Podcasts about affirming

RESOURCES- Step into your next level of growth and join me inside Lotus Rising Premium Coaching at danettecoaching.comCONNECT WITH DANETTEInstagram: @thedanettemayFacebook: Danette MayTikTok: @thedanettemayNEW TV Show on Youtube: @TheDanetteMayListen to The Danette May ShowRead my book: danettemay.com/embraceabundancebookGet The Rise book: therisebook.comWork with Danette: danettemay.comIn this final day of our meditation visualization series, I guide you through a powerful soul activation meditation designed to help you reconnect with your truth, awaken your inner knowing, and remember the light that has always been within you. This guided meditation is perfect for moments when you feel disconnected, uncertain, fearful, or ready to step into a higher version of yourself.Through breathwork, heart-centered visualization, grounding Earth energy, divine light activation, affirmations, and a soul question prompt, you'll be invited to soften your nervous system, open your heart, activate your energy centers, and choose your highest timeline. Let this meditation support you in feeling grounded, whole, aligned, and deeply connected to your soul's truth.IN THIS EPISODE:(0:00) Final day welcome(0:15) Download and save meditations(0:47) Soul activation setup(1:43) Breath and nervous system reset(2:37) Heart light visualization(3:19) Affirming your truth(3:47) Earth and crown energy activation(5:15) Already whole and aligned(5:46) Soul question prompt(6:39) Choosing your highest timeline(7:16) Return and remember

Dr. Paul Weaver is an author and Associate Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Bible and Theology Matters: https://www.bibleandtheologymatters.com Faith-Affirming Findings: https://a.co/d/01zg2qVM www.worldviewmatters.tv © FreedomProject 2026

The conversation explores the cultural moment where disagreement is often interpreted as rejection of people themselves, especially surrounding issues of identity and sexuality. It also delves into the struggle of modern culture to distinguish between disagreeing with beliefs and hating the person.TakeawaysDisagreement is often interpreted as rejection of people themselvesModern culture struggles to distinguish between disagreeing with beliefs and hating the person

Date May 24, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we trade the exhaustion of trying to "bat 1,000" for the scandalous grace of Pentecost—a day when God pours out a Spirit not for the perfect, but for "all flesh." We explore how our fragile, forgetful, and silver-haired humanity is exactly where the Holy Spirit chooses to take up residence. You are invited to stop waiting until you have it all together and instead become God's greatest surprise: the Risen Christ showing up in the middle of our beautifully broken lives. References Scripture: Acts 2:1–21 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 For the third day this week, Kerby Anderson welcomes a first time guest. Today he welcomes author Paul Weaver to our studio. They'll discuss Biblical History, Archeology and Dr. Weaver's book, Faith-Affirming Findings. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments. Looking for just […]

If the Bible is inspired and inerrant, then the archaeological record will affirm it. And it does. Bible scholar and Dallas Theological Seminary professor, Dr. Paul D. Weaver, will join us to examine some of the fifty most important archaeological discoveries that confirm the historical reliability of Scripture. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Date May 17, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we dismantle the cultural idol of selfish ambition to uncover the radical liberation found in Christ-like humility. We explore the "Christ Hymn" of Philippians, discovering that true divine power isn't found in climbing the ladder of empire, but in the courageous descent to serve others. By choosing the bottom, we find a unity that transcends our divisions and a love that washes the feet of both friend and betrayer alike. About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Jon continues the theme of crime in the Twin Cities with more recent news stories. Jon and Sam talk trends over the decades. Jon looks at questionable spending at the U of M and a unique Texas Judge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon continues the theme of crime in the Twin Cities with more recent news stories. Jon and Sam talk trends over the decades. Jon looks at questionable spending at the U of M and a unique Texas Judge.

Jesus was an advocate for the poor, the hungry, the sick and despairing, the forgotten and the powerless, right? If you want to see the Advocate Jesus sent, then look around you for those who look like that; look for the fruit they produce. Standing up for people this culture doesn't think are worth it is hard, painful work. But that's what the Advocate looks like, that's how the Spirit of Truth sounds. Every time you see someone standing up for the vulnerable, you've seen the Holy Spirit. Every time you hear a voice raised in opposition to oppression and violence, you've heard the Spirit of Truth. We are the presence of the Holy Spirit in the world. We put flesh on the abstraction. We incarnate the breath of God right here. The fruit we're called to produce is the Holy Spirit's advanced billing for most of the rest of the world. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

Date May 10, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the defiant nature of joy as an unbidden guest that arrives precisely when we expect it least. Drawing on the series Surprise Party: 50 Days of Enchantment, we examine how the Apostle Paul—writing from the claustrophobia of a prison cell—aligns himself with a "do-it-again" God whose very nature is delight. We are invited to stop resisting these fleeting moments of grace and instead receive them as a holy resistance against a disenchanted world. Ultimately, we discover that when joy finds us amidst our grief, it is not a betrayal of our pain but a profound encounter with the nearness of God. References Scripture: Philippians 1:1–18 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Sermon: Affirming the AnointedSeries: 1 SamuelScripture: 1 Samuel 10Speaker: Dr. Jimmy A. LongLocation: Grace Fellowship of GreensboroDate: Sunday, May 10, 2026

Ever want to eavesdrop on religious professionals talking theology? Listen in as Aisha Hauser and Jules go to some deep places talking about the Universalist idea of affirming all people, but not all ideas.Aisha Hauser, MSW, CRE-ML, is one-half of the Church of the Larger Fellowship's Lead Ministry Team.https://clfuu.org/team-member/aisha-hauser/https://connectlearngrow.org/Thank you for listening. Many Windows: Conversations on Ministry is a production of Meadville Lombard Theological School. Theme music is “Destination” by Justhea. This episode is produced by Jules Taylor.(Justhea: spoti.fi/2NycVfd​ and apple.co/3u51z2V)

Original air date: June 24, 2024 In this episode Lisa welcomes Jennifer Shivey, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with a focus on supporting LGBTQ+ children and their families. Jennifer, who has personal experience as the mother of a transgender child, shares her journey and how it transformed her approach to creating safe and affirming play therapy spaces. You'll gain practical insights on inclusive practices, the importance of understanding evolving language around gender diversity, and how to support both children and their families through their journeys of self-discovery. Jennifer emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of therapists to engage in ongoing education and offers advice for those who may feel challenged by these conversations. This episode is a call to action for therapists to reflect on their practices, understand the profound impact of inclusive therapy, and ensure their playrooms are welcoming spaces for all children. Join us for this vital discussion and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of transgender and gender-diverse children. *Want to take a full 90-minute course on this very topic? Join Jen and other amazing presenters including Marshall Lyles, Val Bruno, and Jodi Mullen for the upcoming Play It Forward: Elevating Play Therapy through Education and Service. This one-day virtual summit on July 25th, 2024 is designed to empower therapists while support play therapy training scholarships awarded through the Synergetic Play Therapy Foundation (....yes, every dollar of your registration). Learn about reflections and reflective functioning in Sandtray therapy with Marshall Lyles. Val Bruno will guide you with navigating legal processes as a play therapist. Jodi Mullen will offer insight into play therapy with sexually traumatized children. And Jennifer Shivey will help you to create an affirming play therapy space for transgender and gender-diverse children and their families. Secure your spot today! 

Host Radell Lewis sits down with Pastor LaTrina Slater, a mental health professional with over twenty years in the field and author of a new book chronicling her journey reconciling Christianity with her identity as a gay woman. LaTrina serves as pastor of an affirming church and founded Grace Revolution, a ministry focused on youth, adults, and families in marginalized communities. This conversation lands in the middle of a national reckoning over Christian nationalism, after President Trump posted (and deleted) an AI generated image depicting himself in the likeness of Jesus Christ, sparking backlash from evangelicals, Catholics, and Pope Leo XIV. LaTrina and Radell unpack how MAGA Christianity has hijacked the faith, why so many Christians have been duped into tolerating anti Christian behavior in the name of two wedge issues (abortion and gay marriage), and what genuine Biblical values actually demand of believers. Topics covered include: affirming theology and LGBTQ Christianity, the weaponization of scripture against the queer community, why choice and free will are one hundred percent Biblical, how Christian values (generosity, charity, healing, feeding the hungry, sacrificing for neighbors) align with progressive and left leaning politics, the Pope Leo XIV feud, Christian nationalism versus authentic Christianity, and why the "fake Christian" crisis is really a political power grab dressed in religious clothing. LaTrina also offers a framework for reading sin through the lens of harm rather than inherited dogma, and makes a direct case to skeptical left leaning listeners that Christians belong in the progressive coalition. Whether you are agnostic, atheist, LGBTQ Christian, a person of faith feeling politically homeless, or someone who grew up in the church and walked away, this episode opens space for a conversation the mainstream refuses to have. Learn more about LaTrina's work at grace-revolution.net Keywords: Christian nationalism, affirming faith, LGBTQ Christianity, MAGA Christians, Trump Jesus image, Pope Leo XIV, Christian left, progressive Christianity, fake Christians, weaponized religion, gay marriage, faith and politics, love thy neighbor, Christian values, Jesus teachings, 2026 politics, political hypocrisy, religious freedom, pro choice theology, separation of church and stateStandard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKCheck Out the Podcast Website: www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.comALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ UNITY MOVEMENTSUs United - A movement for unity that challenges Americans to step out of their bubbles and connect across differences. Take the Unity Pledge, join monthly "30 For US" conversation calls, wear purple (the color of unity), and participate in National Unity Day every second Saturday in December. Their programs include the Sheriff Unity Network and Unity Seats at sports events, proving that shared values are stronger than our differences. Link: https://www.us-united.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ GET DAILY NEWSText 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed (https://informed.now)Check Out the Unfuck America Tour & National Ground Game: https://www.nationalgroundgame.com/Check Out the CIVICS App to Know More About Your Politicians: https://www.civicpolitics.com ALL LINKShttps://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9

Photo by Yetkin Ağaç: https://www.pexels.com/photo/industrial-factory-interior-with-conveyor-belt-34718926/ So, maybe the promise isn't that we'll always get the sign we asked for. Maybe the promise is that when we're driving through the dark toward the thing we dread, when we're standing in the room where the future's come apart, when we're begging God to be obvious for once, we're not praying into the void. We're praying to the One who's already come close. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

Date May 3, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we confront the "surprise" no one wants: the devastating gap between the miracle we prayed for and the reality of grief. Amidst the heartbreak of losing a beloved child, we set aside the party to sit in the honest, defiant landscape of Psalm 23. We discover a God who doesn't offer trite explanations but a relentless, pursuing presence—a love that chases us even into the darkest valleys. When words fail, we find our way forward by simply showing up and mirroring the stubborn, enduring mercy that refuses to let us go. References Scripture: Psalm 23 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Jim Jefferies jokes about gender affirming surgery in his Netflix special, "High and Dry".

There's a huge difference between flattery and a sincere compliment. Flattery is a form of manipulation where someone showers praise or attention on a person in order to ingratiate themselves or gratify the person's vanity (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary). It's the motive that's wrong. I say something positive to gain a person's trust so I can influence them or protect myself. I assume all of us find ourselves doing this on occasion. For the most part we're not even conscious we are doing it until we hear it coming out of our mouths. And flattery doesn't necessarily require lying. Everything I have said about a person may be true. What makes it flattery is why I said it. The very same words could be said with a different motive and be a sincere compliment. As we read Paul's letter to believers in Rome, we might ask if he is flattering them so they'll welcome him when he arrives, or is he complimenting them in order to encourage them in their service of the Lord? One doesn't have to read far in Paul's letters to discover he is quite willing to confront and correct when it's needed (1Co 11:17-22; Gal 3:1,3). There's simply nothing in him that's falsely manipulative. Strongly authoritative at times, yes, but manipulative, no. Yet the same man who will bluntly speak truth is also willing to compliment, and he does it well. Even though his words aren't directed to us personally, we find it encouraging and healing just to listen to such heartfelt approval. He has a grace each of us would do well to learn because we are surrounded by people who desperately need to be complimented. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's book Understanding Romans, email us at info@lifelessonspublishing.com and ask for your copy at no charge. The book has all the notes from each sermon in this series.  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.  And if you would like to receive a copy of Pastor Steve's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation at no charge, we are still giving this book out as well!     

Men, most of us are drifting. We've been told to go it alone, to suppress our struggles, and to settle for a life defined by comfort rather than calling. We grind away at work but feel isolated at home, carrying a weight that we were never meant to bear in silence.  In this live session recorded at The Men's Forge, Ryan, Larry, and Dwayne sit down to answer the real questions men are facing in the trenches of life. This isn't about sitting back and taking notes - it's about stripping away weakness and gaining the clarity required to step fully into your role as a husband, father, and leader.  We dive deep into the "Trinity of Man," the difference between commitment and compliance, and why most men fail to lead their wives effectively because they mistake dumping baggage for vulnerability. Whether you are struggling to forgive a distant father or trying to navigate a marriage that has drifted into a "logistical partnership," this conversation is a challenge to stop living passively and start forging a legacy that lasts.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 04:54 - Welcome to the Men's Forge AMA 05:19 - Transforming Your Family Legacy 08:41 - The Trinity of Man: Body, Soul, and Spirit 17:20 - Non-Negotiable Systems for Young Men 21:20 - Leading in Resistant Environments 24:20 - Vulnerability vs. Tenderness: The King's Wall 38:31 - Escaping the Comparison Trap 44:01 - Balancing Overthinking and Overdoing 48:01 - Waiting for the Tide: Preparation and Timing 54:40 - Marriage First: The Foundation of the House 01:04:30 - Leaving Yesterday's Man in the Past 01:07:13 - Affirming and Raising Strong Daughters 01:12:00 - Discipline Through Specificity and Calm 01:18:00 - From Pedestals to Humanizing Your Father 01:21:50 - The Reps of Daily Connection 01:29:35 - Final Charge and Closing Encouragement Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Dr. Tara Sander Lee is a Founding Board Member of SALT, Science Alliance for Life and Technology. She is a Science Advisor and Consultant who earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has over 30 years' experience in public policy, academic research and clinical medicine with an emphasis on the cause of pediatric disease There are numerous debates as to how far we can delve into scientific research and still hold to a system of ethics. Some say it really doesn't matter as long as it's for the common good. Take, for instance, embryonic stem cell research. Some will claim that since aborted baby tissue would otherwise go in the trash, it's fine to use it for experimentation. Others contend the use of fetal body parts from aborted babies in vaccines and treatment are also okay if others are being helped by it. Did you know there are labs that create human embryos solely for experiments? These embryos are usually destroyed once research is complete. Also, did you know aborted fetal tissue is still used in some medical studies? This research often happens without public awareness or consent. And what about the use of AI? AI tools are shaping choices in healthcare, pregnancy and research. If left unchecked, this can target those who are disabled, the unborn or even older adults. We are headed down a pathway of very concerning technologies, genetic screening, gene editing, cloning, artificial wombs, 3-parent embryos and even human-animal chimeras. Where do we draw the line? When is it time to put the brakes on scientific research to protect ethics and prevent us from going down the pathway of eugenics?

Drew & Garden System sit down with Ryder Fox to clarify the complexities of affirming care and non-carceral support of folx living with DID/multiplicity that are navigating their healing journey.Ryder Fox, MS (they/them) is a trauma-informed wellness coach, educator, and consultant with nearly 30 years of experience supporting vulnerable populations. They work at the intersection of practitioner education and direct client care—helping professionals build sustainable, long-term approaches to supporting people living with complex chronic conditions, while also working directly with individuals who often struggle to find affirming, effective support. As the founder of Stronger U, Ryder has had the rare privilege of supporting some clients continuously for nearly two decades. They are also the founder of THRIVE Lifeline, a nonprofit providing identity-affirming crisis and peer support for multiple marginalized communities. Bringing both professional expertise and lived experience as a plural trauma survivor with chronic conditions, Ryder centers autonomy, trauma-informed care, and deeply relational approaches in all their work. They are especially passionate about bridging the gap between providers and the communities they serve—helping create care relationships that are not only informed, but truly sustainable.Thank you to our sponsors: Institute for Creative MindfulnessTransitions DelawareFollow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystemFollow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selvesFollow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!Remember, this podcast is not a substitute for therapy. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and provide information on dissociative identity disorder. We share our personal stories, interview guests who also live with DID, and we interview mental health professionals to share their clinical knowledge.And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that's okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we're so glad you're hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of Six Myths About Dissociative Identity Disorder. Harvard review of psychiatry, 24(4), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000100

Dr. Tara Sander Lee is a Founding Board Member of SALT, Science Alliance for Life and Technology. She is a Science Advisor and Consultant who earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She has over 30 years' experience in public policy, academic research and clinical medicine with an emphasis on the cause of pediatric disease There are numerous debates as to how far we can delve into scientific research and still hold to a system of ethics. Some say it really doesn't matter as long as it's for the common good. Take, for instance, embryonic stem cell research. Some will claim that since aborted baby tissue would otherwise go in the trash, it's fine to use it for experimentation. Others contend the use of fetal body parts from aborted babies in vaccines and treatment are also okay if others are being helped by it. Did you know there are labs that create human embryos solely for experiments? These embryos are usually destroyed once research is complete. Also, did you know aborted fetal tissue is still used in some medical studies? This research often happens without public awareness or consent. And what about the use of AI? AI tools are shaping choices in healthcare, pregnancy and research. If left unchecked, this can target those who are disabled, the unborn or even older adults. We are headed down a pathway of very concerning technologies, genetic screening, gene editing, cloning, artificial wombs, 3-parent embryos and even human-animal chimeras. Where do we draw the line? When is it time to put the brakes on scientific research to protect ethics and prevent us from going down the pathway of eugenics?

https://www.pexels.com/photo/shepherd-leading-a-donkey-through-a-flock-of-sheep-26800637/ We've built walls in Jesus's name. You know, around who can receive communion, and who has to sit with their hands in their laps and watch. Walls around who can be ordained and who can feel the call, and still be told the door is closed to them. Around who can be married in the church and who has to find another venue, another officiant, another community willing to say yes ... because “we don't allow that sort of thing around here.” Around who belongs and who's welcome to worship, but not really welcomed to be part of the club. We've set up traffic cones and enforced those barriers with great ruthlessness and considerable theological sophistication, and we've called it “faithfulness.” Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

What does the Bible actually say about gender, sexuality, and same-sex marriage? In week three of our five-week series "God. LGBTQ. You.", Pastor Mike opens Scripture from Genesis to Romans to answer one of the most personal and consequential questions of our day: Is God affirming?This isn't a theological position to debate or a lifestyle to label — it's about people. Your friend. Your son. Your sister. The person sitting next to you in the pew. Maybe you. With roughly 1 in 4 Americans under 30 identifying as LGBTQ, this conversation matters in every home, every relationship, and every church.In this message, Pastor Mike walks carefully through every key biblical passage on the subject — including the original Hebrew and Greek — and addresses the hard questions head-on:* Genesis 1 & 2 — God's original design for gender and marriage* Genesis 19 — The story of Sodom and what it does (and doesn't) say* Leviticus 18:22 — How to read Old Testament law as a New Testament believer (yes, including the bacon)* 1 Corinthians 6 & 1 Timothy 1 — What the apostle Paul wrote, and what the Greek word "arsenokoitai" actually means* Romans 1 — A faithful reading of Paul's most direct passageHe also wades into the questions you may already be asking. Why would Jesus say this? What about Christian hypocrisy that picks and chooses convenient sins? Why doesn't God change my desires when I ask Him to? And the question that holds it all together — can we be saved?Whether this message is brand new to you, brings comfort, or challenges what you've always believed, lean in. Take notes. Keep listening. There are two more weeks in this series, and every part of the plot matters.If this is your first time joining us, please go back and watch Parts 1 and 2 first. The whole series fits together as one cohesive biblical and pastoral conversation.

Date April 26, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the radical, countercultural surprise of staying put. In a world that profits from our restlessness, we investigate how the "vow of stability" offers a defiant path toward reenchantment. By looking at the grounded presence of Paul and Silas in a midnight prison cell, we discover that the grace we seek isn't found in our escape, but in our commitment to remain present to the beautiful, heavy reality right where we are. References Scripture: Acts 16:16–34 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Luke's making a specific claim about where resurrection actually shows up. Not in the place of triumph or the halls of power. It doesn't show up among the people who've already got everything figured out. Resurrection shows up on a dusty road outside a dangerous city, seething with violence. At an ordinary table. In the company of the stranger that their world told them to be super careful about. If we're waiting for the risen Jesus to appear in a form that doesn't unsettle us, we may already have walked right past him somewhere between here and Jerusalem. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

Please join us for “Providing Neurodiversity-Affirming Support: A Relational Neuroscience-Informed Child and Youth Care Perspective” with Nancy Marshall. Nancy Marshall (she/her) (PhD, MA CYC, RSW) is a Child and Youth Care (CYC) practitioner, a registered social worker (RSW), an educational consultant, and a part-time instructor in the Faculty of Education at York University teaching Disability and Inclusion in Education. Nancy recently launched AffirmAbility in Practice - a small private practice in Toronto providing neurodiversity-affirming training to schools and organizations, and therapy services to children, youth, and families. She has over 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent young people in schools, group homes, and therapeutic settings. Nancy has lived experience as a neurodivergent adult with ADHD, and is a loving auntie to autistic and neurodivergent nieces and nephews. She believes that autistic-centered, neuroscience-aligned, and relational approaches offer the best support for autistic individuals.Support the show

Date April 19, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we explore the scandalous reach of Easter hope through the lens of Saul's blinding encounter on the road to Damascus. We confront a God who subverts our hierarchies of belonging, trading our rigid "safety patrol" certainties for a grace that reaches the very people we have labeled as "out." By examining the quiet bravery of Ananias, we are challenged to move beyond condemnation and embrace the radical humility required to call an enemy "brother." This is a call to inhabit the "Surprise Party" of the Gospel, where the scales of judgment fall away to reveal a kinship we never thought possible. About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Photo by Cdoncel on Unsplash The women tell the truth first, while the systems take their time catching up. The people with the least protection and the least institutional credibility see something real, but the people with money and power move faster than the speed of sound to explain it away. But that pattern isn't just first-century Jerusalem, is it? Any community that's ever watched an official story steamroll the thing that all the witnesses knew to be true knows what's going on. Think about Renee Good and Alex Pretti. I mean, it's possible to capture everything in high definition video and still have it not be enough to slip past the “official account” without being contorted into something unrecognizable. Resurrection, it turns out, isn't just a theological claim about what happened to Jesus. It's a claim about whose testimony counts as true. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

The Emperor Domitian wanted to be addressed as “lord and god.” So, we're not talking about John employing poetic language. Having Thomas address Jesus as “my Lord and my God” was treasonous language backed by the full weight of Roman imperial power. So when the community John's writing to hears Thomas say "my Lord and my God," they catch it immediately. John's doing what writers under empire have always done when they can't say the dangerous thing directly: he projects it back onto an earlier moment so his readers understand what's actually at stake. Thomas speaks the words in the first part of the century. But John's readers and Domitian's subjects hear the challenge to empire at the end of that century. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks.In this episode, Dr. Christine Li empowers women to shift from chaos and stress to clarity. She explores why stress and overwhelm often accompany our to-do lists and clutter, and offers practical mindset strategies for releasing negativity and reclaiming agency over daily life. Listeners are guided to recognize their inherent clarity, start with small steps, and embrace success with a lighter, more productive outlook.Timestamps00:00:00 - Introduction: stress and clarity00:01:05 - Dr. Christine Li introduces herself and podcast focus00:01:48 - Clarity during stress for midlife women00:02:42 - Decluttering as a stress trigger00:04:08 - Normalizing anticipatory anxiety00:05:54 - Breaking the cycle of overwhelm00:06:26 - Affirming inner clarity00:08:03 - Tackling clutter and self-doubt00:09:07 - Clearing negativity00:11:01 - Reality vs negative stories about clutter00:13:22 - Clearing internal negativity00:14:08 - Freedom from self-battle00:16:07 - Embracing an open mindset00:17:55 - Progress through small steps00:19:41 - Hope for success and clarity00:20:05 - Free clarity worksheet offered00:20:44 - Closing and connection detailsTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/clarityoverstressTo sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPFor more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.comGain Access to Dr. Christine Li's Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibraryTo work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/labConnect with Dr. Christine LiWebsite: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/labSimply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

This wonderful NAP meditation guides you into deep relaxation by helping you release the mental and emotional weight of your day. Beginning with slow, calming breaths and full-body awareness, you're invited to settle comfortably and let your muscles soften with each exhale. Through soothing imagery, you'll visualize placing your worries, tasks, and concerns into a special container beside you — safely set aside for later — creating a clear and peaceful inner space for rest. With nothing left to solve and nowhere to go, your only focus becomes comfort, stillness, and the steady rhythm of your breathing.As your body relaxes more deeply, you're guided to connect with a growing sphere of warm white light — a symbol of your inner goodness, resilience, and positivity. This light expands and brightens with every breath, surrounding you in a cocoon of calm energy that restores your spirit and gently recharges your emotional strength. Affirming peaceful, empowering thoughts, you drift into sleep wrapped in warmth and reassurance.This meditation is ideal for anytime you want to enjoy a restful nap and awaken uplifted,renewed and refreshed. Enjoy a 6 Minute Meditation anytime you need a quick pick me up! Search "6 Minute Meditations" wherever you get your Podcasts or visit www.6MinuteMeditations.comOur Podcast is sponsored by Better Help! Get matched with a professional therapist in as little at 48 hours and communicate with them your way via text, chat, email, telephone or video call if you wish. We've used Better Help ourselves and highly recommend their services, save 10% off your first month by visiting www.betterhelp.com/guidedsleepSupport Tracks To Relax and enjoy our Podcast without advertisements or interruptions at www.patreon.com/trackstorelax Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description In this episode, Austin Bridges (co-director of L/L Research) and Doug Scott present the first half of a structured introduction to the Ra Contact for process philosopher Matt Segall, whose work on Whitehead's process philosophy has been a central inspiration for Doug's book Raian Process Metaphysics. The conversation moves from the historical origins of the Ra Contact through Ra's cosmological framework—intelligent infinity, the primal distortions, and the nested hierarchy of Logoi—to Doug's concept of teleopotentiation: the creative principle by which genuine novelty enters existence through the interplay of Affirming, Denying, and Reconciling forces. Matt responds with immediate recognition of Neoplatonic resonances, and the group engages a candid discussion of Don Elkins's death and the psychic risks inherent in this kind of work. Part one of two. Opening Invocation — Doug Scott Topics Covered I. Who Is Austin Bridges? Co-director of L/L Research, steward of the Ra Contact material and its community for over thirteen years. Austin frames his relationship to the material through epistemic humility—holding it as the backbone of his spiritual seeking without claiming it as ultimate truth. His excitement about Doug's process-philosophical synthesis as a new avenue for the material to serve the world. II. The Three Principals: Don, Carla, and Jim The unique trio whose convergence made the Ra Contact possible. Don Elkins — UFO investigator, pilot, physics professor at the University of Louisville. His journey began with the death of Captain Thomas Mantell in pursuit of a UFO and moved through hypnotic regression, past-life regression, and eventually channeling experiments with his physics students. Designated by Ra as "the questioner." Carla Rueckert — Christian mystic, cradle Episcopalian, library scientist. A direct mystical experience of Jesus at age two shaped her lifelong devotion. Became Don's research partner in 1968 and began channeling in 1974, discovering an extraordinary aptitude. Designated by Ra as "the instrument." Jim McCarty — Wilderness school graduate turned off-grid educator in rural Kentucky. Heard Don and Carla on the radio, joined their work, and moved in with them in 1980. Two weeks later, the Ra Contact began. Designated by Ra as "the scribe," his deeper role was sustained energetic focus and protection during sessions. III. The Nature of the Ra Contact (1981–1984) 106 sessions of trance channeling—completely distinct from the conscious channeling that preceded it. Carla was fully unconscious during sessions, her spirit displaced while Ra directly used her vocal cords. Three microphones and three tape recorders were required because equipment consistently failed. The ritual setup included a virgin chalice, incense, a virgin candle, and a Bible opened to the Gospel of John, chapter one. The material's language, rigor, and depth were unlike anything channeled before or since. IV. Who Is Ra? A sixth-density social memory complex originally evolved on Venus. Member of the Confederation of Planets in Service to the One Infinite Creator. The same Ra known to the ancient Egyptians—though their intended teaching of spiritual philosophy was distorted into deity worship by Egyptian politics and power structures. Ra responds to a "calling" generated by Earth's suffering, offering guidance exclusively through Q&A format to protect free will. V. The Density Structure Seven densities as bandwidths of conscious awareness—not physical locations but vibrational spectra through which consciousness evolves. Humanity occupies third density (self-awareness and choice). Fourth density (love and understanding) is dawning, but the transition is chaotic because the incoming energy must manifest through beings still enmeshed in third-density separation. An eighth density serves as the first density of a new octave—the pattern is cyclical. VI. Social Memory Complex as Whiteheadian Society (Doug) Doug translates Ra's concept into process terms: a social memory complex is a singular plurality—"the many become one, and are increased by one." Its formation is a fourth-density achievement prefigured in third density through the ecclesia, the gathered community. The noosphere coming online. The collective unconscious becoming collective conscious. In Whiteheadian terms: a higher-grade society sheltered by the third-density framework until a metaphysical threshold of wholeheartedness is reached. VII. Intelligent Infinity and the Primal Distortions (Austin) The One Infinite Creator as undistorted unity—"the macrocosm of the mystery-clad being." Ra's two uses of "intelligent infinity": (1) absolute non-dual reality, and (2) the potential aspect of creation paired with intelligent energy as the kinetic aspect. The three primal distortions as the logical structure giving birth to creation: Free Will (awareness awakening within infinity), Love/Logos (focusing of intelligent energy into creative form), and Light (the first manifestation—all that exists, organized by love). VIII. Ra's Use of Logos (Austin) The Logos as a nested, fractal hierarchy: Primal Logos → Galactic Logoi → Solar Logoi → Planetary Logoi → individual mind/body/spirit complexes. Each level receives intelligent energy from its parent Logos and has the free will to further refine its own creation. The engagement is participatory—creation gives experience back to the Logos, and the Logos iterates. "Each Logos desires to create a more eloquent expression of experience of the Creator by the Creator." IX. Teleopotentiation: The Engine of Creative Advance (Doug) Doug's central contribution: teleopotentiation names the universal creative principle underlying both Ra's cosmology and Whitehead's process thought. Drawing from Gurdjieff's Law of Three (via Cynthia Bourgeault): Affirming Force meets Denying Force, and through a Reconciling Force, a New Higher Arising is generated—genuine novelty, not compromise or rearrangement. Doug defines intelligence as "awareness in motion towards more—awareness as desire for gnosis." The will's focusing act by which infinite possibility becomes potentiated probability, becomes manifested actuality. X. The Torus and the Ankh (Doug) Teleopotentiation has a geometry: the torus—the shape of continuous self-referential flow, the shape that self-knowing takes. The Ankh is the two-dimensional cross-section of this toric reality. The circle is the eternal; the cross is manifestation; the eternal experiences itself through extended embrace. The primal rhythm carries three affects: yearning (outward flow), longing (the turn toward return), and rejoicing (coalescence at the center). Rhythm itself necessitates three—and this triadic structure is "the rhythms clothed in mystery, for they are being itself." XI. Matt Segall Responds Matt identifies immediate Neoplatonic resonances—Plotinus's emanation from the One, the levels of density recalling the hypostases. He suggests this resonance may itself trace back to Ra's Egyptian teaching seeding Plato's philosophical understanding. His assessment: "None of this feels foreign to me. The concepts and the deep pattern of creation and manifestation feel intimately familiar." He affirms that Whiteheadian language could have helped Ra express what the noun-based structure of English made difficult. XII. The Death of Don Elkins Matt asks about Don's suicide and its relationship to the channeling project. Austin explains: the positive magical charge of the contact attracted a fifth-density service-to-self entity that could not create distortion but could energize distortions already present. Don's pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities became inroads for this influence. A diagnosis of depressive psychosis with schizophrenic tendencies. The mental health system's failure. A tragic standoff with police ending in Don's death by his own hand. The trio's unique synergy was irreplaceable; the Ra Contact ended permanently. Doug adds: fifth density is the ceiling for negative polarity—in sixth density, one can no longer ignore one's unity with the other, and the negative path collapses. But at fifth density, extraordinary black magic is possible, though negative beings cannot create—they can only amplify what is already there. Closing Benediction — Tim Merrill "Out and within to all that is beautiful and noble, virtuous, all that is worthy of our best selves. And we express gratitude for this experience, for the catalyst that has brought us here together, and for the iron that we are forging. May it become gold, and the athanor of love. Amen." Key Terms in This Episode Density — Bandwidth of conscious awareness through which consciousness evolves; seven densities within an octave of experience Social Memory Complex — Collective consciousness where individual beings achieve sufficient harmony that memories and experiences become mutually accessible; Ra is a sixth-density social memory complex Intelligent Infinity — Pure undifferentiated potential; the ground of all being before focus or manifestation Intelligent Energy — Intelligent infinity focused as creative force; the Logos Logos / Logoi — Creative consciousness at various scales: Primal, Galactic, Solar, Planetary, Individual Primal Distortions — The three fundamental "distortions" (complexifications) from unity: Free Will, Love/Logos, Light Teleopotentiation — Purposive bringing-forth of genuine novelty through the Law of Three: Affirming meets Denying, Reconciling generates New Higher Arising Law of Three — Every manifestation requires three forces: Affirming, Denying, and Reconciling (Gurdjieff via Cynthia Bourgeault) Torus — The geometry of continuous self-referential flow; the shape that self-knowing takes at every scale Ankh — The cross-section of toric reality; the eternal experiencing itself through extended embrace and transformation Wanderer — A higher-density being who incarnates into third density to serve The Veil — The forgetting that characterizes third-density incarnation, intensifying the experience of choice References & Resources The Ra Contact: Teaching the Law of One — Don Elkins, Carla Rueckert, Jim McCarty (L/L Research, 2018) lawofone.info — Free searchable archive of all 106 sessions llresearch.org — L/L Research, publishers and stewards of the Ra Contact Raian Process Metaphysics — Doug Scott (Building 4th Press, 2026) Physics of the World-Soul — Matt Segall (SacraSage Press, 2021) The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three — Cynthia Bourgeault (Shambhala, 2013) Process and Reality — Alfred North Whitehead (Free Press, 1978) Building 4th Community — cosmicchrist.net Next Episode: Part two of the Law of One introduction, continuing with deeper process parallels, the dipolar God, and fuller group discussion. Recorded April 24, 2026. "The many become one, and are increased by one." — Alfred North Whitehead

Adapting EMDR for Neurodivergent Clients: Parts Work, Attunement, and Affirming Trauma Therapy, An Interview with Cathy Hanville and Christine MacInnis Curt and Katie talk with Cathy Hanville and Christine MacInnis about how to adapt EMDR for autistic and ADHD clients with more flexibility, safety, and affirming care. They explore why standard protocols can miss important client needs, how parts work can support trauma treatment, and what therapists should consider when working with neurodivergent clients whose trauma is tied to masking, chronic correction, social rejection, and being misunderstood. In this episode, we talk about: Why EMDR often needs adaptation across all eight phases How parts work can support neurodivergent clients in trauma treatment The impact of masking, correction, and misunderstanding as trauma Sensory, communication, and processing differences therapists need to consider Moving away from compliance-based care toward attunement and collaboration About the guests Christine MacInnis, MSed, MS, LMFT owns Transcends Family Therapy in Torrance, California, specializing in neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed care. She is additionally licensed in Arizona and Ohio, is an EMDRIA-approved consultant, and provides advanced training on neurodiversity-affirming EMDR, ADHD, and autism. Learn more at www.transcendstherapy.com. Cathy Hanville, LCSW (They/She) is a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and California, an EMDRIA-approved consultant, and a continuing education provider. They help therapists identify blind spots so they can provide gender- and neurodiversity-affirming care. Learn more at www.cathyhanville.com. Cathy and Christine are under contract with Norton Publishing to write Neurodivergent Paths to Healing: Affirming EMDR and Parts Work for Autistic and ADHD Clients, expected in early 2027. Key takeaways Therapists often need to adapt EMDR for every client, not just neurodivergent clients Neurodivergent-affirming EMDR requires flexibility, collaboration, and sensory awareness Parts work can help therapists better understand protection, shame, and responses often mislabeled as resistance Many neurodivergent clients carry trauma tied to masking, chronic correction, and social rejection Full show notes and transcript: https://mtsgpodcast.com Join our community Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mtsgpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/therapyreimagined Podcast Homepage: https://mtsgpodcast.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined Modern Therapist's Survival Guide Creative Credits Voice Over by DW McCann: https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/ Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano: https://groomsymusic.com/

“Creating a Neuro Affirming Environment” with Chris Wenger “Speech Dude”       Intro: Today on the podcast we have an amazing guest who is revolutionizing how we support neurodivergent students.    Speech therapist Chris Wenger, also known as "Speech Dude!" is internationally acclaimed for his work with autistic students.  He's transforming therapy practices and creating spaces to support families with his neurodiversity-affirming approach.   Through his assessment tools, viral social media content, clinical work, and new book; He's on a mission to ensure that belonging—not just fitting in—becomes the standard for how we support neurodivergent learners.   Let's listen in to today's conversation.   TAP

Date April 12, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we crash the best party you never knew was happening. Jesus doesn't wait for you to unlock the door — he walks through it, wounds showing, saying peace before you're ready to hear it. This is the God who descends rather than demands, who meets us in the locked rooms of our fear, hopelessness, shame, and apathy, and whose first word is always grace. We are not just invited to the party. We are sent to throw it. References Scripture: John 20:19–31 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

2 Thessalonians 1:1–4 Despite heavy persecution and affliction, the Thessalonians persevered in faith. Paul affirmed them, knowing the importance of the right word spoken at the right time. In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. Give thanks for the family of God. Faithfully pray for those who are hurting. Discover how to offer a timely word of affirmation!

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 / April 7-9, 2026 In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. From the Series: Steadfast Christianity read more

Rebecca Rowe joins me in this episode, as we explore what it truly means to provide neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy, with a focus on supporting families navigating an autism diagnosis. Rebecca shares how SLPs and OTs can guide and empower parents throughout the diagnostic process, while helping them find providers who align with neurodiversity-affirming values. We also break down key differences between ABA and OT/SLP services, and offer practical ways to support both yourself and your child with compassion, clarity, and confidence during this journey.Rebecca has over sixteen years of experience in the field of Speech Language Pathology. Her specialty is orofacial myology and she is a Certified Orofacial Myologist ( COM® ). She has owned ACT Therapy Services for ten years and enjoys leading a team providing play-based, neurodivergent therapy services to families and children. Check out her myofunctional therapy course for parents, mention this podcast and receive a 20% discount! Learn more here.Want to take your parenting journey to another level?⁠ Book your complimentary connection call now!⁠⁠⁠April 9, 2026Episode 320Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy with Rebecca Rowe, SLPisAbout Your Host:Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Core4Parenting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child's identity, confidence, and future success.As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the forthcoming book ⁠⁠T⁠alk to Them Early and Often⁠,⁠ ⁠a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to book Cara for your next speaking event? Find all the details ⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Despite heavy persecution and affliction, the Thessalonians persevered in faith. Paul affirmed them, knowing the importance of the right word spoken at the right time. In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians.Give thanks for the family of God. Faithfully pray for those who are hurting. Discover how to offer a timely word of affirmation!

2 Thessalonians 1:1–4 Despite heavy persecution and affliction, the Thessalonians persevered in faith. Paul affirmed them, knowing the importance of the right word spoken at the right time. In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. Give thanks for the family of God. Faithfully pray for those who are hurting. Discover how to offer a timely word of affirmation!

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 / April 7-9, 2026 In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. From the Series: Steadfast Christianity read more

2 Thessalonians 1:1–4 Despite heavy persecution and affliction, the Thessalonians persevered in faith. Paul affirmed them, knowing the importance of the right word spoken at the right time. In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. Give thanks for the family of God. Faithfully pray for those who are hurting. Discover how to offer a timely word of affirmation!

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 / April 7-9, 2026 In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. From the Series: Steadfast Christianity read more

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 / April 7-9, 2026 In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul's specific affirmation for suffering Christians. From the Series: Steadfast Christianity read more

Date April 5, 2026 Synopsis In this sermon, we slow down long enough to see what cynicism keeps us from seeing — that resurrection isn't a one-time event that happened long ago, but the very shape of reality itself, breaking through in ordinary moments all around us. We sit with Mary Magdalene in her grief, name the ways disappointment calcifies into resignation, and discover that what finally breaks through isn't argument or evidence — it's Love calling us by name. The world is more alive than we've been giving it credit for. Do you see it? References Scripture: John 20:1-18 About The Local Church For more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org. To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

A subpoena from the Department of Justice isn't just paperwork, it's a powerful tool that can drain resources, intimidate providers, and threaten patient care.  In this eye-opening episode of Succeed In Medicine, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. Crystal Beal, along with Adrian Levitt from the ACLU of Washington. In June 2025, Dr. Beal's small private practice received one of over 20 identical DOJ subpoenas targeting providers of gender-affirming care for adolescents. While large institutions like Boston Children's, Seattle Children's, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia also received subpoenas, the impact on a solo practitioner is uniquely daunting. Dr. Beal describes the anti-climactic moment the subpoena arrived via their accountant and the immediate decision to fight it with pro bono support from the ACLU, Arnold & Porter, and Perkins Coie. The conversation unpacks the broader context: the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Skrmetti, executive actions, funding cuts, and the federal government's stated goal of ending gender-affirming care for minors. Adrian explains how the DOJ is using the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in a novel way, traditionally applied to drug manufacturers, to investigate individual physicians. The subpoena demanded extensive records, including patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, training materials, and communications with pharmaceutical reps. Throughout the episode, they emphasize their ethical obligation as a physician to provide evidence-based, life-saving care and reflect on the deeper moral questions raised by this moment in history. Three Actionable Takeaways: Know your rights and secure legal support early: If you receive a government subpoena or face regulatory pressure, contact organizations like the ACLU or the Abortion Defense Network immediately. Do not assume you must comply right away. Document and practice ethically, but prepare for scrutiny: Continue providing medically necessary, evidence-based care while understanding that political targeting of certain specialties is increasing. Build relationships with legal counsel before crises hit. Speak up and combat misinformation: Physicians have a unique platform in their communities. Learn about gender-affirming care if it's within your scope, talk openly with colleagues and patients, and stand against efforts to criminalize or restrict legitimate medical practice. About the Show: Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school! About the Guests: Dr. Crystal Beal is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Queer Doc, providing expert, individualized queer and gender-affirming medical care. A nonbinary femme with lived experience in the community, Dr. Beal has extensive training in sexual health, queer health, and gender-affirming care. They also offer continuing education on transgender medicine through QueerCME.com. Adrian Levitt is an attorney with the ACLU of Washington, specializing in protecting access to gender-affirming care and defending providers against government overreach. Website: QueerCME.com Queer Doc website: https://queerdoc.com About the Host: Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more! Socials: @physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook @physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube @physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let's grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.