The French Press with Emily Downs

Instead of planning out our own lives and casually asking God to sprinkle a blessing over them, what does it look like to truly ask, "God, what are You already doing, and how do You want me to adjust my life to join You?" From Elijah calling Elisha away from his plow to Simeon and Anna waiting lifetimes in the temple, we explore how God calls us out of our defaults, why we must stick around to connect the dots after we pray, and how spiritual maturity often feels like a trip to the chiropractor as we attempt to...

I’m recording in the semi-dark with sideways rain, gale warnings on Lake Michigan, and a dead power grid. I can't help but think of how life's sudden storms take us by surprise.

In this episode, we chat about what happens when our spiritual power goes out, how God trains our endurance through the hard seasons, and why slow-cooked faith in an instant-microwave culture produces something that truly nourishes.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Experiencing God by Blackaby 

Waking up to the Goodness of God by Susie Larson 

In this episode, I step out of my comfort zone—talking about books and theology—to share some personal stories from the "life in between." Right in the middle of our chaotic move, I attended a retreat that turned into a powerful object lesson on God's personal, practical love, the necessity of community, and what it means to live a poured-out life.  A midnight crisis in a bunk bed taught me first hand how God provides exactly what we need when we feel fragile. And how He builds a "pour spout" into our lives so we can bless others.  

Welcome back! I'm recording this episode from a completely new spot - we unexpectedly moved to a beautiful rental house right on the beach of Lake Michigan. While I am so grateful for this stunning space, the move has brought up some deep reflections on the temporary nature of life, the concept of stewardship, and how we handle major transitions.

In this episode, I share stories about our pets (including our anxious dog Scout and a "Lazarus" fish), dive into the story of Moses, and share a personal moment of conviction about wanting credit versus embracing the...

How do we handle the bad cards we have been dealt without losing the game? Let's take an honest look at the stewardship of our minds. The person who talks to you the most every single day is you, and so much of our daily thought life runs on autopilot—just like driving a car or making a morning cup of coffee. But what happens when those background thoughts are holding us back, or when we hesitate to call sin what it actually is? We’re breaking down how to rework those mental habits, why forgiveness is the ultimate key...

In this episode we're taking a close look at what it actually means to be human. We often rely on our culture to tell us what’s "normal," but culture is constantly shifting—and honestly, a lot of what the world calls normal comes out of brokenness.

We will examine human nature and what it looks like to let God reshape our hearts to His standard rather than our own. Growth is messy and we all experience "theological puberty"—how we grow in uneven spurts—and why time doesn't actually heal all wounds unless we bring...

CORRECTION: We screwed up the difference between a watch and warning numerous times in this episode. Hopefully that doesn't hinder the message too much. We will try to do better with our weather-related metaphors in the future, but honestly, we're still confused, so it's not looking good.

In this upcoming discussion, we’re digging deep into the world of soul care—what it actually means, why it matters for you and future generations, and how to spot the heavy "ingredients" brewing in your life before they turn into a full-blown tornado. We’re chatting about...

In this episode, we’re diving back into our ongoing conversation about soul care and what it really means to walk closely with the Lord. We often crave safety, baseline comfort, and an easy, orderly life, but kingdom work is rarely convenient or cheap.

Using the story of the widow’s mites, the life and failures of Peter, and insights on the counsel of God, we examine how answering God's call requires us to risk beyond our comfort zone, embrace sacrifice, and bring something truly unique to a broken world

Books mentioned in t...

In this episode, we are getting vulnerable about the beautiful, chaotic, and deeply sacrificial reality of doing kingdom ministry. We are stripping away the "Instagram-perfect" version of faith and diving into what it actually looks like to live a life of joyful, grateful dependence on God. I talk about why we have to stop reading our messy circumstances like tea leaves, the true cost (and immense beauty) of showing up for deep friendships, and how a devastating story in 2 Samuel gives us one of the most stunning foreshadowings of Jesus' love for us.It’s messy, it’s honest, and i...

What if the things we’re chasing aren’t actually the things that will satisfy us? The perfect home. The perfect body. The perfect life. The version of ourselves we think will finally make us enough. In this episode of The French Press, we’re talking about the “glamorous lies” we believe — and how God gently invites us to trade them for something real. Because what matters most isn’t what people see. It’s what God is doing in our hearts.

Books mentioned:

Soul Care — Dr. Rob Reimer

Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Ou...

Welcome back to The French Press with Emily Downs. If you have been following along recently, you know that we have been exploring the vital topic of soul care. In this episode, I am sharing my reflections fresh from attending a three-day, fully immersive Soul Care conference. To be completely honest, I initially felt so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the depth of the experience that I considered not mentioning it on the podcast at all. However, I felt a strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to share this journey with you.

In this...

We spend a lot of time wanting God to simply remove the hard things. And honestly? I still feel that way sometimes. But throughout Scripture, we see that God often does something deeper in the middle of the suffering instead of immediately taking it away. We talk through the story of the blind man in Mark 8 who was healed in two stages and how that mirrors our own spiritual growth. Sometimes we’re only “seeing trees walking.” We can see something God is doing, but not clearly yet.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Soul...

This week we’re diving back into Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer and unpacking the powerful idea of sinful family patterns—the habits, wounds, struggles, and strongholds that seem to repeat themselves, generation after generation. Sometimes we think time heals old wounds, but often the things left unaddressed don’t disappear; they simply go underground and show up later in different ways.
I kept coming back to this image from the book of a riptide. You can be swimming along, feeling completely fine, and suddenly realize you're being pulled somewhere you never intended to go. Family patterns can work...

Repentance isn’t about shame, it’s about freedom. In this episode, I share how coming into alignment with God brings healing, breaks cycles, and releases the weight we were never meant to carry. When we stay out of alignment through sin, wounds, or even hidden struggles, those things don’t just disappear. They linger, grow, and eventually show up in our relationships, our thoughts, and our behaviors. God invites us into restoration and ultimately relationship with Him. Repentance offers us freedom from bondage. 

Books Mentioned:

Soul Care - Dr. Rob Reimer

In...

We spend so much of life building sandcastles - things that look important but won’t actually last. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to do real soul work and why so many of us are walking around with cracks in our foundation without even realizing it. Join me as we name the three big lies that shape our identity. What you build on matters. Castles will crumble, but a life built on Christ will last.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer

• Waking Up to the Goodness...

Any good gardener knows you can't just pull the leaves off the the top of a weed, it will grow back almost immediately. Unwanted plants in our flowerbeds need to be dug out by the roots. This is also true when it comes to the soil of our souls. We are hoping to grow the fruits of the Spirit but often find ugly weeds popping up when we are stressed or tired. It feels easier to manage our behaviors than get out a shovel and start digging around in our hearts. Join me as we discuss what it looks...

In second Samuel God told David to move quickly when he heard a rustling in the mulberry trees. This was a supernatural act and David's job was to respond quickly. There is a wonderful picture here for us today; when God is stirring you to move forward, don't hesitate, He is with you. David won that battle because he listened for the rustling in the trees. Are you listening? 

Books mentioned on this episode:

1 & 2 Samuel 

Our souls need tending. The Bible has a lot to say about the soul. David in the Psalms often talked to his soul. He encouraged it to look to the Lord in times of trouble. There is great mystery surrounding our inner beings. Soul. Spirit. Heart. On this episode, we wade into the inner working of our souls. Paul tells us there is a war waging inside of us. Are you being a good steward of your soul? 

Books mentioned in this episode:

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand by Paul David Tripp 

Little Women is one of my favorite stories. A novel worth re-reading in different stages of life. The March sisters make for a fascinating case study of the different ways we struggle in our hearts. Join me as we look at this wonderful classic. What's the history behind Louisa May Alcott writing this famous book, and how is it still relevant today?
Books mentioned in this episode:
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hand by Paul David Tripp
Resource:
Biblical Counseling Training, San Antonio, TX 

https://share.google/5K...

Have you ever wondered why most books and movies follow a similar narrative? Join me as we explore the epic story arc of the Bible and see that as humans, made in God's image, we are so often retelling this awe-inspiring plot. You will never look at your favorite stories the same way. God has put the echo of a story in our hearts and it is full of lore, danger, evil and good. There is a bigger story being told and we are invited to step out of our small lives into the grand story of the Gospel.

We were all born into an epic story. The narrative started long before we showed up on the scene. Most of us spend part of our life trying to figure out what happened and where we are at in the story right now. Thankfully, God gave us a guide book. The Bible tells us where we came from and where we are going. Are you looking at a map trying to figure out where you are in this timeline? Join me in this episode as we look at The Greatest Story Ever Told, one in which we ourselves have...

Sometimes we focus too much on the task itself, like a young child walking with a cup of coffee, if we freeze up with every step it will jostle what's inside. When we pay attention to where we are going (eternity) we will walk with a natural gait and not spill the coffee. How do we keep our eyes on the Lord? In this episode, we dig deeper into how a Christian reaches perfection, or do they? 

Books mentioned on this episode:

The Optimism of Grace by Cliff Sanders

 1 Samuel 

At Christmastime we strive to make everything feel special. In the novella, The Romance of Christmas Cards, the author mentions the transformation of plain packages into those that are beribboned and behollied. We transform our homes for this season, but do we transform our hearts? Join me in a conversation about two classic Christmas stories of reconciliation, forgiveness and sacrifice. Let's start to adorn our hearts with the love God bestowed on us by sending his son as a babe in a manger to call us home. 

Books mentioned on this episode:

T...

Psalm 23 teaches that the Lord sets a table for us- even in the desert. He overwhelms us with hospitality. As Christians, we are set apart to Him, separate, no longer common, but holy. Like Abigail in 1 Samuel, we can come to a situation not only bearing gifts, but sweet words, bringing peace and encouragement. The Bible teaches that we are anointed with oil and our cup runneth over. Because of this abundance of favor, we can spill God's goodness on all those we encounter. 

Abiding Women: Untangling Prayer (Featured Guest): https://open.spotify.com/e...

Do you feel like you were cast in the wrong part? Surely someone more qualified or more loving or more "Christian" would be better leading this ministry, raising these kids, or talking to that person. We feel like God messed up when He cast our roll. Yet, He knows our short-comings and our weaknesses and He has chosen us to represent Him in the places we have been cast.

We take a deeper look at Psalm 23 and what it means to walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Like The Pilgrim's Progress character Christian...

Pearls are formed when an irritant or a sharp grain of sand gets inside an oyster shell. The same is true for us spiritually, the things that feel so painful to go through can actually be the catalyst to forming Pearls of Wisdom in our lives. Are we willing to step into other people's suffering and, alternatively, allow others into ours? How is the terrain of our heart? As we examine the parable of the sower we want to make sure we have good soil for the seed (the word of God) to grow. 

Boo...

The world fractures us and all too often we get stuck in these broken spots. In this episode we take about what John Eldredge calls, "young places." When we encounter sharp people or hardships, sometimes we act out of these fractured or immature places. Like stained glass, God puts us back together to make a beautiful mosaic: beautiful in our brokenness. 

The prayer book I mention is called: The Valley of Vision 

Books mentioned in this episode:

Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldredge 

Waking up to...

Often, we need help getting started. We need someone to set us up on the right path. I would never have attempted embroidery if a friend had not threaded the needle and started the stitches. Who could we help get started on the path of growing in the Lord? God offers refuge in His love; he helps us to forgive and move forward. Any progress is still progress, like an inchworm, you keep moving towards the Lord little by little.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Through the Bible commentary series: Matthew  by J...

Elijah experienced great miracles, and still he ran in fear and hid in a cave of despair. Even as Christians, who read our bibles, pray, and go to church, we can find ourselves in isolation, believing the lies of the enemy, just like the great prophet. Yet, God provided for Elijah, just like he does for us today. The Lord is in the small whispers of encouragement. He sends friends and speaks truth over our lives; he might even send a raven. 

Books mentioned in this episode:

1 Samuel

Ask Me A...

Psalm 23 may be the most familiar of all of David's writings. Sometimes the words lose their meaning when we have heard them our whole lives. Let's take a deeper look at this remarkable piece of poetry. Are you feeling in want? Are you tired and weary? Lost? Join me as we look at the life of this former shepherd and anointed king. There is so much for us in The Word as God's love rushes into even the smallest cracks in our hearts. 

Books mentioned in this episode:

1 Samuel 

Everyday A New Shade of...

There's something really special about a pillow fort. It's a little escape from the world. When life turns up the heat and the world seems too big and scary, like children we want to crawl into a safe, soft environment. The Lord is our secret place, he says come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened. Like our childhood pillow forts, we can feel safe and secure inside the heart of the Lord.

Books mentioned in this episode:

1 Samuel 

Matthew 

Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge 

Waking Up...

In this episode we talk about baptism. What does it mean? why did Christ need to get baptized and why do we? After Jesus fasted he was taken by the spirit of the Lord to be tempted in the desert where we draw an interesting contrast with Eve being tempted in the garden. Why does God allow testing? Could it be for our good? Sometimes the truth gets tangled up in lies are we willing to do the work to sort them out? Books mentioned in this episode:

Matthew 

Thru the Bible Commentary Series: Matthew by...

Jonathan, in 1 Samuel, trusts God to fight a battle even though the odds were against him. This account reminds us that God can use few to defeat many. The Lord doesn’t need favorable conditions to accomplish His purpose in your life. Nor do we have to go it alone. Jonathan had an armor bearer who went into battle alongside him. Let's look at the role of this unnamed man who plays such a significant role in Jonathan's life. Are there brave and bold encouragers in our lives? Can we play this part for others?
Books mentioned in th...

The Bible is so rich in spiritual wisdom, even the "boring" parts astound me under the right teaching. Join me as we look at the genealogy of Matthew-and so much more! These lists of names are promises, are hope, are proof that God has a plan (has always had a plan). Sometimes life feels like a prolonged winter, yet we have the promise of Springtime. New growth always blooms. If we are walking with God we have the assurance that new life is ours, and we can place our hope in those promises even when a cold wind blows. 

Sea glass starts out as a broken piece of glass-- something people avoid bc they might get hurt. Sharp bits of glass that make it into the sea get tossed about in the waves until they turn into something beautiful. The rough edges are made soft and lovely and people collect sea glass because it brings them joy. The storms of life toss us about but the redemptive work of God can smooth us into eye-catching treasures. 

The apostles Paul tell us about our thought life and how much it shapes our world. He models a prayer f...

Paul in Philippians tells us to pray about anything and everything. In this episode, we look at the prayers of Hannah in 1 Samuel and examine where we are putting our trust. What we dwell on forms who we are and how we process life. When we narrow in on our struggles we forget we serve a God who is bigger than anything we face. What stops you from going to Him with anything and everything?

Books mentioned in this episode:

1 SamuelPhillipians 4:6, 2:19-28,

Waking up to the Goodness of God by...

There is a heavenly exchange that takes place in a Christian's life; where we trade death for life, dark for light, and bitter for sweet. This supernatural exchange can take place because Christ Jesus was willing to give up His crown of gold for one of thorns. Join me in this episode where we talk about the nearness of God and how it changes everything.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott & Vera Schmitz 

Rejection by Dr Henry W. Wright

Philippians 4:4-5

The Bible tells us to rejoice always. Always! This is a hard saying, how do live this out? Let's discuss what Paul means in Philippians (by the way he is writing this from a jail cell). Surely, Paul understands suffering. Moses didn't think he had anything to offer God after 40 years in the desert and God said to him, "What is in your hand?" Like Moses, we need to look down and see what we are holding in our hands. 

Books mentioned in this episode:

Phillipians 

Dwell on These Things by...

What is faith? Sometimes we overuse words and they lose their meaning. While faith is invisible, we can see it take shape. It looks like building an ark, like stepping into a lion's den and even making arrangements for your bones to enter a promised land your eyes will never see. Faith is believing in something you can't hold in your hands, it's a promise not yet beheld in the temporal, its very nature hopes in the invisible.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Hebrews 11

Animal Stories by James Herriot

Count Zinzendorf...

When we experience a shaking up in our lives it can feel scary and overwhelming.

In this episode, we talk about the ways God can use these times of sifting. Jesus told Peter he would pray for him, not to be delivered of his trials, but to be strengthened through them. Sometimes God allows us to go through the storms. Listen as we discuss the reasons the Lord allows shaking in our lives. We can be encouraged even when our lives feel unstable. 

Books mentioned in the episode:

The Bait of Satan by J...