"But Jesus Drank Wine" & Other Stories That Kept Us Stuck

JOIN THE DRY JANUARY 40-DAY FAST HERE.  Six weeks of coaching and community to kick-start your 2025 alcohol-free! Today we explore the joy and clarity of life without alcohol, sharing personal stories and tips for thriving in alcohol-free social settings. From milestone moments to everyday experiences, we uncover how this lifestyle enhances connection and presence. What You’ll Discover: Alcohol-Free Milestones Made Memorable Date Nights: Strengthen your connection with your partner in meaningful ways. Weddings & Birthdays: Celebrate without intoxication—just pure connection and joy. Sporting Events & Concerts: Embrace the energy and excitement of these events with a clear head. Vacations & Theater Performances: Experience the world and the arts like never before. Building Healthier Relationships Through Better Communication Why listening and empathy are key to deeper relationships. How body language, tone, and trust create stronger connections. Tips for resolving conflicts with honesty and respect. Living alcohol-free isn’t just about skipping drinks—it’s about being fully present for life’s moments and building richer connections with others.   Life without alcohol opens the door to unforgettable experiences and deeper relationships. Start exploring the possibilities today! Note: This episode originally aired on April 8, 2024.   JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE!   Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind Pre-order now and join us for 6 weeks of coaching through the book in our community.   Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine   You can find this episode on YouTube HERE   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.  

Today we welcome back Karla Adkins to share her inspiring journey of freedom from alcohol, faith, and transformation. Karla’s story is one of resilience and hope, offering a candid look at her struggles with alcohol, shame, and vulnerability—and how she found freedom through faith and sharing her inspiring story.  Karla reflects on her initial reluctance to share her experiences with liver failure publicly. Hearing how her story touched others gave her the courage to keep sharing, creating a ripple effect of hope for women struggling to control their drinking. Karla dives deep into the challenges of confronting shame, the healing power of vulnerability, and the transformation that comes from building a personal relationship with Jesus. She recounts her battle with liver failure and cirrhosis, her wake-up call to surrender her life to God, and the profound shift from seeing faith as a religion to experiencing it as an intimate relationship.  Together, Christy, Meade, and Karla explore the misconceptions surrounding sobriety and the subtle but dangerous grip alcohol can have on our lives. Karla emphasizes the importance of understanding its impact—not just on our bodies but on our relationships and spiritual health. Karla’s testimony highlights how vulnerability can lead to healing—not just for the person sharing, but for everyone who hears it. She encourages listeners to view fear as an opportunity for growth and to take the leap toward freedom, no matter how uncertain the path may seem. Her gratitude for the chance to share her journey shines through, offering a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own struggle with alcohol. Today’s episode is a reminder that no struggle is too great, and no story is too small to make an impact. Listen to Karla’s first episode with us, here.  Get Karla’s book, “And She Came Tumbling Down” here.   JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE! https://butjesusdrankwine.com/community Get Christy's Book:  Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind http://lovelifesober40dayfast.com   Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine   You can find this episode on YouTube HERE   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

Today, we welcome back Pastor David for his fifth appearance on the podcast! Pastor David shares his profound wisdom and practical advice on a topic that resonates with everyone: temptation. Whether it’s alcohol, unhealthy habits, or other areas of life, temptation is something we all face—but it’s not something we have to face alone. Pastor David starts by unpacking the critical distinction between temptation and sin, drawing from powerful biblical insights in the book of James and Jesus’ own experience in the wilderness. He emphasizes that temptation does not come from God and that it’s a distortion of our God-given desires. By understanding the roots of temptation, we can gain clarity and strength to overcome it. The conversation delves into the three primary categories of temptation and how they show up in our lives. Pastor David sheds light on how these challenges often stem from a deeper longing for connection and belonging and how recognizing these underlying desires can be the first step toward freedom. Throughout the episode, Pastor David and the hosts offer actionable strategies for conquering temptation. From fleeing tempting situations to using Scripture as a weapon against cravings, the discussion provides you with a roadmap for navigating moments of weakness. One powerful takeaway is the importance of speaking God’s word aloud—reminding ourselves of His promises and His provision for a way out when we feel overwhelmed. Pastor David offers a message of hope and encouragement, emphasizing that true freedom is found in understanding our identity in God. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or simply seeking guidance for daily challenges, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and spiritual tools to help you live a life rooted in faith. If you’ve ever wrestled with temptation and wondered how to break free, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to take the next step. JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE!   Get Christy's Book:  Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind   Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine   You can find this episode on YouTube HERE   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.

We are unbelievably honored to chat with Dr. Lee Warren—a renowned neurosurgeon, Iraq war veteran, acclaimed author, and speaker—to explore the powerful ways neuroscience and Scripture intersect to bring hope and healing. Dr. Warren’s story is a remarkable journey through intense personal challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of his son, Mitch, and his experiences serving in Iraq, all of which have shaped his perspective on resilience, faith, and personal transformation. Dr. Warren shares insights from his best-selling books, "I've Seen the End of You" and "Hope is the First Dose," offering a window into his unique approach to overcoming trauma. In this episode, he unpacks the principles behind what he calls “self-brain surgery” or self-directed neuroplasticity—explaining how our minds can be actively reprogrammed to transform thought patterns, heal from pain, and unlock profound spiritual growth. Together, we dive into his "treatment plan" for navigating life’s inevitable hardships and discuss the life-changing role of hope and supportive communities in the healing process. Dr. Warren also answers pressing questions from our community, including how alcohol impacts the brain and negatively affects our physical and mental health.  Tune in for an episode that will leave you with a renewed perspective on resilience, a deeper understanding of your brain’s potential, and practical tools to face life’s toughest moments with courage and faith. Get Dr Warren’s new book, “Hope is the first Dose” here.  Subscribe to Dr Warren’s substack, “Self-Brain Surgery” here.    JOIN THE BJDW COMMUNITY HERE!   Love Life Sober, A 40 Day Alcohol Fast To Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health and Renew Your Mind Pre-order now and join us for 6 weeks of coaching through the book in our community.   Learn More about Coaching with Christy  Learn More about Coaching with Meade   Connect with us on Instagram! @imnotsoberimfree @lovelifesoberwithchristy @butjesusdrankwine   You can find this episode on YouTube HERE   The creators, hosts, and producers of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological or professional advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any communication on behalf of BJDW or otherwise to be a substitute for such. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in any mention of and/or linked resources are those of the authors/owners of those resources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the But Jesus Drank Wine podcast team or guests of the show.