Podcasts about Costly

In this edition of Moneycontrol Editor's Picks we tell you what a booming US economy means for India. Meanwhile, US tariffs  on India and China mean a costlier Christmas for Americans - the data tells this story. Besides, read about a decades old land dispute between two Iskcon chapters, how brands are on the scent of big opportunities in the Indian fragrance market and how Rs 100 crore at the box office has become the new target for regional cinema. Tune in.

Are you unknowingly leaving your retirement savings stranded in cash? Ryan Herbert dives into the hidden risks of rolling over your 401(k) and letting your money sit idle. Discover why “paralysis by analysis” keeps investors from making smart moves, the pitfalls of market timing, and practical alternatives like annuities and structured notes. Learn how to make your wealth work harder, minimize risk, and plan for a secure retirement all before the year ends. Want to begin building your retirement and tax plan? Click Here to Schedule a 15-minute Discovery Call Follow us for more helpful insights:

Transferable Concept #5: Teach them to live GRACE FILLED livesA theology of grace1. It's the unmerited and unconditional FAVOR of God toward us - 1 Jn 4:192. It's free to us, but COSTLY to God -1 Cr 6:19-203. The CROSS is God's greatest act of grace -Ro 5:84. SALVATION is a free gift from God -Ro 6:235. It must be received by FAITH -Ep 2:8-96. It produces GRATITUDE toward God and love toward others -Ti 2:11-127. Old Testament roots: Gn 3:21, 6:88. Biblical profiles: David, Peter9. New Testament command: Jn 3:16-18, Ep 2:8-9, 1 Pt 1:13Teach them that failure is never final1. Encourage them to MEDITATE on the lives of David and Peter, a murderer, adulterer, and betrayer among God's most beloved and mightily used servants2. Help them remove the power of the SECRECY and condemnation by practicing repentance and confession with some mature believers you can trust3. Teach them to REFUSE a "performance-orientation" with God; the relationship is always grace-orientation.Life message: You were created to RECEIVE grace and to give grace!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Got a question? Let us know!Made for Mondays | The Christmas PlaylistLight That Can't Be ManufacturedThis week on Made for Mondays, Heather is joined by Jamey, Tyler, and Doug as they lean into the heart of Christmas week and unpack Sunday's message about real joy and real light—the kind that doesn't come from a playlist, a purchase, or pretending everything is fine.After some weekend catch-up and reflections from Revelation 10–15, Psalms 145–157, and Proverbs 30, the conversation turns toward a timely and honest question:✨ What's the difference between manufactured cheer and received joy?As Christmas approaches, the group reflects on the ways we often try to produce joy—through nostalgia, noise, shopping, control, or even religious performance—when what we actually need is to receive joy as the fruit of abiding in Jesus. Jamey shares how Christmas music can sometimes feel like it's trying to convince our souls everything is wonderful, even when life feels dark.The discussion explores:• Chasing a mood vs. staying close to Jesus How do we tell when we're chasing a feeling instead of abiding in Christ? The group shares honest “litmus tests” that reveal when joy has become something we're forcing rather than receiving.• Darkness and light Jamey unpacks the idea that darkness isn't a thing—it's the absence of light. Spiritually, that shifts the battle. Instead of staring at darkness, we're invited to step toward the Light. What does that look like practically? The team offers simple, doable steps—like intentional prayer, confession, community, or a single act of obedience—that help move us closer to Jesus when gloom starts creeping back in.• Shining brighter in real life Rooted in Matthew 5, the BIG IDEA comes into focus: In a world getting darker, we need to shine brighter. Not performative faith—but quiet faithfulness. Reconciliation. Costly generosity. Staying at the table with people we disagree with. The group shares real-life examples of what that kind of light looks like when it shows up in everyday moments.• Light beyond our walls The conversation connects to The Gift and Believers' partners in Cuba, highlighting how faithful believers there are shining the Light of Jesus in powerful, practical ways—and why it's such a gift to be part of what God is doing through them.• Community in the dark seasons Jamey revisits a story from one of his darkest seasons, where isolation played a central role. Doug and Tyler reflect on how deeply they relate—and why community isn't optional for spiritual health. The group also points ahead to Steps and the importance of getting connected to a small group in the New Year.Join Us This Week

On Techradio this week, we're talking about the tech you live with every day — and a few surprises you might not see coming. From smart TVs that may be watching more than you realize to what's expected to make headlines at CES 2026, there's plenty to unpack. We'll also cover two costly car warnings: why spilling water in your EV can lead to expensive repairs, and how rodents are chewing through vehicle wiring at alarming rates. Plus, Apple quietly discontinued 17 products this year, Firefox is officially leaning into AI, and a new generation of headphones doubles as hearing aids. And as always, we'll tell you what's streaming and where — including this week's top picks in streaming.

Transferable Concept #5: Teach them to live GRACE FILLED livesA theology of grace1. It's the unmerited and unconditional FAVOR of God toward us - 1 Jn 4:192. It's free to us, but COSTLY to God -1 Cr 6:19-203. The CROSS is God's greatest act of grace -Ro 5:84. SALVATION is a free gift from God -Ro 6:235. It must be received by FAITH -Ep 2:8-96. It produces GRATITUDE toward God and love toward others -Ti 2:11-127. Old Testament roots: Gn 3:21, 6:88. Biblical profiles: David, Peter9. New Testament command: Jn 3:16-18, Ep 2:8-9, 1 Pt 1:13Teach them that failure is never final1. Encourage them to MEDITATE on the lives of David and Peter, a murderer, adulterer, and betrayer among God's most beloved and mightily used servants2. Help them remove the power of the SECRECY and condemnation by practicing repentance and confession with some mature believers you can trust3. Teach them to REFUSE a "performance-orientation" with God; the relationship is always grace-orientation.Life message: You were created to RECEIVE grace and to give grace!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Transferable Concept #5: Teach them to live GRACE FILLED livesA theology of grace1. It's the unmerited and unconditional FAVOR of God toward us - 1 Jn 4:192. It's free to us, but COSTLY to God -1 Cr 6:19-203. The CROSS is God's greatest act of grace -Ro 5:84. SALVATION is a free gift from God -Ro 6:235. It must be received by FAITH -Ep 2:8-96. It produces GRATITUDE toward God and love toward others -Ti 2:11-127. Old Testament roots: Gn 3:21, 6:88. Biblical profiles: David, Peter9. New Testament command: Jn 3:16-18, Ep 2:8-9, 1 Pt 1:13Teach them that failure is never final1. Encourage them to MEDITATE on the lives of David and Peter, a murderer, adulterer, and betrayer among God's most beloved and mightily used servants2. Help them remove the power of the SECRECY and condemnation by practicing repentance and confession with some mature believers you can trust3. Teach them to REFUSE a "performance-orientation" with God; the relationship is always grace-orientation.Life message: You were created to RECEIVE grace and to give grace!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

This week in Portland, we're looking into why five city council members are lawyering up, the controversial multibillion-dollar idea to revitalize a coastal town, and a check-in on three local labor disputes. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week's Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Law Firm That Regularly Sues the City Over Police Misconduct Is Representing Peacock Councilors [Willamette Week]   Oregon's Leading Politicians Want To Bet Billions of Dollars on a New Shipping Terminal. Critics Say It's a Costly Mistake. [Willamette Week]   Strike Averted: New Seasons Grocery Workers Secure First Labor Contract [Portland Mercury]  Legacy Health Strike Grows as 80 Urgent Care, Pediatric Care Providers Plan Walkouts [Oregonian] Starbucks Workers Rally One Month Into Strike [Willamette Week]  Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 19th episode: Portland Spirit PaintCare PGE

Transferable Concept #5: Teach them to live GRACE FILLED livesA theology of grace1. It's the unmerited and unconditional FAVOR of God toward us - 1 Jn 4:192. It's free to us, but COSTLY to God -1 Cr 6:19-203. The CROSS is God's greatest act of grace -Ro 5:84. SALVATION is a free gift from God -Ro 6:235. It must be received by FAITH -Ep 2:8-96. It produces GRATITUDE toward God and love toward others -Ti 2:11-127. Old Testament roots: Gn 3:21, 6:88. Biblical profiles: David, Peter9. New Testament command: Jn 3:16-18, Ep 2:8-9, 1 Pt 1:13Teach them that failure is never final1. Encourage them to MEDITATE on the lives of David and Peter, a murderer, adulterer, and betrayer among God's most beloved and mightily used servants2. Help them remove the power of the SECRECY and condemnation by practicing repentance and confession with some mature believers you can trust3. Teach them to REFUSE a "performance-orientation" with God; the relationship is always grace-orientation.Life message: You were created to RECEIVE grace and to give grace!Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesYear End MatchDouble Your Gift TodayMinistry ReportAdditional ResourcesChristmas GiftsConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003

Andy and Randy talk about this weekends first round matchups in the College Football Playoffs and how Miami might have the best chance of the 8 teams playing to start a run and win it all.

What if the most powerful climate intervention isn't policy, but precision?Deep Dhillon sits down with Ryan Sullivan of Bridger Photonics to unpack how AI, physics, and aerial sensing are being used to hunt down methane leaks that can cost operators dearly and accelerate climate impact. Ryan explains how methane detection has matured over the past decade, and why Bridger's approach (laser-based lidar tuned to methane) can identify the specific valve, tank, or piece of equipment responsible.They walk through the full pipeline: scanning swaths over infrastructure, reconstructing plumes from point-cloud data, applying supervised learning trained on ~15 years of labeled leak history, and then having expert analysts validate results with tooling that overlays plume density, wind conditions, and site geography. Then the two zoom out to the uncomfortable questions, like why Bridger refuses to play watchdog, how trust and data ownership shape the market, and what the “north star” looks like; near-real-time detection, autonomous flight patterns, and predictive maintenance that catches failures before they happen.Learn more about Ryan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullivar/and Bridger Photonics here: https://www.bridgerphotonics.com/Check out some of our related content here: 3 Million Gallons Vanished? The AI Smart City Revolution That's Making Water Waste Visible with Ashwin Chandran of McCord DevelopmentRecycling Space Debris: The Next Frontier in Manufacturing with Gary Calnan and Walter Schroeder of CisLunar IndustriesCan AI Save Pollinators from Extinction? It Begins in Your Backyard with Chris Cosma

Anyone who has gone through the immigration process understands how complex it can be. It is a legal process that not many wish to undertake without help. The process involves a lot of paperwork that even US-born citizens struggle with when left alone.  

PREVIEW: Bob Zimmerman questions Amazon's perplexing launch strategy for its LEO constellation, asking why the company is utilizing more costly, non-reusable launch providers like ULA and Blue Origin instead of the more cost-effective SpaceX reusable boosters. He speculates that historical contracts or potential personal conflicts between billionaires may explain the decision. 1958

In hour 2 Andy and Randy bring you an NFL No Huddle as the Falcons pack up for Arizona, and other teams announce major changes. Plus, GA Tech has a chance to win the most practical bowl trophy ever created.

Near the end of the year, many practice owners scramble to buy new equipment just to lower their tax bill. But is that "last-minute" purchase actually hurting your bank account? In this episode, we break down why rushing into year-end spending can cripple your cash flow and how to navigate the complex rules of Section 179 deductions without getting flagged by the IRS.We also dive into the administrative "must-dos" that keep your practice compliant. We'll discuss the current 1099 reporting requirements (and the upcoming relief in 2026), how to unlock tax-free reimbursements for home rentals and mileage, and the critical deadlines you cannot afford to miss this January.Upcoming Tour Dates: Go to our EVENTS page for infoFacebook: Four Quadrants AdvisoryInstagram: @fourquadrantsadvisoryLinkedIn: Four Quadrants Advisory

Building a SaaS as a non-technical founder? You're probably one decision away from burning months of time, thousands of dollars, or a painful chunk of equity. In this episode, we break down the most common non-technical founder SaaS mistakes we see over and over again—from choosing the wrong tech lead to building in silence, over-engineering too early, and falling in love with software instead of the business. If you want to avoid the traps that quietly kill most SaaS startups before they ever get traction, this is a must-listen. Chapters (00:00:00) - 5 Mistakes All Non-Technical Startups Make(00:00:52) - 7 Startup Mistakes You're Making(00:03:57) - The Tech Lead Nightmare(00:05:12) - The 2 Biggest Mistakes Startup Founders Make(00:06:56) - 3 Mistakes of Over Engineering and Under Engineering(00:09:41) - 3 Reasons Why You're Building Something Nobody Will Want(00:11:31) - 3 Mistakes All Startups Make(00:13:46) - 5 Most Common Mistakes First-Time SaaS Founders Make

http://www.sherylkline.com/blogHave you ever felt like a peer was quietly (or not so quietly) blocking your influence with leadership?If so, you're definitely not alone. And when it happens, it's not just frustrating… it's costly. Costly to your confidence, your credibility, your career momentum, and the business itself.What makes it even harder is that this behavior is often driven by fear-based leadership or narcissistic tendencies. When someone feels threatened, they may try to limit your visibility, exclude you from conversations, or position themselves as the gatekeeper to leadership.It is not a reflection of your capability or value.Why This Matters So MuchWhen a peer blocks your access to leadership:Your ideas don't get heardYour impact gets dilutedKey relationships don't formThe organization loses out on your expertiseThe good news is there's a proven process to address it.Imagine for a moment if that same peer became someone who supported your ideas, amplified your voice, and saw your presence as a win for them (not a threat.)That shift is possible.Here's How:1. Develop Strategic Empathy (Your Mental Preparation)Before engaging with a difficult peer, most people are already frustrated—and understandably so. But going into a conversation with that emotional charge puts you behind the starting line. Why? Because those emotions will likely come out in your tone, body language, and gestures.Instead, I recommend developing what I call strategic empathy, rooted in an ECO Mindset:“E”mpathy – What pressures are they under? What might they be afraid of?“C”uriosity – What do they perceive as a win? What do they need to feel protected?“O”ptimism – How do you want this interaction to turn out?This isn't about excusing poor behavior or being naïve. It's about showing up with confidence and compassion, rather than frustration… which rarely gets us where we want to go.Your tone matters more than you think.2. Practice GratitudeThis may sound counterintuitive, but stay with me.Instead of resenting the challenge, try saying (even silently): “Thank you for the challenge to grow my influence.”Gratitude brings perspective.Perspective brings calm.And calm leadership is incredibly persuasive.If nothing else, it brings a little levity to a heavy situation, and that alone can change the energy of how you show up.3. Learn, Then Plan (Especially If You've Been Excluded)I've recently seen several clients purposefully excluded from meetings both in-person and virtual. And while that never feels good, it's important not to judge the situation, but to observe and learn from it.Ask yourself:Why was it important for me to be in that room?Why might they have chosen not to include me?What relationships or perceptions were at play?From there, you create a plan (or what I often call a mini campaign) to ensure next time is different.That might include:Proactively building the relationship with that peerMaking your value to the meeting visible before it happensHelping them see that your presence actually benefits themWhen someone believes it's good for them that you're in the room, the dynamic changes completely.You Can Reclaim Your InfluenceIf a peer has ever caused you to lose visibility, impact, or influence with leadership, please know this:It's a real challenge.And there is a proven process to move through it.Develop strategic empathy.Lead with confidence and compassion.

How should Christian faith shape work in an era of pluralism, fear, and systemic inequality? Sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) is presenting new insights for faith at work through data, theology, and lived experience. "People love to talk about individual ethics … but what was really hard for them to think about was, what would it mean to make our workplace better as a whole?" In this episode, Ecklund joins Mark Labberton to reflect on moving from individual morality toward systemic responsibility, dignity, and other-centred Christian witness at work. Together they discuss faith and work, the gender and race gaps created by systemic injustice, fear and power, religious diversity, rest and human limits, gender and racial marginalization, and the cost of a credible Christian witness. Episode Highlights "People love to talk about individual ethics." "What would it mean to make our workplace better as a whole?" "People are much more apt to take us seriously if we first take them seriously." "Suppression of faith in particular is not the answer." "God is God and I am not." About Elaine Howard Ecklund Elaine Howard Ecklund is professor of sociology at Rice University and director of the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance. She is a leading sociologist of religion, science, and work whose research examines how faith operates in professional and institutional life. Ecklund has led large-scale empirical studies on religion in workplaces and scientific communities, supported by the National Science Foundation, Templeton Foundation, and Lilly Endowment. She is the author or co-author of several influential books, including Working for Better, Why Science and Faith Need Each Other, and Science vs. Religion. Her work informs academic, ecclesial, and public conversations about pluralism, justice, and moral formation in modern society. Learn more and follow at https://www.elaineecklund.com and https://twitter.com/elaineecklund Helpful Links And Resources Working for Better (IVP): https://www.ivpress.com/working-for-better Why Science and Faith Need Each Other (IVP): https://www.ivpress.com/why-science-and-faith-need-each-other Elaine Howard Ecklund website: https://www.elaineecklund.com Rice University Boniuk Institute: https://boniuk.rice.edu Conversing with Mark Labberton: https://comment.org/conversing Show Notes Sociological study of religion, work, and group behavior Christian faith taken seriously at personal and academic levels Ecklund's former research focus on science as a workplace environment Expanding faith-at-work research beyond scientific communities Compartmentalized Christian faith and the fear of offending colleagues Friendship and collaboration emerging from leadership retreats Large-scale data-driven study on religion in changing workplaces Religious pluralism at work and changing workplace demographics Writing for Christian audiences shaped by empirical research From individual ethics toward systemic responsibility at work "People love to talk about individual ethics." Systemic injustice blind spots Moral shorthand focused on time sheets and office supplies Organizational leadership and culture change Difficulty imagining organizational or structural workplace change Fear of retaliation when confronting unjust systems Responsibility for workplace realities Power underestimated by those holding leadership positions Costly examples of speaking up against workplace injustice Christian fear of marginalization in pluralistic environments Suppression of religious expression as common workplace response Suppression versus accommodation: "Suppression of faith in particular is not the answer." Religious diversity as unavoidable reality of modern work Other-centered faith rooted in dignity of every person Imago Dei shaping engagement across religious difference "People are much more apt to take us seriously if we first take them seriously." Racialized religious minorities: the double marginalization of racial minorities of faith Gender inequity and underexamined workplace power dynamics Faith-based employee groups Fear masquerading as anger in cultural and religious conflict Workplaces as rare spaces for meaningful civic encounter Justice beyond activism Rest as theological foundation for justice and leadership Limits, Sabbath, and resisting productivity as ultimate value "God is God and I am not." Human limits in leadership Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary. #FaithAndWork #ElaineHowardEcklund #ChristianEthics #WorkplaceJustice #ReligiousPluralism #RestAndFaith

Send us a textA vacant home. No furnace. Water service left on during a deep freeze. That combination set the stage for a preventable disaster—and a master class in how frozen pipes actually happen. We unpack the physics in plain language, explain where pipes freeze first, and share practical steps to thaw safely without turning your crawl space into a bonfire hazard.We start with the scenario: a two-story house sitting at near-freezing indoor temperatures, ice visible at a bathroom faucet, and a listing team that didn't winterize. From there, we dive into why insulation alone won't save stagnant water when single-digit temperatures linger, how cold creeps through gaps around hose bibs and gas lines, and why closed vanity doors can create mini freezers on exterior walls. You'll learn a careful thaw routine—crack a nearby faucet, inspect for bulges or splits, apply gentle, directed heat, and let the trickle do the work—plus the common mistakes that cause fires, flooding, or carbon monoxide risks.We also look at the real estate implications. Turning on water in an unheated, vacant property can mean damaged plumbing, hidden leaks behind drywall, and costly concessions at closing. As licensed home inspectors, we outline when to pause an inspection, what it takes to come back after repairs, and how buyers and sellers can protect themselves. Finally, we share simple prevention habits: keep the thermostat at 55–56°F when away, open cabinets on exterior walls, seal penetrations, insulate vulnerable runs, and properly winterize hose bibs.Subscribe for more straight talk on home systems, share this episode with someone who needs a winter wake-up call, and leave a review with your best prevention tip—what temp do you set when you travel?Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV Advice from experts: Don't skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV OSU student's mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment's air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

As summer heat rises across Australia, many renters are struggling with high electricity bills and poorly insulated homes. New data from Energy Consumers Australia shows 70 per cent of renters are cutting back on heating and cooling to save money. Experts are calling for minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties to lower power costs and improve health and comfort. In this podcast, community leader Abbas Raza Alvi explains why renters are pushing for change and how energy efficient homes can reduce bills and improve liveability.

A powerful and eye-opening conversation between Dr Ron Ehrlich and world-renowned pediatrician

Costly commitment to Jesus is formed by the Word, strengthened by the church, and proven in opposition.

What do a Paris jewelry heist and your retirement plan have in common? This episode reveals how simple mistakes—like weak passwords or one-dimensional financial strategies—can leave you vulnerable. Mike Douglas shares real stories and practical tips on diversifying your retirement plan, managing taxes, and building a life that goes beyond spreadsheets. Tune in for insights that challenge conventional wisdom and help you rethink your financial future. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: MichigansRetirementCoach.com Follow us on social media: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Featured on WGN Radio's Home Sweet Home Chicago on 12/13/25: Dave Schlueter of the Law Offices of David R. Schlueter joins David Hochberg to discuss deeds and why adding children directly to a home’s deed can trigger costly capital gains taxes. To learn more about what Dave Schlueter can help you with, go to schlueterlawoffice.com or call 1-630-285-5300.

Episode 620: Discover why investor behavior matters more than market swings as John and Zach share simple rules to strengthen long-term returns. Then explore how interest rates shape everything from your mortgage to your savings and learn what to watch for next!

In this Losers are Winners episode of The Curious Builder, Mark keeps it real about how builders can actually keep more of the money they earn—mainly by understanding the difference between markup and margin (spoiler: he wishes he'd known sooner!). He shares honest stories about lessons learned, why it's so important to know your numbers, and how sticking to your value can lead to happier clients and better builds. It's a super practical, down-to-earth chat packed with advice for anyone wanting to run a smarter, more profitable building business. Support the show - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/shop See our upcoming live events - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com/events The host of the Curious Builder Podcast is Mark D. Williams, the founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes Inc. They are an award-winning Twin Cities-based home builder, creating quality custom homes and remodels — one-of-a-kind dream homes of all styles and scopes. Whether you're looking to reimagine your current space or start fresh with a new construction, we build homes that reflect how you live your everyday life. Sponsors for the Episode:  Pella Website: https://www.pella.com/ppc/professionals/why-wood/  Adaptive  Website: https://referrals.adaptive.build/u8Gkiaev  Sauna Camp Website: https://www.saunacamps.com/ Where to find the Host:  Website - https://www.mdwilliamshomes.com/  Podcast Website - https://www.curiousbuilderpodcast.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdwilliams_customhomes/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MarkDWilliamsCustomHomesInc/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-williams-968a3420/  Houzz - https://www.houzz.com/pro/markdwilliamscustomhomes/mark-d-williams-custom-homes-inc

Connecticut invests $10 billion to address pension debt. Governor Hochul tackles a mountain of bills to either sign or veto. Mystic Aquarium says new tech is improving care for their animals. Plus, the local program reshaping recovery one workout at a time.

COSTLY MISTAKES THE PITFALLS OF IRA WITHDRAWALS FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA and Tyler Kluge | CFP®, ChFEB℠, CPWA®, CDFA®, CEPS,  Financial Planner, BWFA About This Episode Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are powerful tools for building wealth, but costly mistakes with withdrawals can lead to penalties, taxes, and reduced savings. In this episode, BWFA's Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain how to avoid common errors with IRA withdrawals and keep your retirement plan on track. Full Description IRAs are designed to help individuals save for retirement with tax advantages. But when it comes time to withdraw funds, the rules can be complex. Missteps—like withdrawing too early, missing required distributions, or failing to plan for taxes—can create significant financial consequences. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge break down the most common mistakes people make with IRA withdrawals. They explain how taking money out before age 59½ can trigger early withdrawal penalties, and how overlooking required minimum distributions (RMDs) after age 73 can result in steep fines. The discussion also highlights how failing to coordinate withdrawals with other income sources can push retirees into higher tax brackets. Listeners will learn strategies to avoid these pitfalls. Sandy and Tyler emphasize the importance of understanding withdrawal timelines, planning ahead for taxes, and considering how withdrawals align with broader retirement goals. They also discuss how beneficiaries can make costly mistakes when inheriting IRAs if they don't follow the right distribution rules. The key takeaway: accumulating savings in an IRA is only part of the journey. Managing withdrawals wisely is just as important for preserving wealth in retirement. With the right guidance, retirees can maximize the value of their IRAs while minimizing taxes and penalties. At BWFA, we help clients navigate the complexities of retirement accounts, ensuring that every decision supports long-term financial security. This episode provides practical insights into how to avoid fumbling one of the most important aspects of retirement planning. For more resources, visit BWFA's Tax Planning Services.

There are moments in recruiting or promotion decisions when something feels off. A slight hesitation. A subtle inner resistance. A sense that something doesn't fully fit. And yet many leaders ignore exactly dieses early signal — out of time pressure, out of hope, or simply because the team urgently needs someone. In this episode of the LEITWOLF® Podcast, Stefan explains why those moments of doubt are not a weakness, but one of the strongest indicators in leadership selection. He shares a simple but powerful principle he learned early in his career and has since applied with thousands of leaders around the world: “When there is doubt, there is no doubt.” With real leadership examples, Stefan explores why leaders so often override their intuition, how pressure to “finally fill the role” leads to poor decisions, and why hope is never a substitute for competence and behaviour. You will learn how to take your instinct seriously without being impulsive, how to test your doubts rationally, how to evaluate real behaviour rather than polished rhetoric, and when to bring in a second set of eyes to avoid blind spots. Stefan also shares a practical method used in top leadership teams to assess candidates more effectively and make clearer decisions. ––– Do you like the LEITWOLF® Leadership podcast? Then please rate it with a star rating and review it on iTunes or/and Spotify. This will help us to further improve this LEITWOLF® podcast and make it more visible. ––– Book your access to the LEITWOLF® Academy NOW: https://stefan-homeister-leadership.com/link/leitwolf-academy-en Would you like solid tips or support on how to implement good leadership in your company? Then please get in touch with Stefan via mail: homeister@stefan-homeister-leadership.com Or arrange a free phone call here: https://stefan-homeister-leadership.com/link/calendly-en // LINKEDIN: https://stefan-homeister-leadership.com/link/linkedin // WEBSITE: https://stefan-homeister-leadership.com ® 2017 STEFAN HOMEISTER LEITWOLF® ALL RIGHTS RESERVE ___ LEITWOLF Podcast, Leadership, Management, Stefan Homeister, Podcast, Business Leadership, Successful Leadership, Organizational Management, Leadership Skills, Leadership Development, Team Management, Self-leadership, Leadership Coaching, Leadership Training, Career Development, Leadership Personality, Success Strategies, Organizational Culture, Motivation and Leadership, Leadership Tips, Leadership Insights, Change Management, Visionary Leadership, Leadership Interviews, Successful Managers, Entrepreneurial Tips, Leadership Best Practices, Leadership Perspectives, Business Coaching

Jess cannot be trusted in this store... Here are the purchases we feel most guilty about We really hope our kids don't have these interests...

New evidence from Richmond's tax audit unveils costly rebate errors that could shake city finances; discover what this means for residents.See full article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/richmond-tax-audit-rebate-errors/Check out the Cyber Month 2025 Year-End Sale Now! https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/cybermonth2025/—Ready to kill the rat race?Listen, if you're sick of watching other people get rich while you keep grinding for scraps, this is your wake-up call.Right now, everyday people, not Wall Street, not billionaires, not trust-fund babies, are buying property, collecting rent, and stacking cash while you're stuck refreshing your bank app.You can keep working for money, or you can make money work for you.This free ⁠"Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing in 2025" will show you exactly how to start, even if you're broke, busy, or scared to death of losing a dime.It's short. It's simple. It's real.Go grab your copy right now before you talk yourself out of it. Start learning how real Americans are building wealth while everyone else keeps punching the clock.Download now: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/freeguide/—Helping you learn how to achieve financial freedom through real estate investing. https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/

Metro Vancouver's turn to talk about development fees Guest: Heather McNell, Deputy CAO, Policy and Planning The Oversimplification of Health Care issues Guest: Paul Kershaw, Policy professor in the UBC School of Population and Public Health and columnist for the globe and mail What will 2026 look for freight and shipping amid ongoing tariffs? Guest: Lisa McEwan, CEO of Hemisphere Freight and a seasoned Canadian trade and customs specialist with 15 years of experience Australia has banned social media for kids Guest: Dr. Kisha McPherson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Professional Communication at Toronto Metropolitan University Why aren't we using internationally recognized teachers? Guest: Tory Handford, Professor, Education, Thompson Rivers University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rethink your rush to rebrand! Learn how slowing down reveals customer insights that make messaging stick, aligns teams, and transforms research into results. We share proven frameworks to avoid the speed trap and build lasting brand impact.And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==05:39 Rebranding vs. Repositioning Insights07:24 Strengthening Position for Market Leadership11:25 Backbase's US Market Struggles12:33 "New Coke Campaign Failure"16:31 Customer Insights Drive Success21:34 Customer Insights Revive Business Relationships24:06 Listening to Customers' Pain Points26:24 "Repositioning Goals and Alignment"29:57 Expanding Tacos Through Testing33:06 Rapid Promotion Rollout Strategy==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

Keeping good records is boring and tedious. Why bother? Because bad records can cost you thousands of dollars per year. My guest today helps her clients find those dollars in ways that are easy to track. She'll share her ideas on this episode.Alexis E. Gallati is the founder and Lead Tax Strategist at Cerebral Tax Advisors and Cerebral Wealth Academy, and she's the author of the book Advanced Tax Planning for Medical Professionals. She has over 20 years of experience in high-level strategic tax planning and multi-state tax preparation, and she has trained at the highest level, holding two master's degrees. Alexis grew up in a family of physicians and is married to a private practice physician. That's why she understands how hard medical professionals work to get where they are and why she provides simple and accessible tax solutions tailored to busy physicians.In this episode Carl White and Alexis Gallati discuss:Some simple examples of keeping good records leading to saving money (ex: mileage deduction, home office deduction)Some not so simple examples that are worth doingTools and systems to trackWant to be a guest on PracticeCare?Have an experience with a business issue you think others will benefit from? Come on PracticeCare and tell the world! Here's the link where you can get the process started.Connect with Alexis GallatiResources from Cerebral Tax Advisors: https://www.cerebraltaxadvisors.com/practicecare/Cerebral Tax Advisors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cerebraltaxCerebral Wealth Academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cerebralwealthacademy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cerebralwealthacademyPersonal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-gallati/Connect with Carl WhiteWebsite: http://www.marketvisorygroup.comEmail:  whitec@marketvisorygroup.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marketvisorygroupYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9BLCu_i2ezBj1ktUHVmigLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/healthcaremktg

90s toys, and getting excited during a moment of joy.

The Go Radio Football Show: 9th of December, 2025. Join host Paul Cooney alongside Rangers Hero Billy Dodds and Award Winning Journalist Mark Guidi in Association with Burger King. This is a catch-up version of the live, daily Go Radio Football show.  Don't miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode! From Hearts' win over Celtic to Rangers clawing their way back into the title race, we unpack the tactical shifts, boardroom decisions, and fan reactions that are shaping the season. Expect fiery debates, insider insights, and passionate calls from fans across the country. Celtic's Shake-Up: Wilfried Nancy's first game in charge ends in defeat. Was the timing of Martin O'Neill's exit a costly mistake? Rangers Resurgence: A ruthless 3-0 win over Kilmarnock—are Rangers back in the title hunt? Transfer Talk: Why Celtic's January window could make or break their season. Fan Fury & Perspective: Heated calls from Celtic supporters demanding change, and others urging patience. European Nights Ahead: Celtic vs Roma and Rangers' trip to Budapest—what's at stake? World Cup Buzz: Scotland's draw for 2026—dream start or uphill battle? VAR Controversies: Are officials getting it wrong even with a second look? The Go Radio Football Show, weeknights from 5pm-7pm across Scotland on DAB, Online, Smart Speaker and on the Go Radio App. IOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/go-radio/id1510971202  Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.thisisgo.goradio&pcampaignid=web_share  In Association with Burger King. Home of the Whopper, home delivery half time or full time, exclusively on the Burger King App  https://www.burgerking.co.uk/download-bk-app. Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok  Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbsfwnlMFeI&list=PLBoA8NYTpHtcqoS3M5IrA0C7K-iCmvg-F For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD... 

Ezra 9-10

Bengals' Heartbreaking Collapse: A 39-34 Snowy Thriller Loss to the BillsIn the swirling snow of Orchard Park on December 7, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals experienced yet another gut-wrenching defeat, falling 39-34 to the Buffalo Bills in a Week 14 AFC showdown that felt like a playoff preview gone awry. For a Bengals team clinging to fading postseason hopes at 4-8, this loss wasn't just a tally in the standings—it was a microcosm of their season's frustrations: explosive offense undercut by untimely errors, a defense that bent but couldn't break, and the cruel poetry of two bizarre interceptions sealing their fate.The game kicked off under a blanket of white, with Mother Nature turning Highmark Stadium into a winter wonderland. Cincinnati won the coin toss and, defying convention, elected to receive. It paid immediate dividends. Joe Burrow, the Bengals' unflappable gunslinger, orchestrated a meticulous 14-play, 67-yard march that devoured 8:16 off the clock. He went 5-for-6, threading needles through the flurries to set up Chase Brown's gritty five-yard touchdown plunge—assisted by a shove from tackle Amarius Mims. Just like that, it was 7-0, and Bengals fans dared to dream of extending their streak of scoring first-drive touchdowns against Buffalo in four straight meetings.Buffalo, however, is no ordinary foe. Josh Allen, the dual-threat dynamo, answered with surgical precision. The Bills' offense, leaning on tight-end heavy sets to exploit Cincinnati's linebacker coverage, clawed back with a field goal, making it 7-3. Burrow wasn't done. In the second quarter, he carved up the secondary again, finding Tee Higgins for a one-handed, highlight-reel touchdown grab that pushed the lead to 14-3. By halftime, the Bengals held a precarious 21-11 edge, having converted 4-of-4 third downs on their opening possession. Ja'Marr Chase, battling through the weather, eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season—his fifth such campaign—reminding everyone why Cincinnati's passing attack remains elite.The third quarter hinted at Bengals dominance. Burrow's hot streak continued, with Chase Brown adding another score to balloon the lead to 28-11. Burrow finished 22-of-31 for 218 yards and three touchdowns, his pocket presence a beacon in the blizzard. The Bengals' ground game chipped in 70 yards from Brown, who also hauled in a receiving score, showcasing the balanced attack that once made Cincy a Super Bowl contender.But football's cruel theater unfolded in the fourth. Trailing by 17, Buffalo's defense—led by cornerback Christian Benford—finally cracked the code. Midway through the frame, Benford snared Burrow's short right pass intended for Chase at the Buffalo 37, returning it 63 yards for a pick-six that ignited the comeback. The stadium erupted; the Bills trailed 28-18. Allen, electric as ever, responded with four total touchdowns—two passing, two rushing—capitalizing on the momentum. A late Bengals touchdown pulled them within 36-34, but their two-point conversion fizzled when Burrow fumbled the snap.Then, the dagger: Burrow's second inexplicable interception in as many attempts, this one a wobbling duck in the snow that gifted Buffalo prime field position. The Bills tacked on a field goal, then methodically ran out the clock after Cincinnati's onside kick failed. Allen's 21 fourth-quarter points underscored Buffalo's resilience, improving them to 9-4 and bolstering their AFC East grip.For Cincinnati, the what-ifs sting. Two "weirdest interceptions you'll ever see," as one analyst quipped, turned a potential statement win into another collapse. The defense, featuring Jordan Battle's three picks on the year, forced a turnover on downs but couldn't stop Allen's heroics. Injuries, like edge rusher Joseph Ossai's brief exit, added to the toll. This 39-34 heartbreaker drops the Bengals to 4-9, their playoff dreams buried deeper in the snow. Yet, with Burrow's wizardry (18-5 in December games lifetime), hope flickers. Next week, redemption calls against the Browns—but for now, Buffalo's blizzard of brilliance leaves Cincinnati chilled.(Word count: 412)

A Costly Probate Mistake with Real Estate

Sandra and Drew get in to the SEC Championship, and the news that an injured Drew Bobo will not be available. This should not be a huge issue though, as Kirby Smart has built tremendous depth on his offensive line.

This week on Facts vs Feelings, Liz Loza crashes out with you over some gut-punch moments from the past weekend… but don't worry, Liz also spotlights the players who are cooking up something truly delicious for fantasy managers. Then she shifts into Fantasy Therapy before welcoming Scott Fish, creator of the Scott Fish Bowl and architect of the most diabolical scoring settings in the game.

COSTLY MISTAKES RELOCATING TOO QUICKLY IN RETIREMENT FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS with Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager, BWFA and Tyler Kluge | CFP®, ChFEB℠, CPWA®, CDFA®, CEPS,  Financial Planner, BWFA About This Episode Relocating in retirement can be exciting, but moving without proper research can turn into a costly mistake. In this episode, BWFA's Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explain the risks of relocating too quickly—and how to make sure your next move supports both your lifestyle and your financial goals. Full Description A new home in retirement often represents more than just a change of address. For many, relocation symbolizes freedom, fresh opportunities, or a chance to be closer to family. Yet without careful planning, the dream move can bring unexpected expenses and regrets. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA's Sandy Hornor, Jr. and Tyler Kluge explore the common pitfalls of relocating without enough research. They explain how factors like cost of living, property taxes, healthcare access, and state tax laws can have a lasting impact on financial security. Even small differences—such as insurance costs or utility bills—can add up over the years and strain a retirement budget. Listeners will also learn why lifestyle factors matter as much as financial ones. A move to a warmer climate may seem ideal, but access to quality healthcare, transportation, and social networks is equally important. Sandy and Tyler share real-world examples of clients who reconsidered relocation plans after evaluating these details. The key takeaway is that relocation should never be a snap decision. By running the numbers, visiting multiple times, and discussing long-term goals with a financial planner, retirees can ensure their move enhances rather than hinders their retirement. At BWFA, we help clients weigh the financial and lifestyle implications of relocation. This episode offers practical strategies to avoid surprises and make relocation a positive step forward. For more guidance, visit BWFA's Financial Planning Services.

Oklahoma ranks high nationally for its pricey home insurance premiums. As climate change brings more extreme weather and inflation affects purchasing power, some look to policy changes to settle escalating insurance costs. Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

If you’re a federal employee or member of the armed forces, your thrift savings plan (TSP) can be a powerful retirement tool, yet small missteps can lead to missed matching dollars, unnecessary risk, or reduced future income. In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander breaks down the most common TSP mistakes he sees today, including under-contributing, relying too heavily on the G fund or lifecycle funds, and overlooking how inflation affects conservative allocations. David also explains the key differences between your TSP withdrawal options, when a rollover may offer more flexibility, and why an incorrect TSP-3 beneficiary form is one of the most damaging errors federal employees make. With timely year-end reminders and practical guidance, this episode helps you make more informed decisions about your TSP and protect what you’ve worked hard to build. You can send your questions to questions@pyaradio.com for a chance to be answered on air. Catch up on past episodes: http://pyaradio.com Liberty Group website: https://libertygroupllc.com/ Attend an event: www.pyaevents.com Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/libertygroupllc/scheduleacall/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Jeff Vines asks, are we the rich young ruler Jesus encountered, struggling to reconcile our blessings with the call to follow Him? Discover why true discipleship might cost more than you think, and why that's a good thing.Did you decide to follow Jesus after listening to this? Let us help you get started on your journey at https://oneandall.church/jesus Join our global online community https://discord.gg/vvrwf6N Sign up to receive weekly content from ONE&ALL straight to your inbox | http://bit.ly/oneandallemailAsk us a question! Email media@oneandall.church

Webinar: See what your contacts are doing on Zillow - Mon, Dec 8 - https://followupboss.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-jOL8Gu3TZ2IWR_atbijlA#/registrationWhat if your biggest mistakes became the blueprint for your next business?That's exactly what Marissa Canario is doing with Apex Realty Group, which she's building from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After building a 7th-level insurance agency and after opening 168 markets (yes 168!) as a real estate leader on a national expansion team, Marissa's now taking lessons learned to build again - with deeper obsession and a clearer value prop.She shares the key to improving both agent experience and client experience. She details her segmented approach to onboarding (and re-onboarding) agents. She explains the pitfalls to avoid in market expansion and when to know if you're ready. And she shares a vision of teams getting larger and larger in the years ahead through mergers and acquisitions.Watch or listen for Marissa's insights into:Why obsession with agent experience and client experience drives successWhat was required and what was learned by opening 168 markets in a real estate team expansionHow to improve communication and get more done by meeting people where they areHow to turn past mistakes into a tighter, more focused model with a clearer value propositionHow Marissa's segmenting and improving “one of the most important factors of your entire foundation and one of the most difficult to get correct” … agent onboardingWhy to celebrate more (and more specific) agent milestonesAI and ISAs as new leverage points for real estate teamsWays to make technology amplify rather than replace real estate agents (and what that means they should focus on)How self-awareness, network strength, and sufficient capital set you up for market expansion successWhy mergers and acquisitions will drive larger teams and what your participation in that growth might look likeAt the end, learn about the value of integrity, the ends of toilet paper rolls, the bottoms of shampoo and ketchup bottles, and fewer business books.Episodes mentioned:→ AI Voice and Texting with Kyle Draper and Tiffany Gelzinis→ Redefining the Role of the Real Estate Team Leader with Keith Anderson→The Roll-Up Strategy for Business Growth with Sam KhorramianConnect with Marissa Canario:→ https://www.instagram.com/marissacanario/Connect with Real Estate Team OS:→ https://www.realestateteamos.com→ https://linktr.ee/realestateteamos→ https://www.instagram.com/realestateteamos/

John 12:1-8,Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”And the Lord, in verse 7, defends the way Mary of Bethany expresses her devotion to him.What Mary does in verse 3 is good and right, and I think we can learn from her. So that's the goal of this sermon. All last week, my prayer for today has been that through Mary's example in John 12, the Spirit would reawaken in us Mary-like devotion to Jesus. I want us to learn from Mary how to be more like Mary for the glory of Jesus. To that end, this morning I want to show you seven truths of Mary-like devotion.1. Mary-like devotion is surprising. Verse 1 opens with the setting: we are six days away from Passover, and Jesus has come back to Bethany. Now remember that Bethany is where he raised Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11, verse 43, but then when the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus, John tells us in verse 54 that Jesus “no longer walked openly” among them, because they were looking for him. The Pharisees wanted to arrest him. So Jesus left that area and went to Ephraim, which gave him more distance from Jerusalem. (Bethany was 2 miles outside Jerusalem, Ephraim was about 15 miles). So by the end of Chapter 11, Jesus is laying low.But Chapter 12 opens here and he's back in Bethany, where news travels quickly to Jerusalem, which means this is dangerous — why would he do it? Why would he come back to Bethany now? It's because Passover is six days away. Remember Jesus has a purpose to accomplish in Jerusalem, and now he's getting closer. But since Jesus is in Bethany they throw a special dinner for him. And because it's Bethany, we would expect our favorite Bethany family to be there. We saw these three siblings in Chapter 11 — Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Now, John knows we'd expect their attendance, so he takes roll in verse 2. Look what he says:“So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served [check her name off — she's there], and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him as table [check his name off — he's just happy to be in the room].And right away that's Martha and Lazarus. Which sibling is missing?Mary. Now look at verse 3 (verse 2 was just a build up to this):“Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair.”The first thing I want you to see is that this was not expected. This is a dinner! People are sharing a meal. Martha is staying busy like she does. Lazarus is at the table (you know he's getting seconds). And then Mary, finally, enters into this dining room with a bottle of ointment (or perfume) and she does this extravagant display of worship.Most of us had big dinners a few days ago. Imagine for a minute if something like this happened! It was not on the menu. It's never happened before. This was a surprise! That's the first thing to know about Mary-like devotion. This is not what most people would expect — because it responds in the moment to the glory of Jesus regardless of the context.2. Mary-like devotion is costly.We can see in verse 3 that this perfume was expensive. John tells us that plainly. But he also gives us two details that explain why. It has to do with quantity and quality.First, with quality, this perfume was made from “pure nard.” That's a plant that's grown in India. The root of this plant produced an oil that was collected to make this perfume.So it's a product derived from nature, created by a process, imported from far away — that sounds expensive. (This is why many scholars believe this Bethany family was well off — this perfume would have only been owned by the luxury class of the Mediterranean world.)Second, notice the quantity. John tells us it was a pound — and that's a Roman pound. The Greek word is litra — and it's equivalent to about 12 ounces. So imagine the American pop can. (I don't know the last time you turned a can of pop upside down to pour it out, but it takes a little longer to empty it than you might think.)Twelve ounces is not a little bit. And Mary doesn't have pop, it's perfume — 12 ounces of perfume — that's a lot of a really nice thing. And to give us more of an idea of how precious it is, John tells us the number value in verse 5. Judas says it's worth 300 denarii — which is about a year's wages.So to draw a parallel to our day, this is what we'd call an annual salary, and the average annual salary in the Twin Cities, Google says, is between $80,000–$90,000. So translate this in your imagination... Picture this: Someone at dinner this past week walks into the dining room and pours out $90,000 on somebody else's feet … Again, this is stunning. And the costliness amplifies the surprise! Those two things go together in Mary-like devotion. It's surprising because it's costly.3. Mary-like devotion is humble.Now, for our imagination's sake, it helps to know how people ate together at this culture and time. They didn't use raised tables and chairs like we do, but they used low tables, and sat on cushions on the floor. They “reclined” on the table, like verse 2 says, and their feet were stretched out behind them, away from the table. So Mary approached Jesus, verse 3, while he was sitting like that, and she anointed his feet.This is a key detail. Because with the extravagance of her gift, we might imagine Mary's actions to be surrounded by pomp. Like maybe Mary enters the room and first clears her throat, and makes sure somebody's getting the video, and then she does it. But it's just the opposite.Mary comes into the room, and stays at the feet's distance away from the table. She's not the center of attention. Nobody was probably even looking in her direction, and then she pours the perfume on Jesus's feet and wipes his feet with her hair. This is borderline undignified. She definitely looked a little silly. To everyone's surprise, with likely the costliest thing she's got, she humbles herself at the feet of Jesus in worship — but then the most vivid display of her humility is the use of her hair.In the ancient world, a woman's hair was her glory. It was her honor. This was Mary's strength, but here she turns her strength into a servant's towel … Her radiance into a rag. Her splendor into a sponge. Her crown becomes a cloth. … to wipe feet.Which means, Mary gives the best part of herself for the least part of Jesus. The highest aspect of her presentation (hair) is submitted to the lowest aspect of his (feet).This is profound humility.Mary is not even audacious enough to pray here: “Jesus, take my utmost for your highest.” She just says, “Jesus, take my utmost!” — And I don't care what anybody else thinks. I'm not concerned about appearance. It doesn't matter what people might say. This is all about Jesus. Mary shows us a marvelous self-forgetfulness. Mary-like devotion is humble.4. Mary-like devotion is fitting.This is #4 of 7, and it really is the central truth in Mary's example.So far we've seen that Mary-like devotion is surprising, costly, and humble, but here's where we need to be clear that the only reason any of this makes sense is because of Jesus. And Jesus doesn't just make Mary's actions make sense, he makes them right. Because of who he is, what Mary does is fitting. John calls her act an “anointing,” which is something done to set someone apart for a certain office. The examples we have in the Old Testament are individuals anointed as a priest or king, and we should think especially of kings in the Gospel of John. If you remember, way back in Chapter 1, when Nathaniel first met Jesus he confessed right away that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel (1:49). Then in Chapter 6, verse 15, after Jesus fed the five thousand, the crowd wanted to take him by force and make him king.So we've seen a kingship theme already.But then right here in Chapter 12, the very next day after Mary anoints Jesus, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey, and the crowd paves the way for him with palm branches, and they say — in verse 13 — “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”So we have every reason to see that Mary's anointing of Jesus is anointing him as King.Because that is who he is. It'll be explicit and public tomorrow in this story, in Jesus's ‘triumphal entry,' but tonight, at this dinner, with Mary, it's implicit and private. In the moment, even Mary doesn't know the full extent of what she's doing, but we as readers can see it. In Chapter 11, we saw her fall at Jesus's feet in grief, here she bows at Jesus's feet in worship.Last chapter she came to Jesus needing his help; now she comes to him just giving him glory.This doesn't mean we ever stop coming to Jesus for help — we do! We always need his help! But sometimes we can also just come to him in simple worship.This is when we come to him, not to ask him for things, but to give him whatever we can because he is worthy — just because he's our king and he's a good king! It is fitting to worship him!Think about this: When was the last time your heart moved toward Jesus, not for what he gives, but for who he is? When was the last time you were simply compelled by the worth of Jesus?The Little Drummer BoyMary's devotion here in Chapter 12 actually reminds me of what used to be one of my least favorite Christmas songs. “Santa Baby” is dead bottom, but not far from there used to be “The Little Drummer Boy.” And the reason I didn't like the song is because for years it didn't make sense to me, and it was kinda irritating. The pa-RUM-pa-pum-pums are distracting. But if we can get rid of that part and focus on the real words in the song, it's actually beautiful. It's a song about a boy who is invited to meet the newborn Jesus (and it's fictional; didn't really happen; we're supposed to use our imaginations). The boy starts the song by saying:Come, they told meA newborn king to see, Our finest gifts to bring,To lay before the king,So to honor himWhen we come You get it? The boy is invited to come meet Jesus, so he does. And in the second stanza he's at the manger, and he speaks to the infant Jesus:Little baby,I am a poor boy tooI have no gifts to bringThat's fit to give a KingShall I play for you on my drum?See, I imagine that's what Mary of Bethany thought. While Martha was busy serving and Lazarus was sitting at the table, Mary thought: The king is here. He's in the room. What do I have that's fit to give a King?And the technical answer is nothing. Nothing we have is enough to match the glory of this King, but Mary thinks I've got that bottle of perfume — just like the boy thought, I've got this drum. And the boy says, “Shall I play the drum?” Mary thinks, “Shall I pour the perfume?” So the boy plays his best, and Mary pours it all. I don't have enough to give you, but I'll give you my best because you're worthy.That's what the song is about. That's what Mary does here. And it's fitting because of the King!And John tells us that the fragrance of her worship fills the entire house. Which means: her personal reverence and self-forgetfulness in recognizing the glory of Jesus becomes uncontainable. Everybody around her can literally sense her devotion for Jesus.5. Mary-like devotion is criticized. This is verses 4–5: But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”Apparently, Judas caught the aroma, but instead of recognizing Mary's act as a surprising, costly, humble, and fitting act of devotion, he criticized her. He immediately liquidated the value of the ointment in his head, and he corrected her decision. That could have been used for something better! That could have been a lot of money to help poor people! Mary is being unwise!Now, before we look closer into the criticism, I just want to note that it happened, and right away, because that's just how things go — even things as wholesome as Mary's devotion.The Bible gives us no impression that devotion to Jesus will be easy — it actually ensures the opposite. There's a Forest Frank lyric my younger boys love. It goes: Jesus promised that the bad would come along, ‘Cause if life is always easyProbably doin' something wrong.That's true. I want everybody to know: when your devotion to Jesus meets difficulty, that's a good sign. The question for us is about our willingness to endure difficulty. Are we willing to be criticized? Are we willing to express devotion to Jesus that others would call wasteful but Jesus calls beautiful?6. Mary-like devotion is vindicated.Let's look closer at what Judas said in verse 5.At face-value, we might think Judas is onto something, because what he says is not untrue. That perfume was worth a lot of money — three hundred denarii/$80–90K — that's a lot of money you can do a lot with. Judas names one possibility. The problem, though, is that he's thinking about it all the wrong way. See, he's thinking about gifts from the giver's perspective, not from God's perspective. He's thinking about everything from earth looking around, not from heaven looking down.In his mindset — the ‘Judas mindset' — all value is monetary, and all that is monetary is a zero-sum category: which means I'm always thinking, “whatever I give here is what I cannot give there.” And see, Judas is so caught up in this mindset — he cares so much about the optimal management of the gift — that he's blind to the One the gift is for. That is what is most striking about verse 5 — it's the absence of anything to do with Jesus. Judas says nothing about him. So Judas not only rebukes Mary here, but he also registers how little he thinks of Who she worships.And if that wasn't clear, John adds in verse 6. He wants us to know that Judas said what he said:“…not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.”Judas was part of a program called ‘Feeding Our Future' …Greed is an ancient sin — it's the root of all evil, and it ruined Judas. (And it's behind the ruin of our state. God help us.)In verse 7, Mary doesn't say anything back to Judas, but Jesus speaks up on her behalf, and he says, first, “Leave her alone.”Which is amazing. Jesus doesn't argue with Judas. He doesn't explain why his mindset is wrong, he first just tells him to stop. Jesus defends Mary, and he makes the issue about himself, because it is!With this perfume Mary has prepared Jesus for the day of his burial, because, verse 8:“…the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”And it's clear now, with the mention of his burial and that he won't always be here, Jesus is talking about his death. Which raises the question for us: Was Mary anointing Jesus as king or preparing him for his death? And the answer is Yes.Again, Mary is doing more here than she realized. She is anointing Jesus as King — it's just that he's a king who will sacrifice his life for his people.He's a King who has come to die. His reign will conquer the grave for good — remember Lazarus — but first Jesus's reign will come through the grave. Our triumphant King will also be a slain Lamb. And John wants us so badly to get this! He gives us hints here in Mary's devotion, but then later in the Book of Revelation he tells us about a vision when saints and angels together pour out their praise to Jesus, and they say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)Listen: I want you to know that the final vindication of our every sincere act of devotion to Jesus will come on that day when we see him. If it's Mary-like devotion, it is never wasted. Jesus is worth it. And this brings us to the last point.7. Mary-like devotion is instructive. We're gonna finish how we started: I think we can learn from our sister Mary. It is a gift to us to be able to see her gift to Jesus, and I want us to be more like her. That's been my prayer: that the Spirit would reawaken or awaken in us Mary-like devotion to Jesus.Devotion that is surprising because it responds to Jesus in the moment, even if it doesn't fit the setting. Costly because it brings Jesus our best, humble because it doesn't worry about what others might think, fitting because Jesus is the King and nothing given to him is too much, criticized because it's not supposed to be easy, and vindicated because the King who Mary worshiped is the Lamb who was slain and one day we will see his worth with our own eyes.Mary's devotion is instructive because it shows us what it looks like when a heart is overcome by the worth of Jesus.And what's incredible for us, is that we know more about Jesus's worth than Mary does here. We already know the end of the story! That Jesus who has come will die, will be resurrected, and will come again.So in closing, I want to invite you to ask yourself this: For Advent, in this season of waiting, what is Jesus calling you to do that would simply reflect his worth?That's what brings us to the Table.The TableWe come here to this Table to rest in the worth of Jesus Christ. Let his glory be your comfort by taking refuge in him. That's what it means to trust in Jesus, and that is who this table is for. If you're here and you have put your faith in Jesus, we invite you to eat and drink with us and give him thanks.