In this conversation, Tommy welcomes back author and teacher Gary Thomas to talk about his new book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling 12 Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God. Building on Gary’s deep engagement with Christian classics and spiritual theology, they explore how many sincere believers unconsciously live by “old rules” and assumptions, even after being spiritually reborn.

Gary and Tommy unpack why following Jesus is not about a safe, rule driven life, but about a deeper, riskier, more adventurous way of living that flows from intimacy with God. They dive into specific lies many Christians quietly absorb, like “family first,” “God owes me if I do my part,” and “I need to stay in control.” Along the way they connect Scripture, stories from church history, and their own personal experiences, including Tommy’s journey through his daughter’s cancer, to show how dismantling these lies is less about losing something and more about stepping into a fuller, freer life with God.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy sits down with parenting expert Keith McCurdy, founder of Live Sturdy and CEO of Total Life Counseling, to unpack what it really means to raise sturdy kids.

Keith shares decades of experience counseling more than 15,000 families, guiding parents toward raising emotionally mature, capable, and resilient children. Together, they explore the role of healthy struggle, practical responsibility, and emotional regulation in child development—and why comfort and happiness shouldn’t be the ultimate goals.

This conversation challenges modern parenting norms and provides practical steps for building sturdier families—ones grounded in values, identity, and the kind of leadership that grows capable kids and healthy adults.

• Why parenting can feel overwhelming and guilt-inducing
• What “sturdy” really means in child development
• How overprotection creates fragile kids
• Why emotions shouldn’t dictate parenting decisions
• The connection between practical skills and emotional maturity
• The value of healthy struggle and discomfort
• Moving children from consumers to contributors
• Establishing family identity and guiding principles
• Leading with sacrifice and consistency in parenting
• Practical steps to begin raising sturdier kids

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges

02:50 The Importance of Raising Sturdy Kids

06:10 Generational Wisdom in Parenting

08:51 The Role of Emotions in Parenting

11:48 Defining ‘Sturdy’ in Parenting

14:50 Practical Skills for Sturdy Kids

17:51 The Impact of Struggle on Growth

20:43 The Disconnect Between Happiness and Growth

24:05 The Process of Maturity Through Trials

32:09 The Fragility of Overprotection

36:21 The Role of Discomfort in Growth

41:31 Establishing Family Identity and Guiding Principles

47:03 Transitioning from Enabling to Empowering

55:42 Practical Steps for Raising Sturdy Kids

Keith McCurdy

President & CEO, Total Life Counseling

Founder, Live Sturdy

Counselor, Speaker, and Parenting Coach

livesturdy.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In this episode, Tracey Gates, a wellness coach and author of The Power of a Few Kind Words discusses her practice of intentional kindness. She shares her year-long experience of writing an unexpected letter of appreciation each day, highlighting the transformative effects of this activity not only for her but also for the recipients. The most profound of these letters was the last one - a heart-tugging message to her deceased father. Tracey also shares practical tips for writing appreciation letters.

Additional topics include her father's powerful influence, recognizing the 'love language' of words of affirmation, and her book, 'The Power of a Few Kind Words.' Lastly, Tracey emphasizes that everyone has the inherent power to positively influence others and transform themselves through simple acts of intentional kindness.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, finding the delicate balance between work and rest seems like an elusive dream. But what if I told you that one man's journey took an unexpected turn that completely transformed his perspective? Shane Schlesman, a devoted servant of God, thought he had it all figured out. But when a major heart attack struck, everything changed. Now, he's on a mission to share his newfound wisdom and help others navigate the demanding rhythms of life. Get ready to discover the secret to balancing work and rest in a way you never expected.

My special guest is Shane Schlesman

Meet our guest, Shane Schlesman, a fiercely dedicated leader, committed husband, and loving father. Holding pivotal roles in business and ministry over the past 20 years, Shane currently serves as the lead pastor at West End Assembly of God in Richmond, Virginia. His passion for creating an inclusive, diverse, and intergenerational religious community is truly admirable. Shane, who is known for his resilience and dedication to his role, has both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree. His personal stories and life experiences add depth and dimension to his understanding of faith, life balance, and work ethics.

Stress is a silent killer. We don't realize the impact it has on our lives. Take a hard look in the mirror and make changes in how you manage stress. - Shane Schlesman

In this episode, you will be able to:

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 - Introduction, 00:02:40 - Shane's Background, 00:09:51 - Challenges of Being a Pastor, 00:14:54 - The Story Behind Stress Test, 00:16:07 - Shane's Heart Attack, 00:19:08 - A Shocking Diagnosis, 00:20:38 - The Hidden Impact of Stress, 00:23:23 - Lessons from Stress, 00:28:00 - Learning to Rest, 00:34:38 - Working from Rest, 00:39:22 - Jesus as our Shepherd, 00:43:29 - Invitation to Rest, 00:46:52 - Learning to Be Done, 00:48:52 - Counter-cultural Message, 00:50:59 - Stress Test Podcast, 

If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by constantly chasing after quick fixes and short-term wins in your personal and professional pursuits, only to find yourself stuck and lacking true success, then you are not alone!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Process versus outcome thinking is a paradigm shift that can reframe everything in our lives, from problem-solving to personal growth. - Tommy Thompson

The key moments in this episode are:00:00:05 - Reconnecting and Recapping, 00:02:40 - Writing Workshop and Impostor Syndrome, 00:07:04 - Identifying Your Position in the Journey, 00:10:16 - Clear Desired Outcomes and Processes, 00:13:28 - Authenticity and Internal Reflection, 00:16:53 - Finding Your Motivation, 00:18:20 - Shifting Your Goal, 00:21:58 - Moving Beyond SMART Goals, 00:25:21 - Embracing Process-Oriented Thinking, 00:31:58 - Breaking Down Overwhelming Tasks, 00:34:59 - Finding a Sustainable Pace, 00:36:14 - Starting Small with Tiny Habits, 00:38:57 - Finding Your Parallels, 00:40:16 - The Role of Accountability, 00:44:43 - The Power of Community and Body Doubling, 00:50:22 - The Importance of Systems and Habits, 00:52:31 - Adapting the Process, 00:55:48 - Expanding Goals, 00:58:31 - Power of Compounding, 01:00:15 - Find Your Plan, Pace, Problems, and People, 

Does this sound familiar? You've been told that in order to grow and find fulfillment, you need to constantly strive, achieve, and mold yourself into what society deems successful. But despite your efforts, you still feel a deep sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. The pain of chasing after an identity that isn't truly yours is overwhelming. It's time to break free from the ineffective action of pursuing an external image of success. In this episode, my special guest JG Carter shares his personal journey from trapped in a success identity to freedom to live above the constructs the world tried to impose.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Episode Description:

In this captivating episode of the Space for Life podcast, Cary Umhau shares her inspiring journey of saying yes to new experiences and being open to unexpected opportunities. From founding Breadcoin to her involvement with Spacious, Cary's story will leave you craving more of her incredible adventures. Tune in now to discover the power of saying yes and embrace a joy-filled, purposeful journey with Cary Umhau.

I started feeling the most comfortable in places that our culture tells us we should fear. - Cary Umhau

In this episode, you will be able to:

·       Embrace the transformative potential of saying 'yes' and fostering an open-minded perspective. 

·       Discover the joys of including diversity and inclusivity in shaping impactful relationships.

·       Uncover the surprising role of playfulness and entertaining activities in forming robust social bonds. 

·       Learn about Breadcoin, an innovative nonprofit offering dignity, and access to food for those who might otherwise go hungry. 

·       Explore the significance of flexibility and faith in the divine plan to uncover your true calling. 

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Getting to Know Cary

00:03:36 - Exploring a Spacious Life

00:07:32 - Hearing and Acting on God's Guidance

00:10:46 - Finding Belonging in Unexpected Places

00:15:55 - Unlikely Friendship and the Birth of a Venture

 00:18:33 - Spacious Ventures and Creating Community

00:20:59 - Embracing Playfulness and Spaciousness

00:23:19 - Breadcoin: Innovative Solution to Hunger

00:28:00 - Breadcoin's Impact and Micro Loans

00:31:46 - Feeding Kids in Lower-Income Communities

00:32:49 - Fulfilling the Command to Feed the Hungry

00:33:50 - Bringing People Together Through Breadcoin

00:34:52 - Removing Stigma and Democratizing Food Assistance

00:47:27 - The Importance of Nuance in Discerning Purpose

00:48:07 - Letting God Lead

00:49:00 - Embracing Unexpected Opportunities

00:50:00 - Finding Spaciousness in Life

00:54:36 - Connecting with Cary Umhau

Resources:

·       Visit the website of Breadcoin, the nonprofit organization co-founded by Cary Umhau, to learn more about their mission and how you can get involved in their community-funded food token program - www.breadcoin.org 

·       Check out Spacious, Cary Umhau's organization, and consultancy that celebrates neighborly love and connects communities across borders. Explore their website to discover the open-hearted and expansive things they are doing and find ways to get involved. www.spaciousconsulting.org 

·       Read Cary Umhau's book, Burning Down the Fireproof Hotel, a spiritual memoir manifesto that explores her journey towards a more spacious life. Find it on major online book retailers or consider supporting local bookstores. https://a.co/d/1VjQE1x 

Links:

·       Instagram - @breadcoindc and @spaciouscommunity 

·       Order Space to Breathe Again - https://a.co/d/9o24w8q 

·       https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583

·       https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson

·       https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson

·       https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson

·       https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher

·       www.tommythompson.org 

I thought I had it all figured out until I stumbled upon a life-changing book that challenged everything I thought I knew. The Life God Blesses by Gordon McDonald opened my eyes to the importance of finishing well in all aspects of life. This realization prompted me to create a list of what finishing well meant for me. Now, as I approach a new season of life, I'm reminded of the power of intentionality. This episode will give you the tools to create your own Finishing Well list.

"Intentionality becomes so much more important in the later seasons of life." - Tommy Thompson

Resources:

The Life God Blesses - Gordon MacDonald

My Finishing Well List

If you're feeling overwhelmed and stuck in life, trying to make progress but constantly hitting roadblocks, then you are not alone! Remember, feeling stuck is a normal part of the journey. The key is to identify what's holding you back and take action to overcome it. With the right mindset and strategies, you can break through the obstacles and achieve the success you desire.

In this episode, you will be able to:

“We all find ourselves with stuck places in our lives...Today's episode is going to speak directly to those stuck places we're in, and what do we do to help extricate ourselves out of those stuck places and move again forward in our lives.” - Tommy Thompson

Kristin Harris is a truly inspiring individual whose life experiences have molded her into a beacon of hope and encouragement for countless individuals touched by cancer. With a history of breast cancer spanning four generations in her family, Kristin has an intimate and profound understanding of the disease. After losing her mother to cancer, Kristin found herself facing her own battle, being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer only a few years later at the age of 32. Throughout her journey, Kristin has become known for her faith, strength, and passion for helping others. Drawing from her experiences as both a patient and a caregiver, Kristin offers invaluable insight, encouragement, and support for those who find themselves navigating the complex world of cancer. Kristin shares the highs and lows of her journey, and how it led her to create Cancer Retreat Centers, a patient-centered integrative cancer care experience.

In this episode we talk about:

• Kristin's story
• Caring well for individuals battling cancer or other ongoing conditions
• The immense impact of community
• Survivor guilt
• Scanxiety
• Finding purpose and passion
• Cancer Retreat Centers
• 
  

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:46) Early Life and Caregiving

(00:09:49) Facing Greatest Fears

(00:13:11) Learning from Mother's Modeling

(00:15:41) Parent's Legacy and Foundation

(00:17:32) The Isolation of Cancer Patients

(00:22:33) The Meaning of Life

(00:26:48) Cancer U-turns

(00:30:42) Survivor Guilt

(00:34:57) Darker Moments and Finding Hope

(00:37:57) Surviving vs Thriving

(00:42:40) Cancer Retreat Centers

(00:48:04) Cancer Retreat Centers Becomes Reality

(00:52:55) Divine Tailwind and Finding Purpose

(00:58:05) Caring for Those with Cancer

(01:04:53) Grace and Self-Compassion

(01:06:27) Finding Purpose in the Midst of Hardship

(01:08:56) Connecting with Cancer Retreat Centers

(01:10:49) Closing Remarks

Connect:

Cancer Retreat Centers: https://www.cancerretreatcenters.org

Email Kristin: kharris@cancerretreatcenters.org

Kristin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivelypink2012/?hl=en

Give to Support Cancer Retreat Centers: https://cancerretreatcenters-bloom.kindful.com/embeds/bfa61536-62b6-4283-a632-907505891c48

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

In this episode of Space for Life, we delve into the vulnerable topic of money and how it impacts our relationships and lives. This is the final episode of the "How To Be Happy" series, and we try our best to talk about the complex topic of our finances today. We explore the imbalances and tensions caused by personal money personalities, and discover the importance of generosity, and trusting in God for a healthier relationship with money.

"The abundance mindset is counterintuitive when it comes to money, but it's the place that Jesus addressed very clearly."

In this episode we talk about:

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:28) What Money Can Get You

(00:04:24) Unhealthy Relationships with Money

(00:09:05) Money and Relationships

(00:13:48) Worrying About Money

(00:18:20) Jesus and Money

(00:23:35) Deceitfulness of Wealth

(00:27:14) Joyful Giving

(00:30:07) Trusting God with Money

(00:35:20) Practicing Giving

(00:37:17) Changing Our Relationship with Money

(00:39:22) Reframing Our View of Spouses and Money

(00:42:44) Entering Conversations About Trust

(00:43:40) Money Represents Reality

(00:44:49) Final thoughts

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

Does everyone have talent? In this episode, Patricia and I share our view that we absolutely believe that every single person has unique talents to offer. We continue our How To Be Happy series by talking about talent, and the act of giving and receiving our talents.

Living into who God made us to be, to the gifts he created us to have, is so critical to having a happy, joyous, fulfilled life. - Tommy Thompson

In this episode we talk about:

Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:26) The Scarcity Mentality (00:09:08) Our Talents (00:15:57) Giving and Receiving our Talents (00:17:54) Over Harvesting Talents (00:18:54) The Importance of Balancing Talents (00:21:31) Learning and Growing Talent (00:25:51) God and Teamwork (00:28:01) Overcoming Weaknesses (00:29:24) Exponential Growth

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, we focus on giving and receiving our hearts. Although heart isn't what we typically think of for giving and receiving, opening our hearts up and balance of giving and receiving allows us to experience deeper, more meaningful relationships, and greater joy and happiness.

"Opening our heart is the choice to risk and perhaps experience that our hearts are broken. Are we going to open and expose and take the risks, or are we going to go into survival mode and shut down and put on the tourniquet to our heart?" - Tommy Thompson

In this episode we talk about:

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction(0:42) Giving and Receiving Heart

(9:27)Balancing Joy and Suffering

(12:53) Balancing Giving and Receiving(17:17) Practicing Vulnerability(20:05) Finding the Rhythm of Giving and Receiving in Relationships(22:18) Developing Skills for Open and Rich Relationships(25:07) Creating a Future Life Vision(26:11) Reflection and Learning from Failed Friendships

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

Nicole brings 20 years of leadership and counseling experience to her work as a coach and communicator. Nicole’s passion is facilitating environments of safety & vulnerability so that individuals & communities can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from maximum potential.

As a speaker, Nicole brings both wit and wisdom, with an honest & vulnerable approach that appeals to both faith & leadership environments alike. As a coach, Nicole brings clarity & courage for individuals and teams as they pursue growth.

Her latest book, “The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships” invites readers into the practical steps that create moments of breakthrough within relationships. Her books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media. 

Invitations to speak have taken Nicole around the world, but she loves her home in Richmond, VA, which she shares with her husband and three kids. Nicole holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and serves on the board of CHAT, a local nonprofit focused on restorative work with young people in poverty.

Join Tommy in this delightful conversation with Nicole Unice.

www.nicoleunice.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

As we dive into the 4 key ways we give and receive, time is perhaps the hardest to embrace an abundance mindset with. By almost all accounts, time is the most obviously scarce resource we have. After all, everyone is limited to the same 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks in a year. However, in this episode, we challenge the way we tend to think about time. Time can be abundant, and we can be in the position to freely receive AND give time. Listen in as we talk about how happiness can be found through receiving and giving time.

"Believing that time is abundant is a step of faith, but it's a path to joy." - Tommy Thompson

In this episode we talk about:

Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:46) Living in Abundance (00:08:19) Practicing an Abundance Mindset (00:12:46) Finding Punctuation (00:18:39) Importance of Punctuating Time (00:20:29) Spacing Time (00:22:44) Learning to Receive Time (00:26:44) Linger and Look (00:30:08) All of Life is Practice

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

Discover the hidden world of abundance and joy in all areas of your life by balancing giving and receiving. In this episode we continue the "How To Be Happy" series by diving into the diverse ways we receive and give. This episode outlines 4 key areas that we find happiness through giving and receiving (time, money, talents, and heart) that we will be diving into in the coming weeks.

When we participate in acts of love, we step into the realm of abundance. And when you give away out of love, you receive in the giving. - Tommy Thompson

In this episode we talk about:

Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:47) Scarcity and Abundance Mindsets

(00:09:00) Receiving and Giving

(00:11:51) Giving of the Heart

(00:17:05) Final Thoughts

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, Tommy continues the happiness series by sharing a story about how how receiving and giving brought him true happiness. This story tells how God brought unexpected blessing from heart-wrenching loss.  When we learn to give that way with receiving, it brings so much joy. And that's the joy that I so deeply desire for other people to experience. - Tommy Thompson Happiness is found in the rhythm of receiving and giving in all areas of our lives. Hear Tommy tell a real life happy story of receiving and giving through one of life’s most difficult struggle, the struggle of grief. Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:12) The Beginning of Giving (00:06:01) The Perrin School (00:09:14) The Miracle (00:14:30) Redeeming Suffering (00:18:32) The Joy of Giving (00:19:29) Settling for Small Happiness (00:20:15) Abundance Mentality If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend! You can get a copy of Space to Breathe ⁠here⁠.

How can we be happy? This is perhaps one of the most common questions people ask themselves. We often think happiness is found in things like work, the experiences we have, or maybe through our relationships. Although these things are good, this episode suggests that true happiness is found in the balance of giving and receiving. This episode serves as part one of a new series all about how to be happy.

Topics Discussed:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:18) Four Categories of Pursuing Happiness

(00:09:01) Pursuing a Pathway to Happiness

(00:13:47) Receiving and Giving

(00:16:58) Balancing Receiving and Giving

(00:18:31) Finding Happiness Through Giving and Receiving

(00:21:22) Assessing Yourself Without Judgment

(00:22:38) Reframing Happiness

If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend!

You can get a copy of Space to Breathe here.

Have you ever thought about how the lens you see the world through might be greatly biased? Do you want to change your perspective and see the world in a new light? In this episode Patricia and I dive into the lenses and perspectives we use to view the world. We talk about: Identifying the lenses we see the world through: The value of having meaningful relationships with people who can speak truth into our lives and cover our blindspots The importance of using compassion when we examine ourselves Practical tips to develop new ways of seeing and experiencing life "In order for us to get better, we have to be able to name that lens without judgment. In this, there's recognition. And in that recognition, we can hopefully move forward." Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(4:19) Acknowledging Our Lenses(8:05) Healing Our Lenses(12:56) Seeing with New Eyes(16:22)Overcoming Discouragement(18:22) Overcoming Faulty Lenses(22:58) Intentional Practices(28:02) Fearful Lenses (32:55) Truth-Telling Relationships(37:28) Creating a New Lens(43:03) Practicing Self-Compassion(47:34) Identifying Stuck Places(49:45) Seeing with New Eyes Potential Ways You Could Begin Seeing with New Eyes: Acknowledge that everyone has a lens through which they see the world. Seek out close relationships that can mirror back to you how you are in a loving way. Use the Bible as a tool to reframe the way you view your own reality. Practice gratitude by writing down things you are grateful for. Look for tangible reminders of the messages you want to reinforce. If your enjoying the show, please subscribe and share with a friend! Stay Connected: www.tommythompson.org https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/tommy.thompson.583 https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/tommy-thompson-teacher https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/tommypthompson https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/tommy_thompson

In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Ruth McKeaney. Ruth has spent years passionately cultivating a sense of home and family culture in her own life. Through her experiences in flipping homes and raising her five children, Ruth has discovered the importance of creating a space that nurtures life and love. With a background in law and an adventurous spirit, Ruth's journey has been filled with challenges and growth. Her desire to create a strong family culture and share her passion with others led her to write her book, Hungry for Home.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(1:15) Hungry for Home

(2:24) Ruth’s Story

(16:23) How ‘Not Writing a Book’ Turned into Writing a Book

(28:58) Distinguishing Between Bigger Than Yourself and ‘Crazy’

(36:44) Supporting Your Partner in a Marriage 

(45:29) Practices to Stay Centered

This episode is all about the non-obvious patterns and realities of life. These truths exist for good and for bad, whether we like it or not. 

(0:00) Intro

(1:04) Principles of Life

(7:41) Principle of Naming

(15:46) Principle of Firsts

(22:03) Principle of Environment

(30:16) Principle of Finishing Well

(34:59) Principle of Space

(43:36) Principle of Small Changes

(49:20) Principle of Divine Multiplication

(56:38) Principle of Proximity

(1:01:31) Principle of Recency

(1:05:59) Outro

In this episode, I had the privilege of having a conversation with Os Guinness. Os is an author, social critic, and the great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer. Os has spoken at many of the world’s major universities and at many political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife Jenny in the Washington DC area.

Os shares about his early childhood in China during World War II, signals of transcendence, coming to faith, and practical ways to stay centered on our call.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(3:26) Os’ Story

(10:36) The Call and the Great Quest

(14:14) Signals of Transcendence

(24:51) Coming to Faith

(28:57) Why It’s Hard to Examine Life

(32:50) Habits + Practices to Stay Centered

Distraction is one of the greatest maladies in our world today, but distraction isn’t all bad. This episode dives into the difference between acute and chronic distraction as well as provides practical tips and applications to combat chronic distraction in our lives.

Chapters:

(0:00) Intro

(1:11) Assessing Distraction

(4:33) The Foundation of Distraction

(10:11) The Law of Proximity 

(14:15) Practical Tips and Applications

(18:12) Undistracted Times + Places

(21:24) Practicing Focus + Experiencing the Joy

(24:00) Distraction Experiment 

(25:47) Putting Distraction in It’s Proper Place

(27:52) Final Thoughts

In this episode of Space for Life, we will be exploring the fundamental principle of why it is important to create space in our lives. We will be discussing the purpose behind this, why it is challenging to achieve, and how to begin to get a taste of experiencing space. Our discussion will cover how space facilitates growth, nurtures relationships, enables us to live our purpose, and allows us to experience joy. 

Chapters

(0:00) Intro

(0:48) Why Space is Important

(4:01) 5 Categories We Need Space For

(7:38) We Can’t Be Our Best in Busyness

(9:50) Competing Values Behind Busyness

(15:13) How Do We Begin Creating Space

(19:22) How to Taste What Space is Like

(30:44) Space for Growth + Takeaways

This episode is all about the non-obvious patterns and realities of life. These truths exist for good and for bad, whether we like it or not. 

(0:00) Intro

(1:04) Principles of Life

(7:41) Principle of Naming

(15:46) Principle of Firsts

(22:03) Principle of Environment

(30:16) Principle of Finishing Well

(34:59) Principle of Space

(43:36) Principle of Small Changes

(49:20) Principle of Divine Multiplication

(56:38) Principle of Proximity

(1:01:31) Principle of Recency

(1:05:59) Outro

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! http://tommythompson.org

We're excited to have David Dwight, Senior Pastor of Hope Church, join us on this episode to talk about Easter. In today's culture, the symbols and traditions associated with Easter can be complex and sometimes neglected, leading us to miss its profound significance. David provides insightful perspectives that will hopefully enable us to appreciate the beauty and meaning of this miraculous event more fully.

David’s previous episode on Space for Life (Part 1 | Part 2)

(0:00) Intro

(4:49) Letters and Terminology

(10:52) The Cross

(18:26) Why Crucifixion 

(28:36) Our Souls Are Hungry

(33:36) A New Way of Entering Easter Week

(41:57) The Core Threads of Easter

Space for life is back, and in this episode, I share reflections and lessons from my year of jubilee.

Chapters:

(0:00) Intro (0:57) What is a Year of Jubilee (8:42) The Power of Creating Space (15:10) The Freedom of Being Small (23:31) How to Find ‘Jubilee’ in the Normal Rhythms of Life (31:24) Lessons and Takeaways from the Year (36:45) Coming up on Space for Life

What you can expect from the Space for Life podcast.

Space for Life’s farewell episode.

In this episode, Tommy and Patricia take a fresh angle and approach to the topic of “gluttony”.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with friend and pastor, Corey Widmer. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Corey worked for three years in London, England as "Study Assistant" to Rev. Dr. John Stott, a pastor, author and speaker. After returning to the U.S. he attended Princeton Theological Seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree. In June 2005 Corey and his wife Sarah moved to Richmond into the north Churchill neighborhood. In early 2008, he helped launch and  then co-pastored for 7 years East End Fellowship, a multi-racial church in north Church Hill.  Since 2015 he has served as the Lead Pastor at Third Church. He also has a PhD in theology from the Free University of Amsterdam. When he’s not working, Corey spends time running, bird-watching, and driving his kids to soccer practice. But mostly he enjoys being with his wife Sarah and their four daughters, Sophia, Anna, Phoebe and Frances.

Celebrate the 1 year Anniversary of Space to Breathe Again with a special sale and brief excerpt from the book

Simplicity is harder and more complicated than it first appears. How can we find a life-giving way of embracing simplicity in a complex, overloaded world?

Tommy and Patricia reflect on practices from Space to Breathe Again as the book approaches its first birthday.

In this episode, Tommy is joined by longtime friend and co-founder of HOPE Church, Pete Bowell. Pete shares some of his story as well as encouragement for creating space and loving and caring for people really well.

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy welcomes his long-time friend, author, and speaker Amy Julia Becker. They discuss Amy Julia's journey from her early days, her background, her marriage, and significant life events such as her daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis which pivoted her career towards writing. They delve into her books, emphasizing themes of disability, family, culture, and faith. Her latest book, 'To Be Made Well,' which focuses on holistic healing, is explored in depth. They discuss the idea of interconnected healing—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual—and practical steps and practices to develop a listening life, humility, and hope in one's healing journey.

Amy Julia Becker helps people reimagine the good life through her writing and speaking on disability, faith, and culture. She is the author of To Be Made Well, White Picket Fences, Small Talk, and A Good and Perfect Gift and the creator of the Reimagining Family Life with Disability workshop. She is a guest opinion writer for national publications and hosts the Reimagining the Good Life podcast. Becker is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv). She lives with her husband and their three children in western Connecticut.

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In this episode, Tommy and Patricia talk about a 30 minute weekly routine that can drastically change the course of your life.

In this episode, Tommy is joined by Patricia Clarke to talk about stress. For many of us stress has become a pillar of life – it has almost become life, death, taxes and stress. This episode questions whether stress is a healthy part of life, and how we can measure our overall heath by our stress level.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with Shawn and Lauren Sweeney where they talk about marriage, owning businesses, and finding space and healthy balance.

"Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate, and righteous man." (Ps 112:4)

Even in the darkest seasons of our life, when survival seems to be all we can hope for, God helps us with unexpected moments when light shines through.

Originally released on January 20, 2021, this episode dives into an age-old topic punctuality, but you may be surprised by what “radical” punctuality looks like. Hint: It’s way more than just being on time. The radical punctuality discussed in this episode leads to far more enjoyment, and a deeper experience of life. Our rushing is not necessary to be productive.

This question acknowledges that we are constantly changing, for good or for bad. Who do we want to become 10 years from now? Intentionally asking this question over the broad categories of our life will steer our becoming.

Who do you want to become?

This week, Tommy and Patricia name their four core ingredients for a beautiful life. A healthy balance of these four elements can lead to human flourishing.

The 4 Ingredients for a Beautiful Life:

Rarely do we take the time to answer this simple question. Yet, this question has the potential to reach to our heart's deepest desires. It has the potential to steer our futures.

In this episode, Tommy and Patricia discuss how the people in our lives deeply impact us, and who are the people we need to surround ourselves with to foster growth. 5 People We Need for a High Quality of Life: Cheerleader Coach Faithful Friend Companion Inspiration

Rest is meant to be more than just a means to maximize productivity. How are you resting?

In this episode of Space for Life, Tommy Thompson and long-time friend Tuck Knupp discuss the concept of aging well, highlighting its relevance at any age. The conversation delves into Tuck's life journey, which spans decades of ministry work, including his involvement with Young Life and pastoral roles. Tuck shares insights on maintaining health, nurturing relationships, and the importance of spiritual practices. The discussion also addresses the challenges of aging, such as learning to grieve losses and reframing regrets within the context of God's grace. Both Tommy and Tuck emphasize the value of intergenerational relationships and leaving a legacy of faith and wisdom.

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In this week’s episode of Space for Life Podcast, Tommy and Patricia reflect on how to approach life with growing clarity and focus. 

Questions are powerful tools to gain clarity, promote reflection, and grow individually. Learn more about the power of questions in this brief Reflection.

In this episode, Tommy sits down with coach and counselor, Alex Peavey, and hears Alex’s moving story.