The Next Right Thing

I am not a tear it down kind of person. But keeping things intact is not a character trait. It’s a decision, and it’s not always a good one. The painful truth is that sometimes in order to experience wholeness, first we have to tear something down. It sounds counter-intuitive, and you’d better believe it often feels that way, too. But God himself understands the necessity of being torn down to be remade. We don’t want to be people who shut our eyes to reality, hiding in comfortable corners and declaring the world is not our problem. We also realize every story has nuance and there’s no such thing as an “issue.” It’s all people and stories of people and I’m learning to pay attention. If you’re learning too or at least want to learn along with me, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: My sister turned her love for decorating Barbie houses into a way to serve others in creating comfortable spaces for themselves. You can find her at The Nesting Place or @thenester on Instagram. To learn more about my f

Making a decision is hard enough. But add the unpredictability of emotion to the mix and making a confident decision can feel nearly impossible. What do we do when we have a decision to make but we have such strong emotions surrounding that decision that we feel paralyzed to move one way or another? It’s a great question and I can’t say I have a clean, linear answer. But I do have thoughts and I hope you’ll listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Listening Life by Adam McHugh Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

In nearly every major and sometimes not-so-major decision, I’ve prayed for clarity. I’ve shared here before how in times of cloudy decision-making frustration, I’ve even Googled how to make a decision. More and more, though, every time the word “clarity” comes out of my mouth, I hesitate. I’m realizing for me, clarity can be a more acceptable word for control. If I could just see the future, I could make a good decision about this part of my life. Today's practice is to take a 10 minute timeout and consider a few simple questions in the presence of God. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 27: Stop Rushing Clarity John 14 Group Spiritual Direction by Rose Mary Dougherty Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

When the problems of life feel big and the way through seems impossible, the last thing we want to do is to consider what we most want or to look desire in the face. But what if clues to our next right thing are embedded in the last place we feel free to look? Instead of talking yourself out of your crazy ideas, maybe it's time to listen to them. I’m not here to say listening to your crazy idea will lead to big things. But what I truly believe is that at least listening to your crazy idea is often the thing that will lead you home - to your greatest contribution and the place where God wants to meet you. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Holy Listening by Margaret Guenther  We’ve opened the doors to hope*writers for the last time this year. If your crazy idea has been to become a published writer, join us before the enrollment period ends on Friday, October 4th Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

For a few minutes each Tuesday, our directive is to do the next right thing, not to think about doing the next right thing. Of course thinking is a part of doing. But they at least have to work together to bring about meaningful change. We practice what we want to improve and certain things lend themselves well to our idea of practice - playing piano or a team sport, learning to paint, draw, dance or sing. In elementary school we practiced math problems, cursive letters, how to share our toys. As adults, we may still practice some of those things, but we also practice in more nuanced ways, things that have to do with our faith, our identity, and our relationships. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Troublemaker, a memoir by Leah Remini Andrew Peterson and The Rabbit Room The Rabbit Room's conference Hutchmoot The High Five, a 3 minute documentary about Andy Gullahorn and Gabe Scott’s practice of meeting each other for a simple high five Shirt of Flame by Heather King Grab a copy of my book, The

It’s often the simplest phrases that have the power to change our lives. Like “I love you” and “I’m sorry” and “You’re not alone.” Since adults make over 35,000 decisions every single day, it’s no wonder that this idea of simply doing the next right thing feels like such a relief. My goal in these few minutes we have together on Tuesdays is to make one simple suggestion that could help ease the load of your own daily decision-making. If you’re feeling stuck, confused, hesitant, or overwhelmed today, maybe it will help to ask and answer the second question. Listen in.  Links + Resources From This Episode: Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb Episode 32: Stop Collecting Gurus Episode 33: Gather Co-Listeners Becoming a True Spiritual Community by Larry Crabb Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

We’ve been told not to borrow trouble and to be careful borrowing money, but when is borrowing okay, even welcome? Listen in. *Content warning: This week's episode references the events of September 11, 2001.  Links + Resources From This Episode: And still, I remember. As if It happened yesterday by Brambleberry Grace Faithful Presence: Seven Disciplines That Shape the Church for Mission by David Fitch The Way of The Heart by Henri Nouwen The Book of Common Prayer To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing. Each chapter ends with a prayer you can borrow. Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman  Download Transcript

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that help to ease our decision-fatigue the most. Links + Resources From This Episode: Atomic Habits by James Clear When a Simple Gesture Prevents 85% of Workplace Errors Episode 22: Embrace Your Limits Episode 90: Start With This Simple Rhythm Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

If you’re in the ellipsis in your own life right now, you might have more questions than answers, more furrowed brows than nodding heads. But there are some things you can still choose - like making a place where roots are lacking, like believing for sure that God is with you, like doing your next right thing in love. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson A Million Little Ways Episode 24: Look for Arrows (Not Answers) Placemaker by Christie Purifoy All things Christie Purifoy Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

I talk a lot about the importance of creating space for your soul to breathe. One question I often hear is how? What does it look like to create space for your soul? Practically, on a Tuesday, in the middle of your regular life? Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 76: Create a Simple Morning Routine Simply Tuesday Get the Simply Tuesday audiobook for free in August courtesy of Christian Audio A Million Little Ways Invitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley Burton Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder Placemaker by Christie Purifoy Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing August 20th Only: Get The Next Right Thing 50% off at Barnes & Noble Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

In our last episode I shared about my plan to take a six week sabbatical, but going away to plan, pray, and create is only helpful if you return. Today I'll share about the equally important task of coming back.  Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 88: Come Away For Awhile Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain Astronaut Scott Kelly walking on Earth after a year in space on the Verge Rob Maddock on Atmospheric Reentry on PhysOrg How Astronauts Return to Earth by Beth Wilson Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

Is there a difference between a vacation, a sabbath, and a break? How can we tell and why does it matter? Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 87: Create Space Subversive Sabbathby AJ Swoboda The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brillianceby Susan Cain Episode 40: Keep Your Rest Invitation to Retreatby Ruth Haley Barton The Gift and Necessity of Time Away With God: Renovare Podcast with Ruth Haley Barton Faithful Presenceby David Fitch Meeting God In Scripture by Jan Johnson Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman  

Creating space for the soul is part of being a healthy human. For some of us that phrase sounds delightful. But for others, not so much. What does it mean to create space for the soul and why does it matter? Links + Resources From This Episode: The Solace of Open Spacesby Gretel Ehrlich Soul Keepingby John Ortberg Episode 7: Faithfulness, Fame, and the Gift of Obscurity Holy Listeningby Margaret Guenther #LiteraryLondon+ #TravelsWithTsh Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

The second most often quoted phrase from this podcast is one I didn’t even say. The first phrase people repeat the most is obvious, do the next right thing. Want to know the second most often quoted phrase? Well it comes from James Bryan Smith and here's where he'll share the story behind it. Links + Resources From This Episode: Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation The Apprentice Gathering September 26-28 Wichita, KS Hidden In Christby James Bryan Smith The Apprentice Seriesby James Bryan Smith Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Grief descends as a permanent part of our rhythm of life, coloring everything, reshaping the narrative, changing us in ways we would never ask for but there it is anyway. Death changes every part of life, including our ability to do our next right thing. Links + Resources From This Episode: Will Smith Remembers the Last Conversation with Prince No Wonder They Call Him the Saviorby Max Lucado The Year of Magical Thinkingby Joan Didion Rachel Held Evans A Grief Observedby C. S. Lewis Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

This is a practice that has changed my life and, I believe if you do it regularly, will change yours as well. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how I reflect on my life and some questions I ask that make it both simple and meaningful. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 04: Record What You Learn Episode 61: Look Back - How Reflection Can Help You Make Better Decisions Discern + Decide: An online course to help you discern a personal and communal rhythm of life Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Today I’m stepping away from the daily nuts and bolts of decision-making to remind us what it’s all about. Yes, we want to make better decisions. More, we want to make decisions in a better way — but what does that mean, exactly? Links + Resources From This Episode: Visions of Vocation by Steven Garber Episode 82: Find the Beginning in the Ending The Sovereignty of Good by Iris Murdoch Writers: hope*writers is open for enrollment through May 24! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Are you facing the end of something but find yourself dragging your feet to the finish line because you aren't sure what will come after? Today I'll offer 3 things to consider just before or right after an ending as you discern your next right thing.   Links + Resources From This Episode: The Next Right Thing book Episode 03: Make The Most Important List To Bless This Space Between Usby John O'Donohue Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Today I’ll offer a short blessing for all the mamas everywhere - both the newest ones, the most experienced ones, the ones who are still waiting as well as those who don’t think of themselves as mothers but they mother us in their own ways. Maybe you'll see yourself in a few of these lines or maybe you'll see a friend, a sister, a cousin or a daughter. We all need to be mothered and this is a small celebration of the mother-work all women are doing in the world. I raise my coffee mug to you. Find me at emilypfreeman.com or on Instagram @emilypfreeman.

If you are a graduate, have a graduate, or love a graduate, this episode is for you. It's help for that question people keep asking: So what will you do after graduation? Here are 3 things to remember as you respond and plan your next right thing. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Next Right Thing book A Blessing For The New Year Episode 50: Go Forward - Why I went to grad school Jamie B. Golden - The Popcast Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman