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Last time we spoke about the crossing of Nanjing's Rubicon. By November 1, Shanghai had become a lost cause, the Chinese were forced to retreat. In the wake of this turmoil, the Japanese set their sights on Nanjing, keenly aware that its fall would spell disaster for Chiang Kai-Shek's government. Despite the desperate situation, guerrilla fighters began fortifying the city as civilians rallied to support the defense, preparing for the inevitable assault that loomed. However, political divisions plagued the Chinese leadership, with some generals advocating for abandoning the city. After intense discussions, it was decided that Nanjing would be a hill worth dying on, driven largely by propaganda needs. As November 12 approached, Japanese troops rapidly advanced west, capturing towns along the way and inflicting unimaginable brutality. On November 19, Yanagawa, a commander, took the initiative, decreeing that pursuing the retreating Chinese forces toward Nanjing was paramount.    #164 The Battle of Lake Tai Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. As the Chinese troops fled westwards, at 7:00 am on November 19th, Yanagawa issued instructions to his troops in the field. “The enemy's command system is in disarray, and a mood of defeat has descended over their entire army. They have lost the will to fight. We must not miss the opportunity to pursue the enemy to Nanjing.” The order went out to the 10th Army, sending, the 6th, 18th, and 114th Divisions west along the southern shore of Lake Tai, passing through Huzhou before turning right towards Nanjing. The Kunisaki Detachment, trained for rapid movement by water and land, was ordered east along the Yangtze River near Wuhu city and, if possible, cross the river to cut off the Chinese Army's retreat from Nanjing. Yanagawa envisioned an operation unlike any other conducted by the Japanese Army in recent history. He believed this could not only end the war but also surpass previous victories, such as the defeat of tsarist Russia more than three decades earlier. Confident in a swift victory, he wrote in a follow-up message to his commanders, “The day is near when the banner of the Rising Sun will fly over Nanjing's city wall.” However, Yanagawa's order elicited panic in Tokyo once it became known. His superiors viewed it as an outrageous attempt to entirely change the war focus away from the north. They understood that taking Nanjing was primarily a political decision rather than a strategic one. There was still hopes of finding terms through the Germans to end the conflict, thus carving up more of China. The Japanese did not want to become bogged down in a real war. Major General Tada was particularly opposed to increasing efforts on the Shanghai front. He belonged to a faction that believed the best way to avoid a quagmire in China was to deliver a swift, decisive blow to the Chinese Army. This mindset had turned him into a major advocate for landing a strong force in Hangzhou Bay in early November. Nevertheless, he had initially resisted expanding operations to the Suzhou-Jiaxing line, only relenting on the condition that this line would not be crossed under any circumstances. Tada's immediate response was to halt the 10th Army's offensive. Shimomura Sadamu, Ishiwara Kanji's hardline successor as chief of operations, strongly disagreed, arguing that field commanders should have the authority to make significant decisions. Undeterred, Tada insisted on restraining the field commanders, and at 6:00 pm on November 20th, the Army General Staff sent a cable to the Central China Area Army reprimanding them for advancing beyond Order No. 600, which had established the Suzhou-Jiaxing line. The response from the Central China Area Army arrived two days later whereupon the field commanders argued that Nanjing needed to be captured to bring the war to an early conclusion. To do otherwise, they argued, would provide the enemy with an opportunity to regain the will to fight. Moreover, the officers claimed that delaying the decisive battle would not sit well with the Japanese public, potentially jeopardizing national unity. On the same day it responded to Tokyo, the Central China Area Army instructed the 10th Army to proceed cautiously: “The pursuit to Nanjing is to be halted, although you may still send an advance force towards Huzhou. Each division is to select four or five battalions to pursue the enemy rapidly”. The remainder of the troops were instructed to advance towards Huzhou and prepare to join the pursuit “at any time.” Meanwhile Chiang Kai-shek officially appointed Tang Shengzhi as the commandant of Nanjing's garrison. Born in 1889, Tang embodied the era of officers leading China into war with Japan. They straddled the line between old and new China. During their youth, they lived in a society that had seen little change for centuries, where young men immersed themselves in 2,000-year-old classics to prepare for life. Like their ancestors across countless generations, they were governed by an emperor residing in a distant capital. Following the 1911 revolution, they embraced the new republic and received modern military training, Tang, for instance, at the esteemed Baoding Academy in northern China. Yet, they struggled to fully relinquish their traditional mindsets. These traditional beliefs often included a significant distrust of foreigners. Before his appointment as garrison commander, Tang had led the garrison's operations section. During this time, Chiang Kai-shek suggested that he permit the German chief advisor, General Alexander von Falkenhausen, to attend staff meetings. Tang hesitated, expressing concern due to Falkenhausen's past as a military official in Japan and the current alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. “That's not good, is it?” he asked. Chiang reassured him that Falkenhausen was an experienced officer who remembered earlier loyalties despite political shifts in Berlin. “It's all right,” Chiang insisted, “we can trust him.” Reluctantly, Tang acquiesced but never fully trusted the German officer. Tang also faced issues with morale. He was Hunanese, the majority of his troops were locals, many from Nanjing. Tang also suffered from many ongoing illnesses. While he put on a bravado face, its unlikely he expected to be able to defend the capital for very long. On November 19th, the IJA 16th division and Shigeto Detachment conquered Changshu, a crucial point along the Wufu defense line, spanning from Fushan on the Yangtze to Suzhou and then to Wujiang sitting on the shores of Lake Tai. The fight for Changshu had surprised the Japanese. As they approached they ran into a network of interlocking cement pillboxes that had to be taken individually, resulting in heavy casualties. Frequently, when the Japanese believed they had finally destroyed a position and advanced, they were dismayed to discover that some defenders remained alive, continuing to fire at their flanks. Another obstacle facing them was Chinese artillery. During the night's capture of the city, the Japanese makeshift camps were hit relentlessly by bombardment. That same day further south, the IJA 9th division captured Suzhou , reporting to the press they did so without firing a single shot. General Matsui wrote in his diary “The enemy troops near Suzhou have completely lost their morale. Some soldiers are discarding their equipment and surrendering, while others flee westward in utter chaos. Our forces have not encountered the resistance we anticipated. So far, the Shanghai Expeditionary Force has achieved all its objectives. I am thrilled by this.” In reality, this was mere propaganda. The IJA 9th Division actually had to overpower a series of Chinese pillboxes outside the city. Once they entered through the medieval walls, they faced the task of eliminating pockets of resistance one by one. According to Japanese sources, over 1,000 Chinese soldiers were killed during these clearing operations. The Japanese found a wealth of spoils in Suzhou. Among the booty were 100 artillery pieces and other military equipment. Historically known as one of China's wealthiest cities, Suzhou still contained an abundance of loot even after months of conflict. Many Japanese soldiers had their pockets filled with cigarettes after raiding a tobacco factory, while others transported barrels filled with coins after robbing a bank. Meanwhile the government had officially moved from Nanjing to Chongqing. Chongqing was an unusual choice for the new capital as it was historically something of a backwater, not very cosmopolitan such as the great coastal cities in the east. However it was distant enough to be out of reach from the Japanese land forces, but not so distant that it would make governing China impossible. Not all the governmental agencies moved to Chongqing at once. The foreign ministry first moved to Wuhan, as did most of the foreign diplomats. Yet out of some several hundred foreign nationals, 30 American and 19 British did stay behind in Nanjing. Tang Shengzhi met with the remaining foreign community and began promising them guarantees of their lives and property would be protected to the fullest. In turn the foreign community were thinking up ways to help defend the city's civilian population. They formed a special demilitarized district, akin to the one in Shanghai. They named it the Jacquinot Safety Zone after its founder, French Jesuit Robert Jacquinot de Besange. An international committee for establishing a neutral zone for noncombatants in Nanjing was formed on November 19th and famously John Rabe chaired it. The committee knew their neutral zone depended solely upon Japan respecting it, thus Rabe was an ideal pick for chairman. Meanwhile Chiang Kai-Shek was determined to stay for as long as possible in Nanjing, and remain in the public view to maintain morale. Song Meiling also went around touring the capital by automobile to raise public spirit. Preparations for battle were being dished out in haste. Du Yuming, the commander of Nanjing's armored regiment was called up to the headquarters of He Yingqin, then chief of staff. There Du was briefed on Chiang Kai-Shek's war plans and how his tiny armored force would fit in. He Yingqin said “It has been decided that Tang Shengzhi is to defend Nanjing. Chairman Chiang wants the German vehicles to stay in Nanjing and fight.” This was referring to their Leichter Panzerspahwagen or “sd KFZ 221” armored cars. These were recent purchases from Germany. Du questioned using them however “The German vehicles are the best armor we have at the moment, but they have no cannon, only machine guns, so their firepower is limited. We just have 15 of them. And they are not suited for the terrain around Nanjing, with all its rivers and lakes.” Du instead argued for using the British-made Vickers Carden Lloyd tanks. Of these China had recently purchased the amphibious variants. Du said “Those tanks both have machine guns and cannon, and they can float. They are much more useful for the Nanjing area.” He further suggested the tanks might even make it to the other side of the Yangtze once all hope was out. To this He replied “No, don't even think about crossing the Yangtze. The chairman wants the tank crews to fight to the death.” As far as war strategy was concerned, China had actually developed one against Japan decades prior. Ever since the nasty conflicts between the two nations had broken out back during the Great War days, China sought an answer to Japan's aggression. One man rose to the occasion, a young officer named Jiang Baili. In 1922 Jiang wrote “The only way to prevail over the enemy, will be to do the opposite of what he does in every respect. It will be to his advantage to seek a quick resolution; we should aim for protracted warfare. He will try to focus on a decisive blow at the front line; we should move to the second line of defense and rob him of the opportunity to concentrate his forces in one place.” Soon Jiang became the forefather in China for theories involving protracted war. One could also call it a war of attrition, and it was the type of war suited to China. In the words of Jiang “We should thank our ancestors. China is blessed with two major advantages, a vast land area and a huge population. Abstaining from fighting will be enough. And if we do fight, we should drag it out. We should force the front to move west, and turn our weakness into strength, while allowing the enemy to overstretch himself”. China's geography significantly influenced Jiang's military strategy. In his works titled Organization of Mechanized Forces, Jiang wrote “The flat North Chinese plain offers ideal conditions for a large mechanized army. In contrast, the agricultural regions further south, characterized by their mix of rice paddies and waterways, are far less suitable.” Faced with a technologically superior enemy, China had no option but to draw the opponent away from the north, where their armored units would dominate the battlefield, to the Yangtze River area, where their mobility would be severely restricted. Jiang served as the director of the prestigious military academy at Baoding, near Beijing, where he could instill his philosophies in the minds of upcoming leaders of the Chinese armed forces, including Tang Shengzhi. Tang was able to put Jiang's theories into practice. In the autumn of 1935, he played a crucial role in planning and executing the decade's largest military maneuver. Conducted south of the Yangtze, between Nanjing and Shanghai, this drill involved over 20,000 troops, allowing for a realistic simulation of battle conditions. Its primary objective was to test the strategy of "luring the enemy in deep." Upon concluding the maneuver, Tang described the location as exceptionally well chosen, a tank commander's nightmare. The area consisted of steep hills alongside rivers, with very few robust roads and virtually no bridges capable of supporting tanks. Countless small paddy fields were divided by dikes that rarely exceeded a few feet in width, perfectly suited for swift infantry movements but utterly inadequate for tracked vehicles. It appeared to be a graveyard for any mechanized army. As the war broke out with Japan, Jiang's ideas initially seemed validated. Chiang Kai-shek deliberately refrained from deploying his best troops to the northern Beijing area. Instead, he chose to instigate a significant battle in and around Shanghai, where the terrain presented the exact disadvantages for Japanese armor that Jiang had anticipated. Although the Japanese gradually introduced tactical innovations that allowed them to navigate the partly submerged paddy fields north and west of Shanghai, their tanks often found themselves forced along elevated roads, making them vulnerable targets for hidden Chinese infantry. For several weeks during September and October, the Shanghai area indeed resembled a quagmire, seemingly poised to ensnare the Japanese forces until they were utterly depleted. However, the successful Japanese landings in early November, first in Hangzhou Bay and then on the south bank of the Yangtze, dramatically changed things. The stalemate was broken, allowing the Japanese Army to advance despite the persistent challenges posed by the local geography. What would happen next would determine whether Jiang's theories from a decade earlier could work or if Japan's tanks would ultimately triumph even in the river terrain south of the Yangtze.  The Japanese field commanders' decision to shift their focus from defeating Chinese forces near Shanghai to pursuing them all the way to Nanjing, sent ripples throughout the ranks. Every unit had to reconsider their plans, but none felt the impact more acutely than the 6th Division. As one of the first contingents of the 10th Army to come ashore in Hangzhou Bay in early November, its soldiers had advanced with remarkable ease, cutting through the defenses like a knife through butter. Now, with orders to drive west towards Nanjing, they were required to make a huge U-turn and head south. Geography hurt them greatly, specifically the presence of Lake Tai. The original Shanghai Expeditionary Force, bolstered by the 16th Division and other newly arrived units, was set to advance north of the lake, while the 10th Army was tasked with operations to the south of it. This situation implied that the 6th Division had to hurry to catch up with the rest of the 10th Army.   Upon turning south, they reached Jiashan on November 21, only to face a brutal outbreak of cholera among their ranks, which delayed their advance by three days. Meanwhile the other elements of the 10th Army, including the Kunisaki Detachment and the 18th and 114th Divisions advanced  rapidly, entering Huzhou on November 23. To speed up their advance they had commandeered every vessel they could grab and tossed men in piece meal across the southern bank of Lake Tai to its western shore.  However the 10th army was unaware that they would soon face a brutal fight. As the Chinese government evacuated Nanjing, fresh troops from Sichuan province in southwest China were being unloaded at the city's docks and marched toward imminent danger. Starting to disembark on November 20, these soldiers formed the Chinese 23rd Group Army. They presented an exotic sight, sporting broad straw hats typical of southern China, often adorned with yellow and green camouflage patterns. While some appeared freshly uniformed, many were ill-prepared for the colder central Chinese winter, dressed in thin cotton better suited for subtropical climates. A number looked as ragged as the most destitute coolie. Nearly all wore straw shoes that required repairs every evening after a long day of marching. Their equipment was rudimentary and often quite primitive. The most common weapon among the newly arrived soldiers was a locally produced rifle from Sichuan, yet many had no firearms at all, carrying only “stout sticks and packs” into battle. Each division had a maximum of a dozen light machine guns, and radio communication was available only at the brigade level and above. The absence of any artillery or heavy equipment was quite alarming. It was as if they expected to be facing a warlord army of the 1920s. They were organized into five divisions and two brigades, supplied by Liu Xiang, a notable southern warlord. Remarkably, Liu Xiang had been one of Chiang Kai-shek's worst enemies less than a year prior. Now, Liu's troops fought alongside Chiang's against Japan, yet their loyalties remained fiercely provincial, listening to Liu Xiang rather than Chiang Kai-shek. China's warlord era never really ended. Chiang Kai-Shek was actually doing two things at once, meeting the enemy but also getting warlord troops away from their provincial powerbase. This in turn would reduce the influence of regional warlords. Now the Chinese recognized the had to stop the Japanese from reaching Wuhu, a Yangtze port city due south of Nanjing, basically the last escape route from the capital. If it was captured, those in Nanjing would be effectively stuck. General Gu Zhutong, who personally witnessed the chaotic evacuation of Suzhou, had already dispatched two divisions from Guangxi province to block the Japanese advance. However, they were quickly routed. Liu Xiang's troops were then sent to fill the gap on the battlefield. By the last week of November, the Japanese 10th Army and the newly arrived Sichuan divisions, were converging on the same area southwest of Lake Tai. Marching as quickly as possible, they were fated to clash in one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Nanjing campaign. As the Sichuanese troops reached the battlefield at the end of November, they  quickly realized just how ill-equipped they were to confront the modern Japanese Army. The Sichuan divisions hurried towards Lake Tai, primarily marching after sunset to avoid harassment from Japanese aircraft. A significant challenge for the soldiers was the condition of the roads, which were paved with gravel that wore down their straw shoes. Despite their best efforts to repair their footwear late at night, many soldiers found themselves entering battle barefoot. Along their route, they encountered numerous Chinese soldiers retreating. One particular column caught their attention; these troops were better uniformed and equipped, appearing as though they had not seen battle at all. They looked rested and well-nourished, as if they had just emerged from their barracks. This prompted unspoken doubts among the Sichuanese soldiers. Upon arriving in Guangde, the 145th Division quickly began fortifying its positions, particularly around a strategic airfield near the city and dispatched units towards the town of Sian. On November 25, skirmishes erupted throughout the day, and on the following day, the Chinese soldiers began facing the full force of the advancing enemy. Japanese planes bombed the Chinese positions near Sian, followed by rapid tank assaults from the 18th Japanese Division. Unaccustomed to combat against armored vehicles, they quickly routed. The Japanese forces rolled over the shattered Chinese defenses and advanced to capture Sian with minimal resistance. To make matters worse, amidst this critical moment when the Sichuan troops were engaged in their first battle against a foreign enemy, Liu Xiang, fell seriously ill. In his place, Chiang Kai-shek assigned one of his most trusted commanders, Chen Cheng. The Sichuanese soldiers were not happy with the new alien commander. Meanwhile, the Nine Power Treaty Conference in Brussels held its final session. The delegates concluded three weeks of fruitless discussions with a declaration that immediately struck observers as lacking any real substance. The decree stated “Force by itself can provide no just and lasting solution for disputes between nations,”. This was met with approval from all participants except Italy, one of Japan's few allies in Europe. They strongly urged that hostilities be suspended and that peaceful processes be pursued, but offered zero consequences for either belligerent should they choose not to comply. As they say today in politics, a nothing burger. China found itself resorting to shaming the international community into action, with barely any success.  In Berlin, the evening following the conference's conclusion, diplomats gathered as the Japanese embassy hosted a dinner to mark the first anniversary of the Anti-Comintern Pact. Among the guests, though he probably really did not want to be there, was Adolf Hitler. The Japanese Communications Minister, Nagai Ryutaro, speaking via radio stated “The Sino-Japanese conflict is a holy struggle for us. The objective is to hold the Nanjing government accountable for its anti-Japanese stance, to liberate the Chinese people from the red menace, and to secure peace in the Far East.” By hosting such an event, Germany was basically signalling that she would abandon her old Chinese ally to forge a stronger partnership with Japan. This was driving the world into two camps that would emerge as the Axis and Allies. My favorite boardgame by the way, I make a lot of goofy videos on my youtube channel about it.  Back at the front, a city sat midway along the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangyin. By Chinese standards, Jiangyin was not a large city; its population numbered just 50,000, most of whom had already fled by the end of November. The city's military significance had considerably diminished after a naval battle in late September resulted in the sinking of half the Chinese fleet, forcing the remainder to retreat upriver. Nevertheless, the Chinese still maintained control on land. This became a pressing concern for the Japanese after the fall of Suzhou and Changshu led to the collapse of the Wufu defensive line. Consequently, the next line of defense was the Xicheng line, of which Jiangyin formed the northern end. The city stood directly in the path of the 13th Japanese Division, positioned at the far right of the front line. Jiangyin featured 33 partially fortified hills, and like many other cities in the region, its primary defense was a robust 10-mile wall constructed of brick and stone. Standing 30 feet high, the wall was reinforced on the inside by an earthen embankment measuring up to 25 feet in diameter. Defending Jiangyin alone was the 112th Division, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers. Only in November did it receive reinforcements from the 103rd Division, which had previously participated in the brutal fighting in Shanghai and withdrew westward after the Japanese victory there. Like the 112th, the 103rd also consisted of around 5,000 soldiers from former warlord armies, though they hailed from the hot and humid southwest of China rather than the cold and arid northeast. Both divisions faced an adversary with far superior equipment and training. Just hours after Japanese observation balloons appeared on the horizon, their artillery opened fire. The initial shells fell at approximately 30 second intervals, but the pace quickly accelerated. Most of the shells landed near the river, obliterating the buildings in that area. The explosions tore up telephone wires, severing communication between the scattered Chinese units. As the first shells began to fall over Jiangyin, Tang Shengzhi gathered with Chinese and foreign journalists in Nanjing, openly acknowledging the monumental challenge ahead but resolutely vowing to defend Nanjing to the bitter end. “Even though it is lagging behind in material terms, China has the will to fight. Since the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we have suffered defeats in various theaters, but we will continue to fight until we achieve final victory.” Tang then promised that Nanjing would be fought to the last man. As early as November 14, the central government had ordered the evacuation of women and children from Nanjing, calling for all means of transportation available to be dedicated to this purpose. However, this directive proved to be an empty proclamation. Almost all resources were directed toward relocating government officials westward. Moving office furniture and filing cabinets took precedence over evacuating people. The government commandeered 600 trucks and 220 boats and ships to aid in this effort, but once those means of transportation were exhausted, little remained for the common people. In the final days of November, Nanjing's mayor, Ma Chaojun, attempted to rectify this dire situation. He sent a cable to the Ministry of Communications requesting that the ships used to relocate government agencies be returned to Nanjing as soon as possible to assist with the evacuation. For most vessels, there wasn't enough time to make the journey back. The people of Nanjing were left to fend for themselves. Meanwhile the battles south and west of the Lake Tai continued to rage in late November. While the 18th Japanese Division advanced toward Guangde, aiming eventually for Wuhu and the Yangtze River, the 114th Japanese Division received different orders. It turned right along the western bank of Lake Tai, clearly intending to push onward to Nanjing. Awaiting them was the 144th Chinese Division, consisting primarily of Sichuanese soldiers. They dug in across the one viable road running west of the lake, with a large body of water on one side and rugged terrain on the other. This terrain forced the Japanese to attack over a narrow front, constraining the advantage they held due to their technological superiority. The Chinese were able to concentrate their limited artillery, primarily mountain guns that could be disassembled and transported by mules or even men, on the advancing Japanese attackers, and utilized it effectively. They allowed the Japanese to shell their positions without immediate retaliation, waiting until the infantry was within 1,000 yards before ordering their mountain guns to open fire. The result was devastating; the Japanese column became disorganized, and their advance stalled. However, just as the Chinese artillery appeared on the verge of achieving a significant victory, the decision was made to withdraw. The officers responsible for the mountain guns argued that the Japanese would soon overrun their positions, and it was preferable to take preemptive measures to prevent their valuable equipment from falling into enemy hands. The commanders of the 144th Division reluctantly concurred. The Chinese did their best to maintain the facade that their artillery remained in position, but the Japanese quickly noticed the weakened defense and attacked with renewed fervor. Despite this setback, Chinese soldiers found their morale boosted as their division commander, Guo Junqi, led from the front, issuing orders from a stretcher after sustaining a leg injury. However, deprived of their artillery, the Chinese faced increasingly dire odds, and they were pushed back along the entire front. As the Chinese front neared collapse, the officers of the 144th Division faced yet another challenge: Japanese infantry approached across Lake Tai in boats commandeered in previous days. With no artillery to defend themselves, the Chinese could only direct small arms fire at the vessels, allowing the Japanese to make an almost unimpeded landing. This was the final straw. Under pressure from two sides, the 144th Division had no choice but to abandon its position, retreating westward toward the main Chinese force around Guangde. Jiangyin endured two days of continuous shelling before the Japanese infantry attack commenced, but the city was fortified to withstand such a bombardment of this magnitude and duration. The 33 hills in and around the city had long served as scenic viewpoints and natural strongholds. The tallest hill, known as Mount Ding, rose 900 feet above the area, providing a commanding view and boasted over 100 artillery pieces. By late November, when the Japanese Army reached the area, most civilians had fled, but their homes remained, and the Chinese defenders effectively utilized them, converting them into concealed strongholds. The attack by the Japanese 13th Division on November 29 was led by the 26th Brigade on its right flank and the 103rd Brigade on its left. The advance proved challenging, constantly disrupted by Chinese ambushes. As a row of Japanese soldiers cautiously crossed an empty field, gunshots would erupt, striking down one of their ranks while the others scrambled for cover, desperately trying to identify the source of the fire. The Chinese launched frequent counterattacks, and on several occasions, individual Japanese units found themselves cut off from the main body and had to be rescued. Despite some setbacks, the 13th Division made satisfactory progress, bolstered by both land and ship-based artillery, and soon nearly encircled Jiangyin, leaving only a narrow corridor to the west of the city. However, the Chinese artillery was well-prepared, effectively targeting Japanese vessels on the Yangtze River. This led to an artillery duel that lasted three hours, resulting in several hits on Japanese ships; however, the Chinese batteries also suffered considerable damage. In the sector of the 103rd Chinese Division, the defenders had taken time to construct deep antitank ditches, hindering the advance of Japanese armored units. During the night of November 29-30, the Chinese organized suicide missions behind enemy lines to level the playing field. Armed only with a belt, a combat knife, a rifle, and explosives, the soldiers infiltrated Japanese positions, targeting armored vehicles. They quietly climbed onto the tanks, dropping hand grenades into turrets or detonating explosives strapped to their bodies. Though reducing Japanese armored superiority granted the Chinese some time, the attackers' momentum simply could not be stopped. On November 30, the Japanese launched a relentless assault on Mount Ding, the dominant hill in the Jiangyin area. Supported by aircraft, artillery, and naval bombardments, Japanese infantry engaged the entrenched Chinese company at the summit. After a fierce and bloody battle, the Japanese succeeded in capturing the position. The Chinese company commander, Xia Min'an, withdrew with his troops toward Jiangyin to report the loss to the regimental command post. When the deputy commander of the 103rd Division, Dai Zhiqi, heard the news, he was furious and wanted to execute Xia on the spot. However, Xia's regimental commander intervened, saving him from a firing squad. Instead, he insisted that Xia redeem himself by recapturing the hill from the Japanese. Xia was put in command of a company that had previously been held in reserve. What followed was a fierce battle lasting over four hours. Eventually, the Japanese were forced to relinquish the hill, but the victory came at a steep price, with numerous casualties on both sides, including the death of Xia Min'an. The last days of November also witnessed chaotic fighting around Guangde, where the unfamiliar terrain added to the confusion for both sides. For the Chinese, this chaos was exacerbated by their upper command issuing contradictory orders, instructing troops to advance and retreat simultaneously. Pan Wenhua, the Sichuanese commander of the 23rd Army, prepared a pincer maneuver, directing the 13th Independent Brigade to launch a counterattack against the town of Sian, which was held by the Japanese, while the 146th Division would attack from the south. Both units set out immediately. However, due to a lack of radio equipment, a common issue among the Sichuanese forces, they did not receive the new orders to withdraw, which originated not from Pan Wenhua but from Chen Cheng, the Chiang Kai-shek loyalist who had taken command after Liu Xiang fell ill and was eager to assert his authority. Fortunately, the officers of the 13th Independent Brigade were alerted to the general order for withdrawal by neighboring units and managed to halt their advance on Sian in time. The 146th Division, however, had no such luck and continued its march toward the Japanese-occupied city. It was joined by the 14th Independent Brigade, which had just arrived from Wuhu and was also unaware of the general retreat order. Upon reaching Sian, these Chinese troops engaged in intense close combat with the Japanese. It was a familiar scenario of Japanese technological superiority pitted against Chinese determination. The Japanese brought armor up from the rear, while the Chinese lay in ambush, tossing hand grenades into tank turrets before jumping onto the burning vehicles to kill any surviving crew members. As the fighting around the flanks slowed, the area in front of Guangde became the focal point of the battle. Japanese soldiers advanced toward the city during the day, passing piles of dead Chinese and numerous houses set ablaze by retreating defenders. At night, the situation became perilous for the Japanese, as Chinese forces infiltrated their positions under the cover of darkness. In the confusion, small units from both sides often got lost and were just as likely to encounter hostile forces as friendly ones. Despite the chaos along the front lines, it was evident that the Japanese were gaining the upper hand primarily due to their material superiority. Japanese artillery bombarded Guangde, igniting many structures, while infantry approached the city from multiple directions. The Chinese 145th Division, led by Rao Guohua, was nearing its breaking point. In a desperate gamble, on November 30, Rao ordered one of his regiments to counterattack, but the regimental commander, sensing the futility of the move, simply refused. This refusal was a personal failure for Rao, one he could not accept. Deeply ashamed, Rao Guohua withdrew from Guangde. As darkness enveloped the battlefield, he and a small group of staff officers found a place to rest for the night in a house near a bamboo grove. Overwhelmed with anguish, he penned a letter to Liu Xiang, apparently unaware that Liu had been evacuated to the rear due to stomach issues. In the letter, he apologized for his inability to hold Guangde. Telling his bodyguard to get some rest, he stepped outside, disappearing into the bamboo grove. Shortly thereafter, his staff heard a single gunshot. When they rushed out and searched the dense bamboo, they found Rao sitting against a tree, his service weapon beside him. Blood streamed thickly from a wound to his temple. He was already dead. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As the Japanese forces advanced on Nanjing, tensions escalated within the Chinese leadership. While Commander Tang Shengzhi fortified the city, some sought retreat. Japanese Commander Yanagawa, confident of victory, pushed his troops westward, disregarding high command's hesitations. Meanwhile, ill-equipped Sichuanese reinforcements hurried to defend Nanjing, braving cholera and disorganization. Intense battles unfolded around Lake Tai, marked by fierce ambushes and casualties. 

The Christians who have been bought by the blood of Christ, chosen as God's people, shaped to be a temple for God's presence, are to live unique and countercultural lives so that the world cannot help but notice. When the world gives in to the desires of the flesh, the Christian abstains from sinful desires. We will examine sinful desires, how we abstain from them, and why.

Join Pastor Stuart for the tenth lesson in our series, Walk This Way, about following Jesus. This week, we turn to Ephesians Ephesians 5:3-14 to learn how we . . . "Walk as Children of the Light". In this lesson, we learn: Followers of Jesus are to walk as children of light. Walking as children of light entails: Recognizing our undeservedly bestowed identity as light in the Lord. Abstaining from works of darkness. Exposing the works of darkness. We must always remember: our light is utterly dependent on Christ, who is the Light of the world. So because of Jesus and by the power of the Spirit, let's live as children of light. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Introduction: What is fasting? – Abstaining from food (and/or other things) for measured periods of time in order to heighten my hunger for the things of God. What Am I Really Hungry For? (Matthew 6:16–18) Am I hungry for ATTENTION ... (Matt 6:16) ...or am I hungry for GOD? (Matt 6:17–18) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 6:16-18What was your big take-away from this passage / message?What is the purpose of fasting? Why do you think that fasting isn't more common in the American church?How would you describe the spiritual benefit of fasting to a believer who has never done it?How would you respond to someone who says “Due to my health issues, not eating is impossible for me.”?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open your bibles to Matthew chapter 6.Are you there?Look, verse 1, "This is the greatest sermon ever preached,and here Jesus is talking about the heart of religion."And this is how this whole section starts."Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people.In order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."Jesus says, "Beware of trying to impress people with your religious acts.Beware of doing your church stuff in a way that you want people's attention."And specifically, Jesus goes after three things here.He goes after giving and praying and fasting.And you know, anytime that I teach or preach about fasting,I always feel like I'm playing from behind.What I mean is people recognize giving and prayingas normal religious things that God's people do.Those are kind of no-brainers.But fasting?Well, look at verse 16.Look at the first phrase. Jesus says, "And when you fast..."Stop there. "When you fast..."You know what that phrase tells me?That phrase tells me that fasting is just as expected as giving.Fasting is just as expected as praying.Let's bow our heads. I'm going to ask that you would please pray for me to be faithful, to communicate.A passage and a concept that's very simple and very hard at the same time.Pray for me and I will pray for you that our hearts would be open to receive what God wants to tell us today.Transform us, Father, by the power of Your Word.We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.Let's talk about fasting, shall we?Our culture is obsessed with food, have you noticed?Turn on the TV.If the commercial is not about a pharmaceutical, what's the commercial about?Food, right?Food. Get on social media.You'll find somebody took a picture of their hamburger.Right? We're obsessed with it.You know the thing that always fascinates me though?These eating contests. Have you ever seen those eating contests?You know the most famous one?Like the hot dog eating contests.How many people here show of hands have been in a hot dog eating contests?Nobody.They're like, "Well, Pastor Jeff, have you ever been in an eating contest?"Yeah.And I won.It was eating a pie as fast as you can, hands free.And I won.I won a shop vac.That is a true story.And I needed that shop vac to clean up when I got sickafter eating a pie that fast without my hands.There's all kinds of eating contests.A taco eating contest. I think I could win that too.Wings. How about this one?An oyster eating contest.How many people would be up for that?A couple of you would.All right, Pastor Taylor, game on.Or here's an eating contest.I have no idea what this even is.Slug burger. A slug burger eating contest.Does anybody know what a slug burger is?Anybody?All right.We'll have to Google that one later. Not now, later.But I'm always fascinated by these eating contests.This one caught my eye.There was one eating contest.It was eating a 72-ounce steak.Do you know how much a 72-ounce steak is?That's 4.5 pounds of steak.And I read of this woman.A 120-pound woman ate the 72-ounce steak.And then she ate another one.And then she ate a third in 20 minutes.And with that, she also ate three baked potatoes,three shrimp cocktails, three salads,and three buttered rolls in 20 minutes.I read that.I'm like, you put butter on the rolls?Doesn't that seem excessive?But there's TV shows all about food.Like, you see these shows.They have all these shows about cake.Have you seen this?And it's not just like, what's the best tasting cake?It's like, well, I made a cake that looks like a footballor whatever.And then there's these shows where they travel all over theworld and they eat these exotic foods from all over the world.And we're sitting in our TVs watching people eat.And then you turn the channel.And on the other channel is a show called My 600-Pound Life.We're obsessed with food.And we live in a culture where we are constantly, constantlytaught that life is about consuming.But how much talk is there really about refusing consumption?So with that horrible backdrop, we're going to talk about fastingbecause this is what the Word of God addresses.So what is fasting?We have a definition here.What is fasting?Fasting is abstaining from food and/or other things.We'll explain that in a minute.Extaining from food and/or other things for measured periods oftime in order to heighten my hunger for the things of God.That's fasting.Fasting measured periods of time in order to heighten my hunger for the things of God.You see, Jesus, when He talks about giving, praying, and fasting, that's reallythree categories of things.Giving has to do with what you do with others.And praying is what you do with God.And fasting is what you do with yourself.Right?So there's different kinds of fasting.There's a normal fast that's just no food.Right?There's a partial fast where you only have maybe vegetables and juice.And there's an absolute fast where you have absolutely nothing.But you can and should also fast from other things.And we'll talk about that in a moment.But primarily, primarily, biblically, fasting is about food.Well, speaking of biblically, fasting is mentioned more than 77 times in the Old Testamentand the New Testament.It is almost always connected with prayer.You see fasting throughout the Bible, different occasions, like for example, repentance.I'm guilty of this sin.I need to turn from this sin.I'm going to fast and I'm going to pray in my repentance.In the same line of thinking, fasting accompanies mourning over sin.My personal sin, the sins of our culture, our country, we should be mourning.And part of mourning is fasting and praying.You see fasting in the Bible is seeking God at critical times.We need to fast because I really need to seek the Lord right now.Think Jesus in the wilderness.Right?Think the early church in the book of Acts.Now when you talk about fasting, you always have the person that comes along and says,"Well, you know, Pastor Jeff, fasting isn't explicitly commanded in the New Testament."And that's absolutely true.But something we can't get around is this.Jesus obviously assumed that we would fast.I mean right here, you're going to see in this passage today, twice He says, "When you fast."He says it again in Matthew chapter 9 and verse 15.He's assuming that His people would fast.Oh, and then as I said, by the way, the early church did.They fasted.Fasting though, to clarify our definition here, we're going to make sure we understandwhat it's not.Fasting is not self-punishment.Okay?It's not self-punishment.Fasting isn't like, "I've sinned.I've messed up."You know what?I'm not going to eat because I don't deserve to eat.And like you're sort of punishing yourself.That's not what fasting is about.It's not self-punishment.But fasting also is not self-serving.Meaning somebody could walk away from this service going, "Oh, you know, Pastor Jeff wastalking about fasting and I could stand to lose a couple of pounds.So I'll fast."That's not what it's about.Fasting also is not a bargaining chip.Like I need something from God.Oh, okay.I'll fast and then God will have to give me what I want.Talk more about that in a minute.Fasting is not something that makes you holy.All right?Listen, fasting is not even about getting God's attention.Understand that.Fasting is not, "Look!Look at me, God!I haven't eaten!Look at me!Look at me!"No, that's not what it's about.Fasting isn't about me trying to get God's attention.God noticed me.Fasting is about me noticing God.You see the difference?Fasting doesn't make your prayer more powerful.Fasting makes you more focused.Fasting is what I do when I need my entire concentration, all of my being.Every cell in my body focused on God.That's what fasting is.Because Christ's follower, listen, I know, I know, you want to focus on God.You do.But the problem is sometimes, if we're honest, and we should be, we want to focus on God,but sometimes we want other things more.You're like, "What do I do when what I know I should want is not the thing that I'm goingafter?What do I do?"You fast.Fasting is stopping the feeding of ourselves with other things to focus only on our relationshipwith God.Because here's the reality.Every day, every day of your life, you have the capacity to only consume so much.The capacity that you have to satisfy yourself is limited.Here's what I mean.Let's let this table here, this tabletop, let's let this represent you.Let this table represent you, your heart, your spirit.You realize every day of your life, you are filling yourself up with stuff.Now obviously as we talk about fasting, one of the things that we fill up, we satisfy ourselveswith is food, right?This isn't just life.This is mighty life, cereal.That's how we roll in our house.We fill ourselves up with food.I need to tell Aaron we need to get more pretzels.But we fill ourselves up.We're filling ourselves up.But it's not even just food, right?Think of how much stuff we fill ourselves with every day.For some of us, maybe it's sports.Like I'm on the church softball team, right?That's one of the things that I'm filling myself up with.I'm consuming myself with every day.Maybe it's not even just eating the food.Maybe it's preparing the food.So we have our magazine with the latest recipes and we're filling ourselves up with this stuff.Maybe some of us, we like to grow our food in the garden.We have our seeds here, right?But maybe we're filling ourselves up with that.What else are we filling our hearts, our minds, our souls with?For some of us, we're like, "Well, I've got to do my recreational reading, right?So I've got to make sure I get that into me."And oh, here's more seeds.And for some of us, it's like, "Well, I like to paint, so I've got to take time out."That's something that I fill myself up with, a hobby that I do.For some of us, it's exercise.You've got to make sure you get your reps in, right?Right, Dr. Andrew?We've got to make sure that we get our exercise in.That's something else.This is 6.6 pounds.That's why I'm so ripped.The first service last one, I said that.Can you believe those jerks?For some of us, you're on the golf course, right?That's something that we fill ourselves with, right?For some of us, maybe you're a gamer.You spend time during the day playing your video games.It's something you're consuming.I don't mean to show off, but this is Pac-Man from PlayStation 2.Not the old PlayStation.This is PlayStation 2.That's cutting edge, right?We fill ourselves up.Do you see where we're going with this?We're constantly filling ourselves.Oh, and it's not even just that, because we've got to make sure we entertain ourselves, right?With movies.This is a DVD.I had to explain to the first service what a DVD was.Before streaming, this is a shiny circle that you stick in a machine that plays a movie.This particular one was a gift.It's called The Masked Saint.It's about a pastor who becomes a pro wrestler.Have you ever heard such a stupid thing?But we've got to get our intake of entertainment, right?Do you see how much stuff we're taking in?Do you see?That's not it.How much time do we spend on our computers?We've got to get that in, don't we?Am I forgetting anything?Oh, yeah.How about this little guy?How much time a day do we spend filling ourselves with content from this?Do you see the point over the course of a day how much are you filling yourself with?Your body, your mind, your belly, your spirit, you're constantly, constantly, constantly,constantly consuming.Now, we're going to let this glass cross represent our walk with Jesus.This represents your relationship with Jesus Christ, your personal walk with Him.Now, do you see a problem?We have to...Well, that's...You see a problem?Now we're so full of stuff that we don't have any room left for the thing that really matters.And that's our walk with the Lord.So do you see the purpose of fasting?You know, if fasting does...Fasting just...Fasting takes everything off the table and says the only thing that I'm going to focuson is my walk with Christ.The only thing that my heart, my mind, my attention is getting is my personal walk withthe Lord.That's the purpose of fasting.So on your outline, I want you to draw a couple of things down here.The question is, what am I really hungry for?What am I really hungry for?Number one, am I hungry for attention?Am I hungry for attention?Right?Look at verse 16.Jesus says, "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they just figuretheir faces that they're fasting may be seen by others.Truly I say to you, they have received their reward."Am I hungry for attention?Jesus calls out to Pharisees.He says, "When they fast, they look gloomy.They disfigure their faces."You know the Pharisees in Jesus, they fasted twice a week.Like, why did they do that?Well, that wasn't commanded in the Old Testament.Like, well, why did they do that?Jesus tells us why they did that.They were putting on a show.That's why.He tells us that they may be seen by others.Actually, the Pharisees in Jesus, they would literally put ashes over their eyes becausethey were all in on the performance.They wanted to make sure that people knew.And when people knew that they were fasting, they were like, "Oh, you don't look so good.What's going on?Well, I'm fasting."You're fasting?Wow.Wow, you are really, you're a really devoted believer.You're a really religious person.Wow.Wow.And that little pat on the back there, that little, as Pastor Taylor calls it, the attaboy, that little thing, Jesus goes, "There's your reward."Have fun with that.It's like giving.It's like praying.We can become tempted to fast with the wrong motive.See, the fasting is supposed to be about seeking God, not human applause.And look, let's just be real.We love the attention.There is something deep down in every one of us that loves the attention, and that'sthe problem with hypocrisy.The problem with hypocrisy is it works.I mean, we've all been there.Someone makes a comment about how devoted we are.Someone sees how religious we must be, and we start to feel pretty good about ourselves.Jesus says, "Beware."Beware.Like, well, what about corporate fasting?I mean, others have to know about that, right?Well, yeah, there's New Testament examples of corporate fasting, Acts chapter 13, Actschapter 14.Now look, here's the thing with that.It's not about whether or not other people know.It's about whether or not you want them to know.See the difference?There's a difference between being seen fasting and fasting in order to be seen.That's how it is with corporate fasting.That's how it is with private fasting.When I fast, I tell Aaron, "Why?"Not because I want her applause, but because she feeds us, right?Oh, and by the way, it'd be a pretty impossible thing for me to hide from her, right?She's going to notice if I go days without eating.The point Jesus is driving us to is the motives.The motives.It's a hard issue.It's the same as giving, and it's the same as praying.It's the same point if you're looking for praises from man, don't look for anything from God.So what am I really hungry for?Am I hungry for attention?Or am I hungry for God?According to verses 17 and 18, Jesus said, "But when you fast, anoint your head and washyour face that your fasting may not be seen by others, but by your Father who is in secretand your Father who sees in secret will reward you."So here Jesus is saying, "Look, on the other hand, instead of making yourself look likeyou're dying, anoint your head and wash your face."Oh, by the way, it goes without saying, right?You don't make that a show, right?Like I shouldn't come to church and catch you in the men's room at the sink washing yourface.Like, "Joe, why are you washing your face?"Oh, I'm fasting and being obedient to our Lord.Like you could make that a show.Obvious point, right?Jesus says don't leave any physical clues that you're fasting.It's like giving, it's like praying, make it a secret, make it between you and God.And He sees and He rewards according to Jesus.He rewards.Listen, reward does not mean, reward does not mean that God owes you one now.Like look, God, I starved myself for you.I sacrificed eating for you, God.No, you have to do what I want.Look, God never works like that.Do you realize anything at all that we have from God is grace?It's all grace.Your salvation in Christ, believing that Jesus died for your sins, believing He rose to giveyou eternal life.If you've received Him, if you are saved, it is only by the grace of God that you aresaved.The gift of the Holy Spirit, God indwelling His people.It's a gift.It's grace.You know, God does not run a swap meet.To say, you do for me, then I do for you.That's not how it works.And that's not how it works with fasting.So like, what is the reward?The reward is connecting with God.The reward is connecting with God because you're seeking Him in a very deliberate way.You have taken off anything else that could distract you because you want to focus solelyon your relationship with Him.And someone would say, "Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, time out."You're telling me that if I choose not to eat or I choose to abstain from other thingsand instead use that appetite and use that time to seek the Lord, you're telling me thatif I do that, that something spiritual will happen.Yeah.Yeah, that's exactly what I'm telling you.Look, I know I could never fully explain it.And it's hard to understand, but you will understand it if you do it.If you do it for the right reason.That's what I want to encourage you.I'm sure there are people here that have never fasted for spiritual reasons in their lives.I want to encourage you to try it.Can you just, as a simple act of obedience, as a simple God, this is what your Word said,so I want to respond in obedience.Can you do that?Now look, you can modify.Like maybe you say, "You know what, I've never done this before, but this week I'm goingto take a few days and I'm going to skip lunch."And instead of eating at lunchtime, I'm going to spend that time reading a passage fromGod's Word and praying to God.I'm going to do that instead this week.Can you do that?You can do that.Or maybe you say, "You know what, I've never had an extended fast, but this week I'm goingto spend one day.I'm going to spend just two days with nothing but water, and instead I'm going to seek theLord over something very specific."You can do that.Because look, if you're sitting here going, "Oh, I hear what He's saying, but you knowwhat, I don't know if I could skip a meal.Like I don't know.I don't know if I could go without eating."Well, that might be a commentary on which appetite really controls you.Are you hungry enough for God that you're willing to forego consuming food and/or otherthings to focus solely on seeking Him?Because if you're finding that focusing on your walk with Christ has been difficult.If you're finding that lately you really haven't had much of an appetite for prayer that youknow you should.If you're finding like, "In this chapter of my life right now, this season of my lifethat I'm in, I haven't really been seeking the Lord as I know He calls me to."If any of these describe you, I want to encourage you to use this gift that God has given andredirect your appetite.This is the heart of religion.God wants your heart.And true religion comes from a heart that wants God.I'm sure some of you have picked up on this, which you realized for the last three weeksbetween Pastor Taylor and I.We've basically preached the exact same sermon three times.Why?Because our goal is to represent the text and really it's the exact same formula inall three things that the Lord calls us to.It's the same sermon.Here it is.If you give, pray, or fast in order to be seen by others, you're going to miss God's reward.But if you do them in secret, God sees in secret and He will reward you.Oh, and there are rewards for a faith that says, "I'm not looking for man's applause.All I'm looking for is God's reward."And with fasting, God is the reward.Let's pray.Father in heaven, we confess before you as a church that we don't seek you as we shouldtoo often.The Father, we've allowed other things to crowd our hearts and our minds and our bellies.We very diligently distract ourselves from what's most important.So Father, I pray that we would be hit with, for some of us it's an old concept that weneed renewed.And for some I'm sure this is a brand new concept.Father, let us take a serious and honest and hard look at your word and that we would fastas our Lord assumed that we would, but with motives that honor you.Father put it in our hearts and minds.Make us feel how desperately we need you.Let us match that desperation with how hard we seek after you.We pray in Jesus' name.

What is as wicked as the sin of witchcraft? Warning of the doctrines of devils. Abstaining from meats. We must sound the alarm.The Voice in the Wilderness does not endorse any link or other material found at buzzsprout.More at https://www.thevoiceinthewilderness.org/

In this episode, Anthony Hartcher discusses the concept of an intermittent lifestyle, emphasising the importance of balance in various aspects of life, including food, exercise, light exposure, and emotional regulation. He highlights the benefits of intermittent practices, such as taking breaks from routines and appreciating what we have. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their daily habits and make adjustments for improved wellbeing.Takeaways Intermittent lifestyle means having periods of activity and rest. Natural light is crucial for regulating our body's functions. Eating during daylight hours supports better digestion. Exercise should be done during the day, not at night. Emotional regulation is key to avoiding overwhelm. Taking breaks from routines can enhance appreciation. Abstaining from food can build anticipation and excitement. Prioritizing valuable activities is essential for wellbeing. Varying exercise types prevents burnout and promotes health. Intermittent fasting can enhance the enjoyment of food.About me&my health up & Anthony Hartcher     me&my health up seeks to enhance and enlighten the well-being of others. Host Anthony Hartcher is the CEO of me&my wellness which provides holistic health solutions using food as medicine, combined with a holistic, balanced, lifestyle approach. Anthony holds three bachelor's degrees in Complementary Medicine; Nutrition and Dietetic Medicine; and Chemical Engineering.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Intermittent Lifestyle02:49 The Importance of Intermittent Practices05:39 Emotional Regulation and Prioritization

Jay and Petra get deep into the difference between true celibacy and surface-level abstinence, revealing how the intention behind abstaining from sex can either fuel personal growth or create emotional walls. They unpack the psychological and relational impact of celibacy, challenging popular narratives and exploring how motives—whether rooted in fear, healing, or control—ultimately shape one's ability to experience authentic connection and intimacy.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Cognac Room listeners get 10% off of your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/cognacroom

Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has broken her silence on what she says was her decision to abstain from voting on the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) in 2022. According to the former lawmaker, she has no regrets about her choice

In this episode of the Hot Wife Podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of Death Grip Syndrome, a non-medical term describing the consequences of excessive tight gripping during masturbation. Joe, a guest on the show, shares his personal experiences with this syndrome, including how it affected his sexual health and relationships. The conversation delves into the dynamics of masturbation, the impact of abstaining from sexual activities, and the differences in sexual drives between men and women. The hosts also reflect on societal perceptions of masturbation and its importance in adult life.takeawaysThe Hot Wife Podcast explores relationships and intimacy.Death Grip Syndrome is a real concern for some men.Masturbation can lead to physical issues if done excessively.Abstaining from sexual activities can be challenging but necessary for recovery.Masturbation allows for personal exploration of sexual desires.There are differences in how men and women experience sexual drive.Societal views on masturbation are evolving.Communication about sexual health is important in relationships.Personal experiences can shed light on broader sexual health issues.Understanding one's body is key to maintaining sexual health.

Father Kubicki shares a poem about the importance of fasting during lent. But what does it mean to fast during Lent? Abstaining from meat is good but what does it matter if our lives are not changed through our fast.

Happy Friday lovely Listeners! Piggybacking off the past 2 week's episodes, I'm sharing about some more recent experiences that have led to revelations and a decision to take a shot at trying some new approaches to adjusting patterns and letting go of absolutes. It's Ok to play around with elements in your life, we're all alchemists afterall!On this solo episode I share about the notion of Abstaining with Love; letting go of something you often engage in or do a certain way not because it's "bad" rather because trying something new can shift your energy or adjust your path to allow for desired change. Of course this came from a another humorous anecdote in my life, there seem to be quite a few lately. And I'm here for it! I also touch on how we can navigate dating and intimacy after upsetting situations and why it's important to establish emotional safety before taking big risks.* Women Waken Wednesdays will be held weekly on Wednesdays at 6pm PST starting in February! This is a virtual Women's group I'm holding for my beautiful listeners. I would love for you to join! Please contact me (IG or Email) for Zoom info!Donations To Women Waken To Support The Show Are Greatly Appreciated

NEW Course Let's Talk About "It" is available NOW!Ellen addresses the question of whether it is okay for couples to make out while trying to avoid pregnancy during the fertile window. She explains the role of sexual arousal in preparing the body for sex and discusses the potential physical and emotional discomfort of arousing each other without the intention to have sex. ___________________________________ Did we mention a book on this week's episode? Click here for our recommended books! Reach out at instagram.com/chartingtowardintimacy/ or email us at ellen@vinesinfullbloom.comReady to improve your sex life and take it to the next level? Check out our courses: vinesinfullbloom.com/courses

By taking deliberate time for our self and answering simple questions about life, it'll increase our clarity and awareness. We'll be more precise in our actions moving forward. Subscribe to the email newsletter for inspiration, self-development, & updates Recorded in at the farmhouse studio Questions from this session: 1. What're we grateful for? 2. What's a habit we made changes to? Abstaining or got better at? 3. What're we focused on right now? 4. What's a recent project we've worked on that we're proud of? 5. Do we inspire our self? How so? 6. Do we perform any affirmations? What's one we could practice? 7. What's a band or music artist we'd like to see perform live? 8. When was the last time we celebrated a friend or family member's accomplishment or success? 9. What're we curious about recently? 10. What're we energized for in the next week?

Mike Collins believes sugar addiction is very real and not to be taken lightly. As a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder for over thirty- nine years, he took a keen interest in what sugar was doing to him and his friends in early recovery. After much research and experimentation - he quit sugar with the help of amazing mentors. He then raised two children sugar-free from the womb to six years old, and as they grew, he rewrote the rules for sugar and kids in childhood. He takes his stewardship of SugarAddiction.com and QuitSugarSummit.com very seriously and aims to provide information and community for anyone wanting to curb or quit sugar. Hundreds of thousands have read his book The Last Resort Sugar Detox, and tens of thousands have completed his online 30-Day Sugar Freedom Challenge. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realsugarfreeman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sugar_Free_Man YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SugarAddiction Other: https://www.facebook.com/QuitSugarNow Website: https://sugaraddiction.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Trailer and introduction. 04:18 Sugar reduction. 08:41 Gave up sugar, grains, resolved health issues. 11:09 Sugary foods' character makes them addictive. 14:55 Struggles with sugar addiction mirror substance dependency. 19:12 Emotional issues often drive unhealthy habits. 20:43 Diet and emotional strategies can mitigate sugar addiction. 25:45 Partner doesn't eat chocolate; maintains great shape. 27:55 Abstaining from sugar can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis. 31:12 Is total sugar avoidance necessary nowadays? 34:25 Black coffee maintains cravings; studies cravings, denial. 38:25 Joining groups influences your lifestyle and health. 40:53 Older adults struggle more with weight loss. 44:00 Microdosing favored; bariatric patients regained weight. 48:33 Keep coming back, focus on brain repair. 50:18 Where to find Mike. Revero Clinic for treating chronic diseases: https://revero.com Join Revero Now to transform your health: https://revero.com/membership Join the Revero team (medical providers, etc): https://revero.com/jobs ‪#Revero #ReveroHealth #shawnbaker  #Carnivorediet #MeatHeals #AnimalBased #ZeroCarb #DietCoach  #FatAdapted #Carnivore #sugarfree Disclaimer: The content on this channel is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider. ‪#revero #shawnbaker #Carnivorediet #MeatHeals #HealthCreation   #humanfood #AnimalBased #ZeroCarb #DietCoach  #FatAdapted #Carnivore #sugarfree  ‪

There is a biblical difference between fasting and abstaining. Matthew 6:16-18, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Exodus 29:13, Lev 3:3-5, 14-16, 4:8-10, 7:1-5

Meet Luci Lampe, a trauma-informed sex and relationship coach, award-winning performer, and mother of four. We recently sat down to explore the practical application of spiritual wisdom in daily life, as well as the intricacies of navigating the dark night of the soul. Our conversation unveils the powerful relationship between inner guidance, love, and fear, offering listeners concrete tools for navigating life's challenges with grace. What makes this episode unique is Luci's ability to bridge the gap between deep spiritual wisdom and practical application. Drawing from her extensive experience as a coach and author, she shares invaluable insights about creating sustainable spiritual practices that work in the real world, especially when life gets messy. I have a few exclusive spots available for visionary leaders ready to elevate their impact and create a lasting legacy. If you're sensing there's a higher level of success waiting for you to claim it, and you're ready to upgrade your inner operating system, let's connect: Apply for 1:1 private coaching or book a Story Clarity Intensive session with me to transform your life and unlock your story. EPISODE INSIGHTS: 05:07 - Meet Luci: From Commercial Actress to Trauma-Informed Coach 06:51 - Understanding the Dance Between Love and Fear 11:21 - Practical Steps to Access Your Inner Guidance System 13:36 - The Power of Sustainable Spiritual Practice 15:42 - Transforming Triggers into Teachers 18:54 - The Art of Creating Sacred Space in Daily Life HIGHLIGHT QUOTES: "Listen to what fear is telling you. Don't just block it out. There is a gift there. Ask yourself, where is the love trying to come through this?" Luci Lampe "Practice the muscle of discerning between what is love and what is fear, so discern fear and love and then show up in your life every day as love in the best possible way that you can." Celinne Da Costa EXPLORE FURTHER: Achieving Sexy Journal: 30 Days to a Sexier Life & Body by Luci Lampe Listen to Ep 33: Coming Home to Myself: Lessons from a Year and 9 Months of Abstaining from Sex Apply for 1:1 private coaching Book a Story Clarity Intensive session MEET LUCI LAMPE Luci Lampe is a mom of 4, trauma-informed sex & relationship coach, award-winning singer and songwriter, commercial actress & print model, and 3X author. Her writing has been featured on the Huffington Post, Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, CBS, and Fox. After overcoming an autoimmune disorder and embarking on a deep healing journey and spiritual awakening during her former husband's 2-year disability and depression, Luci's work shifted deeper into the realms of erotic liberation and spiritual reclamation. Now, after her journey of conscious uncoupling after a 17-year marriage, she brings a new depth to the message of open-Hearted living + relating for couples, women, and men. FIND MORE ABOUT LUCI Website | Instagram MEET CELINNE DA COSTA Celinne Da Costa is a Master Coach and brand story expert who works with high-achieving, purpose-driven CEOs, experts, and executives to help them become confident, fully expressed leaders with transformational stories, an influential brand, and a tribe of raving fans. Celinne has thousands of hours of practitioner training in various modalities, including NeuroLinguistic Programming, Facilitated Breath Repatterning, hypnotherapy, shamanic energy healing, emotional intelligence coaching, and life coaching, which she channels to create powerful breakthroughs for her clients. Her work has been featured in top media, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Business Insider. A bestselling author and a popular speaker, Celinne has also delivered a TEDx speech on the power of human connection. Follow her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @CelinneDaCosta. FIND MORE ABOUT CELINNE Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” - Job 38:1-2   This Episode's Links and Timestamps: 00:00 – Scripture Reading 18:22 – My Commentary on Job 38 46:31 – AllSides Front Page 1:16:47 - Is Voting a Christian Responsibility? – Cynthia Garrett, Christianity.com 1:43:39 - ‘Understand What's At Stake': Heritage President Urges People Of Faith To Vote Against Kamala – Mary Margeret Olohan, DW 2:15:57 - Proclamation on 850th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket – Trump White House Archives, December 28, 2020 2:36:25 - Trump promises yearly $10,000 tax write-off for homeschooling families (that's $10,000 PER child!) – Harris Rigby, NTB 2:50:44 - Market ‘Very Convinced' Trump Is Going To Win, Billionaire Investor Says – Daniel Chaitin, DW

In this video, we answer a listeners question about when you should tell someone you're dating that you are waiting for marriage. Also once you are married how do you handle less sex than expected?We discuss all that and more on this week's episode! Couple Questions to take your date conversations to the NEXT level! https://www.wearejustdating.com/resources || LET'S CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: We post updates in real time of dating tips and relationship advice https://www.instagram.com/wearejustdating || M U S I C Music by Musician: Jeff Kaele || S U B S C R I B E https://youtube.com/channel/UCjb3LN4J... New Videos Every Tuesday! Email Updates: https://www.wearejustdating.com/subscribe || F O L L O W Website | www.wearejustdating.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wearejustdating TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@wearejustdating Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/WeAreJustDating Threads | https://www.threads.net/@wearejustdating *Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate. By clicking and or purchasing, We may receive monetary reward. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience. || YOU'LL LOVE THESE VIDEOS TOO Why adversity is good in dating! | https://youtu.be/ef-Fgkqvvzk How to have conflict and argue well | https://youtu.be/_MhwhqNYXCA— T I M & P A U L I N EWe are Tim & Pauline and we have been married since 2018. We have an education and coaching business where we teach single Christians how to choose partners that produce godly marriages through courses, coaching, and community. We've worked with people fresh out of college, to recently divorced, helping them get clarity and strategy that attracts their ideal partner. This channel walks you through the journey of being single, dating, and the early stages of marriage, by sharing information on how to attract, maintain, and grow in a godly relationship of your own!

Send us a textWhat if the church could transform society by aligning itself with the struggles of the oppressed? Join us as we examine the life and legacy of Gustavo Gutierrez, who challenged traditional Christian teachings and advocated for liberation theology during the revolutionary 1960s. We explore how his groundbreaking ideas, rooted in Marxist principles, called for the church's active role in social justice and the liberation of the poor. This discussion delves into the complex relationship between faith, politics, and societal change, highlighting the tensions between innovative theological concepts and established religious doctrines.Obituaries serve as profound records of history and personal narratives. We navigate the world of obituaries by contrasting the detailed, balanced accounts often found in major publications with the intimate, heartfelt memorials that families create. By examining these narratives, we emphasize the importance of remembering individuals with moral and spiritual accountability, while also recognizing the value of obituaries for genealogical research. Additionally, we offer guidance for first-time voters on how to approach their civic duties during an election season, ensuring they can honor their personal and spiritual values amidst the political landscape.In a world where voting is both a privilege and a responsibility, we explore the ethical considerations that voters, particularly Christians, face as they evaluate candidates. Abstaining from voting can inadvertently amplify the influence of others, thus carrying moral implications of its own. This episode underscores the importance of informed and conscientious voting, encouraging listeners to evaluate candidates through personal and biblical convictions. By focusing on harm reduction and choosing candidates who pose the least moral risk, we reflect on the broader implications for democracy and the necessity of participating in elections with a thoughtful and pragmatic approach. Support the show

In this episode we're talking all about the idea of a BALANCED diet. Balance can mean different things for every person, and in this episode we discuss different styles of what balance can look like, and practical tips to help you find the balance that supports you on your health journey, while also honoring your relationship with food and your lifestyle!Listen in to hear:The difference between abstaining and moderatingHow addiction can play a role in our relationships with foodHow a “dopamine detox” can help you reset your baseline with sugar and processed foodsPractical tips to help you find out what balance looks like for YOUThe importance of radical honesty when it comes to finding balanceHow to build habits that support your style of balance+ so much moreConnect with LaurenFollow me on Instagram or and head to my website to get 60+ free hormone healthy recipes, download my free Ebook, How to Boost Your Egg Quality, learn about my coaching programs and stay up to date on all my latest workshops and courses!Thank you so much for listening to the About Health and Hormones Podcast! If you loved today's episode, I would love to know! Please leave a rating and review so I can make this podcast even better for you all. I would love to connect with you.I'm so glad you were here today, and I wish you all health and happiness!This episode was edited and produced by Intent Media.

From Self Destruction To Self Healing and becoming a Change Agent for The World w/ Jack Liang In this weeks episode we have a guest joining us! Jack Liang - we go deep into personal growth, entrepreneurship and the energy he was chasing money and success from vs what he has learned since diving into his personal growth and healing journey and how that's completely shifted the work and the impact he wants to make in this world. He coordinated the largest Asian American Rally in History, Opened restaurants at 24 + was even recruited to work for Instagram because of his unreal promoting skills!  We discuss plant medicine and how he feels that's the most powerful thing you can do on your healing journey, as well as we discuss darkness retreats, getting  outside of your comfort zone, religion, God, Healing, The height of Asian Hate in America, Depression, Talk Therapy + SSRIs / Antidepressants, Delayed Ejaculation, your sexual energy and how its related to life force energy, the impact of your relationship with your parents and how that impacts future relationships, alcohol and drugs and why he has been alcohol free for 4.5 years now even though that used to be his entire identity, plus so much more! It was such an amazing conversation and although long, I think you'll get a lot out of it if you listen till the end.  Key Takeaways Personal growth often begins with a catalyst, such as facing adversity or experiencing pain. Material success does not guarantee fulfillment and happiness. Quitting alcohol can lead to profound personal transformation and a deeper understanding of oneself. Plant medicine, like ayahuasca, can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Creating a supportive environment and seeking professional help are crucial in the journey of personal growth. Focus on self-healing and personal growth before trying to fix others Plant medicine, such as ayahuasca and psilocybin, can facilitate deep healing and spiritual connection Childhood experiences and parental relationships can impact adult relationships and require self-awareness to break generational patterns Non-ejaculation during sex may have benefits for men, such as increased testosterone and emotional connection Abstaining from ejaculation can help in manifesting and expanding one's energy field. Controlling sexual energy is important for personal growth and development. Pornography can have negative effects on individuals and society. Love transcends time and space and has the power to heal oneself and others. CONNECT WITH JACK HERE

Send us a Text Message.Today we are releasing a bonus episode! This is my recent appearance on The Carnivore Revolution YT Channel with Serena Musick!Serena Musick is a returning guest on our show! Be sure to check out her first appearance on episode 490, and her second appearance on episode 643 of Boundless Body Radio!Serena Musick is a 51-years-young homeschool mom who has found food freedom and relief from all of the severe and chronic health issues she had been trying to deal with. Serena is a now carnivore content creator, sharing her message of health and healing online.She is also the host of the Carnivore Revolution page on YouTube and Instagram, so be sure to check that out! I was honored to be hosted on that amazing YouTube channel, Carnivore Revolution, on an episode called Casey Ruff: Carnivore, Abstaining, and Exercise.She is the owner of an amazing tallow-based skincare line, which I absolutely love, called Purely Tallow!Find Serena at-https://www.purelytallow.com/IG- @serena.carnivoreYT- @carnivorerevolutionAs always, it was a fun chat, and I'm always so grateful to be a guest on someone else's show!Find Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

Thinking you know the gospel; Finding out what God means; "logos" = Word = right reason; The plan; Extra-terrestrials?; Demons?; Angels?; Assembling knowledge; The solution to the world's problems; Constitution?; Church fathers?; Your basis for choices; Misinterpretation damage; "rema" vs "logos"; Thinking like God; Willingness to see; Spiritual light; "nacac"; Double-letters in Hebrew; Following the "logos" of God; Inflation; Guidance by Holy Spirit; Or eating of the tree of knowledge; Finding right reason; Fasting; Matt 17; Fasting = "nesteuo"; Abstaining from something; Which "Simon"?; Nicodemus; Things leading us away from Tree of Life; Biting one another; Zombies?; Coveting your neighbors' goods; Prov 6:10; Treating symptoms rather than root causes; Micah 3:3 Flesh-eating; Christ made himself poor; Abraham's republic; Cities of blood; Christ's flesh and blood; Binding yourself to rulers; Why we gather; Sacrifice; How to find the kingdom; Good Samaritan; Being fruitful; Dynamic of creation; Codifications; Seeing the spirit; Prayer; Waiting upon the Lord; Mammon; Constantine's church; Christ's difference; Human resources (merchandise); Doctrine of Christ; Letting in real Holy Spirit; Beast/harlot system; Freewill vs force; "Religion"; Your duty to God and fellow man; Rewarding self-indulgence; Evil thoughts - haters; Strange fire; Pure religion; Laying down your life for others; Prov 1:19 greedy for gain; Repentance; Turning around; Is 56:10 blind watchmen; Tens; "Filthy lucre"; Matt 3:2, Mark 1:15, Mark 6:12; Thinking differently; "Israel"; Spirit and truth; His righteousness; Mark 3:1; Code violation?; Sabbath?; Fasting from debt; Withered hand; Wrath of God; Ten-family synagogues; Church and state; Giving of your life; Pretend Christians; Pharisees vs Christ; Bondage of Egypt; Cities of righteousness; Destroying Christ; Cloak of treachery; Anger/wrath; Binding by truth; Multiplying followers; Keeping a low profile?; Ordaining the twelve; Beelzebub; Unforgivable sin; Cannot codify the spirit of God; Blaspheme = rejecting the light; Giving away your rights; Christ on a mission; Doing the will of the Father; Public welfare/religion; You can repent; Misleading translations; Loving your enemy; Seeking kingdom of God; Repeating history; Tables as traps/snares; Repent and seek His kingdom and righteousness.

Hey Y'all !On this episode I candidly speak about my abstinence  journey, while doing maybe a lil' bit of oversharing. But per the usual, on my podcast I keeps is raw, real, and relatable to whom ever are navigating these things as well.Links to Get in touch with Me :Instagram https://instagram.com/_iampurpose?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==Photography Website :https://picsonpurpose.comMy book : https://www.amazon.com/Drifting-Nia-S-Crews/dp/1070841676Tik Tok :https://www.tiktok.com/@_iampurpose?_t=8a6cJLfJ2vy&_r=1

Serena Musick is a returning guest on our show! Be sure to check out her appearance on episode 490 of Boundless Body Radio! Serena Musick is a 51-years-young homeschool mom of 4 kiddos living in Virginia. Before coming to a carnivore diet, she endured 35 years of bulimia, chronic under-eating followed by bouts of binging, inflammation, anxiety, and carb addiction, all thanks to her low-fat dieting.Since coming over to the animal-based and carnivore side, Serena has found food freedom and relief from all of the severe and chronic health issues she had been trying to deal with. Serena is a now carnivore content creator, sharing her message of health and healing online. She is also the host of the Carnivore Revolution page on YouTube and Instagram, so be sure to check that out! I was honored to be hosted on that amazing YouTube channel, Carnivore Revolution, on an episode called Casey Ruff: Carnivore, Abstaining, and Exercise. She is the owner of an amazing tallow-based skincare line, which I absolutely love, called Purely Tallow! Find Serena at-https://www.purelytallow.com/IG- @serena.carnivoreYT- @carnivorerevolutionFind Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

A year-and-a-half after its launch, half of workers report having used ChatGPT on the job. On this episode of The Pie, Anders Humlum, Assistant Professor at the Chicago Booth School of Business, shares results from a recent, large-scale survey profiling the workers who are leading the generative AI curve.

Is it possible to know someones sexual compatibility while abstaining? Luke shares 5 cues that might give you a glimpse into your future sex life.Luke's Socials : @Narrowwayman

Remember the podcast intro? Well this is still it, but now it's it's own podcast! All the chat we couldn't say on air and more. Just make sure if you're Bryce's young nephew Max you don't listen, just a bit crook for him yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show we got talking abut Tiger Woods abstinence in the lead up to the US Masters and we want to know what have you tried abstaining from?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to Episode 13 of the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Podcast! In this episode, hosts Susan and Ruby delve into the emotional and physiological complexities of alcohol dependence as they answer a listener's question: "How can I get back to being a “normal” drinker, I just want to be able to drink like everyone else? " They share personal experiences and insights, challenging the concept of a "normal drinker" and highlighting the pitfalls of moderation. Susan shared her personal revelation about fully committing to an alcohol-free lifestyle, likening the experience to the metaphor of holding onto two worlds. This analogy beautifully symbolizes the struggle of being stuck in a cyclical pattern of drinking, and the empowering choice to break free from it.Ruby illuminated the importance of starting with small steps, such as a weekend alcohol-free, and gradually progressing to longer periods of alcohol-free living. She emphasized the power of mental clarity and the freedom gained from abstaining from alcohol, creating new neural pathways and avoiding the tantalizing yet elusive idea of moderation.Through their candid discussion, they emphasize the significance of committing to an alcohol-free lifestyle and offer practical techniques for embracing emotional clarity and freedom. Join us as we explore the journey to alcohol freedom and the power of fully committing to a healthier, more empowering way of living.Keywords Alcohol, Self-blame, Coping mechanism, Accelerator events, Physiological response, Addiction stigma, Alcohol freedom coaches, Normal drinker, Observing behaviors, Curiosity, Neural pathways, Cognitive dissonance, Ziva meditation, Come to your senses, Presence, Grounded, Hijacked state, Living alcohol-free, Embracing feelings,  Commitment, Baby steps, Small wins, Mental clarity, Freedom, Neural pathways, Abstaining, Elusive moderation, Occasional drinkingTimestamp04:27 Questioning the concept of "normal" drinking habits.06:21 Constantly questioning and evaluating drinking habits, seeking freedom.10:00 Alcohol use can become addictive due to physiology.14:29 Observing others for alcohol tactics, feeling better.18:25 Guide for gradual alcohol-free transition leads to empowerment.22:31 Choosing new pathways leads to lasting We want to hear from you! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and ask us any questions you have about breaking free from wine or living an alcohol-free lifestyle. Your question could be the highlight of a future episode! Grab your copy of our FREE WineFree Weekend Guide to help you on your alcohol free journey. https://feellitpodcast.com/Guide Find community and connection on the Feel Lit Alcohol Free Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/feellitalcoholfreepodcastWebsites:Susan Larkin Coaching https://www.susanlarkincoaching.com/ Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/Follow Susan: @drinklesswithsusanFollow Ruby: @rubywilliamscoachingIt is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice regarding your health before attempting to take a break from alcohol. The creators, hosts, and producers of the The Feel Lit Alcohol Free podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, or psychological advice nor do they intend for the podcast, any resource or communication on behalf of the podcast or otherwise to be a substitute for such.

Last day without our leader. Rough outing for Gibby yesterday but Oli found some silver linings. Tyler O'Neil is absolutely raking for Boston. Doug was swindled by an April Fool's tweet about Trevor Bauer. Doug wants to change the kinesiology of pitching. Akshay Bhatia wins the Valero Texas Open and punches his ticket to the Masters. Iggy's not happy with Tiger quotes. How are you preparing for the FPCC? Gabbie Marshall just popped up. South Carolina finished their undefeated season and beat Iowa yesterday. Audio of Dawn Staley giving Caitlin Clark praise. Athletes being interviewed right after tough losses. Battlehawks drew a big crowd on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last day without our leader. Rough outing for Gibby yesterday but Oli found some silver linings. Tyler O'Neil is absolutely raking for Boston. Doug was swindled by an April Fool's tweet about Trevor Bauer. Doug wants to change the kinesiology of pitching. Akshay Bhatia wins the Valero Texas Open and punches his ticket to the Masters. Iggy's not happy with Tiger quotes. How are you preparing for the FPCC? Gabbie Marshall just popped up. South Carolina finished their undefeated season and beat Iowa yesterday. Audio of Dawn Staley giving Caitlin Clark praise. Athletes being interviewed right after tough losses. Battlehawks drew a big crowd on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The crew discusses Tiger Woods and his abstinence leading up to the Masters. Also, Scheim discusses what he is betting this week. Does oral count as sex? Why do athletes not have sex before a big game? Wiggy and the crew weighs in. Also, Curtis weighs in on where Wrestlemania should be hosted permanently. 

Kat Has A Laundry Savings Trick & Tiger Is Abstaining

This episode brings us to a couple, who though joined in marriage, are nothing alike. Abigail is a women of strong character and a meek spirit. Nabal is a fool. In spite of this unequal yoking, Abigail has the joy of the Lord. When her husband acts in foolishness, she responds in godly wisdom. This wisdom saved the life of her husband and the reputation of the future king.   Some lessons we learn from this couple: -Can you have joy if you are unequally yoked? -Showing wisdom in how and when to approach a spouse with issues -Abstaining from bitterness when you're hurt by a spouse -Guarding how you speak about godly leadership   Scriptures Referenced: I Samuel 25   Resources: Find the entire Bible Study Series: https://nohighercalling.org/podcast_series/undesirable-couples-of-the-bible/    Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

L.T. General Keith Kellogg, Fox News Contributor, former National Security Adviser To VP Pence, former Chief Of Staff Of National Security Council In The Trump Admin, and author of War by Other Means: A General in the Trump White House, joined the Guy Benson Show today to discuss Trump's latest remarks on Israel. Guy and Kellogg also discuss Biden seemingly abandoning Israel by his administration's failure to veto the latest call for a ceasefire at the UN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abstinence isn't just for physical things. Sometimes, we need to abstain from the need to be in control of everything. Being a control freak isn't a spiritual discipline. Abstaining from our selfishness is. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/leesburg-daily/message

Message from City Daily on March 5, 2024

Abstaining from meat, dairy, sweets, wine, oil I-phones and entertainment and adding more prayer seem unreasonable? It is actually the norm that Lent seeks to bring us back to,

The Founder Series is an original podcast series by Behind the Human & Wisdom Ventures that explores the mental fitness practices, rituals, and sources of wisdom fuelling founders who are scaling compassion and wellness. Nick Allen is co-founder & CEO of Sunnyside. He's a student of habit change and behavioural psychology and an avid self-improvement enthusiast. He founded Sunnyside after finding few options to help with more mindful drinking, vs an all or nothing approach. Before co-founding Sunnyside, Nick held various growth and business development roles, including serving as the head of growth at the rideshare app Lyft. ___Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life Connect with Marc >>> Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show!Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet!*Behind the Human is proudly recorded in a Canadian made Loop Phone Booth*Special props

Let's talk about the UN and abstaining.... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beau-of-the-fifth-column/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/beau-of-the-fifth-column/support

In this profoundly personal solo episode, I open up to share the story behind my decision to abstain from romantic intimacy with men for 1 year and 9 months.  This was not a decision I made lightly. After a painful breakup and a serious health scare in early 2022, I realized drastic change was needed if I wanted to rewrite my love story and manifest the love I truly desired to experience in my life. During what I can only describe as a mixture of a dark night of the soul and one of the most difficult and significant turning chapters of my story, I did the deepest inner work of my life— exploring and resolving my conditioning around men, relationships, the mother/father wound, and fear of intimacy dating back to childhood and even my ancestry. I excavated unconscious patterns and rewrote disempowering stories that no longer served the woman I was becoming and the vision that I have for myself when it comes to creating a life full of love and harmony – including in my romantic relationships. It was a challenging yet incredibly clarifying commitment to myself that grew me in ways that, two years later, I don't even recognize myself as a woman (for the better!). I cherish the relationship that I've built with myself, the love that I am practicing towards myself, and the woman that I've become – not to mention, the external reflections of the love I've cultivated in my heart, which I am experiencing every day. EPISODE INSIGHTS: ▪️How abstinence gave me space to reconnect with my Soul ▪️Learning to deeply enjoy my own company ▪️Dialing in my “energetic hygiene” and strengthening my energy body ▪️How self-love rippled out to amplify my purpose and grow my business ▪️Why healing the past frees you to consciously design the future ▪️How changing my inner reality around love reshaped my outer experience  HIGHLIGHT QUOTES: "My biggest fear was being alone. And for me to truly grow and overcome that fear, there was no other way but to go into it—and be alone." Celinne Da Costa "The more alone I was, I started to realize, wait, this is really fun. I really enjoy my time. I really enjoy quality time with myself."  Celinne Da Costa "My business doubled in 2022 during this celibacy period. The more I came back to myself, back into my vitality, my joy...the more clarity I received around my business." Celinne Da Costa This was an incredibly transformative chapter that changed how I relate to myself and others. If you resonate with longing for deeper self-love or are seeking to rewrite your love story to be in alignment to your highest self, this episode is for you. If you desire to upgrade your relationship story so that you can attract healthier partnerships and navigate your breakups with ease, clarity, and grace then my Masterclass on Conscious Uncoupling may be just what you need. Get ready to turn a painful event into an opportunity to learn, evolve, and prepare yourself to receive a more aligned and loving partner. Sign up here to begin your journey. With love, Celinne

Abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs during religious holidays has been a tradition for centuries in many religions. In Christianity, for example, during Lent (40 days prior to Easter) and Advent (40 days prior to Christmas), Christans were once forbidden to consume ANY animal flesh as well as as dairy, cheese, and eggs.  In today's episode, we explore this history and demonstrate that not eating animal products was more common than not, especially during the period of contemplation and contrition leading up to the holy days of Easter and Christmas. I share my own experience growing up Catholic, my memories of Fish Fridays, and the meaning of a common English word whose origins are steeped in religious abstinence. —————— Support this podcast today at JoyfulVegan.com/Donate Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com AFFILIATE PARTNERS: Nama Juicer — Use this link and coupon code COLLEEN20 and get 20% off my favorite juicer. Plaine Products — Use this link and coupon code "compassion" for 15% off my favorite zero waste bath and body products. Complement — Use this link and coupon code "joyfulvegan" and get 10% off my favorite supplements. Thank you for listening.  

Links: Learn more about the IC Community - https://www.innerconfidence.com/community Follow Gabrielle Britez - https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle_britez/ Show Notes: 00:00 Instagram flirting with model; is it successful? 04:54 Dating experiences, lessons, and finding true love. 09:04 C-section incisions smaller due to advancements. 09:39 Complications during childbirth led to extended recovery. 12:42 Guys age differently, women's fertility declines sooner. 18:20 "Not against dating apps, but believe in fate." 20:58 Level up your social life and confidence. Apply now! 24:56 Receiving unexpected DM, open to dating offer. 27:41 He invited me, then I brought girlfriend. 31:23 Motivated by Miami boyfriend, did 75 Hard. 32:33 Abstaining from drinking, feeling weird in public. 36:01 Observing someone's minimal social media presence. 41:26 Strategic approach to dating with multiple options. 41:59 Depends on his attention and the situation. 47:32 Dislike for Mykonos due to overcrowding and accessibility. 51:16 Hugh Hefner's transformation and influence explained. 54:52 Look for a reformed, interesting, attractive guy. Show Notes: To listen to more episodes of the Inner Confidence Podcast, visit the links below:  Website: ⁠https://innerconfidence.com/podcast/⁠  And if you're interested in learning more about my coaching services and connecting with me, check out these links:  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/robbie_kramer/⁠  TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@robbie.kramer⁠  YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/innerconfidence ⁠  Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to helping you build your inner confidence and achieve success! Book a call with Robbie: ⁠https://start.innerconfidence.com⁠

Niall Stanage joins Eamon to talk about Joe Biden's continuing struggle in the pre-election polls despite strong performance in stabilising the economy, Donald Trump's plans to scrap Biden's clean energy rules and expand drilling to boost fossil fuels, and Republican candidate Nikki Haley is on the rise. Niall Stanage is Associate Editor at the Hill and White House columnist for that publication.Recorded on Thursday 23rd November 2023. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-stand-with-eamon-dunphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

0:00 Intro & Housekeeping. We need Boundaries in Life3:01 Savage Hour 9:42 Comment Corner - Celebs and Ozempic13:40 Comment Corner, Abstaining from Sugar17:06 - Hold My Coffee, A Tik Tok TROLL18:53 Hot Coffee Topic - Shallow Hal Actress speaks out27:12 Mike & Jeanine's Weight Loss Journey Update, Mots-C Berberine etc.41:47 Weight Loss GimmicksLeave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/candidly-with-coffee/id1497184161Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrsceo_jLTK Fashion Links: https://www.shopLTK.com/explore/MrsCEO_JInstagram: https://instagram.com/mrsceo_jWeight Loss IG: https://instagram.com/@jsbodybootcampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsceo_jMike's YouTube Channel:  @escoelitefitness Mike's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@escoelitefitness1UP Nutrition Code: JEANINEhttps://www.1upnutrition.com Built Bar Code: MRSCEOJhttps://builtbar.com?baapp=MRSCEOJCRZ YOGA code: MRSCEOJ to save 10%CRZyoga: https://us.crzyoga.com/?ref=JEANINEESCOBARWork with Jeaninehttps://stan.store/mrsceo_j

In this episode, Alicia interviews figurative painter Sophie Tea.  Sophie has trailblazed a new route to success for contemporary artists. Abstaining from traditional gallery representation, she leveraged social media to build her brand to cult status.  In her most recognized series of nudes, the female form is celebrated in all its unique splendor. Her work is defined by vibrant colors, energetic drips, and signature splats and conveys a powerful message of inclusivity.  This episode dives deep into the meaning and inspiration behind her work as well as the process that went into self-publishing her first book "Send Nudes".  https://sophieteaart.com/products/coffee-table-book

Abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs during religious holidays has been a tradition for centuries in many religions. In Christianity, for example, during Lent (40 days prior to Easter) and Advent (40 days prior to Christmas), parishoners were forbidden to consume animal flesh as well as as dairy, cheese, and eggs.  In today's episode, we explore this history and demonstrate that not eating animal products was more common than not, especially during the period of contemplation and contrition leading up to the holy days of Easter and Christmas. I share my own experience growing up Catholic, my memories of Fish Fridays, and the meaning of a common English word whose origins are steeped in religious abstinence. Support this podcast today at Patreon.com/ColleenPatrickGoudreau Visit my website: JoyfulVegan.com Join me on an all-inclusive vegan trip: JoyfulVeganTrips.com AFFILIATE PARTNERS: Nama Juicer — Use this link and coupon code COLLEEN10 and get 10% off my favorite juicer. Plaine Products — Use this link and coupon code "compassion" for 15% off my favorite zero waste bath and body products. Complement — Use this link and coupon code "joyfulvegan" and get 10% off my favorite supplements.

Leon Edward Talks UFC Life, Jake Paul, USMAN, Ian Garry, Abstaining From Sex Before fights + MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.