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Send us a textOne of the biggest reasons people do not follow Christ, or do not pursue their calling, is because they think they are not qualified or disqualified. God created you with a unique purpose, but if you spend your life living someone else's dream, you'll miss the fulfillment of your own. Shift your perspective, embrace God's purpose for you, and pursue it with everything you have!Focus Scriptures: Matthew 4:20; Luke 5:5-10; 1 Corinthians 13:12The Big So What: God created you with a unique purpose, but if you spend your life living someone else's dream, you'll miss the fulfillment of your own. Shift your perspective, embrace God's purpose for you, and pursue it with everything you have!This Week's Challenge: Read 1 Peter 2Memorize 1 Corinthians 13:12Write down the thoughts that say you are not qualified or disqualified and your counter to those thoughts (God's Word)Do an act of service for someone else that resembles following Christ

This week on The Book Drop, we break down the next reading challenge to read a book with a one-word title. Sometimes less is more! This is the Book Drop!All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast.Happening at the Library: Oregon Trail Live Action | Sat., Feb. 8 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | A.V. Sorensen BranchContainer Gardening Workshop | Sat., Feb. 8 | 1 to 2 p.m. | Charles B. Washington Branch (Registration is full) Full-Text Searching at FamilySearch (Virtual Program) | Wed., Feb. 12 | 5 to 6 p.m. | OnlineExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events. 

This week on The Book Drop, we explore spirituality as our final reading challenge theme and share book recommendations to inspire reflection. This is The Book Drop.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here (omahalibrary.org/podcast). Happening at the Library: Jane Austen Tea Party | Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 2 to 4 p.m., Library Administration Building Spark Your Story: Ryan Smith | Thursday, Dec. 19, 4 to 5 p.m., Charles B. Washington BranchWriter's Workshop: Poetry | Friday, Dec. 20, 2 to 4 p.m., A.V. Sorensen Branch Explore all upcoming events on the OPL website

This week on The Book Drop, Amy and Maggie tackle our November reading challenge—finding books by, about, or featuring a veteran, while discussing how veterans are portrayed on screen and in stories. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here.Happening at the Library: Stories After Dark: Family | Saturday, November 09, 7 p.m. to 8:30pm | W. Clarke Swanson BranchCIAO! Connecting Italian Ancestors Online (Virtual Program) | Thursday, November 14, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Out & About Reading Party | Thursday, November 14, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Joslyn Art Museum Explore all upcoming events on the OPL website

This week on The Book Drop, we explore our favorite 20th-century icons and discuss what it really means to be 'iconic.' If you love reading biographies, this episode is for you, as we highlight the lives and legacies of some unforgettable figures. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. Happening at the Library: Government Documents For Genealogists, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2-3pm at Geneology and Local History Room Basi Affia Author Visit, Saturday, Sept. 21, 3pm at Downtown BranchPoppy will be at the Omaha Farmer's Market downtown on Saturday, Sept. 28!Where's Poppy, OPL's mobile library?Explore all upcoming events on the OPL website

This week on The Book Drop, we offer up books with a color in the title for the latest OPL Reading Challenge category and discuss which colors reflect our personalities.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here. Learn more about OPL's Reading Challenge here. The Garden Walk, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9:00am – Noon, Florence Branch and Charles B. Washington Branch Remnants of the Past: Guided Workshops, Saturday, Aug. 17, 10:30am – 12:30pm and Drop-in, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 10:30am – 2:30pm, Genealogy & Local History RoomAvoiding an Ancestor Identity Crisis, Thursday, Aug. 22, 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Online Where's Poppy, OPL's mobile library?Explore all upcoming events on the OPL website  

This week on The Book Drop, we offer up books written by or about a person with a disability for the latest OPL Reading Challenge category and discuss representation in media.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here.Happening at the Library:Read to a Dog Saturday, July 20, 10:30am-11:30am, Milton R. Abrahams BranchOmaha History Escape Room, Genealogy & Local History Room, three programs - 1-2, 2:30 - 3:30, 3:30-4:30Illustration Workshop with Bruce Arant, Thursday, July 25, 2:00pm–3:00pm at Bess Johnson Elkhorn BranchWhere's Poppy, OPL's mobile library?

Our natural tendency craves immediate & instant fulfillment; but the dreams & desires God places in our hearts will come to pass slowly, steadily and surely. Vision is fulfilled through a specific & strategic process of exercising faith in God's word, timing and ability. As a result, we must be committed to an expectation of celebration; fully knowing that – Things Are Coming Together!Focus Scripture: Habakkuk 1:5;2:1-3By God's grace, things are coming together:PropheticallyPurposefullyPrayerfullyPerfectlyThe Big So What:Things are coming together in my life; because God is working all things together for my good!This Week's Challenge:Read: the Book of HabakkukMemorize: Habakkuk 2:2-3Journal: ask God to reveal & record which point applies to your current seasonShare this message

CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.Have you ever had that moment when you realize you are on the other side? On the other side of trauma. On the other side of betrayal. On the other side of pain, you thought for sure you would NEVER endure? This happened to Joseph and was commemorated by the birth of his firstborn son. When Anna Golden sings "Manasseh," she vividly brings these shared feelings to life -- these feelings of a patriarch from long ago shared with those of us who are on the other side of deep wounding.Let's examine Joseph's life this week as we tickle the chin of his newborn son, Manasseh.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listen to an audio version of the textRead and keep on readingRead BigRepetitionStoryingReview section titlesStudy a personEpisode Guide DownloadThe meaning of the name Manasseh - "causing to forget" - Genesis 41:51Anna Golden's testimony about the song - "Manasseh Intro" - YouTube Audio LinkRead Joseph's story in Genesis 37-50Learning to "Read Big" - The Bible Reset: Simple Breakthroughs to Make Scripture Come Alive by Alex Goodwin - Amazon Paid LinkBiblical Person Study Workflow - Logos Bible SoftwareBiographical Method of Bible Study - Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods by Rick Warren - Amazon Paid LinkChoosing to study the life of Joseph to determine what he needed to forget with the birth of ManassehReading the narrative completely and repetitivelyLearning how Joseph helped his brothers rewrite the story - The Bible Project PodcastThe summary of the psalmist - Psalm 105:16-24Determining the role the person played in Biblical eventsFirst impressions of Joseph and how they've changed upon deeper readingWriting your own chronological timeline of the person, a.k.a. taking the BITE of StoryingTying the story back to the lyrics of the songAdditional ResourcesLyrics - NewReleaseToday.comMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's Challenge Read or listen to Joseph's story in Genesis 37-50. Read repetitively and add to your study each time. Write down your first impressions (including questions) the first time you read the narrative. The second time you read through it, jot down the chronological timeline of Joseph's life. The third time you read through it, consider any shared experiences you and Joseph may have had. Pray and ask God to reveal Himself in the midst of Joseph's story (and yours). Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.

Don't forget to download the Episode Guide for THIS episode HERE. I don't particularly appreciate feeling limited and weak. I'm not too fond of it when what is required of me exceeds my qualifications. I prefer feeling capable and in control. Unfortunately, this preference of mine runs directly opposed to Christ's power resting on me. I learned this and more in my study of Scripture inspired by Anne Wilson's song "Strong." Together, we'll look closely at keywords in a letter from Paul, uncover truths, and then see them played out in an Old Testament narrative. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Review section titles Consult an overview Complete a word study Study with a friend Episode Guide Download The story behind the song "Strong" by Anne Wilson - New Release Today Article Inspired to explore Paul's thoughts about strength and weakness in 2 Corinthians 12 Recognizing 2 Corinthians may be hard to follow as you read in context. "Reading 2 Corinthians is something like turning on the television in the middle of a very complicated play. People are talking, and things are happening, but we're not at all sure who some of the characters are or what the plot is.” - "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Fee and Stuart - Amazon Paid Link Watching the Bible Project Overview Video - BibleProject.com Taking in the context of all of Paul's weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. - 2 Corinthians 12:10 From 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, completing a word study on: power perfect weakness weak strong Sharing notes with a friend about these verses Exploring Gideon's story in Judges 6-8 as another passage that supports my conclusions from studying 2 Corinthians 12 Pondering the question, does asking for strength take us out of God's will for us to be weak?   What is Paul saying? If Christ's power is made perfect in weakness, then I want to be weak. Because my strength isn't the point of the matter — His power is.   Additional Resources Lyrics for "Strong" by Anne Wilson - New Release Today The story behind the song "Strong" by Anne Wilson - New Release Today Article "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Fee and Stuart - Amazon Paid Link Bible Project Overview Video on 2 Corinthians - BibleProject.com "What does it mean that Paul went to the third heaven?" - Got Questions Article "Second Corinthians: Paradox of the Cross" - Bible Project Article My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read 2 Corinthians 12 in context. It may help you to watch the Bible Project overview video before narrowing your focus to this contrast between strength and weakness. Complete word studies on “strong” in verse 10 and “power,” “perfect,” and “weakness” in verse 9. Take your new understanding and read Gideon's account in Judges 6-8 and see how you might absorb the story's details differently. Download this week's episode guide for additional cross-references as we seek God to strengthen us according to His Word (Psalm 119:28).

If your time in the Bible has felt tedious and you are longing to revitalize your faith, the 90-Day Bible Reading Challenge is here to help you have a spiritual reset. On Monday's Mornings with Eric and Brigitte author and speaker, Mary DeMuth provides you with an invitation to wrest yourself away from the siren call of the world and reorient your heart to worship the One who gave his life for you. Mary will give you her own comprehensive--and achievable--reading plan, fresh devotionals and insights, and encouragement to keep you going, and you will read the entire Bible in three months! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLICK HERE to download the free episode guide for THIS episode! "Hold on just a little bit longer" is the appeal Katy Nichole says God gives us in her song "Hold On." Does God entreat us to hold on in Scripture? And if so, what are we to hold on to? And what does it look like when we let go? Believe it or not, I got answers to all of these questions and more in my study of God's Word inspired by this song. Join me as we settle into Paul's first letter to Timothy to discover what we should and should not hold on to. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the opposite Mark up the text Read in context Repetition Compare and contrast Make a list Episode Guide Download Various places in Scripture where we are instructed to "hold on" Proverbs 4:13 (NIV) 2 Timothy 1:13 (NLT) Revelation 3:11 (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (NIV) Hebrews 3:6 (CSB) 1 Timothy 1:19 (ESV) Making a list of what we are to hold on to Considering the opposite by taking our list and turning it into "let go" statements An example from Jesus where the Pharisees let go of God's ways to hold on to human tradition - Mark 7:8-13 Choosing 1 Timothy to spend more interaction time The history of illuminated manuscripts - 1-minute video from the Museum of the Bible The Illuminated Scripture Journal as a resource for Bible interaction - Amazon Paid Link Marking repeated words or phrases faith and conscience - 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:18-20 The doctrine Paul wants Timothy (and us) to hold on to 1 Timothy 6:2-4 Galatians 1:6-7 1 Timothy 1:6-7 Making a list of things contrary to sound doctrine - 1 Timothy 1:8-10 Remembering that when you don't hold on to truth, it is not a neutral decision - you will cling to something else - 1 Timothy 4:1-3   But the principle is that we are to hold on to what Scripture says we should hold on to. Because when you let go of that, you'll cling to something else.   Additional Resources Lyrics to "Preference" by Rachel Morley - NewReleaseToday.com Guide to the Book of Chronicles - Bible Project My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read and reread Paul's first letter to Timothy. Use this episode as a springboard to interact with the text for yourself. There's so much more to explore. Mark up the text, make lists, and compare and contrast.

Download the free Episode Guide for THIS EPISODE now! Do you have a favorite singer? Can you recognize their voice even if you're not familiar with the song? I have a friend who is a photographer. I can spot her work right away on social media. Her photos have something about them that acts as a type of signature on her work. When we examine the works of Jesus and get to know them really well, it will be easier to spot Him in places like the Old Testament Scriptures or even daily life. We The Kingdom's song "Jesus Does" inspired me to study the works of Jesus.   Join me as we study what Jesus did, does, and will do in the book of Hebrews.   In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Read and keep on reading Repetition Listen to an audio version of the text Read various translations Make a list Meditation Follow the cross-references Define words Complete a word study Episode Guide Download Reading the first five books of the Bible using the reader's Bible - Immerse: Beginnings - Amazon Paid Link Learning how to look for Jesus in the Old Testament - Beginning at Moses: A Guide to Finding Christ in the Old Testament by Michael Barrett - Amazon Paid Link Jesus himself says that the law and the prophets point to him - Luke 24:25-27 Studying the works of Jesus enables us to see him in other areas of Scripture Reading through Hebrews, looking for what Jesus does Seeing the Old Testament quoted in Hebrews as evidence of Christ "The Old Testament must be read in light of its fulfillment in Christ" - Exalting Jesus in Hebrews Commentary - Amazon Paid Link ‌Completing a word study on the word "propitiation" - Hebrews 2:17 A warning from Hebrews 3 and a call to action from Hebrews 10   My goal is to study the works of Christ in order to be so familiar with Him that I can spot Him anywhere.     Additional Resources Lyrics to "Jesus Does" by We The Kingdom - NewReleaseToday.com The story behind the song "Jesus Does" by We The Kingdom - New Release Today Article My favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read the book of Hebrews from beginning to end. Read it several times over several days if you can. When you sit down to interact with the Scripture, look for what Jesus does in the text. You're looking for action words — past, present, and future — to help you get to know Jesus through his works. Then, like a signature, He will be easier to spot in the Old Testament and in life.

I'm sure you've heard of the gender pay gap, but did you know there is a connection between lower pay for women and religiosity? The gender wage gap is a complicated issue, but research shows religion affects the individual choices, organizational practices, and societal norms that impact the gap in pay between men and women. Today I share from a study that compared the pay gap in religious and non-religious states and countries, talk about my own personal experience with wage discrimination, and extend a challenge to learn more about the wage gap in order to lessen discrimination within our own communities.   Challenge: Read some of the editorials and articles I've written on the gender pay gap (see links below). The pay gap is real, and society cannot explain it all away. We need to lessen the discrimination factor within our own spheres of influence! Write some thoughts down in your journal, and feel free to share your thoughts with me at ⁠unleashingsistersaints@gmail.com⁠⁠ or on social media @UnleashingSisterSaints (see links below).    Resources:    LinkedIn Article: Understanding the Gender Pay Gap  Forbes Article: Understanding the Gender Pay Gap: A Framework That May Help  Deseret News Article: Opinion: Yes, Utah, The Gender Pay Gap Is Real  Square Two Article: The Gender Wage Gap and Unpaid Care Work in Utah  Learn More:   Learn more about Dr. Susan Madsen at ⁠⁠www.susanrmadsen.com⁠⁠    Sign up to receive monthly emails from Dr. Madsen about updated research, resources, and events at www.utwomen.org. These can be helpful whether you are in Utah or beyond.    Follow Unleashing Sister Saints on social media:    Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/UnleashingSisterSaints⁠⁠    Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/unleashingsistersaints/⁠⁠    Contact Me:   I love hearing from listeners! Email me with questions, comments, or suggestions at ⁠⁠⁠unleashingsistersaints@gmail.com.⁠⁠⁠ 

Do you praise God amid deep distress? When your circumstances don't change, when the pain doesn't let up, when you feel like you're underwater and can't catch your breath, can you muster a song of praise to God? Rend Collective challenges us to do that in their song "Hallelujah Anyway." A man in Scripture found himself in deep distress and tragic loss and gave a hallelujah anyway. Let's spend some time exploring Job's story this week. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Listen to an audio version of the text Read in context Read for a set period of time Read and keep on reading Remember that the people in the Bible were real Episode Guide Download Don't get stuck in one way of interacting with God's Word - Job 33:14 Stay curious as you interact with God's Word The story behind the song "Hallelujah Anyway" by Rend Collective - New Release Today Article Why this week's song inspired me to read Job Job 1:21 Job 2:10 Job 13:15 Some exercises to help you read this long story in context The power of biblical historical fiction to put flesh on the people described in Scripture "This book is all about calling into question the reader's views of God and the world" - The Bible Project Podcast While Job wants to know why he's being afflicted, God just gives him more of Himself - Job 38:1-7 "Love Amid the Ashes: A Novel" by Mesu Andrews - Amazon Paid Link Job talking about what his life was like before his affliction - Job 29 Words really do hurt - Job 19:2 Job's friends did not characterize God properly - Job 42:8 Keeping your antenna up for "light" and "darkness" language as we talked about in Episode 467 "I wrote a worship song which said ‘let the darkness fear.' But now I'm embracing it" - Premier Christianity Article   Stay curious. Don't stop learning. Don't stop interacting with God's Word. He wants to meet you there.     More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics to "Hallelujah Anyway" by Rend Collective - NewReleaseToday.com The story behind the song "Hallelujah Anyway" by Rend Collective - New Release Today Article "Love Amid the Ashes: A Novel" by Mesu Andrews - Amazon Paid Link The Bible Project Podcast "I wrote a worship song which said ‘let the darkness fear.' But now I'm embracing it" - Premier Christianity Article My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read or listen to the Book of Job. Try setting a timer and reading for a set period of time rather than a number of chapters or verses. Remember that Job and his friends were real men with real-life experiences and emotions. Don't forget that Job is part of wisdom literature, and much of it is poetic in writing style. Finally, remember that God rebukes the friends at the end of the story -- that should change the way you read their discourses.

In the beginning. These are the first words of two chapters of the Bible—one in the Old Testament and one in the New. These are also the opening lyrics to Anna Miriam Brown's song "Was The Word" from her musical His Story The Musical. Join me on the podcast as we explore what "beginning" we're talking about, Who was there, and what happened. It's exactly what you think, yet so much more. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Slow down Read the text out loud Write out Scripture Use your imagination Meditate on Scripture Compare and contrast Journal your thoughts The Episode Guide for continued self-study Anna Miriam Brown's musical "His Story The Musical," now being performed live in Texas - His Story The Musical Website My Friday With Friends episode with Anna - Special Edition: Anna Miriam Brown on Friday With Friends A previous episode of More Than a Song featuring a song from the musical - Episode #303 Starting in Genesis 1, taking it slow, and meditating on the account of creation - Genesis 1-Genesis 2:3 Heading over to John 1, taking it slow, and meditating on the life and light of men - John 1:1-18 Seeing that Jesus is the Word who was with God in the beginning - John 1:14 A commentary on the true light - John 1:9-18 Jesus commentary on darkness - John 3:16-21 Comparing and contrasting Genesis 1 and John 1 Learning more about The Word - Colossians 1:13-20 The Creator of all things has keeping power   You will never arrive, my friend. There is always MORE of God than you previously understood or experienced.   Additional Resources Lyrics to "Was The Word" by Anna Miriam Brown - NewReleaseToday.com "Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview" by Albert Wolters - Amazon Paid Link "Jesus: The Word, Life, and Light" - Answers in Genesis Article My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Genesis 1. By whatever means necessary, slow down and take your time. Then read and meditate on John 1. Take your time here as well. Before you jump to making comparisons between the two areas of Scripture, use the same techniques to slow down and meditate on John 1. Then, after slowly processing your interaction with these two areas of Scripture, ask God to reveal the common threads between the two and what He might be showing you. As you consider the themes of life and light found in these areas of Scripture, consider how Colossians 1 describes the actions of the Father through the Son on our behalf

I love singing God's Words back to Him. That's why Matt Maher's song "The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)" is on my playlist! But the real joy for me was diving into Scripture inspired by this song. There's a lot we can learn from Jesus' teaching on how to pray; let's use this song to remind us of all we've learned. Follow me to Matthew 6 as we explore the context and the words of the Lord's Prayer more fully. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Use your imagination Consult various translations Consult an outside resource Start with God Consider the opposite The Episode Guide for this week's podcast The two places in Scripture the Lord's Prayer is recorded - Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 Approaching God's Word with an open heart to what it actually says, laying aside previous teaching or tradition Studying the Lord's Prayer in the context of the entire Sermon on the Mount and in the immediate context of Jesus' teaching on prayer Imagining yourself at the feet of Jesus as He is sharing these truths Two categories of people who prayed in a manner not consistent with how they should pray - Matthew 6:5-8 Reading Matthew 6:9 in various translations to understand Christ's instruction to "pray like this," not necessarily "pray these words" A book on prayer that leads us through Scripture's teaching on how to pray - "Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days" by Kay Arthur - Amazon Paid Link The topics this model prayer leads us through: Worship Allegiance Submission Petition and provision Confession and forgiveness Watchfulness and deliverance Back to worship   Put yourself on that mountain at the feet of Jesus. Recognize that you come to His teaching with the influence of teachers, or priests, or pastors, or “insert the name of someone you love and respect” who have come before and taught you much about what Jesus is teaching in this sermon. Be astonished at HIS teaching.   Additional Resources Lyrics to "The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)" by Matt Maher - NewReleaseToday.com "Lord, Teach Me to Pray in 28 Days" by Kay Arthur - Amazon Paid Link Things Unseen Podcast Episode by Sinclair Ferguson - Lead Us Not Into Temptation My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read or listen to Matthew 5-7 several times this week. When you have some time to interact with the text, study Matthew 6:5-15 to see Jesus' teaching on prayer. Then take the model prayer He shares and try to identify the topics. Maybe you'll come up with a different word for the topic than I shared—one you feel better represents that section of the model, and that's great. Pray to God daily using this model. I know it may feel clunky at first, and you may even want to write out your prayer each day. Don't forget to begin and end in worship, and I can't wait to hear about how your prayer life will be transformed.

I believe in the promises of God. I've seen God move in miraculous ways in Scripture and in my own life. But I also know from experience that sometimes things don't turn out how I prayed for or in the timing I had hoped for. Benjamin William Hastings and Blessing Offor actually address this in their song, "That's The Thing About Praise." Join me on the podcast as we look closely at a church family who didn't get the rescue they probably wanted but remained faithful. I can imagine the only way through it for them was a hallelujah. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Make a list Read the whole letter Pray Scripture The Episode Guide for this week's podcast Considering the limitations of sermons that don't prepare you to endure affliction Recognizing that when we sing "the only way through it is a hallelujah," it means we are removing the focus from our situation to worship God Areas of Scripture you might study as inspired by the bridge of the song Matthew 6 - seek first Matthew 17 - faith moves mountains 2 Chronicles 20 - the battle was one through praise Joshua 6 - the walls fell down The Thessalonians received the gospel in suffering and held true to the gospel in suffering - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7 Making a list of the characteristics of the Thessalonian church The culture-changing effect of the gospel on the Thessalonian church - 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 An especially brutal kind of affliction -- the personal kind - 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 What Paul didn't say to encourage the Thessalonian church - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 Praise tucked into Paul's prayer for the Thessalonian church - 1 Thessalonians 3:9-12 Using Psalm 27 to pray Scripture during times of affliction   He deserves our hallelujah, and everything else fades away because we are giving our praise to Yahweh. We are extolling the greatness--the excellence--of our great God. When we look at the greatness of God, it puts everything else into perspective.     Additional Resources Lyrics to "That's The Thing About Praise" by Benjamin William Hastings and Blessing Offor - NewReleaseToday.com My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read the entire first letter to the Thessalonians in one sitting. Then interact with the text. Make a list of the characteristics of this body of believers. Make a list of the opposition against them (internally and externally). Make a list of how Paul is exhorting them to respond even if their suffering doesn't relent. Hop over to Psalm 27 and incorporate David's words into your own prayer life. Lift a shout of joy to the Lord with music—singing your praise to Him. Allow the Lord to refocus your attention on His goodness and the opportunities around you to love.

It may seem hopeless. Your life is shattered into a million pieces. You are broken and empty. God is calling you to Himself. He is the master artist who can take your broken pieces and assemble them like a stained glass masterpiece. Amanda Nolan sings about that in her song "Broken Pieces."  Let's explore a "broken pieces" story in the Old Testament. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Listen to an audio version of the text Repetition Consult an outside resource Start with God Follow the cross-references Remember, the characters described in the Bible were REAL The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 461 Download A valuable resource to study Ruth - Teaching Ruth and Esther by Christopher Ash - Amazon paid link Reading Old Testament narratives correctly - Bible Project Video A word study on loyal love (translated kindness in Ruth) - Bible Project Video When reading Old Testament narratives, the line is not from Old Testament hero to me, it is from Old Testament to Christ, then to me in Christ Reading the book of Ruth as a foreshadowing of the gospel Five threads to examine as you read: Names of people Places Bethlehem Moab - Numbers 22-25; Deuteronomy 23:3-6 The verb to "turn" or "return" Chesed - loyal love, translated as "kindness" in Ruth Ruth 1:8 Ruth 2:20 Ruth 3:10 Emptiness to fullness The costly and sometimes painful journey to return to Christ   Even as we see the broken pieces of Naomi's life, we see that it was God who caused her to return to the place of promise and hope.   More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read and listen to Ruth several times. One time pay attention to the names of people — when they are used and when they are not. In another read-through, consider the places and the significance of these places. Following some cross-references may give you the historical context you need. Read Ruth again to consider the theme of turning and returning. Consider what you know of God's loyal love — His chesed — and how it is displayed in this narrative. Finally, give thought to the change from empty to full and all of the beautiful drama that unfolds to lead from one to the other as you give your broken pieces to God to make a masterpiece of your life.

What is your natural response to the love, power, and glory of God? Do your lips exclaim hallelujah? Do you sing with joy? Do you praise with a heart of gratitude? That's what Brandon Lake's song "Gratitude" leads us to do. And it's reflective of another song in Scripture. King David was in a literal wilderness season when he wrote Psalm 63. Let's consider his song together in light of his circumstances. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Follow the cross-reference Complete a word study Consult an outside resource Meditate on Scripture Make a list The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 460 Download Choosing Psalm 63 because our theme verse matches the lyrics of our song - Psalm 63:4 Following the cross-reference to 2 Samuel 13-19 to read about David and Absolom and what led to David's wilderness experience Considering the head space David may have been in when he wrote Psalm 63 Weary - 2 Samuel 16:14 Weary and discouraged - 2 Samuel 17:2 Hungry and thirsty - 2 Samuel 17:29 Reading Psalm 63 with the background knowledge of 2 Samuel 13-19 The ark was not with David in the wilderness - 2 Samuel 15:24-26 God's steadfast love is better than life - Psalm 63:3 A word study on God's steadfast love - Bible Project Video Hallelujah means "praise ye YAH (Yahweh)" - GotQuestions.org Article Making a list of the methods of praise we see in Psalm 63   I'm not saying you shouldn't seek His provision, but this psalm has taught me there is a time for praise and gratitude that is all about God and not just about what He can do for me.   More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009) My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read 2 Samuel 13-19 this week. Read it over several days if you have to. Then pick up Psalm 63 and see how David's circumstances in the historical narrative shaped his song of praise to God. Take time to interact with Psalm 63. Make lists, write out your own prayers of praise back to God, and meditate on the words of this song of praise.

Let this be an encouragement to you. Don't lose heart, my friend. This life is filled with many afflictions -- some of which feel like they might pull us under. But you're not alone. Just like Steven Curtis Chapman sings in his song "Don't Lose Heart."     Paul offers his own words of encouragement in his second letter to the Corinthians. Let's explore God's Word together. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read and keep on reading Make observations Complete a word study Follow the cross-references The free one-page PDF Episode Guide to guide your study - Episode 459 Download The KLOVE blog post where Steven discusses the story behind the song "Don't Lose Heart" - KLOVE.com article Mary Beth Chapman's book "Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope" - Amazon Paid Link Unpacking our feature verse and making observations - 2 Corinthians 4:1 The new covenant ministry of Paul (and followers of Christ to this day) - 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18 Following the cross-reference to Exodus 34 Wrongly seeing afflictions as a curse and not mercy God's comfort in more significant measure than the affliction - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 Exploring hope (as a way not to lose heart) 2 Corinthians 1:7 2 Corinthians 1:10 2 Corinthians 3:12   We are jars of clay and our fragility only serves to magnify the power of God.   Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com John Frederick, “Mercy and Compassion,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014) Douglas Mangum, ed., Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament, Lexham Context Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020) My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read 2 Corinthians this week. Look for afflictions and comfort. When given the choice to lose heart, set your hope on God instead. Take time to meditate on the truths God reveals to you this week.

It's true -- God really does love you. But what kind of love is the Father's love? This is the question I explored in Scripture in this episode inspired by Crowder's song "God Really Loves Us." Continue soaking in John's first epistle as we look at it from a different starting point. In this episode, I discuss the following: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Repetition Read in context Historical context Mark up the text Consult an outside resource Episode 457, where we talk about studying 1 John, seeking what it has to teach us about being a child of God God's love is distinct from humans because he is distinct from humans God's love is a reflection of His character Beholding the manner of God's love - 1 John 3:1 Reviewing the historical context around John's first epistle - "The Message of John's Letters" by David Jackman - Amazon Paid Link Deducing the theological issue of the day by what John teaches on The literary structure of 1 John - read it more like a spiral staircase An outside resource about God's love - "God's Love: How the Infinite God Cares for His Children" by R.C. Sproul - Amazon Paid Link Featured verses for this episode - 1 John 4:7-8 God is the source of all genuine love as defined and displayed by Him God is not a composite of his attributes -- all of His attributes are true of Him all the time and true of each attribute We cannot pick and choose the attributes of God we like Interacting with 1 John to learn about love Love is given - 1 John 3:1 Love is perfected - 1 John 2:5, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:16-17 Love saturates - 1 John 2:15 Love sacrifices self - 1 John 3:16 Love acts - 1 John 3:18 Love is manifested - 1 John 4:9 Love requires - 1 John 4:21 Love is shared - 1 John 3:10 Love produces results - 1 John 4:18 Love is victorious - 1 John 5:4-5   God's love is made available to us in Christ. God's love originated with Him, is initiated by Him, and sustained in Him.   Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com I love marking up the text in these journals - Illuminated Scripture Journal Amazon Paid Link My new favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link This Week's Challenge Read 1 John again this week. This time, read it to discover what you can about God's love that He loves us with, gives to us, and expects us to share with others.

I KNOW MY FACE IS SHOWN, IDC I WANT OTHER COMMENTS ITS KINDA RUDE JUST FOCUS ON THE ACTUAL VIDEO PLEASE AND NOT MY FACE - sorry that's mean i'm sorry but i just really need the point across --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/summersjournal/message

Why are genealogies SO important? Emma Dotter is meeting us in Genesis 5-6:8 teaching us about why genealogies matter and how they are also for our BENEFIT. Genealogy reveals God's character and reminds us of his promises. Today's Challenge: Read or re-read Genesis 5-6:8 applying what you got from today's podcast episode, letting this new lens affect the way you view genealogies. Link to Adult Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNV27BLB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_23YV88FNJN4E08R8H7N9Link to Jr. Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=a605c72b7a7e414d 

This Episode is about the prophet Jerimiah and how he was foreordained to be a prophet.   It talks about our potential and what the Lord sees in all of us.  It also talks about being brave and knowing the Lord is with us.  Challenge:  Read your patriarchal blessing and ask the Lord to help you become all you are destined to become.  See this week's lesson here

 We have the power to make things easier or harder instantly through perspective. Seneca said "we suffer more in  imagination than in reality" in reference to the anxiety and view we take on things. If we can make things worse in our head, then it's logical we can make them better as well.Listen as we cover the power of perspective and break down where they come from, how to change them, and what good perspectives can do for you. Do the challenge we give at the end and watch how you can radically change your perspective and do the "impossible"BOOKS MENTIONEDEnder's Game Gates of Fire Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl Today's Challenge - Read about  his story here. Then ask yourself what you would do if you went through that experience. What perspective do you think he had that enabled his response?Got a show idea or something you'd like us to cover? Please get in touch!Instagram - @theimpossiblelifeFacebook - @theimpossiblelifepodcastTik Tok - @theimpossiblelifepodcastemail - impossiblelifepodcast@gmail.com

I think we would all agree that we need more wisdom and discernment than ever before. It's nearly impossible to discern truth, and receive wisdom and understanding from what we see in the media, or even from well meaning friends and colleagues. Wisdom isn't acquired knowledge, but applied intimacy. True wisdom comes from God and only can be found in Him. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The starting point for acquiring wisdom (fear of the Lord is the foundation) is to be consumed with awe as you worship Yahweh. To receive the revelation of the Holy One,[a] you must come to the One who has living-understanding. “ Wisdom was there when God planned in advance a designed purpose for you and I. Psalm 139:16 says “You saw who you created me to be before I became me![a] Before I'd ever seen the light of day, the number of days you planned for me were already recorded in your book.” And in Ephesians 2:10b it says, “... Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it! The blueprints He has for our life cannot be properly discerned apart from relationship with Him. In the second half of Romans 8:28 it says we “have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.” and in Proverbs 19:21 TPT it says, “A person may have many ideas concerning God's plan for his life, but only the designs of God's purpose will succeed in the end.” Wisdom is always speaking, but do we have ears to hear and a heart to understand? Proverbs 1:33 says, “But the one who always listens to me will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace. Free from fear, confident and courageous, that one will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.” There isn't a soul on earth that wouldn't want that promise, but it is reserved for God's holy ones, His lovers, that are seeking Him with their whole heart. And He promises to be found and reward us for diligently seeking Him. Challenge: Read a chapter of Proverbs everyday, and read over James 1 & 3:13-17 Closing Prayer from Ephesians 1:17-19 AMPC Bible Translations mentioned: TPT (The Passion Translation), AMPC (Amplified Classic) NKJV (New King James Version) & ESV (English Standard Version). Bible website: www.biblegateway.com Bible App: YouVersion --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rhiannon-staal/message

Dr. Taylor Marshall's Bible in a Year Worksheet download: Read Bible in a Year Watch this new podcast episode by clicking here: Or listen to the audio mp3 here: If you'd like to order a copy of Taylor's new book Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within, you can order it in Hardback, Kindle, […] The post 781: Catholic Challenge: Read ENTIRE BIBLE in a Year, Let me help you accomplish this lifetime goal! [Podcast] appeared first on Taylor Marshall.

Many of the details of Christmas get embellished, altered, or even left out of our traditional scenes, songs, and readings. Keith and Kristyn Getty, along with Ellie Holcomb, sing a song, "Elizabeth," that inspired me to dive into the details of her life. You won't want to miss what Elizabeth's story has to teach us. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Listen to an audio version of the text Repetition Make a list Meditate on Scripture Use your imagination The 30 Day Music Challenge Having certainty concerning the things we have been taught - Luke 1:1-4 Things we learn about Elizabeth She was in the line of Aaron - Luke 1:5 She was righteous before God - Luke 1:6 She walked blamelessly in all commandments and statutes - Luke 1:6 She couldn't have children - Luke 1:7 She was advanced in years - Luke 1:7 An angel declared to her husband that she would bear a son in her old age - Luke 1:13 She stayed hidden in her pregnancy - Luke 1:24 She was related to Mary (the mother of Jesus) - Luke 1:36 She has her own beatitude/song/greeting recorded in Scripture - Luke 1:39-45 Completing a word study on the phrase "when he looked on me" - BibleHub.com How Elizabeth stayed hidden, holy, and whole in God's favor Elizabeth's greeting to Mary and Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's thoughts on this - Amazon Paid Link to "The First Songs of Christmas: A 31-Day Advent Devotional: Meditations on Luke 1 & 2" by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - New Release Today Illuminated Scripture Journal - Amazon Paid Link This Week's Challenge Read and listen to Luke 1 and 2 on repeat. Let the details of the accounts seep into your soul, repainting the pictures you may have framed and set on the mantel of your mind based on Christmas tradition rather than the specifics of Scripture itself. Focus on Elizabeth and meditate on what you can learn from her life and her responses recorded for us.

Does the idea of trembling before the Lord inspire you or make you feel uncomfortable? Lauren Daigle's song "Tremble" inspired me to explore where people are described as trembling before the Lord. Spoiler alert: It should inspire you. Join me as we examine a couple of places in Scripture where we see why and how we should tremble before the Lord. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a topic Read in context Read and keep on reading Repetition Follow the cross-reference Compare and contrast Make a list Examine the text in various translations Complete a word study The 30 Day Music Challenge Getting a Scripture starting point by typing in a keyword into BibleHub.com Understanding what the text actually says before moving to what it means before moving to what it means for me Finding the instruction to "serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" - Psalm 2:11 Heading back to 1 Corinthians (where we were studying last week in Episode 402) - 1 Corinthians 2:3 How the Greco-Roman world of the Corinthian church placed a high value on professional orators who could persuade the audience through entertaining instruction - 1 Corinthians 1:22 How the gospel was silly to the Greeks and horrifying to the Jews - 1 Corinthians 1:23 Looking at the founding of the Corinthian church in Acts 18 Paul's chosen preaching approach in Corinth - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Comparing and contrasting what the audience expected with what Paul delivered and why Paul's fear and trembling were not a tactic; instead, they were a reflection of his deep-seated understanding of how weak and small he really is Enjoy the official live music video of our inspiration song below. More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com ESV Study Bible - Amazon Paid Link Overview of 1 Corinthians - BibleProject.com This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Psalm 2 and let it launch you back into 1 Corinthians. Ponder the cultural surroundings of the Corinthians. Contrast your observations with our culture today as you move into what the truths of this text might mean for you today. In your prayer time this week, set aside every thought except that of Christ and Him crucified and see how that may change the way you think. And the next time you enter into the glorious presence of God, don't boast and don't beg, just worship and tremble.

I know sometimes it's easy to think the division of our day has never happened before. As Ecclesiastes teaches us, "There is nothing new under the sun." Mike Donehey sings about being "All Together" in his new song. I want to explore what we can learn from a church family who DIDN'T have it all together and what they were taught to overcome the division of their day. Let's explore the first letter to the church at Corinth together. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the opposite Historical context Read the envelope Follow the cross-references Read and keep on reading Repetition Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge Exploring the division revealed in the early church at Corinth Discovering the historical context of the city of Corinth as a cosmopolitan city made up of people from all over the empire brining their worldviews and practices with them into their new Christian faith Recognizing that we long for a church family where we are accepted while simultaneously realizing we bring our backstories with us into our new family in Christ Paul's appeal for unity - 1 Corinthians 1:10 The Corinthian church's tendency to follow their favorite dynamic leader over Christ - 1 Corinthians 1:11-16 How the gospel is the main thing - 1 Corinthians 1:17 How glorifying the preacher or the preaching can "empty the cross of its power" - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Being united around the gospel and united in love - 1 Corinthians 13 More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com The story behind the song "All Together" by Mike Donehey - Kevin Davis Article NewReleaseToday.com "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Fee and Stuart - Amazon Paid Link Overview of 1 Corinthians - BibleProject.com This Week's Challenge Read 1 Corinthians for yourself. Take in some of the backstory by reading Acts 18. Gain knowledge not immediately available in the text by consulting an introduction in your study Bible, in an online study Bible, or a book like the one I talked about. Interact with the Bible by making lists of ways the church was divided. Seriously consider if any of the big ideas represented in your list is evident in your life or church. If so, repent of these ways and refocus around the truth and power of the gospel.    

We're building on last week's message in our 1 John series as Lead Pastor, John Carrano, gives us next steps as a child of God to how we can move forward as we are driven by love. . . . Reflection Questions - Ask God if there is an area of your heart that needs to be reset and surrendered. Challenge - Read 1 John 3 this week! Scripture 1 John 3:11-24

When an obscure passage is brought to light in the lyrics of a song, it gives us an excellent reason to engage in areas of Scripture we may have overlooked for a while. Elevation Worship's song "RATTLE!" refers to the bones of a prophet whose life is worth exploring. Join me in looking into the life and miracles of the prophet Elisha inspired by our song this week. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Explore a topic Read in context Read and keep on reading Meditate Remember the people described in the Bible were REAL Prayer The 30 Day Music Challenge The obscure story about a man coming to life after being tossed onto Elisha's bones - 2 Kings 13:20-21 Yearning for what is unseen, not what is unspoken, as we wrestle with the holy text of Scripture Struggling with the question, "What am I supposed to do with this?" Reading about the beginning of Elisha's personal ministry - 2 Kings 2:9-12 Watching the waters of the Jordan part for the third time in recorded Biblical history - 2 Kings 2:19-22 The frustration I felt while reading the accounts of Elisha and his ministry Wondering what to do with accounts like the one in 2 Kings 2:23-25 The reminder in James that Elisha (thought a mighty prophet of renown) was just like us (had a human nature) - James 5:17 Praying for the wisdom of God as I wrestle with the text What a "type" in Scripture is and my previous discussion in Episode 378 The shallows and depths of Scripture Parallels between Elisha and Jesus - Ligonier.org Article Both Elisha and Jesus receive the Spirit on the other side of the Jordan More disciples surround both Elisha and Jesus than their predecessors Both Elisha and Jesus cleanse lepers Both Elisha and Jesus are itinerant miracle workers Both Elisha and Jesus reverse death by raising dead sons and restoring them to their mothers Both men had a covetous disciple Both Jesus and Elisha end their lives in a life-giving tomb from which people flee Parallels between Elisha and us as disciples More Than a Song Playlist Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Is "RATTLE!" by Elevation Worship Biblical? - The Berean Test Review A list of miracles performed by Elijah and Elisha - Berean Christian Bible Study Resources What is Biblical typology? - GotQuestions.org Article Considering Elisha as a type of Christ - Ligonier.org Article The Week's Challenge Read the details of the life and ministry of Elisha for yourself in 2 Kings. You can hop back to 1 Kings 19 to read about when Elisha was called to follow the prophet, Elijah. Pray and ask God to show you things previously unseen to you in these Scriptures. Meditate on the details of the stories. Feel free to read and keep on reading sections of Scripture you may never have read before.

There is an account in the Bible of Jesus speaking to the wind and waves and calming them down. This idea often makes its way into our prayers and songs -- not unlike Jeremy Camp's song, "When You Speak." I think it deserves a deep look from us to see what we can learn from ALL of the words Jesus speaks in this scene. Join me in the Gospel of Mark, in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Meditating on Scripture Completing a word study Defining words Reading Scripture out loud Imagining the scene Reading in context The 30 Day Music Challenge The Father initiates the plan of salvation, the Son accomplishes the plan of redemption, and the Spirit applies what has been initiated and accomplished Seeking the face of God before we seek His hand Studying the actual Word of God to more easily identify its counterfeit - James 1:25, Joshua 1:7-9 Completing a word study on the word meditate as found in Joshua 1:8 - BibleHub.com Looking up words related to meditate such as soliloquize, muse, and ruminate Our focus verses found in Mark 4:35-41 Imagining the scene in the context of the whole Examining the words of Jesus vs. the words of the disciples The words of Douglas O'Donnell, "Jesus is...addressing...their "excessive fear"...Fear that doesn't acknowledge who's onboard the boat." - "Matthew: All Authority in Heaven and on Earth (Preaching the Word)" by Douglas O'Donnell Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleasseToday.com Story Behind the Song "When You Speak" - NewReleaseToday Article Fascinating articles on counterfeit detection and the spiritual parallels - Challies.com Article Part One and Part Two This Week's Challenge Read our focus passage in Mark 4 in the context of Mark 3-5. When you focus on Mark 4:35-41, be sure to make some observations and make time to meditate on the text. Let it roll around in your mind a bit. Ponder the text. Talk to yourself about it. Chew on it over and over again. There is much more to see here. I hope I've inspired you to spend some time here for yourself. And remember, when God speaks, the wind and the waves bow to His will.

Did you know God has a tone of voice? When He speaks to us, He comforts, encourages, or convicts with kindness. He offers the perfect balance of truth and grace. So if the voice inside your head has an accusing tone, then it's not from your heavenly Father. This is what Tasha Layton sings about in her song "Look What You've Done," and it's what we discover in Scripture as well. Let's compare and contrast the voice of evil and righteousness together this week. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Compare and contrast Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge Accusations and agreements The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast - Episode 42: Accusation & Episode 43: Agreements How satan is an accuser and a deceiver - Revelation 12:9-10 How satan is the "father of lies" - John 8:43-44 How satan seeks to devour us - 1 Peter 5:8 How satan as a strategy and sets traps - 1 Timothy 3:7 One of satan's strategies -- to accuse you of sin and bring condemnation on you to the point that you make an agreement to walk in the accusation rather than the truth and freedom of Christ How satan is our accuser, but God is our judge and has canceled the record of debt that stood against us - Colossians 2:13-15 Paying attention to the tone - evil's accusations are unkind and harsh, but God's confrontations never lack kindness How the accuser wants to deceive you into forming agreements with his accusations How spending time in God's Word is part of His freedom plan Psalm 52 and how it relates to our discussion about agreeing with evil rather than trusting in the steadfast love of God Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Chords - Ultimate Guitar Tabs Behind the song "Look What You've Done" with Kevin Davis -New Release Today Article This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Psalm 52 this week. Follow the cross-reference to 1 Samuel 21-22 to familiarize yourself with the story that inspired David's song in the first place. It's not a pretty story, but our very real enemy plays dirty, too. Check out this week's show notes above for links to the podcast episodes I talk about that highlight the accuser, the agreements we make with his accusations, and how to find freedom.  

Wendy discusses how emotions like anger and rage may be the most feared and disowned emotions that are stored deep inside the unconscious.  Equally, she explains the difference between unpleasant suppressed emotions and those used by toxic people to control others. The rise of the rage room shares the safe and fun way to express universally disowned emotions like rage and anger that are socially rejected for women and how to connect to them safely. Get personalised support on how to connect to all your emotions by joining the 21 Day Challenge which starts soon. Register at https://EndoBoss.com/Challenge *Read the full transcript on Medium.com at https://wendyklaidlaw.medium.com  

There is a difference between complaining and lament. While bringing our complaints to the Father is part of the pattern of lament we discover in Scripture, it doesn't end there. Alisa Turner offers us a song of lament similar in pattern to what we see in Scripture. In her song "Miracle Or Not," she gives voice to her questions while keeping her feet firmly on the path of praise and trust. King David does the same in the Psalms. Let's explore one of his songs of lament together and see what we discover. In this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consult an outside resource Meditate on Scripture Make a list Journal Read in a variety of translations The 30 Day Music Challenge Alisa Turner's life story - YouTube Video The story behind the song "Miracle Or Not" - YouTube Video The idea of pouring out our grief and complaint into writing a lament as shared by my listener Margot - The Habit Podcast Season 3 Episode 7 How one-third of the Psalms are songs of lament Introducing Psalm 13 as our Psalm to meditate on for the week The resource I gleaned from heavily when considering the topic of lament - "Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament" by Mark Vroegop The podcasts I listened to that introduced me to Pastor Mark's book - Revive Our Hearts Podcast episodes featuring Mark Vroegop Defining lament Wrestling with feelings that "I shouldn't be feeling this way" Not rushing to the end of sorrow Following a pattern of sorrow that ultimately leads to trust The pattern of lament as found in Scripture Turn to God in prayer Bring your complaint Ask boldly Choose to trust Making a list of King David's questions of complaint in Psalm 13:1-2 Making sure our complaints are based on God's truth. Like the complaint of God seeming to forget when we know from Isaiah 49:14-16 that He does NOT forget. Being raw and real with God -- even journaling our thoughts, questions, complaints, and frustrations -- with the ultimate goal of moving TOWARD God Asking boldly - Hebrews 4:14-16 Reorienting our vision to the ways of God that leads to praise and trust Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipChords.com The story behind the song "Miracle Or Not" by Alisa Turner - YouTube Video "The Heartbreaking, Hopeful Story of Alisa Turner" - New Release Today Article "What Are The Psalms of Lament" - GotQuestions.org Article "Psalm 13" by Alisa Turner - YouTube Audio This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Psalm 13. Consider the pattern of lament described in Mark Vroegop's book  "Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament." Then, journal your own genuine questions and frustrations, keeping a Biblical boundary of complaining out of understanding who God is and what He's like compared to your current situation.

Worship is something I want to get right. What is the "Heart of Worship" that Matt Redman sings about -- and is it right? God gets dibs on defining the type of worship that delights Him, don't you agree? Let's explore Scripture to see how the type of worship that is pleasing to God is "more than a song." In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consulting an outside resource Read in context Use section headings to get your bearings Make a list Follow the cross-references The 30 Day Music Challenge Getting inspired by our theme verse - Colossians 3:16 Using a chart from an outside resource to jump into Scripture - Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts How the Colossians were to "emphasize the ministry of teaching and admonition by the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" Exploring a song Moses wrote at God's request - Deuteronomy 32 Reading about the purpose of the song through reading in context - Deuteronomy 31 Making a list of the characteristics of the song - Deuteronomy 31:19-22 Jumping over to 2 Chronicles 29 to experience a "coming back to the heart of worship" moment Gaining clarity through the cross-references - Hosea 6:6, Isaiah 1:11-17, 1 Samuel 15:22, Matthew 9:13 The replacement of the Old Testament sacrificial system - Hebrews 10 The kind of sacrifice that God requires of us - Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15 Making a list of "more than a song" things that are pleasing in God's sight from our study of Old and New Testament references (see lists above) Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com The story behind the song "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman - Crosswalk Article This Week's Challenge Read the song God had Moses write in Deuteronomy 32 in context. Consider what the song was intended to do for the people. Then explore the worship service after Hezekiah cleansed the temple in 2 Chronicles 29. Keep in mind what God said through the prophets in Hezekiah's day in Hosea 6 and Isaiah 1. Start to wrap your head around God's true intention in the sacrificial system and discover how Christ fulfilled it in Hebrews 10. Finally, make a list of the kind of sacrificial life that delights our Father in heaven.

Each of us have an invisible impact. The products we buy every day directly affect people, wildlife, and Nature around the planet. Nobody knows this better than Dr. Ian Singleton, OBE, Director of Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP). Ian lives on the Indonesian island of Sumatra near Borneo, one of the most lush rainforest regions in the world. But the forests are disappearing rapidly, and along with it the habitat for thousands of species including the orangutan which is native to this region. Ian wants us to know that we can stop the destruction and protect these highly intelligent and complex animals. By understanding the change you can make with your purchases, your awareness, and your voice in daily life and on social media, you can be part of the solution so that we continue to enjoy one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse regions on Earth for generations to come.SUPPORT the SOCP: Learn more, donate, adopt an orangutan, and more at https://www.sumatranorangutan.org/.CHALLENGE: Read the labels of every product you purchase over the next two weeks. Become more aware of the ingredients added to our food, self-care, and cleaning products and how they impact our world.TAKEAWAYS: 1: When we protect Nature and wildlife, we protect ourselves. 2: We don't have to start over. We can take what we have now and do better. 3: We are each shaping the world every day, whether we are aware of our impact or not.Visit www.wecanremaketheworld.com for more info and resources.

Chatman Hill, Monday Minute consist of, when stuff is hard and you think not able to do it, just stay at it, because what you will gain is a great reward from the grind that you have put in   Chatman’s Challenge: Read 10 minutes per day – lets make it happen   Connect with Chatman Hill on social media: Instagram| https://www.instagram.com/chatmanhill_realtor/ Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/JiZzLe09     Watch More → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOewm7ai0antCcAlrxaf9pg   Sponsored By: Elevate by SJC - Elevate by SJC podcast for black men and women who strive to create change. Whether it is being an entrepreneur or advocate within their community. This platform will allow people to share their journey with the world. Now is the time to rise to next level and open your mind to new ways of thinking. Join me on the true meaning of elevation requires separation. Visit all new www.elevatebysjc.com   Want to help SJC Elevate? Donate to the Cause Cash App: $ElevateBySJC   Listen to Elevate by SJC   Apple Podcast|https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-by-sjc/id1531060013 Spotify| https://open.spotify.com/show/2ngr9sLlfovCu6tMv6rrqT  

Is it possible to actively serve Christ and miss Him all at the same time? It sure is! I don't want to miss Him, though. Cody Carnes' song, "Nothing Else," inspired me to consider what it looks like to sit at the feet of Jesus, taking in his preeminence, and ultimately repenting for where I've gone off track. Join me in exploring a few Scripture areas as we discover that "nothing else will do" besides Jesus. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Remember, the people described in the Bible were real Compare and contrast Make observations Utilize outside resources (this week, it was my study Bible) Meditate on Scripture The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Sitting at the feet of Jesus - Luke 10:38-42 The "good portion" discussed in the Old Testament - Psalm 73:26, Psalm 16:5 How the preeminence of Christ inspires us to sit at his feet as disciples - Colossians 1:15-20 Returning to our first love - Revelation 2:2-7 How we can get so much right and so much wrong at the same time -- requiring our repentance - Revelation 2:5 The three steps we should take Remember Repent Return Christ's preeminence in our lives should reflect a centrality that emanates, impacts, and rules every other part of our lives.   Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com The story behind the writing of the song "Nothing Else" by Cody Carnes - YouTube ESV Study Bible - Amazon This Week's Challenge Read and ponder the account of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Don't forget that these ladies were real, not merely an object lesson. Make observations and compare and contrast as you interact with this section of Scripture. Head over to Colossians 1 to meditate on the preeminence of Christ. Finally, get your marching orders on how to return to your first love in Revelation 2. Only after you've studied these sections of Scripture on your own should you enhance your study time through outside resources like commentaries or study Bibles.  

I had a conversation with a friend this week. She described herself as "full up." I get it. This year isn't cutting any of us any breaks, is it? It keeps pouring out the stress, and we're "full up." What we need is a peace that passes understanding. That's what Hillsong Young & Free sings about in their song "P E A C E," and it is promised to us in Scripture.   Join me as we explore what it takes to secure the peace we so desperately desire. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Repetition Read in several translations Read an overview of the book you are studying Journal your dialogue with God Make a list The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Understanding the anxiety, I address in this episode is circumstantial, not clinical Why the song inspired me to study Philippians - Philippians 4:6-7 Making it your habit to read the epistles all the way through My favorite resource for overviews of each book of the Bible along with advice on how to read each book - "How to Read the Bible Book by Book" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart - Amazon link Highlighting the emphases of the letter to Philippians so as not to study a smaller section ignoring the whole Identifying areas of anxiety in your own life Discovering potential sources of anxiety for the Philippians Specific instructions that lead to peace - Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice Pray Refocusing our minds during times of anxiety - Philippians 4:8 Practicing what we've learned today - Philippians 4:9 Practice rejoicing. Practice praying with thanksgiving. DO THESE THINGS. Don't just read about them. Do them. Practice them. Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - WorshipTogether.com The story behind the song "P E A C E" by Hillsong Young & Free - YouTube Video This Week's Challenge Read all of Philippians multiple times this week. Try reading in a variety of translations. Look for hints at what might cause anxiety in the lives of the church members at Philippi and discover if anything you discover compares to what you are dealing with. Follow Paul's instructions as it relates to your anxiety; rejoice, and pray. Practice these things, and you will not only get God's peace but God Himself.

This week the podcast team discusses recent discourse in the publishing world around #ownvoices and offers up titles for the Read a Book by a Nonbinary or LGBTQ+ Author challenge from the 2020 OPL Reading Challenge. We also have our most heated debate yet about candy choices for query of the week. All the books, movies, TV, resources and bookish items we talked about in this episode can be found here — http://bit.ly/TBDep25

Tragedy can rock us to our very core. How will our view of God change when our circumstances change? Ryan Stevenson sings of this in his song, "Amadeo (Still My God)." It is a declaration that is echoed in Scripture as well.     Join me as we explore the Book of Job to see what we can learn about God and how we should respond. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read and keep on reading Consult an outside resource Read Scripture out loud The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE My family's catastrophic loss due to Hurricane Laura Job's profound loss - Job 1:13-19 Job's anguish echoed in the lives of those affected by tragedy - Job 3:24-26 Despite misery, tragic circumstances, and unimaginable loss...Yahweh is STILL MY GOD Watching the Bible Project's Overview of Job video before reading the book of Job for yourself - YouTube Video The idea that "the satan" referenced in Job may merely be "the one opposed" giving an opposing view to set the stage - BibleProject Blog Post Part One, BibleProject Blog Post Part Two The idea that the book of Job gives us answers we need to a question we rarely think to ask (John Walton) Honestly bringing our pain and grief to God, trusting that He actually cares and that He knows what He's doing Remembering that the speeches given by Job and his friends are not God's words -- God speaks at the end What retribution theology is and how Job and his friends subscribe to this way of thinking - GotQuestions.org God's response to Job - Job 38:1-3 God's wide perspective that we will never be able to fully grasp as finite beings Additional Resources Lyrics and Chords - Ultimate-Guitar.com Story Behind the Song "Amadeo (Still My God)" by Ryan Stevenson - YouTube Video This Week's Challenge Read the book of Job for yourself, but before you do, watch the BibleProject overview video. Try reading the text out loud for dramatic effect. Remember the question Job is asking is not the question God is trying to answer. Take in the text as a whole and know that you can trust God in the most trying of circumstances.

Challenge: Read 1 Peter 3:1-8 and Ephesians 5:22-33, have an honest conversation with God about what these verses mean to you.Write down what you think the purpose of marriage is.Evaluate on a scale from 1-5 (5 being your best), how you think you are doing with the four C’s. Christ, Circle around yourself, Commitment, Community Questions or Comments:jackiesmith72416@gmail.com

When we declare our praises to God it impacts our own heart AND acts as a testimony to the world around us. Phil Wickham's song "Great Things" echoes another song in the Bible. It's a song that is part of a longer "playlist."     Let's discover one of the psalms on the "Song of Ascents" playlist together! On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Meditate on Scripture Repetition Read in a variety of translations Listen to an audio version of the text Consult an outside resource The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE What the Songs of Ascent were - GotQuestions.org The great things of God sung about in Psalm 126 - Psalm 126:3 What Zion is - then and now Rejoicing in the great things of God in such a way that it draws the attention of others How the singers of this psalm were actually singing God's Word - Jeremiah 33:7-9 Referencing The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon "Present distress must not be viewed as if it would last forever; it is not the end, by any means, but only a means to the end." - Charles Spurgeon     Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - Worship Together Story Behind the Song "Great Things" by Phil Wickham - YouTube Video This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Psalm 126 for yourself. Use the BITEs of repetition, listening to an audio version, and reading in a variety of translations to aid you in letting this psalm really sink in. You may even choose to expand your study time into the entire Song of Ascents “playlist.” And by all means, sing for joy! For He has done great things, and we are glad!    

We can hide from God about as well as a toddler hiding under the dining room table in plain sight with eyes tightly shut. Just as He doesn't abandon us when we are trying to hide from Him, God doesn't abandon us when we stray from Him either. Jordan Feliz' song "Never Too Far Gone" leads us to consider the "before Christ" and "after Christ" impact on Paul.     Join me in two sections of Scripture this week as we reflect on the life of someone who seemed "too far gone." On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Complete a character study Remember that Paul was a real person Read or study to epic music playing in the background The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Christian songs solve the riddles of life with inspiration from music - Psalms 49:3-4 You can't hide from God...and He doesn't want you to - Psalm 139:7-12 Communion with God is summam bonum - the highest good - not checking off items on a list The summary Paul gives of himself and his conversion - Galatians 1:11-24 The actual account of Saul's conversion - Acts 9:1-25 The idea that Saul was HORRIBLE (think ISIS beheading kind of horrible) and even he was not "too far gone" for God to set apart and use Creating an environment to increase your probability of communion with God   Additional Resources Lyrics Story Behind the Song "Never Too Far Gone" by Jordan Feliz - NewReleaseToday.com Article Timeline of the life of the Apostle Paul - Blue Letter Bible This Week's Challenge Read all about the conversion of Saul in Acts 9. Try reading it with some "epic" music playing in the background. Read Paul's summary of his conversion in Galatians 1. Perhaps in either of these places, you may get lost in the story and keep reading! Don't forget that Paul was a real person and all of this really happened to him. Follow Paul's example and get away with God this week. Maybe play some soothing music that will quiet your soul as you move away from the checklist mentality and toward intimacy with God. Give Him space in your schedule and in your mind to speak to you.

There is a poem that was popular in Christian circles when I was growing up about the journey of life. The poet questioned why God seemed missing in the most difficult seasons of life only to discover that He truly was there all the while. That is the same sentiment Zach Williams and Dolly Parton sing about in "There Was Jesus."     Similarly, we often don't realize Christ was present in the Old Testament, but this week's study shows He was there all the while. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read and keep on reading Follow the cross references Complete a word study The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE The story behind the song - YouTube Recognizing Jesus throughout Scripture - Luke 24:25 Reading the narrative of the exodus...starting at the beginning Finding ourselves wondering if the Lord is among us or not - Exodus 17:1-7 Discovering Jesus was there in the midst of the Hebrew people all along - 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Understanding that the needs of the people were real How "quarreling" in the text really meant screaming in Moses' face - BibleHub.com Word Study How even though they were lobbing their complaints at Moses, they were really showing a lack of trust in God Following the cross reference to Deuteronomy 8:11-20 Taking the warning of Scripture personally in my own journey Following the cross reference to Psalm 78 Recognizing the warnings in this psalm to have a steadfast heart toward God Discovering yet another place where our temporary status on this earth is highlighted - Psalm 78:39 and Episode 332   Additional Resources Lyrics and chords - Essential Worship Story behind the song "There Was Jesus" by Zach Williams - YouTube Video This Week's Challenge Read and keep on reading the story of the exodus. Linger awhile in Exodus 17 and consider the details. Follow the cross-references to 1 Corinthians 10 to discover that Jesus was there among them all along. Dig deeper by following the cross references to Deuteronomy 8 and Psalm 78. Get lost in Scripture this week! 

I recently read, "One danger of the internet is the temptation to constantly be everywhere except where we are." How do we stay in the moment? Jeremy Camp sings of this in his song "Keep Me in the Moment." My preferred method is to immerse myself in Scripture.     Join me in soaking in the benefits of God as found in Psalm 103. On this week's episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Consider the opposite Start with God Make a list Pray Scripture Meditate on Scripture Read in context Considering the opposite The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Recognizing that our lives are fleeting - Psalm 103:15-16 Staying in the moment by refocusing on God Studying the benefits we have in the Lord in Psalm 103 How blessing the Lord rightly places us on our knees before a holy God and reorients us from our relentless focus on self to ardent devotion to God Turning the benefits we discover in Psalm 103 into prayers of adoration and thanksgiving Considering the opposite of God's characteristics to amplify the truth Ending the way the psalm began   Additional Resources Lyrics - K-Love Klove Cover Story on Jeremy Camp - K-Love This Week's Challenge Read and meditate on Psalm 103 this week. Use the Bible Interaction Tool Exercises of starting with God and making a list of benefits from Him detailed in this psalm. Read the psalm out loud. Turn the words of the psalm into a prayer. And by all means, bless the Lord this week.

Article - 13 Rules that ExpireJuli Dixon - Keywords Are EvilNumberless Word ProblemsRobery Kaplinsky - How old is the shepherd?Common Core State Standards - Addition and Subtraction SituationsCommon Core State Standards - Multiplication and Division SituationsYou Tube Video - Using two-color counters to teach integersTo Join the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, visit here: https://www.nctm.org/Challenge: Read the article and tell us how you plan on changing one way you teach in your classroom. Share your experience with us!

On this episode Erin talks about what's up with Summer Reading Program this year, the podcast team shares their picks for the Read a Book in One Sitting challenge and we all talk about our favorite places to curl up and read.All the books, movies, TV and resources we talked about in this episode can be found here — https://bit.ly/TBDep8

Challenge: Read 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4: What is your role in the body of Christ? What are some next steps you can take to be an active member of the church?

I challenge you because I need this more than you know! After reading so much research for the past four years for my doctorate, I lost track of fiction. Now, I’m dedicating myself to 70 fiction and non-fiction titles this year and am starting with Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. Grab your copy today and read with me at my Jen Lowry Writes Book Club! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jen-lowry-writes/message

Hello and welcome to this special solocast, a chance for me to reflect on the first full year of living what I call my E.P.I.C. Life, the first year of the podcast, and what feels like the ending of a first chapter of this journey as I get ready to launch Season Three. After a long winter break, one my son Ryan especially encouraged me to take, I’m back and I’m so honored and excited for what’s to come.  Before recording this solocast, I was interviewed on Sage Hobbs’ Naked Conversations Podcast. She asked me right out of the gate what courage means to me. I encourage you to tune into that conversation when it comes out for the full story on my answer, but in essence I said, “Courage to me is standing in my truth and power, even in the face of fear, for love.”  I love the quest I’ve been on. I love those of you who I’ve met along the journey. And I love this vision for Mother’s Quest and all it stands for. So, I’m bravely recording again, with a commitment along the way to do my best to let go of perfection and share what feels true.  Spring is Coming – And Season Three With It I’m recording and bringing this episode to you in early March 2018, as seeds are sprouting and even some flowers have begun blooming and there is this sense of spring coming in the air. In many of my coaching circles that I’ve been facilitating, we’ve been using the metaphor of planting seeds as we’ve all set intentions for what we want to create in our life this spring. And I decided that I wanted to carry this metaphor of seeds and growth forward in this episode.  It seems fitting and full circle because the first episode I ever recorded,episode 00, which was also a solocast, was called Planting Seeds for Mother’s Quest. That episode captured all the moments, experiences and wishes I had as I set forward to build this vision for Mother’s Quest. Since then, there has been so much growth, in myself, in my family, and in the Mother’s Quest Community.  I want to use this episode that I’m calling “Sprouting Seeds for Mother’s Quest,” to reflect on what’s already taken visible form from those intentions I set over a year ago, some of the gifts I’ve taken from the women who have come onto the podcast to share their stories and words of wisdom, and also to share what I’m on a quest for now and therefore what you can expect in Season Three.  This episode dedicated by: Jody Smith, a like-minded mother on a quest who is getting ready to launch her own mission, a children’s book that empowers girls. E.P.I.C. Guideposts In this episode, I explore just a few moments from the podcast across the guideposts that have impacted me most: E –  Ways to be more mindfully engaged. I’ve made space for more “special time,” adventure fridays and lots of reflective conversation in the car with my children. One of the things I’ve continued to appreciate the most is the way in which my children have shared with me and supported me. One that stands out is Jacob’s “focus on our goodness” comment after Trump was elected which became the message on the sign at the first Women’s March which I attended and his advice to me before I did my first live event interview.  Selected Clip: And there was this moment, with my son Ryan, which I share on the podcast episode with Kristina Kuzmic. Ep 11: “Flawed” with Truth Bomb Mom Kristina Kuzmic P – Making a passionate and purposeful impact beyond my family. So much has changed with Mother’s Quest as this vehicle I’ve developed. Since I launched the podcast, the MQ Community has grown to almost 500 members, I’ve launched my first Mother’s Quest Circle, and I’ve taken on a dream client in the organization Emerging Women to facilitate circles for them. My podcast interview with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin helped me to develop more of what I call an activist muscle, led me to have an opportunity to interview her in person at her live event in the bay area and to be invited as a panelist for her upcoming Gaia Lead Conference.  But the greatest impact I think has been my willingness to share about my experience along the way, bringing back reflections, challenges, and lessons learned with my family and community. Selected Clip: This part of my conversation with Elizabeth summarized well this unique aspect of the heroine’s journey.  Ep 24: Intersectionality and the Age of the New Heroine with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin I – Investing in myself. My conversation with Lindsay McCarthy about the Miracle Morning, and the 10 day challenge we then did in the facebook group, definitely expanded my morning practice, and an exploration of my own roots through a Jewish practice called Mussar with Edie Raphael Brotman built upon that. Danielle Dutton shined a light on the importance of meditation and taking time to yourself. My conversation with Nicole Lee was instrumental in helping me hold a growth mindset for myself and my children when it comes to courageous conversations about race.  Selected Clip: This reminder about self-care that came forward in my conversation with Women’s March organizer Paola Mendoza, about its importance as an act of political warfare and about building moments of self-care into your daily life, has also stayed with me.  Ep 16: Rising Up with Paola Mendoza C – Connecting to experiences of gratitude with the people in our lives and building relationships. Nancy Netherland’s conversation touched me in so many ways, and has deepened my gratitude practice with my husband and my children. My conversation with Samantha Ettus helped me think about the importance of inviting people into my home and reaching out when I’m feeling the need for connection. As a result, I hosted my first ever Multicultural Yom Kippur Break the Fast and also hosted a tea and did an interview of my friend Chelsea Bonini who was running for City Council.  Selected Clip: Finally, I really appreciated this moment on the podcast with Nicole Lee about building connections across differences and the importance of authentic relationships that are not transactional. I’ve come back to this again and again, and am honored to now count Nicole Lee as a friend.  Ep 27: Courageous Conversations about Race with Nicole Lee What I’m on a quest for now:  Without a doubt, my E.P.I.C. life is still, as it should be, a work in progress. Some challenges I’ve made progress on and even feel a sense of completion about. Others I have taken some steps, but more work is ahead, need to circle back to them, and trust they will resurface or I’ll make movement at just the right time. There are other goals and areas for learning that have come into sharper focus. Here are some things I’m most on a quest for and will be bringing guests on to help light the way for. Tune into the podcast for specifics on some of the guests who are already confirmed or on my wish list: E – To honor my children. I want to continue to engage mindfully with my children and to more deeply understand who they are and how to support them to grow into their fullest expression of themselves.  P –  Moving away from fear and resistance and into more ease and flow, especially in my work and continuing to grow my social justice lens and my activist muscle.  I – Continuing to grow my skills in being mindful and present. I’m on a quest to cook and eat more healthy food for myself and my family, balancing my own use of screen-time, finding help in navigating changing hormones as I get older and improving my time management and organizational skills.  C- Connection with my own ancestors, roots and rituals. Deepening friendships, networks of support during challenging times, and making time to nurture my relationship with my husband.  Along with these intentions and directions for conversation and growth, I’m committed to two  particular things as I move forward into this next two chapter.  1)The first is to remember that it’s the journey and not the destination that is what it’s really all about.  2) The second is a commitment to live MY version of an E.P.I.C. life, not somebody’s else’s, and to continue digging into more and more what that really means for me. And also to support YOU in defining what that means for you.  This Week’s Challenge: Read my post on how my meaning of the ultimate success has changed over the last year.  Grab your journal, think about what you might have defined as your E.P.I.C. life in the past and then identify what feels more real for you now.  Answer these questions… What are you most on a quest for now?  What does YOUR version of an E.P.I.C. life, not someone else’s, mean to YOU?  Announcements: Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot Applications close this weekend for the first Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot. If you’re on the threshold of something big in your life and you seek inspiration, coaching and community, this could be just what you need.    Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start in March, and there are only a handful of spaces left, so apply today if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Mother’s Quest E.P.I.C. Life Check-In Would love to have you in our weekly E.P.I.C. Life Check-In on Tuesday, from 12N-1PM pm via Video on Zoom We’ll create connections within the Mother’s Quest community, reflect on how we feel along the E.P.I.C. Guideposts this week, and set an intention for the week. Time for personal introspection, group accountability and community-building all packed into one hour. Are you In? Let me know and I’ll make sure to send you the zoom link. www.mothersquest.com/community  Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Jody Smith Emily Cretella of MotherHustle Collette Flanagan, founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko of This (Un)Scripted Life Suzanne Brown, author of Mompowerment Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach of Marketing Magic for Entrepreneurs Katharine Earhart of Alesco Advisors Jessica Kupferman of She Podcasts Resistance Artist Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer, founder of The Profit Party Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs of the Notable Woman Podcast Erin Kendall of Fit Mom Go Niko Osoteo of Bear Beat Productions Erik Newton of The Together Show Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore Jenise and Marianne of the Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contributionhttp://mothersquest.com/be-a-supporter/  If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Pastor Julie kicks off our first series of 2018! When it comes to growing our relationship with Christ, it is not a project, it is a process. We will be introducing new challenges every week, stay up to date on the latest challenge with our hashtag on social media #HCChallenge21 Recorded: 1/7/18 Follow along with the sermon notes: www.bible.com/events/339073

This is a beginning of my podcaster dream. I want to share weekly base what I'm working and what's the challenges I'm dealing with.

It’s a joy and honor to bring this final episode of Season Two, Episode #34, with my own mother Fran Lieberman and her dear friend Sandy Klasky, who are celebrating their book club’s 50th anniversary. I couldn’t think of a more special way to close this season then reflecting with two women, who are mothers and grandmothers, on the lessons of their E.P.I.C. lives across decades, how they’ve passed on values of social justice to their children and grandchildren, the power of friendship, and of shared experiences, like reading books together, to build community. In this episode, we talk about what shaped my mother and Sandy as they emerged from the stable years of the 1940’s and 1950’s into the tumultuous times of the 1960’s and 1970’s, the ways they sought to have impact beyond their family as women when there were fewer opportunities open to them, how they invested in their own interests and friendships while raising their children, and looking back now, the wisdom and advice they would offer to their younger selves. The 50th anniversary of their book club, and how it’s been an important constant in their lives, is a thread we weave throughout the episode and the challenge they offer us is to read books that they felt made a profound impact on them. They share the reason behind the success and longevity of their book club and friendship and also some snapshot moments from across the years that they will always remember. Stay through to the end for a funny blooper reel capturing some behind the scenes moments of what it took to persevere through the challenges to record the podcast episode. It was a testament to the power of what’s possible with today’s technology and to holding a growth mindset no matter what your age. I loved the perspective and inspiration that shines through this unique conversation on the podcast and I hope you will too. So, get comfortable, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, or maybe a glass of wine, and settle into the wisdom from these two life-long friends. This episode dedicated by: Emily Cretella of MotherHustle. Learn more at www.motherhustle.com Topics discussed in this episode: My mother and Sandy’s social justice roots, one forged as a student in New York where she was exposed to different cultures, religions, and races and one that grew from experiences of living in a segregated city of Detroit The trauma of the 1960’s and 1970’s, including the deaths of leaders like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, and how our country has risen before from tumultuous times The multigenerational influence Sandy and my mother have had on their children and grandchildren, especially as a result of sharing values and experiences around politics and social justice and how Sandy’s daughter, Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, was featured in LA Magazine for her leadership as President and CEO of LA Family Housing. The story of how the book club got started with women who were focused on raising their children and sought connection and intellectual stimulation. Also, what has enabled the club to endure through so many years. The difference in the way they had to do research for their book club discussions in the past, going to the library and photocopying materials vs. now that we have the internet. Snapshot book club moments my mother and Sandy will always remember, like coming together on 9/11 and when their dear friend, and founder of the club, Judy Duroff passed away. How Sandy and I both identify with having had a mid-life Renaissance and the importance of following your heart to create your E.P.I.C. life. The advice Fran and Sandy would give to their younger selves. The books from their book club that made a lasting impact on them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflections with Ryan Neale Headstart LA Family Housing where Sandy’s daughter Stephanie Klasky-Garner is President and CEO and the LA Magazine article where Stephanie was featured Junior Great Books from The Great Books Foundation Montecito Music Academy of the West A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes Room by Emma Donoghue The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Zoom – the technology we used to record our conversation This Week’s Challenge: Read the books Room by Emma Donoghue and The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Announcements: A Podcast Break Until February – Stay in Touch! This episode marks the end of Season Two and the start of some time off from podcasting until Season Three begins in February. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe and join the email list so you’ll get updates when Season Three begins. And if you want to stay connected through the break, join the Mother’s Quest Facebook group where I’ll continue to share resources, favorite episodes from past seasons, and personal reflections. Help Us Celebrate Mother’s Quest’s First Birthday A year ago on December 1st, I launched the Mother’s Quest Podcast as a birthday present to myself. It’s hard to believe that another personal birthday and the first birthday of the podcast have arrived. I’d love to celebrate by highlighting your stories and how the podcast or Mother’s Quest Community has helped you to live your E.P.I.C. life. Go to mothersquest.com and use the speakpipe tool to leave me a 1-2 minute message for a chance to be featured in a special E.P.I.C. Guideposts Episode. Everyone who submits will also be entered into a drawing for a free signature coaching session from me and some other prizes from other amazing moms in the Mother’s Quest Community. Can’t wait to hear your stories and celebrate with you. Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot You’re a mindful mother. And being present for your children in these years when you’re raising them is your highest priority. You’re also committed to making a positive impact in the world, something that feels even more important with all the challenges we currently face. If the description above sounds like you, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot, may be right for you. Or, if you live in the S.F. Bay Area, you can participate in an in-person circle that starts on December 16th. This signature offering provides inspiration, coaching and community to spark your E.P.I.C. life with intimate virtual reflective sessions over four months. Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start as soon as I have a committed number of participants so don’t delay if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Visit the Website If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.comto explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Emily Cretella of MotherHustle Collette Flanagan, founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko of This (Un)Scripted Life Suzanne Brown, author of Mompowerment Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach of Marketing Magic for Entrepreneurs Katharine Earhart of Alesco Advisors Jessica Kupferman of She Podcasts Resistance Artist Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer, founder of The Profit Party Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs of the Notable Woman Podcast Erin Kendall of Fit Mom Go Niko Osoteo of Bear Beat Productions Erik Newton of The Together Show Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore Jenise and Marianne of the Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contributionhttp://mothersquest.com/be-a-supporter/ If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com — Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Netflix’s Stranger Things has taken the world by both surprise and storm, and the guys are no different. This week we talk about our experiences with the show and how it succeeded every expectation we had! Fortnight’s Challenge: Read the first volume of The Wicked and Dive from Image Comics

1 John 2:3-8: We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must lie as Jesus did. Dear friends, I am not writing you as a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. A person who claims to know God but is consistently disobedient is a liar. Personal righteousness and obedience are an essential component of our faith but they do not form the basis of our salvation.A desire to obey God is evidence we know him. The transformed life of a believer provides infallible evidence of Jesus' victory over sin and death. Christians do not have a license to hate even if they are in the right.Challenge: Read 4 chapters of the Gospel of Matthew a day for 7 days. Then imitate Jesus.