Affirmative Prayer

Mike Daley has a pretty good idea of what it's like to be a young adult who is moving out of the foster care system and into the world of adulthood. He is the inaugural board chair and president of the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, a 501(c)(3) that provides at-risk teens and young adults programs to improve their educational success, advocacy, and support to their guardians and caring adults. If you know a foster care child, or are one yourself, you know how important it is to have support. To volunteer at any level, go to theodbi.org. You may be the one to start up an ODBI in your state!

Your "new year" could start today! Author Tama Kieves gave up being defined as an honors grad from Harvard Law School and a successful corporate lawyer to become a wildly successful author, speaker, and coach. Her book, A Year Without Fear: 365 Days of Magnificence, offers daily readings and affirmations that speak to us, no matter where we are. "This is the year I stop pressing my nose against the glass, wishing for another life."

Sarah Elliston knows how to deal with difficult people and would even label her past self as such. If you know of someone who complains, blames, criticizes, nags, threatens, or punishes, this show is for you. Sam explains how we can neutralize the hot buttons,  communicate without judgment, and have a conversation without confrontation. She encourages us to write down and practice what you are saying before you start talking. While listening to the show, you might just see some of your own behavior that requires attention! It's difficult to look at, but better results will be on your way. Sarah's book is titled Lessons From a Difficult Person: How to Deal With People Like Us.

Linda Herzer, author of The Bible and the Transgender Experience, has a Master of Divinity degree. Gabrielle Claiborne is an out-and-active transwoman since 2010 who has a bachelor's in mathematics and a aster's in civil engineering from Georgia Tech. She grew up in a family of ministers, married, and fathered three children. As Linda and Gabrielle talk about the transgender experience from a biblical, personal, and spiritual perspective, you will see why clients like The Home Depot and Georgia Academy of Family Physicians have participated in their workshops and presentations. Perhaps it's time we recognize that our divine spark is different and unique for us all. 

Ronna Detrick, M.Div., is a writer, speaker, and provocateur of passionate conversation about women and faith. Her book Throwing Stones  shows us how underlying attitudes of the male/female relationship formed long ago. In some cases, the deeply held beliefs women hold about themselves today have not changed. Are stones still being thrown at women today? Are women accepting this because they are still feeling self-conscious and ashamed? How can we move beyond this? Ronna shares some suggestions for the hope and perseverance woman will want to experience during the Million Women's March on Washington, January 20-21, 2017. Listen to this or pass it around before you go!

Susan Elizabeth Hale first appeared on my show talking about Earth Day—Sing to the Trees. This time she shows us the relationship between nature and her 11-year-old female character in her book, Emma Oliver and the Song of Creation. Are we depriving our children of time to commune with nature? What kind of life will they live if they step out, look up, and listen? This is a book that teaches us to "listen with your belly, not your head." Your belly is telling you to listen to the Song of Creation. Go ahead—Activate the Power of Yes! Order the book at songkeeper.net. (I ordered two!)

International recording artist Cynthia Hart demonstrates how to use music to connect to the earth, our loved ones, and ourselves through her poignant and lyrical messages of song. After a long career in rock ‘n' roll and folk singing, Cynthia chose the New Thought route into our ears, minds, and hearts. You'll hear excerpts from her I Remember album and find out the story behind her music.  

For many of us, the holidays are times for getting together with family and friends. What kind of relationship can you develop with kids you only see once in a while? Dave Savage, owner of Memory Keepers Video Services, has lots of ideas—such as exploring the capitols of countries and states; creating a family mission statement; learning how to say "please" and "thank you" in different languages, or finding out about an elder's adolescent years. Imagine the kids asking questions such as, “Were you ever bullied?" "Did you ever have a teacher who didn't like you?" "What kinds of clothes did you wear when you were a teenager?" "What does religion mean to you?” You'll have to listen to capture all the helpful hints! For more, go to davesavage.com.

Vanessa Lowry thinks creativity and encourages it in us all. From her latest program, "Art in 30 Days," to her doodles and coloring book, Vanessa says it is never too late to start being your creative self. Just taking 15 minutes a day transformed this host into a person who sees art and color in everything! She also helps people get published—she is a creative soul leader.  

Derek Rydall shows us how the law of emergence works even more effectively than the law of attraction. He makes a strong point for how our best qualities can emerge out of who we already are. In his book, Emergence: Seven Steps for Radical Life Change, Derek also shows us how we are not praying for, but from. Tricky concept? Listen ... very interesting! 

Author Ron Chapman helps us see life from a totally different perspective in his book My Name Is Wonder. Think of the lessons Jonathan Livingston Seagull learned along the way—that's where Wonder the goat enters the picture. Ron Chapman has not only the book to share, but also a life of learning and study that has led him to finding out about disappointment and forgiveness. Lighter times follow the dark. This, you can be assured.  

Do you have an invention that has been brewing in your head for a long time? This show is for you. Dave Savage is former president of the Inventors Association in Atlanta (and my husband!), so he has seen every kind of big idea—some that have made it big and some still on the drawing board. How can you prepare yourself and protect yourself in the world of invention? What do you need to know before you get started? Contact Dave about his consulting fees at 404-323-8686 or email dave@davesavage.com for more invention information.

Will Mathis began his spiritual journey long before most of us are aware it exists. Then, during a down time, he began to discover spiritual teachings through New Thought leader Louise Hay. After letting go of old ideas, like feeling that his pain was "special," Will took classes and evolved into a practitioner at Centers for Spiritual Living. As he reminds us, "We all yearn for something ... keep exploring."

Jen Erickson is a singer/songwriter who performed at Unity of Melbourne, Florida, when I spoke there. To get prepared, she wrote a song on "The Power of Yes." The audience was happily enthralled! Jen tells the story behind her songwriting adventures and encourages us to "Live in the Light." To contact Jen or book her, email her at jerickson625@gmail.com.

Activate the Power of Yes by setting good things in motion. Get your family together and start taping stories. Dave Savage, owner of Memory Keepers Video Services, gives helpful hints about how to get started. What equipment do you need? What about sound and lighting? How do you get Grandma to relax so she can tell those memorable stories that create a legacy for you and yours? If you're having a family gathering or reunion, prepare in advance for a fun time that your family can watch long after your loved ones are gone. For more details and sample questions to ask, go to davesavage.com.

When you were 13, were you homeless and couchsurfing with anyone who would take you in so you could stay away from a mentally ill mother and foster care? Were you in and out of foster care, group homes, and psychological facilities after you had been abused in every way? While many would say no to life under these circumstances, Sandra LeMieux and Deadrick Leonard both Activated the Power of Yes by choosing a better way. They got involved with the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, a nonprofit providing at-risk youth (and those aging out of the foster care system) with programs to improve their chances at better education and work. It also provides ongoing support and advocacy and offers hope for lasting change. Diana Black, Vice president and board member, explains how it works. 

Host Beverly Molander is joined by her husband, Dave Savage, as they give thoughts and suggestions on planning for that inevitable day. Based on their book, Heartfelt Memorial Services: Your Guide for Planning Meaningful Funerals, Celebrations of Life and Times of Remembrance, you will get some commonsense insight on how to prepare for this well in advance. 

Having a joy-filled spiritual life sounds energetic and robust, doesn't it? Rev. Richard Burdick, spiritual leader of Unity North Atlanta, reminds us how spiritual practice leads us closer to being our own point of power. Do you feel overpowered by the chaos that surrounds you? Richard shows us how to stop, look, and listen ... to make changes that matter in our everyday life. 

In 1999, Brenda Cobb was diagnosed with two kinds of cancer and was ordered to go the surgery, chemo, and radiation route that she simply didn't do. When a book on healing through food nearly leaped into her hands in a health food store, Brenda took heed. Her tumors dissolved, she lost 75 pounds, and then she went on to found Living Foods Institute. Is it time for a new lifestyle?  

According to Bill Martin, author of The Activist's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Wisdom for a Modern Revolution, the word revolution means "turning over or returning." When we use force we are counterproductive—we fight against something that fights against us. Activism is alive and well: this kind starts with quiet and responsible disengagement so we can then engage in our natural virtue that will heal our planet and ourselves. 

Singer-songwriter Daniel Nahmod is the first to admit that his life was turned upside down when his son Jude came into the world four years ago. You can hear it in the tone of his just-released CD, Cornerstone. It's down-to-earth and philosophical ... just the way Daniel has become. You'll simply have to listen to hear his animated opinions on lots of things—the hour zipped by! To subscribe to a series of his live performances, search for "DanielNahmodUS" on YouTube.

Linda and Charlie Bloom got married in 1972. They have plenty of ideas about the myths that surround that "happy union." They also have suggestions about how to live a realistic and happy life together, as described in their book, Happily Ever After... and 39 Other Myths About Love. Beverly's 87-year-old mother-in-law Erma Savage joins us with the toast she offered her grandson and his bride. After being married for 67 years to Shep Savage, she knows the difference between myth and reality!

Author Gregg Levoy says "yes" is like a muscle—it can be strengthened with more practice. In his book, Vital Signs: Discovering and Sustaining Your Passion, he shows how to find out why and where we lost our passion we once had; and then he gives us ways to start small to regain our vitality, spunk, mojo, or life force to have a curious and more interesting life. How about an "encore" career that has meaning? 

To Dean Sluyter, author of Natural Meditation, anyone can meditate, at any time, and during any circumstance. The key is effortlessness. Beverly says, "Whatever we think, say, and do can help Activate the Power of Yes." Dean suggests that we Un-think, UN-say, and UN-do; and it's easy to see how that can be the core of deep meditation. If you're thinking to yourself, "I've already tried meditation," stop thinking and stop trying. That's a good first step! 

Your "new year" could start today! Author Tama Kieves gave up being defined as an honors grad from Harvard Law School and a successful corporate lawyer to become a wildly successful author, speaker, and coach. Her book, A Year Without Fear: 365 Days of Magnificence, offers daily readings and affirmations that speak to us, no matter where we are. "This is the year I stop pressing my nose against the glass, wishing for another life."

Helene Segura is the president of the International Board of Certification for Professional Organizers, and you'll understand why. As "The Inefficiency Assassin," she shows us how we can Activate the Power of Yes by saying "No!" to requests and activities that don't support us in accomplishing our goals in our personal and professional lives ... and even into retirement. She tells us how we can change situations like "I am often late and miss appointments" and "I've got Brainus Interruptus and Ideas Overload."  

Do you have muddied relationships filled with grudges? Who wants to live a life like that? Joan Gattuso, author of The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiving as a Path to Freedom, says it's not about "them." It's about "you." You can make peace with someone, whether they are actively involved or not. After all, once you let go of your story about why you were wronged, you'll be free to walk into a life that is fulfilling and a lot more fun.

Rev. John Strickland (currently senior minister at Unity Atlanta and a delegate to the Parliament of the World's Religions) and Mike Basch (a cofounder of Federal Express in the 1970s) describe what it's like when the heart and brain are connected ... and then when that energy is connected to the electromagnetic fields of the sun, the earth, and the planets. The HeartMath Institute has been around since 1991, and the team of scientific leaders keeps uncovering how using simple tools in stressful situations can increase confidence and trust ... in ourselves, our workplace, our country (no matter who is "winning"!), and the world. 

My husband, Dave Savage, and I know all too well why planning ahead for a memorial service works for nearly every family. When the inevitable (end of life) is getting closer, emotions are heightened. Grief starts setting in and it is difficult to think straight, much less plan something as important as a memorial service. Dave and I share some ideas and ways to plan so you have the time and energy to do it just right for the person you care about.

Mary O'Malley, author of What's in the Way Is the Way, has been through fear, self-hatred, shame, and struggle, as have many of us. As much as we would like to run the other way from those bad times, it may be better to stop and take a second look. Mary shows us how we can Activate the Power of Yes by allowing those great teachers—compulsion, illness, pain, finances, and uncomfortable relationships—to open the door to a more energetic, fulfilling life. 

Lynne Cockrum-Murphy lost two sisters and her dad because of a furnace explosion when she was not quite 3 years old. Neglect by her alcoholic mother opened the door to the rape and abuse that followed. Lynne decided she was meant to live a better life. Is it possible for you, too, to step out of being a victim and take a stand for a better, more rewarding life? Lynne believes it is. She has some suggestions about how you can leave your suffering behind. Go to lynnecockrum-murphy.com for workshops, free material, and information about her book, Living Hope: Steps to Leaving Suffering Behind.

Organizer McPatti Langston likens clutter to having a clogged artery—everything builds up and creates a blockage that won't be able to sustain new growth. Is your clutter holding you back from the future you desire? McPatti has some simple steps for us to follow. The first step is to choose the room that is the most public. It's a good way to feel comfortable about letting new people and activities into your life. Find her on Facebook at McOrganize!

Pam Longobardi does an excellent job of describing the ocean, which is vomiting plastic onto its shores, no matter how remote the location. We humans have created a stew of plastic that is inhabiting our waters and the stomachs of our sea creatures and the birds that swoop down for their meals. The author of Drifters: Plastics, Pollution, and Personhood gives us great examples of how we can make a difference to our planet and future generations.

One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action in human history to end violence against women. Lisa Parsons gives us an overview of what is happening through OBR throughout the world, culminating with the fourth annual event on Valentine's Day, February 14. There may be OBR events in your country or community—go to the national website to find out. Beverly interviewed activists who have joined together with OBR, and four of those interviews can be heard on this show.

Roberta Grimes talks about her new book Liberating Jesus. How much of our belief system is based on ancient practices and ways of looking at life that were formulated around the time of Jesus' death? How do modern interpretations of who Jesus was vary from what we were brought up to believe? What lessons can we learn?

Robert Clancy has lots of stories about chance (maybe not!) meetings with people who will change your life forever. In his book The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Soul, he shares plenty of reasons for giving of ourselves through volunteering or simply through a kind smile to a stranger. We have no idea the impact that we'll have on each other ... and on generations to come. He says, "Love has not limits, thus it has no end."  

Tianna Terry (New York City/Brooklyn) and Caitlin Ahern (Guatamala/threadcaravan.com), both just beyond their quarter-century birthdays, engender the millennial mindset: diversity (in a broader sense than we could have imagined), value of community, family, and creativity, study of social science and applied fields, and investments in human capital, to name a few descriptors. Find out their stories and how they are making a difference. They also give advice to those considering a road less traveled. The future is in good hands!

Holley Kelley, author of Sunrises and Sunsets, has a goal—to change our attitudes about the 'sunset' of our lives so we can have our 'Final Affairs Forged with Flair, Finess, and FUNctionality.' Her workbook is packed with ways to easily create and keep track of those vital items like advance directives, your obituary (complete with questionnaire), your legal will, and any additional information you want the right people to know. To sign up for workshops or get her book, go to sunrisesandsunsetsbook.com.  

Dr. Love (Dr. Jamie Turndorf) has been talking about all aspects of love and rekindling relationships through Hay House Radio and her many books. This time she is talking about how we can stay in energetic communication with those loved ones who have left their bodies. Are you missing a spouse or a child? Do you have unresolved issues with someone who is gone? There are ways to have a dialogue with the departed that can help you live life more fully in the here and now.  Find out more in her book, Love Never Dies: How to Reconnect and Make Peace With the Deceased. Also, find out how you can get a free gift at askdrlove.com.

You don't want to miss hearing Cecilia St. King talk about her life as a peace troubadour. She has been spreading her message through music during the past 15 years, since safely exiting the World Trade Center on 9/11. Her work has been endorsed by the United Nations, the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, National Peace Academy, and more. Her philosophy? "Where there is music, there can be no harm." Peace in the world starts with our own inner peace. Listen and you will understand what that means.  

Steve Loring's documentary is taking the world by storm. The Age of Love is about seniors aged 70 to 90 trying something new to find companionship and even LOVE, through speed dating. Fifteen men and 15 women participate, and the results are interesting and revealing. In less than a year Steve's documentary has been screened in more than 200 United States cities and Brazil, Italy, Russia, and places in between. To have a documentary screening or set up a speed dating event, go to theageoflovemovie.com.

Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of the wildly successful book Love, Medicine, and Miracles, is wowing our hearts, minds, and souls with his newest book, Love, Animals, and Miracles. Bernie shows us how our interaction with creatures big and small can make a positive difference in our lives. This book is packed with inspiring true stories celebrating the healing bond … a great gift for kids and grown-ups. 

Don't you wish you could hear your grandmother's homespun philosophies one more time? Or watch Grandpa setting up the trains for Christmas? Nowadays it's easier than ever to record those memories on video so family stories can be listened to today or passed on for generations to come. Dave Savage, Memory Keepers Video, shares some ways to get your family involved so the precious time you share during the upcoming holidays won't be lost forever. Whether you are gathering for a holiday event, a wedding, reunion, or birthday party, Dave tells how to get things organized, prepare questions, set up the room, and make everyone feel comfortable. Video recording also works magnificently for celebrations of life, memorial services, or times of remembrance. To learn more about creating your own video or see examples, go to heartfeltmemorialservices.com.

Most of us have been at battle with our compulsions. Whether it's overeating, overdrinking, overexercising, or overspending, it seems that the more we fight our compulsion the more it fights us. Who wants that kind of battle where nobody wins? Mary O'Malley, author of The Gift of Compulsion, shares how we can respect our compulsion—the thing that is calling attention to itself—and learn to be curious about it. When we take away that fight or flight reaction, what is left? Compassion, patience, and finally, being enough.

Maci Daye is a certified sex therapist with a graduate degree from Harvard who is Skyping in from Germany today. She explains how erotic potential is a state of mind … and a state of mindfulness. What if you could simply have nongoal-oriented sex that evokes curiosity and pleasure without expecting the same results again and again? What if you could be grounded in the moment of sexual and sensual pleasure without having your past or your present (stress, job, kids) interfere with your current state of passion? What a nice way to Activate the Power of Yes! Go to her website at passionandpresence.com.

Nicole Hill is an actress, singer, and playwright who launched her career in New York City, and then launched herself to Zimbabwe, and then to Atlanta, and finally, back to Manhattan. She is currently creator/performer of plays for the New York Neo Futurists in NYC's longest Off-Off Broadway show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. The operative word here is “launched.” Nicole likens some of her most rewarding experiences to "being shot out of a cannon." If you are settling for a dial-tone, boring kind of life and wondering if that's all there is, perhaps you can take some tips from Nicole … 

In Seven Cups of Consciousness, Aleya Dao shows us how we can have more health, vibrancy, and vitality—one cup at a time. She has created a step-by-step process to help you gain access to your energy self and the energetic resources it controls. She says once you learn how to tap into your divine flow, you will find ways to detach from whatever thought, activity, or person is keeping you where you are. Here's to you and your higher self. It has been waiting for you! Go to cupsofconsciousness.com for more information about Aleya, her audio meditations, and her free energy balancing session.   

David Hulse is a Unity minister who has studied many aspects of sound energy. What do the ancient Solfeggio scale, DNA activation, Gregorian chants, and quantum physics have in common? They are linked by sound and vibration. David is a master-certified sound therapist and teacher who does an excellent job explaining how life goes way beyond our five senses. As founder of SomaEnergetics, David has created what he calls a “vibrational bridge,” with tuning forks designed for healing and opening up to new possibilities. If this sounds confusing, it won't be at all. David speaks with authority and clarity.

Most of us have a good idea for inventing something that we haven't seen before, but then we stop there. How do we get a patent? Protect our idea? Get a prototype made? That's where our special guests can help. Jim Dunn has patented a product being used by airline travelers to protect the contents of their luggage and Brian Fried has consulted with inventors to get their products ready for retail, Internet sales, As Seen On TV, and home shopping channels. Get your questions answered here, so you can Activate the Power of Yes and get your product to market! 

Carl Greer is a Ph.D., Psy.D., Jungian analyst, and trained shaman. Through his work with Dr. Alberto Villoldo at the Healing the Light Body School in Peru and with shamans in North and South America, Australia, Ethiopia, and Outer Mongolia, Dr. Greer has written Change Your Story, Change Your Life. How can we access that quiet, invisible part within that has the answer to so many of our dilemmas? What if you can recognize the stories you have been telling about yourself, interact with them, find out what you can do to reclaim power of your life, and tell a new, more fulfilling story? 

Ordained minister and wedding officiant Marcy Ann Cheek has been in charge of 150 weddings per year throughout the past 20 years—many held in Laguna Beach, California. She brings us into the 21st-century with her ideas about how to create a ceremony that works best for YOU in this day and age. Her strongest admonition—“Be true to yourself.” In addition, let a professional help you with the details, practice the ceremony in advance … and be ready to go to Plan B if your Plan A isn't working (such as if the beach is washed out). Have you ever heard of a Sand Ceremony? It's a great idea if you can't use candles in a strong breeze. Ever thought about being a wedding officiant? Go to her course at weddingofficiantschool.com.