Podcasts about Blessing

In this profoundly moving and honest conversation, we sit down with Jeff Loving, a NICU dad, husband, and now an author, who shares the intimate and often unspoken grief experienced by fathers after pregnancy loss. Jeff walks us through the heartbreaking loss of his two sons, Davian and Jadon, the struggle to find empathy and appropriate medical care, and how these experiences ultimately led him and his wife, Cassie, to become fierce advocates for their future family. This episode is a raw look at marriage under immense stress, the importance of empathetic medical staff, and the redemptive joy of welcoming their "double rainbow" daughter, Isla Grace. Jeff also discusses his mission to help other men through their grief by writing his book, Holding Onto the Light. Key Discussion Points & Timestamps Time Topic Key Takeaway 00:06 Meet Jeff Loving: Husband, NICU Dad, and Author Jeff introduces his family, including his dog, Sage, his wife, Cassie, and their NICU "double rainbow" baby girl, Isla Grace, reflecting on five years of marriage and three pregnancies. 01:08 The Loss of Davian (First Pregnancy) Jeff describes the initial shock and excitement of their first pregnancy, the sudden onset of symptoms at 19 weeks, and the devastating choice they faced in the hospital due to an infection: lose the baby, or risk losing both the baby and his wife. 04:55 The Cruel Disconnect of Grief Jeff recounts the soul-crushing moment of holding his son, Davian, as his heartbeat stopped. He shares the struggle of navigating intense grief while the world—and Thanksgiving—kept moving around them. 07:58 Finding Support: The Power of Presence The discussion turns to how his family supported them by simply being present, rather than offering platitudes like "it's God's plan." The importance of showing up for grieving parents is highlighted. 11:21 Empathetic vs. Detached Care Jeff praises the nurses who were a "calming presence in the chaos" and later attended Davian's service. Conversely, he shares a painful anecdote about a male doctor's detached and jovial demeanor, asking if he wanted to cut the cord after the loss. 15:51 What Compassion Looks Like in Care Jeff shares what he wished the doctor had said: "I know this is very hard... just know that my heart breaks for you, and I'm so sorry that you guys are going through this." This is a vital lesson for medical professionals. 16:55 Marriage Under Stress After moving to North Carolina for a fresh start, Jeff discusses how the loss put their marriage under extreme stress—it would either break them or bond them deeper. They emerged stronger. 23:13 The Loss of Jadon (The Second Pregnancy) The traumatic situation repeats almost day-for-day with their second son, Jadon. Jeff details the medical system's failure to provide a cerclage procedure, despite repeated requests, and the resulting emergency. 26:45 The Audacity of Poor Communication Jeff recounts being livid when the doctor who denied them the preventive cerclage entered the room without him present to tell his wife they were losing their baby, and then left without speaking to Jeff. 34:20 The Blessing of Angel the Bereavement Coordinator Jeff shares the incredible support they received from their bereavement coordinator, Angel, who handled every detail from handprints to selecting clothes, even providing a moment of much-needed humor when she accidentally gave Jadon a hilarious nickname. 36:02 Remembrance Toys: Dino Dave and Jucletus The significance of tangible remembrance items, like a weighted dinosaur (Dino Dave) and a heartbeat bear (Jucletus), that allow Isla to connect with her "big brothers." 39:18 "This is Our Double Rainbow Child" Jeff discusses the difficulty of answering "Is this your first?" as a parent of loss, and how he now confidently speaks of Isla as their "double rainbow child." 42:03 A Resource for Fathers of Loss Jeff explains his motivation for writing his book, Holding Onto the Light: A Father's Journey Through Loss and Healing. He notes the lack of resources for grieving men and how he encapsulated real stories into a fictional narrative to help them feel seen and heard. 46:05 The Defining Moment The most powerful feedback: a man who hadn't read a book in a decade finally read Jeff's book after losing his son. 48:52 Where to Find the Book and Connect Jeff shares his book title, where to buy it, and the dedicated email address to build a community of grieving fathers. Action Items & Connect with Jeff Read Jeff's Book: Title: Holding Onto the Light: A Father's Journey Through Loss and Healing Author: J. S. Loving Available: On Amazon (print and Kindle Unlimited). Connect & Share Your Story: Fathers of Loss Email: holdingontothelightbook@gmail.com (Jeff's goal is to connect with other fathers and collect stories for a future project). Instagram: @L-O-V-I-J-E-F (L-O-V-I-J-E-F)   When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels! Links and Resources: SupportSpot Website Download SupportSpot iOS or Android 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the SupportSpot app's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface. 92%  of parent users say the SupportSpot app's helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better. 80% of parents believe the SupportSpot app's has contributed to better health outcomes for their child. 73% of parent users believe the SupportSpot app's has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare Learn more here. Meet the host:  Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside. Instagram.com/childlifeoncall   The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. Facebook.com/childlifeoncall linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan  

Are you allowing comparison or fear to rob you of God-given opportunities in your life?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode focuses on the themes of transition and impartation in the spiritual journey, using the biblical stories of Elijah, Elisha, and Gehazi to illustrate how walking with God leads to seasons of change, growth, and responsibility. The speaker emphasizes the importance of moving from being a spiritual son or daughter to becoming a spiritual parent, imparting wisdom and anointing to others. Through examples from 1 Kings and 2 Kings, the message highlights obedience, humility, and the dangers of pride and transactional thinking, ultimately calling listeners to embrace a life of daily surrender and contentment in godliness rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.

Overcome insecurities and discover how to deal with feelings of inadequacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Baer is an award-winning business professor at Arizona State University, where he researches trust, justice, and impression management. Mike has published his research in top academic journals, including the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Personnel Psychology, and Mike is currently the Editor-in-Chief at one of the field's top journals—Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes.  Mike's research has been covered by media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, PBS, NPR, Business Insider, Men's Health, and New York Magazine among others. Prior to joining academia, Mike worked in the construction industry, at Hewlett Packard's Executive Leadership Development group, and in publishing and online education. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from BYU, and his PHD from the University of Georgia. In this episode we discuss the following: Trust is both a gift and a burden. When we trust others, we can increase their pride and opportunities but can also overload them with responsibilities and pressure. Leaders routinely overload their most trusted people without taking anything off their plates, while under-investing in newer employees who could grow with smaller tasks. Trust shapes how we interpret behavior: trusted employees get the benefit of the doubt; less-trusted ones receive harsh judgments for the same mistakes, which can make early impressions disproportionately powerful. When people are forming those early impressions and deciding whether to trust us, they are thinking about three things: Are we competent? Do we care about them? Do we have good values? So if we do our job well and help other people without being asked, we will tend to make a good impression. About 25% of employees don't actually want more trust—they want stability, not responsibility.

Don't Bury The Blessing Part #3 of Series: Shine Brighter December 6 - 7, 2025 - Ryan Shook Don't Bury The Blessing Why did the third servant bury his talent? We don't appreciate what we've been given. We don't comprehend what's at stake. We don't understand the Master's heart. We don't appreciate what we've been given. We don't understand what's at stake. Scriptures: Matthew 25:14-30, Exodus 4:2, Psalm 39:5, Romans 14:12, Matthew 25:24-25, Psalm 33:8 Topics: Life, Shine, Hope

Send us a textJust in time for the holidays, we whisk away on a cozy, magical journey through the enchanting world of The Snowman Code with Simon Stephenson. Warm yourself with this comfortable conversation about friendship, mental health, inner strength, and the transformative power of empathy as Simon shares the creative process behind his debut middle grade novel. SummaryThis week on the Adventures in Learning, Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor welcomes author Simon Stephenson, who unveils the American publication of his debut middle-grade realistic fantasy The Snowman Code. Simon shares his journey from being a children's doctor to writing for films like Luca and Paddington 2. Discover how his experiences with foster care children influenced The Snowman Code, a story about friendship, magic, empathy, resilience, depression, and finding your inner strength. We explore Simon's familial inspirations for the pompous and loving Albert the Snowman. Learn more about the artistic brilliance of illustrator Reggie Brown, whose rich multicultural illustrations add depth and unexpected surprises into this heartwarming story. Plus we envision how the book translates into a potential cinematic adaptation. Timestamps:01:02: The Author Behind The Snowman Code03:26:Blessing, Foster Care, Trauma, and Resilience07:28:Familial Origins of Albert the Snowman12:20:Themes of Empathy, Kindness, Compassion, and Sacrifice15:30:UK Reaction to The Snowman Code18:21:Exploring the Insightful, Layered Illustrations of Reggie Brown20:43:Imagining The Film Version23:52:What Brings You Hope?Links:Purchase The Snowman CodeFollow Simon Stephenson on InstagramDiscover more about Illustrator Reggie BrownSupport the showSubscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

It is vain for you to rise early,To retire late,To eat the bread of anxious labors—For He gives [blessings] to His beloved even in his sleep.Psalm 127:2 AMP

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251208dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1-2 Something Has Got to Change Something has got to change. Have you ever thought that? You might have thought that about your marriage or your relationship with your kids. You probably have thought that about your job or a working relationship with a coworker. At some point in your life, you have probably said that about something going on in government. Something has got to change. I would suspect, however, that when we’ve had this thought, often, we think this change should happen in someone else. Someone else needs to be fixed. Someone else needs to turn things around. After all, wouldn't the world just be better if everyone thought like I do and did things my way? But before we try to change everyone else, it might be helpful if we first look in the mirror and see if there are things about ourselves that need to be changed. That's really the message that God teaches us through the voice of John the Baptizer. If you had to summarize, John’s whole message, it would be this: repent. Repentance has two parts: 1) to acknowledge shortcomings, failures, and guilt, and then 2) to turn to Jesus and find forgiveness. You and I can’t change the hearts of other people. But God can and does change our hearts! Through the voice of John, God is calling for you and for me to look at our own lives and be honest about where we fall short, where we have done wrong, not just against others but against God. But in that call to repentance, God beckons us to lift our eyes to see the Savior who has forgiven us of our faults! That’s what Jesus has done for you! You don’t have to live in shame or fear for your faults. No, Jesus has paid for them with his sacrifice! Recognize your guilt but turn to Jesus and find that peace of forgiveness! Prayer: Dear God, I am broken and am truly sorry for my sin. Thank you for sending me my Savior who loves me and forgives me. Continue to help me daily repent and see the peace which Jesus brings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Overcome insecurities and discover how to deal with feelings of inadequacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overcome insecurities and discover how to deal with feelings of inadequacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you need to do in order to have a healthy family system and for God to place His blessing over you and your family. Some of the choices you face might be harder than you expect.Follow on social media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MarkDriscollMinistries?sub_confirmation=1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastormarkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdriscollTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pastormarkdriscollTwitter: https://linktr.ee/markdriscoll Click here for more resources: https://linktr.ee/markdriscoll


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Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Dianne Jackson, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. How can you become a cheerful giver? Meditate on 2 Corinthians 9:7. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

12/7/25 Tom reflects on the pattern of annunciation narratives in the Bible and the invitation to non-competetive blessing and flourishing.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus told the people] many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9 Planting Seed Songwriters have used it. Thinkers have used it. Investors have used it. Even Jesus Christ used it. Used what? They used the picture of planting seed to make a point. Jesus told a story about planting seed to teach us when we hear and learn the Word of God, seed is planted in our hearts. Seeds need time to grow. In springtime, when gardens are first planted, there's not much to see. Yet, as every gardener knows, when it comes to seeds, it takes time. As sunlight warms the moist earth where seeds are embedded, seeds take time to sprout and grow. Sometimes people rarely attend a church and give little attention to the Word. God’s seed has little opportunity to take root. Sometimes people go to worship regularly so that the seed of God’s Word starts to grow, but then they let the cares of life crowd out time and attention for the Word, and so the plant of faith in their hearts gets the life choked out of it. Sometimes a wonderful thing happens. A person gladly hears and learns the Word of God and puts it into practice. And the seed of God’s Word grows. And keeps growing. The plant of faith which the seed of the Word produces is made strong by God’s complete forgiveness won by Jesus. It flourishes under God’s unconditional love, given in Jesus, and is made resilient by heaven’s guarantee paid for by Jesus. Are you that person? Prayer: Dear Lord, plant the seed of your Word in my heart and make it grow into a fruitful plant of faith to give you glory. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Synopsis: What begins as a dispute about God's intentions and the meaning of God's exact command, turns quickly into a desire to grasp after equality with God by seeking a man-defined “good.” Genesis 3:1-7 is a literal explanation of the fall of man and an archetypal explanation of the nature of every temptation to sin since the fall. Sermon Text: Genesis 3:1-7

When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.  In this beautifully illustrated history The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing (Yale UP, 2025), Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon's beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour. Ayoush Lazikani is a lecturer at the University of Oxford. A specialist in medieval literature, she is the author of Cultivating the Heart and Emotion in Christian and Islamic Contemplative Texts, 1100–1250, and an associate editor for the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Medieval Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.  In this beautifully illustrated history The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing (Yale UP, 2025), Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon's beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour. Ayoush Lazikani is a lecturer at the University of Oxford. A specialist in medieval literature, she is the author of Cultivating the Heart and Emotion in Christian and Islamic Contemplative Texts, 1100–1250, and an associate editor for the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Medieval Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.  In this beautifully illustrated history The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing (Yale UP, 2025), Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon's beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour. Ayoush Lazikani is a lecturer at the University of Oxford. A specialist in medieval literature, she is the author of Cultivating the Heart and Emotion in Christian and Islamic Contemplative Texts, 1100–1250, and an associate editor for the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Medieval Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251206dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD'S temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2:1-3 Come to the House of God Does everyone in your community know where your church is and what it believes and stands for? Do the members of your congregation pour out from Sunday worship and Bible study just looking for people to tell about God? Do you? Do your neighbors know that you are a follower of Jesus? When Jesus, the Son of God, died on that cross to pay for the sins of every person in the whole world, and rose again to prove he was the victorious King of kings, the prophecy of Isaiah in our Bible reading for today was fulfilled. The “mountain of the Lord’s temple was established as chief among the mountains.” Now Jesus rules over all things, and the kingdom of God will prevail for all eternity. The One who rules the universe has claimed you as his very own. You are part of the greatest, strongest, tallest, mountainous, most powerful organization in history. And it will last forever! Jesus is the greatest, most powerful, most victorious ruler of the world. There is nothing more important or valuable than being a member of his kingdom. That’s good news for you and something you will want to share. Testify to the greatness of Jesus by the way you live. Invite the people you know to “come to the house of God,” where God will teach them the way of salvation! Prayer: Dear Lord, remind me of the amazing blessings I have through forgiveness in Jesus. Lead me to walk in the light of your path and draw others to your Word so that they may also believe and share these blessings with me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.  In this beautifully illustrated history The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing (Yale UP, 2025), Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon's beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour. Ayoush Lazikani is a lecturer at the University of Oxford. A specialist in medieval literature, she is the author of Cultivating the Heart and Emotion in Christian and Islamic Contemplative Texts, 1100–1250, and an associate editor for the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Medieval Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.  In this beautifully illustrated history The Medieval Moon: A History of Haunting and Blessing (Yale UP, 2025), Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon's beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour. Ayoush Lazikani is a lecturer at the University of Oxford. A specialist in medieval literature, she is the author of Cultivating the Heart and Emotion in Christian and Islamic Contemplative Texts, 1100–1250, and an associate editor for the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Medieval Women's Writing in the Global Middle Ages. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

P.M. Edition for Dec. 5. The streaming company won the fight for Warner Bros. in a deal that would shake up Hollywood. But first it has to win approval from the Trump administration, which is already scrutinizing the acquisition, as Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter Joe Flint explains. And a key vaccine panel at the CDC voted to drop a longtime recommendation that all newborns get a first dose of hepatitis B vaccine. WSJ reporter Sabrina Siddiqui covered the vote. Plus, the WSJ reports that SpaceX is kicking off a secondary stock sale that would value the company at $800 billion, ahead of a potential IPO for the rocket maker next year. Pierre Bienaimé hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead Have you ever wished you could just…get inside your wife's heart for a moment? Not to manipulate, but to genuinely understand her. To love her in a way that makes her feel safe and wanted—not pressured or confused. My husband Darrow and I sat down to talk through something men rarely get honest insight about: Her biggest turn-offs. And not because we want to shame or scold—but because clarity brings freedom. When you finally understand what shuts her down, you also discover what opens her heart. So take a deep breath.You're not in trouble.You're learning—and that already makes you a good man. Let's walk through these turn-offs together, with God's kindness leading us all the way. 1. When Affection Feels Like a Transaction One of the most common complaints I hear from wives is this: "Every time he does something sweet, it feels like he's trying to get sex." A back rub, a coffee, a hand on her waist, a date night—beautiful gestures—become tainted when she senses they come with an expectation. When affection is only a bridge to the bedroom, she feels: Used Not loved for who she is Like her worth is tied to her sexual availability God never intended marital intimacy to be a negotiation.Love her without a scoreboard. Bless her without an agenda. 2. Grabbing, Pinching, or Smacking Her Body When She's Not Comfortable Yes…wives talk about this. And I know many husbands mean it playfully.But if she doesn't feel safe—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—this kind of touch feels like entitlement, not affection. Her body is not something to be "snatched."She needs room to open, not pressure to surrender. When she feels cherished—not grabbed—she wants to share her body freely. 3. Taking "Not Now" Personally If she says she's tired, overwhelmed, stressed, or simply "not right now," it's almost never about you. But when a husband interprets it as: Rejection Lack of desire "She doesn't love me" …it puts enormous emotional weight on her shoulders. Instead, respond with: "No worries, sweetheart. Another time would be wonderful." That confidence and peace will draw her toward you—not away. 4. Moping After She Says No Emotional sulking is not harmless. Moping communicates: "You disappointed me." "Now I have to punish you with sadness." "You're responsible for my emotions."   This shuts her heart down.Fast. Your steadiness and joy—even when she's not available—makes her feel safe. And safety is the soil where desire grows. 5. Punishing Her for Not Wanting Sex This is one of the deepest wounds wives carry. Punishments include: Silent treatment Withholding affection Moving to another room Being cold or distant Only being "nice" when you want intimacy These behaviors feel manipulative and honestly frightening. Your wife is not the enemy. She is the assignment God entrusted to you. Lead with love, not consequences. 6. Lack of Playfulness Playfulness is essential to intimacy. If everything feels heavy, serious, structured, pressured…then her nervous system never relaxes enough to enjoy being sensual. Silliness is holy ground for a woman's heart. Laughter lowers her guard.Playfulness creates connection. If you want her to be playful in the bedroom, she needs to experience playfulness outside the bedroom. 7. Not Feeling Emotionally Safe Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. I'll say that one more time. Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. When she feels emotionally unsafe, her body shuts down. Emotional Safety looks like: Listening Compassion Being slow to speak and quick to understand Responding gently Supporting her heart, not "fixing" immediately  When she feels heard, she opens. 8. Being a "Negative Nellie" (or Negative Ned!) Constant complaining is exhausting and not attractive. It pulls the atmosphere of the home downward and makes her feel like she has to carry your emotional weight. There is space to process hard things—but constant negativity drains the joy God wants in your marriage. Rejoice. Notice blessings. Bring hope into the home. 9. Bitterness and Resentment Long-term resentment is a marriage-killer. Bitterness communicates: "I haven't forgiven you." "You owe me." "I'm still keeping score." This is the opposite of Christlike love. Your wife cannot relax into intimacy with a man who holds her mistakes over her head. Forgiveness clears the ground for closeness to grow again. And if you need a little extra inspiration, let us turn you to Matthew 6:15 (NIV): "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." 10. Being Too Serious All the Time Intensity has a place—but not every moment. When a man is always stern, rigid, perfectionistic, spiritual-but-heavy…it makes her feel like she can never fully exhale. If she can't be herself around you, she won't be vulnerable with you. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit—not an optional extra. 11. Using Slang or Sexual Words She Doesn't Like Words matter. Some husbands use slang affectionately or playfully.Some wives love it.Others absolutely don't. If slang or sexual language makes her uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unsafe, it becomes a turn-off—not a turn-on. Honor her preferences. You're not losing freedom—you're gaining connection. Final Thoughts: So What Do You Do with All This? If reading this stirs conviction…good. Conviction is not condemnation.The enemy heaps shame.God invites repentance—and repentance leads to freedom. Your wife is God's daughter. And He entrusted her to you. Every shift you make toward loving her well brings you closer to His heart and closer to hers. We're rooting for you!   Blessing, The Delight Your Marriage Team   PS - If you want help walking this out in real life—not just head knowledge—that's exactly why our coaching and in-person training programs exist. Men who were separated from their wives…Men in sexless marriages…Men whose wives felt unsafe for years……have seen transformation they once thought impossible.For more information on our In-Person Training programs, launching January 2026, check out delightyourmarriage.com/ipt If you're ready to dive into the Coaching programs, please feel free to schedule a free Clarity Call at delightyourmarriage.com/cc PPS - Here is a quote from a recent In-Person Training pilot program graduate: "My wife and I have been separated for 6 months, and the same day as our [IPT] graduation, she chose to and began moving back into our matrimonial home. I also told her about our [IPT] program that same day. Up until then, I had said I was attending a men's bible study. All praise be to God."

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251205dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” John 1:39 Come and See Whenever something wonderful happens to us, what do we do? We tell someone. We call out to friends and family, inviting them to experience it with us. Whether it’s a sunset, a newborn baby, or the last-second shot that wins the game, we grab their attention and say, “You’ve got to come see this!” We want to share our excitement and joy with others. This is what Andrew did. Andrew had just met Jesus and spent time with him. Once Andrew understood and believed who Jesus truly was—the Lamb of God and the promised Savior—he couldn’t keep the news to himself. He immediately ran to find his brother, Simon Peter, with the excited announcement, “We’ve found the Messiah!” and urged him, “Come and see.” Do you feel that sharing Jesus is complicated? Do you feel unready? Unprepared? Andrew’s invitation was simple and full of heart. There was no pressure, no argument. He radiated the pure joy of encountering someone who transforms lives. This is still how faith is shared today. It does not start with a heated debate or a clever argument—it begins through genuine relationships. When people notice the peace, the hope, and quiet joy that shape your life, they become curious about what makes the difference. Their curiosity opens a door for a simple, heartfelt invitation. You don’t need all the answers or perfect words. You just need to know Jesus. Sharing Jesus does not have to be complicated. It can start with the most natural impulse in the world—an invitation: “Come and see.” This is an open invitation—not just at Advent but year-round. Come and see the One who took your place. Come and see the One who forgives your guilt. Come and see the One who gives your life meaning, direction, and hope. And then—go and tell. When you’ve met the Savior, you’ve got something truly worth sharing. Prayer: Jesus, thank you for inviting me to come and see your grace. Fill me with joy and courage to share you with others. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

There is a place in the spiritual realms where the Blessing Fields, the Divine Animal Kingdom, and the Tree of Life meet. This guided Reiki journey brings you into that place. You are invited to experience the Blessing Exchange for yourself, receive blessings from the natural world, and return to your rightful place in the circle of life as the human being in that circle. This is the companion journey to the Blessing Exchange discussion. In this recording, you are guided step by step into the blessing fields through Reiki energy, the Bridge of Light, and the support of your spiritual guides. Here you meet the Divine Animal Kingdom, who welcome you, exchange blessings with you, and help you reconnect with your own human nature, instincts, intuition, and inner knowing. This journey prepares your energy and perception for the Eagle Mouse Vision series. The Blessing Exchange strengthens your ability to see your life from expanded awareness, grounded detail, and your own inner perspective. It also heals the belief in separation from the earth and restores your sense of belonging with the natural world. In this journey you will experience: Reiki filling your breath, body, and energy field Crossing the Bridge of Light into the third heaven Releasing the blocks and burdens that cover your capacity to receive blessings Entering the blessing fields of the earth Meeting the Divine Animal Kingdom in sacred space Receiving their invitation to step into the circle of life Exchanging blessings with the animals, the earth, and the Tree of Life Returning with clarity, strength, and a deeper sense of belonging This Blessing Exchange Journey is a foundational preparation for the upcoming Eagle Mouse Vision journeys, where you will explore your path through eagle vision, mouse vision, and your own inner sight. Next Step Reiki and Explore the 12 HeavensThese yearlong trainings blend Reiki with journey practices like this one, preparing you to work with higher frequencies, intuitive awareness, and the wisdom of the natural world. Registration is available at ReikiLifestyle.com. **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

There is a moment in every spiritual practice when something shifts, and you see your life from a new place. This discussion opens that doorway. Colleen shares how the Blessing Exchange with the Divine Animal Kingdom restores belonging, reveals the truth of human nature, and prepares you for the upcoming Eagle Mouse Vision journeys. This session explores why blessing energy is a real field on the earth and how it changes your perception when you connect with it through Reiki. In this recording, Colleen describes the Blessing Exchange Reiki Journey and the benefits of meeting the Divine Animal Kingdom in sacred space. The journey itself is in the next video. This conversation helps you understand how blessing energy works, why it is part of the natural world, and how receiving blessings from the animals, the earth, and the Tree of Life strengthens instinct, intuition, and inner knowing. You will hear how the Blessing Fields first appeared through years of Reiki and shamanic practice and how the Divine Animal Kingdom invites every person to take their place in the circle of life as the human being in that circle. This perspective heals the belief in separation and supports your ability to listen to your path through eagle vision, mouse vision, and your own inner sight. In this session you will learn: What blessing energy is and why it exists on the earth How the Divine Animal Kingdom participates in the Blessing Exchange Why belonging is an essential part of your spiritual and human nature How blessing energy supports clarity during times of change How this prepares your perception for the Eagle Mouse Vision series Colleen shares stories of working with the spirit of the earth, the animals, and the Tree of Life, including teachings that shaped the Animal Reiki courses and the Blessing Exchange practices. You will hear how Reiki can support solutions, insight, compassion, and the activation of higher frequencies in daily life and in the world. The guided Blessing Exchange Journey is offered in the next recording, where you will be invited to meet the Divine Animal Kingdom, receive blessings, and connect with the energy that supports your path forward. Next Step Reiki and Explore the 12 HeavensThese year long trainings blend Reiki with journey practices like this one, preparing you to work with higher frequencies, intuitive awareness, and the wisdom of the natural world. Registration is available at ReikiLifestyle.com. **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Try praying, caring, and sharing Jesus with those who hurt. It'll make a huge difference. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251204dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:3 Restore Us, O God “Do you see me?” This silent question lingers behind many cries for help. In a world filled with overwhelming noise, loneliness, and struggle, people long to know that someone notices them. They want the comfort of knowing that someone genuinely cares. Psalm 80 gives voice to those who feel left behind and overlooked. They’ve wandered away from God. Surrounded by adversity, they are broken and lost. Still, they don’t give up. Instead of surrendering to despair and defeat, they cry out to God in prayer: “Restore us, O God! Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” This prayer paints a beautiful picture—God’s face shining upon his people. Rather than shining with anger or disappointment, God's face radiates love, joy, and grace. When God’s face shines on you, it means that he does see you. And seeing you, he smiles upon you, sings over you, and rejoices to rescue and restore you. Yet, how can sinful people like us stand in the brilliance of God’s presence and live? On our own, we cannot. We have failed to imitate his love and have turned away from him. Like Israel, we experience the consequences—broken relationships, heavy hearts, and lingering guilt. Despite our sinfulness, Advent brings hope. The face of God has already shone on this world—in the face of Jesus Christ. He came into our darkness to bring light. He came, not to condemn but to restore. He carried our sin and shame and rose again to give us peace. Even when we feel lost or forgotten, God hears our prayers for restoration. Through Jesus, God truly sees you—and in seeing you, he forgives you, welcomes you, and rejoices over you. As you wait for Jesus to come again, you do not wait alone or in the dark. You wait enveloped in the warmth of God’s grace. Prayer: Lord, when I feel far from you, turn my heart back. Restore me by your mercy. Let your face shine on me through Jesus, my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

This podcast is brought to you by LifeChurch West Chester. We pray you are blessed, and we thank you for listening! For additional content and information, please visit www.lifechurchwestchester.com

Prayer in the age of the Church takes on many different forms. Together, we examine specifically blessing, adoration, and petition. Fr. Mike emphasizes the beauty that all of our prayers of blessing are a response to God's blessings for us. He also explores how common and spontaneous prayers of petition to our Father in heaven truly are, but in the age of the Church, our petition is full of hope and not lamentation. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2623-2633. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Joy, blessing, satisfaction, and fullness come from believing what God has said.

In this episode, Professor AG sits down once again with Ashley Hämäläinen to dive into the big topic of Kundalini awakening. The two chat about their own experiences, what Kundalini energy really feels like, and all the ups, downs, challenges, and surprises that come with a spiritual awakening. They talk about how important it is to have community around you, how to recognize the symptoms of a Kundalini awakening, and why life and spirituality can actually be a lot more playful than we think. By the end, you are encouraged to trust your own path and find the beauty in your unfolding journey.Connect with AshleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alnwithinWebsite: https://www.alnwithin.com/ Dancing with Fire course Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Kundalini Awakening 04:07 Personal Experiences with Kundalini 08:55 Understanding Kundalini Energy 16:37 Navigating the Kundalini Journey 23:06 Blessing or Burden: The Duality of Awakening 29:57 Embracing the Process of Awakening 36:26 The Cycle of Expansion and Contraction 39:15 Experiencing Synchronicity and Signs 41:49 The Playfulness of Life and Awakening 44:38 Rising Consciousness and Compassion 48:58 Understanding Kundalini Symptoms and Support 52:32 Navigating the Awakening Journey 59:23 Community and Support in Spiritual GrowtKeywords: Kundalini, spiritual awakening, energy, consciousness, personal growth, community, healing, mysticism, yoga, self-discoveryWhat is AGU? After launching an energy work practice rooted in the Akashic Records, AG uncovered so much information that she needs the world to hear! It's her duty and personal mission to help people get in touch with their intuition and energetic gifts, and ultimately become the brightest and boldest version of themselves! This is your official acceptance letter: WELCOME TO AG UNIVERSITY! AG's Energetic Protection CoursesAG's Book Club How To Read The Akashic Records CourseSign up for the newsletter if you are interested in doing a reading with Anna Grace, or learning more about her energy work practice. Sessions will ONLY become available here - her booking link will never be shared on any other platforms: Sign up hereIf you aren't already - you can connect with AG on Instagram and TikTok: @annagracenewell on all platforms! XO

Visit www.joniradio.org to gift a wheelchair! --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Vicki Robin, author of classic books like Your Money or Your Life and Blessing and The Hands That Feed Us, and Rushkoff seek to embrace this challenging moment by embracing one another. Robin shares how growing older shifts your perspective from the personal to the universal, and why the questions we've been asking our whole lives might matter less than how we show up for each other.Team Human is proudly sponsored by Everyone's Earth.Learn more about Everyone's Earth: https://everyonesearth.com/Change Diapers: https://changediapers.com/Cobi Dryer Sheets: https://cobidryersheets.com/Use the code “rush10” to receive 10% off of Cobi Dryer sheets: https://cobidryersheets.com/Support Team Human on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/teamhumanFollow Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff:Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/douglasrushkoffYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJdUEh2Wh4fnswTLmqoEnhgTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@douglasrushkoffBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rushkoff.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you feel your neck muscles beginning to tighten and your patience levels are wearing thin, here's a podcasty gift of peace and perspective for the holidays. Listen as often as you need (or want). As always, we are praying and cheering for you. Merry Christmas, dear ones.

This week Pastor Pace will teach how having the proper mother leads to the inheritance over the blessing. Text: Genesis 25:5-6 "5 And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac. 6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country."Please hit follow and don't forget to give us a 5-star rating and leave a review. For more information or to receive your own personal Bible study with Pastor Pace, call us at 214-391-0017 or visit our website at gtacdallas.com If you would like to hear current broadcasts tune into 1040AM KGGR in Dallas, TX every Wednesday at 3:15pm CST.

So far we have been studying the names of God in order of how they first appeared in Scriptures. It is exciting and enlightening to see how each name builds upon the previous name.    This week we will discuss El Elyon - The God Most High. The name El Elyon shows there is no higher power or authority than God. This name of God's emphasizes His preeminence, majesty, and power. It also indicates that His rule is absolute and extends to not just the physical world but to the spiritual world as well. You can connect with me or order my books on my website here: https://debbiekitterman.com/ click on the store tab and choose the book(s) you would like to view under the book tab.   OR on Amazon here using my affiliate links:    The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Word of God for Others:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/0800798864/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   Legacy: The Lost Art of Blessing  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNJNNHKY/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   Releasing God's Heart through Hearing His Voice:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615316220/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragement  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B083J3RCYP/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   Symbolism Reference Guide & Dream Journal: http://www.amazon.com/dp/d0984012346/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20  

The Watership Down Podcast is intended for listeners who are familiar with the plot. There will be spoilers. This episode is scripted by Newell Fisher and Sean Hagins and is narrated, recorded and edited by Newell Fisher. OTHER RELEVANT LINKS: Bob Cropman's website: https://watershipdownonline.co.uk/ Awards for the graphic novel:https://www.instagram.com/p/C97CumNRDA7/?igsh=dzJvZWtqN2oyOHdz https://www.instagram.com/p/DO5P__NjWTM/?igsh=MWdrb3o2bGs3emJ3cA== CONTACTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Email: thewatershipdownpodcast@outlook.com Social media: Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/thewatershipdownpodcast The Watership Down Podcast Honeycomb on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/468458781496287/?ref=share Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thewatershipdownpodcast?igsh=MWtlNjR5MDNrNGZzdw== Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thewatershipdownpodcast Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/watershipdpodcast.bsky.social YouTube channel:https://youtube.com/@thewatershipdownpodcast1300?si=NWMmo3D2mVdLn-25 Past charity appeals: Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website:https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251203dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20 He’s Almost Here Have you ever waited at the airport for someone special? You scan the crowd. Your heart jumps every time someone comes around the corner. You can’t wait to see their face. You yearn to give them the warmest embrace. That’s the kind of eager longing captured in the final words of the Bible. Jesus declares, “Yes, I am coming soon.” The Church responds, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Advent is a season that focuses on this longing. We reflect on how Jesus first came in humility—born in a farming town, wrapped in rags, and laid in a feeding trough. He came not to be served, but to serve—to walk among us, to suffer with us, and to save us. We also look forward to his promised return. Whenever that is, he won’t come in weakness. He will come in power and glory to make all things new. The world desperately needs this renewal. We need this renewal. We’re tired of suffering. Tired of sin. Tired of bad news. While we yearn for the peace and justice only Jesus can bring, our weariness makes it easy to grow numb, distracted, or discouraged. That’s why we need this promise: “I am coming soon.” These words renew our hope and give us a clear focus. Yet, what does “soon” mean? From our perspective, it may not always seem fast, but it is certain. Jesus isn’t dragging his feet. He hasn’t forgotten us. He’s giving more people time to come to know him. His delay is not a sign of neglect, but of mercy. Rest assured, Jesus, our Savior, is coming. He is closer now than ever before, and he will not be late. While we wait, we live in hope. We listen to his Word, and we take it to heart—living in daily repentance for our sin and trust in God’s salvation. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you promised to return, and I believe you. Keep my heart ready, my hope alive, and my eyes lifted. Come quickly! Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

One's needs and one's lusts are two totally different entities. Our sages therefore define the rich person and the happy person as the ones who are content with their lot in life. Few financially wealthy people are happy. Why? Many of them lack the blessing of contentment…

In this episode, Brooke shares a moving story of impact sparked by one simple "yes," highlighting how small acts of obedience can multiply and reach across the globe. Brooke welcomes a heartfelt message from Mandy, a listener in Australia whose journey of rebuilding her life and faith was powerfully supported by the Live Out Loud podcast. Through stories of transformation—including Mandy's and others—Brooke emphasizes that your voice and actions matter, encouraging listeners to step out boldly even in uncertainty. With prayers, encouragement, and the inspiring "Live Out Loud" song, this episode invites you to activate your faith, say yes to purpose, and watch how God moves through your story to bring hope, healing, and impact to others.   It's time to ACTIVATE what God's already placed in YOU. Realign your FAITH, VOICE, and VISION — and step into UNSHAKABLE IMPACT.  

Living Proof Ministries is pleased to share a teaching series with you originally recorded during Beth's 2014 Living Proof Live Conference originally held in Billings, MT. Beth reminds us, "The Lord has blessed us to be a blessing to others." We pray you are encouraged.We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

Living Proof Ministries is pleased to share a teaching series with you originally recorded during Beth's 2014 Living Proof Live Conference originally held in Billings, MT. Beth reminds us, "The Lord has blessed us to be a blessing to others." We pray you are encouraged.We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

In this message, “Pressure in the Blessing,” Pastor Bobby explains why every blessing from God comes with weight, responsibility, and purpose. Using the story of Abraham and the parable of the talents, you'll learn why God doesn't give blessings randomly—and why fear often causes us to bury what God is calling us to build.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by what God placed in your hands, this sermon will help you trust Him, steward well, and step into the purpose behind the blessing.Join us Sunday's 8:15 | 10:00 | 11:45 Authentic Church2416 N Center St Hickory, NC 28601 (Beside Planet Fitness) GIVINGTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://authenticchurch.com/give GET CONNECTEDReady 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 CHURCHAuthentic 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.