The American Soul

What if your life had a visible “heavenly balance” and every choice raised or lowered it? We start with a blunt audit of the last 24 hours—time spent on social media, sports, and idle talk—against time invested in God, marriage, children, and true neighbor love. From there, we move through Scripture with a clear aim: recover first love and let actions carry our words. Colossians offers a family order built on mutual honor and restraint. Revelation 2 commends endurance and discernment yet warns how devotion can cool even in a faithful community. Proverbs insists that talk without action is empty and that pausing to think before speaking can change outcomes at home and in public life.We also look to history for perspective. A terse Medal of Honor citation for Captain George Newman Bliss hints at costly courage: stepping forward without orders, paying in wounds, and enduring captivity. Then Woodrow Wilson's 1917 Thanksgiving proclamation speaks from wartime, calling for gratitude, unity, and practical economy under God. The language of darkness returns here, not to frighten but to focus us. Storm clouds gather in every age, and the response is the same: repent, give thanks, serve, and stand together under the one true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Across it all runs a simple test for modern life: where do your minutes go? If love is real, it will show up on your calendar and in your tone. Trade a slice of scrolling for Scripture and a real conversation. Choose first works again—prayer, truth, service—and watch affection deepen rather than fade. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage today, and leave a review so others can find it. Your next hour can build what lasts.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

What did your last twenty-four hours say about your priorities? We start there and move into a deeper call: trade the endless pull of screens for the slow, steady work of loving people well. From the bank-account logic of daily deposits in marriage to the courage it takes to invest attention where it matters most, we map a path toward homes that thrive and communities that hold together.We ground the conversation in scripture. Genesis 2 reminds us that marriage is a one-flesh covenant that deserves more effort after the vows than before. Revelation 1 lifts our eyes to the risen Christ whose presence quiets fear and resets our loyalties. Psalm 128 reframes blessing as fruitful work, a flourishing spouse, and children gathered at the table—ordinary scenes that carry eternal weight. Along the way, a brief Medal of Honor story distills courage into a single act, and a 1775 proclamation from Concord models a nation choosing fasting, humility, and prayer while still preparing wisely.The through line is simple and demanding: prepare, but place your confidence in God. Build resilient ties across churches, families, and local services. Reclaim hours from devices and reinvest them in conversation, prayer, and service. If you're ready to re-center your days around faith, marriage, and community, this conversation offers both conviction and practical steps.If this resonates, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps more families trade distraction for discipleship and turn good intentions into daily habits.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWhat would your last 24 hours say about your faith? We open with a hard look at how time choices reveal our real priorities, then move into the everyday courage it takes to order a life around Christ, not convenience. From marriage duties in 1 Corinthians 7 to Jude's charge to contend for the faith with mercy and clarity, we trace how private devotion and public witness meet in the places that matter most—home, church, and community.Scripture stitches the throughline: Psalm 127 calls us to build homes God's way and rest from anxious toil; Proverbs reminds us that discipline grows wisdom and peace. Along the way, we honor Second Lieutenant Bleckley's WWI sacrifice, a living picture of love that risks comfort for the good of others. That story sets up a conversation about the heroes we celebrate, the idols we ignore, and how gratitude sharpens our moral memory. President Grover Cleveland's 1895 Thanksgiving proclamation gives language for national humility and dependence that still speaks today.We close with William Bradford's account of Pastor John Robinson's counsel: follow any leader only as far as they follow Christ, ready to receive more light from God's Word. Duty is ours; results are God's. If you're hungry for a practical reset—on time, marriage, courage, and conviction—this is your map back to what lasts. Listen, share with a friend who needs a nudge toward hope, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your thoughts matter: what priority will you change this week? Subscribe for more conversations that put first things first.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textStart with a simple act: say thank you. From there, we trace a path that moves from quiet gratitude to courageous action—honoring veterans who carry both visible and hidden wounds, and lifting up the families who shoulder the burden with them. We talk candidly about how our culture prizes celebrity trivia while often overlooking the men and women who protected the space for our games, songs, and routines, and why redirecting admiration can change the character of a community.We open Scripture to find a blueprint for home life that actually holds in a storm. 1 Peter 3 challenges husbands and wives to live with honor, gentleness, and understanding—habits that make peace more than a feeling. Jude confronts a different danger: smooth words and empty authority that divide churches and households. By contending for the faith, praying in the Spirit, and showing mercy with discernment, we build depth that endures. These themes echo through Psalm 127 and Proverbs 29, where we see that houses stand when God builds them, children thrive with loving discipline, and work without worship wears the soul thin.To ground these ideas, we share the story of Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant David Bruce Bleak, a combat medic whose courage and selfless resolve saved lives under fire. We also revisit Ulysses S. Grant's 1869 Thanksgiving proclamation, a national reminder that prosperity without gratitude hardens the heart, while humble thanks renews strength and solidarity. We close in prayer and extend simple ways to support the show and pass along faith-filled stories to the next generation.If this conversation strengthens your resolve to thank a veteran, love your spouse with honor, or rebuild your home around Scripture, share it with a friend. Subscribe, leave a rating or review, and tell us: what practice of gratitude are you starting this week?Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe press into the hard question of evidence for our faith, then apply Scripture to marriage, leadership, and national repentance with readings from Ephesians 5, 3 John, Psalms, and Proverbs. Historic Thanksgiving proclamations sharpen the call to gratitude and confession today.• examining daily priorities that reveal the heart• Ephesians 5 on love, respect, and one flesh• testing marriage advice against Scripture• leadership defined by service and example• actions over claims as a measure of truth• face-to-face connection over screens in homes• support for faithful teachers and ministries• historic calls to national thanksgiving and repentance• naming cultural idols and consequences• practical steps for families to realign under GodIf you are looking for a family-friendly middle-grade read, check out Countryside. If you enjoy it, please leave a review. If you feel like you have three or four or five dollars a month that you can donate, there's a web page on the Buzz Sprout website where you can do that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWhat did your last twenty-four hours say about your priorities? We take an unflinching look at how time, habits, and attention reveal the loves that lead our lives, then recalibrate around Scripture, prayer, and practical steps that restore what matters most.We start with honor in marriage through Hebrews 13:4—why covenant is sacred, how purity protects trust, and how aiming for holiness gives real shape to daily choices. From there, we explore growth with a Lewis-inspired lens: measure progress by starting points, steward blessings with courage, and turn talent into service. Then we open 2 John to fuse love with truth—walking in obedience, resisting false teaching that denies Christ's incarnation, and refusing to sponsor deception with our platforms or our praise. Love that endures refuses flattery and clings to truth, even when it costs.Presence becomes the pivot. Joy deepens face to face, not device to device. We talk about putting down screens, listening well, and doing shared work that knits families and friendships back together. History sharpens the moment as we read Lincoln's 1864 Thanksgiving proclamation—a call to gratitude, humility “in the dust,” and hope during national trial. That posture still fits today: repent clearly, thank God boldly, and resolve to live as people who belong to Christ—come peace or storm.If this conversation helps you refocus your next twenty-four hours—on your marriage, your family, and the truth you live—share it with a friend, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more listeners find their footing in faith and practice.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textStart here if you've ever wondered what to do with a “good day.” We open with gratitude and a simple challenge learned in a freezing boot camp line: when you're steady, scan for the person struggling more and lift them up. That mindset reframes pain, builds courage, and quietly rewires how communities heal. From there we root relationships in scripture, not trends, exploring Titus on temperate elders, reverent mentors, and homes shaped by love, self-control, and sound speech.We then walk through 1 John to connect belief, love, and obedience. The message lands with weight: God's children don't make a practice of sin. Falling is human; forming a habit is deadly. Assurance isn't vague comfort—it's knowing the Son and keeping His commands. We talk about prayer that aims at God's will, why answers often arrive in forms that stretch us, and how intercession restores rather than excuses. The call is to guard our hearts from idols and cling to Christ with a steady, repentant loyalty.Midway, we honor Specialist Michael R. Blanchfield, who threw himself on a grenade to save others—a story that cuts through noise and clarifies what real love costs. We also read Civil War Thanksgiving proclamations from Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, reflecting on gratitude, national sin, and the sobering work of repentance. The thread tying it all together is service: serve God first, serve your family with integrity, and serve neighbors by carrying their load when you can. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your support keeps these stories and scriptures in the ears that need them most.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textStart with a simple audit: if someone reviewed your last 24 hours, would there be enough evidence to convict you of faith, love, and courage? We open in gratitude and prayer, then press into a hard but hopeful reset—less noise, more truth, and a love that shows up in action. From Proverbs' vision of faithful marriage to a bracing read of 1 John 4, we unpack how to test the spirits, confess Christ clearly, and live a love that casts out fear. No fluff, just the kind of clarity that helps you reframe the day ahead.We bring Scripture into real life with Psalm 123's plea for mercy amid contempt and Proverbs 29's warning that justice steadies a nation while corruption destroys it. History adds weight: the Medal of Honor courage of Robert Blake, an escaped slave who stood his ground under fire, and Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving proclamation calling a divided country to gratitude, repentance, and unity under God. These moments aren't museum pieces; they point to how character, conviction, and prayer change lives and nations.We also face down the false hopes of coercive ideologies, tracing how movements that promise progress often lead to control. The goal isn't outrage; it's discernment and a deeper love that prays for changed hearts while refusing to trade truth for quiet. If your soul has been crowded by hurry, screens, or fear, this conversation offers a practical way back: put God first, honor your marriage and family, serve your neighbor, and stand firm with humility.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with someone who needs a reset, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more people find a path to courage, clarity, and real hope.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textStart with a simple audit: what did your last 24 hours reveal about what you truly value? We walk through a practical reset—putting God first, then spouse and family—so your calendar aligns with your convictions. From there, we open Colossians 3 for plainspoken marriage guidance and let 1 John 3 challenge our love to become action, not talk. If faith is real, it should shape how we treat our neighbor, how we spend our money, and how we order our homes.We ground today's anxieties in enduring wisdom. Psalm 122 points us toward worship and peace in the city, while Proverbs 29 warns against stubborn hearts that refuse correction. We remember Boatswain's Mate Robert M. Blair, whose Medal of Honor citation for “cool courage” under fire illustrates how trust in God steels ordinary people for extraordinary moments. That courage extends to cultural clarity: despite modern efforts to cast America as a pagan echo of Rome, the moral sources that formed the founders—Scripture, Blackstone, Montesquieu—bear a Christian imprint. Judge Nathaniel Freeman's early remarks reinforce that aim for a Christian republic with biblical authority in civic life.The heart of our reflection is Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation. He names blessings amid civil war, urges penitence for national sins, and calls the people to thank the “Most High God” while seeking healing and unity. His words carry weight now, when polarization and moral drift threaten peace. Gratitude without repentance is thin; repentance without action is hollow. We make the case that daily obedience—time well spent, marriages guarded, neighbors loved—becomes the seed of public renewal. Join us as we trade vague outrage for concrete faithfulness and ask God to steady our steps.If this resonates, share the episode with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss a moment. Your support helps more listeners realign their days with purpose. What will your next 24 hours say?Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textA hard look at the last 24 hours leads to a practical call to align faith with action. We explore marriage as one flesh, unity beyond denominations, and a historical call to public prayer, all anchored in 1 John 3's demand that love becomes visible.• measuring a day by love and obedience• Genesis 2 on leaving, cleaving, and marital priority• 1 John 3 on actions proving faith and love• comfort when our hearts accuse us• unity among believers above denominational labels• Medal of Honor spotlight on James Blair• Governor John Langdon's 1786 proclamation on fasting and prayer• America's early public posture toward faith and virtue• closing prayer and blessingsIf you are looking for a family-friendly middle grade read, I would humbly recommend Countryside if you get a chance. Check it out. There's a couple books in the series. I'm working on the third. And if you enjoy it, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate that. It helps immensely.Also, if you feel like you have three or four or five dollars a month that you can donate to the podcast, there is a website on the or a webpage on the Buzz Sprout website for the podcast where you can do that. You can donate each month. And I would be very grateful for that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWhat did your last 24 hours say about what you truly value? We open with a hard look at time and stewardship, then move straight into the heart of marriage with 1 Corinthians 7—where mutual belonging, consent, and devotion to prayer shape a covenant that stands against self-centered scripts. The goal isn't guilt; it's alignment. When God is first and your spouse is next, your calendar starts to tell the truth about your faith.From there we wrestle honestly with John's stark words about sin, assurance, and discernment in a world crowded with pretenders. A clear test emerges: confess Jesus as the Christ and remain in what's been true from the beginning. Psalm 121 steadies the ground beneath our feet with the promise that the Lord neither slumbers nor sleeps, while Proverbs 28 pushes us toward open-eyed generosity to the poor. Faith that rests in God's keeping becomes courage in practice.We bring history to life with a Medal of Honor citation for William Blogdin, a ship's cook at Mobile Bay, who held his station under fire—proof that any role can become a front line when duty calls. Then we read John Langdon's 1785 Thanksgiving proclamation, a public prayer that confesses sin, praises providence, and asks God to bless rulers, labor, learning, and the spread of the gospel. The throughline is simple and urgent: personal holiness and public gratitude can still reshape a home, a church, and a nation.If this conversation stirred you, share it with someone you love, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a rating or review. Tell us what you'll change in your next 24 hours—we're listening.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe ask whether our past twenty-four hours would convict us of being Christians and trace how trust, obedience, and gratitude shape daily life, marriage, and public faith. Scripture guides every claim, from 1 Peter 3 and 1 John 2 to a 1784 Thanksgiving proclamation and a Civil War act of courage.• evidence of daily faith in habits and words• surrender to God versus holding back control• marriage duties from 1 Peter 3 for husbands and wives• testing all advice against Scripture• assurance and obedience in 1 John 2• warning against loving the world's cravings• prayerful wisdom from Psalms and Proverbs• courage under fire: W. R. D. Blackwood• national gratitude in the 1784 proclamation• God's role in leaders, schools, and institutionsIf you enjoyed, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would be very grateful for thatIf you're getting something out of the podcast and you feel like you have three or four or five dollars a month plus fair, you can donate at the Buzz Sprout website for the podcastSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe ask whether our past 24 hours would convict us as followers of Christ, then move from prayer to practical preparation for our families, churches, and towns. Scripture guides our marriages, our honesty about sin, and our gratitude for God's providence in history.• daily audit of faith and conduct • persecution abroad and the urgency of “yet” • practical steps to strengthen local resilience • Ephesians 5 on love, respect, and marriage • 1 John 1 on walking in the light and confession • thanksgiving proclamation and national gratitude • sharing, service, and steady preparation rooted in prayerIf you are looking for a family-friendly middle-grade read, I would humbly recommend Countryside. There's two books in the series. You can get it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, a lot of places. Any bookstore ought to be able to order it. And if you enjoy it, if you'd leave a review, that helps tremendously.If you feel like you have three or four or five dollars that you can donate each month, there is a website on the Buzz Sprout website page or webpage for the podcast where you can do that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe ask what changes when we treat every day as borrowed time from God and hold our work, marriage, and civic life to that standard. Scripture, history, and a Medal of Honor story guide a practical reset toward faith, fidelity, gratitude, and courage.• daily accountability before God as a filter for time use• marriage as first priority after God, honoring Hebrews 13:4• 2 Peter 3 on patience, repentance, and holy living• Psalm 119 for light under pressure and joy in obedience• warnings against twisting Scripture and chasing greed• Private Robert L. Blackwell's sacrifice as a measure for values• 1782 Congressional thanksgiving proclamation and public faith• assimilation into founding faith and principles as moral clarity• prayer for leaders, families, service members, and nationsIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade read, I would humbly recommend Countryside. And if you have three or four or five dollars a month that you can spare for the podcast, if you're getting something out of it, there's a donation website on the Buzz Sprout website, podcast website, where you can do that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe reflect on aligning the last 24 hours with God's will, then walk through Titus 2 and 2 Peter 2 to show how faith orders our homes and guards us from false teachers. We read the 1781 Congressional Thanksgiving proclamation to recover gratitude, repentance, and public dependence on God.• setting priorities that match God's will • accepting suffering now with hope of eternal glory • Titus 2 as a blueprint for multi‑generational discipleship • 2 Peter 2 warnings against false teachers and greed • Psalm 119 loyalty to God's word over divided hearts • Proverbs on steady work versus chasing fantasies • Medal of Honor spotlight on Wilmon W. Blackmar • 1781 Congress calling the nation to thanksgiving and prayer • faith shaping leaders, schools, courts, and public life • Christ alone as the only path to GodIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle grade read along the lines of Narnia, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, check out Countryside. If you enjoy it, leave a review. If you're getting something out of the podcast and can leave two or three or four or five dollars a month, visit the Buzzsprout page to set up a monthly donation.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textStart with the hard question: are we using Scripture as a mirror or a weapon? We open by challenging lopsided marriage advice and the cultural habit of demanding obedience from one spouse while excusing the other. With Proverbs 5 as a vivid vision of covenant delight, we press into daily priorities—where our time, energy, and attention actually go—and why God and our spouse deserve the best of what we have, not the leftovers.From there we read 2 Peter 1 and Psalm 119, letting the text set our pace. Peter's ladder of growth—faith, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love—offers a practical framework for steady character in an unsteady age. His eyewitness testimony to Christ's majesty and the Spirit-inspired nature of prophecy makes the case for Scripture as more than inspiration; it is illumination. Psalm 119 adds the lived angle: God's words as a lamp, sweeter than honey, a guide when the path is crowded with traps and shortcuts. The theme is simple and demanding: clarity comes from the Word, not from the mood of the moment.We then pivot to history with a brief Medal of Honor profile and launch our November tradition of reading American Thanksgiving proclamations, beginning with Congress in 1780. The language is bracing—public humility, repentance, petitions for wisdom in councils, blessing on labor and learning, and a desire for the gospel to spread. That tone exposes a vital distinction: the founders resisted a state-enforced denomination, yet they did not imagine public life without God. Courts, schools, and civic institutions need moral ballast, and Scripture has long served as that steadying force.If you care about marriage that lasts, leadership that serves, and a nation that remembers where wisdom begins, you'll find a path here: give your best hours to God and to your spouse, read the Bible as an owner's manual, and recover a public posture of humility and gratitude. Enjoy the readings, sit with the questions, and share this with someone who needs clarity over noise. If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it along so others can join the conversation.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWhat would your calendar say on the witness stand? We open with gratitude and prayer, then hold up a mirror to our last 24 hours—because time tells the truth about what we love. From there we head straight into the home, unpacking Colossians on marriage and family, where respect, sacrificial love, and patient discipline form the quiet backbone of a faithful life. It's not theory; it's Tuesday choices that either strengthen a covenant or strain it.Scripture sets the tone. 1 Peter 4–5 teaches us to expect trials, rejoice when we share in Christ's sufferings, and make sure any pain we bear comes from obedience, not bad decisions. We draw crisp lines between persecution and foolishness, then explore how faithfulness plays out in workplaces, friendships, and marriages that don't always feel fair. Psalm 119 steadies weary hearts waiting for God to act, and Proverbs warns about leaders without understanding and the cost to the poor. Threaded through it all is a call to humility, vigilance, and courage that refuses to trade truth for comfort.We also widen the lens to culture and civic life—lawlessness, corrosive ideologies, and the stakes of assimilation. Drawing on history and quotes from Jefferson and Coolidge, we talk about why principles matter more than slogans, and how a nation keeps its soul when households choose Scripture-shaped virtue over slogans and rage. The throughline is simple and demanding: let your day, your home, and your hope align with Jesus in public and private. If this conversation helps you stand a little taller, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your support and feedback help this message reach those who need the encouragement today.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe reflect on how daily choices reveal our true priorities, then move through 1 Peter's call to endure suffering, serve with our gifts, and lead with humility. We connect Scripture to civic life, examine policies that enable lawlessness, honor a Civil War hero, and end with a call to vigilance rooted in faith.• aligning time with stated priorities• Genesis 2:24 and the bond of marriage• 1 Peter on suffering, humility, and steadfast prayer• Psalms and Proverbs on endurance and just leadership• Medal of Honor focus on John Charles Black• crime, governance, and the costs of defunding law enforcement• vigilance against internal corruption and hollow faith• practical steps to serve, love, and stand firmIf you're looking for a family, fun, middle grade read, kind of along the lines of Narnia The Hobbit, check out Countryside. If you enjoy it, leave a review somewhere. If you feel like you can spare three or four or five dollars a month, there is a website on the Buzz Sprout Podcast website where you can set up a donation each month for three or four or five bucksSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe reflect on how a single day exposes our real priorities, then walk through marriage, discipline, and steady faith under pressure. The conversation widens to law and order, broken windows, and why votes must match values, with Scripture guiding every step.• time audit and daily priorities ordered to God and spouse• marital duty, mutual authority, guarding against temptation• 1 Peter's call to gentle witness and clean conscience• discipline as love that forms judgment and joy• Medal of Honor story reminding us heroism and fragility• broken windows, decriminalization, and public trust• calling evil good as a path to civic decay• aligning ballots and behaviors with convictions• closing prayer and blessings for families and nationsIf you would leave a review, I would greatly appreciate thatIf you feel like you're getting something out of the podcast and you can leave two or three or four dollars a month, there's a donation page on the Buzzstrout website for the podcastSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWhat would your day look like if you turned it into a pie chart—God, marriage, kids, work, phone, sports, hobbies—and had to explain the slices out loud? We start with that honest audit and move into practical shifts you can make today: five minutes of Scripture, a short prayer, and a tangible act that tells your spouse they matter in the way they feel it. This isn't about guilt; it's about taking back your time with a clear, doable next step.From there, we sit with 1 Peter's bracing clarity on marriage and witness. Wives are called to a quiet strength rooted in hope, husbands to understanding leadership and real honor toward their wives as co-heirs of grace. We widen the lens to a public faith: live as sojourners, resist desires that corrode the soul, respect authority without surrendering conscience, and let honorable conduct speak when words fail. Psalm 119 steadies that path with a promise—God's Word revives, comforts, and anchors us in a living hope secured by the resurrection of Christ.We also pause to remember First Lieutenant Arnold B. Bjorklund and the courage that opened a path for his men under relentless fire. His Medal of Honor story reframes our heroes and our gratitude. Finally, we confront a dangerous idea hollowing out justice: if words lose meaning and crime loses consequence, internal justice—the core duty of government—collapses. Our response is not outrage for its own sake but a return to truth, responsibility, and mercy rightly ordered.If this conversation helped you reframe your next 24 hours, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs an encouraging push, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Your support and stories keep this community growing.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe examine how daily choices reveal what we worship, then turn to Ephesians 5 and 1 Peter to anchor marriage, holiness, and discernment in Scripture. We also reflect on a Medal of Honor story and founders' views on immigration, linking personal faithfulness to national strength.• checking our last 24 hours against God's priorities• marriage roles from Ephesians 5 as a sacrificial standard• testing all relationship advice against Scripture• holiness, identity, and obedience in 1 Peter• honoring courage: Francis A. Bishop, Medal of Honor• founders' cautions on assimilation and national unity• aligning private devotion with public characterIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy, I would humbly recommend Countryside, kind of along the lines of Narnia, Harry Potter, The Hobbit, that kind of stuffIf you enjoy it, if you would leave a review online, I would greatly appreciate itIf you're enjoying the podcast, if you can spare three or four or five dollars a month, you can go to the Buzz Sprout website, and there's a donation page there on the podcast website, and I would greatly appreciate thatSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWhat did you trade your last 24 hours for? We open with a simple audit of time and attention and follow it to a bigger truth: our choices reveal our loves. From screen habits to spiritual disciplines, we map practical swaps that build conviction, deepen relationships, and anchor daily life in what lasts. Along the way, we talk candidly about guarding the marriage bed, setting media boundaries without legalism, and finding joy in trials through the hope of 1 Peter 1.The conversation widens to a national lens: education that sidelines character produces sharp minds with shaky morals. We examine how relativism crept into classrooms, why early American schools placed Scripture at the center, and how that legacy shaped public virtue. You'll hear touchstones from Philippians 4:8, Psalms, Proverbs, and quotes from Omar Bradley and Robert C. Winthrop that frame a clear argument: self-government grows from the inside out, and without a moral core rooted in Christ, power shifts from the heart to the state.By the end, you'll have a simple framework to reclaim your day: replace hours of scrolling with scripture and skill, invest first in your spouse and family, and use a Philippians 4:8 filter for what you watch and read. If you're ready to trade distraction for purpose and expertise for wisdom, this one will meet you where you live and nudge you toward better choices that echo into eternity. If the message resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe reflect on how we spend our time, then link daily choices to character, marriage, and the health of our nation. Scripture from Titus, James, and Psalms anchors a tough look at integrity, a brief honor for Daniel Bishop, and a strong case that education without virtue fails.• examining time and priorities against God's standards• roles and responsibilities in marriage and family• James 5 on wealth, patience, prayer, and plain speech• integrity as kept promises over grand claims• honoring Medal of Honor recipient Daniel Bishop• education's decline tied to loss of character formation• founders' view that virtue sustains liberty• practical steps to realign habits with purposeIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle grade read along the lines of uh Narnia, Hobbit, Harry Potter, if you give Countryside a try, I would appreciate itAnd if you're getting something out of the podcast each day and you think you have three or four or five dollars a month, uh there's a support slash donate page on the BuzzFrout website for the podcastIf you could do that, I would be extremely grateful for that as wellSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe press into James 4 and Proverbs 5 to examine loyalty to God, honest marriage habits, and how small daily choices shape a life. History and Scripture meet in a Medal of Honor story and John Quincy Adams's words linking liberty to Christian virtue.• opening prayer for mercy, protection, and guidance• accountability for the last 24 hours and habits• Proverbs 5 on mutual marital faithfulness• James 4 on pride, worldliness, humility, repentance• Psalms on gratitude, worship, and God's presence• Proverbs 28 on law, justice, and understanding• call to choose God over public approval• Medal of Honor profile: Charles F. Bishop• John Quincy Adams on Christianity and civil liberty• practical steps to replace screen time with prayer and loveIf y'all are looking for a family fun middle grade read, I would humbly recommend Countryside… And if you enjoy it, if you would leave a review online, I would appreciate it… And if you feel like you have three or four or five dollars each month that you can spare for the podcast… There's a website on the Buzz Sprout website for the podcast where you can do thatSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe challenge how we spend the last 24 hours, then trace a path from marriage and mutual duty to endurance, discipline, and courage shaped by Scripture. History, quotes, and a Medal of Honor story ground the call to choose truth over comfort and live with purpose.• asking honest questions about time and priorities• mutual belonging and rhythm in marriage from 1 Corinthians 7• endurance, holiness, and the Father's discipline in Hebrews 12• generosity, courage, and legacy in Psalm 112• iron sharpens iron as a model for friendship and growth• Richard Binder's courage at Fort Fisher as a model of duty• Scripture as first recourse, not last resort• rejecting hollow centrism in favor of principled truthIf you are getting something out of the podcast, if you would share it with others, and if you feel like you can spare $3 a month or $5 a month to donate to the podcast, that would help a great deal. There's a support page there on the Buzz Sprout website for the podcast. If you enjoy it, if you would leave a review, I would be very grateful for that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe press on the question of how we spend our hours and why daily choices reveal our faith, our marriage health, and our community courage. Scripture, a Medal of Honor story, and practical calls to prepare locally shape a sober but hopeful path forward.• examining time and priorities with God and spouse• 1 Peter 3 on gentle strength and influence• actions over words in marriage and parenting• Hebrews 11 on faith as a choice with cost• Psalm 111 on awe and wisdom that steadies life• Proverbs 27 on quarrels that corrode a home• Medal of Honor: Elmer C. Bigelow's sacrificial courage• building local resilience and communication lines• practical encouragement to support law enforcement and EMSIf you are looking for a family-friendly middle grade read, I would humbly recommend Countryside if you get a chance, check it outAnd also, if you're getting something out of the podcast, if you can donate$3 or$5 a month, I would greatly appreciate that as well. There's a donation page on the Buzz Sprout website for the podcastSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe ask a blunt question about the last 24 hours and move through Ephesians 5 and Hebrews 11 to show how faith and marriage shape a life and a nation. History and quotes from American voices point to a simple claim: spread the gospel to renew our country.• time audit as a mirror of belief• Ephesians 5 framing sacrificial love and respect• Hebrews 11 defining faith as lived evidence• science, evidence, and the necessity of belief• Noah and the hope of unprecedented obedience• Medal of Honor story of George W. Beigler• benevolence societies and moral citizenship• Francis Scott Key on Christian patriotism• Mercy Otis Warren on impossible revolutionary odds• practical steps for prayer, family, and serviceIf you are looking for a fun, family-friendly middle grade read, countryside, if you would check it out, I would appreciate it. And if you're enjoying the podcast, if you're getting something out of it each day, if you can find a way to donate $3 or $5 a month, you can find the donation page on the Buzz Sprout website for the podcast.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe press on the gap between professed priorities and daily choices, then lay out a simple plan to realign time with faith, marriage, and purpose. Scripture from Song of Solomon, Hebrews 10, and Psalm 109 anchors practical steps, with stories from history and a spotlight on prison ministry.• aligning time with stated priorities• three-minutes-a-day habit for Bible, prayer, and spouse• consistency over intensity as a spiritual practice• Song of Solomon on faithful marital love• Hebrews 10 on assurance, endurance, and community• Psalm 109 and trusting God with injustice• salvation promise and hope that holds• courage from history and George Washington Carver's purpose• warning against ideologies that steal devotion• support for prison ministry bringing Bibles inside• book recommendation and ways to support the showIf you can donate $3 a month, $5 a month, there's a website on the Buzz Sprout webpage where the podcast is hosted, where you can donate that moneySupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe share a simple plan to put God first, protect marriage with clear expectations, and cut kids' screen time without chaos. Scripture anchors the hope, practical steps build the habits, and leadership by example holds it all together.• prayer of thanks and intercession for families, leaders, and nation• Song of Solomon on marital admiration and union• Hebrews 10 on Christ's once-for-all sacrifice• Psalm 108 on trusting God over human help• prudence from Proverbs 27:12 applied to tech• five strategies to limit kids' screen time• leadership by modeling and consistent boundaries• setting scriptural roles and expectations in marriage• replacing screens with real-world connection and crafts• leading even when others won't followIf you're looking for a family fun, middle grade read, I recommend Countryside. If you get a chance, check it out. If you like it, leave a review. I would greatly appreciate that.If you feel like you're getting something out of the podcast, there's a donation page on the Buzz Sprout website. I would highly appreciate or very be very grateful for that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe trace a line from covenant love to the New Covenant, then into gratitude, history, and courage. Scripture frames marriage, conscience, and civic memory, culminating in a WWII story and presidential calls to read the Bible.• covenant love as belonging in marriage• Hebrews 9 and redemption of the conscience• Psalm 107 on rescue, praise, and providence• honest history strengthens faith and freedom• PFC Melvin Earl Biddle's valor as a model of duty• presidential endorsements of Scripture for service members• truth as the standard that orders life and nation• practical calls to pray, read, and prioritize spouseIf you get a chance and you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy series, I would humbly recommend Countryside. And if you feel like you're getting something out of the podcast, you have $3 a month or $5 a month to support it, I would greatly appreciate that as well. You can find it on the Buzz Sprout website. There's a donation page there for the podcast.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe challenge how we spend our last 24 hours and connect small daily habits to a faith that shows up in actions. James confronts gossip, speech, and wisdom, while Psalms and Proverbs ground trust and leadership; we close with courage from history and a call to simple steps.• auditing time and building daily Scripture and prayer habits• faith expressed through deeds, not deeds earning salvation• taming the tongue and resisting gossip in homes and marriages• wisdom from above versus jealousy and ambition• trust in God amid trouble from Psalm 118• moral leadership and national stability from Proverbs 28• Medal of Honor courage as a model for daily boldness• reassessing Christopher Columbus's faith and devotion• practical next steps to align belief and behaviorIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle grade read and you get a chance to try out Countryside, I would appreciate it. And if you enjoyed, if you'd leave a review, I would be very grateful. If you can find three or four or five dollars a month to donate to the podcast, if you're enjoying it, get something out of it. I would be very, very grateful for that as well. There's a donation page on the Buzz Sprout website.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe press into James on faith that acts, daily priorities, and the gap between what we say and what we do. We challenge cultural favoritism, double standards on law and marriage, honor real courage, and rethink tidy myths about history.• daily audit of time, prayer, and Scripture• faith versus works and why deeds reveal belief• warnings against favoritism and reckless speech• marriage roles and the cost of neglect• celebrity idolatry versus honoring quiet faithfulness• consistent standards for law and immigration• Medal of Honor profile of Dwight W. Birdwell• historical notes on Columbus-era sources and nuance• closing prayer and blessingsIf you're enjoying the podcast and feel like you can leave $3 a month or $5 a month, there's a donation page on the Buzz Sprout website where you can do that for the podcast, and I would greatly appreciate thatSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe ask hard questions about time, distraction, and purpose, then turn to Scripture to find wisdom, gratitude, and courage for daily life. We read from James 1, Psalm 116, and Proverbs 27, revisit original Columbus journal entries, and invite you to thank God and tend what matters.• examining how we spend the last 24 hours• weighing social media, sports, and entertainment against prayer and family• James 1 on trials, wisdom, and divided loyalties• Psalm 116 on gratitude, vows, and God's rescue• Proverbs 27 on stewardship of flocks and provision• Thanksgiving as thanking God, not mere festivity• you are God's prized possession and dearly loved• Horace Greeley on Scripture and freedom• reading Columbus's journals and evaluating primary sources• closing prayer and blessingIf you get a chance and you can read Countryside, if you enjoy it, if you believe a review online, uh Middle Grade Fantasy book, you can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble. There's two books published, and I'm working on the third. And if you find that you can give three or five dollars to the podcast each month, there's a donation page on the Buzz Sprout website, and I would be grateful for both of those things.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe challenge how we spend time and what our choices prove, read Hebrews 13 and Psalm 115 on trust and idols, and revisit Columbus through primary sources and Las Casas to test easy narratives and seek honest history with a Christian lens. We add a Medal of Honor snapshot to ground virtue in action and close with prayer and practical calls to trust God in daily life.• examining whether our last 24 hours reflect faith• Hebrews 13 on love, marriage, generosity, and obedience• Psalm 115 contrasting living trust with lifeless idols• Proverbs on how praise tests character and folly clings• trusting God as helper and shield without fear• Medal of Honor: Horatio L. Birdsall, courage and service• Queen Isabella's commission and shipboard devotions• Columbus's journal entries on peaceful contact and conversion by love• Las Casas's role, sources, and complexity over slogans• personal challenge to prioritize God, spouse, and neighborIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy kids, grandkids, or to read as a family, I would humbly request that you check out Countryside. And if you feel like you can spare$3 or$5 each month to support the podcast, I would appreciate that too.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe explore how to love a spouse through daily priorities, read Hebrews 12 with reverence and hope, and reconsider Columbus by turning to his own words rather than slogans. Prayer frames the hour, courage steadies it, and gratitude keeps the center firm.• valuing your spouse's priorities as daily practice• Hebrews 12 on peace, holiness, and awe• Psalms and Proverbs on praise, character, and desire• Medal of Honor vignette on rallying what falters• reading Columbus's Book of Prophecies firsthand• challenging simplified Indigenous and Columbus narratives• takeaways on gratitude, obedience, and steady loveIf you enjoy it, leave a review. If you feel like you can donate three or four or five bucks each month to the podcast, you can do that on the Buzz Sprout websiteSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe connect the daily choice to seek God with the way we love our spouse and shape our nation's character, moving from Song of Solomon to Hebrews 9 and Psalm 106 to America's history with the Bible. Along the way we press into intimacy's three legs, unequal yokes, innocent blood, and why public life needs Scripture.• making time for God in prayer and Scripture• loving a spouse through roles, obedience, and praise• Song of Solomon on longing, distance, and delight• intimacy as spiritual, emotional, and physical stability• Hebrews 9 and the limits of ritual without Christ• Psalm 106 on idolatry, innocent blood, and mercy• choosing a believing spouse and avoiding unequal yokes• honoring Medal of Honor recipient Charles G. Bickham• the founders, Bible in schools, and public virtue• clarifying God and state versus church and state• closing prayer and resources to support the workIf you are looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy series, I would humbly recommend Countryside. Two books in the series, working on the third. And if you're getting something out of the podcast and you feel like you can donate three bucks a month, five bucks a month, there's a donation page on the website where you can do that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textA candid walk through repentance, marriage, and moral courage, woven with Scripture and a striking story of hidden heroism. We tie Hebrews 8 to daily habits, reflect on beauty as action, and tackle how private choices shape public life.• daily check on prayer, Scripture, and spouse priority• excuses versus results as a habit problem• repentance as confession, resolve, and persistence• Song of Solomon and beauty defined by actions• Hebrews 8 and the new covenant's better promises• Psalm 106 and Proverbs on memory, counsel, and drift• give the Bible and model faith through actions• humility and heroism: William J. Crawford's story• 1815 Pennsylvania case on obscenity and public harm• cultural effects of pornography and sexual ethics• practical tips: news, budgeting, meal prep, early shopping• closing prayer and blessingsIf you are looking for a middle-grade fantasy family-friendly, I would humbly recommend Countryside. If you enjoy it, if you would leave a review somewhere, that helps immensely. Also, if you're getting something out of the podcast and you feel like you can support for $3 a month, $5 a month, there's a website on Buzz Sprout where you can donate each month.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe pray through Scripture, confront the weight of folly, and argue that marriage should look unmistakably faithful—so faithful it seems “too clingy” to a watching world. From Song of Solomon and Melchizedek to boredom's hidden gift and early American sources, we tie devotion to daily habits that renew homes and civic life.• cleaving in marriage as a living witness of Christ and the Church• practical calls to pray, read Scripture, and be still• Song of Solomon's pursuit and protection of love• Melchizedek and Christ's enduring priesthood• Psalm 105 on provision leading to obedience• Proverbs on the heavy cost of foolishness• boredom as a path to reflection and renewal• Churchill's daily quiet as an example of mental rest• Medal of Honor courage as a model of faithfulness• founding-era texts tying faith to public virtue• closing prayer and blessings for families and nationsIf you are looking for a family-friendly, middle grade fantasy read, kind of along the lines of Narnia or The Hobbit, if you would check out Countryside, I would be gratefulAnd if you enjoyed, if you'd leave a review, I would be very gratefulAnd if you are getting something out of the podcast, uh, if you'd share it with other people, y'all help it to spreadAnd B, there's a donation page on the Buzz Sprout website associated with the podcastIf you can donate three bucks a month, five bucks a month, that would be wonderfulSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe set our priorities on God first and spouse second, drawing strength from Hebrews 6's unbreakable promise and Song of Solomon's picture of joyful devotion. We reckon with gray divorce, remember a quiet Navy hero, and revisit Pennsylvania's founding ideals that tie liberty to Christian virtue.• daily time with God as a living priority• marriage as cleaving like glue, guarding against small foxes• Hebrews 6: promise, oath, and an anchor for the soul• Joseph's trials forming character before promotion• assurance in Christ over doubt, fear, and failure• Medal of Honor: John F. Bickford's courage under fire• Pennsylvania's charter linking liberty with Christian virtue• practical steps to reorder love, time, and attentionIf you are looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy series, I would humbly recommend Countryside. There's two books in the series so far, working on a third one. If you get a chance, check it out. And if you enjoy it, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate that.On the podcast, there's a website page on Buzz Sprout, which hosts the podcast where you can donate $3 a month, $5 a month, whatever you can do would be greatly appreciated.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe pause for prayer, open Scripture, and talk candidly about maturing from milk to solid food, using gifts well, and remembering God's faithfulness across generations. Along the way, we question the worship of titles, honor quiet attention, and anchor hope in Christ.• gratitude, prayer, and a slower pace• Song of Solomon as a vision of attentive love• Hebrews 5 on maturity, training, and discernment• stewardship of gifts as duty to others• skepticism of credentials without character• Psalm 105 and founding texts as moral memory• practical habits for daily formation and serviceIf you enjoy the podcast and can, there's a page on the Buzz Sprout website where you can leave a monthly donation for as little as $3Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textWe challenge “no time” by showing how the calendar reveals what we worship, then walk through Hebrews 4, 1 Timothy 2, and a Psalm to reorder loves toward God, marriage, and honest citizenship. History, a Medal of Honor story, and Maryland's documents sharpen how faith shapes public life.• front‑loading prayer and service to align priorities• marriage as daily duty and shared spare time• modesty, order, and good works in 1 Timothy 2• Hebrews 4 and entering God's rest through obedience• Psalm praise as a cure for anxiety• consequences of malice in Proverbs 26:27• Medal of Honor courage at Fort Fisher• recommended resources for civic and Christian literacy• Israel, alliance clarity, and rejecting old prejudices• Maryland history and Christian legal imagination• practical ways to support wholesome cultureIf you enjoy it, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate thatThere's a place on the Buzz Sprout website where you can leave a donation… You can even make it a monthly donation for just three bucks, five bucks, whatever you feel like each monthSupport the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textA quiet prayer opens into a frank talk on priorities: why spare time exposes what we worship, how daily habits build intimacy in marriage, and why Scripture—not shifting culture—must lead. We read Hebrews 3, rejoice in Psalm 104's order, honor a forgotten hero, and examine Maryland's 1776 charter.• carving time for God and spouse as a daily practice• resisting cultural pressure to edit Scripture• Hebrews 3 on Christ above Moses and warning against unbelief• Psalm 104's picture of ordered creation and human rhythm• Proverbs 26 on actions revealing true character• Medal of Honor story of Willibald Bianchi and reordering our honor• Maryland 1776 constitution on faith, office, and public order• resources for study and family reading, plus support link• closing prayer and blessing for families and nationsIf you get a chance, check it out. And if you enjoyed, if you would leave a review, I would very much appreciate that.And also, if you're getting something out of the podcast, there's a link to donate to the podcast. And if you find that you can do that, I would be very grateful there as well.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

We reset our hearts around Jesus, ask hard questions about spare time, and walk through Scripture that reframes marriage, family, and courage. We draw lessons from Hebrews 2, Psalm 103, a Civil War hero, and Delaware's early faith declarations to anchor daily choices.• prioritizing God and spouse in spare time• rethinking what we call necessary• Colossians 3 on marriage and family roles• Hebrews 2 on drift, death, and deliverance• Psalm 103 on mercy, forgiveness, and praise• warning against smooth words and hidden hearts• Medal of Honor story of Hilary Barr• resources: Founders Bible, American Patriot's Bible, Federer's quotes• Delaware's historic faith requirements and civic virtue• the Lord's Prayer as daily patternIf you're enjoying the podcast and you're getting something out of it, there's a page on the Buzz Sprout website to donate. Cup of coffee each month, maybe at the most. And if you enjoy it, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

We call for urgent, practical faith—read Scripture daily, pray, and reorder priorities toward eternity—while pressing into the meaning of “cleave” in marriage and the unchanging supremacy of Christ. History, Psalms, Proverbs, and a Medal of Honor story ground courage, character, and culture.• gratitude and prayer for everyday gifts and first responders• urgency about time, death and eternal priorities• marriage as covenantal cleaving, not casual closeness• Hebrews 1 on Christ's radiance, authority and immutability• Psalm 102 for lament and hope, Proverbs 26 against quarrels and rumors• Arthur O. Beyer's courage reshaping the battlefield• founders urging daily Bible reading and Scripture in education• culture shifts versus God's steady truth• practical steps to read, pray and pursue your spouseIf you are looking for a fun, family-friendly middle grade series, I would humbly recommend Countryside. And if you check it out and you enjoy it, if you would leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

We press pause on daily noise to ask hard questions about time with God, marriage as a daily priority, and the quiet power of integrity at home. Along the way we read Titus 2, Philemon, and Psalm 101, warn against gossip, honor Albert Beyer's courage, and revisit providence in the Constitution.• gratitude for Scripture and freedom to read it• marriage as daily priority over distractions• Titus 2 roles, self‑control, and mentorship• Philemon's model of restoration and brotherhood• Psalm 101's call to integrity at home• Proverbs on gossip as fuel for conflict• Medal of Honor remembrance: Albert Beyer• founders' quotes on providence and the Constitution• critique of Everson and church‑state confusion• practical steps to reorder time, habits, and homeIf you enjoy a family‑friendly middle grade fantasy, please check out Countryside and, if you enjoy it, leave a review online somewhere, parents or grandparents or kids Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

We explore the math of time that shapes faith and marriage, then turn to Scripture, history, and vocation to call for courage, mercy, and daily acts of good. Prayer, Mark 10, and Titus 3 anchor a practical path from quarrels to gratitude and unity.• opening thanks and prayer of intercession across vocations and families• time arithmetic applied to faith and marriage priorities• lay leadership and being Christians in every profession• Mark 10 on one flesh and covenantal unity• Titus 3 on mercy, doing good, avoiding useless quarrels• Psalm 100 on gratitude and steady joy• Civil War Medal of Honor story as courage and providence• historical quotes on faith in public life• warning against appeasement and compromised principles• closing blessings and recommended readingIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy series to read, I would humbly recommend Countryside. There's two books in the series, working on the third. And if you enjoy it, if you would share it with somebody else and leave a review somewhere, I would greatly appreciate that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

We open with gratitude and confession, then settle into a plain, sturdy vision for prayer, marriage, and civic virtue rooted in Titus 2 and Psalm 99. Along the way we honor a Civil War sailor, consider John Adams and Lincoln on affliction and hope, and challenge the distractions that steal our devotion.• simple prayer as a daily anchor• marriage fidelity and actions proving love• Titus 2 roles and lived integrity• Psalm 99 holiness, justice, and grateful discipline• Proverbs 26:17 on restraint and meddling• grace that trains us to say no to sin• Asa Betham's courage and ordinary duty under fire• John Adams, Lincoln, and virtue forged by hardship• reordering loves away from sports, screens, and noise• celebrating liberty with devotion to GodIf you're looking for a family fun middle grade read, I would humbly recommend Countryside. You can get it Amazon, Barnes Noble, pretty much any bookstore can order it hardback, paperback, ebook. And if you enjoy it, if you'd leave a review somewhere and share it with somebody else, I'd be very grateful for that.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Jesse Coop explores how viewing relationships as divine gifts rather than entitlements transforms how we treat our loved ones. Drawing from Andrew Jackson's 1834 letter, biblical wisdom, and early American leaders' perspectives, he emphasizes treating people as blessings we're grateful for rather than possessions we're entitled to.• The difference between seeing loved ones as blessings versus entitlements• When we view people as gifts from God, we pay attention to them daily like precious treasures• Reading from Titus 1:1-16 highlighting qualifications for church leadership and the importance of sound teaching• Readings from Psalms 97-98 celebrating God's righteousness and justice• Medal of Honor spotlight on Charles Albert Besse, who demonstrated extraordinary courage during the 1877 Indian campaigns• Noah Webster's assertion that neglecting biblical principles causes societal ills• John Jay's statement that the Bible teaches us how to be happy in this world and the next• The importance of biblical literacy for both personal and national flourishingPlease consider sharing this podcast with others and reading the Countryside book series if you're looking for family-friendly fantasy.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Today we explore what it means to live an authentic Christian life through daily disciplines and faithful obedience. We examine whether our actions truly align with our professed faith.• Challenge to evaluate if there's enough evidence to "convict" you of being a Christian• Scripture reading from 1 Corinthians 7 on fulfilling marital duties and mutual submission• Paul's powerful testimony in 2 Timothy 4 about fighting the good fight and finishing the race• Reflection on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth• Historical quotes from John Adams and Benjamin Rush on Christianity's role in society• Warning from Churchill about how "unwisdom, carelessness, and good nature" allowed evil to gain power• Medal of Honor recognition for Henry Bertram's service in the Indian CampaignsIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle grade fantasy book series, check out "Countryside." Two books are available in the series so far, with a third one in progress. Your reviews online would be greatly appreciated.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Jesse Cope explores the importance of making God our top priority in times of uncertainty and discusses the challenges of authentic Christian discipleship in a changing world. The episode examines how to prepare our faith for difficult times while emphasizing scriptural wisdom on marriage, righteous living, and trusting God through persecution.• Making time for God daily as storm clouds gather on the horizon• Marriage wisdom from 1 Peter 3:1-7 on how husbands and wives should treat each other• Scripture from 2 Timothy describing moral decline in the "last days"• Following Christ genuinely will involve some form of suffering or persecution• The extraordinary Medal of Honor story of Vito R. Bertoldo's 48-hour stand against enemy forces• Reflections on Presidents Jefferson and Adams both dying on July 4th, 1826• The importance of turning back to God as our only true hope as individuals and as a nationIf you're looking for a family-friendly middle-grade fantasy book series similar to Narnia or The Hobbit, please check out Countryside and consider leaving a review if you enjoy it.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

We explore the growing disconnect between people as technology, particularly AI companions, replaces genuine human relationships, revealing a deeper problem of misplaced priorities. This episode examines how our time allocation reflects our true values toward God, our spouses, and our nation.• Studies show 19% of US adults have used AI to simulate romantic partners with 21% preferring AI to real human interaction• Technology isn't the problem - we've been choosing distractions over real connections for decades• Marriage requires treating your spouse as "one out of seven billion treasure" worthy of your time and attention• Scripture readings emphasize endurance, faithfulness and flourishing when rooted in God• Medal of Honor recipient Charles Joseph Berry's sacrifice contrasts with modern attitudes of entitlement• Historical quotes from Admiral Porter and President Hoover highlight Christianity's essential role in American civilization• Jesus Christ remains our only hope for salvation and eternal lifeIf you have time and are interested in family-friendly fantasy, I would humbly recommend Countryside. There are two books in the series - e-book, hardback, paper book - and if you enjoy it, please leave a review somewhere.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe