Podcasts about christmas family

In this special Christmas Day episode, we celebrate the joys of family and the spirit of giving. Hosts John and Amanda reflect on their holiday experiences while addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis faced by Christians in Nigeria. They welcome Judd Saul, an expert on the situation, who shares harrowing insights into the persecution of Christians in the region. The episode also features a heartfelt conversation with Brian Stivale, the voice actor of the Prophet Samuel in the new animated film 'David,' discussing the importance of faith-based storytelling. Join us for a blend of festive cheer and serious discussions on the challenges facing communities around the world. Additional interviews with Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, and Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas - thanks for all your support this year!Chapters:00:00 - Christmas Reflections01:07 - Christmas Day Traditions01:28 - Board Games: A Family Tradition02:37 - Christmas Traditions and Celebrations03:11 - The Essence of Christmas: Family and Connection03:42 - Embracing the Holiday Spirit

It's time to play the Feud.. Christmas Family Feud. Marcos is the host asking the questions and Leroy, JFig and Vlad will battle it out.

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One of the things I think a lot about at Christmas is family. Most if not all of us will be born into dysfunctional families or less than ideal circumstances. Our true families are not necessarily those we are related to, but those who love us unconditionally and those who bring us true joy. So, whatever your true family looks like this holiday season, Merry Christmas to all of you.

Send us a textIt's the most wonderful time… of the year? Happy Holidays from us to you! We hope you're surviving the chaos, insanity, and general family drama. So in true Besties & the Books fashion, we're here to bring you some distraction and laughs to help carry you through the madness, and to remind you that you're not alone… because “It's Christmas and we're all in misery!” (As the famous Clark Griswold would say.)In our last episode of the year, we've got everything from stripper discrimination, college-level microwave mac and cheese Christmas dinner, and DIY gift complaints… to the classics like absentee fathers, unconventional food choices… and headwear requests? Come with us on this journey to determine who the holiday a holes really are. Plus, we start with a fave and fail Christmas treat edition, give some holiday book recommendations, and end on a high note with a classical unhinged smash or pass.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️Need more Halloween reads in your life? Find out if “Halloweentown for adults” with Gilmore Girls vibes might be for you with our Haven Ever After Hazel Mack Interview! https://youtu.be/-kDxchCTysw?si=KpEbcsCHAniU-JTSPenn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing: A Velaris T-shirt from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Liz is wearing : “The Season” Crewneck by @darkanddisturbedshop (use our affiliate code “VEGAN10”) | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/the-season-crewneckWe are both wearing a 2 PACK of ridiculous Santa hats from @ Amazon | * https://amzn.to/3MR6janAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Welcome back to the podcast! Today, we are in week two of our Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--WE THREE KINGS: A ROYAL MESS AND A FAITHFUL GODMost of us skim past the first seventeen verses of the New Testament. The long list of names in Matthew's genealogy feels distant and hard to pronounce, so we move on quickly. But Matthew didn't include those names by accident. He placed them there to ground the Christmas story in real history. Jesus didn't drop out of the sky. He entered the world through a real family—full of faith, failure, courage, compromise, and grace.Matthew organizes Jesus' family tree into three groups of fourteen generations. First come the patriarchs, from Abraham to David—the rise of a family. Then come the kings, from David to the exile—the ruin of a kingdom. Finally comes the remnant, from the exile to Jesus—the long road toward restoration. Last week we looked at the outsiders in Jesus' lineage: Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth. This week we turn to the kings.You might expect the kings to be the highlight reel—strong leaders, noble faith, spiritual consistency. Instead, what we find is a royal mess. To understand it, we'll look at three kings from the southern kingdom of Judah: a father, a son, and a grandson. Their stories show how faith can be passed down, rejected, reclaimed, and lost again.King Ahaz: The Shadow of a Bad LegacyBy the time Ahaz became king, Israel was divided. The northern kingdom had fully embraced wickedness. Judah, the southern kingdom—where Jesus' line continued—was struggling to stay faithful. Ahaz did not help.2 Kings 16:2–3 (NLT) tells us that Ahaz “did not do what was pleasing in the sight of the Lord… Instead, he followed the example of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son in the fire.”In the ancient world, people believed that if you wanted the gods to act, you had to give them something valuable. Ahaz was losing a war and terrified of losing his throne. In desperation, he went to the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his own son to Molech. That valley later became known as Gehenna—the word Jesus used for hell.Ahaz's legacy is devastating. He sacrificed his son on the altar of selfishness. Before we judge him too quickly, we should ask an uncomfortable question: What do we sacrifice our children to today? Career success, personal freedom, reputation, comfort, or misplaced ambition can quietly become modern altars.King Hezekiah: The Cycle BreakerAfter Ahaz died, his son Hezekiah took the throne. He grew up surrounded by idolatry. He had watched his father's choices destroy lives. Everything about his upbringing suggested he would repeat the cycle.But 2 Kings 18:5–7 (NLT) says something remarkable: “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord… There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.”Hezekiah broke the cycle. He tore down idols—even destroying the bronze serpent Moses had made because people were worshiping it...

Episode #422 Dan and Holly Austin, friends of The Disney Crush, join Dave and Toni-Ann to recount their trip to Walt Disney World. Their trip included staying in the cabins at Fort Wilderness, attending a Christmas party at Magic Kingdom, and visiting Typhoon Lagoon. Follow their adventures across the country, from Aulani in Hawaii to Walt Disney World in Florida, on YouTube.  www.youtube.com/@AustinFamilyAdventures6  www.thedisneycrush.com thedisneycrush@gmail.com www.patreon.com/thedisneycrush  

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This week, as part of our Christmas Family Gathering, Brian shares a little behind the meaning of Christmas.

Sometimes the season of cheer can also be a season of stress, sorrow, and struggling with family relationships... so come join us in this Advent miniseries as we give counseling advice for how to handle these trials and how to keep our eyes focused on the true meaning of Christmas—Christ's glorious coming as our Savior!

The month of December can be a wonderful time to celebrate the season and focus on Christ. Listen to twelve different ways you might bring Christ into your family's celebration.To read the original post, visit https://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/the-12-ways-of-christmas-family-discipleship/

Welcome back to the podcast! Join us today as we start a new Christmas series!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --The Christmas Family Tree: The Part We Usually SkipMost people love Luke 2 at Christmas—the angels, the shepherds, the manger scene. But few of us slow down for Matthew 1, the chapter that looks like the “skip intro” button of the New Testament. Genealogies feel like the part you breeze through on your Bible-in-a-year plan. Yet Matthew opens the story of Jesus with a family tree on purpose—not to bore us, but to prepare us for what Christmas is really about.Matthew organizes Jesus' genealogy into three sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:1–17). It's not intended to be exhaustive; it's designed to make a theological point. Jesus is the promised Son of David, the fulfillment of God's long-awaited plan. But Matthew also includes something shocking for ancient readers: five women—and three of them appear in the very first section of the genealogy.In the first century, writers didn't include women in genealogies, and certainly not women with complicated, painful, or morally messy backstories. But Matthew breaks the rules to highlight a truth at the heart of Christmas: God invites outsiders, sinners, strugglers, and the unexpected into His family. These women tell us what kind of Savior Jesus really is—and what kind of grace He brings.TAMAR — The God Who Sees the Hidden StoryMatthew 1:3 (NLT): “Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).”Tamar's story in Genesis 38 is one of the most uncomfortable chapters in the Bible. She marries into Judah's family, but tragedy and injustice quickly follow. Her first husband dies. The second refuses to fulfill his duty to give her a child. Judah promises his youngest son to her “later,” but he never intends to keep his word.Tamar is left childless, powerless, and trapped in a culture where bearing children was the only path to honor, security, and a future. Judah fails her completely, and out of desperation she takes matters into her own hands—posing as a prostitute to confront Judah's neglect. When Judah discovers what happened, he responds with a shocking confession:Genesis 38:26 (NLT): “She is more righteous than I am.”This isn't a story celebrating deception—it's a story exposing Judah's injustice. Tamar is the wronged one, and yet God sees her, steps into her story, and brings redemption through the birth of Perez—a direct ancestor of Jesus.The lesson of Tamar:God steps into the stories we try to hide.He doesn't turn away from the messy parts of our past—He redeems them. Tamar reminds us that God moves toward the abandoned and overlooked with purpose and...

A Christmas Family TreeSeries: God With US Speaker: Dr. Wes FeltnerDate: 7th December 2025Passage: Matthew 1:1-17

The lineage of Christ shows forth man's inherent brokenness and God's overcoming grace. Join us as Pastor Kurt talks about a supernaturally changed heart. NEXT STEPS: This Christmas, I will no longer hold onto my hurt, nor will I hide my heart away. Instead, I will allow my heart to be set on God's love for me. This Christmas, I will embrace what it means to be fully engaged as a member of God's Church.

The Dice Tower shares 12 great game recommendations in 10 different categories. This time, it's 12 games you can play with a wide range of folks that we often call "family games"!

Episode Notes For many families, Christmas is a season of celebration, for others, a season of confrontation. The controversy surrounding the origins of the Christmas tradition is here to stay, so how should we navigate it as followers of Christ? In this LIVE Q&A, we also discuss who will hear Jesus' famous saying of 'depart from Me', marital disagreements, anointing oil, abortion, online shopping on the Sabbath, and more! Support Rise on Fire Ministries by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/rise-on-fireRead transcript

There were just too many submissions to limit it to one episode! More of your Christmas Family Feud stories, and some of Lala, Easton and Lisa's too! GTL Bonus video episodes available Mondays at 9am Pacific on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GiveThemLalaPodcast?si=9oETguBpysJbttBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There were just too many submissions to limit it to one episode! More of your Christmas Family Feud stories, and some of Lala, Easton and Lisa's too!GTL Bonus video episodes available Mondays at 9am Pacific on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GiveThemLalaPodcast?si=9oETguBpysJbttBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The birth of Jesus Christ was not without its family drama! In this sermon, Pastor Andrew shows how the Gospel writers, Matthew and Luke, recount the events surrounding Joseph and Mary and the birth of Christ. The background details of Joseph and Mary's lives reveal that God is sovereign in choosing them and that he is gracious to enter into our messy lives. As the Gospel writers unfold the story, we see the importance of the virgin birth, God's power and holiness, Mary's humility, and Joseph's obedience. Although the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus are unique and unlike any other occurrence in history, we can be thankful that God used a 'blended' family to bring about his purposes. God incorporates the family drama between Joseph and Mary into his great drama of salvation. ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_cbfbec1227d84523a0e95421970530d6.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_b8dd8c534651446781df0d399dbe9644.pdf ________________________________________ In this video: Review of previous sermons in series Main Points Application ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/

In this conversation, Amanda and Virginie discuss the complexities of navigating holiday boundaries, cultural differences in Christmas celebrations, and the importance of communication within families. They explore the Santa tradition, gift-giving practices, and the stress associated with holiday planning. The discussion highlights the significance of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and balancing personal and family traditions during the festive season. In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Virginie explore the themes of comfort, personal choice, and the complexities of parenting during the holiday season. They discuss the importance of self-expression, the challenges of navigating family dynamics, and the necessity of open communication in relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the need to challenge traditional roles and expectations, particularly around holiday obligations, while also reflecting on personal traditions and the joy of being true to oneself. Follow Amanda on Instagram here. Follow Virginie on Instagram here. Check out Virginie's podcast, "Without Judgement", here. Mom guilt, mom shame, boundaries in motherhood, mom life, christmas, holidays, boundaries with family

Fluent Fiction - Danish: A Copenhagen Christmas: Family, Art, and Unexpected Connections Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2024-12-21-23-34-01-da Story Transcript:Da: Det var en stille vinterdag.En: It was a quiet winter day.Da: Sneen faldt blidt over København, og julelysene i byen skinnede klart.En: The snow fell gently over København, and the Christmas lights in the city shone brightly.Da: Det var Sørens fødselsdag, og Freja havde planlagt en særlig dag.En: It was Søren's birthday, and Freja had planned a special day.Da: De skulle besøge Statens Museum for Kunst.En: They were going to visit the Statens Museum for Kunst.Da: Freja håbede, at denne dag ville bringe familien tættere og gøre Søren glad.En: Freja hoped that this day would bring the family closer and make Søren happy.Da: Freja, Nikolaj og Søren gik langsomt mod museet.En: Freja, Nikolaj, and Søren walked slowly towards the museum.Da: Freja havde travlt med at forberede julen og tænkte på alt det, der skulle ordnes.En: Freja was busy preparing for Christmas and thought about everything that needed to be done.Da: Men i dag ville hun give slip på stressen.En: But today, she wanted to let go of the stress.Da: Hun ville fokusere på familien.En: She wanted to focus on the family.Da: Nikolaj gik ved siden af dem.En: Nikolaj walked beside them.Da: Han tænkte på arbejdet og de mange opgaver, der ventede ham.En: He thought about work and the many tasks awaiting him.Da: Men han følte også en skyld for ikke at være mere til stede.En: But he also felt guilty for not being more present.Da: Hans søn havde fødselsdag, og han ønskede at skabe gode minder.En: His son had a birthday, and he wanted to create good memories.Da: Søren gik lidt bagved.En: Søren walked a little behind.Da: Han kiggede rundt, trak vejret dybt ind, men sagde ikke meget.En: He looked around, breathed deeply, but didn't say much.Da: Han elskede kunst, men han havde aldrig fortalt sine forældre det.En: He loved art, but he had never told his parents that.Da: Han frygtede, at de ikke ville forstå.En: He feared they wouldn't understand.Da: Museet var smukt pyntet til jul.En: The museum was beautifully decorated for Christmas.Da: Indenfor var der varmt, og der var mange besøgende.En: Inside, it was warm, and there were many visitors.Da: Freja førte an med et smil: "Lad os se noget smukt og lade os inspirere."En: Freja led the way with a smile: "Let's see something beautiful and let it inspire us."Da: De spadserede gennem udstillingerne.En: They strolled through the exhibitions.Da: Søren stoppede foran et stort maleri.En: Søren stopped in front of a large painting.Da: Det forestillede en vinterstemning, lysene så levende ud, og det mindede ham om, hvorfor han elskede kunst.En: It portrayed a winter scene, the lights looked vivid, and it reminded him of why he loved art.Da: Freja og Nikolaj bemærkede hans interesse.En: Freja and Nikolaj noticed his interest.Da: "Søren?"En: "Søren?"Da: spurgte Freja blidt.En: Freja asked gently.Da: "Hvad synes du om maleriet?"En: "What do you think of the painting?"Da: Søren tøvede et øjeblik, men besluttede at være modig.En: Søren hesitated for a moment but decided to be brave.Da: "Jeg elsker det.En: "I love it.Da: Jeg elsker kunst," sagde han.En: I love art," he said.Da: "Jeg ønsker at forfølge det."En: "I want to pursue it."Da: Der blev stille et øjeblik.En: There was silence for a moment.Da: Freja og Nikolaj kiggede på hinanden.En: Freja and Nikolaj looked at each other.Da: Så smilede de begge, lettede.En: Then they both smiled, relieved.Da: "Vi er stolte af dig," sagde Nikolaj og klappede sin søn på skulderen.En: "We are proud of you," said Nikolaj, patting his son on the shoulder.Da: "Vi vil støtte dig."En: "We will support you."Da: Freja nikkede.En: Freja nodded.Da: "Vi kan finde tid til at dyrke din passion.En: "We can find time to nurture your passion.Da: Vi er her for dig."En: We're here for you."Da: Søren følte en varme indeni.En: Søren felt a warmth inside.Da: Frygten var væk.En: The fear was gone.Da: Hans forældre forstod ham.En: His parents understood him.Da: De forlod museet, hånd i hånd.En: They left the museum, hand in hand.Da: Familien var kommet tættere på hinanden.En: The family had come closer together.Da: På vej hjem i den kolde vinterluft vidste de alle, at denne dag havde været en succes.En: On their way home in the cold winter air, they all knew that this day had been a success.Da: Freja følte sig lettet, Nikolaj lovede sig selv at balancere bedre, og Søren havde fundet mod.En: Freja felt relieved, Nikolaj promised himself to balance better, and Søren had found courage.Da: De var en familie i harmoni.En: They were a family in harmony.Da: Snefnuggene faldt stille omkring dem, mens de gik sammen.En: The snowflakes fell quietly around them as they walked together.Da: Det var julemagien, og den gik lige i hjertet.En: It was the magic of Christmas, and it went straight to the heart. Vocabulary Words:quiet: stillebirthday: fødselsdagplanned: planlagtspecial: særligmuseum: museumhoped: håbedefamily: familiestress: stressfocus: fokuserememories: minderguilty: skyldart: kunstdecorated: pyntetvisitors: besøgendestrolled: spadseredeexhibitions: udstillingerpainting: maleriportrayed: forestilledehesitated: tøvedebrave: modigproud: stoltesupport: støttenurture: dyrkewarmth: varmefear: frygtrelieved: lettetbalance: balancerecourage: modharmony: harmonisnowflakes: snefnugg

Ronald Gene Simmons "CHRISTMAS FAMILY INCEST MASSACRE" murders On December 22, 1987, Ronald Gene Simmons began a killing spree that would be the worst mass murder in Arkansas history and the worst crime involving one family in the history of the country. His rampage ended on December 28, 1987, leaving dead fourteen members of his immediate family and two former coworkers. Ronald Gene Simmons was born on July 15, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Loretta and William Simmons. On January 31, 1943, William Simmons died of a stroke. Within a year, Simmons's mother married again, this time to William D. Griffen, a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The corps moved Griffen to Little Rock (Pulaski County) in 1946, the first of several transfers that would take the family across central Arkansas over the next decade. On September 15, 1957, Simmons dropped out of school and joined the U.S. Navy. His first station was Bremerton Naval Base in Washington, where he met Bersabe Rebecca “Becky” Ulibarri, whom he married in New Mexico on July 9, 1960. Over the next eighteen years, the couple had seven children. In 1963, Simmons left the navy and approximately two years later, he joined the air force. During his twenty-two-year military career, Simmons was awarded a Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Cross for his service as an airman, and the Air Force Ribbon for excellent marksmanship. Simmons retired on November 30, 1979, at the rank of master sergeant. On April 3, 1981, Simmons was being investigated by the Cloudcroft, New Mexico, Department of Human Services for allegations that he had fathered a child with his seventeen-year-old daughter, Sheila. Fearing arrest, Simmons fled first to Ward (Lonoke County) in late 1981 and then to Dover (Pope County) in the summer of 1983. The family took up residence on a thirteen-acre tract of land that would become known as “Mockingbird Hill.” The residence was constructed of two older-model mobile homes joined to form one large home and was surrounded by a makeshift privacy fence, as high as ten feet tall in some places. The home did not have a telephone or indoor plumbing. Simmons worked a string of low-paying jobs in the nearby town of Russellville (Pope County). He quit a position as an accounts receivable clerk at Woodline Motor Freight after numerous reports of inappropriate sexual advances. He went to work at a Sinclair Mini Mart for approximately a year and a half before quitting on December 18, 1987. Evidence indicates that Simmons bludgeoned and shot his wife on December 22, 1987. Simmons also bludgeoned and shot his visiting son, twenty-nine-year-old Ronald Gene Simmons Jr. He then strangled his three-year-old granddaughter. All three bodies were later found in a shallow pit Simmons had instructed the children to dig months before for a third family outhouse. Later the same day, the Dover school bus dropped off the younger Simmons children for their Christmas break from school. Based on crime scene investigation, it is believed the Simmons children (ages seventeen, fourteen, eleven, and eight) were separated and killed individually, by strangulation and/or drowning in a rain barrel. Their bodies, too, were found in the hole for the outhouse. The older Simmons children had been invited to the Simmons home on December 26, 1987, for an after-Christmas dinner. Twenty-three-year-old William H. Simmons II, his twenty-one-year-old wife, Renata May Simmons, and their twenty-month-old son, all of Fordyce (Dallas County), were likely the first to arrive. William and Renata were shot, and their bodies were left by the dining room table, and covered with their own coats and some bedding. The child was killed and placed into the trunk of a car behind the Simmons home. Next to arrive were Simmons's twenty-four-year-old daughter, Sheila, and her husband, thirty-three-year-old Dennis Raymond McNulty, as well as their children, seven-year-old Sylvia (the daughter of Sheila and her father) and twenty-one-month-old Michael. Sheila was shot, and her body was laid on the dining room table and covered with a tablecloth. Simmons shot Dennis and strangled Sylvia. Michael was strangled and placed into the trunk of yet another parked car. Later this same day, Simmons drove to Russellville, where he stopped at a Sears store and picked up Christmas gifts that had been ordered but had not made it in before the holiday. Later that night, he drove to a private club in Russellville. Then he went home and waited out the weekend. On Monday, December 28, 1987, Simmons drove a car that had belonged to his son, Ronald Jr., to Russellville. He purchased a second gun from Walmart Inc. His next stop was the Peel, Eddy and Gibbons Law Firm. After entering the building, Simmons shot and killed receptionist/secretary Kathy Cribbins Kendrick. He next went to the Taylor Oil Company, where he shot and wounded Russell “Rusty” Taylor, the owner of the Sinclair Mini Mart where he had worked, and then shot and killed J. D. (Jim) Chaffin, a fireman and part-time truck driver for Taylor Oil. Simmons shot at and missed another employee before exiting the building. Simmons then went to the Sinclair Mini Mart, where he shot and wounded Roberta Woolery and David Salyer. His last stop was the Woodline Motor Freight company. Simmons located his former supervisor, Joyce Butts, and wounded her in the head and chest. He then took worker Vicky Jackson at gunpoint into the computer office and advised her to phone the police. Simmons allegedly told Jackson: “I've come to do what I wanted to do. It's all over now. I've gotten everybody who wanted to hurt me.” He surrendered to Russellville police when they arrived. Simmons was sent to the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock (Pulaski County) for a competency evaluation by staff psychiatrist Dr. Irving Kuo. Kuo found Simmons to be sane and capable of standing trial. Robert E. “Doc” Irwin and John Harris were appointed by the court to represent Simmons. The prosecuting attorney was John Bynum. Jury selection for the first trial took less than six hours. Simmons was convicted on May 12, 1988, in the Franklin County Circuit Court for the deaths of Kendrick and Chaffin. On May 16 Judge John Samuel Patterson sentenced Simmons to death by lethal injection plus 147 years. Simmons refused all rights to appeal. Simmons was found guilty of fourteen counts of capital murder in the deaths of his family members on February 10, 1989, in the Johnson County Circuit Court, with Judge Patterson presiding. Bynum offered a possible motive when he presented an undated note that was discovered in a safe deposit box at a Russellville bank after Simmons's arrest. The letter seemed to indicate a strong love/hate relationship between Simmons and his daughter Sheila. After the judge ruled the letter admissible, Simmons lashed out at Bynum, punching him the face, and then unsuccessfully struggled for a deputy's handgun. Officers rushed him out of the courtroom in chains. Simmons was sentenced to death by lethal injection on March 16, 1989. He again waived all rights to appeal. KTHV reporter Anne Jensen conducted a series of interviews with Simmons in February and March 1989. On March 1, 1989, Simmons was found competent to waive his rights to appeal his conviction. However the filing of Whitmore v. Arkansas challenged this right. Reverend Louis Franz and Jonas Whitmore contended that Simmons using his right to refuse appeal in fact jeopardized the appellate rights of other death row inmates. By 7–2 vote, the Supreme Court justices threw out this appeal; however, the ongoing legal proceedings had prevented the execution of Simmons from being carried out. Simmons was watching television and eating what he thought would be his last meal when the news of his stay of execution was announced. On May 31, 1990, Governor Bill Clinton signed Simmons's second execution warrant for June 25, 1990. This was the quickest sentence-to-execution-to-death time in United States history since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Simmons refused all visitors, including legal counsel and clergy. His last words were: “Justice delayed finally be done is justifiable homicide.” No family members claimed the body, so Simmons was buried in a paupers' plot at Lincoln Memorial Lawn in Varner (Lincoln County).

(Luke  2:16) Christmas family portraits are a tradition in many homes. The first Christmas family portrait is seen on the pages of Scripture. Take a fresh look at the Son of God and the parents that were chosen for Him. (08301241216)  Make a tax deductible year-end gift to Enjoying the Journey at https://enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/ Access our full archive of Bible study resource at https://enjoyingthejourney.org/

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Join Todd Zimmermann, the author of the beloved Oliver the Ornament series, as he shares his personal journey to rediscovering the true spirit of Christmas. Years ago, a simple ornament sparked a profound realization: the holiday season, often fraught with stress and commercialism, could be a time for connection, joy, and gratitude. In this heartfelt episode, Todd delves into the power of family traditions, the magic of storytelling, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate the present moment. Discover how a single ornament inspired a movement to encourage families to spend quality time together, create lasting memories, and find peace in the midst of the holiday hustle. Whether you're a parent seeking to instill the true meaning of Christmas in your children or simply looking to recapture the magic of the season, this episode offers a refreshing perspective and practical tips to make this holiday season more meaningful.  Interested in Todd's book? Get a 10% discount by using the promo code 'Franz' at the check out. https://olivertheornament.com Topics: Christmas, holiday season, family, tradition, peace, joy, inspiration, Oliver the Ornament, children's books, holiday projects, gratitude, mindfulness, slowing down, mental health, well-being Video: https//youtu.be/xYTa17ZogXY Questions? Comments? Find Franz here: https://substack.com/@franzsidney   Did you enjoy this episode and would like to share some love?

Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor

The month of December can be a wonderful time to celebrate the season and focus on Christ. Listen to twelve different ways you might bring Christ into your family's celebration.To read the original post, visit https://www.thedisciplemakingparent.com/the-12-ways-of-christmas-family-discipleship/

We chat with the host of Judique's version of Family Feud, coming up this weekend. 

If you ever wondered what its like being part of those giant families that plays games on Christmas and have matching PJs watching movies together and have traditions passed down from the last 50 years - LOOK NO FURTHER, 2nd year dental student Gracie Banning (@banningbites) is here to break down her family's craziest christmas traditions and what its like being part of a Hallmark Christmas family! We break down the top holiday small talk news to share with patients such as: - how Coca Cola invented the current day image of Santa - why we set out milk and cookies for Santa & what children all around the world set out for him - what is the highest grossing Christmas film of all time and why it isn't what you expect + Gracie's D2 year and experience with persevering and growing stronger through failing competencies, the pressure to specialize, & other challenges dental school brings IG: @justaquickpinch, @drconniewang link to watch full episode on youtube: www.youtube.com/@justaquickpinch

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The Christmas story begins with a genealogy that highlights both heroes and broken people, showing that Jesus came not only for sinners but also from sinners. In this, we see God's heart to draw near to those far from Him, offering grace and inclusion to the undeserving. The story of Christmas is the story of God drawing near to those who had been drawn away.

Fluent Fiction - Swedish: Home for Christmas: Family, Forgiveness & New Beginnings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/sv/episode/2024-12-01-23-34-01-sv Story Transcript:Sv: Det var en kall vintermorgon när Lena steg av tåget på den lilla stationen i den svenska landsbygden.En: It was a cold winter morning when Lena got off the train at the small station in the Sweden countryside.Sv: Snön föll mjukt omkring henne, och landskapet var täckt av ett vitt täcke.En: The snow fell softly around her, and the landscape was covered in a white blanket.Sv: Hon drog djupt efter andan, kände den friska luften fylla hennes lungor, och kände både glädjen och melankolin av att vara hemma igen.En: She took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill her lungs, and felt both the joy and melancholy of being home again.Sv: Farmen där hon växte upp, låg inte långt från stationen.En: The farm where she grew up was not far from the station.Sv: Röda stugor med vita knutar och en stor lada, allt inbäddat i snö.En: Red cottages with white corners and a large barn, all nestled in snow.Sv: Röken steg ur skorstenen och blandade sig med doften av nybakad pepparkaka.En: Smoke rose from the chimney and mingled with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread.Sv: Juldekorationerna blinkade glatt, och den varma atmosfären välkomnade henne när hon närmade sig huset.En: Christmas decorations blinked cheerfully, and the warm atmosphere welcomed her as she approached the house.Sv: Lena visste att hennes bror, Oskar, var där inne och arbetade flitigt.En: Lena knew that her brother, Oskar, was inside working diligently.Sv: Han hade aldrig lämnat familjens hem.En: He had never left the family home.Sv: Han hade blivit kvar för att ta hand om gården, medan hon hade sökt lyckan i staden.En: He had stayed to take care of the farm, while she had sought fortune in the city.Sv: Det fanns en viss spänning mellan dem, en outtalad konflikt om deras val i livet.En: There was a certain tension between them, an unspoken conflict about their life choices.Sv: Oskar öppnade dörren när han hörde Lena närma sig.En: Oskar opened the door when he heard Lena approaching.Sv: Hans ansikte var allvarligt, men han gav henne en kort kram.En: His face was serious, but he gave her a brief hug.Sv: "Välkommen hem," sa han kort.En: "Welcome home," he said curtly.Sv: De satte sig vid köksbordet med var sin kopp varm choklad.En: They sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of hot chocolate each.Sv: Lena såg sig omkring på de välbekanta väggarna, och även om de bar samma inredning som hennes barndom, kändes de på något sätt annorlunda.En: Lena looked around at the familiar walls, and even though they held the same decor as her childhood, they felt somehow different.Sv: De påminde henne om allt hon hade lämnat bakom sig.En: They reminded her of everything she had left behind.Sv: "Jag tänkte hjälpa till med julförberedelserna," sa Lena försiktigt.En: "I thought I'd help with the Christmas preparations," said Lena cautiously.Sv: Hon ville göra ett försök att överbrygga avståndet mellan dem.En: She wanted to make an effort to bridge the distance between them.Sv: "Det finns mycket att göra," svarade Oskar, hans röst var hård men inte ovänlig.En: "There's a lot to do," responded Oskar, his voice stern but not unfriendly.Sv: Under de följande dagarna hjälpte Lena till på gården.En: In the following days, Lena helped on the farm.Sv: Hon kände sig klumpig och ovan vid sysslorna, men hennes beslutsamhet växte.En: She felt clumsy and inexperienced with the tasks, but her determination grew.Sv: Hon ställde frågor, lärde sig, och snart fann hon rytmen i arbetet.En: She asked questions, learned, and soon found the rhythm in the work.Sv: Oskar började så småningom mjukna, och tillsammans plockade de fram gamla familjerecept för att göra den traditionella julmåltiden.En: Oskar gradually began to soften, and together they brought out old family recipes to make the traditional Christmas meal.Sv: När de tillsammans rörde i den stora grytan, tystnade köket och det var som att tiden stannade en stund.En: As they stirred the large pot together, the kitchen fell silent, and it was as if time paused for a moment.Sv: Det var då Oskar bröt tystnaden.En: It was then that Oskar broke the silence.Sv: "Jag hatade att du lämnade oss," erkände han, och hans ord hängde i luften som tjock dimma.En: "I hated that you left us," he admitted, his words hanging in the air like thick fog.Sv: Lena stannade upp och såg på honom.En: Lena paused and looked at him.Sv: "Jag vet.En: "I know.Sv: Det var inte lätt för mig heller," sa hon.En: It wasn't easy for me either," she said.Sv: "Men jag behövde hitta min egen väg."En: "But I needed to find my own path."Sv: De pratade länge.En: They talked for a long time.Sv: De delade sina känslor, sin oro, och sin saknad.En: They shared their feelings, their worries, and their longing.Sv: Gradvis löstes spänningarna upp, och skratt ersatte allvaret.En: Gradually, the tensions dissolved, and laughter replaced the seriousness.Sv: När julafton kom, samlades familjen runt det dekorerade bordet.En: When Christmas Eve came, the family gathered around the decorated table.Sv: Ljusen glittrade i granen som stod vid sidan.En: The lights sparkled in the Christmas tree that stood to the side.Sv: Lena kände en värme inom sig, en nyfunnen förståelse och vänskap med sin bror.En: Lena felt a warmth within her, a newfound understanding and friendship with her brother.Sv: Hon såg på Oskar och insåg att hans liv var precis lika värdefullt och vackert som hennes från staden.En: She looked at Oskar and realized that his life was just as valuable and beautiful as hers in the city.Sv: De skålade och såg på varandra med nya ögon.En: They toasted and looked at each other with new eyes.Sv: Julen på gården blev en tid att minnas, en tid för försoning och förnyad gemenskap.En: Christmas at the farm became a time to remember, a time for reconciliation and renewed togetherness.Sv: Lena hade återfunnit sin tillhörighet, sin förankring i både det förflutna och nuet.En: Lena had rediscovered her belonging, her anchoring in both the past and the present.Sv: Och Oskar hade funnit stolthet inte bara i gården utan också i sin systers mod att följa sitt hjärta.En: And Oskar had found pride not only in the farm but also in his sister's courage to follow her heart. Vocabulary Words:melancholy: melankolinnestled: inbäddatgingerbread: pepparkakacurtly: kortstern: hårdclumsy: klumpigdetermination: beslutsamhetsoften: mjuknapaused: stannadefog: dimmapath: väglonging: saknadtensions: spänningarnareconciliation: försoningtogetherness: gemenskapbelonging: tillhörighetanchoring: förankringpride: stolthetchimney: skorstenenbreathed: andandiligently: flitigtunspoken: outtaladdecor: inredningbridge: överbryggagathered: samladessparkled: glittradevaluable: värdefulltcourage: modscent: doftenvanished: löste

We're live with Dr. Mark Williams, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese with update, Stephanie Sterling, Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Baton Rouge provides details on sponsoring families this Christmas and Jason Baxter, Executive Director of Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, talks about his book "The Divine Comedy: Inferno".

Joan is a a lawyer who has not spoken to her father in three years due to an argument. She decides to surprise her father during Christmas, so she returns home to find surprise after surprise.Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTH

In this episode, Costi Hinn continues his Christmas series with a focus on family! During the Advent season, the rat race of pleasing people and special events can quickly put the family on the back burner. This episode will highlight the importance of prioritizing family and saying "no" to good things in order to focus on greater things.