This week, Jamie and Raz sit down with Anderson High School teacher Bailey Schaaf for a conversation filled with laughter, honesty, and powerful reminders of God's faithfulness.

Bailey shares her journey of growing up in church, finding Jesus in the middle of a difficult childhood, and learning that God is truly "the God who sees." From riding her bike to church as a middle schooler, to an unexpected adventure in Panama, to discovering her calling as a teacher, her story is one of God's protection and guidance every step of the way.

The conversation also explores:

• How God leads us through life's big decisions
• Why we don't have to fear missing God's "one perfect plan"
• The impact caring teachers can have on students' lives
• Trusting God during seasons of waiting and unanswered prayers
• Learning to be honest with God in the desert seasons of life

Whether you're an educator, a parent, someone waiting on God's timing, or simply needing a reminder that He sees and knows you, this episode will encourage you to trust His faithfulness and keep walking forward with Him.

Scriptures & Topics Mentioned:

• Hagar and "The God Who Sees Me" (Genesis 16)
• Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
• Lament and being honest with God
• God's faithfulness in seasons of waiting
• Teaching and living with purpose and compassion

Share this episode with a teacher, student, or anyone who needs the reminder that they are fully seen and deeply loved by God.

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Resources & Contact Info

📧 Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

⛪ Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
👉 https://www.mariemontchurch.org

📖 Jamie's Website & Writing:
👉 https://www.jamiemoore.org

📚 Friendship with God by Jamie Moore:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

Most people assume great conversationalists are born that way.

What if they're not?

In this episode, Jamie and Raz explore a simple framework from Harvard researcher Alison Wood Brooks that can help anyone grow in meaningful conversations. The framework is called TALK:

• Topics – What matters to the other person?
• Asking – What questions can help you learn their story?
• Levity – How can you bring joy and delight into the interaction?
• Kindness – How can you help them feel seen, known, and loved?

As they unpack each element, Jamie and Raz discover something surprising: this isn't just good communication advice, it's remarkably similar to the way Jesus interacted with people throughout the Gospels.

From the woman at the well to tax collectors, disciples, and strangers, Jesus consistently engaged people with curiosity, joy, compassion, and genuine interest. He didn't just deliver information; He made people feel seen.

The conversation also explores how simple acts of kindness, thoughtful questions, and even offering prayer can become practical ways to bring the kingdom of God into everyday workplaces, neighborhoods, and relationships.

Key Takeaways

• Great conversations are a skill that can be learned, not just a personality trait.
• Jesus modeled the TALK framework long before anyone gave it a name.
• People are often more open to prayer, kindness, and spiritual conversations than we assume.
• The goal isn't to impress people, it's to help them feel seen, known, and loved.
• Before your next conversation, ask the Father for His heart for the person in front of you.

Memorable Quote

"What if everyday conversations are one of the primary ways Jesus wants to bring His kingdom into the world?"

Reflection Question

Who is the next person you'll talk to today, and what might change if you approached that conversation with the heart of Jesus?

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List

Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:

https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes and Resources

https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Their Church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s Book, Friendship with God
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

Have you ever prayed, sought God sincerely, and heard… nothing?

Many followers of Jesus assume silence means something is wrong, that God is distant, disappointed, or unwilling to answer. But what if His silence isn't absence? What if it's an invitation?

Big Idea

God's silence doesn't always mean God isn't speaking. Sometimes His silence invites us to lean in, trust Him more deeply, and discover what He's doing beneath the surface.

Key Takeaways

• God's silence doesn't mean God's absence.
• Silence often invites us deeper into relationship.
• God sets the agenda in prayer.
• Don't confuse conviction with condemnation.
• More may be happening than you can see.
• Persistence matters.
• Trust God's answers, even when they're not what you hoped for.
• Keep your eyes on Jesus, not someone else's story.

A Few Thoughts from the Conversation

Prayer Is Relationship, Not a Transaction

We often approach prayer expecting immediate answers. But God is not a vending machine or a Magic 8-Ball. He's a Father.

Sometimes His silence causes us to lean in, pay attention, and discover that He wants to talk about something different than what we brought to the conversation.

Shame Is a Terrible Interpreter

When prayers go unanswered, many people immediately assume:

"God must be disappointed in me."

While conviction is real, condemnation is not.

If you belong to Jesus, your standing with God is secure. Don't let guilt, shame, or the accusations of the enemy define how you interpret God's silence.

There May Be More Happening Than You Can See

In Daniel 10, Daniel prayed for twenty-one days before receiving an answer.

When the angel finally arrived, he explained that Daniel's prayer had been heard from day one, but a spiritual battle had delayed the response.

We often have no idea what God is doing behind the scenes while we wait.

Keep Showing Up

Sometimes breakthrough comes quickly.

Sometimes it comes after months, or years, of persistent prayer.

Don't let delay convince you that God isn't working.

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep showing up.

Trust the Shepherd

Some prayers receive a "yes."

Others receive a "wait."

And some receive a "no."

Trusting God means believing He is good even when His answer isn't what we wanted.

The goal of prayer is not simply getting answers. The goal is walking with Jesus.

Final Encouragement

God hears every prayer.

Even when heaven seems silent.

Even when the answer is delayed.

Even when the answer is different than what you hoped.

Stay close to Jesus.

Keep praying.

Trust His heart.

The end of the story is good.

Song Recommendation

"Somebody Prayed" — Crowder
https://youtu.be/GVITQPGlI30?si=2hKxnkhnmam62Y51

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List

Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:

https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes and Resources

https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Their Church: Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH)
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie’s Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie’s Book, Friendship with God
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609