The Vaughn Kohler Podcast

In this candid episode, Erin Ahnfeldt and I dive into a deeply personal story about his dad's incredible act of love and faith. With a history of leukemia, Erin's father recently felt compelled to bless his grandchildren, inspired by the biblical story of Jacob blessing his offspring. Despite the logistical challenges, the family miraculously came together, allowing his dad to impart a touching and emotional blessing to his grandchildren. The profound impact of his words showcased the enduring power of intentionality and love in family dynamics. Growing up, Erin's father was a formidable figure, both in physical prowess and character. Now, his strength is exemplified in his unwavering commitment to blessing and encouraging others. As we discuss these moments of intentional blessings and affirmations, we explore how these actions can resonate deeply within families and communities. We also delve into the importance of not letting comparisons steal our joy, highlighting that our worth comes from the grace and love of God. This episode exemplifies the power of words, intentional acts of kindness, and the enduring legacy of faith and love that can shape our lives and relationships. (0:00) - Intro (1:20) - Exciting moment (3:52) - What is on your mind? (13:12) - Powerful story about siblings and families (17:45) - Father's strength (19:00) - Should we be using words more intentionally? (22:43) - "Comparison is the thief of joy" (26:27) - Affirming people and speaking truth (29:16) - Gifting (34:05) - "Bold move" (38:07) - Powerful Bible verses (41:40) - The finished book (43:57) - Two ending refrains (47:08) - Ending blessing   Learn more about Erin: www.erinahnfeldt.com.    Apply for coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching    Follow Vaugh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaughnkohler/ 

Get ready for a “Pardon the Interruption” style rapid-fire discussion where my esteemed guest, Dr. Jason Hamed, and I cover a wide range of interesting and relevant topics, from basic life hacks for optimal physical performance to lessons learned from our dearly departed dads. Dr. Hamed is an extraordinary human being; he's a husband, dad, and co-founder of The Wellness Connection, a very successful holistic health center in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a good friend and one of the most impressive, articulate, passionately curious and growth-minded men I know. From picking up archery to practicing cold plunges before it was cool (see what I did there?), Dr. Hamed is a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur and man of God, and the insights and stories he shares in this episode are wise, entertaining, and supremely valuable.    Follow Dr. Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjhamed/    Visit the Virtus Ultimus Website: https://www.virtusultimus.com/ 

Dr. Ellen Reed is back! In this episode, we continue unpacking “The Framework of Achievement,” which is the scientifically proven and easy-to-implement tool presented in Dr. Reed's book, Relentless Solution Focus (co-authored with Dr. Jason Selk). Specifically, we identify three most common mistakes of goal-setting, how to identify a goal that is concrete, measurable, and meaningful to you; and how to formulate and execute the process for achieving that goal. Let's face it: a critical key to fulfillment in life is having goals and actually achieving them. This is a masterclass for exactly how to do that!  Follow Dr. Reed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drellenreed/?hl=en 

Hair Saloon for Men was founded in the nineties, currently has nineteen locations, and has never once been just about cutting hair. From Day 1, the company has been on a mission. In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Tom Twellman, Jr., who recently took over as CEO from his dad, and together we talk about the importance of renewing your commitment to your mission, re-focusing on your core values, developing a dynamic culture, and helping men become the best versions of themselves.  Follow Hair Saloon: @hairsaloonformen Follow Tom: tomtwellmanjr

By now, it's cliché to hear experts like Simon Sinek say, “To be successful, you have to know your why.” You need to connect with a vision of what matters to you to motivate yourself to take action. Yes, it's cliché and a well-worn topic – but it's also true and absolutely essential if you want to elevate your performance, enjoy your life, and make the most of your time on Earth. In this episode, Dr. Ellen Reed, performance coach, and New York Times bestselling author, returns to the show to talk with me about creating a vision for your life – and connecting with that vision in a way that motivates you to take action. From scientifically proven principles to help you transform “I have to” into “I want to,” to practical guidance on crafting a purpose statement and establishing long-term priorities, this is a conversation I know will provide you enormous value.

My guest Cale Arnold is your typical Type A "alpha male" who has ambition, hustle, and entrepreneurship in his DNA. From his fitness journey to his career in medical imaging diagnostics, Cale has always been driven and committed to excellence – maybe even a little arrogance! But God used a massive stroke to humble him and help him realize what true success looks like and where real happiness is found. Cale believes “God brought me down so I could help raise other people up”…and “the key to taking control of your life is giving control to God!” Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaughnkohler/  Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/newsletter  Faith-driven coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching  Visit Cale's Website: https://calearnold.com/ 

Created by billionaire entrepreneur Andy Frisella, 75Hard is a mental toughness program that has swept the nation. Thousands upon thousands of people say it changed their lives, but some naysayers criticize it as being “unsustainable” and “unhealthy.” Both Stephan du Ploy and I have completed 75Hard, enjoyed the mental and physical benefits, and believe in the program. In addition to that, we identify some spiritual benefits that result from completing the program. In this episode, we unpack our thoughts about those spiritual benefits - and engage in a brief, lively discussion about the greatest movie released in 2023.     Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaughnkohler/    Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/newsletter    Faith-driven coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching    Follow Steph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephduplooy/ 

Should a follower of Jesus be ambitious? If so, what does that look like? This is the central question that Derek, Steph, and I discuss, while artfully weaving 2024 resolutions (New Year, New You?) and extemporaneous reflections on sex, beauty, nudity, and modesty into the conversation. Trust me: there are at least 7 minutes of life-changing content in this episode.  Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/newsletter Faith-driven coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching  Follow Derek on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imderekrichards/  Follow Steph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephduplooy/   

How do you make a powerful impression on someone? Is charisma something you can cultivate? In this episode, Derek and Steph join me to discuss best practices for making a big impact on people - which, of course, is a critical factor for enjoying a life of happiness and success. Listen as The Trinity of Masculinity pursues a genuinely interesting conversation about becoming genuinely interesting and impactful — including a rant about Las Vegas and a recommendation for Mod Pizza.  Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaughnkohler/  Follow Derek on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imderekrichards/  Follow Steph on. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephduplooy/  Apply for 1-on1 coaching: https://www.vaughnkohler.com/coaching 

How do you overcome a truly brutal blow to your heart and life? My guest today is Brad Starnes, who experienced the worst thing that any parent can experience. While he wasn't able to talk about it for almost ten years, he talks about it in this episode; and share insightful thoughts about pushing through discouragement, overcoming despair, and taking ownership of your actions, even when you feel you are at your worst.

It's a week before Thanksgiving; and while we often think of expressing gratitude to God for things like family, friends, good health, &tc., my buddies (and periodic co-hosts) Derek and Steph join me to discuss "odd things" for which we are thankful. With this as our ultimate purpose, we talk about cars, art supplies, collectibles, church organs, and a couple other things, somehow finding lessons that are relevant to faith, personal development, and entrepreneurship! I had a good time recording this episode, and I think you'll find it fun, helpful, and thought-provoking.

If you know anything about what's happening in our culture, you know that there is a crisis in the trades and other blue collar jobs. Whether you are interested in that or not, it affects you...and the issues going on in the construction industry (and related industries) are extremely relevant, not just to all entrepreneurs and influencers - but to anyone who wants to pursue their God-given potential. In this episode, I am joined by James Devinney of The Dirty and Driven Podcast and Ben Duell of Duell Construction in Manhattan, Kansas. We have a challenging, insightful and, frankly, entertaining conversation about Jesus the carpenter, the importance of hard work, what to do to solve the crisis in the trades, and how to build a culture in your company - whether it's a construction company or a marketing firm - in a way that is good for your people and good for business! Connect with James on Instagram @dirtyandriven or www.dirtyanddriven.com or Ben at www.duellconstruction.com. 

When she was in high school, Becca Strom's parents divorced, her dad suddenly died, her brother got in trouble with the law, and her family drama and dysfunction skyrocketed. While she had come to faith as a teenager, she lost her way and things started getting rough, until God intervened and said, "If this is how it's going to be, things are not going to end well." In this episode of The Vaughn Kohler Podcast, I talk to Becca - who was my outstanding and hilarious administrative assistant when I was a pastor - and, in a dynamic conversation featuring Becca's trademark honesty and authenticity, we unpack her challenging youth, her journey with Jesus, the lessons God and life have taught her, and how she has become, not only a great wife and mother, but a successsful realtor in the greatest college town on the planet. Follow Becca on Instagram @mrsbstrom or, if you live in the Manhattan, Kansas area and are looking to buy or sell a home, visit www.goalliancerealty.com and ask for Becca! 

What is your approach to your life and work? Do you just want to survive? Are you pursuing success? Or are you committed to creating and experiencing a life of real significance? Quinten Lovejoy, my guest on today's episode, is the founder of @the300groupinsurance, one of the OG @aretesyndicate members (if you know, you know), and has contributed to Forbes, Bankrate, and business.com. More importantly, he is a husband, father, man of God, and patriot. In this conversation, we talk about how he broke out of "the small town stereotype" to pursue greater personal and professional success, what led him to make a risky, radical move in his industry, in order to do something innovative and bring more value to his clients, and how he has developed a mindset that integrates faith and mental toughness, driving him to become the best he can possibly be. In addition, we talked a little about becoming a great dad, homeschooling, and faithfully fighting for truth and goodness in a crazy culture. Find Quinten online at www.the300group.net or on Instagram @qlovejoy. 

In the world of personal development and entrepreneurship, people are always looking to learn from experts and gurus. But my guest for today's podcast asks a great question: does your mentor walk on water? For many years, Donna Johnson has been a mover and shaker in her industry and has been wildly successful; but her greatest desire is to encourage men and women to embrace Jesus as THE greatest mentor in their lives. For that reason, she felt led to write a book! Within a couple days of the book hitting the market, it sold hundreds of thousands of copies and rocketed to the top of the charts! The reason is that the book offers great guidance and hope to people across the spectrum - whether they are committed believers or simply people open to truth. I know you are going to benefit - personally and professionally - from my great conversation with Donna.  Find her online at mentordonnajohnson.com and @mentordonnajohnson on Instagram. 

What in the world does art and creativity have to do with pursuing your potential and/or succeeding in business? The surprise answer is: a lot! For this very unique episode of the Vaughn Kohler Podcast, I traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona and met with my friends Cyn Silva and Laura Madden. Both had or have "day jobs" and both have been successful in pursuing their passion for creating works of art. In part 1 of a 2-part episode, we talk about their backgrounds, how they came to develop their craft, and how people need to think if they want to do something they love. In part 2, we talk about principles for cultivating creativity, whether it's better to think of your passion as a "hobby" or a "business," and how to deal with other people's reactions (good or bad) when you have the courage to "put your work out there." True confessions: This may not be a conversation for the average personal development / entrepreneurship podcast listener, but if you are open-minded and consider yourself a creative type (the truth is, we're all creative types!) then you'll love it! You can find Cyn at cynsilvaart.com or on Instagram @luxurycynsilva and Laura at iamlauramadden.com or on Instagram @iamlauramadden and @refashionedart.

What in the world does art and creativity have to do with pursuing your potential and/or succeeding in business? The surprise answer is: a lot! For this very unique episode of the Vaughn Kohler Podcast, I traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona and met with my friends Cyn Silva and Laura Madden. Both had or have "day jobs" and both have been successful in pursuing their passion for creating works of art. In part 1 of a 2-part episode, we talk about their backgrounds, how they came to develop their craft, and how people need to think if they want to do something they love. In part 2, we talk about principles for cultivating creativity, whether it's better to think of your passion as a "hobby" or a "business," and how to deal with other people's reactions (good or bad) when you have the courage to "put your work out there." True confessions: This may not be a conversation for the average personal development / entrepreneurship podcast listener, but if you are open-minded and consider yourself a creative type (the truth is, we're all creative types!) then you'll love it! You can find Cyn at cynsilva.com or on Instagram @luxurycynsilva and Laura at iamlauramadden.com or on Instagram @iamlauramadden and @refashionedart.

When I met Dr. Alex Spinoso five years ago, he was working as a doctor in a penetentiary and living with his wife in an 800 square foot foyer (that's right, foyer) in a home in Las Vegas. Now, he is the CEO of Genesis Lifestyle Medicine, a company with 30+ locations, that he scaled to 8-figures in 16 months. (Oh, he runs a handful of other companies, too!) Alex is a really good man who has an astonishing vision for what is possible and a titanic work ethic to make it happen. The three foundatons of his mindset and approach to success are 1) OWN your life 2) OPERATE at the highest levels and 3) OVERCOME anything. From his story of living in a freezing attic during his college years to the way his beloved grandfather Giovanni motivated him to overcome a devastating injury, you'll love hearing about Alex's life and learning his lessons for success. Connect with Alex on Instagram: @dralexspinoso 

In this engaging episode, I am joined by Persich & Company, a boutique consultancy founded by my clients, Garrett and Mary Persich, that offers "coaching" to help people think more biblically about their money and manage it in a way that is both practically effective and honoring to God! (Legal disclaimer: They are NOT financial advisors or counselors.) We dive into the fascinating world of money management from a biblical standpoint and explore age-old wisdom that helps us become wise stewards of our finances and align our money choices with our faith. This is a wide-ranging discussion that covers everything from Jesus' Parable of the Talents (which has some shocking aspects to it!) to practical tips for budgeting. Give it a listen...I know it will provide value! Find Garrett and Mary at www.persich.co. 

I do something totally different this episode! My friends and would-be co-hosts Derek Richards ("the greatest realtor in America") and Stephan du Plooy of Motion Media join me and the three of us share our favorite movies, why we love them, how they motivate us, and what they teach us that can be applied to personal development, entrepreneurship, and faith! I wrap up the discussion by recommending a little-known, but powerful movie that will help you live a life of God-centered heroism in a culture that often rejects truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Do you struggle with energy? There could be a number of reasons for this - from a dietary allergy to an unconfessed sin. In this episode, I share two practical insights I've gained over the last couple years that have enabled me to live with more energy and enthusiasm. As humans, we are "a unity of the spiritual and the physical" and these insights are relevant to both your body and soul! I think this episode will help you grow in faith and feel better!

You probably ought to give this episode to hopeless, young losers...er, I mean hopeless, young men and women you know...or maybe just take the lessons of this episode into your own heart and life! The reality is, so many people complain that the culture and economy are not conducive to happiness and success...but my 19-year-old guest (he might be 20) is proof this is definitely not the case: Stephan du Plooy...Multi-Billionaire (no, not really...not yet) Founder and CEO of Motion Media, faithful Catholic, ardent anti-Communist, and Entrepreneurial Wonder Boy joins me in the studio and we talk about mindset, work ethic, opportunity, and faith! No matter how old you are, I'm confident this conversation will give you hope, give you good food for thought, and give you no excuse not to go all in all pursuing faith, happiness, and success! Connect with Steph at motionmediaweb.com or @stephduplooy on Instgram.  

Former NFL football player and current health coach Brad St. Louis joins me today to talk about his journey to Jesus, taking ownership of your life and faith, the importance of accountability, and the principles that have helped Brad succeed on and off the field. A former standout football player for Missouri State University and an NFL veteran who played ten years for the Cincinnatti Bengals, Brad is a faithful husband, loving father, skilled coach, and man who sincerely wants others to maximize their potential and make the most of their lives. Find him online: bradstlouis.com or @bradst.louis on Instagram. 

I want to talk today about the attitude that we can and should embrace as we navigate the various crises that we encounter here on planet Earth. I want to propose that what we embrace is what I call “Happy Realism." In this episode, I illustrate the concept with a reference to a geeky fantasy movie and (hopefully) demonstrate that the concept is 100 percent consistent with the teachings of Jesus. Not gonna lie...I was feeling pretty reflective and melancholy when I recorded this, but I do end on a note of hope and triumph!     

Listen to this quick announcement from Vaughn - recorded on his iPhone - to let you know about some important changes for Lent! 

Overcoming several life obstacles through grit and the grace of Jesus, entrepreneur Mckenzie Ryan has gotten in shape, crushed her business goals, and taken a mighty leap forward in pursuing her God-given potential. In this episode, I enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation with Mckenzie; covering everything from our call to Christ-centered greatness to practical tips for success in life and business in general and sales in particular. Connect with Mckenzie on Instagram: @kenzbenzzzz

How does your circle of friends impact your ability to make the most of your life? How does your local community contribute to your personal and professional success - and elevate your ability to make an impact on the world? In this episode, I talk about these things with my long-time friend Ron Ratliff, who is a veteran librarian, scholar, Beatles and Elvis aficianado, and lover of all things Narnia and Middle Earth. We also talk about how a small, ride-or-die group of English friends - who called themselves The Inklings - barely ever left their home town and still made a massive impact on Planet Earth.

Do you know what the science and studies say is the #1 factor in achieving high levels of performance? Whether we're talking about excelling in sports, work, or even at home, the #1 factor...is confidence! When you truly believe that you are capable of achieving [fill in the blank], you are much more likely to actually achieve it! In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ellen Reed to talk about how to develop confidence, as well as how confidence contributes to mental toughness, success, and happiness. As Ron Burgundy would say, Dr. Ellen is "kind've a big deal." A former professional dancer, Dr. Ellen is a best-selling author and performance coach. Along with Dr. Jason Selk, she co-authored the book, Relentless Solution Focus, and co-founded Level Up Game Plan, a masterclass and training app for mental toughness. Dr. Ellen is also my coach - and she has helped me immensely. Find her online at enhancedperformanceinc.com or connect with @drellenreed on Instagram. 

No matter how old we are or where we're at in life, we are often tempted to think it's “too late.” “Too late” to change the direction of our lives – whether that's personally or professionally. “Too late” to repair the damage we've done in a relationship. “Too late” to get right with God and end our final days well. There are a lot of biblical principles I could unpack to drive home just how irrational and patently false the “too late” mentality really is; but instead,  I'd like to tell you the inspiring, hope-giving story of “Mom-Mom Em,” my maternal grandmother, Emma Lotter. She lost a daughter to suicide and a husband to Emphysema. She went into deep depression for more than a decade. When she finally came out of it, she was well into her senior years. Did she think it was “too late” for her to really start to live? Not hardly! This was a special episode for me to record and I think you'll like it.  

If you are going to pursue your God-given potential, you can't do it alone. You need to draw the right people to you, know how to lead and train them, and -- ultimately -- know how to love and serve them. If you do that, it's going to be a win/win/win: It will glorify God. It will be good for the people around you. And - yes - you yourself will gain something of value, whether that's more money, more influence, or just more happiness and success in life. In this episode, James Meehan, the founder and CEO of Elevated Education (a vibrant 7-figure company that is growing fast) joins Vaughn to discuss principles of leadership, team-building, and interpersonal relationships that are both biblical...and effective!  

You can't truly pursue your God-given potential if you believe that you exist in a universe that is governed by randomness, where everything happens by chance and there's no rhyme or reason to the things that happen to us. Christians believe that all of life is a story, that God is the Author, and that we are positioned as very significant protagonists in this great and epic story. We can either embrace our role in this story or succumb to a sense of purposeless and meaningless, never living the life God meant us to live. In this episode, Erin Ahnfeldt joins us to share stories, insights, and guidance on how to let God write your story. Erin is  a veteran teacher, soon-to-be author, and (most importantly!) Vaughn's college roommate! You'll be motivated and inspired by this one, for sure. Learn more about Erin at www.erinahnfeldt.com. 

Have you ever looked at your bank account balance and seen a big goose egg? Literally...you had ZERO money in your account? I have. In fact, I have felt at times like my account balance was ZERO in EVERY area of my life: professionally, personally, and spiritually. In this episode, I share a story that has one main purpose: to help you press on and not give up.  It's the story of when, right before I turned 40, a big dream seemed dead, I literally had nothing in the bank, and I felt like a "nothing" myself. In that moment, God did something unexpected; except....when I think about it, it SHOULD have been expected...because it is something God does all the time. He does this, again and again, in my life and yours: he shows Himself to be faithful. 

Are you disinterested and disillusioned with your current situation? Deep in your heart, do you know that you want and need to make radical changes, in order to pursue the life God meant you to live? Whether you are thinking through a radical change in your career or the focus and trajectory of your whole life, this conversation between Vaughn and his coaching client Jake Fuller will encourage you and provide you some proven principles to take action. Jake had a comfortable, well-paying job and a secure, fixed path in life that promised all the benefits society says are important. He walked away from it all to farm thousands of acres in Colorado, help build a custom knife company, and experience what he says is  "real happiness and freedom." Can you do the same? Jake says, "Let 'er rip!"

What is that thing in your life that just...empties you...that particular challenge in your life or cross to bear that just weighs on you, grinds you down, and fills you with anxiety, anger, hopelessness...even despair!  In this episode, Vaughn shares his answer - an answer that may surprise and even offend you! Is it possible that what you think is your worst nightmare could actually be transformed into your dream come true? Yes...by embracing God's grace and a good attitude, you can discover that the very thing you thought would derail you and your life is actually designed by God to help you become who He meant you to be and do what he He meant you to do. Find Vaughn online: vaughnkohler.com

Has this ever happened to you? You start getting serious about pursuing your God-given potential in some way - getting fit or doubling-down on your commitment to build your business - and then WHAM - you are hit with a discouraging, demoralizing thought that derails your commitment to take action. Where did that thought come from? God? The Devil? Your own mind? In this episode, Vaughn leads you through practical steps to determine where your thoughts come from and how to respond to them. If we're going to become who God meant us to be, we have to learn how to identify the voices in our head - and listen to the one we know is God!

When you are going through tough and troubling times, it's easy to be discouraged and to despair. You can really allow yourself to get in a routine of weariness, anger, and fear. What's it going to take to pull out of that? In this episode, Vaughn talks about hitting a low point during his cancer battle, how God used two unique sources of motivation to put strengnth and hope back in him, and how all of us need to reassert audacious, Christ-centered courage - what Vaughn calls "Holy Swag."

Have you experienced some suffering in your life lately? If you want pursue your God-given potential, you need to understand how to profit from your pain - personally, professionally, and spiritually. In the last two months, Vaughn has been diagnosed with cancer and undergone surgery; and he and his wife welcomed their first son into the world - and were surprised to discover he was born with Trisomy 21.  It has been an extremely challenging time, but also a time of great blessing and growth. In this episode, Vaughn shares how he - and you - can profit from pain. 

So many of us get frustrated and furious when our day - or life - doesn't go as planned. When we are knocked off our routine, or find that someone or something is "wasting our time," we feel as if we are wasting our life. But we are wrong. In this episode, Vaughn shares a personal (funny) story about a run in with the law that drives home this point: everything that happens to us, good or bad, can be leveraged for our gain, the good of the world, and the glory of God. But we have to make the choice.   

Fear seems to be sweeping the globe. We're all afraid of something - sometimes we're afraid of each other. But the reality is, there's actually a fear that will make us fearless. There's a fear that actually powers the pursuit of our God-given potential. In this episode, Vaughn tells a powerful story and explains how we can overcome fear and make the most of our lives for the King of Kings.

"You're lazy! You need to get serious, lock in, and work harder!" How many times have we read a post or watched a video that said that? The reality is, if you are a true overachiever or high performing entrepreneur, the opposite is true: you need to learn to rest. In this episode, Vaughn unpacks a well-known story in the Bible and shows how taking a rest isn't just good for your physical and mental health...it is actually an essential act of faith. By trusting God to work even when we aren't working...we can dominate even more. 

We tend to want those high energy, emotional, "mountain top" experiences in our Christian life. But the reality is, the thing that is going to produce authentic fruits of the Spirit in our lives and enable us to make a powerful impact on the world...is getting into a routine.  In this episode, Vaughn shares 3 practical components of an effective daily routine, with actionable tasks that will help you pursue your God-given potential; not just for your own gain, but for the glory of God and the good of the world.

You've heard so many gurus in the personal development and entrepreneurship space say that if we want to be successful, it's our responsibility to work hard and get results. But is that really true? When it comes to crushing our goals and achieving success in business and life, what is up to God...and what is up to us? Vaughn shares a powerful story about his dad to answer this question.

Have you ever felt lost? Do you feel lost now? If you feel disoriented and directionless, in your relationships, work, spiritual life, or your life in general, there are still specific things you can do everyday. If you do these things, you'll have peace, confidence, and a sense of purpose - until God makes your unique calling fully known.

There's a strategy the devil uses to keep us ineffective in making the most of our potential and glorifying God in everything we do. It's such an effective strategy because it feels like we're actually committed to God-honoring excellence. It also feels like we're being humble. But you know what? We're not. We're actually falling for a lie. 

Are you ever bummed or irritated that you have to live at this particular time in history, when there's so much craziness in the world, stemming from politics, the pandemic, and social media? It's understandable. But you living at THIS VERY MOMENT in history? God meant it to happen. So, it must be good for you - and good for the world!

How do we motivate ourselves - not just to set goals and work harder, but to share the gospel and pray with more enthusiasm? Personal development "gurus" talk about creating motivation with vision and sustaining it with self-discipline. There's truth in those answers. But for the Christian, it goes deeper than that. We have to embrace the most powerful, motivating force anyone can ever discover: God's grace.