Family gatherings can be challenging at times, for some even more than others. But as followers of Jesus, we have access to the fruit of the Spirit to help us navigate tricky situations.

On the latest episode of Go M.A.D. the conversation was about how to apply the fruit of the Spirit when dealing with challenging situations with friends and families around the holidays:

Thanksgiving and Christmas often bring family gatherings that can be a real blessing but also a real challenge at times. As Christians, we're called to be ambassadors for Christ, even in those difficult situations. On a recent episode of the Go M.A.D. podcast, the conversation centered around what making a difference for Jesus in our families should look like. We pray these tips will be helpful for you. Catch the whole episode for even more ideas.

Here are 5 practical ways to Build Bridges and Make A Difference:

According to polls, one reason people reject Jesus is because they're convinced following Him means becoming part of a particular political party. Are they getting that idea from us? After you come to know Jesus, yes, some of your political beliefs may change. But a political party is not part of the Gospel.

We are Christ's ambassadors - He is making His appeal through us, and that's so important to keep in mind during an election season. Below are five ways to be Christ's ambassador and to make a difference this (or any) election season:

Thank you for checking out "Go M.A.D. with Doug and Brad." Our goal with these blogs is to summarize some of the make-a-difference steps you heard on the podcast, so you can "Go Make a Difference"! We pray this will help encourage you to put these thoughts and ideas into action, and feel free to pass them along to a friend.

There is a saying that goes something like this: "We get most of our exercise jumping to conclusions." We definitely see that when it comes to how we view the generations that come after us. We don't always understand what makes them tick, which leaves us not really knowing how to have an impact with them.

Thank you for checking out "Go M.A.D. with Doug and Brad." Our goal with these blogs is to summarize some of the make-a-difference steps you heard on the podcast, so you can "Go Make a Difference"! We pray this will help encourage you to put these thoughts and ideas into action, and maybe even share them with a friend.

We've all been there - a crossroads decision where hearing God's voice seems to have extra importance. So what can you do to hear Him more clearly? We were able to spend a few minutes talking to Ethan Forhetz with Convoy of Hope about steps he and his wife, Sarah, took when they felt the Lord moving them on from a very successful career in news media.

Thank you for checking out "Go M.A.D. with Doug and Brad." Our goal with these blogs is to summarize some of the make-a-difference steps you heard on the podcast, so you can "Go Make a Difference"! We pray this will help encourage you to put these thoughts and ideas into action, and maybe even share them with a friend.

The countdown is on to Mother's Day, but let's face it - we can be making a difference for the "moms" in our lives year-round! In our current episode, we talk about how to do just that, whether it's your mom, your wife, or anyone else who bears that title. You may have a great relationship with your mother, no relationship at all, or your mom isn't around anymore and is greatly missed. Regardless of how Mother's Day affects you, we try to provide some practical steps to be an ambassador for Christ.

Thank you for checking out "Go M.A.D. with Doug and Brad." Our goal with these blogs is to summarize some of the make-a-different steps you heard on the podcast, so you can "Go Make a Difference"! We pray this will help encourage you to put these thoughts and ideas into action, and maybe even share them with a friend.

Easter is a perfect opportunity to help the people in your life experience the hope that you found in Jesus. He is Risen!

Thank you for checking out "Go M.A.D. with Doug and Brad." Our goal with these blogs is to summarize some of the make-a-different steps you heard on the podcast, so you can "Go Make a Difference"! We pray this will help encourage you to put these thoughts and ideas into action, and maybe even share them with a friend.

In episode 11, we tackle the topic of viewing social media as a mission field instead of a battlefield. We know there are a lot of people who get tired of the drama and negativity online, but the reality is that when we see people as Jesus sees them, we can be ambassadors of hope where hope is so desperately needed.

Thank you for checking out "Go M.A.D. with Doug and Brad." Our goal with these blogs is to summarize some of the make-a-different steps you heard on the podcast, so you can "Go Make a Difference"! We pray this will help encourage you to put these thoughts and ideas into action, and maybe even share them with a friend.

On our recent episode - "Ambassadors in Times of Crisis: Ukraine" - we heard from Kristy Graham with Samaritan's Purse about some ways we can pray for the situation in Eastern Europe. Here are some ways you can be praying: