Podcasts about Contentment

In the first episode of this series, Justin Miller helped us understand what Christian contentment is and why it differs from both complacency and stoicism. But if contentment is not something we naturally possess, how do we learn it? In this episode, Dr. John Snyder and Justin Miller explore Paul's statement in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content.” Together they consider how God uses trials, hardships, disappointments, and even unanswered prayers to teach His people that Christ is sufficient. Drawing from Scripture, the Puritans, and the lives of believers who have walked this path before us, they discuss why contentment is learned in the school of providence. They also examine the truths that fuel Christian contentment: God's sovereignty, God's goodness, His commitment to work all things for the good of His people, and His wise use of affliction to wean us from the world and teach us to treasure Christ above all else. Show Notes A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment by Justin Miller - https://freegracepress.com/collections/coming-soon/products/a-life-of-joy The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs - Free from Chapel Library: https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rjoc/rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment-the-burroughsjeremiah Banner of Truth edition: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/the-rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” That promise from James 1:5 is a powerful reminder that wisdom is not something we have to manufacture on our own. It is a gift from God, and He invites us to ask for it. When we think about financial decisions, we often turn first to budgets, spreadsheets, calculators, or professional advice. Those tools can be helpful, and wise counsel has an important place in biblical stewardship. But for followers of Christ, wisdom begins with prayer. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi's parent organization, joined the show today to talk about inviting God into our financial lives and seeking His guidance with trust and humility. Prayer Reminds Us Whose Money It Is When people think about managing money, prayer may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Sharon says it should be central to the way believers make financial decisions because we are not ultimately managing our own resources. We are managing God's. She offered a simple illustration: imagine being asked to care for someone else's home while they were away on an extended trip. Would you let them leave without asking for specific instructions about how they wanted things handled? Of course not. In the same way, because everything we have belongs to God, we should want His instruction for how to steward it. Prayer reminds us that we do not have to carry financial decisions alone or rely only on our own understanding. It helps us approach money with dependence, trust, and humility. Prayer also shifts our posture. Instead of trying to control every outcome, we begin to ask what faithfulness looks like with what God has entrusted to us. The Most Powerful Question We Can Ask So what does this look like in everyday life? Sharon says it starts by bringing financial decisions to the Lord before we act. Whether we are deciding how to spend, save, give, invest, or pursue work, prayer gives us the opportunity to seek God's wisdom first. Our friend and mentor Ron Blue has often said that one of the most powerful questions we can ask is: God, what would You have me do with Your money? That question changes everything. It reminds us that money is not merely a tool for personal comfort or security. It is a resource entrusted to us by God for His purposes. Sharon shared a personal example from when she and her husband were praying about their oldest daughter's college tuition. They had not saved enough to pay for her education in full, and they were committed to avoiding debt. As they prayed, God brought something to mind: He had already provided what they needed, but they had mentally set those funds aside for another purpose. Once Sharon and her husband sat down and talked it through, they realized God had shown them an option they had never considered. Prayer did not simply give them peace; it gave them perspective. That is one of the gifts of prayer. Over time, it shapes our desires, priorities, and motives. It trains us to seek God first rather than simply react in the moment. Learning What Is Enough One of the great financial questions every believer must wrestle with is, “How much is enough?” Our culture constantly pushes us to want more. More income. More comfort. More security. More possessions. But Scripture points us toward contentment. Paul writes in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” That word learned is important. Contentment does not come naturally. It is formed in us as we walk with Christ and learn to trust Him more deeply. Prayer helps us bring our desires honestly before the Lord. It gives us space to ask whether our financial choices are being driven by needs, wants, fear, comparison, or trust. Sharon pointed to David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” That is a fitting prayer for our financial lives as well. We can ask the Lord to search our hearts, reveal our motives, and lead us toward a healthier understanding of what enough really is. And when we become more content with God's provision, we are often freed to become more generous. When the Next Step Is Unclear Many people face financial decisions that feel overwhelming. A career change. A major purchase. A giving decision. A medical bill. A retirement question. A move. A season of uncertainty. When the path is not clear, Sharon's counsel is simple: turn to prayer before you turn to spreadsheets. That does not mean spreadsheets are unimportant. It means they should not be our first refuge. Before we run the numbers, we should ask God for wisdom. We should also seek wise counsel from trusted believers who share our commitment to biblical stewardship. God often guides us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. And even when the way forward is not perfectly clear, we can trust that God is faithful to guide His people as they seek Him. Financial Decisions as Acts of Trust Prayer turns financial decisions into opportunities to trust God more deeply. It reminds us that God owns it all. It invites Him into the details of our daily lives. It exposes our motives and reshapes our desires. It helps us move from fear to faithfulness, from control to stewardship, and from self-reliance to dependence on the Lord. The next time you face a financial decision, begin with this simple prayer: God, what would You have me do with Your money? And then listen with humility, seek wise counsel, and trust that your generous God delights to give wisdom to those who ask. By the way, finding an advisor who shares your faith and values does not have to be difficult. Visit FindaCKA.com, answer a few questions about what you're looking for, and you'll receive a list of Certified Kingdom Advisors® in your area who can help you take the next step on your stewardship journey. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: We sold our old house after buying a new one, so we now have a lump sum in savings. We planned to use most of it to recast the new mortgage and lower our payment, but we're wondering whether we should keep some in savings or invest part of it. How can we steward this money wisely? My 23-year-old granddaughter struggles to manage money. Can you recommend a budgeting plan, tool, or app that could help her? I'm 70 and have heard you talk about Qualified Charitable Distributions. What exactly is a QCD, and can I use it for my tithes? My husband and I are nearing 65. In retirement, we expect $5,000–$6,000 a month in income, a paid-off home, about $80,000 in emergency cash, and another $100,000–$200,000 to invest, plus around $50,000 already in Nasdaq and S&P 500 stocks. What conservative investment options should we consider so we can draw from that money monthly if needed, especially from a Christian perspective? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you constantly comparing your life to others and feeling like you're falling behind? Pastor Jeff Schreve teaches from 1 Timothy 6 that contentment is not found in what you have, but in who you trust. He challenges listeners to stop chasing more and start thanking God for what He has already provided. This message cuts through cultural noise with biblical truth. Step into a life marked by peace, gratitude, and lasting satisfaction.

Has there ever been a time when you weren't physically hungry, yet found yourself standing in the kitchen searching for something to eat? In the first episode of this 3-part series on Food Noise, Dianne A. Allen explores how your brain may be seeking to meet an unmet need, leading you toward food instead. She explains how food noise can be your body's attempt to regulate the nervous system, why eating can create a sense of safety and comfort, and the role dopamine plays in reinforcing these patterns. If you've ever wondered whether you're experiencing emotional hunger or physical hunger, tune in to the Someone Gets Me podcast.    Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment!   You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.   How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen   Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In?   Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen   Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv   Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS   You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/   For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868   Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme   Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen   Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com   Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/

Dating After Divorce: What I Actually Want in a Partner Two Years Later | Episode 77Dating after divorce in your 30s or 40s? Two years ago, Marjorie made a list of everything she wanted in a partner. Now she and Michael audit it, and what changed might surprise you. The list included respect, chemistry, culture, a passport, and even traditional masculine representation. In this retrospective, she and Michael pull that list back out and ask a bigger question: what actually matters, and who have we become since?What starts as a laugh at a younger self turns into one of the most honest conversations on the pod. This is a relationship audit after divorce, not just what changed on the list, but what changed in them.If you are dating after divorce in your 30s or 40s, trying to figure out what you are actually looking for in a relationship now, or wondering how to date after divorce without repeating the same patterns, this one is for you. Bring your own list. You might cross a few things off.Content Note: Strong language throughout and frank adult discussion of dating, marriage, divorce, and non-traditional relationships. Inside the Episode:The Dating List, Two Years Later. Marjorie reads her old dating standards after divorce out loud and laughs at her past self. A relatable, vulnerable hook about how our relationship checklist evolves — from surface traits to character, trust, and being truly understood.Trust Cannot Be Microwaved. "You cannot build trust without time; you cannot repair problems without time." The most important thing nobody tells you about building trust after divorce. Time is the non-negotiable ingredient. Dating mindset shift: stop rushing what can only be built slowly.Carol Dweck Enters the Chat. Growth mindset in relationships, applied to dating, not classrooms. How to apply a growth mindset to dating patterns and why people claim growth in one area while staying completely fixed in another. The trap that keeps people repeating the same relationship mistakes after divorce.Fixed Mindset Dating Patterns. "We are taught by broader society to exit as soon as things are not perfect." Fixed mindset dating patterns that keep people stuck — and what it looks like to actually evolve instead of exit.Starter Marriage. "Everybody should have a starter marriage, like a starter home." Michael makes the case. Marjorie reframes divorce as something that can end well without being a failure. Starter marriage vs first marriage — and why "it was awesome until it ended" is not a failure; it is a fact.The Accountability Red Flag. How to read someone fast by listening to how they talk about their exes. The fastest and most reliable read on character in dating after divorce. Managing the Good Times. The relationship skill nobody talks about — not how to survive the hard times, but how to manage the good ones. Contentment as a choice. The "never satisfied" person always chasing the next thing versus choosing to say "this is enough."What We Tell Our Teenagers About Love. Communication, trust, patience, self-respect, and "you need a broader village." What healthy healing after divorce actually models for the next generation. Dating advice for teenagers, lived, not lectured.

Find the text for this mini-episode on The Simply Luxurious Life - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/moment25

Solomon teaches that while life is often unpredictable and unfair, we are not called to sit still in fear but to live wisely and faithfully. He encourages generous giving, consistent habits, calculated risks, and trusting God with outcomes we cannot control, knowing that faithful choices often bear fruit over time. He also warns against letting anger, bitterness, and vexation take root, comparing them to a poison that slowly shapes the heart. Instead, believers are called to cultivate joy, gratitude, spiritual disciplines, and a heavenly perspective, choosing daily to bless others, reject resentment, and walk in wisdom despite life's uncertainties.

Message from Kyle Burkholder on June 21, 2026

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Are you truly content… or have you learned how to call fear “contentment”?A lot of Christian men are not stuck because they hate God.They are stuck because they have learned how to give their passivity spiritual language.They call it peace.They call it wisdom.They call it waiting on God.They call it contentment.But sometimes it is not biblical contentment.Sometimes it is fear.Sometimes it is comfort.Sometimes it is avoidance.Sometimes it is a man burying his gift, discipline, leadership, responsibility, and calling… then calling the burial site “peace.”In this video, we break down the difference between biblical contentment and complacency, why holy ambition is not the same as selfish ambition, and how fear can cause Christian men to bury what God entrusted to them.Christ is enough, so you do not have to strive.But Christ is Lord, so you do not get to hide.We will look at Philippians 4, Matthew 25, and the parable of the talents to ask one uncomfortable but necessary question:Where have you been calling fear contentment?If this video speaks to you, comment below with one faithful step God is calling you to take.Not ten steps.Not a whole life overhaul.One act of obedience.Join the Better Than Best Brotherhood and take this from content you consume into formation you live out: https://www.skool.com/better-than-best-academy-5909/aboutCHAPTERS:00:00 Fear Posing as Contentment02:09 Contentment vs Complacency03:43 Red's Story and Dormancy04:42 What Real Contentment Is07:57 Holy Ambition and Lordship09:00 Parable of the Talents11:44 Ambition Redeemed as Stewardship13:29 Name It and Take One Step15:26 Closing Prayer and Next StepsWHO AM IHey, I'm Red Wallace, a former rapper(10 year career) current drummer turned personal development coach. Through podcast(mostly on YouTube) and 1on1/group coaching, I provide guidance to help you chisel away the parts that aren't you revealing your true identity, empowering you to live your God given purpose!

"Bad Habits That Hold You Back in Life" - Listen to my Morning Monologue: I'm sharing my take on pressing issues, enlightening research on human behavior, answering questions I get by email, and my favorite, most instructive interactions with callers. Everything you'll hear is designed to help you become a better spouse, parent, family member, co-worker, friend, and human being. It's the free therapy you need!  Got a dilemma? Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.com Follow on social media: Facebook.com/DrLaura Instagram.com/DrLauraProgram YouTube.com/DrLaura Join the Dr. Laura Family!! >> Receive my weekly newsletter, perks, and more! Sign up now, it's FREE > DrLaura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Success, achievement, and financial security can never fully satisfy the human heart.In this episode of the Wisdom Calling Podcast, Bobo Beck examines Psalm 16 and David's timeless wisdom regarding contentment, counsel, and the presence of God. Discover why God is our ultimate source of stability, how biblical meditation shapes our thinking, and what Christian professionals can learn about finding lasting joy in an increasingly distracted world.Whether you're leading a business, serving in ministry, managing a team, or navigating a demanding season of life, this episode offers practical biblical wisdom for living and leading with greater clarity, confidence, and peace.Visit WisdomCalling.org to learn more about the Wisdom Calling devotional series and Wisdom Lab strategic advising.You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.orgFollow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

Topics:  Skydiving, Hansen 2042, Contentment, Remember, Breaking Animal News, Attractiveness, Searching BONUS CONTENT: Attractiveness Follow-up, Who's A Christian   Quotes: "I think children are welcome in the kingdom of God as they are." "God's grace is wider than ours." "Contentment. A lot of people don't like it when you're content, but it is the best way to live." "Remembering: putting together the big picture again." . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!

Steven Trevino grew up battling opiate and pill addiction — and when the money ran out he made a desperate decision that changed everything. He tried to rob a bank. Then a civilian. He got caught by state police and then the feds — and ended up spending over three years in Texas state and federal prisons. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, he opens up about what surviving Texas prisons really looked like — race fights gang threats and being targeted for refusing to fall into prison politics. He rolled with the Paisas and navigated one of the most dangerous environments imaginable. Then came 20 days in segregation after a prison fight — and the spiritual awakening nobody saw coming. He came out of that cell a completely different person. Released in 2020 with nothing — no license no car and strict parole conditions — he built himself back from absolute zero. And he did it by starting a business called I Scoop Poop — your dog's business is his business. _____________________________________________ #BankRobbery #truecrimecommunity #prison _____________________________________________ Connect with Steven Trevino: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.trevino.3572/ Website: https://www.iscooppoopdfw.com/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: From Top Salesman to Federal Prison 03:35 How Sales Success Fueled My Addiction 05:55 Hooked on Prescription Pills 09:02 Heroin Addiction & My First Rehab 13:13 Rock Bottom: Losing My Job, Seizures & Crime 16:01 The Botched Robberies That Got Me Arrested 21:22 Facing Federal Charges & Real Prison Time 23:31 Surviving Racial Politics Behind Bars 26:06 Prison Fights & How I Made Peace 32:32 Solitary Confinement & Finding Faith 40:32 Divorce & Reinventing Myself in Prison 49:01 Parole, Transition & the Politics of Getting Out 58:01 Walking Out: Rebuilding Life From Zero 01:03:03 Starting My First Business After Prison 01:11:19 Love, Relationships & Redemption 01:14:47 Scaling the Business & Learning to Win 01:27:01 A Second Federal Case & the Lessons It Taught Me 01:29:29 The Biggest Lessons From It All 01:33:01 Faith, Contentment & Final Thoughts _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, believers have turned to Jeremiah Burroughs' classic work The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment to learn what it means to rest in God's wise and fatherly providence. In this new series, Dr. John Snyder is joined by Pastor Justin Miller to discuss his forthcoming book, A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment, which seeks to bring these timeless truths to a new generation of Christians. In this first episode, Justin explains how his own struggles in ministry led him to study the biblical doctrine of contentment more deeply. Together, he and Dr. Snyder explore the difference between true Christian contentment and its counterfeits. Christian contentment is not complacency, spiritual laziness, or stoic resignation to circumstances. Rather, it is learning to receive every providence from the hand of a wise and loving Father, finding our joy not in changing circumstances but in Christ himself. Whether you are facing trials, disappointments, unanswered questions, or simply desire a deeper joy in Christ, this conversation provides a helpful foundation for understanding one of the most neglected and necessary graces in the Christian life. Show Notes A Life of Joy: Learning Christian Contentment by Justin Miller - https://freegracepress.com/collections/coming-soon/products/a-life-of-joy The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs - Free from Chapel Library: https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/rjoc/rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment-the-burroughsjeremiah Banner of Truth edition: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/the-rare-jewel-of-christian-contentment/ Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

One of our summer interns, Tyler Green, preaches from Proverbs 28:6 on the importance of contentment. Message originally preached Sunday evening June 14, 2026.

We spend so much of our lives waiting to be happy. Waiting until we're healthier, wealthier, more successful, or finally have everything figured out. But what if peace isn't something we find in the future? What if it's something we can practice today? In this episode, we explore the art of contentment and why it's one of the most powerful mindsets for supporting your health, relationships, finances, and overall well-being. We discuss the difference between contentment and complacency, how comparison keeps us stuck, the connection between gratitude and nervous system regulation, and why emotional maturity allows us to find peace even when life isn't perfect.If you've ever felt like you're constantly chasing the next goal or waiting for life to feel "enough," this conversation is your reminder that healing and happiness don't have to be postponed. You can continue growing while also appreciating the life you're living right now.Clearly Filtered water filters (code CFPartner for 10% off): https://get.aspr.app/SH1oJ3 60 Day Gut Reset ($200 OFF) - https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1716725/checkout/order_52y48hdz?coupon_code=SECRETOFFER

In episode two of our Summer Recap Series, Shelley Giglio is joined by Sadie Robertson Huff and Korie Robertson for a conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement, and honest reflections on following Jesus in every season of life. Together, they talk about the importance of spiritual discipline and what it looks like to grow into the person God created you to be. Sadie shares stories from her journey into ministry and public speaking, opening up about vulnerability, insecurity, identity, and learning to trust God with every opportunity and open door. Korie shares powerful insight on motherhood, adoption, sacrifice, and creating a home centered around the presence of God. From conversations about contentment and calling to reminders that God's plans are always greater than our own, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and truth for women in every season. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, longing to grow spiritually, or simply needing encouragement to trust God more deeply, we pray this conversation reminds you that He is faithfully leading your story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dynamicism embodies the ability to move, adjust, adapt and thus thrive in whatever environment one finds themselves. To be dynamic is to be fully alive and thus living fully the life that we are given. Whenever we talk about contentment and what lies at the heart of experiencing contentment and how I introduce the Contentment Masterclass is the idea of a vehicle that provides us a mode of transportation along our life journey. When we are content, the motor of our vehicle that creates the abiding peace during any type of driving conditions (life and world events outside of our control) is the learned skill of equanimity. "Equanimity is a state of psychological balance and stability. Evenness of mind and temper allows us to navigate the many curveballs that life may throw at us with grace and serenity." —PositivePsychology.com Notice that equanimity is described as a skill. This is awesome news. We do not come out of the womb with the ability to keep ourselves calm, yet remain loving and kind while honoring our integrity, in difficult situations. It is a skill we choose to learn, and like most skills, it takes practice. We will wobble and feel very uneasy in our first attempts at holding ourselves calmly in an agitating moment, watching our words with care before uttering them or deciding whether or not to respond. This will take extraordinary reserves of energy as we welcome this skill into our toolbox of contentment. But the more we engage in such a way, it gradually becomes our default. And as we witness the peace we feel afterward, knowing we are at ease with how we engaged, what we said, and how we spoke (our tone and our words), we are self-encouraged to continue to apply this skill moving forward. This is where we begin, knowing what the word literally means. Now, let's dive into how to we practice this skill in our lives and the many opportunities to do so. Find the Show Notes for this episode on The Simply Luxurious Life blog - https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast428 

It often seems like the Ten Commandments are about outward behavior: Don't steal. Don't lie. Don't cheat. Don't kill. But “You shall not covet” reaches into the hidden places of the heart where comparison and dissatisfaction grow. Even when our lives look fine on the outside, our hearts can still be restless, angry, and convinced that everyone else has been given something better. In this introspective last episode of our 10 Keys to the Universe series, John Tinnin, MFT, and Shay Roush, M.Div., explore why coveting is more than simply wanting nice things. Envy has the power to shape our entire lives, turning good desires into controlling desires. Coveting affects the way we see our homes, relationships, success, possessions, and our sense of worth. Along the way, they look at why this commandment leaves even the Apostle Paul feeling exposed, and why comparison never actually satisfies. They also talk about the difference between healthy desire and destructive craving, and why contentment must be learned over time. Coveting is actually connected to the first commandment about idolatry: whatever we believe will finally make us happy can slowly take God's place in our hearts. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus meets the ache underneath all our desires. If you've ever struggled with comparison, disappointment, envy, or the feeling that everyone else's life is better than yours, this conversation is for you. Listen to the full episode as we wrap up our series on the Ten Commandments and discover how true contentment is found not in getting everything we want, but in belonging to the God who already loves us completely. Connect with us:  Instagram: @withyouintheweeds Facebook: @withyouintheweeds            X: withyou_weeds Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Website: withyouintheweeds.com

An unhurried daily meditation using the Bible, prayer, and reflection led by Pastor Jon Ciccarelli, Discipleship Pastor of Crosswalk Church in Redlands, CA, and Director of Discipleship for Crosswalk Global.If you are enjoying the podcast please go to Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify and share your rating and a review as your input will help bring awareness of this discipleship resource to more listeners around the world.To learn more about Abide and discipleship go to www.crosswalkvillage.com/discipleshipPlease feel free to reach out to us at jon@crosswalkvillage.com any time with your comments and questions. Thanks and blessings!

Have you ever felt completely stuck when it comes to body image, or really ANY area where you just can’t get unstuck, no matter what boxes you check? In this episode, Heather Creekmore dives into the underlying reasons we stay stuck and offers a biblically-rooted path toward true freedom. Episode Highlights Why Do We Get Stuck? Exploring the feeling of desperation and stuckness, especially around body image or life circumstancesHeather Creekmore shares the real-life struggle and the “one thing” mindset00:00:09 Parallels with the biblical story of Rachel & Leah’s desperate longing00:03:01 The Root of Stuckness: Envy and Comparison How envy eats us alive—what Rachel and Leah were really longing for, and how this shows up in our own lives00:03:51 The dangerous pattern of “Give me _ or I’ll die!” and how this mindset affects our faith and contentment00:05:10 False Solutions and Chasing Idols Why achieving our desires (like Rachel’s longed-for baby) doesn’t satisfy in the end00:10:17 How “self-improvement” can actually lead to more pride and stuckness instead of freedom00:25:17 The Call to Pure Humility A deep dive into biblical humility vs. pride; why humility is about focusing less on ourselves00:13:15 The example of Mary (mother of Jesus) and her response of true humility and worship00:24:35 Getting Unstuck: Practical Steps Why you can’t do it alone—why Christian community, confession, and honest conversations are crucial00:31:19 How zooming out (not magnifying your own issues) can change everything00:30:26 Final Encouragement Reminder: body image healing isn't just mental...it’s spiritual. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to heal in isolation or alone.00:35:29 Mentioned Episodes and Resources The following episodes and resources are referenced and would be linked in the show notes: Episode: “What if I Just Want a Body I'm Proud Of?”(Heather Creekmore discusses the pitfalls of longing for body satisfaction through surface change. Episode: “I'm Sorry I Got it Wrong: Why Leaning On Your Own Understanding Isn't the Answer”(Discussed at 00:20:35) “Waiting for Weight Loss” Series(A series reframing how we view weight loss and its relationship to body image freedom) “YouVersion Bible Reading Plans” (Summer Body Image Issues and More)(Find Bible-based reading plans tailored to body image struggles) Book: The Comparison Free Life(Learn more about chasing idols and biblical freedom) Book: The 40-Day Body Image Workbook Book: Aging Gratefully: A 30-Day Devotional for Women in Midlife Book: Heather's story- Compared to Who? Stay Connected Take the free body image quiz and access all resources at improvebodyimage.com Interested in one-on-one, bible-based coaching (nouthetic counseling)? Visit the “Work with Me” and “Beyond Body Image” sections of the site. If you’re struggling, don’t walk the road alone! Share the episode with a friend or invite someone to join the next 40-Day Journey for Christian women. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if overthinking is not a flaw? What if it is just your gifted brain doing exactly what it was built to do? In this episode of Someone Gets Me, Dianne A. Allen reframes the words we have been using against ourselves for years. She gets honest about what really happens when gifted and neurodivergent people suppress how their minds work, breaks down the real causes of overwhelm, and offers a grounded, compassionate path toward channeling a powerful brain instead of apologizing for it. If you have ever felt like your mind was too much, this episode is going to change how you see that. Watch the Someone Gets Me Podcast where we talk about Overthinking, Overanalyzing, Overwhelmed, and Your Gifted Brain   Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment!   You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.   How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen   Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In?   Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen   Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv   Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS   You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/   For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868   Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme   Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen   Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com   Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/    

Contentment is rooted in God's presence. Not in possessions. Not in security. Not in accumulation. But in the quiet confidence: “God is with me and that is enough.”

Topics:  Hot Take, Judgmental, Attention Filter, Shock Jock, Fame, Attention/Filter, HonoraryDoctorate, Road Rage, Gossip, The Way Of Jesus, Screwtape, Search/Finding, His Mercy, Jesus/Attractive      BONUS CONTENT: Jesus Attractive Follow-up           Quotes: "The people of God are people from Walmart." "The kingdom is supposed to be even and I think we miss a big opportunity when we don't make it that way." "Let's be uncool together." "Thank him for his patience with you." "Searching is good. Let me affirm you in that. But let's hold open the idea that you're searching because there's something to be found." "Following Jesus and doing it in community with other people, there's nothing as good as that." "Contentment is a great place to be."

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2026.06.15 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24639/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2026.06.15 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/24639/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

As a counter to the prevailing Stoic view that satisfaction and stability are found within oneself, Paul tells the Philippians he has found the secret to contentment. The secret is outside of the body and fully in Christ. We can live in plenty or in want, in safety or through tragedy, and can do ...

In a culture that constantly tells us we need more, this message reveals that true contentment is found not in what we have, but in who we trust. Learn how gratitude, dependence on God, and satisfaction in Jesus free us from the endless pursuit of more. // NEXT STEPS: http://rockcity.church PRAYER REQUESTS: https://rockcitychurch.tv/care GIVE: https://rockcitychurch.tv/give //  Rock City Church has multiple locations throughout Columbus, Ohio. Whether you're spiritually restless, new at discovering who God is or you are a veteran of the faith, you are welcome here!  // WEBSITE: https://rockcitychurch.tv FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/rockcitychurch INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/rockcitychurch

Quick - what comes to mind when you hear the word blessed? Maybe you picture the promotion. The platform. The post with the family photo in the south of France. Most of us picture something extraordinary, but most of life is lived in the ordinary. And that's just how God designed it! According to Psalm 128, the blessed life is going to work to provide for your family. Sitting around the dinner table to eat with your family. Going to church to worship with your church family. Using whatever skills you've got to serve your spiritual family.

Do things that used to bring you joy now seem stale? Do you constantly need more or crave something different? Spiritual Fitness Coach Zane Sherrer addresses this common snag in our lives and gives us a new way to see, celebrate, and appreciate God's blessings! We would love for you to come alongside us and help spread the Word of God each and every day. As a thank-you for your partnership, we will send you The Over 50 Advantage by Dr. Arnie Cole & Rick Lawrence, and for gifts of $50 or more, you'll also receive Hebrews: Daily Scriptures to Receive, Reflect, and Respond by Dr. Harold J. Berry, featuring 140 insight-filled studies through the Book of Hebrews Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ. *Available only to residents of the US.

The Secret to Contentment

Hear more sermons at http://www.lvbaptist.org/service-podcast/ Watch Our TV Broadcast here: https://www.lvbaptist.org/wfmz-program/ Visit us here: Lehigh Valley Baptist Church 4702 Colebrook Ave. Emmaus, PA 18049

At Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC, our senior pastor Rev. Craig Bailey preached about contentment.

This week Pastor Brad preaches on the application from 1 Timothy 6:1-10. Pastor Brad encourages us to be content with our station in life, pursue peace through sound doctrine, ask God to give us an eternal perspective, and to surrender to Jesus instead of the culture.

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Welcome to today's Guided Prayer, where we invite you to find a quiet space to still your mind and body.  Guided Prayers are a daily 5–10 minute, intentionally created moment to slow down and meet with God—through scripture, reflection, and honest prayer.It's not a program you attend.It's a pathway you practice.A guided space where people can stop, breathe, and connect with Jesus—every single day.

Send us Fan MailThe Capacity to Have and Live “Whole” - ContentmentWhat if the word you've been underestimating your whole life is the very key to what you've been reaching for? In this episode, we explore contentment — not as a lesser version of happiness, but as the deep, stabilizing foundation from which real growth, goals, and real quality of life are built.We'll walk through the “Goal Sandwich framework” for grounding your desires in what you already have. We'll unpack the concept of capacity — your internal readiness to hold good things when they arrive. And we'll close with three reflection questions designed to take you from the surface all the way to your soul.This one is foundational. This one is for you. Quote of the Week: “He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”— Socrates I want to leave you with three questions to carry into your week. To sit with. Let them breathe. 1.  What am I happy with right now? (The surface check-in. Start here. It's a valid place to begin.) 2.  What brings me genuine satisfaction? (Go deeper. What actually feels like enough? What do you already have that you truly wanted?) 3.  Do I have the capacity to hold this satisfaction? (The transformational question. Am I willing to let this be real? Am I home to receive what I've already been given?) That third question — that is where the work lives. That is where wellness deepens from concept into lived experience. This is where our maintenance of the good things we build remains.Let's go, let's get it done.Get more information at: http://projectweightloss.org

Hey friends, Chase here Eric Zimmer is on the show today, and this conversation is exactly the kind of reminder we all need when we are trying to change something real. You probably know Eric from The One You Feed, his award-winning podcast about wisdom, behavior change, mental health, spirituality, and what it means to live well. But Eric's new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, goes somewhere even more fundamental. It asks a question that feels especially urgent for creators, entrepreneurs, leaders, parents, and anyone trying to build a meaningful life in a world that constantly tells us to optimize everything: What if lasting change is not about becoming more disciplined, but about learning how to stop fighting yourself? That question matters because most of us have made change too heavy. We wrap it in shame, pressure, perfectionism, identity, ambition, self-criticism, and the fantasy of the big breakthrough. We get stuck waiting for the epiphany, the watershed moment, the dramatic turn where everything finally becomes clear. Eric's message is simpler, deeper, and more freeing: "There are moments that stand out because we pull them out and we pluck them out and we make them important, but they don't make sense without the moments before and after. There's all these little, deeply uninteresting moments where I made a small choice to move towards my recovery and away from my addiction again and again. And that's the way change really works." That idea is the center of this episode. We talk about Eric's journey from homelessness and heroin addiction to recovery, coaching, teaching, and writing; why your mind has a mind of its own; how to work with competing desires instead of pretending they are not there; and why small choices compound into a completely different life. This conversation is about loosening the grip. It is about getting back to the part of you that knows what matters, even when another part of you wants comfort, distraction, escape, or relief right now. Why This Conversation Matters Right Now We are living in a strange moment for anyone who wants to grow. On one hand, there has never been more access to tools, ideas, books, podcasts, teachers, frameworks, research, and practices that can help us change. That is extraordinary. But it also comes with a cost. The pressure to optimize every corner of our lives has never been stronger. Every scroll seems to bring another routine, another system, another habit, another rule, another version of the person we are supposed to become. We are constantly being asked to improve ourselves: What is your morning routine? What habit are you tracking? What are you optimizing? What are you building? What are you eliminating? What is the plan? Those questions can be useful at the right time. But when they show up too early, or too often, they can turn growth into another way of beating ourselves up. Eric's work reminds us that change begins with honesty. Before the perfect habit. Before the flawless system. Before the heroic reinvention. Before the new identity. Before the transformation story, there is a person being pulled in different directions. Wanting to change. Wanting to stay comfortable. Wanting what matters most. Wanting what feels good right now. Wanting freedom. Wanting safety. Wanting growth. Wanting acceptance. That does not mean something is wrong with you. It means you are human. And in that understanding, there is a kind of wisdom most self-improvement advice forgets. What We Explore in This Episode Eric's low point at 24 and how homelessness, heroin addiction, illness, and the threat of prison became the beginning of his recovery journey. Why the big turning point is not the whole story and why change actually happens in the small choices that come after. How to understand the "off-camera moments" of transformation that never make the montage but make all the difference. Why your mind has a mind of its own and what it means to be a motivationally complex person. How to work with what you want now and what you want most without shaming yourself for having competing desires. Why "playing the tape all the way through" can help you see past the first scene your mind wants to show you. How structure and story both shape change, and why systems alone are not always enough. How to hold change and acceptance at the same time when life refuses to fit into simple categories. Why trying smaller can create momentum when trying harder is not working. The Core Idea: Little by Little, a Little Becomes a Lot The fastest way to get unstuck is often to stop waiting for the big transformation and start paying attention to the next small choice. We get obsessed with the dramatic moment. The rock bottom. The epiphany. The vow. The clean break. The day everything changed. We want the music to swell. We want the story to make sense. Eric's story has one of those moments. At 24, he was homeless, addicted to heroin, physically depleted, and facing the possibility of decades in prison. Going into long-term treatment mattered. But Eric is careful not to confuse the turning point with the transformation. The transformation was not one decision. It was thousands. The decision to move toward recovery again. The decision to not use again. The decision to show up again. The decision to do the next small thing again. The decision to choose what mattered most over what felt urgent right now. The on-camera moment gets the attention. The off-camera moments create the life. Eric's point is not that ambition does not matter. It is not that insight does not matter. It is not that we should abandon goals, systems, or discipline. It is that the living center of change is choice. The small one comes first. Your Mind Has a Mind of Its Own One of the big tensions in this conversation is the voice many of us carry around that says, "If I really wanted to change, this would be easier." That voice says: You should have more discipline. You should be more consistent. You should know better by now. You should not still struggle with this. You should be able to just decide. Eric's response is that we are not simple creatures. We are motivationally complex. We do not want one thing. We want lots of things. We want what we value most, and we want what feels good right now. We want to grow, and we want to be comfortable. We want to change, and we want to be accepted exactly as we are. That is why the phrase "your mind has a mind of its own" is so useful. It gives language to something we all experience. You decide you are going to do one thing, and then you watch yourself do another. You know what would help, and still you avoid it. You care deeply about the future, and still the present moment feels more real. The work is not to shame that complexity out of yourself. The work is to understand it. Play the Tape All the Way Through One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Eric's explanation of a recovery practice called "playing the tape all the way through." When we want something in the moment, our mind often shows us only the first scene. The first scene is relief. The first scene is escape. The first scene is pleasure, comfort, avoidance, or release. In Eric's addiction, that first scene was all the reasons getting high would feel amazing. But recovery taught him not to stop there. He had to keep the tape running. Then what? The shame comes back. The fear comes back. The despair comes back. The consequences come back. The craving comes back, often stronger than before. This is such a powerful tool because it makes the future less abstract. Before you avoid the work, play the tape through. Before you send the angry email, play the tape through. Before you break the promise to yourself, play the tape through. Not to punish yourself. To see clearly. Structure Matters, But It Is Not the Whole Story Eric makes an important distinction in this episode between the external architecture of change and the internal moments of choice. A lot of personal growth advice focuses on structure. Set the goal. Build the system. Make the habit obvious. Make the habit easy. Design the environment. Remove friction. Put the right reminders in place. That matters. But structure is not the whole story. Because even when you know exactly what to do, and even when you have made it as easy as possible, the moment still comes. You and the choice. Do you write? Do you walk? Do you call? Do you tell the truth? Do you choose what you want most over what you want now? When we do not make the choice we wanted to make, Eric says there is usually something happening inside us. A feeling. A thought pattern. A story. A fear. A form of self-doubt we have not learned how to work with yet. That is why real change needs both. The structure and the story. Try It Smaller Eric says something in this episode that every ambitious person should sit with: Try it smaller. That does not mean the goal does not matter. It means the path has to be walkable. When a change plan is not working, many of us assume we need more discipline. More pressure. More intensity. More accountability. But often, the better move is to make the action smaller. If you cannot write for two hours, write for ten minutes. If you cannot meditate for 30 minutes, sit for three breaths. If you cannot change your whole health routine, put on your shoes and walk around the block. If you cannot face the entire project, open the document. Small does not mean meaningless. Small means repeatable. And repeatable is where momentum comes from. Change and Acceptance Are Not Opposites Another major theme in this episode is the tension between growth and acceptance. One of the best parts of us wants to change. We want to grow, improve, heal, create, recover, repair, and build better lives. And yet, so many wisdom traditions point us toward acceptance. Presence. Contentment. Allowing things to be as they are. So which is it? Do we change, or do we accept? Eric's answer is that very often we have to do both about the exact same thing. He talks about depression in his own life. Is that something he has changed, or something he has accepted? Both. There are things he does that make depression less likely. There are practices, supports, behaviors, and choices that help. And sometimes the cycle comes around anyway, and the most skillful thing he can do is say, "Oh, this is what's here." That is not resignation. That is honesty. Wise Habits Create Momentum With Compassion The title of Eric's book is not just a catchy phrase. It is a worldview. A little becomes a lot. Not because one tiny action changes everything overnight, but because small choices compound. They build identity. They build trust. They build momentum. They begin to align our daily actions with our deeper values. Eric calls these Wise Habits. They are not just outer behaviors designed to make us more efficient. They also include inner attitudes that bring more peace, clarity, and self-compassion to everyday life. That matters because self-criticism is often mistaken for seriousness. We think if we are hard enough on ourselves, we will finally change. But harshness usually creates more resistance. More shame. More hiding. More all-or-nothing thinking. A Wise Habit does something different. It helps us move forward without declaring war on ourselves. Ask What Problem You Are Solving Near the end of the conversation, Eric offers a simple question that I love: What problem are you solving? That question is a filter. Because we are surrounded by advice. Every day, someone is telling us to start a new routine, stop eating at a certain time, wake up earlier, track something, optimize something, remove something, add something, become something. Some of those ideas might be useful. But not every good idea is your idea. Not every habit belongs in your life. Before you collect another self-improvement assignment, ask what problem you are actually trying to solve. That question brings you back to values. It brings you back to clarity. It brings you back to the life you are actually living. About Eric Zimmer Eric Zimmer is an author, teacher, speaker, behavior coach, and the creator of The One You Feed, an award-winning podcast about wisdom, behavior change, mental health, spirituality, and what it means to live well. At 24, Eric was homeless, addicted to heroin, and facing the possibility of decades in prison. His recovery sparked a lifelong exploration of human transformation, resilience, meaning, and the small daily choices that shape a life. His new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life, brings together behavioral science, Zen Buddhism, modern psychology, and timeless wisdom to show how lasting transformation happens through small, repeatable choices. Timecodes 00:00 – Eric on why change happens in the small off-camera moments 02:11 – Chase introduces Eric Zimmer and How a Little Becomes a Lot 05:25 – Eric shares the low point that became the beginning of his recovery journey 06:17 – Why Eric's extreme story contains something universal 09:34 – How treatment, recovery, and the question "why do we change?" shaped Eric's work 11:19 – The tension between wanting to grow and learning to accept where we are 13:48 – Why the big turning point only matters because of the choices that follow 15:12 – The difference between external architecture and internal moments of choice 18:29 – What it means that your mind has a mind of its own 19:07 – Why we are motivationally complex creatures 20:20 – The dilemma between what we want now and what we want most 22:00 – Why small changes require trust in the process 23:19 – Playing the tape all the way through 24:52 – The rider and the elephant as a model for change 26:30 – Why "you are the average of the five people around you" is incomplete 28:29 – Emergence, friendship, and why relationships are more than instruments for success 30:44 – How to seek growth while allowing life to be as it is 33:04 – Eric reflects on grief, Alzheimer's, and the practice of allowing 35:08 – Why some things must be both changed and accepted 38:31 – Two types of change: change that happens to us and change we cause to happen 39:01 – Getting clear on why you want to change 39:25 – Asking "what problem are you solving?" before chasing another tactic 40:42 – The SPA method and why specificity matters 41:53 – Planning for what will go wrong 42:14 – Deconstructing the choice point when you do not follow through 43:01 – Working with self-doubt skillfully enough to begin 43:50 – Why trying smaller can help you build consistency 44:21 – Chase reflects on the hope, kindness, and practicality of Eric's work 45:37 – Where to find Eric's book, podcast, and work Questions to Ask Yourself If you want to turn this episode into action, take a few minutes with these questions: What change am I trying to make right now, and why does it actually matter to me? Where am I waiting for a dramatic breakthrough instead of making the next small choice? What am I trying to force that I might need to understand first? What do I want now, and what do I want most? What first scene is my mind showing me, and what happens if I play the tape all the way through? What would it look like to try smaller instead of trying harder? Where is self-criticism pretending to be discipline? What part of my life needs more structure? What part of my life needs more compassion? What am I trying to change that I may also need to accept? A Simple Practice for Making Real Change Here's something practical you can do this week. Choose one change you care about. Not ten. Not your whole life. One. Ask yourself: What problem am I solving? Then make the next action smaller than your ambition wants it to be. Open the document. Walk for five minutes. Sit for three breaths. Send the text. Put the shoes by the door. Write one paragraph. Make the call. Tell the truth in one sentence. Do not evaluate it too early. Do not turn it into a full identity. Do not decide that it only counts if it is dramatic. Do not use one missed day as proof that you cannot change. Just make the next small choice. Then notice what happens. Notice what gets in the way. Notice what story shows up. Notice whether something in you begins to trust that change does not have to arrive all at once. That is enough. Final Thought The longer I do this work, the more I believe that transformation is not something we can force. It is something we practice. It happens after the decision. After the insight. After the moment we wish would change everything. It happens in the quiet, ordinary, off-camera choices that do not look like much at first. Eric's invitation in this conversation is simple, generous, and quietly radical: Stop making change so dramatic that you cannot touch it. Get clear on what matters. Understand the parts of you that are pulling in different directions. Build the structure. Work with the story. Play the tape all the way through. Try it smaller. Return when you stumble. Little by little, a little becomes a lot. Until next time: make the next small choice, and keep feeding what matters most.

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This week: The Moon doubles up with two lunations - a Pisces Last Quarter AND a Gemini New Moon! Gemini loves to do things in pairs, so it would not have it any other way. One of the nicest transits of the year, as Venus makes a conjunction with Jupiter in Cancer, just before Venus enters glamorous Leo. Communication takes on a serious tone when Mercury squares Saturn, and a listener question about the complex quincunx aspect. Plus: Letting the dough rest, trimming palms, and looking for glamor in the back of your closet! Read a full transcript of this episode. Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Email April or leave it here! Subscribe to April's mailing list and get a free lunar workbook at each New Moon! Love the show? Make a donation! Timestamps [1:37] Moon Report! Lunation #1 - Pisces Last Quarter Moon (June 8, 3 am PDT) at 17°38' Pisces and Gemini. Take final action on Taurus New Moon (May 16) goals. Spend some time near water for reflection. Use imagination and intuition for ideas on how to bring those New Moon intentions to fruition. [3:41] Lunar Phase Family Cycle (LPFC). This is the Last Quarter (last action point) in an LPFC that began with a New Moon on Mar. 10, 2024, at 20°16' Pisces. The First Quarter Moon (first action point) was on Dec. 8, 2024, and the Full Moon (awareness point) on Sep. 7, 2025. [5:26] Lunation #2 - Gemini New Moon (June 14, 7:54 pm PDT) at 24°03' Gemini on Sabian symbol, 25 Gemini, A man trimming palms. With Mercury in aspect to Saturn, it's a good New Moon period for tidying up and getting things in order. [7:00] This is the New Moon in a lunar phase family cycle (LPFC) that will unfold over the next three years. The First Quarter (first action point) of this LPFC comes on Mar. 15, 2027 (24°51' Gemini), the Full Moon (awareness point) on Dec. 13, 2027 (21°24' Gemini), and the Last Quarter (last action point) on Sept. 11, 2028 (19°47' Gemini). [9:38] Void-of-Course (VOC) Moon periods. The Moon in Pisces trines Jupiter in Cancer (June 8, 5:38 pm PDT). It's VOC for 7 hours, 55 minutes, then enters Aries (June 9, 1:33 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon to develop a habit of practicing kindness, generosity and appreciation for all of the beauty that you enjoy in the world. [10:39] The Moon in Aries squares Venus in Cancer (June 11, 1:22 am PDT). It's VOC for 4 hours, 6 minutes, then enters Taurus (5:28 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of checking in with your inner circle before you make major moves. [11:52] The Moon in Taurus sextiles Jupiter in Cancer (June 13, 12:30 am PDT). It's VOC for 5 hours, 36 minutes, then enters Gemini (6:06 am PDT). Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of slowing down and appreciating all of the people, places and things in your life that feel like home to you. [12:57] The Moon in Gemini conjoins the Sun (June 14, 7:54 pm PDT). It's VOC for 9 hours, 20 minutes, then enters Cancer (June 15, 5:14 am PDT).  Use this VOC Moon period to get in the habit of taking short breaks to breathe and focus on what you feel in your body, heart and gut. [15:01] Venus conjoins Jupiter (June 9, 12:59 pm PDT) at 25°46' Cancer, on the Sabian symbol 26 Cancer, Contentment and happiness in luxury, people reading on davenports. Find a balance between having some of what you want without sacrificing too much to get it. [17:03] Mercury squares Saturn (June 9, 10:39 pm PDT) at 12°58' Cancer-Aries. A reality check is in order. Take responsibility for your actions and your feelings. [18:57] Venus enters Leo (June 13, 3:47 am PDT, until July 9). Make those thrilling purchases that you may have been putting off for a long time. [21:04] Listener Glenda asks about the quincunx aspect. Check out this class with Rick Levine/Astrology Hub and also this video with Stormie Grace. Here is a link to Stormie Grace's new book, The Big Book of Planetary Aspects: A Comprehensive Guide to Natal and Transit Astrology. [28:37] Leave a message of one minute or less at speakpipe.com/ bigskyastrologypodcast or email april (at) bigskyastrology (dot) com; put “Podcast Question” in the subject line. Free ways to support the podcast: subscribe, like, review and share with a friend! [29:07] A tribute to this week's donors! If you would like to support the show and receive access to April's special donors-only videos, go to BigSkyAstropod.com and contribute $10 or more. You can make a one-time donation in any amount or become an ongoing monthly contributor.