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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: Being busy is a drug for most people. We believe that busyness is a badge of honor, that constant activity is good, and that productivity (whatever that means), makes us worthwhile. People like to talk about being busy all the time, but oftentimes their relationships suffer. So often we sleepwalk through our days, but there is a tremendous gift in practicing awareness in this present moment. In a culture that gives accolades for business and achievement, we run the risk of forgetting how to be present. Scripture reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) but how often do we willingly slow down? My guest, Courtney Ellis and I talk about how to be present in the moment and reap the benefits. Quotables from the episode: What would it look like to love my actual neighbors? What would it look like to press into this particular church? What would it look like to make our kids' schools our schools and really put our feet on the ground and help in all the ways that we can? And so this book came out of that desire that my husband and I had and that commitment we made before God to really try to live into the ministry of stability as long as he called us to. That's a big change after moving six times in six years. It is, it is. You learn some bad habits when you move a lot. Friends in the military, friends who have to move a lot and they say, yeah, you pick up some bad habits. So, we had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. You talk about leaning in and being present. So, what are some practical ways that we can choose to be present in the moment? And then what are some of the benefits? There are so many small, beautiful ways we can choose to be present. Often the easiest one is just to keep your phone in your pocket or your purse because it's fascinating. You'll be at the grocery store, and you see people standing in line and you can time it. People will stand in line patiently for about 30 seconds and then the hand goes down and the phone is out. And it's not that they're being impatient, but might as well use the time to do the word or scroll Facebook or whatever it is. And so, part of this, practicing this attentiveness toward God and being present in the moment is simply resisting that urge to do the easiest thing which is to pull out technology and distract ourselves. Sit near a window and just take a few minutes and observe what you see and it's almost like your soul is the shaken up snow globe and as you sit all of that snow starts to settle and you may hear from God, you may hear things in your own heart that you've been kind of stuffing down and as you're present to yourself, present to what you see around you, present to the Lord, beautiful things can happen. When we can make decisions in our lives ahead of time and leave them closed, it opens up our minds to new possibilities. It gives us new energy. And that's the difference between kind of leaving or living poised to leave and living planning to stay. And God may call us to go tomorrow, but today, if that decision is closed, we have all of these possibilities in front of us that we can turn our full attention to without already being fatigued. You refer to limits as a God -given grace. What do you mean by that? I don't like it. I'm going to start with that. I don't either. Talk about that for a minute. Yes. I want to be infinite. I want to keep going. I want to keep running. But limits ultimately are a grace and they're a reminder to us of our creatureliness that we are part of God's creation. We are not God. Even small things like coming to the end of a day and needing to go to sleep is a reminder of the limits God has set in our days, in our world, in our life. Multiple times a day we have to stop and eat. And that's an intentional creation of God. God could have created us to not need food. God could have created us to eat once a year. But these intentional checks and balances in our lives are an opportunity to practice dependence on God, to understand that our finitude is not burden, but it's grace, even if we are not always able to receive it in that way. Why do you call yourself an achievement addict and what does this have to do with learning to take a Sabbath rest? Yes, I would imagine I'm talking to another achievement addict here on the show. It takes one to know one. Yeah, I, especially early on in my life, that was where I would receive a lot of praise and adulation. And so I really grew into this. I am what I do. And if I've done enough in a day, I can feel good about myself, you know, when my husband and I compare notes at the end of the day and he'll say, "How was your day?" I still will most often jump to, "Well, I got a lot done and I feel really good about that." It's like, "Do you? Okay, let's talk about that. And there's nothing wrong with achievement, there's nothing wrong with being a driven person. But where you encounter some difficulty is when that becomes your identity. So, on a day where I'm ill, on a day where, you know, the kids didn't cooperate, on a day where something unexpected got thrown on my plate ministry -wise, does that mean I'm less of a person because I didn't check off my list? No, it doesn't. It means that God is the God of interruptions and God is the God of limitations. There's great grace in realizing that we are, you know, the old cliche, we're human beings, we're not human doings. and God has created us that way out of love and care and grace so we can rest at the end of the day even while leaving things undone. And that is the message of Sabbath is that once-a-week God commands doesn't invite doesn't suggest God commands that we rest from our labors and not because everything is done not because everything is polished and finished. And I love what Eugene Peterson, wonderful Presbyterian author has to say about Sabbath, which is that if you work with your mind, you should Sabbath with your hands. So, there should be worship, but also, you know, often my husband is out in the garden on Sabbath because that allows his mind to rest. But if you work with your hands, you should Sabbath with your mind. Busyness keeps us from stability and stability is what healthy people and a healthy society desperately needs. The United States has traditionally been one of the most mobile countries in the world with the average American moving about eleven times in their lifetimes. By contrast, Europeans move about four times. Busyness and the transitory nature of our lives and jobs means fewer deep connections with others. Fostering community is some of the toughest, most painful work we engage in. Being present means that we deliberately choose stability. In a world marked by transience, envy, and rootlessness, committing to stay put is a radical, unusual act. Transience threatens to dull our awareness of God. While stability may not always be our choice (like with a job relocation), it is something to be sought after. Remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of all. Being present is about choices: setting aside time to rest (Sabbath) but also setting aside distractions (like technology). Sabbath is not a gift to you because you've achieved enough. It's actually a gift so that you will rest from your achievement and that's hard. In fact, you write remembering to pay attention can be the trickiest spiritual practice of to hack that a little think in many ways, those are the two primary spiritual disciplines, but what I'm learning is the older I get that the fundamental spiritual practice for all of us is learning to pay attention, to pay attention to God, to pay attention to our neighbor, to pay attention to what God is stirring up in our own souls, to pay attention to what God's stirring up in our broader culture. A lot of it comes back to those practices of noticing and being present with people. This is what Jesus did so well. Jesus was present with people who were very different than he was, people who had been wearing t -shirts with slogans that he did not agree with. And he did that by simply being present with people, by sharing meals with them, by having conversations, by noticing, he meets the woman at the well and through the power of the Holy Spirit, he knows things about her that we wouldn't have known, but we can notice, and we can love as Jesus loved. And so in building community, some of the best tools we have are not going on 100 miles an hour so we can pause at the mailbox and say, "Hey, how was your day?" So we can notice the person in the grocery store check-out line. So, it's slowing down and then practicing that same attentiveness, that spiritual practice of noticing with people. A big percentage of our listeners and viewers are dealing with pain, whether it's physical pain, it's emotional pain, relational pain, or even spiritual pain. So how can we learn to find God's presence in the present moment in the midst of our pain? What a good question. I think the first thing I'd say is sometimes you need to escape the pain a little bit and that's okay. Sometimes what you need are six episodes of the Great British Baking Show and God honors that and God blesses that. God doesn't always force us to face down our pain every minute of every day. So, it's kind of two feet of walking, we face it and then we take a breather, we take a rest, we take a nap. But I think the surprising thing, and we read this so often throughout the journey of Scripture, is that in those most painful moments, we find an intimacy with God that we don't find any other time. I would want to leave them with the gentle permission to slow down, to look up and look around, and to see what grace, God has strewn right in your path, right in front of you. It's easy to look for greener pastures. It's easy to lean into the dissatisfaction that our culture showcases all around us, but truly God has strewn our world with such delight. We slow down and start to look up. It's ours for the taking if we will slow down and be present in the moment. Scripture References: Matthew 5:34 We are warned not to “be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” Matthew 24:42-44 “… keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Jeremiah 29:7 “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Recommended Resources: Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are by Courtney Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Courtney Ellis: Website / Facebook / Instagram / X For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: After six moves in as many years, Courtney Ellis found herself longing for the stability of one place. Her new book Present: The Gift of Being All In, Right Where You Are explores God’s call to be present, cultivating community and contentment right where we are. Courtney is a graduate of Wheaton College and Princeton Seminary. She trained to be an English lit professor before following God’s call to full-time ministry. She and her husband, Daryl, have three children and live in southern California where they pastor. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A deeply felt love of birds is something that can wind its way into all aspects of our lives. It is a journey that writer and pastor Courtney Ellis weaves into her most recent book, Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief, published last year and now available in audiobook. She is also the host of The Thing with Feathers podcast, available in a lot of the same places you can find this one. Also, the recent news about the "de-extinction" of an extinct wolf poses lots of questions for conservation. Subscribe to the podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and please leave a rating or a review if you are so inclined! We appreciate it!
If you love birds or nature, then you are really going to enjoy today's conversation with guest, Courtney Ellis, about her new book, Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief. This is such a great episode about ministry, grief, mindfulness, and soul-care. It's also sprinkled throughout with great bird facts! Courtney is a […]
There is a great correlation between decluttering your life and having more peace of mind. Jim Daly talks with Courtney Ellis about how she's learned to live a simplified lifestyle. Then, John and Danny address the importance of taking time to rest as a parent. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Listen Anytime Busy, Busy, Busy Attuning to God's Presence and Calling Support This Show! If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
What's the best present you have given to your kids? Danny tells John about gifts his kids remember him giving to them. You'll also hear Jim Daly speak with Courtney Ellis on how she's encouraged her children to live a lifestyle of generosity. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered your donation of any amount! Take the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment Listen Anytime Age and Stage eNewsletters Practicing Generosity as a Family Support This Show! If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Life in American culture is filled with busyness. When your to-do list is long, is living a more simplified lifestyle even possible? Courtney Ellis joins Jim Daly to provide some tips for simplifying your life and cleaning out your home. Then, Danny and John explain why having free time in your schedule is a good thing. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime How Do I Declutter My Life? Ideas for Organization If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Keeping the house clean when your kids are growing up can feel like an impossible task. John and Danny bring up how it was a challenge for them when their kids were little. You'll also hear Jim Daly and Courtney Ellis talk about how not having your house perfectly clean is actually good for when company comes over. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime How Do I Declutter My Life? Hospitality For Busy Families If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Trauma therapist , birder, and author of My Summer with Ospreys, Pamela Lowell believes that hope is a great motivator.From her decades of work with people dealing with immense suffering, she's found that nature can be an incredible balm.But when her enjoyment of birds in the marsh behind her home was drowned out by the sound of chainsaws, it turned out that her sanctuary was being clear cut. 100 acres torn down… for a parking lot.Thus began Pamela's foray into activism, birding, and seeking care for the Ospreys who now found themselves at great risk.“Nature can also break your heart,” she said.Join us for this special episode all about Ospreys, but also about hope, transformation, and what a few determined people can do to help save one little corner of the world.Birding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe
All of us are busy raising our kids. As your schedule gets crowded, how do you make time to pray and hear God speak to you? Jim Daly and Courtney Ellis share how learning to hear from God is possible, even when you're super busy. Then, Danny talks with John about how learning to hear from God has helped him be a better parent. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Busy, Busy, Busy Attuning to God's Presence and Calling If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Most of us don't expect our houses to become messy, yet sadly, a lot of us are overwhelmed with stuff. Courtney Ellis and Jim Daly share why it honors God for you to declutter your home. Plus, John and Danny offer hope to those who are struggling to get rid of things. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Attuning to God's Presence and Calling How Do I Declutter My Life? If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Lore Ferguson Wilbert shares with us about her new book The Understory: An Invitation to Rootedness and Resilience from the Forest Floor. Together we talk grief, hope, the birds of the understory, and how sometimes it is when it seems that all hope is lost that God shows up.Links from Lore's show:Lore's book - The UnderstoryLore on SubstackLore's websiteLore on Twitter (we refuse to call it X)Lore on FacebookLore on InstagramThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every other Monday.Enjoying the show? Take a moment and rate, review, or share with a friend. And don't forget to subscribe! Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe
Together we walk through Trish O'Kane's beautiful new book, Birding to Change the World, including the New Orleans disaster story that first led her into birding.Join us for this episode of The Thing with Feathers as Trish, author and senior lecturer in environmental justice at the University of Vermont, illuminates ways we might make a difference for the birds, our neighbors, and ourselves right where we are.From the local marsh to ill-fated fireworks, from Madison, Wisconsin to rural Vermont, making a positive ecological impact is often easier—and more important—than we imagine.Trish was such a wise, kind guest. Our conversation inspired me to look at my own community with new eyes, new hope, and new gratitude.You can find Birding to Change the World anywhere books are sold.Birding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe
How do you and your spouse keep your relationship strong, even when you are busy raising children? Jim Daly speaks with Courtney Ellis about the need for couples to stay committed to each other. Also, John and Danny give a word of encouragement to parents who feel distracted by the demands of life. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime How Children Impact Married Life Contact our Counseling Department If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Does it feel like you're running from one to the next without any breathing room? John and Danny share that many parents feel exhausted in their schedules today. Then, Courtney Ellis joins Jim Daly to discuss how she's learned to say "no" to certain opportunities as a parent Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Busy, Busy, Busy Contact our Counseling Department If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Trauma-informed Certified Grief Educator Mandy Capehart knows a thing or two about sorrow. Her first deep dive into grief came with the surprising and rapid decline of her mother in 2016. From there, she began learning all she could about how we grieve and what might help us heal.Links from Mandy's show:Restorative Grief (Mandy's website)The Restorative Grief PodcastMandy on TwitterMandy on InstagramMandy on FacebookBirding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays.Subscribe on Substack. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe
Courtney Ellis is a bird enthusiast, a pastor, and an author. Her newest book is Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope through Grief. She also hosts a wonderful podcast called The Thing with Feathers. Today's episode is a whimsical, ornithological, and theological swoop through Jesus' beatitudes from His Sermon on the Mount. I asked Courtney to pair a bird to match each of Jesus' eight exclamations and she soared to the challenge. It's a fun way to kick off Summer Solstice! You can find Courtney at https://courtneybellis.com and also on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (now called X, but birders still prefer sending Tweets). Featuring "Songbird" by J.J. Heller (Used by Permission through Musicbed).
Kids and even parents feel the constant temptation to scroll on a smartphone. Danny and John explain why it's such a draw to pull out your phone. Plus, Jim Daly talks with Courtney Ellis, who speaks about some of the ways she's struggled with being on a screen for too long, even while raising kids. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Four Conversations Parents Should Have With Their Kids About Digital Devices Is Your Life a Crazy Mess? If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Sometimes, we all need to get rid of clutter in our homes! But how do you decide what to throw away and what to keep? Courtney Ellis talks with Jim Daly about how she made the difficult decision to let a childhood table go. And, if you regret getting rid of a few things, John and Danny will give you a dose of encouragement. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Is Your Life a Crazy Mess? 10 Better Ways to Clean the House With Your Kids If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Gardening is for the birds!But wait... can gardening actually be FOR the birds? Today we're joined by Jenn McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening, to learn all about creating beautiful outdoor spaces that can bless our feathered friends.Links from Jenn's show:Jenn's blogJenn (Frau Zinnie) on InstagramJenn (Frau Zinnie) on FacebookBirding links:The Merlin Bird ID AppeBirdiNaturalistThe Thing with Feathers is hosted and produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes bi-weekly on Mondays. Get full access to Keep Looking Up at courtneyellis.substack.com/subscribe
Director of Conservation for the Audubon Upper Mississippi River, Dale Gentry believes there are lots of reasons to be hopeful. From new initiatives caring for the forests lining the Mississippi to bird-friendly grass-fed beef, join us as we learn more about what the Audubon is doing to care for creation. Plus: we spend some time renaming the birds. Links from Dale's show: Dale's Audubon page Conservation Ranching Upper Mississippi River Program Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every-other Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Courtney Ellis is an author, speaker, pastor, and host of “The Thing With Feathers Podcast.” She is also a birder, encourager, inspiration-giver, and laugh-bringer based in Orange County, California where she lives with her husband (also a pastor!) and three young children. Get her newest book, Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief is out now. Become a Patreon Supporter!
Avian biologist Emma Rhodes joins us to talk about all things migration, the joy of bird-banding, why American Redstarts are the perfect Halloween bird, and how to manage a huge group of volunteers. Links from Emma's show: Banding Coalition of the Americas Emma on Twitter Emma on Facebook Banding Coalition on Facebook Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
What do you do when there's something in your house you want to get rid of, but your kids want to keep? Danny tells John about a time this very scenario happened in his home. Also, to help you be more organized, Jim Daly and Courtney Ellis will encourage you to teach your kids generosity, and to be honest with yourself about your spending patterns. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime How Do I Declutter My Life? Is your life a crazy mess? If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Does it ever feel like you are running out of space, because you have so much stuff sometimes? Courtney Ellis tells Jim Daly how she's struggled with this very thing as a mom of young kids. Plus, John and Danny will encourage you why taking little steps can go a long way in living a more organized life. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast. Or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Uncluttered for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime How Do I Declutter My Life? Busy, Busy, Busy If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Author, editor, and vulture aficionado Josina Guess joins us this week to talk vultures, sisterhood, and how pressing into the natural world can ground our hearts, minds, and souls. Links from Josina's show: Josina's website Vultures (Josina's essay in Image Journal) Vulture Sister Song Sojourners Magazine Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Talking with Courtney Ellis about, of all things, grief and birds was so wonderfully rich! Before I read her newest book, Looking Up, I had no idea how beautiful vultures could be, for example, and how God’s plans for creation, life and death included, could reveal so much about God’s character and our relationships to … Continue reading Episode 248 – Courtney Ellis
Besides being a bird enthusiast, Courtney Ellis is a pastor in Southern California, the author of several books, and the host of a podcast called The Thing with Feathers. Her new book is Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope through Grief. In this episode, Courtney and Jonathan Rogers talk about delight, presence, and cultivating attention. Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bestselling author Amy Tan gives us a tour of her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles and describes why, even when we're sitting at home, birds can help us feel free. Links from Amy's show: The Backyard Bird Chronicles Amy's website Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Presbyterian pastor Roy Howard is spending his retirement with and for the birds. From Peregrin Falcons to the birds of Ecuador to Gerard Manley Hopkins, Roy takes us on a delightful birding journey. Links from Roy's show: Gerard Manley Hopkins poem Mary Oliver poem Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
SUNY Oswego Assistant Professor and Provost Dan Baldassarre brings us his wisdom on bird banding, the joy of teaching undergrads, Harpy Eagles, and which birds are the most badass. Links from Dan's show: Dan's faculty profile Dan on Twitter Harpy Eagle Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Madison resident Mary Gemignani spends her free time with Sandhill Cranes. Today we learn all about these leggy, gentle giants from a photographer who sees them through a lens of love. Links from Mary's show: Mary on Twitter International Crane Foundation Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
This week on The Substance, we are welcoming back a returning guest and talking about a book that has the best cover we've seen in quite some time! Courtney Ellis returns to the show and this time we are talking about her new book from InterVarsity Press, Looking Up: A Birder's Guide To Hope Through Grief. It's a beautiful book that is part memoir, part counseling session, and part sales pitch for the hobby of birding (Spoiler Alert: we have already downloaded the Merlin Bird ID app since our conversation with Courtney). We also talk coffee vs. tea, how birding has positively impacted her life (including relationships that span ideological boundaries), natural theology and why we don't need to be afraid of it, the role of her grandparents in her formation, and much more! Courtney is also the first guest we have had who has nerded out with my son about their mutual affinity for the Wild Kratts (stay tuned to the end). We hope you enjoy the show and if you do, we invite you to write a 5-star review and share it with a friend! Courtney's previous appearance on The Substance (Ep. 65)! Buy Looking Up Follow Courtney: The Thing With Feathers podcast Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Follow Us: Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Channel Share Your Questions/Suggestions/Feedback With Us: Email: thesubstancepod@gmail.com DM on Instagram Support Us: Support the show with an individual donation on CashApp to $TheSubstancePod or become a monthly Patreon supporter at patreon.com/TheSubstancePod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thesubstancepod/support
Ted Floyd has edited Birding Magazine for decades. He holds the longest consecutive birding streak in eBird and believes in the revitalizing power of getting out into nature daily. Plus: learn why Bushtits are so dang cool. Links from Ted's show: How to Know the Birds Birding Magazine The ABA Podcast Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
On this episode I talk with a relative newcomer to birding, Courtney Ellis. Courtney began birding during the pandemic, and has become a birding enthusiast and ambassador. Check out her podcast The Thing with Feathers, as well as her soon to be released book Looking Up: A Birders Guide to Hope Through Grief. We talked about my episode #148 with Holly Merker where you can hear about Ornitherapy and the Mindful Birding Network. To read more about the things we talked about check out the blog post on BirdBanter.com. Thanks for listening. Until next time, good birding and good day!
Birding royalty Kenn Kaufman joins us to talk about drawing birds, the joy of being a beginner, and his new book The Birds That Audubon Missed. Links from Kenn's show: The Birds That Audubon Missed Kenn on Facebook Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Author of over 30 children's books, Glenys Nellist believes in making space for children (and adults!) to live in wonder. We talk about her brand-new book Song of the Seasons, the differences between American Robins and their British cousins, and the comfort of mystery. Plus: an original song about hope by Ephram Wilkoff. Links from Glenys's show: Glenys's books Glenys on Instagram Glenys on Facebook Ephram's original song, "Hope is a Long Story" Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Essayist and storyteller Shemaiah Gonzalez brings us to her backyard in the Pacific Northwest for all the Starling/Blue Jay drama. Plus, the hope of literature, the joys and struggles of parenthood, and where to find a Trumpeter Swan. Links from Shemaiah's show Shemaiah on X Shemaiah's Undaunted Joy Substack Shemaiah on Facebook Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Courtney talks to the Cape May Bird Observatory's Program Coordinator, naturalist Adehl Schwaderer, about why counting birds is important, how to tell one raptor from another, why the Cape May Birding Festival is so rad (it really is!), and why vultures are the most elegant birds. Links from Adehl's show Cape May Spring Bird Festival Cape May Bird Observatory Trektellen (international bird counts) Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Professional photographer Stu McClay Smith guides us through how to snap that perfect shot, what equipment we need to get started, and why cats (of all things!) are bringing him hope. Links from Stu's show Stu on X/Twitter Stu on Instagram Stu's Photography Website Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Join us as we learn how much we can learn from backyard birds. Today on the show, Emma Greig joins us from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to talk all things Project FeederWatch. From the average number of backyard bird species (you'll be surprised!) to signing up for a free hawk poster, this informative episode is not to be missed. Links from Emma's show: Project FeederWatch Cornell Lab of Ornithology More about Emma Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Orange County, California birder Kristen Johnson serves as a shepherd/pastor at an EFCA church in Fullerton. From southern California hotspots to birding as grief work to caring for singles in the church, this is a conversation not to be missed. Links from Kristen's show Connect with Kristen Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
You long for romantic dates with your spouse, but how are those possible when the schedule is full? John and the Smalley's share how they've navigated busy seasons in their marriages. Courtney Ellis describes how she dealt with a full season in her family. Also, Jodie Berndt offers ideas for how to pray for your mate, even when life is busy. Receive the book Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage: 12 Secrets for a Lifelong Romance" for your donation of any amount! Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a couple by taking our free Marriage Assessment! Wondering if the Hope Restored intensive is for you? Check out the details here. Almost 2,000 marriages will end today. What if you could make a difference in one of those marriages? You don't have to be a marriage expert. And you can make a difference in as little as 60 seconds a day.
Public health professional Andrew Walsh writes on the intersections between faith and science. Join us for a conversation ranging from West Nile virus to the multiverse. Links from Andrew's show: Science Corner: Improper Names (Emerging Scholars Blog) Andrew's book: Faith Across the Multiverse Links birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
Professional podcaster Justin Gerhardt joins us to chat about other ways to identify birds, the joy of curiosity, and why the stories of the Old Testament keep him coming back. Links from Justin's show: Holy Ghost Stories Podcast Birding links: Merlin Bird ID e-Bird Follow The Thing With Feathers: TTWF on Twitter TTWF on Instagram TTWF on Facebook The Thing With Feathers is produced by Courtney Ellis. Original music by Del Belcher. New episodes every Monday. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/courtney-ellis02/message
How can you find ways to celebrate things as a parent? Jim Daly talks with Courtney Ellis about ways she's learned to celebrate spiritual progress in her kids. Plus, Danny and John share how to enjoy seeing your kids mature in their relationship with God. Receive the book Almost Holy Mama for Effective Parenting for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Leading Your Child to Christ Learning From the Prayer Life of Jesus If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
When your kids are little, is making consistent time for God even possible? Danny talks with John about what that season of parenting was like for him. Plus, Jim Daly speaks to Courtney Ellis about how she had to make adjustments to spend time with the Lord while raising little kids. Receive the book Almost Holy Mama for Effective Parenting for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Learning From the Prayer Life of Jesus Attuning to God's Presence and Calling If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Traveling with little kids can be very stressful, but also meaningful. Jim Daly talks with Courtney Ellis, who's a mom of young kids, about things she's learned from traveling with children. Plus, John and Danny share how to keep your focus on God, even in stressful moments. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Almost Holy Mama for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime Adventures in Odyssey Why Families Need Vacations If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Having little kids is wonderful, but also exhausting. John and Danny share about the demands of when each of their kids were small. Plus, Courtney Ellis talks with Jim Daly about how she needed help during a difficult pregnancy. Find us online at focusonthefamily.com/parentingpodcast, or call 1-800-A-FAMILY. Receive the book Almost Holy Mama for your donation of any amount! Learn About the 7 Traits of Effective Parenting Listen Anytime At Your End? So is Jesus How to Be a Better Mom If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Courtney Ellis wants to invite families to follow her example in decluttering her life, her home & her schedule. Courtney also described why too many screens & too much technology is a form of clutter — and how her kids would often see the back of her hand holding a phone instead of seeing her face. (Part 2 of 2) Receive the book "Uncluttered" and an audio download of "Clearing Out Your Space and Schedule" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.
Courtney Ellis wants to invite families to follow her example in decluttering her life, her home & her schedule. Courtney also described why too many screens & too much technology is a form of clutter — and how her kids would often see the back of her hand holding a phone instead of seeing her face. (Part 1 of 2) Receive the book "Uncluttered" and an audio download of "Clearing Out Your Space and Schedule" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive. Get More Episode Resources We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.