In this engaging conversation, Ryan Leeds shares his journey of spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of gradual growth and the role of mentorship and family in shaping one's faith. He reflects on his experiences in Colorado, the challenges of modern culture, and the significance of remembering God's faithfulness. Ryan offers valuable insights on parenting, the necessity of slowing down, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process, ultimately highlighting the grace of God throughout our journeys. In this conversation, the hosts explore the themes of spiritual formation, the importance of mentorship, and the role of personal experiences like fly fishing in deepening one's relationship with God. They discuss the cyclical nature of spiritual growth, the significance of community, and how personal disciplines can lead to a greater understanding of God's presence in our lives. The dialogue emphasizes the need for reflection, the challenges of anxiety, and the joy found in spiritual practices.

Chapters

00:00 Snowy Beginnings: A Colorado Journey

02:49 The Importance of Spiritual Formation

05:59 The Long Road of Spiritual Growth

08:51 Mentoring Young Men: A Lifelong Pursuit

12:05 The Role of Family in Spiritual Formation

15:05 Lessons from Fatherhood and Marriage

18:00 Advice to My Younger Self: Slow Down and Learn

21:00 Embracing Mistakes and God's Grace

26:40 The Invitation to Relationship with God

29:14 The Journey of Spiritual Formation

32:30 The Role of Mentorship in Spiritual Growth

36:36 Fly Fishing as a Spiritual Discipline

46:48 The Overflow of Spiritual Experience

In this episode of the Valley Run Podcast, host AJ engages in a deep conversation with Chris Thomas, exploring themes of personal faith, the concept of 'Christ in you', and the importance of friendship in spiritual growth. Chris shares his experiences, including a life-altering encounter with Jesus during college and the challenges he faced during his battle with COVID. The discussion emphasizes the significance of enjoying a relationship with God, navigating life's trials, and the role of community in maintaining faith. Chris reflects on his ministry journey, the joy of connecting with others, and his aspirations for continued spiritual growth as he ages.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

05:50 Experiencing Christ's Indwelling Life

12:01 Navigating Life's Trials and Spiritual Growth

17:47 Finding Joy in the Christian Life

24:01 Reflections on Ministry and Legacy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Goal Setting in Sports and Life

02:51 The Journey of Setting Personal Goals

06:12 The Driveway: A Place of Growth and Development

09:04 The Importance of Hard Work and Repetition

11:53 Spiritual Formation and Goal Setting

15:13 Embracing Identity Beyond Sports

18:08 Navigating Goals and God's Will

20:57 The Role of Delegation in Achieving Goals

23:54 Vision vs. Goals: A Broader Perspective

26:48 The Power of Storytelling in Coaching

30:08 Parenting and Encouraging Goal Setting

33:00 Transferring Goal Setting to Spiritual Life

36:14 Conclusion and Reflections on Growth