Permission To Think

In today's episode, we discuss the power of living in the moment, in the now and giving our very best to our work, family, friends and colleagues. So many of us live in constant regret for what happened yesterday and live in constant fear for tomorrow. However, what we miss is focusing in our strength and mental energy for today. Today matters. This moment matters. Let's live like it.  I hope this episode helps you in your journey in life. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

In today's episode, I am joined by my wife Betsy Rustrian who shares her personal experience on what she learned being married for 22 years. Her journey is unique and her wisdom refreshing to those who need to hear what to do during difficult moments in marriage. I hope this episode helps you in your journey of life and marriage. For more information, please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

In today's episode, we cover the second half of the ten things I learned in 22 years of marriage. Is it possible to have a healthy marriage? Yes. But not a perfect marriage. A healthy marriage requires great sacrifice, commitment, humility and an authentic relationship with God. I hope this episode helps you in your journey of life and marriage. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

In today's episode, I share some of the things I learned in my 22 years of marriage. My wife and I have experienced great setbacks, blunders, failures and pain. But in spite of all those things, we have learned to establish a great foundation and to respect and love each other more deeply and authentically knowing that we are better together than apart. I hope this episode helps you in your relationships.  For more information please visit, https://www.erustrian.com/

For many of us, we have not taken the time to think about how much one minute of our time is worth, never mind an hour or a day. We live so unconcerned and unaware of the time we spend doing things that do not add value to our lives and do not align to where we're going. In today's episode we learn how to identifies distractions and the negative impact it has on our lives. For more information, please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” In today's episode, we learn that seasons are not final, but temporary. How we respond and live in seasons is the key to a fulfilled life. Portraits of Time and Seasons is about learning 3 key principles to help you not just survive but thrive in every season. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

What do you do when motivation is not enough? In today's episode learn what to do when motivation is not enough to carry you through life's toughest challenges and circumstance. Discover your greatest asset and how you can thrive in your most difficult moments. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

To say that life is difficult and challenging is an understatement. Many of us struggle with discouragement, which often leads us down the path of anxiety, worry, doubt, fear and depression. And for many others unfortunately, suicide. In today's episode we dive deep into identifying what discouragement is, and how it negatively impacts our lives. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

What does your heart long for the most? Why does your heart desire it? Please, take a minute to think deeply about what your heart desires and yearns for the most. In today's episode we're going to look closely at our deepest longings and see if they are misplaced, misguided or a reflection of something deeper. The human heart longs for relationship, love, meaning and purpose, and often we have a tendency to seek it in the wrong places. I hope today's episode helps you in your journey and gives you hope to live longing for the meaningful. For more information, don't forget to visit https://www.erustrian.com/  

This week we end our series A Leader's Delusion. Transforming the Delusional Leader Within, reflecting on the life and transformation of Moses as a leader and the nation of Israel as a people; from slaves to a holy nation. In this episode, we will see how Moses leadership was first transformed from within so he could serve and lead a very difficult and challenging people. We also focus on the importance of understanding the wilderness/desert as a place where our transformation and rebirth takes place. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

This week we continue with our series on the topic A Leader's Delusion Transforming the Delusional Leader Within. In this series we are focusing on the delusional aspects of a leader, who is a leader, what great leaders do, what does the bible say about leaderships and why we have such an urgent need for real leadership. An important aspect of Transforming the Delusional leader within, is focusing on 5 key areas: Thoughts, Motivation, Attitude, Actions and Values. In this episode we will speak on the 5 key areas that can significantly transform our leadership. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

This week we begin a new series on the topic  A Leader's Delusion-Transforming the Delusional Leader Within In this series we're going to talk about the delusional aspects of a leader, who is a leader, what great leaders do, what the bible says about leaderships and why we have such an urgent need for real leadership. My desire in starting this series is to speak to the dire need and urgency for great leadership. I've had the incredible opportunity to have worked under and served many leaders; some great, some good, some bad and some downright ugly.  And throughout all those experiences I have learned some very valuable lessons on what to do and what not to do. My objective in speaking on A Leader's Delusion is to bring to light the anemic state/ aspect of leadership in our organizations, institutions and families. Where are you in your leading yourself and your family? This is where leadership begins. For more information please visithttps://www.erustrian.com/    

Parenting for today is about having courageous conversations about your parenting style. Can you identify your parenting style( authoritarian, authoritative, passive, neglectful)? Do you know your ducklings?  Do you know your children's triggers? Do you know their temperaments and personalities? Do you have credibility with your children? Do you empathize with your children? Do you know why and for what you are raising children for? Parenting is a 24/7, 365 day job for the rest of your life. In today's episode we will dive into finding the why and what of parenting. For more information please visithttps://www.erustrian.com/  

Today, we're going to look at a very critical part of parenting and it involves aspects that perhaps we have not considered. When it comes to parenting, unbeknownst to many of us we either parent the same way our parents did, or in some cases, we go a completely opposite direction. It's important that when it comes to parenting you know who you are, what you are, your values, your commitment, your triggers, your emotional state, your relationship with your spouse, your level of agreeability, your faith and your part in parenting.  Once you have worked on these things as a baseline, you then create a strong foundation for parenting. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

Quite often we hear the phrase that parenting does not come with a manual. Do you think that statement is true? I believe that there is a manual but whether or not we read it's a totally different story. How many times have we purchased a new device, a new car, a new television or new furniture and actually read the manual?  I know that parenting in today's world is very challenging, difficult and exhausting. However, I believe with all my heart that a manual has been provided.   In this short series on Parenting for Today we will dive deep into the different types/styles of parenting, the pitfalls and traps many parents fall into, the challenges in raising children in a world of media consumption, technology and distractions and how parenting from a biblical perspective can make a big difference in your life and your children.    

In our final episode of our series Uncommon Valor for Marriage we end with the following questions: What is right? What is wrong? What is missing? and what are you confused about? These questions are intended to make us ponder about where we are in our marriage, and family. In this episode we also discussed what Jesus said regarding divorce and marriage. Take a moment to think, muse and meditate on where you are in life. I hope this series has added value to your life. For more resources and information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/. #Stay Strong

What is your definition of marriage? Is your marriage a social contract? Is your marriage a pledge to each other? What were your motivations for marriage? Is the institution of marriage a complete failure? In our third episode of the series Uncommon Valor for Marriage we seek to answer many of these question but go beyond the symptoms and focus on the root cause. In this episode we explore God's design for humanity and marriage. We will look closely at God's covenant with us and His desire to be in relationship in our marriages. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

As we continue with our series Uncommon Valor for Marriage, we find that commitment is the core principle for establishing and sustaining a healthy strong marriage. In today's episode, we discuss healthy motivations for getting married and ways to grow and improve our marriages. Quite often, married couples do not move on from the sensual aspect of marriage and the physiological needs that are necessary to meet our most basic needs. However,  is it possible to move on beyond the starting line and grow and accomplish a loving-vibrant marriage? Tune in to find out.  For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/  

Uncommon Valor for Marriage is a series on addressing the challenges, pitfalls and the unexpected events that test our commitment and stability in marriage. Data shows that divorce rates are down, not because people are staying married longer, but because people are not getting married at all. Couples prefer cohabitation instead of long term commitment. What those who choose cohabitation don't realize is that almost all cohabitations end in separation and when people have had multiple cohabitation arrangements when they do decide to commit to marriage, that marriage has a 61% chance of ending in divorced and separation.  Some will argue that the institution of marriage is the problem. Is it?  In today's episode find out what's really ailing our society and how we are all paying for it. For more information visit https://www.erustrian.com/ 

As we celebrate Father's Day, we must ask this question, What is a good father? A good father is: a good listener, he is patient, caring, he is a provider, disciplinarian, he is respectful, attentive, loving, forgiving, generous, funny, spontaneous, reliable, responsible and concerned. The Making of a Great Father Is not overnight. It's a process. A journey. In this episode discover the process and journey every men must take in his desire to be a great father. The journey can be daunting and challenging, but extremely rewarding and one that pays great dividends in the years to come. Fathers matter! Great Fathers make a lifetime of difference. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/       

"Hey dad, I waited for you, but you never came home." For many adults and children these words resonate deeply in their heart.  In today's episode we will learn how many of us adults are still waiting for our fathers to come home. For many children, the struggles and challenges they face are in fact the result of absent fathers. Our society needs men of honor, committed and engage in the fatherhood journey to lead their children, families and communities with confidence and conviction.  For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/  “The home is the crucible for the forging and living out of your faith?' Tom Paterson   

I wish I had more time. If I could turn back time I would… If only I had one more minute. Quite often we hear these statements of never having enough time to do everything we want to do. Perhaps, not everything we want to do should be given equal value of our time. We should shift our paradigm from managing our time to becoming stewards of our time. In today's episode let's see how when we prioritize our time and move from the trivial and mundane to the things and people who matter most, it changes how we go throughout our day and the impact we have in our homes, businesses and communities. Wolfgang Von Goethe Said “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” To learn more please visit https://www.erustrian.com/. 

Dear Absentee is a call to absent fathers to hear the cries of their children who are in dire need of their presence, love and affection. The data and statistic on the impact fathers have on their children when they leave the home is terrifying and it explains why we have so many social ills in our society and our world. As man, as fathers, we need to own our responsibility to be there for our children and spouses. This episode dives deep into the impact and consequences of having a fatherless society. I hope that as you listen, you ponder and muse on how much fathers matter in the home and our society. for more information, please visit https://www.erustrian.com/  

Ever wonder how much a father impacts the life of a child? A father plays a vital role in the family and in the lives of his children. There are many men and women who today as adults still carry the scars and memories of their childhood, trying to figure out how to function as adults and parents. In today's episode you will hear the challenges fathers face daily and the responsibility of caring for their wives and children. For more information please visit https://www.erustrian.com/

In today's episode I will share with you five lessons I learned from failure. I hope that as you listen, it helps you on your journey through life and may it provide a fresh perspective on failure and how to navigate through the emotional anguish and mental pitfalls that can hold you back from learning, growing and success. For more information, please visit https://www.erustrian.com/ for blogs and resources to help you in your life journey. #Stay Strong 

Before you make a commitment, make sure to weigh the cost.  Why is commitment so difficult? For many of us, the word commitment make us feel very uncomfortable. But why? Why does commitment make many of us uncomfortable? Why is it hard to commit to anything these days? What does commitment ask of us? Who benefits the most from our commitment? As you listen to this episode, ponder on your own personal commitment to life, faith and family. For more information and resources please visit https://www.erustrian.com/  

Model the Way  Our families will always pay attention that our words match our actions. This is where we risk the most of losing our family. Though our children and spouses are empathetic and understanding, and at times forgiving,  it is not an excuse to abdicate our responsibility to model to our children how to lead in tough times, how to communicate, and show courage during difficult times.  As you listen to this episode take a moment to ponder on your family and their needs. Credibility, trust and consistency are essential principles to developing a healthy family. Remember what you model speaks louder than your words. For more on Model It, please visit https://www.erustrian.com/  Remember to "Never Compromise Integrity for Comfort" #Stay Strong

Without question, parenting is perhaps one of the most difficult and challenging responsibilities one will ever experience. With so many distractions, and concerns, one can easy worry and become anxious for the future. Unfortunately, when we worry about the future, we miss out on those special moments that mean so much to our children. It's critical that we make the decision to be present at home. As a father of two girls, I've been there and I know how it feels. In this podcast I share 10 key principles that have helped me significantly and I know it will help you in your journey to raising children.  Let's make a commitment to be present at home. After all, it's our greatest investment. For more information and resource please visit https://www.erustrian.com/ #Stay Strong

Have you ever considered the power and impact your thoughts have in your life, mental mindset and health. Consider the following; thoughts happen automatically, they pop into our mind without any real effort or desire. Thoughts are consistent in that they just show up but are often influenced by external circumstances. Thinking differs in that it requires intentionality, purpose, effort, time and action. Thinking is a skill and one we should all do at some point in the day. Let truthful and intentional thinking assault our negative thoughts. For more on thoughts vs thinking, please visit https://www.erustrian.com/ 

During life's most pressing and daunting seasons, we find ourselves searching for ways to find relief and comfort from painful and unwelcoming experiences. However, it's during these tough times when we must ask ourselves the question and think critically about what comes to our mind when we think about God.  “God is not like anything, that is, He is not exactly like anything or anybody.” A.W. Tozer Let us find hope in the sovereignty of God for strength and courage. May we trust in His promises to be there for us during our darkest times. May we find steadfast courage to face today.   

What do you think about when you hear the word courage?  Right now you might be going through the most difficult time of your life. Think. Think critically about your circumstances. Do you have a plan? Do you need faith? Do you need a miracle? If you win the battle of the mind, you win the day. And life's meant to be lived in the present. Day by day. Don't worry about the future. Face the day with grit, resilience, tenacity, commitment and steadfast courage. Life demands something from us. It stares at us and dares us to take it head on.  Learn more about Edvin Rustrian at: www.erustrian.com

Who are you? -Each and every day our actions, not our words tell the world who we are. We must be watchful and see what others say of us. Do our words match our actions? In John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Every word and work Jesus performed was always to glorify the Father. His words matched His action. You and I are created in His image. This matters greatly.  https://www.erustrian.com/

Quite often we wait and prolong to start a new journey because we think we need to have everything ready before we begin. Unfortunately, we miss out on what's possible. What's in your hand? Start with what you have and the rest will come.  www.erustrian.com