Podcasts about Anticipating

John and Ryan return with a packed episode full of fresh pickups, tough gameplay impressions, and a look at the latest industry buzz. Ryan dives into his ongoing run through Returnal, breaking down the game's relentless roguelike loops and the thrill of surviving its bullet‑hell chaos. John follows up with his experience playing Stellar Blade, sharing thoughts on its combat, pacing, and whether it delivers on its stylish promise. The guys also tackle two big stories shaking up the gaming world. First, they discuss new data showing that the most‑played PlayStation and Xbox games of 2025 were virtually unchanged from 2024, with juggernauts like Fortnite, Roblox, GTA V, Minecraft, and Call of Duty continuing to dominate player time despite a wave of new releases. Then they dig into the heated debate surrounding the rumored PS6 price point, as speculation about a higher‑than‑expected launch cost has fans split and wondering what the next generation will look like. To wrap things up, it's time for this month's theme: Video Games With Agonizing Tutorials. The Inflation Deflation Challenge spotlights The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Does its famously slow intro still drag the experience down, and where does the game's value sit today? 00:00 Introduction 14:14 Current Gaming Picks and Experiences 25:04 Analysis of Most Played Games 29:18 The Impact of Sandbox Games 31:06 The Challenge of Keeping Up with Entertainment 33:57 The Evolution of Gaming Preferences 36:44 Anticipating the Next Console Generation 39:07 The Impact of Game Availability on Consoles 42:05 The Future of Gaming and Streaming 44:21 The Legacy of Zelda Games 56:49 Collecting and Valuing Video Game Guides   Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators

This is the sermon for the Lord's Day, January 4, 2026. 

It is time to remember the lessons and warnings of 2025 as we move into 2026. Curtis breaks down top stories and takeaways from last year, along with trends to be alert to in this new year. This episode will remind you of keys things you need to know to be prepared for what's coming and to be equipped to make 2026 a very productive year in your life.

I have to admit that this year has flown by quickly. Full of highlights, but still Spring became summer, and summer went right into Thanksgiving, and the next thing you knew the year was closing. On many levels I have enjoyed the parks perhaps more days in the year than in previous years. Unless I'm out of town I'm there once a week at least, but lately, I've found myself easily there 2-3 days out of seven. And it's been wonderful. Just during the Christmas season we have had some really wonderful visits. We'll discuss new attractions that have emerged in 2025, as well as moments I have had cherishing the final days of attractions that have now parted. Among all this I'll share my favorite moment of the entire year. Then we'll look forward to the new year. I don't believe Disney has yet to disclose all that is happening in the parks in 2026, but there's a solid start to the first half so far. We'll look at each incoming experience, and then focus in on what will be the most important announcement to happen in 2026. Finally we have an announcement that sets the stage for Disney Insights in the upcoming year! So join us as we celebrate 2025 and anticipate all to come in 2026! ________________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. ________________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

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Summary After Christmas fades and decorations come down, many of us instinctively begin looking ahead to what's next. In this sermon, Michael Easley reminds us that this longing is not accidental—it is eternal. God has placed eternity in our hearts, wiring us to anticipate His ultimate deliverance. Tracing Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, Dr. Easley explores the biblical theme of divine visitation—God personally stepping into history to accomplish redemption. From Joseph's deathbed confidence in God's future deliverance, to Zechariah's Spirit-filled praise at the birth of John the Baptist, Scripture reveals a consistent hope: God will visit His people to save them. Luke's Gospel declares that God has “visited us and accomplished redemption,” using a word that means more than appearing—it means showing up to act. In the New Testament, divine visitation demands a response. Some reject the Deliverer, while others recognize Him as the fulfillment of God's promises. The sermon concludes by shifting our focus away from obsessing over end-times signs and toward eager expectation of Christ Himself. Our confidence does not rest in circumstances or experiences, but in God's unchanging Word. Faithful living means trusting God's promises, anticipating Christ's return, and persevering with hope—knowing the Deliverer will come again. Takeaways God has placed eternity in our hearts, causing us to long for what lies beyond this world. Divine visitation in Scripture means God personally stepping in to accomplish deliverance. From Joseph to Zechariah, God's people trusted His promises even when fulfillment seemed distant. The New Testament emphasizes our response to God's visitation—rejection or faith-filled recognition. Scripture calls believers to watch for Christ Himself, not obsess over signs of His return. Our assurance and hope rest not in experience, but in the unchanging truth of God's Word. To read the book of Luke, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Pastor Andy concludes his series, "Anticipating Grace - the Joy of an Unopened Gift".

Christmas Cards from God: Joy A Message of Joy from the Angels The heart of the Christmas story, as told in the Gospel of Luke, centers on the shepherds who were visited by an angel proclaiming, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10). This message of joy is not just historical. It is a Christmas card from God to us today, inviting us to live a life filled with joy. What Is True Joy? The sermon explores a direct question: Do you live with joy? True joy, as depicted in the Bible, is not mere happiness or a fleeting emotional state. It is strength that comes from God. This joy is a lifeline. It is a divine gift that empowers believers to navigate life's challenges and temptations. Jesus' Prayer for Joy In John 17:13, Jesus prays that His followers would have the “full measure of my joy within them.” This prayer highlights joy as a vital source of spiritual strength, even as Jesus faced His greatest trials. Joy is not superficial. It is deep-rooted strength that enables perseverance. The Joy of the Lord as Strength The sermon references Nehemiah 8:10, where Nehemiah tells the people, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This moment came after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The people were reminded to celebrate God's deliverance instead of mourning past failures. Joy here means moving forward with strength and purpose. The Example of Jesus Jesus modeled this joy as He endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). His anticipation of returning to the Father and securing salvation for humanity gave Him strength. Joy sustained Him through unimaginable suffering and kept Him faithful to His mission. Applying Joy in Our Lives 1. Return to the joy of salvation. Psalm 51:12 urges us to seek the joy of God's salvation continually, remembering the grace that saved us and the mercy that forgives us daily. 2. Joy in obedience. Joy comes from knowing what to do and actually doing it. Obedience to God's Word produces joy, as Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.” 3. Anticipating eternal joy. Joy is rooted in the hope of eternity with God. Psalm 16:11 promises, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Conclusion This Christmas season, the message is clear. Embrace the joy God offers through Christ. This joy is not just a feeling. It is strength. It sustains us. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, remember His prayer for our joy. Live in that strength. The best is still ahead.

Pastor Megan Johnson continues our Christmas series, "Away In A Manger". -Live From Chelan, WA. 12-21-25Learn more about Real Life Church and how to attend live here: https://reallifencw.com/

Can mastering a niche early in your real estate career be the secret to selling million-dollar homes in your 20s? In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes second-generation real estate agent Emma Horvatincic, a driven and self-made rising star specializing in equestrian properties in Northeast Florida. Emma shares her journey from growing up immersed in a business-minded household to building a flourishing career in real estate—all before turning 25. Her unique blend of professionalism, niche marketing, and dedication to elite service shines throughout the conversation. Emma reveals how her equestrian background, personalized marketing, and strategic use of old-school outreach (yes, real mail!) helped her break into the luxury real estate market. She gives valuable insights on building a solid foundation with the right brokerage, leveraging AI and blogging for future-proof content marketing, and why anticipating client needs in the luxury space is non-negotiable. Her proactive mindset, attention to detail, and genuine care for her clients set her apart as a future industry leader. Love what Emma shared? Don't wait—subscribe to Real Estate Excellence and follow Emma's journey! If you're a new agent wondering how to carve your niche, or a buyer looking for horse property expertise, this is the episode for you. Share it, review it, and start building your empire today.   Highlights: 00:00 - 02:35 Why You Shouldn't Wait to Buy ·        Emma's top advice for 2026 buyers ·        Timing the market vs. taking the leap ·        Why perfection isn't the goal ·        Interest rates and market myths ·        Action beats hesitation 02:36 - 13:30 From College to Closing Deals ·        Getting licensed during college ·        Family legacy in real estate ·        Studying business & entrepreneurship at UNF ·        Formal education vs. natural business instinct ·        Transitioning into full-time real estate 13:31 - 22:20 Nailing the Niche ·        Breaking into luxury through horse properties ·        What most agents get wrong in farm listings ·        Building trust with sellers through expertise ·        Targeting farms using handwritten outreach ·        Turning expired listings into closed deals 22:21 - 31:38 Marketing That Actually Works in 2025 ·        Why social media alone isn't enough ·        AI, blogs & the rise of Googleable agents ·        The value of a solid personal website ·        How reviews fuel AI visibility ·        Personalization vs. paid content 31:39 - 45:02 Serving Luxury Clients the Right Way ·        White-glove service from start to finish ·        Anticipating client needs proactively ·        Out-of-state buyers and concierge-level care ·        Why responsiveness is your superpower ·        Communicating value beyond just the home 45:03 - 01:17:23 Trends, Renovations & Real ROI ·        Pricing mistakes sellers make ·        High-end homes: what's still moving ·        Buyers' mindset in luxury vs. average price point ·        Are pre-listing renovations worth it? ·        Timing, market strategy, and honest advising   Quotes: "There's never going to be one perfect time to get in the market. When the time is right for you, make the jump." – Emma Horvatincic "You're always interviewing for your next opportunity. Nothing is guaranteed." – Emma Horvatincic "Substance will never go out of style, especially in a digital world." – Emma Horvatincic "If you're not looking for your next opportunity today, you'll feel it a few months from now." – Emma Horvatincic   To contact Emma Horvatincic, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.   Connect with Emma Horvatincic! Website: https://ehorvatincic.floridanetworkrealty.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma.horvatincic.realtor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emma.horvat.37051/   Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com   Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com    SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW as we discuss real estate excellence with the best of the best.   #RealEstateExcellence #LuxuryRealEstate #EquestrianRealEstate #EmmaHorvatincic #WomenInRealEstate #BerkshireHathaway #RealEstatePodcast #NicheMarketing #AIInRealEstate #RealEstateTips #ContentMarketing #LuxuryHomes #EquestrianLifestyle #PropertyInvesting #NewAgentAdvice #SocialMediaForRealtors #RealEstateStrategy #FloridaRealEstate #HorseProperties #LuxuryListingAgent

Let your anticipation overflow.

Pastor Andy continues in his new series, "Anticipating Grace - the Joy in an Unopened Gift." 1 Cor. 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

This is the sermon for the Lord's Day, December 21, 2025. 

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

Christmas marks the arrival of a solution to an unsolvable problem—how to stand before God when obedience isn't good enough.

With the finale steadily approaching, Jo and Rob are here to help break down the second-to-last-last episode of the first season of ‘Pluribus'. (0:00) Intro (8:04) Connectivity and empathy (14:37) Hive-mind theater (23:53) Carole in the New World (40:37) Rob's hypothetical (42:37) A Manousos question (47:44) Breaking down the info nuggets (56:57) Anticipating the finale Email us! prestigetv@spotify.com or lickingthedonut@gmail.com Subscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episodes of The Prestige TV Podcast and so much more! Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elizabeth Peek discusses lessons for 2025, praising President Trump's showmanship at the Army-Navy game and anticipating his presence at the 2026 World Cup. She argues tariffs are generating significant revenue and predicts Democrats will eventually relax border policies to secure future votes, despite current public disapproval of high immigration. FARRAGUT FLAGSHIP "FRANLIN"

Architecture is evolving faster than ever, especially in healthcare, where design intersects with technology, patient experience, and operational efficiency. In this episode, principals Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius of Parkin Architects discuss the changing landscape of hospital design, from universal versus private healthcare systems to the integration of AI and robotics. Discover how architecture shapes outcomes for patients, families, and staff, while anticipating the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare architecture with Parkin Architects. Rebecca McDonald and Kyle Basilius share insights from decades of experience designing hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. From flexible master planning and lifespan considerations to advanced lighting, patient control systems, and automated logistics, they reveal how design can directly impact health, wellness, and operational efficiency. We explore how emerging technologies like AI, remote diagnostics, and robotics are beginning to influence design decisions and operational planning, creating safer, more adaptive, and human-focused healthcare environments. Whether you're interested in the philosophy of design, future-proofing healthcare infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and empathy, this conversation highlights the practical and visionary approaches shaping hospitals today. Talking Points: Introduction & Context Host sets the stage: the evolution of architecture in healthcare, AI, and technology in shelter and commercial spaces. Brief MIT course on AI and machine learning as inspiration for the discussion. Guest Introductions Rebecca McDonald: 12 years at Parkin Architects, focus on healthcare planning, personal motivation from family experiences in healthcare. Kyle Basilius: Design and planning across the U.S., Denmark, and Canada; current principal overseeing cancer hospital design, philosophy of integrating empathy into architecture. Healthcare Systems & Design Philosophy Comparison: Single-payer/universal healthcare vs. two-payer U.S. system. Operational implications: access, staff wellness, patient and family experience. Budgeting and stewardship of public funds in large-scale projects. Hospital Lifespan & Flexibility Typical hospital lifecycle: 50 years; planning for technological and programmatic changes. Importance of flexible core and shell design to accommodate renovations, evolving patient care, and technology integration. Master planning: phased renewals, mixed-use inpatient and outpatient strategies. Technology & AI in Healthcare Design AI as a tool for operational efficiency and patient care improvement. Automation: AGVs and AMRs for logistics and staff support. Potential for remote surgeries, telemedicine, and hub-and-spoke care models. Emergency Department Design Throughput and triage-focused planning: neighborhood-style zones for low, high, and trauma acuity patients. Mental health challenges and patient volume impacts on design. Opportunities for tech integration to improve patient flow and staff experience. Lighting & Environmental Control LED and circadian lighting systems for patient comfort, sleep, and recovery. Flexibility and control for staff and patients. Integration with intuitive interfaces to improve operational workflow and care delivery. Staff Wellbeing & Operational Efficiency Reducing injury through thoughtful design and automation. Leveraging AI and technology to improve staff retention and productivity. Supporting patient-centered care while optimizing building operations. The Future of Healthcare Architecture Planning for technological advances, flexible programming, and patient-focused design. Anticipating evolving care delivery models, population growth, and community needs. Emphasis on human-centered design as the core of architectural innovation. Closing Thoughts Key takeaways: design is as much about the people using the space as it is about the physical structures. The evolving role of technology and AI as supportive tools rather than replacements. Thank you Rebecca, thank you Kyle and everyone at Parkin Architects for craft special places with purpose. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you'd like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.  Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

In a world where the months seem to fly by, does the message of Christmas ever seem repetitive or humdrum? Join John as he challenges us to reset and approach this Christmas with a fresh sense of wonder and awe.

Anticipate His return with repentance.

No one was looking for God to appear in person, yet Jesus came to make the invisible God unmistakably known.

No one was looking for God to appear in person, yet Jesus came to make the invisible God unmistakably known.

No one was looking for God to appear in person, yet Jesus came to make the invisible God unmistakably known.

No one was looking for God to appear in person, yet Jesus came to make the invisible God unmistakably known.

No one was looking for God to appear in person, yet Jesus came to make the invisible God unmistakably known.

Jesus Christ was the promised solution to life's problems.

This is the sermon for the Lord's Day, December 14, 2025. 

Isaiah 12 Joyful Experience (vv. 1-3) Celebrate the Lord for His Forgiveness. Celebrate the Lord for His Salvation Joyful Expression (vv. 4-6) Praise the Lord Declare His deeds Remember to exalt His Name Sing to the Lord More to Consider Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased. C.S. Lewis. Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story about his mother and their "misery dinner." It was the night after his father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his partner had absconded with their firm's funds. His mother went out and sold some jewelry to buy food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded her for it. But she told them that "the time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week." Her courageous act rallied the family. Christopher News Notes, August, 1993. Happiness is an emotion, and joy is an attitude. Emotions come and go, but attitudes come and grow. Robert J. Morgan, Nelsons Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, electronic ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000), 496. The king of a particular country traveled often, but one day a man living near the place remarked to a friend, Well, it looks like the king is home tonight. How do you know? asked the other. The man pointed up toward the royal house. Because when the king is home, he said, the castle is all lit up. Ibid.

In today's episode, we're diving into potty training: part two because we were thrown a curveball, and I knew I had to talk about it. I never want you to feel like you're alone in this stage of parenting, and if you've experienced a potty-training regression, let this be your reminder: you're not doing anything wrong. Regressions are common, totally normal, and you are definitely not alone!Ways to work with Corinne: Join the Mind Your Hormones Method, HERE! (Use code PODCAST for 10% off!!)Mentioned in this episode: Check out GutPersonal products here & their testing packages HERE! Code CORINNE saves you 10% on supplements (& on testing!) or take the GutPersonal Quiz to find out exactly which supplements are best for your unique situation! My amazon list with everything we used!FREE TRAINING! How to build a hormone-healthy, blood-sugar-balancing meal! (this is pulled directly from the 1st module of the Mind Your Hormones Method!) Access this free training, HERE!Join the Mind Your Hormones Community to connect more with me & other members of this community!Come hang out with me on Instagram: @corinneangealicaOr on TikTok: @corinneangelicaEmail Fam: Click here to get weekly emails from meMind Your Hormones Instagram: @mindyourhormones.podcast Disclaimer: always consult your doctor before taking any supplementation. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, not to diagnose or treat any conditions. 

In this message, Bishop Walker teaches according to Psalm 33:20. Visit our website https://www.aplaceofrefugechurch.org Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aplaceofrefugechurch  Also enjoy these powerful podcasts: The Way 2 Go Podcast - https://goo.gl/xmctVQ Making People Productive Podcast - https://goo.gl/R53KGa The L.I.F.E. Podcast - https://tinyurl.com/4t2vapjb

In this episode of Spirit Connection, Doug Addison is praying with his Partners and making scriptural declarations, believing God for the Double Blessing. Tune in for this powerful time of sharing—Anticipating the Double Blessing! Cindy Jacobs gave Doug and Linda a prophetic word. It’s been a couple of years ago, but they’re still standing on this word. She said, “Because you’ve walked through double trouble, the Lord is going to bring you a double blessing in return.” And we ask, Father, that You would bring about all things, bring a stop to the spiritual warfare, the attacks from the enemy. We pray Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” He is releasing a special order from Heaven over us and our situations. Watch Now Listen Now https://dougaddison.com/wp-content/themes/dougaddison/podcast/Podcast_101225-anticipating-the-double-blessing-episode-419.mp3     Find Out: About the Lord turning double trouble into double blessing About the special order being released from Heaven About breakthrough coming from the Lord   Links Mentioned in This Episode: Workshop: Understanding Your Dreams and Visions! Join Doug's Monthly Mentoring Sessions, via Zoom, by becoming a Partner!The post Anticipating the Double Blessing [Episode 419] first appeared on Doug Addison.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NLT) As we look at our world today, it becomes apparent that part of the promise of Isaiah 9:6–7 has not yet been fulfilled. The Child has been born. The Son has been given. But He has not yet taken the government upon His shoulders. We do not yet have peace with fairness and justice. The good news is that the day is coming. Christ will return. He will establish His kingdom on this earth. And it will be the righteous rule of God Himself. Before Jesus could take the government upon His shoulder, He had to take the cross upon His shoulder. Before He could wear the crown of glory as King of kings, He had to wear the shameful crown of thorns and give His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. The first time He came, a star marked His arrival. The next time He comes, the heavens will roll back like a scroll, stars will fall from the sky, and He Himself will light the universe. This season, we celebrate the Incarnation and what it means to us. God came near to us so that we can come near to Him. He came to give our lives purpose and meaning, to forgive us of our sins, and to give us the hope of Heaven beyond the grave. Christmas is not about tinsel or shopping or even spending time with family. Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. Rather, Christmas is about the gift that was given on the tree—when Christ died on a wooden cross for our sins and gave us the gift of eternal life. He also gave us the hope of His return. In Luke 21:25–28, Jesus said, “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (NLT). So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s do so with an eye toward the Lord’s return. Let’s remember that one day our hope will be fulfilled, and our joy will be complete. Reflection question: How does Jesus give your life meaning and purpose as you await His return? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Patrick Lencioni is the founder of The Table Group and a bestselling author of 14 books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The 6 Types of Working Genius. Behind his achievements (valedictorian, straight A's, business success) were childhood wounds that drove him to prove himself. Key Learnings "I think I'm really good at anticipating people's objections." I think about what they might be thinking and what I need to put out there. Whether talking interpersonally, giving a speech, writing a book, or on a podcast, I like to think about what the other person might be objecting to. Lean into empathy. I always felt like I needed to prove myself in order to be successful and to feel safe. That's not healthy.  "When people tell you they got straight A's and were the valedictorian, the student body president, and got accepted to all the schools they wanted to get into, there's a wound there." Based on my personality type, I shouldn't have done all those things, but it was out of the need to prove myself. Which wasn't healthy for me. My parents had a hard time being affirming because of their own lives. It wasn't until I was 55 years old that a friend who's a psychologist said, "You, my friend, have childhood wounds you've never dealt with." I got good Christian counseling and realized that the way I grew up, I wasn't supposed to grow up that way. It's common in athletes & CEOs to feel like they haven't done enough. They need to do more. "You're a noun, not a verb. You are enough, and you're not defined by what you do." Great achievements come out of fear, but "true greatness is best when it's only in the things that you're meant to be great at, and that you're doing it out of freedom and passion and love, not out of fear of failure." I remember seeing Tiger Woods on the Tonight Show when he was four years old. He was being groomed to be a golfer when he was four. It's best in life when we discover who God means us to be, then we do the things we're supposed to do and we're okay with not being good at the things we're not supposed to. Are we too affirming now as parents? People who are pretty darn good at everything it's usually because they're doing something out of fear. When I was a kid, my parents came from World War II and the Depression. It was like, hey, you got a roof over your head. There was a lot of suffering, and they weren't really attuned to that. Now we are hyper worried of our own kids suffering. No, suffering is actually good. They need to know they're loved and safe, but they're not gonna be protected from what is necessary for their development. The mistake I made was, oh no, I don't want them to feel like I did. Thankfully at my age, I'm now interacting with my mostly adult children and explaining to them what I did wrong. The Teammate Trifecta - How should we use it?: When I wrote The Five Dysfunctions of a Team right after 9/11, I thought, "That's the book on teamwork." Then we realized you need The Ideal Team Player (humble, hungry, and smart) to hire people that fit on teams. Years later, we came up with Working Genius: Are they in the right seat?  3 steps to building a team: Don't let people on the bus if they're not humble, hungry, and smart. Make sure you have them in the right chair based on their gifts. Then teach them the Five Dysfunctions. Pat's Two Working Geniuses: Invention and Discernment "Invention means I love to come up with ideas out of nothing. Discernment means I love evaluating things, curating things. God wired me to do that kind of thing." When people say, "Pat, we have five minutes, and we need a new idea," I just take a deep breath and smile. One man's trash is another man's treasure.  Every new idea I've come up with has been in the field, working with people. I asked Jim Collins, "Jim, you do all this research with data. I go into a room with leaders and just think, What's going on here?" He said, "Pat, that's just as valid as what I do. That's called field research and face validity."  What is Pat terrible at? Finishing things. People say, "Well you finished 14 books." And that's because I had the help of others to make me finish those.  I got a 4.0 in high school. That wasn't my personality. I went to every class in college, never blew off classes. My personality is the kind that should blow off classes that don't matter. But I was so afraid of failing and disappointing my parents and teachers that I did anything they asked. That was not natural; that was fear-based. Can we use fear as useful fuel? "You can use it in the short term, but if you're doing it in your life, no." "We should celebrate what other people are better than we are at things. We should literally celebrate what we suck at." If we have two kids and one's creative and the other's disciplined, we tell the creative one to be more disciplined and the disciplined one to be more creative. No. We have to say, understanding that you're not creative is good for you. That's not who you're meant to be. The hardest thing about being a parent is constantly asking yourself, "Am I pushing them too hard or not enough?" The hardest question you ask yourself as a parent is, "Am I pushing my kids too hard or not hard enough?" This question also applies to yourself.  In Working Genius, should I work on my working frustrations? The short answer is no.  Working Genius is all about knowing what you love to do. Enablement and Tenacity are my working frustrations, and so many of those things fall into parenting. I'd say to my wife, "Hey, Laura, let's outsource some of these things." Out of fear and guilt, she said no because she felt like she'd be a bad mother. Outsource the work you don't enjoy, and when you have to do it, try your best and don't feel guilty with the result. The electrical company turned off our power for not paying the bill. We need to accept our deficiencies and need to be able to laugh at the things we're not good at.  Ryan's Learning Leader Team: When your whole team has Tenacity as their working genius, your team loves to finish things. You will never be flaky. You might stick to something that needs to be changed way before it needs to be. In my company, we're always up for a change in plans, but not great at following through. If your team doesn't have Wonder and Invention, force yourself to borrow from others outside the organization to get new ideas. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team Vulnerability-based trust changes everything in teams. Eric Spoelstra uses Five Dysfunctions with the Miami Heat. He started when they acquired LeBron James. He said, "I don't know what offense we're gonna run this year, but I know we're gonna use the Five Dysfunctions." I love it in basketball, especially because you see them on the court. When people can be so vulnerable that they can say it was my fault, or I need help, or I'm sorry I was kind of a jerk yesterday at practice, it changes everything. But when you have a player who doesn't admit when they made a mistake or who blames everybody else, the ceiling of that team being great is so low. Humble, Hungry, Smart has been a great tool for athletic teams. I define it: no ego, it's about the team (humble). Hungry means I go above and beyond. Smart means I have emotional intelligence. I have the team members say, "Which of those three is your lowest?" It is crazy how people will call out. The goalie said, "I'm not smart. I yell at guys on the field, and I demean them. I gotta get better." Another kid said, "I need to be hungrier. I don't do the workouts at home." Pat phrases it this way when meeting with athletic teams. "Okay, everybody, look around at your teammates and think about the thing they want to get better at. If you want to be a good teammate, when you see your teammate doing the thing he just admitted he wants to get better at, you need to call him out on it." Once people start to have that language, it's amazing how they're coaching each other. And if as a coach yourself, I think you should tell people, "When I was a player, this was mine." They're gonna go, hey, if the coach admits that, I'll do it too. For leaders with Enablement & Tenacity as top geniuses, how do they avoid burnout? You have to be willing to start with "I am prone to burnout if you guys aren't aware of what's going on." The people with enablement and tenacity will say, "I'll just do it," and then they do. We had 12 employees and only one had Tenacity. We said we are going to kill her because every time we have to get something done, we're gonna say, "Jackie will finish." When people have enablement and tenacity, they and everybody else need to say, let's not abuse them. How do we assess a company in a short amount of time without focusing on their financials?  When I go into a company, I find out what their meetings are like. If there's no disagreement and they're not exhausted at the end of a meeting, that's a red flag. If good people are leaving an organization, that's a massive red flag. I like going around and checking interactions. Is there an intensity with people together? Or are they alone and quiet? Also, keep an eye on customer reviews. What are the customers saying? There are two extremes of humility problems: arrogance on one end, and lack of confidence on the other. I first identified humility as a problem when I saw a CEO who didn't care about his company's results, but if he went on TV and answered questions about why they didn't meet their numbers, he would make jokes and make others laugh. If he was happy from that versus getting the results they needed, that's an issue. What specific traits do leaders need to have to get hired? A leader has to simultaneously believe they are no more important than the people they lead. They also have to accept the fact that their behaviors and words ARE more important than others in the company. "The one thing the leader has to do is break the tie." This past Friday, I was in a meeting trying to deal with a strategic issue between two great people. I dropped a curse word and said, "Listen, I'm pulling the CEO card right now. I don't do it all that often, but since I am the CEO, this is where we're going." Because I don't pull it every time, people are glad to have a CEO that will do that. If you're doing it every time, you lose credibility. Advice for young professionals: I wrote a book called The Motive, and what I say to leaders when they're young is: make sure your motive for being a leader is about sacrificing and suffering for others. "I want to help this organization, or I want to be the kind of person that takes on more than others for their good." Leadership is a lonely and selfless thing. It's wonderful, but the personal economics of leadership are not good. If you don't sign up for that, don't be a leader. Too many people say, I want to be a leader. And if you really scratch below the surface, they'll say, I think it would make me feel important, I'd get attention, maybe I'd make money, I'd have power. When that's your motive for being a leader, you're not gonna be a great leader. Reflection Questions Pat says people who were perfect students (straight A's, valedictorian, student body president) often have childhood wounds driving them. What in your past might be driving your current achievements? Are you operating from freedom and passion, or from fear and the need to prove yourself? He teaches his kids' sports teams to identify which of Humble, Hungry, or Smart is their lowest, then hold each other accountable when they see teammates struggling with that area. What would you identify as your lowest, and who in your life could you invite to call you out when you're not living up to it? Pat says the motive for leadership should be "sacrificing and suffering for others," not feeling important or controlling what you work on. If you're honest about why you want to lead (or why you currently lead), what's really driving you? Would people who report to you say you're other-motivated or personally motivated?

It's common to feel a tug-of-war between inner anxiety and recognizing God's nearness. In this conversation with Andy Stanley and Steve Cuss, we're invited to consider some false needs that may be steering our reactions.

It's common to feel a tug-of-war between inner anxiety and recognizing God's nearness. In this conversation with Andy Stanley and Steve Cuss, we're invited to consider some false needs that may be steering our reactions.

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview Our hope for endless peace rests on a child who will reign forever.I. The future for God's people is a dawn that drives out darkness (vv. 1-3)II. This dawn will mean the end of enslaving enemies (vv. 4-5)III. God will make this endless peace through a child who will reign forever (vv. 6-7)Digging Deeper    Read Isaiah 9:1-71. “To be in darkness is to seem to be abandoned by God.” By a show of hands, have you ever or do you now feel this way? Share more if you're comfortable. 2. “The first coming of Jesus was the beginning of the end of the darkness of the world.” How have you experienced this line from the sermon? How has darkness begun to end? How is it still present? Think in terms of the world and your own life.3. Anticipating that Christ has come and is coming again should lead to hope and joy. How might we help one another be more intentional about giving thought to Christ's first and second coming?   4. Do you see spiritual enemies (like sin, demons, the fear of death) as your greatest enemies? Why or why not?5. How did Jesus' death on the cross defeat our spiritual enemies?6. Reread Isaiah 9:6, especially the end. Which of the four descriptors of Jesus catches your attention? Why?7. What is a takeaway (s) for us from the fact that roughly 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus, Isaiah so clearly and so specifically foretold his coming?8. Where do you long for peace in your life? With God? With yourself? With others? 9. There are many aspects to the peace Jesus came to bring for his people (e.g. - peace with God, peace among ourselves, peace within ourselves, etc.). Are there any aspects of the peace he brings that you have perhaps not appreciated as much as you should? Why might that be?  How might we grow in gratefulness for all that Christ came to do for us?    10. Read Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”  How has Jesus brought us peace through his death?  How might we use this verse to share the gospel with someone this Advent season?   Prayer

It's common to feel a tug-of-war between inner anxiety and recognizing God's nearness. In this conversation with Andy Stanley and Steve Cuss, we're invited to consider some false needs that may be steering our reactions.

It's common to feel a tug-of-war between inner anxiety and recognizing God's nearness. In this conversation with Andy Stanley and Steve Cuss, we're invited to consider some false needs that may be steering our reactions.

It's common to feel a tug-of-war between inner anxiety and recognizing God's nearness. In this conversation with Andy Stanley and Steve Cuss, we're invited to consider some false needs that may be steering our reactions.

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Airbnb's new 24-hour free cancellation policy is officially live—and if you're not prepared, this change could mean a bumpy ride ahead. In this week's episode, Sarah and Annette break down exactly what's new, what's going away, and how these updates impact hosts of every size.From understanding the shift toward guest-friendly policies, to forecasting cancellations as a standard cost of doing business, to tightening up your communication strategies—this conversation gives you the mindset, tactics, and next steps you'll need to stay profitable and confident.Whether you're managing a luxury cabin, an urban apartment, or an entire portfolio, this episode will help you adapt quickly and strategically to Airbnb's platform-wide changes.What we cover in this episode:What Airbnb's new 24-hour free cancellation policy includesWhy strict cancellation policies are being phased out for new listingsWhat existing hosts can expect moving forwardHow to forecast cancellations as a normal cost of businessThe importance of proactive guest communicationHow to reduce cancellations through relationship-buildingWhat these changes mean for larger or luxury propertiesSteps to stay prepared, not reactive, as the platform evolvesKey takeaway:You can't control Airbnb's policy decisions, but you can control how prepared you are. Anticipating cancellations, knowing your numbers, and communicating intentionally are now essential pillars of running a resilient STR business.Resources: Airbnb Help Center: Updated Cancellation PoliciesMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Avalara | Book a demo to save $100