Podcasts about authentic

It can feel so weird to jump back into normal life after the holidays. Especially if you've been working with us on Self-Care Daily and From the Heart podcast over these past couple of weeks, you have done a lot of work figuring out who you are at your core and what you genuinely want from life. And now you are getting bombarded with messages that are telling you to improve. This week on the show, we are going to counter all those messages telling us we aren't good enough. Instead we are going to focus on our essence and why we are so beautiful already. Tune in to begin. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new year doesn't automatically mean a new heart.In this message, we confront the subtle, often unnoticed compromises that slowly drift us away from God. Drawing from the life of King Solomon, we see how wisdom alone isn't enough when obedience is partial and the heart becomes divided.Small compromises don't feel dangerous at first—but what you tolerate today can dominate you tomorrow.This sermon will challenge you to:Stop confusing good intentions with obedienceRecognize the danger of divided devotionTear down the “high places” God never approvedChoose surrender over convenienceGod isn't asking for part of your heart—He's asking for the throne. Authentic Church 2416 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601 (Beside Planet Fitness) GIVING To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTED Ready to check out Authentic Church in person? We can't wait to meet you in person. Simply fill out the form below and we'll make sure to give you the VIP treatment upon your first visit. https://authenticchurch.com/plan-a-visit ABOUT AUTHENTIC CHURCH Authentic Church exists so that people will have an authentic encounter with God, be set free, and grow in Christ. Our mission is to help each person at Authentic believe in Jesus, belong to family, inspire true worship, walk in God's Spirit, and build the kingdom of God.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we have the example of Ss. Peter and John putting Christ first by going to the Temple to pray. When they encounter a lame beggar, this poor man is healed through Jesus's name. For the Apostles know that through the Holy Name of Jesus, everyone, even those who have fallen away from God spiritually, may be saved.

Many coaches feel burnt out or stuck creating content, but what if the real issue isn't strategy at all, it's misalignment with your mission?   On today's show, Julia Hayes explores why showing up in your business can feel heavy and exhausting when you're performing instead of leading from an authentic, mission-driven place.   She breaks down how clarity around who you're here to help, what problem you're emotionally connected to solving, and why it matters transforms content creation, visibility, and even selling into a more natural and effortless process.   You'll learn why clients connect to honesty over perfection, how your lived experience builds trust and credibility, and how alignment turns marketing into service rather than self-promotion.   Tune in to today's Integrative #HealthCoachSuccess episode 419 to learn how reconnecting with your authentic mission can reduce burnout, increase impact, and help your business grow with clarity, confidence, and ease.   Enjoy the show!   - - -   Listen or Watch At:  IHP.Coach/419   - - - Dr. Cabral's Book, The Rain Barrel Effect: https://amzn.to/2H0W7Ge - - - Become an Integrative Health Practitioner: https://integrativehealthpractitioner.org  

Preparation to the Lesson

Rabash. A Real Prayer Is over a Real Deficiency. 11 (1986) (14.04.2002)

Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 4. Table of Answers for the Meaning of the Words

Studying with friends

Dr. Aleksandra Plazinic is a keynote speaker, university lecturer, and communication coach dedicated to helping women executives speak with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Dr. Plazinic, based in the Netherlands, has worked with the United Nations, European Commission, and top business schools across Europe. Along the way we discuss the Journey (1:30), Flipped Fear to Fuel (3:00), Mind, Body, Emotion Approach (4:15), Affirmations (8:00), Quiet Confidence (11:15), Impostor Feeling (16:45), Speaking Alignment (23:00), High/Low Context Cultures (26:00), Starving Puppies (32:45), and Overcoming Negative Vibes (33:30).  This podcast is partnered with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Send a donation, large or small, through PayPal @LukeLeaders1248; Venmo @LukeLeaders1248; or our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com. You can also donate your used vehicle @ this hyperlink – CARS donation to LL1248.  Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Happy New Year! I'm super excited to kick off my 2026 conversations with Gatlin Johnson. We talked about performing live, writing authentic lyrics, being present to find song inspiration, and more. Gatlin also shared the details about his five-track EP, Only Shot. I loved having Gatlin on the show, so I hope you enjoy listening to our chat.Are you enjoying Write on Track? Do you have a topic suggestion for an episode? Would you like to be a guest? Email me at writeontrackpodcast@gmail.com. Also, I'd love to connect with you. My official website is http://demimschwartz.com, and you can find me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/demimschwartz, Instagram at http://instagram.com/demimschwartz, and Facebook at http://facebook.com/demimschwartz.Thank you so much for listening. Until next time, stay “write on track!”

Rabash. What Does It Mean that the Righteous Suffers Afflictions?. 9 (1988) (01.03.2002)

Preparation to the Lesson

Recording of Rabash. Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 1. Table of  of Answersfor the Meaning of the Words, item 40

Responsibility

Baal HaSulam. The Teaching of the Kabbalah and Its Essence

Show NotesMusic placement has quietly become one of the most powerful engines shaping how audiences discover new artists. In this episode of Music Evolves, host Sean Martin speaks with Chris SD, music producer and founder focused on connecting independent songwriters with film, television, and media opportunities, about how music moves from personal creation into shared cultural moments.The conversation centers on sync licensing not as a shortcut, but as a parallel creative economy. Chris SD explains that music supervisors, the professionals responsible for sourcing music for screen, are not looking for imitation or trend chasing. They are listening for authenticity. Songs that already exist, written without a brief or a pitch in mind, often resonate more deeply because they carry emotional truth rather than calculated intent.Why Indie Music Wins Screen TimeIndependent artists play a critical role in modern film and television. Budget realities often make major label catalogs impractical, while independent creators offer flexibility, ownership clarity, and creative alignment. This shifts the opportunity structure. Artists who control their masters and publishing are easier to work with and faster to license, which matters in production schedules driven by speed.Exposure matters as much as payment. A single placement can introduce an artist to millions of viewers in a context that builds emotional association rather than passive listening. That connection often leads to discovery, touring opportunities, and long-term audience growth.Technology as a Tool, Not the AuthorThe episode also addresses the growing conversation around AI in music creation. Chris SD draws a clear distinction between technology as a production aid and technology as a replacement for human authorship. Current legal frameworks and copyright realities prevent fully AI-generated music from being licensed for film and television. More importantly, the emotional nuance required for storytelling still depends on human experience.The message is consistent throughout the discussion. Music that endures is not built on novelty or automation alone. It survives because it reflects something real. Sync licensing rewards that honesty rather than undermines it.For artists navigating visibility, rights, and sustainability, this conversation reframes placement not as selling out, but as participation in a larger storytelling ecosystem.GuestChris SD, Musician, Producer, and Founder of Sync Songwriter | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sd/HostSean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/ResourcesAttend The Sync Songwriter Music Supervisor Panel: coming soon...More From Sean MartinMore from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcastMusic Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtWMusic Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/Line of Sight Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7400591548452667392/ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazineBe sure to share and subscribe!Keywordssean martin, chris sd, sync, licensing, music, film, television, independent, supervisors, creativity, art, artist, musician, music evolves, music podcast, music and technology podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lesson on the topic of "Work with Faith Above Reason" (15.12.2020)

Zohar for All. Beresheet - 1. Let there Be Lights - 1

Preparation to the Lesson

Lesson on the topic of "Building a Spiritual Society"

Preparation to the Lesson

Lesson on the topic of "Building a Spiritual Society"

Not a big fan of New Year's resolutions? Do you end up overdoing it, then dropping all of them by mid-January?That's because the attitude you're approaching goal-setting with is often not grounded in body, mind, and spirit. Most people set goals from the outside, which creates excess agitation and stimulation coming from rajas.There's an alternative to it: envisioning your year from the light of sattva to bring balance and harmony.In this episode, you'll discover:Why forcing outcomes disconnects us from trust and creates more stress and imbalanceWhat it means to take responsibility for your health and lifeHow the tools of Ayurveda and Yoga shape long-term wellbeingWhat to do instead of resolution-making, how to set your energy from the inside out before planningA sattvic exercise to plan the year (and the following ones) without losing direction when life shiftsReady to dive deeper into the practices of Ayurveda and guide others to do the same to support their well-being and heal from difficult symptoms and diseases? If leading others on this path feels like your dharma, or calling, we invite you to apply now for a free 1:1 clarity call with a member of our team so we can discuss your goals and see if our training feels aligned.Thanks for tuning in to the Everyday Ayurveda and Yoga at Hale Pule podcast. If this series inspires you to live a more holistic and balanced lifestyle, we invite you to join our free private community, the Hale Pule Sangha. Need to restore your digestion, hormones, and life to balance? Check out our 4-week Agni Therapy program - It includes Ayurveda and Yoga practices, a 1:1 consultation, energy work, a private support group, and a library of Q&As with Myra to support your healing process.If you enjoyed this podcast and received value from it, we'd appreciate it if you left a heartfelt review. It supports our mission at Hale Pule and helps us reach more people.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessie and Omar Ferreira, founders of A Soul's Quest and hosts of the ASQ Podcast, to talk about burnout, career transitions, identity loss, and finding purpose beyond professional success. Jessie and Omar share their personal journey of leaving established careers in higher education and nonprofit leadership while navigating financial stress, emotional burnout, and spiritual exhaustion. Their experience speaks directly to professionals and leaders who feel disconnected, unfulfilled, or stuck despite doing everything they were told would lead to success.Some Key Highlights:How burnout and career dissatisfaction can signal the need for personal growth and realignmentThe hidden identity loss that often follows major career transitionsWhy professional success does not always equal fulfillment or purposeHow leadership, spirituality, and psychology intersect during life transitionsA psychospiritual approach to navigating uncertainty, burnout recovery, and changeJessie and Omar do not offer surface-level motivation or quick fixes. They share grounded insights from lived experience that challenge conventional ideas about success, leadership, and achievement. If you are experiencing burnout, questioning your career path, or searching for deeper meaning and purpose, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and reassurance that transformation often begins where certainty ends.Connect with Dr. Jessie And Omar Ferreirahttps://asqempowerment.com/Liked this episode? Share it with a family member, friend, or colleague! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Connect with John Geraghty:Website: https://john-geraghty.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-geraghtyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjohngeraghty/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachjohngeraghty/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@John-GeraghtyLearn about The Flow Cultivator program: https://theflowcultivator.com/Grab a copy of The Prism of Perspective Book here: https://a.co/d/f5Lfqbn ___________ ©℗2024 & beyond by John Geraghty. All Rights Reserved.

Lesson on the topic of "Work with Faith Above Reason"

Preparation to the Lesson

Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 4. Table of Answers for the Meaning of the Words

Lesson on the topic of "Work with Faith Above Reason" (13.12.2020)

Season 5, Episode 706: When Cozy Dubois started writing fiction in 2022, it wasn't about chasing publishing deals or awards. This queer, trans, and neurodivergent author from Minneapolis simply wanted connection during pandemic isolation, and what emerged was something far more powerful: the Confession series, an ensemble romance celebrating chosen family and authentic queer experiences. Here's what makes Cozy's approach refreshing. They write across the entire spice spectrum, from closed-door romance to books with up to ten intimate scenes, but always with consent and emotional connection at the core (because that's what really matters). Their upcoming 2027 character Esmer, a non-binary queer sex toy designer with OCD, exemplifies their commitment to representing diverse experiences without shame or stereotype. Cozy approaches storytelling with precision, outlining the entire book series before writing a single word. They batch their drafting, writing three thousand words daily for weeks, then spend considerably more time editing. They emphasize that writing advice is highly individual, and what works for their neurodivergent brain might not work for yours. Writers are all different. Their Confession books feature vibrant purple branding, and prove that love doesn't cure trauma, it simply walks alongside healing. Characters continue evolving beyond their happy endings through friendship and community support. Find Cozy's books on Amazon, Kobo Plus, and indie bookstores, or grab signed copies through Scribbles Bookshop. Enjoy an excerpt from the book "Tempting Tara", written by Cozy DuBois, narrated by podcast host Ruan Willow. Tempting Tara (affiliate link) Get the book Connect with Cozy DuBois http://cozydubois.com/ Ruan's Links, Newsletter Signup, Affiliate links and Deals:  PodNation Podcast Affiliate link, Get 15% OFF with code podna15 on Ryze Coffee at https://www.ryzesuperfoods.com/ Support the show and get exclusive content Sign up for Ruan's Newsletters https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillow All Ruan's links: https://linktr.ee/RuanWillow Affiliate link, collect your body's health and sexual health info with a wearable device for men from Firm Tech 15% OFF with code ruan15 https://myfirmtech.com/ruanwillow

It is an immemorial custom to make resolutions at the start of a new year. Yet, rarely are these resolutions kept. Far too often we make broad resolutions that are impossible to keep. The better course is to particularize our resolutions, focusing on specific faults, and hoping, by the grace of God, we can overcome them.

Send us a textMartin Foster hosts a candid conversation with Katherine Torres-Pummill, the dynamic General Manager of Recurrent's Military Vertical. Katherine shares her journey from growing up in New York City as a first-generation American to leading some of the most influential military-focused media brands—including Task and Purpose, The War Zone, and We Are the Mighty.-Quick Episode Summary:Katherine Torres-Pummill shares leadership lessons, military community insights, and inspiration.-SEO Description:Passing The Torch podcast: Katherine Torres-Pummill shares leadership lessons, military family insights, and her journey in media and public service.-

ReferencesCell. 2018 May 31;173(6):1356-1369.e22. Clinical and Molecular Teratology 2016. Volume 106, Issue 9 September Pages 749–760Biology (Basel). 2023 Mar 30;12(4):527. dInt J Mol Sci. 2021 Feb 22;22(4):2158. Anderson and Squire. 1971. I've Seen all Good People. Yes.https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=WfgPEh2J9aI&si=cTVabGFH5JYqN-EjMozart , WA. 1788. Symphony 40 in G Minor K550.https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=z_4jMxbwmVc&si=0n5dbpCqtE4WjYFw

Lesson on the topic of "Work with Faith Above Reason" (29.11.2020)

Lesson on the topic of "Work with Faith Above Reason"

Preparation to the Lesson

Zohar for All. Beresheet - 1. Let there Be Lights - 1

Recording of Rabash. Baal HaSulam. Study of the Ten Sefirot. Vol. 1. Part 1. Table of  of Answersfor the Meaning of the Words, item 20

Happy New Year! Wow. I woke up this morning, obviously needed to process this wild year. So I wrote about my year and decided to turn it into this week's podcast. My word of the year is Authentic and so why not share now? Here it is, the untold and uncut version! This year couldn't of happened without me being alcohol-free and all of the deep work I have done up until this point. I have build years of resiliency to have been able to navigate this year as best as I possibly could. I hope you enjoy! Also, JOIN THE ALIVE AF! membership for the Dry January Challenge, enrollment is open until January 2nd! Don't miss! Let's start to build your resiliency NOW! Thanks for being here, always! Cheers to a healthy, happy, and Alive AF! 2026! Join the Dry January Challenge and start 2026 lit up from the inside. Doors close January 2nd!www.angelamascenik.com/dryjanuarychallenge2026Click the link to find out how you can join The Founders Club for The Magic House in Portugal:https://www.angelamascenik.com/magichousefounderscircle Tags:Stop Over-drinking, Angela Mascenik, stop drinking podcast, how to feel, how to overcome addiction, how to drink less wine, change your relationship with alcohol, coach for women who want to drink less alcohol, help to stop over-drinking, stop over-drinking, life coach to help stop over-drinking, self-love, importance of self-love, online membership to stop over-drinking, program to help quit alcohol, how to quit drinking, spouses, partners, food, overeating, moderation, sober retreat, how to prioritize yourself, make yourself a priority to drink less, mental health, mental health and alcohol use, mental health awareness month, how to stop over-drinking, how to stop drinking so much wine, life coach for women who drink too much, use humor to drink less, drink less, where do I start, sober retreat, how to stop over-drinking, how to drink less alcohol, Am I an alcoholic?, why do I drink so much, how to feel your feelings, how to stop the cycle of drinking too much, coaching for women who want to drink less, life coach for drinking less alcohol, stop over-drinking and start living, Magic House, magic, Dry January, Dry January in Alive AF!, 2025 reflections

It can be challenging to navigate between being yourself and trying to fit in. It can feel vulnerable to express enthusiasm yet nonchalence can get in the way of making true friendships. How do we create honest and authentic friendships with other people? What has worked or not worked for us in the past? In the spirit of starting off 2026 with some reflection, hope, and desire for increasing authenticity, we share this episode on friendship. Happy New Year!  To share your episode ideas or just say hi, email us at team@thisteenagelife.org.

We live in a world starving for attention—but what we're really craving is connection. In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Stephen sits down with Adam Christing to explore how humor, vulnerability, and presence shape the way we lead, relate, and live. This episode moves far beyond "being funny" and into something far more meaningful: how laughter becomes a bridge to trust, healing, and authenticity. From leadership and personal growth to faith, neuroscience, and lived experience, this conversation reveals why humor isn't a distraction, it's a discipline, a tool, and a language of connection. What did they talk about?   We feel before we think - connection is transferred, not explained Leaders must give themselves the same grace they give others Authentic presence matters more than polished performance Humor builds trust faster than perfection ever could   This episode isn't just for you. Think about the people in your life, your team, your family, your friends,who could benefit from this conversation. Chances are, three people came to mind immediately.   Be a blessing: Share this episode Subscribe and engage Leave a comment or review Pick up the book and take the quiz "Presence is magnetic. Performance is repellent." Know more about Adam Christing. Check his website: https://adamchristing.com/   Connect with Adam and follow: IG @adamchristing Rise. Lead. Last. We'll see you in the next episode.  

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Mike “C-Roc” sits down with Marta Spirk to explore what it truly means to step into your voice, your identity, and your purpose. Marta shares her journey from growing up in church in Brazil as a pastor's kid to becoming a professional singer, speaker, entrepreneur, and speaking coach in the U.S., opening up about ambition, rebellion, faith, motherhood, and the courage it takes to be seen. From performing with a boombox as a child to building a business around storytelling and signature talks, Marta reveals how persistence, authenticity, and creative self-expression shaped her path. Together, they dive into entrepreneurship, personal branding, overcoming fear of visibility, and the importance of sharing your message—not someone else's. This episode is a masterclass in owning your story, pushing past limitations, and using your voice to create impact, influence, and aligned income.Website- www.martaspirk.com Social Media Links/Handles-https://www.instagram.com/martaspirk/www.linkedin.com/in/marta-spirkwww.youtube.com/martaspirk

In this episode, Adam Roach and Jess Webber reflect on their experiences as coaches in 2025, sharing three key lessons learned throughout the year. They emphasize the importance of focusing on fewer, more impactful strategies, understanding the target audience, and maintaining a sense of fun in coaching. The conversation highlights the growth and empowerment within the coaching community, encouraging listeners to find clarity and joy in their coaching journeys.TakeawaysLess is more; focus on one core offering.Understanding your audience is crucial for success.Having fun is essential in coaching.Clarity on your target audience simplifies decision-making.Authentic gratitude enhances the coaching experience.Stripping away excess leads to better results.Coaches should not feel burdened by unnecessary complexity.Empowerment in coaching leads to greater impact.Finding alignment with your 'who' brings joy to work.Continuous learning and reflection are vital for growth.Chapters00:00 Reflecting on 2025: Lessons Learned05:44 The Power of Simplicity: Less is More11:14 Understanding Your Audience: The Importance of 'Who'14:22 Having Fun: The Key to Sustainable Coaching

In Episode 350 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso “Fonz” Mendoza sits down with Lindy Hockenbary (LindyHoc), a K–12 EdTech advisor, strategist, and professional learning leader known for helping teachers make technology work for real learning. This conversation goes straight to the issues educators actually face, the “one more thing” overload, AI misconceptions, and how to move beyond AI detectors toward authentic assessments students can't fake. Lindy breaks down how AI literacy fits inside core instruction (not as a separate add-on), why we must redesign assessment to emphasize process over product, and how tools with guardrails + teacher dashboards change what “safe classroom AI use” can look like. You'll also hear why Lindy's work is especially grounded in small and rural schools, where staffing, compliance review, and budget constraints make AI adoption harder, but also more urgent.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:05 Lindy Hockenbary's Educational Journey04:57 The Impact of Technology on Education09:19 Changing Mindsets in Education11:00 Integrating AI into Core Curriculum16:42 Redesigning Assessment in the Age of AI23:37 Authenticity in Learning and AI Challenges24:24 Misconceptions About AI in Education25:52 AI Literacy and Compliance in Teaching31:58 The Impact of ChatGPT on Educators36:00 Challenges in Rural Education and AI Adoption40:39 Final Thoughts and Future DirectionsLindy's website: https://www.lindyhoc.com/Make EdTech 100 podcast page: https://www.lindyhoc.com/podcastSponsors ShoutoutThank you to our sponsors: Book Creator, Eduaide.AI, and Peel Back Education for supporting My EdTech Life.Peel Back Education exists to uncover, share, and amplify powerful, authentic stories from inside classrooms and beyond, helping educators, learners, and the wider community connect meaningfully with the people and ideas shaping education today. Authentic engagement, inclusion, and learning across the curriculum for ALL your students. Teachers love Book Creator.Support the show

Preparation to the Lesson

Zohar for All. Beresheet - 1. Let there Be Lights - 1

Please visit SSPXPodcast.com to learn more or find out how to make a one-time or recurring donation. Your generosity contributes to the Society keeping faith with the motto of its patron, St. Pius X, to “restore all things in Christ.” Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

I don't like to perform a wedding unless I can first have several premarital counseling sessions with the couple. I remember when I told my youngest son (he was very young at that time) that I was going to be performing a wedding ceremony for one of the women on our staff. But the way I said it was this: "Hey, guess what? I'm going to be marrying Margaret." He burst into tears. He said, "What about Mommy?" So I've cleaned up my vocabulary a little bit, but I won't perform a wedding unless I can first counsel that couple. I'll tell you why. You need to get some of the stars out of their eyes. "I love him!" "I love her!" Well, that's great, but most pre-married couples need an emotional optometrist who can help them take a little more honest look at this person that they really do love. So I try to give them some emotional glasses to see who is really there. I think those sessions are a "must" and in fact I even give some tests to show the differences in expectations and in their perceptions of each other. Why? Well, because of the truth of three time-tested words, "Love is (fill in the blank) blind." No it isn't! Not really. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Love Has X-Ray Vision." Our word for today from the Word of God comes from Philippians 1:9-10. This is a great prayer here! In fact, I think it's a prayer we ought to just pray right out of scripture on behalf of some people we care about. Here it is: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." It doesn't sound like love is blind there, does it? "And I want to pray this so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." Now, the word that's used here is agape love. Of the several Greek words that could be used, this is the one for divine love; it's the highest form. He says, "I pray that your agape will abound more and more." And he said that agape love is insightful. It's not just blindly accepting of everything. This applies to all your relationships, not just romantic relationships. Then he gives here some solid guidelines for all the important choices that you are making at this stage of your life. He says that this knowledgeable love will make you able to discern. It really means to test. Test what? Well, I want you to have the kind of love, God is saying here, that's able to check out what is best. The Greek word that's used here is one that literally means to carry through. What's worth carrying through life? I want you to be able to discern that. It's often translated "more valuable" in the Bible. When you put it together it seems to say this, "Authentic love checks out every choice and chooses what's really worth the most." That kind of thinking settled it for my oldest son one day when he was trying to spend all of his allowance on junk food at the store. But he didn't, and when he left he said, "Dad, I decided I'd spend on what lasts." That's what this is talking about. Some people have us believe that love is this syrupy, naive, acceptance of everyone and everything. But actually, that was pretty tough, because it keeps asking, "What's really best in this situation? What will last?" Not, "What's more comfortable, what's more fun, what's more acceptable, or what's more materially profitable?" No, what's more eternally valuable? You can have that discernment in your daily choices the same way the first-century believers did. You've got to pray for it. Ask for it often. Like Superman, you can have x-ray vision, but to see the things that are really valuable. God can give you powerful inner eyes when you open up to His discerning love. When you have love, God's way, it's not blind - it has x-ray vision.

Material riches are not the key to happiness. This is a lesson repeated through both Scripture and popular culture, yet most struggle to accept it. Our Lord came to us in poverty. Although our respective stations in life may call upon us to have material resources, we must not abandon the call to have poverty of spirit, that is, detachment from material goods.

Please visit SSPXPodcast.com to learn more or find out how to make a one-time or recurring donation. Your generosity contributes to the Society keeping faith with the motto of its patron, St. Pius X, to “restore all things in Christ.” Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Have feedback or questions about the DD or our other shows? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org