Life Over Coffee
Rick Thomas
Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master's University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master's University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 3, 2024 • 20min
The Reason We Blew Up Our Marriage
Even with the best intentions and truest love, a marriage can go to some dangerous and dark places. Ours went there, which is why I decided the best thing we could do is blow up our marriage, reboot, and start over again, hoping to rebuild our covenant on a surer foundation. A caveat may appropriately modify the seeming hyperbole you just read. Lucia and I have always been best friends. From the moment we met on July 24, 1994, we clicked. There was hardly a time we didn’t enjoy each other. Though we did have a few common interests, more things were uncommon between us, which I believe is vital for two people to maximize all that God would have them to be. Initially, our differences did not matter because of our desire to be together, even though some of them were starkly antithetical.
Read, Watch, or Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/the-day-i-intentionally-blew-up-my-marriage/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 532 Fear of Man: Reorienting Your Focus: Pleasing God Over Man, Lesson 2
Show Main Idea: This lesson reveals how God’s unconditional love frees us from the trap of seeking human validation. By renewing our minds with Scripture, we cultivate a mindset rooted in His grace. Through practical steps and reflection, we learn to make daily decisions that honor God, prioritizing His glory over human opinion.
Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-533-fear-of-man-reorienting-your-focus-pleasing-god-over-man/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 28, 2024 • 15min
Let Me Draw You a Picture of a Marriage in Trouble
The best marriages are those where the distinct uniqueness of each partner works in a beautiful symmetry that enhances the other’s strengths while compensating for the weaknesses. The worst marriages are those partners who do not know how to help each other become a mature picture of Christ and His church. Their strengths do not support the other spouse, while their weaknesses become annoying interruptions.
Read, Watch, or Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/let-me-draw-you-a-picture-of-a-marriage-in-trouble/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 26, 2024 • 12min
Three Life Choices You Don't Want to Miss Before You Die
If you could live your life over again, how would you live it differently? What values would you instill to give yourself a meaningful life? What if you could instill those values now? An excellent way to think about these things is to ask someone—people farther down wisdom’s road than you are.
Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/three-life-choices-you-dont-want-to-miss-before-you-die/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep. 531 Fear of Man: Understanding the Root of Approval Addiction, Lesson 1
Show Main Idea: This lesson examines how a misplaced desire impacts our identity, breeds insecurity, and prevents genuine spiritual growth. Through practical self-reflection and biblical insights, we begin learning how to discern this idol, redirecting our hearts toward God’s approval as the true anchor of our identity.
Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-532-fear-of-man-understanding-the-root-of-approval-addiction/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/

Nov 19, 2024 • 15min
I Think I Married the Wrong Person; Please Help Me
It is easy to make a decision when things seem clear and the future appears bright. With an optimistic heart, you decide on that thing, only to discover months or years later that it may not be wise to do what you did. What if that decision was to marry someone that you now believe was the wrong person? Sometimes, you cannot redo what you believe is a wrong decision. What are you supposed to do now?
Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/i-think-i-married-the-wrong-person/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 16, 2024 • 1h 4min
Al Haywood's Journey with Life Over Coffee's Mastermind Program
Shows Main Idea – Meet Al Haywood, a counselor and pastor from northeast Georgia who has dedicated his life to shepherding others in their walks with God. Al, a Mastermind student, has been using Life Over Coffee’s resources to guide not only his own friends but also fellow pastors in the area. Through the Mastermind Program, he’s gained new biblical tools and insights that are transforming his counseling, ministry, and partnerships with other leaders. God has been at work in incredible ways, and we recently had the privilege of sitting down with Al to hear how the gospel-centered training he’s learned are bearing fruit. Listen in as he shares his journey with our Mastermind Program and the powerful impact it’s having on his community. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about God’s work through Life Over Coffee’s resources.
Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-530-al-haywoods-journey-with-life-over-coffees-mastermind-program/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 14, 2024 • 21min
How To Help a Double-Minded Person
Every person has two heads. The human community is a world of two-headed people. James called our common-to-man predicament double-mindedness, just one of the characteristics that comes with our Adamic packaging. At times, we think and act one way, and at other times, we think and act like a different person. If you find yourself occasionally oscillating between two or more personalities and unable to find your true north, you're normal.
Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/how-to-help-a-two-headed-person/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 12, 2024 • 15min
Torment Is Trying to Be Perfect
Have you ever tried to be perfect? Is it hard for you to let others know you messed up? Are you tempted to present yourself in ways that are not exactly true to who you are? Maybe when you think about others learning the real truth about you, it strikes momentary fear in your heart. Suppose your spouse brought a friend home unannounced. Does it matter what your home looks like at that moment?
Read, Watch, Listen: https://lifeovercoffee.com/torment-is-trying-to-be-perfect/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.

Nov 9, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 529 Webinar: Parenting: Practically Four Tips You Can Implement Today
Show Main Idea: Parenting can be challenging, but it’s not an unresolvable puzzle. The Bible offers guidance to help parents lead their families in a Christ-centered way.
Show Notes: https://lifeovercoffee.com/podcast/ep-529-webinar-parenting-practically-four-tips-you-can-implement-today/
Will you help us to continue providing free content for everyone? You can become a supporting member here https://lifeovercoffee.com/join/, or you can make a one-time or recurring donation here https://lifeovercoffee.com/donate/.


