LifeSmything with Cynthia Burley

The prayer before a crucifix is a great tool that we can use to keep our minds focused on Christ. St Bonaventure says ““He who desires”to go on advancing from virtue to virtue, from grace to grace, should meditate continually on the Passion of Jesus.“ Everytime we pass a crucifix, we should pause, if time permits to reflect on his passion, and contemplate his wounds. We must remember that because of us, they pierced his hands and feet and numbered all his bones. EPISODE NOTES

Sometimes we forget how important silence is and the power of external silence.   EPISODE NOTES  

On Ash Wednesday, we are reminded our our deaths and the brevities of our lives.   "Remember man, thou art dust."   Today, we take a look at 3 reasons why we must embrace death.

What a wonderful thing it is to have great zeal for the Gospel, but is it true zeal?  Did you know mistaken zeal can destroy souls? In this Episode In this episode we take a look at three types of zeals:   The zeal that destroy souls. Mistaken zeal. True zeal. Sources The Spirit of St Francis de Sales EPISODE NOTES: 

IN THIS EPISODE Show notes What do you do if your husband doesn't lead spiritually? Pray for God to show him how to lead. Let him lead in prayer. Praise him privately for the good things he accomplishes. Praise him publicly. Don't compare him to others, not even in your home. Encourage him to read Catholic websites and books on masculinity. Dress in a feminine manner. Encourage him to Make a Consecration to St. Joseph.   MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST Article: “Comparing You = Comparing Me: Social Comparisons of the Expanded Self" Book: : Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

This podcast was originally posted on the the A More Rigorous Lent Podcast on beautysoancientcom. Rash Judgment is something that came up in discussion a couple of years ago because of the hasty reporting on the Covington Catholic boys.  However, it's something that we all do from time to time.  Did you know that rash judgment is a sin? Why do we do it? In this Episode What is rash judgment? How does confirmation bias come into play? The three roots of rash Judgement The remedies of Rash Judgment Sources Mentioned in this Episode An Introduction to the Devout Life Imitation of Christ  

We are in such a mess aren't we? The global pandemic has decimated thousands of lives. Read the show notes. 

"Late Have I Loved You," is a poetic excerpt from St Augustine's "Confessions." It's a beautiful story of how St Augustine was so enthralled with the world, that he resisted God's calling. In the end, he could not resist God and he finally left worldly things behind and reached for God's peace. How many of us can echo Augustine's sentiment, "Late have I loved you?" I know I can. Even though I was raised to love God as an evangelical, I abandoned God, for paganism and new-ageism. I covered my ears so that I could not hear God. I wanted to live my life on my terms. I didn't understand that I was hungering for God. As St Augustine says, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Boy, was I restless. However, even in the midst of my flirtations with the world, God continued to call me. And finally I listened. This website is called "BeautySoAncient.com"in gratitude and acknowledgement that, like St Augustine, I resisted God, but He never gave up on me. He continued to shout, flare and blaze, until I was able to see. He did not allow me to die in my sins, but he called me to his Holy Catholic Church. Late, have I loved you, Dear Lord. Thank you for saving me and calling you to your Holy Catholic Church. Episode notes  

Because of all the Valentine's Day media hype, so many of us end up feeling lonely on Valentine's day. However, what actually happens is that we allow ourselves to get manipulated into experiencing deep longing for a mate on this Valentine's day. IN THIS PODCAST Remember that Valentine's Day is just another day. Be thankful for your past failed relationships Celebrate your growth in your understanding and knowledge of courtship. Make contact with one person of the opposite sex. Spend some time with the God of love.

As some of you know, I am extremely attached to Amazon. Whenever I see a new book, I want it. Well, last week, I received, Mother Angelica's Guide to Practical Holiness. It's a wonderful, practical book that I highly recommend. In a chapter titled, "Three Keys to the Kingdom", she lists three types of people who seek God in the wrong ways. Through emotions (feelings). Through intellectual pride. Through a domineering will. Are You Seeking God Through One of These Three Wrong Ways?   EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Sometimes when we want to suffer for our Lord, we are drawn to external mortifications and penances like self-flagellation (whipping), wearing hairshirts and cilices. Why is that? Two reasons - first, we want to go hardcore and in our minds, whipping yourself is EXTREMELY hardcore. The second reason, is one we might not like admitting. Maybe we find it easier to self-flagellate than to restrain ourselves from answering an insult? Dom Scupoli, in his book, the Spiritual Combat, suggests some other penances that we might do instead of, or in addition to, any external mortification. In this podcast,  IN THIS EPISODE: 5 Penances Catholics Can Do Instead of Self-Flagellation Silence & retirement; Humility & charity; Patient endurance of the greatest injuries; Render good for the evil of your enemies; Take care to avoid the smallest faults; EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

T Humans are driven to get married, first of all to procreate, but secondly to build a bond with another human being that you can trust with your life. You want to be with someone who understands you and will help you to get to heaven. Life is not easy and we are often so distracted by the cares and worries of life that we forget about our spouses. And so, the relationship grows cold. However, there are things that can be done to build intimacy in your marriage.   IN THIS EPISODE: 5 FREELANCE JOBS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR STAY-AT-HOME-MOMS Physical intimacy Cook together. Having regular meal times. Playing board or card games. Date night! Give each other space. Communicate throughout the day Pillow talk EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Teen vogue posted a guide to anal sex on Christmas Day. This is not the first time they posted this. It's almost like they do it to rile up Christians. This had me thinking about how important it is to either homeschool or put your kids in good Catholic schools, rather than risk the secular culture influencing them to abandon their beliefs. Some couples think their finances won't allow them to homeschool, although with budgeting, it is often possible. However, there is nothing wrong with a stay-at-home mom and being a Proverbs 21 woman and bringing in a little income, if she so desires. IN THIS EPISODE: 5 FREELANCE JOBS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR STAY-AT-HOME-MOMS Bookkeeping/Account Internet Marketer Writer Graphic Designer Seamstress EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Sometimes anger and hate for someone is so intense that it makes us sick, but we keep being angry. Is there no way of dissolving the anger? Luckily there is a way and both religion and psychology confirm it. Now how would you like to get rid of your strong feelings of anger that both shame you and control you? Listen to the podcast to see how praying can help.   IN THIS EPISODE Praying for someone decreases aggression. How praying causes cognitive "re-appraisal. How increases charity. Anger poisons us, not the person you're angry at. EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com ?

Apparently, it has become a "thing" for Christian women to take "boudoir" photos. Boudoir photography  is a "photographic style featuring intimate, sensual, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom or private dressing room environment, primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subject and his or her romantic partners." This doesn't sound like something a Catholic would be interested in, but there are tons of articles which aim to convince women that boudoir photos are a legitimate gift for one's husband. What is this world coming to?   IN THIS EPISODE Why do women do boudoir photo shoots? Should Christian women take Boudoir photos? The link between low self-esteem (lack of confidence) and boudoir photos. The risk of lust. Why you should not give your husband sensual pictures of you while he is travelling for work? Does posing for sexy pictures make you strong? How sensual pictures can affect your marriage. EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

SHOW NOTES

On Tuesday, November 5th, 11, Washington D.C., Nov 5, 2019, more than 11,000 "scientists" signed a "climate change emergency" letter. This letter calls for a "gradual reduction" in the world's population. This warning was was published in BioScience journal and was signed by 11,258 scientists from 153 countries. I know that a lot of you are sick of the climate change agenda. However, if the climate change cult is urging people to not have children, I think this is good news for us, no?   IN THIS EPISODE The climate change letter signed by over 11,000 Scientists. How the climate change apocalypse predictions have always been wrong. Why this news should make us happy. What is the ONE thing we Christians need to do to counter climate change? EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Recently during the Amazonian Synod, 5 statues of the the Pachamama idol, the earth mother goddess, revered by the Amazonian people, were placed in a Chapel of the Carmelite Church of Santa Maria in Transportina, Rome. On October 21, these statues were taken and thrown into the Tiber River. This action was received with great joy by many Catholics, and statements of condemnation from the Vatican and Pope Francis. What are we to make of this event? How about us? Do we have any Pachamamas in our lives?   IN THIS EPISODE What is a Pachamama? Was it wrong for the men to take the Pachamama and throw them in the Tiber river? The danger of mixing indigenous religions with Catholicism. A case study of "mixing it up" in Haiti. What are the Pachamamas in our lives? EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

I am convinced that the Rosary is the secret to having a strong marriage. It certainly is one of the reasons why we have a strong marriage. If you're having a lot of marital conflict, try praying the rosary daily -- even when you don't feel like it -- even when you are angry at each other.   It's so easy to take pride in being a "straight shooter". A straight shooter is someone who is honest and forthright. You see, straight shooters don't sugarcoat. They "keep it real". However, there's that pesky little thing called charity isn't there? Even straight shooters have to be charitable, or else all effort is for naught.   IN THIS EPISODE How to tell if you're a straight shooter or if you're not. The pros and cons of being a straight shooter. What do the Saints say about being charitable? How to be charitable during debates by being curious. The "Feel, Felt, Found" technique. Never call an idea or the person "stupid". How to use stories to tell the truth, charitably. EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

I am convinced that the Rosary is the secret to having a strong marriage. It certainly is one of the reasons why we have a strong marriage. If you're having a lot of marital conflict, try praying the rosary daily -- even when you don't feel like it -- even when you are angry at each other. You'd be surprised at how praying the rosary can melt away the anger. Is one of you dealing with sins of impurity, jealousy, or a wandering eye? Pray the rosary, daily. IN THIS EPISODE The Seven Blessings of the Rosary. Why my husband and I have a strong marriage. How the Rosary can dissolve any anger between you and your spouse. Pray the rosary with your children, no matter how young, how old. The rosary purifies our soul. The rosary helps us to practice virtue. The rosary enriches us with graces and merits.  EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.

"Suffering is not negotiable, sweetheart," is a paraphrase of something Mother Angelica said. She stated, " Holiness is not for wimps and the cross is not negotiable, sweetheart, it's a requirement." And yet, we hate to suffer. I know I do. However, suffering will come and when it does come, God will give us the grace to handle it. IN THIS EPISODE We all will suffer. To get to heaven, we must suffer. Even if you feel weak, God will give you the grace and strength to handle your suffering. God sends us suffering because he loves us. Suffering unites us with Christ and his goals. What my experience with the events of 9/11 says about my desire to suffer. What being robbed at gunpoint tells me about my desire to suffer.   EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.  

This podcast was partly inspired by the hate that I saw directed at Catholic author, podcaster and course creator, Taylor Marshall when he released his latest book, "Infiltration", along with some other Catholics entrepreneurs I have seen attacked, especially if their offering is a digital offering. Why do some Catholics hate Catholic Entrepreneurs? IN THIS EPISODE The Four Reasons Why I think some Catholics can't stand to see or support Catholic entrepreneurs. Is there a difference between making money in the digital space and selling a physical product? Do you need a degree in a topic to be an expert on it? Is it a sin to be rich or to make money? Is blocking people from making a living online considered "defrauding a worker of its wages"? The Proverbs 31 woman and online businesses.  The role of envy in people's responses to Catholic entrepreneurs.   EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.  

Virginity is a wonderful thing and ideally every spouse should be a virgin before marriage. Alas, we live in a fallen world, full of sin. As a result, there are a lot of sinners with past sexual history, who are trying hard to live chaste lives, but can do nothing about their history. If you really desire to marry a virgin, you might ask yourself, "Am I being selfish for wanting to marry a virgin"? IN THIS EPISODE Should you break up with someone who reveals his or her past sexual history to you during courtship? How to deal with disappointment at not being able to give each other the gift of celibacy. Does sexual history affect marital happiness? How do you deal with insecurity that arises from your experienced spouse possibly comparing you to others? What to do if your spouse lied to you about previous relationships?   EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.  

Soon after my conversion to Catholicism, I decided to only wear skirts and dresses.   It made such a difference in my life from the way I looked, to my sense of modesty and my feelings of responsibility when it came to others.   IN THIS EPISODE The history of women wearing pants in the U.S. How wearing dresses and skirts affect your femininity. How women's practice of wearing pants blur the line between masculine and feminine. Modesty and pants. How pants can cause you to be an occasion of sin.   EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.        

When single or engaged couples think of the authority of the husband and the submission of the wife, what enters their heads? I'm pretty sure there are lots of fantasies of deep-voiced men giving orders, and delicate wives acquiescing with lowered eyes. Alas, anyone who's been married for 5 minutes knows the truth about husbandly authority and wifely submission.   IN THIS EPISODE The reality of submission-authority vs the fantasy. What could make your husband say to you, "I'm the boss How husbands should exercise their authority. Why it's hard for some men to exercise their God-given authority? How men and women are portrayed in this culture. What does "happy wife, happy life" mean? How is the husband suppose to exercise his authority? Under what circumstances should a wife be submissive? What do you do if you have a husband who is not kind? EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.    

A lot of people don't understand that what they call "fighting for the faith" on the internet, is actually fake fighting. What do I mean by that? Does anyone really believe that ranting or cutting and pasting, is fighting for the faith? Whoever does is sorely mistaken. IN THIS EPISODE Why ranting on the internet is not real fighting, but fake fighting. What does it mean to be a soldier of Christ? Why not everyone is meant to be Michael Voris or Michael Hichborn. The various roles that need to be filled in a war. Why the battle for your soul is the greatest battle you'll ever fight. What are some real "fights" you can undertake offline? When you need to pull back from the fight for a bit. How the idea of "fighting" can be a temptation. Which is your greatest weapon in a fight? EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.    

 When I woke up today, I didn't know I would be podcasting about fleeing temptation. But then this happened. When I first woke up, I glanced at my phone. I know, I know. Bad habit. Well, what a surprise I received! I was greeted with the image of an almost completely nude FB friend! How did that affect me in terms of temptation? Listen to the podcast to find out. IN THIS EPISODE What made me decide to do a podcast on fleeing temptation. The first thing you should do when faced with sexual temptation? How meditation can help. The worst topic you should focus on when meditating. Why we shouldn't be secure in our own strength. EPISODE NOTES  Lifesmything is a podcast of beautysoancient.com.    

Do you know how to discern if the man you're with is just wasting your time? I know a lot of women who have hung around, and hung around a man, without realizing that the relationship was was going nowhere. Courtship is an art and one of the basic skills that women must know is how to properly discern and properly dispose of any man that is wasting her time. After all, there is a godly man out there waiting for her.   IN THIS EPISODE Why a woman cannot afford to waste time. How to recognize signs that he's not that interested in you.   EPISODE NOTES       Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Because we live in the modern society, there are a lot of women who don't know how to be feminine.  In this episode, we look at 10 ways to cultivate our feminine traits.     IN THIS EPISODE How to become more nurturing. Why you should study your feminine friends. How learning the feminine arts (sewing, cooking, etc) can help make you more feminine. How wearing dresses and skirts can make you more feminine.Don't be afraid to ask men for help Don't be afraid to ask men for help.      EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Do you talk too much? If you talk too much, or you suspect that you do, we have some tips for you. The sad truth is that those who talk too much think that others find them infinitely amusing, but it's not the case. They usually find such folks a bore.   IN THIS EPISODE What does the Bible say about talking too much? What is logorrhea? Common sins of speech. How extreme talkativeness is a form of intemperance. Tips on taming the tongue EPISODE NOTES   EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com  

Fr Chad Ripperger has a video on what he defines as the "Four Stages of Courtship." This is a re-upload of a Facebook Live video I did in 2019 where I gave my take on the four stages. At the time I had just begun to court with my now-husband and it served as a wonderful guide to our own courtship.   IN THIS EPISODE What are the four stages of friendship? How long should you stay in each phase? What virtues should you seek in each stage? The Friendship stage. The Courtship stage Is kissing allowed in the Courtship stage/ The Betrothal stage. The Marriage stage.     EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Happy Labor Day! Get a little holy leisure today.  Leisure should be intentional and not mindless!   EPISODE NOTES

A listener messaged me to ask "when does overeating become gluttony"? It's a good question as gluttony is such a common sin. St Thomas Aquinas says, "Gluttony denotes, not any desire of eating and drinking, but an inordinate desire . . . leaving the order of reason, wherein the good of moral virtue consists."  When is overeating gluttony and what can we do to remedy said gluttony?   IN THIS EPISODE How gluttony became binge-eating disorder. When is gluttony overeating? Three ways gluttony expresses itself. How fasting helps with combat gluttony. Six remedies against gluttony. EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. "In the evening of life, we shall be judged by love alone", says St John of the Cross. But does love of neighbor mean open borders? The illegal immigration issue is a difficult one. Today we take a look at the viewpoints of those who support illegal immigration and those who don't. What are we obligated to believe as Catholics?   IN THIS EPISODE The Three Basic Principles of Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration. What is the "common good" and who does it apply to? Does a nation have a right to control its borders? The effect of non-assimilation. Human trafficking as a consequence of illegal immigration. The effect of illegal immigration on American jobs. The USCCB's support for illegal immigration.     EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

We're very good at pointing out envy in others. After all, "haters gonna hate", as the slang phrase goes. But are we good at identifying envy in ourselves? Do we focus on overcoming envy?   IN THIS EPISODE The difference between jealousy and envy. How grave a sin is envy? What do the Church fathers say about envy? How envy opposes charity. Three ways to root out envy.   EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

There are a lot of Christians with anger management problem. But did you know that one way to deal with an anger problem is by moderating your anger by moderating your love? How does that work you wonder? Love seems to be on the opposite spectrum of anger, and what sometimes accompanies it - hate. If we learn to moderate all our passions, but especially love, we will be able to moderate our anger.   IN THIS EPISODE What is inordinate anger? Why is love the most important passion to moderate? What is inordinate love? How to control your anger by moderating your love.   EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Whenever we speak of intimidating men on dates, a very popular trope is, "If he's intimidated by me, that's his problem. I need a strong man who can 'handle' " me. How is it then that some women intimidate men and some don't? And if a woman complains about men being intimidated by her on the one hand, why would she then express no interest in doing anything to change that? The truth is, we CAN work on ourselves so that we are not so intimidating that we turn men off and lower our chances of finding someone to marry.   IN THIS EPISODE Why do men get intimidated by some women? How can you tell if a man is intimidated by you? How do masculine and feminine energy differ? Body language that exudes masculinity. How to behave on a date so that you don't scare him away.   EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

In part one of the talk on the marital debt, we looked at the technical aspects of it, as well as whether it is a sin to refuse the marital debt. You can listen to it here. This episode is addressed to husbands who tend to bear the brunt of the marital debt refusals. If you learn to speak your wife's love language, you won't have to even request the marital debt. Show her you love her, and see how that changes things. Also, my husband Joe joins me on the podcast to discuss a situation that happened last night. Today, we take a look at the 5 Love Languages. IN THIS EPISODE Why any discussions on the marital debt should occur from a perspective of love. What are the love languages? A look at Words of Affirmation. A situation that occurred between Joe and I last night A look at Acts of Service. A look at Receiving Gifts A Look at Quality Time A look at Physical Touch

Workaholism is something that is not discussed very frequently. We value hard work and even though we might complain about a member working too much, deep down we sort of envy his work ethic. Being a workaholic can have negative results not just on one's health, but also on one's spiritual life.   IN THIS EPISODE The 7 Marks of a Workaholic. The difference between working long hours and being a workaholic. Adverse health effects of workaholism. The temperaments that are drawn to workaholism. Workaholism as sloth. What you can do to stop being a workaholic. EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

Is it sinful to refuse the marital debt? A lot of people hate the term "marital debt" because it sounds so technical and devoid of love. The marriage debt is the mutual obligation that the spouses have, within a valid marriage (natural or supernatural) to have marital relations. However, we do indeed have a marital debt, as stated in 1 Corinthians 7:3: "Let the husband render the debt to his wife, and the wife also in like manner to the husband."   IN THIS EPISODE What is the marital debt and where does the term come from Why do Christian couples have a marital debt to pay? Mayo Clinic reasons for decreased libido. Moral theologian licit reasons for refusing the marital debt. When is it a sin to refuse the marital debt? What you can do when you are not in the mood? What if you have a higher libido than your husband?   Episode Notes  

  Whether or not we are attracted to the person we're dating is a lot more important than we think. But how important is physical attraction when it comes to courtship and marriage? If you believe that because you're a Christian, your spouse doesn't care about your appearance, you are wrong. First of all, the love of beauty is innate. The reason we have physical attraction is that it drives us to get married and procreate. A pious person knows not to prioritize physical beauty over everything else, but it doesn't mean it doesn't matter.   IN THIS EPISODE Does physical attraction matter and should it matter? Do both men and women prioritize physical attraction? What about the changes in physical beauty as we age? What can happen if you marry someone you are not attracted to? What can I do to increase my attractiveness   EPISODE NOTES   Lifesmything.com is a podcast of beautysoancient.com

What exactly is feminine speech and why should traditional women be concerned about it? If you are a woman who believes that the man should be the head of the home, it's important that you learn how to moderate your speech so that you're not bossing him around.  Women with assertive personalities, specifically those with choleric temperaments, have a hard time communicating without sounding like they are issuing commands. Traditional women are not all phlegmatic. A smaller percentage have choleric temperaments - and for those cholerics, it is a daily struggle to have a more feminine speech when addressing their husbands.   IN THIS EPISODE Why it's important to moderate "declarative statements" when speaking to one's husband. How to use "affective" tags to soften statements. "Uptalk" is not always a bad thing.   Show Notes   LifeSmything is a podcast of BeautySoAncient.com

Intuitively, women know they shouldn't pursue men. In the vast majority of these kind of cases, things never work out. However, women are quick to point out the exceptions without acknowledging just that - they're exceptions. A woman should not pursue a man or ask him out, but there are ways she can signal her interest.   IN THIS EPISODE Why you shouldn't pursue a guy. Why he might not be interested in you. Ways to signal your interest without making a fool of yourself. Episode Notes The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com.

Phlegmatics are the quintessential "nice" people. The phlegmatic is prone to sloth and does not like to work, but once he takes on a task, he perseveres. He doesn't demand much from life and doesn't have a lot of internal motivation. A phlegmatic soul must cultivate an aspiration to do better, especially when it comes to piety. He must focus on fulfilling his duties of life. Today, we take a look at the phlegmatic section of Rev. Conrad Hock's the Four Temperaments, as we study the phlegmatic's path to holiness. IN THIS EPISODE A phlegmatic must focus on his duties of life. A phlegmatic must be careful to aspire to greater sanctity. A look at the "mixed temperaments". The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com.

The after-mass coffee hour is meant to foster a sense of community and provide an opportunity to meet the Catholics who you see at Mass every day. Unfortunately, because humans are going to human, you invariably have the formation of cliques which leave some people out. You end up with a lot of people who go to Mass and leave with a sense of loneliness. IN THIS EPISODE Poor social relationships were associated with a 29 percent increase in risk of coronary heart disease and a 32 percent rise in the risk of stroke. We will always have some sense of loneliness because our hearts will continue to seek God, whether we know it or not. Why we need friends. Why people do not reach out to strangers at coffee hours. What is attractive about cliques. Can you be part of a clique and not be "cliquish"? What you can do to reach out to others. Episode Links & Resources The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com.

Sanguines are the life of the party. They are extroverted, with a lot of friends, are optimistic, and scatter-brained, and does not hold grudges. A sanguine soul must cultivate a love of meditation, so that they can focus on spiritual instead of temporal things. Today, we take a look at the sanguine section of Rev. Conrad Hock's the Four Temperaments, as we study the sanguine's path to holiness. IN THIS EPISODE A sanguine must reflect on spiritual things. Instead of "winging" it, a sanguine must learn to plan for all possibilities. He must practice mortification of the senses. He must look for good influences and accept direction and counsel. Spiritual aridity purifies him. He must struggle against his bad traits, such as vanity, love of friendships, jealousy, levity and superficiality. Episode Links & Resources The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com.

We live in a confusing time - a time when men are afraid to be men, where men are afraid to be a gentleman. Men are confused because we live in a quasi-matriarchy which celebrates womanhood and denigrates manhood. What men need is a code of chivalry. Circa 1839-1997, The Virginia Military Institute, the oldest state-supported military college in the United States had the "Code of a Gentleman", a code which listed the attributes and the actions of a gentleman. IN THIS EPISODE Gentlemanly precepts you might consider adopting if you haven't already. Episode Links & Resources The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com.

Someone with a melancholic temperament has a great attraction to the interior life, which is a great benefit. They are reserved, are hard on themselves and others and tend to be distrusting and pessimistic. A melancholic soul who abandons himself to the interior life and the Crucified Christ can make great strides in the interior life. Today, we take a look at the melancholic section of Rev. Conrad Hock's the Four Temperaments, as we study the melancholic's path to holiness. IN THIS EPISODE A melancholic must cultivate a great love for God and a love of Suffering. During attacks of melancholy, he should remind himself that things are not as bad as he imagines. He must resist every spirit of aversion, diffidence, discouragement or despondency. He must keep himself busy. A choleric's path to holiness involves humiliating himself voluntarily. He must cultivate the good characteristics of his temperament and continually struggle against the weaknesses Episode Links & Resources The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com

The choleric temperament inspires both admiration & loathing. Cholerics are the natural-born leaders, proud, filled with grand aspirations, blunt and unempathetic. However, a choleric who abandons himself to the will of God and sees himself as only a tool to be used for God's Glory can achieve great things for the kingdom of God. Today, we take a look at the choleric section of Rev. Conrad Hock's the Four Temperaments. ====================== IN THIS EPISODE A choleric needs high ideals and great thoughts. He must learn to beg God for his assistance. A choleric must never seek himself but must consider himself as instruments of God and servants of their fellow man. He must combat pride and anger daily. He must humiliate himself voluntarily. He must be devoted to the humble and meek heart of Christ. Episode Links & Resources The LifeSmything podcast is a podcast of Beautysoancient.com

It is well known that women are prone to henpecking/nagging. Yes, it is a stereotype, and not all women nag, but if we are honest, we will realize that we nag. Maybe we grew up watching our mothers nag our fathers. Maybe it's what we see on television.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN Being constantly nagged increases your risk of death. Why women henpeck. Nagging is torture. How nagging leads to your husband's loss of attraction to you. How to give criticism without nagging. Visit the Show Notes for the links mentioned in the podcast. Lifesmything is a podcast of BeautySoAncient.com.