatment do you want for your tumor?" Invitations pound away at the coastlines of the soul with a transforming force. God is also sending invitations. Sometimes they seem less compelling than a...
Mar 19, 2020•43 min•Ep. 59
In uncertain times, or times of difficulty, this question of, 'what does this allow?' becomes a challenge to be at our best for the benefit of others. So, today, in the midst of the uncertainty of the corona virus pandemic, what does this question stir in you? What attitude will you choose and actions might you take? Journey thru 'Listen to My Life' with the authors, in community from wherever you are. Our new virtual coaching group starts April 7, 2020, and you can find out more here : https://...
Mar 13, 2020•17 min•Ep. 58
My story, (Sharon Swing) has been blessed by effective leaders and harmed by unhealthy leaders. All of our stories contain chapters where people have influenced us in ways that shape us. Sometimes we have a choice over who leads us, and sometimes we have not had not. Leaders have a way of intentionally or unintentionally influencing our behavior, our perceptions of ourselves, of how the world works and sometimes even our perception of who God is. Leaders have sway over who is 'in' and who is 'ou...
Mar 12, 2020•38 min•Ep. 57
Sharon Swing and Sibyl Towner have a conversation prompted by a quote from Parker Palmer's book, 'Let Your Life Speak.' Here's a description of the book from Amazon: With wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor, Parker J. Palmer invites us to listen to the inner teacher and follow its leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose. Telling stories from his own life and the lives of others who have made a difference, he shares insights gained from darkness and depression as well as fulfillment and j...
Mar 01, 2020•39 min•Ep. 56
Sibyl Towner was prepared to teach on a Roadmap for Spiritual Formation the evening we recorded this episode. She had Robert Mulholland's book, 'An Invitation to a Journey: A Roadmap for Spiritual Formation' on her mind. We hope you enjoy this episode of Sharon Swing and Joan Kelley enjoying a good conversation with Sibyl. You can purchase the book from amazon here. oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helping people to recognize and respond to God in their stories. The seven lies Darrell...
Feb 16, 2020•43 min•Ep. 55
Christopher T. Rogers is a Marriage and Family Therapist from Asheville, NC who helps people to to bridge the gap between emotional and relational pain and healthful wholeness. On this episode, Sharon and Chris talk thru and overview of his book, 'A Field Guide to Relationships: Observing Humans in Their Natural Habitat.' With practical wisdom, Chris boils down the most frequent relational issues his clients encounter and gives us language and help to move us forward in finding relational harmon...
Jan 05, 2020•40 min•Ep. 54
Lori Shoults is producer of Sibyl's Book Club -- and so much more! She is a catalyst on many teams producing great work in for the benefit of others' spiritual formation. Sharon Swing and Joan Kelley talk with Lori about her passion for the Ignation Exercises and her journey in finding God in ways she never knew existed. oneLife Maps is, at its core, interested in helping people to recognize and respond to God in their stories. The seven lies Darrell talks about invitations to consider how a few...
Dec 29, 2019•37 min•Ep. 53
This Christmas Hope with Alexander John Shaia - Episode 52 Alexander Shaia is a thoughtful and poetic man, living the ancient rhythms of his Lebanese and Aramaic heritage. Alexander is a Spiritual Director, Educator, Psychologist and passionate professional speaker traveling internationally, lecturing and leading retreats and workshops. When not on the road, home is a fishing village on the coast of Spain and the beloved mountains above Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is the author of 'Heart and Mind: ...
Dec 22, 2019•45 min•Ep. 52
Lisa Anderson-Umaña is Director of Leadership Development in Latin America for Christian Camping International, and an Affirmed 'Listen to My Life Life' Map Guide. Lisa talks with Sibyl Towner and Sharon Swing about Listening, Learning and Leading. Please explore www.onelifemaps.com to download a free introduction booklet to 'Listen to My Life: Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in My Story,' that contains the artwork we refer to in this episode. You can purchase your 'Listen to My Life'...
Dec 15, 2019•44 min•Ep. 51
What is the connection between our bodies and our souls? When trauma is stored in the body, how might one consider the movement of the body as a part of the healing process? Jean Masukavich is a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher, a Christian Spiritual Director, and co-founder of SOWthat.com Jean has recorded an audio moving prayer meditation for our Patreon subscribers . Please consider becoming a supporter of oneLife Maps on Patreon. We publish audio meditations every week for our supporters at a l...
Dec 08, 2019•44 min•Ep. 50
Darrell Smith is our guest on today's podcast as we discuss the concepts of 'Original Sin' and 'Original Blessing' as theological underpinnings that have deep implications for how we come to know who God is, who we are as individuals, and how we see one another. As it turns out, where you begin has serious implications for living. Darrell Smith is the author of 'Faith Lies: Seven Incomplete Ideas That Hijack Faith and How to See Beyond Them.' You can find his book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to...
Nov 24, 2019•54 min•Ep. 49
Sibyl Towner and Joan Kelley join Sharon Swing for a conversation that lists many healthy ways to grieve. This is part 2 of this conversation. You can find part 1 as episode 49. If you are interested in becoming equipped to facilitate others thru 'Listen to My Life' life mapping materials, you can get more information about our upcoming Facilitator Certification Workshop, November 18-20 in the Chicago Area. You can find more information here: https://onelifemaps.lpages.co/november_2019-facilitat...
Nov 17, 2019•35 min•Ep. 48
Sibyl Towner and Joan Kelley join Sharon Swing for a conversation that lists many healthy ways to grieve. If you are interested in becoming equipped to facilitate others thru 'Listen to My Life' life mapping materials, you can get more information about our upcoming Facilitator Certification Workshop, November 18-20 in the Chicago Area. You can find more information here: https://onelifemaps.lpages.co/november_2019-facilitator-certification-workshop-landing-page Please explore www.onelifemaps.co...
Nov 10, 2019•32 min•Ep. 47
Adele Calhoun, along with her husband Doug and Clare and Scott Loughrige are authors of 'Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram: A Handbook for Harmony and Transformation,' published by IVP. You can purchase the book on Amazon here . The Enneagram opens a remarkable window into the truth about us, enabling us to see how image, wounds, lies, triggers, and default responses shape us every bit as much as our faith. But simply diagnosing our number doesn't do justice to who we are. Nor does it necessar...
Nov 03, 2019•47 min•Ep. 46
Sibyl Towner and Joan Kelley join Sharon Swing to discuss 'A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Thru Loss,' by Jerry Sittser. You can purchase the book here on Amazon. Here is the book's description: With vulnerability and honesty, Jerry Sittser walks through his own grief and loss to show that new life is possible - one marked by spiritual depth, joy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation of simple blessings. Loss came suddenly for Jerry Sittser. In an instant, a tragic car accident claimed th...
Oct 27, 2019•33 min•Ep. 45
