Choosing Great Relationships

From the Heart of Someone Who’s Been There

A while back I realized I had been showing up in my relationships—but not really present.I was physically there, sure. I said the right things. I smiled, nodded, made dinner, answered texts, even went to small group.

But underneath, I was running on empty.Worn out. Unnoticed. A little resentful. Kind of lonely.

And then came the thought I didn’t want to admit:Is this what relationships are supposed to feel like? Is this… all there is?

If you’ve ever been in that place—wondering why your relationships don’t feel like they used to, questioning whether it’s worth the effort, or just trying to hold things together—I want to invite you to something that might help.

It’s not a quick fix.

It’s not a self-help workshop.It’s not counseling—though we believe in that, too.

It’s something deeper. Something rooted in truth.

Something that says, “You were made for more than this.”

This fall at Mountain Ridge, we’re launching a brand-new sermon series called Choosing Great Relationships, and it’s exactly what it sounds like:A chance to explore how your relationships can actually grow stronger, healthier, more connected—and yes, even more joyful—through the power of God’s love.

And I genuinely believe it’s something every single one of us needs right now.

Why This Series Matters Right Now

We live in a world full of noise. We’re constantly “connected,” but somehow more disconnected than ever.

We scroll, we like, we comment—but do we really feel known?We show up to family gatherings, church services, and coffee dates, but too often we keep conversations safe, shallow, and surface-level.

We crave closeness—but we fear vulnerability.We want to love others well—but sometimes we just don’t know how.We feel the weight of old wounds, unmet expectations, or unspoken distance—and we don’t know where to begin.

That’s where Choosing Great Relationships comes in.

This series is about choosing to build something better.It’s about learning to bless, not just coexist.It’s about stepping into something richer than “getting by” and discovering what’s possible when we let Christ change the way we love, speak, forgive, and connect.

Meet Dr. John Trent—Live on September 7 and October 19

You may have heard of Dr. John Trent—best-selling author of The Blessing and one of the most trusted voices on building strong families and relationships rooted in biblical wisdom.

We’re incredibly honored to have him kick off the series on September 7 and return to close the series on October 19.

These will be powerful bookends to a deeply meaningful journey—and honestly, it’s worth coming just to hear what he has to say.

Dr. Trent has spent decades helping people understand the deep power of being “blessed”—not just as a word we say before dinner, but as a life-changing way to love others with purpose and strength.

If you’ve never experienced his teaching, prepare to be encouraged, challenged, and filled with hope.

The Heartbeat of the Series: “Choosing Christ Changes My Relationships”

Here’s the core idea of the whole series:

When you choose Christ, it changes the way you do relationships.

Because when you know how deeply loved you are, you can begin to love others without fear.When you’ve received God’s blessing, you can begin to bless others on purpose.When you know you belong, you can help others feel the same.

Throughout the seven weeks, we’ll dive into powerful, honest, and hope-filled conversations about what it means to:

• Speak life-giving words that build people up

• Create safe, lasting connections through healthy attachment

• Forgive those who’ve hurt you—and let go of the weight

• Show up when things get hard

• Choose to bless others instead of reacting in bitterness

• Restore what’s been broken through grace and truth

• Love people like Jesus—especially when it’s not easy

The Scriptures That Will Shape Our Journey

This isn’t a pop-psychology series with a few verses sprinkled in.Every week is rooted in Scripture—God’s Word, God’s wisdom, and God’s invitation for how to live in deep, Christ-centered relationships.

Here’s a glimpse at the key passages we’ll walk through:

🔹 Deuteronomy 30:11–20 — The Power of Choice

You’ll be reminded that you get to choose the direction of your relationships—toward blessing and life, or toward hurt and disconnection. This passage sets the tone for the entire series.

🔹 Ephesians 2:12–22 — Will You Reach Back?

In a world filled with walls, God has made peace. When people reach out to you, will you reach back? This message explores how attachment and belonging reflect God’s heart.

🔹 Ephesians 1:3–14 — Am I Enough?

Spoiler: You are. Not because of what you’ve done, but because of whose you are. We’ll unpack what it means to live loved—and how that shapes every connection you have.

🔹 Ephesians 4:29–32 + Song of Solomon — Words That Build

What you say matters more than you think. We’ll explore how to speak words that build others up, encourage them, and communicate love clearly and creatively.

🔹 1 Samuel 24 — Will You Be There When It’s Hard?

David could have lashed out. He could’ve taken revenge. But he chose honor and faithfulness. This message unpacks how to show up with grace even when it’s complicated.

🔹 John 19 & 21 — The Spiral of Forgiveness

Peter denies. Jesus restores. We’ll look at how Christ meets us in our failure and gently calls us to forgive others as we’ve been forgiven.

🔹 Genesis 27 — The Need for Blessing

Jacob stole a blessing. Esau begged for one. The ache was real. This week, we’ll explore how blessing others—intentionally and consistently—can change their life and yours.

What You'll Experience Each Week

Every Sunday, you’ll experience:

✅ Relatable, honest teaching

✅ Practical next steps to apply what you learn

✅ Worship that centers your heart on Christ

✅ A welcoming, no-pressure environment

✅ Free digital tools you can use at home, with your spouse, or in your small group

✅ Weekly reflection guides and small group questions

✅ Resources to help families grow closer together

And yes—encouragement to invite others to share it with you.

Because this isn’t just a series for churchgoers.It’s a series for the couple barely holding on.The parent wondering if they’re getting it right.The friend who feels invisible.The person sitting in the row behind you who hasn’t felt “blessed” in a long, long time.

Why You Should Come—and Bring Someone With You

Here’s what I know:

• We’re all carrying relational baggage—some of us just hide it better than others.

• Most people are starving for genuine connection.

• And nearly all of us would change our relationships… if we only knew how.

This series is your opportunity.Not to fix everything—but to begin healing.Not to walk alone—but to move forward together.Not to stay in the spiral of hurt—but to choose the spiral of love, blessing, and restoration.

So here’s my encouragement to you:Come—and bring someone with you.Think of a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, a relative—anyone who needs a little hope and a little help when it comes to relationships.

Let them know there’s a place they can be real.A place they’ll be loved.A place they can learn to bless and be blessed.

It All Starts September 7—We Saved You a Seat

Our series begins on Sunday, September 7 with Dr. John Trent live at Mountain Ridge, and continues for 7 weeks until October 19, when Dr. Trent will return to help us finish strong.

Whether you attend in person or online, you’ll find tools, truth, and a whole lot of grace waiting for you.

This could be one of the most important things you do for your relationships this year.

Ready to take the first step?

✅ Mark your calendar for September 7

✅ Invite someone to come with you

✅ Show up with an open heart

✅ Choose to build great relationships—starting now

We can’t wait to see what God does.

Let’s choose connection.

Let’s choose blessing.

Let’s choose Christ.

Let’s choose great relationships.

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