Podcasts about cs lewis

In this episode, we read C.S. Lewis' "A Christmas Sermon for Pagans." Why does the post-Christian person need to become pagan again to be prepared to hear the gospel? How has a mechanistic view of nature led us to kill each other? Why do we reject the good news that Jesus ended the need for guilt-offerings, sin-sacrifices, and fear about the afterlife? What happened as a consequence of moderns pushing heavenly truth out of the material world? What is the message of Christmas that offers a cure for all that ails us? SHOW NOTES:  A Christmas Sermon for Pagans https://ia601205.us.archive.org/24/items/c.-s.-lewis-a-christmas-sermon-for-pagans-1946/C.%20S.%20Lewis%20-%20A%20Christmas%20Sermon%20for%20Pagans%201946_text.pdf    More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419916-coming-home-for-christmas  Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419312-face-to-face  Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Prayers-Devotions-Christ-Psalms/dp/1964419263  Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales https://shop.1517.org/collections/new-releases/products/9781964419039-remembering-your-baptism  Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419152-sinner-saint    More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books    MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Nostr https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqszfrg80ctjdr0wy5arrseu6h9g36kqx8fanr6a6zee0n8txa7xytc627hlq   Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media  

In this conversation, BT with guest Scott Smith, explores the themes of modern warfare, societal structures, and the pervasive influence of media on children. He discusses the existential threats posed by willful ignorance and the importance of cultural diagnosis in understanding the impact of entertainment on young minds. The dialogue also delves into the role of sacred art in cultural renaissance, the urgent issue of human trafficking, and the prophetic significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the context of evangelization and conversion.In this conversation, Brandon Wallace discusses the decline of traditional Christian denominations and the impact of modern ideologies on media, particularly children's programming. He emphasizes the importance of creating a 'no watch' list for families to avoid harmful content. The discussion also delves into C.S. Lewis's views on purgatory and the necessity of regular confession for spiritual growth.The Children's Guide to ShowsScott Smith Resources: thescottsmithblog.com

On Washington Wednesday, Hunter Baker breaks down Trump's Tennessee test; on World Tour, updates from Nigeria, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, and Brussels; and a closer look at the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Plus, a cat-astrophic delivery, Erick Erickson on elite isolation, and the Wednesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Ambassadors Impact Network. Helping entrepreneurs with a purpose find the support they need to thrive with faith-aligned financing options. More at ambassadorsimpact.comAnd from WatersEdge. Save more. Do more. Give more. Helping Christians support ministry by giving through a donor-advised fund. watersedge.com/DAF

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how we often reach our lowest point before understanding our need for God before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. The universal human experiences of shame and guilt attest not only to the existence of an objective moral law, but also a moral law giver. Christian conversion calls believers to live according to the moral law by first dying to their old life and then rising to a place higher than before. C.S. Lewis illustrates this bittersweet, downward-then-upward pattern of conversion in several of his fictional and philosophical works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss how we often reach our lowest point before understanding our need for God before introducing Michael Ward. C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. The universal human experiences of shame and guilt attest not only to the existence of an objective moral law, but also a moral law giver. Christian conversion calls believers to live according to the moral law by first dying to their old life and then rising to a place higher than before. C.S. Lewis illustrates this bittersweet, downward-then-upward pattern of conversion in several of his fictional and philosophical works. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener call-in on the special election today in Tennessee’s 7th congressional district. Producer David Doll discusses fear… Seth answers by reading C.S. Lewis’s essay "On Living in an Atomic Age." Billionaire Michael Dell announced today a pledge of $6.25 billion to create additional ‘Trump Accounts’ for newborn children across the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew and David celebrated #CSLewisReadingDay 2025 with a livestream, joined by... Chris Pipkin (The Inklings Variety Hour)Ian Faith (The Screwtape Letters Podcast)Jackson Greer (Christian Letters)E. Stephen Burnett (Lorehaven)Dr Andrew Snyder (Mythic Mind)Dr Crystal Hurd (That Lewis Lady)Andrew Lazo (Pints With Jack)Rilian (Talking Beasts)Matt WheelerBrooke Medina[Show Notes]

Long ago, before the great lion Aslan bounded onto bookshelves, C. S. Lewis wrote a science fiction novel set on mythological Mars. From there, the sequel carried Dr. Elwin Ransom by angels to the sister planet Venus. And from there … the Ransom/Cosmic/Space Trilogy descended to the dull world of corrupt college boards, inner-ring politics, and a secret technocracy bent on world domination with the aid of mad science and demons and everything. Eighty years after That Hideous Strength, we explore why C. S. Lewis created this earthbound and weird and wonderful pre-political supernatural thriller. Episode sponsors Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo A Faie Tale by Vince Mancuso Above the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett Mission update New at Lorehaven: Josiah DeGraaf's Sun Eater series article Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild That hideously obscure front cover image. 1. The temptations to wield inner rings The Ransom Trilogy really includes all three fantastical genres. It starts with sci-fi, continues to fantasy, ends in supernatural. Stephen would have appreciated knowing this before this book! Because that fact, plus the cover, will affect your expectations. More than the other two, Hideous Strength feels a weird hybrid. For instance, it begins on Earth and feels “grown-up,” even dull. Who is Mark Studdock and Jane? Why do we care about them? And where is Dr. Ransom and the creatures of books 1 and 2? But here Lewis is addressing some deep and personal enemies. One of them is the “inner ring” villain he writes about elsewhere. Call this “the room where it happens,” that seat of power. Right now some conspiracists claim to “expose” secret inner rings. Yet more often they're trying to make new “rings” themselves. This “normal,” subtle threat marks the first real evil of the story. Mark, a social-climbing sociologist, craves to reach this influence. Then he gets there … and discovers it's run by the greater threat. 2. A not-so-N.I.C.E. secular technocracy Enter the National Institute for Co-ordinated Experiments. It's a social movement, an actual autocratic state bent on power. They're all about science, social engineering, efficiency, machines. These theorists take the worst of evil ideologies and mix them up. And for Lewis, this represents the worst corruptions of academia. They destroy natural land like Saruman. Hijack history like IngSoc. And they take over newspapers in plain sight like any petty tyrant. Some have different aims/ideas, such as a truly scary revelation about what exactly has gone wrong with the sterility of the Moon. Others are so poisoned by elitism that they “naturally” fall into evil. That's why we call this a pre-political story. Yes, it's about politics and has overlapping theme, but is about the ideas beneath this. N.I.C.E.'s goal: the subjugation of the human race to macrobes. From here, Lewis finally explains the recurring visions of Jane Studdock (revealing the conspiracy) and a holy resistance order. And, lest there be any doubt, we soon learn the worst threat of all. 3. Devils vs. power to demolish strongholds At last, Dr. Ransom enters the story, leading a small diverse group. He's recruited Christian fellow academics, sure, but also one rather sympathetic skeptic, leading women, and working-class folks. Their enemy is not just flesh and blood, but dark spiritual powers. That's why we call Hideous Strength a true supernatural thriller. Astute readers will discern demonic activity behind the veil. That's no surprise for the author of The Screwtape Letters. Yet the activity is more subtle, in allusion, not overt like Peretti. Ultimately we discern the demons/humans spread their evil ideas in an area Lewis knew very well: the corruption of language. Words, meanings, symbols, translations are vital to this story. And perhaps it's no surprise that the ultimate battle is won not by weapons or even direct intrusions of magic, but by word powers. Clearly the author had in mind a certain Genesis 11 narrative! By the end, one hero utters this divine judgment: “Qui Verbum Dei contempserunt, eis auferetur etiam verbum hominis.” (Kee vehr-boom Deh-ee kon-temp-seh-roont, eh-ees ow-feh-reh-toor eh-tee-ahm vehr-boom ho-mee-nees) Translated: “They that have despised the word of God, from them shall the word of man also be taken away.” These villains “have pulled down Deep Heaven onto their heads.” Holy agents unite from the planets and the past to empower good. Lewis also brings in, quite overtly, his love for medieval cosmology and the planetary influences that are crucial to this universe. And now (with a reread) Stephen has experienced this story with delight like he had hoped, particularly with Lewis's latter head-hopping and fun-poking at the expense of N.I.C.E.'s evildoers. That Hideous Strength ends with startling eucatastrophe and celebration of biblical and based virtues, from cosmic to familial. It's no wonder the story has gained new fans in these similar days. Com station Top question for listeners Do you prefer demonic evil in fiction to be overt or subtle? Next on Fantastical Truth Well, we just talked about the first Chronicle of Narnia … the book! Yet many fans found or rediscovered this series thanks to the Disney-distributed, Walden Media–made film from director Andrew Adamson. Want to feel old? That was two decades ago! So now we shall look back at Narnia's journey to the box office with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which released twenty years ago on Dec. 9, 2005.

Gavin Ortlund explores the famous 1931 conversation between Lewis, Tolkien, and Dyson to explore how myth and storytelling might point to the truth of Christianity.Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth.Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/X: https://x.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

What intellectual and social paradigms have made atheism seem like a plausible and viable alternative worldview in the 21st century? What factors have contributed to the cultural dissolution of the Christian faith in our time? On the next two episodes of the Profile, we will tackle some of these questions with our guest, author and teaching fellow of the Davenant Institute in Landrum, South Carolina, Dr. Joseph Minich. Minich's 2023 book Bulwarks of Unbelief - Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age explores the thesis that the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century has created intellectual and social plausibility structures for modern-day unbelief. From the Davenant Institute Dr. Joseph Minich Dr. (PhD, The University of Texas at Dallas) is Faculty Chair and Professor of Philosophy at Davenant Hall. As part of his work, he also co-hosts the Pilgrim Faith podcast. The founding editor of Ad Fontes and former Editor-in-Chief of the Davenant Press, he is the author of Enduring Divine Absence (Davenant Press, 2018) and Bulwarks of Unbelief: Atheism and Divine Absence in a Secular Age (Lexham Press, 2023). His public writing can be found at The Calvinist International, Mere Orthodoxy, Modern Reformation, and Ad Fontes.Link to the audio clip from the couple from the UK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy-QQDlJb20Free Four-Page Articles from Watchman Fellowship: Charles DarwinNaturalismScientismDeconstructionAtheismAdditional Resources from Watchman Fellowship: FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Daniel Ray's The Story of the Cosmos - How the Heavens Declare the Glory of God (https://www.thestoryofthecosmos.com). Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

I continue looking at the issue of diversity and whether it is a preference or obligation. A huge thanks to Seth White for the awesome music!Thanks to Palmtoptiger17 for the beautiful logo: https://www.instagram.com/palmtoptiger17/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thewayfourth/?modal=admin_todo_tourYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTd3KlRte86eG9U40ncZ4XA?view_as=subscriberInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theway4th/ Kingdom Outpost: https://kingdomoutpost.org/My Reading List Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21940220.J_G_ElliotPurity of Heart is to Will One Thing: https://www.religion-online.org/book/purity-of-heart-is-to-will-one-thing/ Thanks to our monthly supporters J Phillip Mast Laverne Miller Jesse Killion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To celebrate C. S. Lewis Reading Day, we look at C. S. Lewis's editorial letter, "Canonisation," where he gives his hesitations with Anglicans adopting the process of canonising saints. We are joined by David Bates from the Pints with Jack podcast to offer a rejoinder to Lewis's hesitations from a Roman Catholic perspective. Find other C. S. Lewis Reading Day activities here.Find more from David Bates at the Pints with Jack Podcastand pintswithjack.comFind more Lesser-Known Lewis — Online: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pintswithjack.com/lesser-known-lewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/lesserknownlewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lesserknownlewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesser-Known Lewis Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: lesserknownlewis@gmail.comGraphic Design by Angus Crawford.Intro Music - Written by Jess Syratt, arranged & produced by Angus Crawford and Jordan Duncan.

Progress is an appealing idea, but what happens when we do not all desire the same things? On this ID The Future, we mark the 60th anniversary of the death of British writer C. S. Lewis as host Andrew McDiarmid concludes a conversation with Dr. John West about Lewis's prophetic warnings to us about science and scientism. Dr. West explains how scientism harms real scientific progress and leads to moral relativism. And he discusses how we can bring science back into alignment with older, deeper human truths. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Source

Grief meets gratitude in a Queens market, a raw Thanksgiving letter, and how writing can create a kind of Deja Vu. Michelle Zauner, CS Lewis.

Send us a textToday's Writing Process episode is with Fantasy author KJ Burrage and this was the second time we had to record it because my computer lost the original audio, but it was just as fun the second time around. Through all of these podcast I ask the same questions and get such different responses from every one of my guests, which is why I love writers so damn much. Kylie's approach is chaotic and planster coded. I would love to know what you think about it. About KylieShe's an author that currently calls tropical North Queensland, Australia home. She has been developing her craft since she was ten years old. Alas, her original floppy discs from 1995 have disappeared!Kylie currently live with my three young daughters, a fiery red-head and identical twins. As a little girl, she dreamed that she would become just like CS Lewis. When Kylie grew up, she decided she wanted to be JRR Tolkien. Now, she learnt to be content with being myself. KJ Burrage suits me just fine.She have a Bachelor Degree in Primary Education with a major in literacy and worked as a primary school teacher. Along with teaching she have also been a co-owner in her own laser engraving business, designing customised and unique giftware.Life can be unpredictable (and unfair). After the sudden and tragic death of her husband, she returned to her passion of the written word. Kylie first began to write picture books for her girls to help them understand and come to terms with their loss. She continued to write. Links:Website: https://www.kjburrage.comSocial media links: Tiktok, InstagramWant exclusive behind the scenes and early access to episodes join up to the mailing list over here.If you're looking for a cheerleader for your writing, then head on over to https://dreamingfullyawake.com/work-with-me/ and let's have a chat about how we can work together to get your writing on track. Follow the podcast on Instragram @thewritingapothecaryFollow Mandi on all socials: @mandikont

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "C.S. Lewis on Christianity". C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. Lewis argues that morality is not only objective, but also that it is universally understood as such. He explains that the awareness of these axiomatic moral truths—what he calls “the Tao” in The Abolition of Man—is what makes us human, and thus our very humanity is threatened by the rise of subjectivism in the West. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "C.S. Lewis on Christianity". C.S. Lewis’s writings bring the great questions of the Christian faith to life. Through his imaginative and invigorating style, Lewis answers these questions in ways that are compelling to those outside Christianity and energizing to those within the Christian faith. Lewis argues that morality is not only objective, but also that it is universally understood as such. He explains that the awareness of these axiomatic moral truths—what he calls “the Tao” in The Abolition of Man—is what makes us human, and thus our very humanity is threatened by the rise of subjectivism in the West. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lesley Logan welcomes back personal coach and former NASA engineer John Mollura for a powerful conversation on confidence, fear, and self-trust. Together they break down why so many high achievers feel stuck—and how it's not about time management but the fear hiding underneath. John shares how to quiet your inner critic, lean into a curious 'seeker mindset,' and rebuild trust in yourself one small promise at a time.  If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:How fear of failure kept John from setting goals or making plans.The “two-by-four” life moments that forced him to realign his purpose.Why photography revealed a deeper coaching calling after years in corporate life.Why true confidence begins with keeping the promises you make to yourself.Why fear drives the “big three” — perfectionism, procrastination, and overthinking.Episode References/Links:John Mollura's Website - https://www.johnmollura.comJohn Mollura's Free Resources - https://www.johnmollura.com/freestuffEpisode 119: John Mollura - https://beitpod.com/ep119The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks - https://a.co/d/0DUsv01AmeriCorps – https://americorps.govBrand Builders Group – https://brandbuildersgroup.comGuest Bio:John Mollura (pronounced muh-LAURA) is a personal coach and speaker who knows what it's like to feel stuck—despite a resume that says otherwise. For fifteen years he led test operations for NASA missions as a literal rocket scientist before becoming a multi-award-winning photographer, with work featured by National Geographic. But behind the achievements and titles, he battled self-doubt, perfectionism, and the fear of taking the next step. John didn't just break free—he built a framework for lasting change. Through a powerful blend of science, storytelling, and strategy, he doesn't just inspire—he equips people with the tools to take action, build confidence, and create real momentum. Get ready to move from hesitation to action, from fear to confidence, and from stuck to unstoppable. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:John Mollura 0:00  The root of people's lack of confidence is they're not showing up for themselves. Because here's what happens, is we're lying to ourselves. We say I'm going to wake up and go to the gym, or this is the year I'm going to start eating healthier, or I'm going to floss my teeth every night. Like, pick a commitment you've made to yourself. If we continually break these commitments time and time again, well, guess what? Our brain recognizes I can't trust me.Lesley Logan 0:28  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:10  Hi, Be It babe. How are you? Oh my gosh. Okay. We have a blast from the past, an amazing person, that every time I hear him speak, I'm just like, yes, yes that, yes this, yes, that, oh, say that one more time. So you guys are gonna want to repeat this. This is an episode on perfectionism, procrastination, overthinking, confidence, fear. It's really good stuff. And our guest is John Mollura, and I'm really, really excited. And if you haven't heard from him on episode 120 I highly recommend, after you listen to this one, go listen to that one, and just see how far people come in such a short period of time, we think three years is a long time, and it's like, you know, like, it isn't, it happens quite quickly. So anyways, you're amazing. John's amazing. This episode is for you. Here you go. Lesley Logan 1:57  Be It, babe. We have a blast from the past, and like the past, I cannot believe that it's I can't believe how long this podcast has been on, because it feels like I just got started, and I'm like, still getting my groove, but John Mollura is our guest today. He was from Episode 120, oh my God, okay. John Mollura, in case people haven't been with us since Episode 120, can you remind them? John Mollura 2:16  And you should go back and listen to all those if you have not.Lesley Logan 2:21  Well, they're gonna have to. Because I think we're gonna share, what I'm excited about is to share a journey. Like, whenever I have a guest back on, it's like, we get to, like, see where you are, and people get to go, oh, wow, behind like, you don't see behind the scenes very much, and you don't like, we just think, like, things just happen, and the light switch just turns on, and everything works out. So tell everyone who you are and what you're rocking at now.John Mollura 2:45  Hey, everybody. So second time guest here on the Be It Pod with my good friend, Lesley. And fun fact is I actually live right up the road from her hubby's parents in the first State of Delaware. Lesley Logan 2:58  It's really hilarious. John Mollura 2:59  Right? Small world, small world. So what I am up to? I am a personal coach, and no one is more surprised to see me in that position than me. Lesley Logan 3:08  I don't know. I had to be really honest. We'll go on with your because, but I just want to say, like, your talk, (inaudible) like, three years ago, about imperfection was so good, like, to me, you were like a coach over a photographer. But anyways, tell everyone why you're more surprised.John Mollura 3:28  Yeah, and I'm talking like, longer than, like, the time you and I have been buddies, but like, just throughout my entire life, dude, I, like Forrest Gump-ed my way through, like, never really had a plan, and I came to realize the reason why I never had a plan is because if you didn't have, like, a plan and a target and goals, guess what, you could never fail. And I was so afraid of failure, like I never wanted to, you know, put my name on something, be like, this is what I want to do. So that is why I say I've, -like, Forrest Gump-ed my way through. And I I'm surprised I'm here, because it was never the plan, because I never had a plan. Lesley Logan 4:05  This is so fascinating. I think people just freaking like, were like, caught, like that, like, caught, you know, because you just said, If you don't have a plan, you can't fail. And I'm afraid of failure. And I think there's a lot of people who have been just like, it's a lot going on, it's really hard to make decisions in this time, like, you know, and it's like you can do that for so long, and at some point, like, there's a calling that you have, the universe is going to force you to do it. Do you feel forced?John Mollura 4:38  So I like to call them two by four moments, Lesley, and these are those moments in life where the universe, or God or who, whomever you believe, is kind of orchestrating all this. If you're not paying attention enough, they whack you upside the head with a two by four. And you find yourself in these situations where it's like you're just forced into these changes, and you know you don't have to answer the call, but the price you pay is that you just have this just spiritual discontent with inside of you, and that is such a yucky and exhausting feeling.Lesley Logan 5:13  Yeah, it really is like, and I think anyone listening like, I can think of times when, like, I feel like I got hit by a back truck, and then you're like, why didn't you tell me before the Mack truck came? And then you look back and you're like, there was a little flashlight right there, and then there was this like thing over here. You ignored those so I had to hit you with a Mack truck to get your attention.John Mollura 5:37  Yeah, yeah. There is a story that I like to tell when I'm doing like a small group, and it's like people are like, you know, they they end up at the pearly gates, and they're like, God, why didn't you save me? And that is like, what are you talking about? It's like, I sent, I told you to leave the house before it flooded. I sent you the news report, and you didn't listen. And then when you climbed on your roof. I sent you a boat, saying, hey, get in the boat. And you said no, and then I sent a helicopter, like, what else do you want? So we don't, we don't pay attention to these signs all along the way.Lesley Logan 6:10  We're expecting it to say, John, this is for you. Like, Lesley, this is yours. And the truth is, is that, like, you know, we all get choice. That's what we were given. We were given this choice to listen or to not to listen, and those choices have consequences. So if you choose not to listen, you get hit by a two by four, hopefully before you drown. Hopefully, hopefully you pay attention before you drown. So, tell, can you take us back to some of the two by fours that kind of shoved you this way? John Mollura 6:40  Yeah. Yeah. So, so my my career again, like starting back with my career after I graduated engineering school from Penn State in like 2001 shout out, Nittany Lions, we are, is I ended up working in the space program. Right?Lesley Logan 6:58  Yeah, which is so badass. It's like the, I mean, it's what every kid grows up to wanting being an astronaut, you got to do that without going to space. But, like.John Mollura 7:06  Space Cadet, yes, astronaut, no, but I did get to work with them, and the reason why I literally fell into that job was because I lost out on an internship with Disney in college and taught rock climbing for the summer, and that actually was what bubbled me to the top of the guy who hired me, who was former Special Forces and he said, Hey, look, I'm like, why'd you pick me? Like, I had, like, a decent grade, other than my shining personality and, you know, rapier wit, why did you pick me, Skip? And he said, I don't need another, you know, gosh darn egg head on this team. I need someone I can send out into the field and not get me or themselves killed. He said, you're smart enough. So again, like, you know, I wasn't planning on ever being a rock climbing instructor, but I was offered the jobs I know other options. That's what bubbled me to the top, where I worked in the space and defense industry for 15 years, leading test operations for NASA and working with elite military units, and a big two by four moment came in 2009 right after our first child was born, where, like, I really felt like I wasn't going to be a good dad, just because, you know, my past trials and traumas. And then right after that, one of my best childhood friends intentionally overdosed and passed away, and I was I was a mess. I was an absolute wreck. And, you know, I can remember thinking, Well, maybe he got it right. Maybe I shouldn't be here. And for whatever reason, I said the Serenity Prayer like it popped in my head.Lesley Logan 8:41  Isn't it funny how we all know that prayer, we all know, like, if that prayer is like, right there, it's like, so like, like, we're, I feel like we're born with it, like it's so good.John Mollura 8:49  Yeah, yeah. And for those of you, you know, here's a variation I love is, you know, accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be, you know. And like, as soon as I finished it, I felt this warm sensation and like, you know that that's when I found, like, true religion and freedom. But it wasn't like all unicorns and rainbows and stuff like that. It was quite the opposite. It was where, like the proverbial scales fell from my eyes, and I realized what an a hole I was in life to protect myself. So that started me on this journey of faith and getting my, you know, just seeing how the world saw me, and I built up this like superhero exterior, but really just to protect the wounded person inside. And as I really came to terms with that and started healing, I started realizing that, wow, this job that I have, like you said, which is, like every kid's dream, like, you know, former 80s kid, like you we grew up watching Star Wars and, you know, all the things like that. I was like, this job isn't satisfying me. This isn't this isn't where I'm supposed to be. I'm good at it. I'm world class at it. But, man, I'm just not happy.Lesley Logan 9:58  Yeah, yeah, that's what Gay Hendricks would call from The Big Leap, he would call, like, your zone of excellence, but not your zone of genius. And, like, It's uncomfortable to be in the zone of excellence for a long time. People think you're weird, but like, you just don't like, you're like, I this, I can do this in my sleep, but it's not challenging me. It's not making me feel satisfied. John Mollura 10:19  Right? Yeah, that's not bringing life into me. So I went and, you know, did the responsible thing, and as a now father of three, and got another higher paying job in engineering, and was even more miserable and out of alignment. Lesley Logan 10:32  Just wanted to make sure. John Mollura 10:34  Yeah, just wanted to make sure this is definitely not for you. So almost, almost eight years ago to the day. We're recording this in early April, on April 7th of 2017 was when I walked away from corporate life and turned my side hustle photography in my full time gig. And it, you know, it was filled with a lot of ups and downs. You know, I had the opportunity, like National Geographics featured my stuff. I photograph my Grammy winners, like all the cool things, but it never really took off. Right? So here, you know, we're already up to two, two by four moments. There's, you know, the death of my friend and my spiritual awakening. You know, realizing this, like, dream career wasn't serving me. So if you're counting along, that's two, two by fours to the head, I don't catch on real quick. And then, actually, our initial conversation, and I looked it up, was in January of 2022, shout out, Brand Builders.Lesley Logan 11:34  I know, I know. Oh my God, that is, that is, I mean, we met, I guess, that is crazy. This podcast has been on for a long time.John Mollura 11:42  Yeah, and it wasn't even about the podcast that was about a webinar. You had this like, zany idea to be like, Hey, does anybody want to talk about imposter syndrome? I'm like, What's that? So I, like, Googled. I'm like, Oh my God, that's what I had even like as I was getting, like, letters of commendation from the military, like I felt like I didn't deserve it, and I was like, one screw up away from, like, failing and like everyone seeing I was faking it. So during this photography career, as the photography was starting to slow down, that came into my life, that came into my path, and then that turned into a keynote, and then the keynote turned, you know, into another keynote called elite level confidence. And that started getting traction. Meanwhile, my photography business is going down, right?Lesley Logan 12:30  Yeah, I'm going to challenge you on that second two by four. I think that the second two by four is a door, like a bridge or just like a guide, because I think, like, you would never have been in the room that you were in. So I feel like, maybe there's a second, two by four. And just like, hey, this photography thing is a beautiful hobby, and you're really good at it, and it's another zone of excellence. But like, they're, we're calling you over here. But I just think, like, I think, like, the everything happens for a reason, and you were in that room because of photography, you know, or maybe there was something inside you that was like, calling you to go for more, and maybe you knew about this coaching thing sooner. But I think, like, I wonder, like, would you have gone from engineering to elite level coaching? Like, you know what I mean? Like, I.John Mollura 13:14  Right, I mean, it all falls together. You know, when you're looking back at the path, it's like, oh, that makes sense. But yeah, in the moment you're like, what the heck it's going on here? Lesley Logan 13:23  Yeah, so okay, I remember, because I get your emails, I remember when you're like, oh, I'm not doing this for I'm closing my studio. And I was like, wow, I hope he's not going back to engineering. I'm so happy you're not. But you know, like, I was just like, oh, because I've been in this world long enough and like, it's really, it is really difficult to whatever your passion is, whether you're a photographer, listening or not, like one of my dear friends, like she makes her magic happen as a photographer, but it is you absolutely can get paid for your passion, but you also have to remember, it's still work, you know? And if it's not, if it doesn't serve you and your family, then it's not serving you, and you have to, like, change it. So, okay, how did you be it till you see it, from photographer to coach, because that I feel like, you know, like, how did you address that? How did you come to terms with your heart? How did you tell your family? How to tell people that I feel like people get stuck on like that, but what are people gonna say? What? How do I explain why I changed again?John Mollura 14:20  Yeah, and that was a lot of internal dialog when I was like, oh man, I'm starting to feel this, this just spiritual discontent again. And I'm like, I've wrestled with it. I'm like, are you kidding me, John, like, like you already had, like, a dream everybody wants. Like, you worked in the space program. You literally worked with astronauts and fighter pilots. Like, how cool is that? And then I did photography again. A lot of people like that. They're like, my dream is to be a photographer full time. And I'm like, oh, no, this isn't really filling me up anymore. So that was something I really wrestled with, Lesley, like, like, I didn't want to tell my wife, who's been on this, like, roller coaster with me, like, because I was embarrassed. I'm like, what is wrong with me? Why am I just such a like, you know, then all the negative voices start, right? It's like, you're a malcontent. You're never going to be happy, you know, all the things and but what I realized, what I really leaned into, was the truth of the matter, was, especially after Covid, because the photography I did, like headshots, portraits, things like that. So I was always working with people, and I saw such a change in people's demeanor. Like, I get it. Being photographed is not anyone's favorite pastime, really. But, like barely.Lesley Logan 15:31  I love it, but I'm weird. John Mollura 15:33  Right. Yeah, there's a very small percentage of people, but you know, every photo shoot would start the same. Good luck getting a good picture of me. And it's like, okay, yeah, that before, but there was something different, especially after Covid, where people just had this just lack of confidence in themselves. So I started realizing, like I was doing coaching sessions with people, just to get them comfortable being in front of the lens of the photo shoot they paid big money for.Lesley Logan 16:02  That's insane. I can totally see that 100%, yes.John Mollura 16:06  Yeah. So that's, that's what I really started leaning into. So my first coaching program that I came up with a couple years ago was called Authentic Men of Action. Because, you know, Rory Vaden, who actually brought us together through his Brand Builders was, he always says, you're best suited to serve the you that you used to be. And I'm like, God, I was a mess. So I thought, let me create this program to to work with men, to really help them take action and get after what is important to them and best serve people that are in their lives. And again, it kind of took off. But then, like, women started reaching out, like their girlfriends and wives, and they're like, Hey, can, like, we get in on this? And I'm like, okay, you know, cue all the limiting beliefs, you know, tripping up like, Oh, you gotta know what to say. You're gonna know how to help people. John Mollura 16:52  Almost like, you know when to, like, hit the button. You're like, okay, here they are. Like, just come at me.John Mollura 17:01  Yeah, yeah. And my wife's like, she's like, you know, you're a father to two daughters, you're a great husband. Like, why don't you just see how it goes, John, and quit over thinking this. Like, okay, so yeah. Then I opened the coaching up to the women, and then the keynotes started. Were with which turned into elite level confidence, you know? And it's just been a beautiful progression of just listening and seeing what the need is, and then answering the call and not letting those limiting beliefs stop me. Lesley Logan 17:24  Yeah, I think it like it takes, in the ideal world is like each time you get to know yourself and what you want more, and that each time you be it till you see it, like the space between hearing and limiting beliefs and still taking action, ideally, gets shorter. Like, I actually don't think that you they just go away. John Mollura 17:55  They never go away. Lesley Logan 17:56  I think if you're not a narcissistic, egotistical sociopath, like if you are, they never go away. You just recognize it. You're like, Oh, I know this station. I can actually just turn it off. Like, thank you. You know, like, I get to, I get to turn that off now, and I think that's so interesting. I also, like, was want to highlight, like, I do think that there's a massive confidence problem, and no one is like, you know, the coaches I've worked with, because I worked with a lot, since I'm in the fitness world, there's a lot of people who are like, you are, like, creating fitness programs so women feel confident. And the truth is, as my coach, is correct, no one is actually Googling how to get more confident, right? Like they're Googling, like, weight loss or whatever, but what they are wanting, the byproduct is confidence. Now that we've on the other side of Covid, I do think there's a lot of people who reckon, who are like, defeated, you know, and, and because, especially people our age who, like, you know, graduated, like, went to college in 2001 graduated to the recessions, you know, then once we started getting our legs under us, then Covid hit. Like, it kind of can feel like, if your evidence is every few years you get knocked down, you may as well stay in a safe place which doesn't make you more confident, it makes you have some dissonance, and that is where a lack of confidence comes from. So I do think that more and more people are needing it and even more aware, but they're using the word imposter syndrome and and other things to to describe it. Okay, you've done speeches before because, like, you had, like, you've had the career with, with space and all that stuff. But like, what was it like to give your first keynote under this, like, this iteration, this, like, next level, this, be it till you see it version of you?John Mollura 19:40  Yeah, one of my coaches told me something that really resonated with me, and now I share it with with my clients that want to, like, do keynote speaking. They said the best thing you can do to reduce the nerves is not to focus on yourself, because if you go out there with this mindset of, like, Oh my gosh. I need to, I need I need to, I need to not forget any lines. I need to hit my marks on the stage. I need to. I need to just, just, just, just crush this like, that's when it goes completely sideways, yeah? Because it's all inward focused. So being switching the mindset of like, okay, I'm gonna go out here. I'm well rehearsed. I've done the preparation that I need to do, and I'm doing that not so I look awesome, but so I can best serve everybody that's out in the audience. So the first time I gave that talk, you know, I did like the rotary thing, where I talked to rotary groups and get my legs under me and refined it. The first official time I gave it was to a group of people that had just completed a year of service with AmeriCorps, and they were transitioning out of that volunteer space. And now, you know, going a lot of them going back into whatever organizations they helped with, but also taking this knowledge and going forward, and they and they've changed, during these years of service.Lesley Logan 21:06  Yeah. Who they were when they started is a very different person, you know. John Mollura 21:10  Right, right. So I partnered up with AmeriCorps because they were, the leadership realized that when people would leave, they were they they didn't, they were kind of rudderless, because they weren't the same person going back to their lives they had before. So they brought me in to speak to them. And is a very beautiful thing about like ways we can sabotage ourselves with, with just, you know, whether it's it's perfectionism or having this kind of lone wolf mentality, building walls in our relationship, you know, focusing on, like perfectionism that leads to procrastination and overthinking and all the things it was helping them see and just be aware of these, these things that will pop up.Lesley Logan 21:55  Yeah, yeah. I sorry to hit you off. I think like understanding how we sabotage ourselves is one of the biggest things we could ever do for ourselves. So you mentioned perfectionism, lone wolf. What are some of the other like ways we can we can sabotage ourselves because we look at it as like it's happening to us, but really we're doing it to us.John Mollura 22:17  Yeah, yeah, yeah. So and that, that's where you know, my newest free resource that I've is on my website for people, it's The Six Leverage Points for Success, and it talks about, you know, creating legacy for yourself, like, how to honor this future you that is out there. You know, how to build your confidence. And we'll, we'll chat about here in a moment, about, like, the like, the real reason, like, why a lot of folks' confidence is lacking, talking about the ways that we can put more structure into our relationships, because people don't like to say, I'm going to put boundaries up, because that seems, you know, like they're keeping everything else. Like, no, it's not about putting walls up around. It's about putting walls up, but then putting some gates in with some quality guards that are there.Lesley Logan 23:05  Yeah, yeah. There's a lot of freedom in a boundary that people don't see it like they see it like as a cement wall. And it's like, well, it's actually just like, a guideline of how you can treat me in this situation. But okay. John Mollura 23:16  Yeah and then helping people understand the value of like focus, because so often when we're on these journeys, like, what are we doing? We're looking to that person over there, and then we're looking at their Instagram account, and then we're, you know, next thing, you know, you're completely side you know, you've spun yourself into the ground because you're looking at everybody else instead of keeping your eyes ahead. And then then finally, talking about helping people get into action. So that that's, that's kind of, those are kind of the ways that I've realized people have been sabotaging themselves. Like, okay, this is what they are, heads up, because awareness is so powerful. Yeah.Lesley Logan 23:52  Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, I I think, like, every time I think, like, something is like, not working, I can actually, if I just, like, take a moment after being upset about what's not working, so, oh, I actually tried to this by myself, or I guided this, like, focusing on, like, where my marks are. Where am I doing this, as opposed to, like, how is this impacting them? Why is this the thing that they need? Like, I can see, like, where I, like, got inwardly focused and sabotaged myself when really, like, I know the answer. And I guess what the cool thing is, you can actually pivot. You can actually just make changes once you're aware. But you have to be aware of these things to see them, yeah.John Mollura 24:34  Yeah and there and there's, there's, there's another component to that, which I found is really powerful, is that it's not just being aware, then it becomes very important that we're not judging ourselves with our awareness. Because when you're judging yourself and you're aware, like, I call that like, that's where the critic lives. Like, these are the people that have had their hearts stomped on, and they're like, never, this is never gonna work. This won't work. No one will want it like that's being judgmental and aware. Where we want to be is we want to shift into, like, what I call being the seeker mindset, which is where you're aware, but then you use, I know, one of your favorite words, which is curious. When we're aware and curious, man, that's where beautiful things happen, right? Yeah, that's where, like, we're a seeker, and we're like, this is where I want to go. I'm not really sure how I'm going to get there, but I'm going to start embracing this journey and seeing what resources and people I have that can help me get to there. And spoiler alert, that there is probably going to shift a little bit, but at least you're going towards that with awareness and curiosity.Lesley Logan 25:34  Oh, I love that you called out the judgment, because I think we can. It's so easy for us to like then be aware oh, here I am being my lone wolf and like, just like, continue going down the judgment zone, which is not where creativity nor confidence can live, by the way, like, judgment and gratitude can't live in the same place. Like, so yeah, it's a whole, it's a whole, those energies don't coexist very well. Okay, so can we talk a bit about confidence? Because, like, I do think, like, I find, first of all, I'm always shocked that people think that people like you or I struggle with confidence. And I think, like, it's really hilarious because, like, I just personally think that they see in us what they want for themselves. And so there's a projection that's happening, and us just doing the thing scared shitless. Like, like, it's what they think is confidence, and really it's like, well, I'm not going around with a sign on my shirt saying I'm scared shitless while I'm doing this, but also I am doing this because I know that if I do this sooner than I think I'm ready, I'm gonna get feedback, and when I get feedback, I can get better. Like, that's actually and then confidence is a byproduct, like, can we because I feel like people have a misinterpretation of what true confidence is. John Mollura 26:51  Right, right. So what confidence is, you know, the definition is a belief in yourself, a belief in your abilities. And I'm going to start this with a question. If I ask you, or most people, I'm sure your listeners are, listeners are all lovely, wonderful people, if I ask you or your listeners, like, when you make a commitment to somebody, like, do you show up to that person you've made the commitment to? Right? Like, pretty much 100% right? What if I tweak that question and said, How good are you at showing up when you've made a promise just to yourself?Lesley Logan 27:31  See, this is interesting, because this is where, like, I'm really good with myself, but I also know that, like, the time, I'm the first born, firstborn daughter, first born grandchild. There's like, the upholder in me is real. Like, if I don't have to tell anyone to do something, I'm going to do it. But that is also where perfectionism lives, so I have to be very mindful of that. Of like, am I doing it because I'm trying to be perfect, or am I doing it because I, like, I said I would do it so. But I actually know from studies that like the most people listening, they don't, they don't keep it to themselves. They keep it for everyone else but themselves.John Mollura 28:08  Right, and that and that right, there is the root, from all the research I've done that's actually the root of people's lack of confidence, is they're not showing up for themselves. Because here's what happens, is we're lying to ourselves. We say I'm going to wake up and go to the gym, or, I mean, this is the year I'm going to start eating healthier, or I'm going to floss my teeth every night. Like, pick, pick a commitment you've made to yourself. If we continually break these commitments time and time again, well, guess what? Our brain recognizes I can't trust me.Lesley Logan 28:44  Oh, there. It's, that's it. That's confidence. It's the ability to trust yourself. John Mollura 28:50  Right. Right? Right? Lesley Logan 28:53  That's so good, yes. John Mollura 28:55  Right, and people, when we're when we get into this headspace of, like, why can't I just do the thing like, why can't I start working out? Why can't I start this business? Why can't I have this critical conversation with somebody? They're like, what I don't understand, what's wrong with me? I work with them all the time that they say this and I say, what's causing it is, obviously the root is, you're not keeping promises to yourself on whatever it is, but because you keep your promise to everybody else, your brain kind of short circuits, because it's like, wait a minute, I do keep my promises. And it's like, no, you don't. So there's this like, weird dichotomy going on in your head, as they say, the only way to rectify that is just start keeping promises to yourself and start giving your brain a new set of data to work with, instead of this old set of data that that you with these promises that you've broken to yourself.Lesley Logan 29:47  Okay, yes to all that, because we get we allow our phones to get new data all the time. We allow scientists to give us new data. We allow so much grace for people to bring in new data and yet for ourselves were like, no, I'm gonna go on that old operating system, like.John Mollura 30:04  Yeah, you're like, working on a Commodore 64. Lesley Logan 30:06  Yeah, oh, yeah. Wait, so this is a funny example. So we've, we got a used car, car of my dreams. It's used, and it is amazing. It is a 2015 that has more technology than my 2020 does. And we, but we were like, Bluetooth-ing to it, which is kind of amazing for a 2015, car to have Bluetooth, right? Kind of amazing. And we're like, oh, it's skipping. I wonder how we update this thing. And it's got, you guys, it has a DVD player. Okay? Car has a DVD player. I didn't know. I was like, oh, it's got a CD player. Were people playing CDs in 2015? No, it doesn't connect to the internet, so it cannot update its system. Like, cannot. I'm gonna have to find some dude, I'm sure it exists here, who, like, can change an operating system. Well, at least that part of the car, right? I'm sure it exists where I live. But it cannot change. However, if we look at that, like, since 2015 how much has technology changed? How much have you changed? How much have you learned about yourself, and if you're still operating off the 2015 version of you, that is going to that is not going to be fun and also going to cause a lot of issues, because the whole world has updated 10 years.John Mollura 31:16  Right. Yeah. And the beautiful thing is, it might sound daunting, like, oh my gosh, I don't want to have to, like, reinvent myself. And how am I going to keep promises to myself? You know, I haven't done the thing that I said I was going to do. How am I going to even start doing it now? And I say, the beautiful thing is, about your brain is it doesn't recognize the magnitude of the promise you keep to yourself, like it doesn't recognize the difference between the promise of like, I'm going to climb Mount Everest or I'm going to floss my teeth every night. All it's doing is kicking the block saying, done, done, done, done, and then eventually you're going to hit, like, a critical mass where you're like, wait a minute. I'm just kind of doing things that I said I was going to do that's wild, because that's the beauty of taking small, consistent actions.Lesley Logan 32:08  Yeah, yeah. It's like, I love that you brought that up. We think we need, like, some sort of big goal to get going. And really, if you are not already consistently hitting things you say you were gonna do that is, like, a recipe for disaster. Like that is a self-sabotage in itself. Like it is, like, if you are, like, wanting to, like, just make sure you put another sabotage. You'll put a goal on. You'll put a habit on. Like, if you don't go the gym every day, you're like, I'm gonna go the gym five days this week. I don't even need a crystal ball to tell you that you won't. It is impossible to go from never putting your gym bag in the car, going to the gym, hitting the red lights, getting out, knowing where the equipment is, to get in a decent workout, to get the dopamine high that makes you want to go back again. Like it doesn't work. If you live in my town, every other day there's a new construction site. So you don't even get to go the same route, you know, so like, but you have to make it small so it's attainable. That's where you know that perfectionism stuff lies, because then people are like, well, if it's not, if I don't do it, if it's not all or nothing, then it's not worth doing. Like, how do you talk to yourself about doing a small thing? What did you do? John Mollura 33:19  Right. And a lot of that comes down to like that, like, you hit the nail on the head, where people are like, well, I don't have time to get in my hour long workout, so I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it tomorrow, because, you know, I strive for excellence, and I if it's not done right, it's not worth doing at all, which I say, time out. Like, what's better? 45 minutes of exercises, and maybe you don't do the squats and the overhead press for another set or zero? Like, it's perfectionism. This, this kind of all or nothing mentality, and I call these the big three, Lesley, there's perfectionism, there's procrastination, and then there's overthinking, right? Those are three big things that just derail us from doing the things that we want to do, or the things we say are so important from us. And the good news is about these three, perfectionism, procrastination and overthinking, is they all have the same root, like we don't focus on perfectionism because we really care so much about whatever it is. We don't procrastinate because we suck at time management. That's the story we tell ourselves. I'm just bad at time management.Lesley Logan 34:31  Yeah, we're not, because there's plenty of proof that you've, like, nailed some things on time, like. John Mollura 34:35  Right, right. We don't overthink because, you know, it's just so important to us that we think of every considerable contingency. The root of procrastination, perfectionism and overthinking, it's fear, and if we get a handle on fear being the root of procrastination, perfectionism and overthinking, now we can get honest with ourselves. We can start telling ourselves the truth of what am I so scared of?Lesley Logan 35:03  Yeah, yeah. I mean, that's the question of the day. John Mollura 35:08  Yeah. And it, and it goes back to when we first started here. I said I never came up with a plan, because if you don't have a plan, you can never fail, right? You never, you can never miss your target. So it's the same with procrastination or perfectionism. We find, I bet, if we're honest with ourselves, a lot of things we procrastinate the most on or get, you know, tangled up in perfectionism and overthinking are the things that are probably the closest to our heart and perfectionism, procrastination, overthinking are so convenient ways to hide because if you procrastinate for long enough, you never do the thing. And you can never fail. You try to keep making it perfect, which, spoiler alert, perfection doesn't exist, everybody. Excellence does not perfection. We never have to do the thing. And the reason why these are usually so coupled to the things that are so important to us is because one of our greatest fears as humans, I mean, like we're social creatures, right? One of our deepest fears of everybody is just the way we're wired, is to be kicked out of the tribe, the village, the clan, whatever it is. So a lot of times we resist most putting the things out that show the most of us, because we don't want people to reject us, reject what we're doing, because that taps on a very primal fear.Lesley Logan 36:37  Yes, oh, I mean, I mean, so much so, like, I remember not wanting to put out a YouTube video. My husband's like, you should be on YouTube. It's like, you know, 2014, I was like, no, no no, because people are gonna hate it, and they're gonna wonder, who they who am I to do this? There's other people who in my industry who have been teaching longer, and they should have the time. And he goes, I don't know who those people are. I don't care. You need to be on YouTube. And I remember being so scared, and I did the thing because I had to do it kicking and screaming with him, and no one actually got mad. And I was like, oh, then what am I actually afraid of? You know, like I was afraid of being kicked out of, like, the industry, like people would think that I'm some narcissist who thinks she knows everything, and really, what I do get instead, because I did it, is that people love how I show things imperfectly. I'm quite honest and candid about where I am. I'm very direct, and I'm I invite them to go there's actually, like, your body's gonna look different doing this. And so because, because I was, because I should have as me and focus on like the person viewing it, versus like me, it actually turned out to be the best thing I could ever done, because it's so much more authentic. And what I was afraid of didn't happen. In fact, I got brought into the community more, you know, like, and that's but, you know, here's the thing, it is true that whatever you want to do, you might get kicked out of your tribe. You might. There are, there are people who are assholes, and then probably, if you ask yourself, like, do I really, like, want to be in this tribe, not being my authentic self the and you know what I mean, like, I so you're gonna get a two by four to the head, is really what's gonna happen. But your tribe might come with you. You'd be surprised, like, how many people were like, Whoa, John or Lesley really did the thing. And I'm, I'm inspired by them, they actually might join in.John Mollura 38:31  Yeah, there's, there's a quote by CS Lewis that I absolutely love. You know, the dude who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia is he says friendship is born that moment that someone says, Wait a minute, you too? I thought I was the only one. Right? Lesley Logan 38:50  Well, John, I could talk to you forever about confidence and imposter syndrome. I really do love this topic. I'm so freaking glad this is what you're doing, because your journey has brought you here. And one of the reasons I wanted to have you back on the pod is, like, I think people get so hung up on like, well, I said I was going to be the photographer, so I've got to be the photographer. I made that switch. And the reality is is like, that could have just been the first next step for you. And so I really wanted people to see, like, what can happen. Look what can happen in three in three years. Like, that's kind of insane. Like, it sounds like a long time. It's not a long time. I can't believe this podcast has been this long. I feel like I just started it. So even though. John Mollura 39:36  That's really hitting you deep, isn't it? It's like the fifth time you mentioned.Lesley Logan 39:36  I know I might.John Mollura 39:36  Let's unpack that, Lesley. Lesley Logan 39:36  Well, here's what it is. The unpacking is, I actually don't think I'm getting older. I think I'm the same age I was when I moved to Vegas. Like I, actually, we moved here in June of 2020, so in two months, this will have lived here for five years. And It shocks me every day, because I feel like we just moved here. And so when things like this happen, or I meet my friend's kids I haven't seen a few years, I'm like, oh I have gotten older, and, like, not that I'm scared of getting older. That's not it at all. It's just that I actually haven't noticed that. I haven't noticed how much time has flown. And I think one, it's good to notice it, because you can celebrate all that you have done in the last three years. It's kind of epic, right? And then two, time is always going and so what are we doing with that time? You know, if you are procrastin on something, I hope that the five times I mentioned, like, how long it's been, you realize, if you were with us on episode 120 and you still haven't done the thing you wanted to do, like, this is your sign. John Mollura 40:37  Yeah, here's your two by four. Lovingly swung by Lesley and John. Lesley Logan 40:41  Yeah, yeah. I mean, like, I think that's really the unpacking. It's like, I hope that people who have have listened from that episode on have either noticed their sabotaging moments or are going, oh my goodness, it has been three years. Okay. What can I do today? You know, like, what can I do to be it till I see it today? Like, that's what I hope. Let me get this, anyways, we're gonna take a brief break and we can find out where people can find you, follow you, work with you. John Mollura 41:08  Super duper. Lesley Logan 41:10  Hi, John. Where do you hang out? Where can they take your group or your coaching or watch a keynote? Where's it all happening?John Mollura 41:18  Yeah, so they can go to johnmollura.com J-O-H-N-M-O-L-L-U-R-A dot com, and there is a fun little button there that says, schedule a free call with John. And it is truly that. It is a free call with me, because I just love to chat with people and see where they're at. It's not a sales call. It's just, I love having conversations with people about that. So johnmollura.com they can also download the free resources, the six leverage points for success that I talked about, and they can also get my Elite Level Confidence Blueprint. So there's actually two free resources there. They are under the free stuff tab, creatively titled, but yeah. Just love to connect with people. I post regularly on Instagram, little daily things there my thoughts and musings, and sometimes there's just funny stuff or bloopers. So, John Mollura on Instagram.Lesley Logan 42:09  I love it. Okay, you have given us so many things. And obviously those freebies sound like a Be It Action Item all in themselves, but what bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps can people take to be it till they see it? John Mollura 42:19  Right. So when you face these decisions, moment to moment, minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day, when you hit those decision points, you need to ask yourself, is what I'm going to do or not do going to cause me to be a hero to the future you? Is it when I meet the future you in the future, is it going to be standing there like downtrodden, tired, disappointed that we didn't go after it, or when you meet the future you, is it going to just like high five you and give you a big hug and say, thank you for honoring me, thank you for doing the thing in that moment.Lesley Logan 42:19  Oh, I love that. Oh, that's so fun. John Mollura 42:38  Yeah, super deep. Lesley Logan 42:48  That's great. I think that's such an impactful way to explore the fear, too. Yeah, guys, how will you use that tip in your life? Make sure John knows. Make sure you share it with the Be It Pod. Also share this episode with a friend. You know those friends who like keep overthinking the thing or procrastinating send it to them, they will only notice at this moment that why you're sending it to them. But like, you know, sometimes people need to hear it from someone else in a different word or just a different time, and so that's how we actually all rise up. We need to do it together. That's what makes your sandbox with your boundaries a more playful place, because everyone is understanding where that's coming from. So thank you for listening. John, thank you for being here. Fun to catch up with you. It's so good. We'll have to, we have to see each other in real life at some point. But, you guys, you know what to do. Until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 43:54  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 44:36  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 44:41  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 44:46  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 44:53  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 44:56  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What was the world like that CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien wrote their stories in? And how did their work change things? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author and historian Dr. Joseph Loconte. References and resources:   Tolkien and Lewis fantasy influence: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-companion-to-fantasy-literature/tolkien-lewis-and-the-explosion-of-genre-fantasy/47A1D63A6D2D6F2553664D98F0F2EC1D Lewis and Tolkien's influence through their fantasy writing and school curriculum: https://aeon.co/essays/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-oxford-school-of-fantasy-literature?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Lewis and Tolkien influence on Christian thought leaders: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2000/04/books-of-century/   Lewis books sold: https://www.cslewis.com/us/about-cs-lewis/   Tolkien books sold: https://200.hc.com/stories/j-r-r-tolkien-and-the-trilogy/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes Joseph Loconte: https://sagamoreinstitute.org/joseph-loconte/

One of the clearest signs that God has changed a person's heart is generosity. Scripture makes it plain: giving isn't merely an act—it's a reflection of God's own character. As believers, we give not because we have to, but because God has given richly to us.Today, we explore what the Bible says about generosity and highlight timeless wisdom from Christian voices throughout history. Their words still inspire us today to give joyfully, sacrificially, and with hearts shaped by the gospel.A Biblical Vision of GenerosityThe Bible paints a sweeping picture of generosity—one that reaches far beyond financial giving.Generosity Begins with CompassionJesus taught, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Generosity starts with seeing the needs right in front of us and responding with compassion, humility, and love.Giving Flows from the HeartThe apostle Paul reminds us that our gifts should reflect the posture of our hearts: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”Generosity isn't measured by the amount of money given, but by the joy, gratitude, and trust behind it.Generosity Reflects God's CharacterPsalm 112 connects generosity to righteousness itself. Giving is not just something Christians do—it becomes part of who we are when our lives are aligned with God's heart.Timeless Christian Wisdom on GivingThroughout the centuries, believers have wrestled with what it means to give faithfully. These quotes reflect deep biblical conviction and continue to encourage us today.C. S. Lewis“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”Lewis reminds us that generosity stretches us—it costs something. Yet in that stretching, God grows us.John Wesley“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can…as long as ever you can.”Wesley captures the spirit of a life poured out for God: comprehensive, intentional, and relentless generosity.A. W. Tozer“Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.”Our giving invests in eternity, turning temporary resources into lasting treasure.Billy Graham“Tell me what you think about money, and I will tell you what you think about God… A man's heart is closer to his wallet than anything else.”Graham's words challenge us to consider how closely our financial decisions reveal our spiritual values.Evelyn Underhill“The spirit of adoration is the spirit of generosity, for worship is giving.”True generosity flows out of worship—a recognition that everything we have is a gift from God.Randy Alcorn“Giving affirms Christ's lordship. It dethrones me and exalts Him.”Giving reorders our priorities. It loosens our grip on earthly security and strengthens our trust in Christ.St. Augustine“Charity is a virtue which…unites us to God, for by it, we love Him.”For Augustine, generosity wasn't just an action—it was spiritual formation.Amy Carmichael“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”Our giving is evidence of Christ's love alive in us.St. Paula of Rome“The more we give to Christ, the more we possess Him.”Generosity deepens our fellowship with Christ, reminding us that He is our true treasure.Jesus ChristWhen sending His disciples, Jesus said: “Give as freely as you have received.” (Matthew 10:8)All Christian generosity begins here—in response to His grace.Giving as a Reflection of the GospelWhen we give, we echo the heart of the ultimate Giver. Jesus held nothing back—not even His own life. Generosity isn't defined by the size of the gift but by the surrender of the heart.Every act of giving becomes a small reflection of the love of Christ in us.At FaithFi, we're committed to helping you integrate your faith and finances in a way that reflects God's glory. That's why each issue of our Faithful Steward magazine is designed to encourage you to:Live wiselyGive generouslySee God as your ultimate treasureWhen you become a FaithFi Partner by December 31, you'll receive all four issues of Faithful Steward—plus our brand-new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, releasing early next year. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm in the process of redoing my will—this is actually the second attorney I've worked with—and I want to leave my house to my daughter, who's on SSDI. The attorneys I've spoken with both mention trusts, but they offer different opinions, which is confusing. What would you recommend? Also, I still owe about seven years on the mortgage at a 3.75% interest rate. Should I pay it off now or keep making payments?How should I advise my 19-year-old granddaughter on investing? Right now, she saves her cash in an envelope or in the bank, but I want to help her get started investing in a simple, conservative way. What's a good company or platform for her to begin with—something that doesn't require a lot of money to start?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)National Christian Foundation (NCF)Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | Betterment | StockpileWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

Today, science has uncovered many wonders about the cosmos and about life within it, but science has also "reduced" most everything in the universe to virtually nothing. In our attempt to understand the universe and ourselves down to a quantified, subatomic constituency we have not only emptied the universe, but also virtually emptied ourselves. C.S. Lewis well understood that scientific quantification of the physical universe and scientific empiricism in general, cannot be the foundational paradigm for how we understand the cosmos and our place within it. Lewis was not criticizing science per se, however. Rather, he was highly critical of the belief that the scientific quantification of reality was the only way to understand reality. In such a universe, the essential facets of what make us human, morality, virtue, truth, beauty, and goodness all become mere emotive sentiments. This week on the Profile we continue our conversation with C.S. Lewis scholar Dr. Michael Ward about Lewis's prescient work The Abolition of Man and how it remains relevant for us today. From michaelward.netMichael Ward is an English literary critic and theologian. He works at the University of Oxford where he is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis (Oxford University Press) and of After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man (Word on Fire Academic); he is the co-editor of The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis (Cambridge University Press). Though based at Oxford in his native England, Dr Ward is also employed as Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas, teaching one course per semester as part of the online MA program in Christian Apologetics.Free Four-Page Articles From Watchman FellowshipCharles Darwin Carl Sagan's CosmosNaturalism Deconstruction FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

What happens when science leaves human values behind? Or when governments become beholden to scientists? On this classic ID The Future out of the vault, we mark the 60th anniversary of the death of British writer C. S. Lewis as host Andrew McDiarmid begins a conversation with Dr. John West about Lewis's prophetic warnings to us about science and scientism. Dr. West discusses what scientism is, what happens when science neglects deeper human truths, and how Lewis warned against the rise of technocracies. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Source

C.S. Lewis dedicated his book, The Screwtape Letters, to his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, and Tolkien dedicated his Lord of the Rings to the Inklings, the Oxford literary group they were both a part of. These two literary giants formed a friendship that changed the world, and each other. Ed Stetzer talks with playwright, Dean Batali, whose play, Lewis and Tolkien, explores their friendship and the eternal themes that defined their work: faith, myth, sacrifice, and the power of story on Ed Stetzer Live. Ed Stetzer Live is a listener supported program. To donate, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer Live, click here.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/edstetzerliveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

C.S. Lewis dedicated his book, The Screwtape Letters, to his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, and Tolkien dedicated his Lord of the Rings to the Inklings, the Oxford literary group they were both a part of. These two literary giants formed a friendship that changed the world, and each other. Ed Stetzer talks with playwright, Dean Batali, whose play, Lewis and Tolkien, explores their friendship and the eternal themes that defined their work: faith, myth, sacrifice, and the power of story on Ed Stetzer Live. Ed Stetzer Live is a listener supported program. To donate, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer, click here. To learn more about Ed Stetzer Live, click here.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/edstetzerliveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Friday morning, the 21st of November, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go straight to 2 Corinthians 5:17:”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” No regrets about the past. If you're a new person in Christ, you've got to look forward. Remember, I'm the farmer. You can't plough a straight line if you keep looking behind you. We've got to move forward. There is no future in the past. I looked up the Oxford dictionary to find out the literal meaning of the word “regret”. Do you know what regret is, young person? “Aah, I shouldn't have done that. I wish I hadn't done that,” and the older people, ”Man, I should have thought more. I should have phoned my friend before he died, but he's gone now and I won't get a chance to speak to him again in this life.”A regret, according to the Oxford dictionary, is “to feel sorry or to be disappointed about something that you have done or something that you should have done.” There's no point in looking back, we've got to move forward. Now, C S Lewis, is one of my favourite authors, a very deep man in the Lord. A man who had a previous life, he was actually an atheist, he had no time at all, he didn't believe in God, and then he had a beautiful encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and this is what he says. He says, ”You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”Isn't that beautiful? I'll say that once again. I think it's very pertinent today to somebody who's trying to come to grips with maybe something terrible that happened in the past. You wish you could rectify it, but you can't. He says you can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start, that's today, where you are, and change the ending! Let's do it, you and I, let's say: Lord, we are so sorry for the mess-ups we've made in the past, the people that we've hurt, the things we should have done and we didn't do it, but Lord, I want to start today and I want to change the ending of my life. In Jesus' name, amen.God bless you and goodbye.

When people think of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, they often picture tweedy Oxford professors and beloved fantasy authors. But their writing wasn't drawn only from their bucolic days teaching at Oxford and walking in the English countryside; it had a darker, deeper backdrop: the trenches of World War I and the cataclysm of World War II. Lewis and Tolkien weren't just fantasy writers — they were war veterans, cultural critics, and men with firsthand knowledge of evil, heroism, and sacrifice.In today's episode, I'm joined by Joseph Loconte, returning to the show to discuss his latest book, The War for Middle Earth. We explore how both world wars shaped the perspectives of Tolkien and Lewis, found their way into works like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, and infused their literary masterpieces with moral weight, spiritual depth, and timeless themes of resistance, friendship, and redemption. We also talk about the legendary friendship between Tolkien and Lewis, the creation of the Inklings, and how the men demonstrated the countercultural power of imaginative storytelling.Resources Related to the PodcastRelated AoM podcasts:#178: The Inklings Mastermind Group#272: Lewis, Tolkien, and the Myth of Progress (Loconte's first appearance on the AoM podcast)#430: Why You Need to Join the Great Conversation About the Great Books#499: A Fascinating Primer on Norse Mythology #594: How Churchill (and London) Survived the Blitz of 1940#723: Men Without Chests#765: C.S. Lewis on Building Men With Chests#951: The Hobbit VirtuesRelated AoM articlesThe Power of Conversation: A Lesson from CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Lessons in Manliness from Viking Mythology Lessons in Manliness: The HobbitMen Without Chests“Blood, Sweat, and Tears” speech by Winston Churchill4 Classic Chapter Books to Read Aloud With Your KidsRelated outside articles:Tolkien's Deadly Dragons Munich AgreementOwen BarfieldTolkien books mentioned:The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Beowulf translated by Tolkien The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings Beren and Luthien Letters from Father Christmas Lewis books mentioned:The Letters of C.S. Lewis The Collected Poems of C.S. Lewis The Pilgrim's RegressThe Chronicles of NarniaThe Great DivorceThe Screwtape Letters The Space Trilogy The Four LovesMere Christianity The Reading Life Related books by other authors:Tolkien and the Great War by John GarthThe Somme by Martin GilbertThe Guns of August by Barbara TuchmanThe Future of an Illusion by Sigmund FreudThe Aeneid by VirgilPhantastes by George MacDonaldThe Vinland SagasThe Iliad and The Odyssey by HomerThe Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas MaloryConnect With Joseph LoconteJoseph's websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is gluttony really? If you’ve ever worried about overeating, obsessing about food, or wondered whether enjoying that extra slice of cake is a spiritual failure, this episode is for you. Best-selling author and host Heather Creekmore dives deep into the true heart behind gluttony—exploring why our modern definitions miss the mark and how diet culture and church culture have distorted our understanding. Heather reframes gluttony, drawing on biblical insight, church history, and thought-provoking examples from C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller. She challenges the idea that gluttony is simply about having seconds or what’s on your plate and asks powerful questions about cravings, control, and where we derive our satisfaction. Plus, Heather explores how misplaced fears about food can keep us stuck and why true freedom comes from surrender—not self-denial. Whether food has become a source of stress or you’re striving for perfect control, this conversation will open your eyes to new ways of understanding your desires and finding satisfaction. Ready to rethink gluttony and experience food freedom? Listen now for practical encouragement, spiritual wisdom, and a fresh take you won’t want to miss! Episodes Mentioned: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Gluttony? (Heather references this episode where she goes through the whole Bible on this topic) Craving Jesus vs. Craving Food (with Erin Todd) More on body image: The 40 Day Body Image Workbook Tim Keller's sermon on Gluttony: The Case of Achan For links and more resources, visit improvebodyimage.com or find Heather’s books on Amazon! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“I don't know where the Lion came from or why He came. But once He was there, He pulled the whole story together.”

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

On the last four episodes of the Profile, we have discussed the importance of understanding and living in accordance with the fact that we as human beings are intentionally created by God, in His image. When we lose sight of this central truth about our humanity, much moral and societal confusion and many evils will soon follow. If naturalism is true, then morality and virtue are mere sentiments, not anything objectively true or real. Literary scholar and Christian apologist C.S. Lewis recognized what individual and cultural consequences would follow in the wake of moral relativism. On this episode of Apologetics Profile, we discuss C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man with Lewis scholar and author Dr. Michael Ward and how Lewis's thoughts are still very much relevant for our time. From michaelward.netMichael Ward is an English literary critic and theologian. He works at the University of Oxford where he is an associate member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis (Oxford University Press) and of After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man (Word on Fire Academic); he is the co-editor of The Cambridge Companion to C.S. Lewis (Cambridge University Press). Though based at Oxford in his native England, Dr Ward is also employed as Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas, teaching one course per semester as part of the online MA program in Christian Apologetics.Free Four-Page Articles From Watchman FellowshipCharles Darwin Carl Sagan's CosmosNaturalism Deconstruction FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free.PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (over 600 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/notebook. SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/give.Apologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

The second half of an article from 1944, "Answers to Questions on Christianity," C. S. Lewis provides, well, answers... to questions... on Christianity. His focus is on the ordinary, everyday Christian trying to live out their faith in the modern world and workplace. He has in mind Christian questions about work and modern progress and practical theology. Find more Lesser-Known Lewis — Online: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠pintswithjack.com/lesser-known-lewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/lesserknownlewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lesserknownlewis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesser-Known Lewis Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: lesserknownlewis@gmail.comGraphic Design by Angus Crawford.Intro Music - Written by Jess Syratt, arranged & produced by Angus Crawford and Jordan Duncan.

David and Roseanna White came from a strong Baptist faith, and Roseanna began a successful career writing Christian historical fiction, with David founding a publishing house. Fascinated by CS Lewis and his description of Christianity as a house with different denominational rooms, Roseanna decided to search out which “room” she belonged in. The more she and David researched it, the more they realized that the roots of Christianity were ultimately Catholic; it was the Catholic Church that put together the Bible, that preserved the Faith, and that had the fulness of truth. They came into the Catholic Church together in the Fall of 2021.

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

Is there any redeeming value in reading fantasy literature or literature from the ancient world that is not distinctively Christian? What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem? What does truth have to do with fiction? Our guest again this week, an advocate for classical Christian education, Dr. Louis Markos, believes that reading fantasy or any of the classical works from pagan antiquity is an essential component to a classical Christian education; one that enables students to understand and appreciate the bigger historical and cultural contexts picture related to the origins of Christianity, as well as equips them to better grasp who they are as human beings created in the image of God. We continue to discuss his new book Passing the Torch - An Apology for the Christian Faith. Dr. Louis Markos is an authority on C. S. Lewis, apologetics, and ancient Greece and Rome. He lectures widely for classical Christian and classical charter schools and conferences. Markos is the author of twenty-six books, and is the Robert H. Ray Chair of Humanities at Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas. Free Four-Page Watchman ProfilesNaturalismPantheism Carl Sagan's Cosmos Panpsychism Charles DarwinPrevious Apologetics Profile Episodes with Dr. MarkosThe Myth Made Fact Part OneThe Myth Made Fact Part TwoAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Sermon Summary: “The Resurrection Life” (Mark 12:18–27) Preached by Coleton Segars Introduction: You Can Learn a Lot from an Argument Coleton began with a story about a moment of conflict in his front yard—when someone yelled at his wife, and he immediately stepped in to defend her. His point was simple but powerful: you can learn a lot from an argument. That's true in life, and it's true in Scripture. The argument between Jesus and the Sadducees in Mark 12 shows us a lot—not just about them, but about how our own beliefs about the resurrection shape the way we live today. In this passage, the Sadducees—religious leaders who didn't believe in resurrection—try to trap Jesus with a clever theological puzzle. They present an absurd story of a woman who marries seven brothers (following the Levirate law in Deuteronomy). Each brother dies without leaving children, and then they ask: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” (Mark 12:23) They aren't sincerely curious. They're mocking the idea of resurrection. But Jesus' response reveals two deep truths about life after death—and why those truths matter more than we realize. How We View the Resurrection Shapes How We Live “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” — Mark 12:24 Coleton explained that the Sadducees' disbelief in the resurrection shaped everything about their lives. Verse 18 says they were known as “those who say there is no resurrection.” Because they believed this life was all there is, they lived for this life only: chasing after wealth, status, and power. They looked down on others. They thought Jesus was foolish for believing in something beyond the grave. Jesus told them they were badly mistaken—but their mistake wasn't just intellectual. It was moral and spiritual. Their disbelief formed the foundation of how they lived. Coleton showed that this is always true:  What we believe about life after death determines how we live this life. He illustrated it with examples from history and world religions: Vikings believed dying bravely in battle led to glory in Valhalla—so they lived without fear. Certain Islamic traditions taught that dying in holy war brought heavenly rewards. Hinduism believe reincarnation depends on one's karma—so kindness and duty matter deeply in this life. Even for us, our view of the afterlife quietly directs how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. Coleton then described four common ways people misunderstand or misbelieve the resurrection today: “Never think about it” – Like the Sadducees, we live as if this world is all there is. “You only live once,” so grab what you can. “Think about it too much” – Some see this world as disposable and stop caring about God's purposes to renew it. “It won't be better” – Fear of the unknown or of death keeps us from living courageously like Paul, who said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” “Everyone goes to the same afterlife” – This leads to apathy about the gospel and the Great Commission. Coleton's conclusion was sobering: “Our current life is shaped by how we view the life to come.” So how should we view it? Life After Death Is True for Everyone—Whether They Believe It or Not “‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” — Mark 12:26–27 The Sadducees didn't believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits. They only accepted the first five books of Moses as authoritative. So Jesus met them on their own ground—quoting from Exodus, one of Moses' books—to prove that even there, resurrection is implied. When God said, “I am the God of Abraham…”, He used the present tense. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been dead for centuries—but God said He is their God, not was. That means they are alive to Him even now. Jesus' argument is brilliant—and undeniable:  Resurrection life is real, and it's true for everyone, believer or not. Coleton tied this to John 5:24–29, where Jesus says that one day all the dead will rise—some to eternal life, others to judgment. There is no “sleep of nothingness.” Everyone will live again. That truth should stir two responses in us: Urgency to share Jesus.  “If you truly believe everyone will rise—either to life or judgment—you'll want to tell people about Jesus.”  Coleton asked, “Do you have people in your life who don't know Him?” If we believe in a real resurrection, we can't stay silent. A call to make Jesus compelling.  “Is the way you follow Jesus making Him beautiful or unappealing?”  He warned that if Christians live joyless, judgmental, bitter lives, our witness turns people away from Jesus. Paul, though suffering, radiated peace and joy that made others want to know his Savior.  The question Coleton pressed was:  “Is your life a reason people would want to know Jesus—or a reason they'd want to reject Him?” Life After Death Will Be Better Than We Can Imagine “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” — Mark 12:25 The Sadducees mocked the idea of resurrection by pointing out how complicated relationships would become. But Jesus' response essentially says: “You're assuming heaven works like earth—but it doesn't.” Coleton explained that Jesus isn't attacking marriage. He's saying that in the resurrection, all the brokenness and limitations of this life—our relationships, bodies, and systems—will be transformed. He quoted several theologians to help make the point: Mark Strauss:  “Jesus does not claim that the intimacy of earthly relationships will be discontinued in eternity. He only says there will be no need for the institution of marriage… all relationships will exist on an even higher plane.” D.A. Carson:  “The greatness of the changes at the resurrection will make the wife of seven brothers capable of loving them all… like a mother loves all her children.” Jesus' main point:  You think you'll face problems in the life to come—but you won't. It will be better than you can possibly imagine. Coleton addressed the common fears people have about eternity: The fear of forever (apeirophobia) The fear of boredom (thinking heaven will be dull or repetitive) The fear of losing relationships But Jesus says we'll be “like the angels”—not in form, but in fulfillment. Angels are fully satisfied in God. They sing not because they must, but because they want to. They've found the source of joy, meaning, and love—and they never tire of it. Coleton quoted David Guzik: “If it seems that life in the resurrection doesn't include some pleasures of life on earth, it's only because the satisfactions of heaven far surpass what we know here. No one will be disappointed with the arrangements.” And Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” CS Lewis put it beautifully: “This life is only the cover and title page. Now begins Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read, which goes on forever, in which every chapter is better than the one before.” Coleton then told the story of the Christians during the plagues in ancient Rome. While the rich fled the cities, Christians stayed to care for the sick—even though many died doing so. Why? Because they believed in the resurrection. They knew death wasn't the end—it was the doorway. “This belief freed them,” Coleton said. “They didn't pursue death, but they weren't enslaved by fear of it either.” If we lived with that same confidence in the resurrection—believing the next life is better than we can imagine—we would live with joy, courage, and resilience in this one. Conclusion: The Resurrection That Changes Everything Everything Coleton said comes back to this:  How you view life after death will shape how you live right now. If you believe there is no resurrection, you'll live for this life only. If you believe there is one—but forget it's better—you'll live in fear. But if you believe in the resurrection Jesus promised—real, physical, glorious, and eternal—you'll live with purpose, peace, and courage. Jesus has accomplished this for us in His death and resurrection. “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless… But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17–23 Because He lives, so will we. Discussion Questions How does your current view of life after death shape the way you live right now—your priorities, goals, and fears? Which of the four modern “views” of the afterlife that Coleton described do you relate to most? Why? How could believing that the resurrection is true for everyone change how you share your faith and how you live before others? When you think about eternity, what fears or doubts arise—and how do Jesus' words in Mark 12:24–27 address them? If you truly believed that the life to come is “better than you can imagine,” what would change in the way you approach suffering, relationships, and daily life?

Where do myths come from? For many, the friendship between C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien is a familiar story, but a new book explores the braid of complexity woven throughout their 40 year friendship with a new lens. John Hendrix presents the major themes from his new graphic novel, The Mythmakers. This lecture will illuminate the history of mythology, the purpose of story, and the rich value of an artistic community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome friends to Season 9! We're kicking things off a little differently this time... Join us for the very first live live-streamed episode, hosted by the Petoskey C.S. Lewis Festival.[Show Notes]

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

Any purpose or end goal of education requires one to have an understanding of what it means to be human. Etymologically, the word “curriculum” means to run a course. The Apostle Paul says in his second letter to Timothy that he had “run the race” in fulfilling what Jesus created and called him to do. Jesus Himself tells us that He is the way, the truth and the life, the only way to the Father. We are created in God's image, for His purpose and glory, to walk in the works He has prepared for us before the world began. Our guest this week and next on the Profile is Dr. Louis Markos, an advocate for classical Christian education. He discusses his new book Passing the Torch – An Apology for Classical Christian Education. Markos shares his insights as to how a deeper understanding of the culture and literature of the Greco-Roman world enhances and complements a virtuous Christian education. Dr. Louis Markos is an authority on C. S. Lewis, apologetics, and ancient Greece and Rome. He lectures widely for classical Christian and classical charter schools and conferences. The author of twenty-six books, Markos currently serves as the Robert H. Ray Chair of Humanities at Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas. Free Four-Page Watchman Profiles: NaturalismPantheism Carl Sagan's Cosmos Charles DarwinPrevious Apologetics Profile Episodes with Dr. MarkosThe Myth Made Fact Part OneThe Myth Made Fact Part TwoAdditional ResourcesFREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Distributism may be a tricky word, but many think it's the way forward. If you've ever thought that you'd be happier living in a Hobbit hole - then here's the system that might help you get there! 

Welcome to another short and empowering episode of Monday Motivation, giving you a dose of inspiration as you head into your week... Today, we explore the timeless C.S. Lewis reminder that it’s never too late to start again - and what that means for anyone ready to set a new goal or dream a new dream: ‘You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.’ - C.S. Lewis Three key takeaways you can expect: A powerful reframe that dissolves the myth of being “too late” - so you can begin again with confidence. A simple, three-step practice (permission, reflection, one inspired action) to move from wishing to doing. Why mindset matters most - and how to cultivate the beliefs that will carry you into your next exciting chapter. Take this opportunity to learn how to transform past experiences into wisdom that fuels your future. Listen in and leave with a realistic, courage-first plan to take one small step today - a step that brings you closer to living your dream life, whatever that means to you. As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here. Have a wonderful week …and remember, it all starts with a dream

Click here for the SermonClicking here will take you to our webpageClick here to contact usWelcome to the Westside church's special Monday Morning Coffee podcast with Mark Roberts. Mark is a disciple, a husband, father and grand dad, as well as a certified coffee geek, fan of CS Lewis' writings and he loves his big red Jeep. He's also the preacher for Westside church.

Scripture: Genesis 19 Key Takeaways: + The Spiritual Condition of Sodom Ezekiel 16:49 + The Spiritual Condition of Lot Hebrews 11:8-10 + The judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah is a dress rehearsal for a future and greater judgment Jude 1:7 Luke 17:26-35 Romans 5:8-10 Matthew 11:20-24 + Judgement begins with the household of God 1 Peter 4:14-19 1 John 2:15-17 “Sin is never at a stay; if we do not retreat from it, we shall advance in it.” – Puritan Writer “But we can guess why He is delaying. He wants to give us the chance to join His side freely. God will invade...When that happens it is the end of the world. When the author walks on to the stage, the play is over. God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on his side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like and dream and something else - something it never entered your head to conceive - comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left. For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing; it will be the time when we discover which side we have really chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last forever. We must take it or leave it.” – CS Lewis, Mere Christianity.

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Many of you will already know that I am a huge fan of The Chronicles of Narnia. Today, I want to introduce my fellow Narnia lovers to a new book that jumped right off the shelf as soon as I saw it. Giant is a middle-grade novel by debut author Judith McQuoid where we meet Davy, a fictional working class boy from East Belfast, Ireland who is sent to work in the wealthy Lewis household in 1908. There, he forges a friendship with Jacks–as C.S. Lewis was known to his friends and family–over books, stories, and building worlds of imagination and adventure.Giant is a must-read for Narnia fans that adds a whole new depth of experience to C.S. Lewis's world and will help you read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in a fresh way. And today, I'm chatting with the author about what inspired her to write the book, how much of the story is fictionalized, and how the process of writing the book shaped her identity. And you're going to love her Irish accent! In this episode, you'll hear: The way her dad's love of Narnia and Lewis's Belfast heritage inspired Judith to write this story How Judith started with a “skeleton” draft and added layers of detail and depth with revisionsThe faith that carried Judith through the ups and downs of creating GiantLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/judith-mcquoid Order Flora and the Jazzers by Astrid Sheckels!