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Titus 3:3-8 NIV “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” *Transcription Below* Hunter Beless is an author of several children's books including Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It! and Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray. She is also a Bible teacher, co-author of Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace and the founder of Journeywomen Ministries, which empowers women to live out their faith through deep commitment to their local church. Hunter hosts the Journeywomen Podcast, sharing resources and insightful conversations with women of faith. She and her husband, Brooks, have four beautiful children, whom Hunter homeschools. You can find her on Instagram @hunterbeless, or at https://www.hunterbeless.com/books. Journeywomen Podcast Thank You to Our Sponsor: The Sue Neihouser Team Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast! Questions and Topics We Cover: 1. What rhythms have been most profitable to you (spiritually, relationally, physically, and productively?) 2. In your own home, how have you intentionally helped your children know and love God through Scripture? 3. How is the Gospel useful for not only salvation, but also sanctification? Similar Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 16 Reflecting Jesus in Our Relationships with Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 150 Brain Science and Spiritual Abundance with Ken Baugh 166 Journey from Empty to Well Nourished Soul with Gretchen Saffles 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof Special Patreon Release Wholehearted Quiet Time with Naomi Vacaro 267 Apologetics with Ray Comfort 274 Holy Spirit Stories and Fruit and Ways to Identify His Guidance in Our Lives with Margaret Feinberg Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:11) Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 1:16) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. Thank you to the Sue Neihouser Team for sponsoring this episode. If you're looking to buy or sell a home this season, make sure you reach out to Sue at 309-229-8831. Sue would love to walk alongside you as you unlock new doors. My guest for today is Hunter Beless, and you may recognize her as the founder of Journey Women Ministries. She's also a podcaster and an author of multiple books, including this recent one, Jesus Loves You More. Hunter is going to share today about all things discipleship. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Hunter. Hunter Beless: (1:17 - 1:23) Thank you so, much for having me. I just love the concept of this show, and I'm excited to be here with you today. Laura Dugger: (1:23 - 1:56) Well, I've been looking so, forward to getting to chat with you. You've been on my list for years, so, I'm thankful this worked out. And even, it may have been years ago, but I heard you publicly share that you had chosen to put your faith in Christ in elementary school, I believe. But then as you transitioned into high school, you were open about then choosing to pursue the ways of the world. So, will you just speak to that experience and talk to that teenage girl who's currently facing some similar temptations? Hunter Beless: (1:56 - 6:39) Oh, that'd be such a privilege to get to speak to any young woman who is in a situation like this. I often think, like, if I would have just had one older friend who was encouraging me in the Lord, who would be willing to testify to God's grace in her life, and who would reach back and try and help me just to continue walking in the grace that he had extended to me through his son, like, I wonder if it would have gone differently for me, Laura. But, you know, the Lord did save me at a young age, and I lived fervently for him, loved God's word, even from a young age. And I remember, like, seeing groups of people that I wanted to like me, and wanting so, desperately to be accepted by them. But knowing that when I opened the pages of scripture, the Holy Spirit brought conviction to my heart in a way that would not allow me to act in accordance with the things that these groups were doing, in order to be approved of by them. And so, I thought to myself, "Well, maybe I'll just stop reading my Bible so, much." This is about eighth or ninth grade. And, you know, then I won't feel a sense of conviction when it comes to, like, these behaviors that I know I need to, you know, adapt to, in order to be approved of by the people that I deemed, you know, significant. And so, I set my Bible aside. And it's a really sad story. I mean, as I continued to spend time outside of God's word, I would still go to church with my family and things like that on Sunday mornings. But I just began to look less and less like a follower of Christ, and more and more like the world. And eventually, you know, I spent my entire duration of my high school years doing that. And I have to tell you; I just went back to my 20-year high school reunion. And there was a girl that I saw there. And she told me what a jerk I was in that season of my life. And it was such a wonderful thing to be reminded of what it looks like for me to not be walking in the Spirit, but to be walking in the flesh. And to really have to reckon with, that is what it looks like to be walking like the world. And I just told her, I said, "You know what, you're completely right." I said, "I was." I was totally looking out for my good and not for the good of others. I was absolutely living for myself and not for the Lord. But by God's grace, when it came time for my senior year of high school, he allowed me to get to the end of myself. And you would have thought, like, looking back, I had the resume, I had the 4.0, I had the salutatorian status, I was the president of my high school senior class. You would have thought, this girl's crushing it. But I had never been more anxious, more depressed, more insecure, more selfish, obviously, as testified to by the girl that I just referenced, than I was in that season of my life. And I remember I had a youth pastor who had just come into our church. And he said, "Hey," he said, "How's your time in the word looking?" And I said, "Well, I could either lie, or I could tell the truth." And I said, "You know, it's looking pretty, pretty bleak." And he said, "I just want to challenge you to get back in God's word." And at the same time, my dad had a tragic accident. It was a near death accident. And I was kind of reckoned with the brevity of life as a senior in high school. And I cried out to the Lord. And I said, "God, if you really are who you say you are, would you show me who you are through your word?" And that sparked, Laura, this passion for God's word. And it allowed me then to see the difference in my own life, what it looks like for Hunter to be walking without listening to the voice of God, and what it looked like for Hunter to have her face in her Bible, and to seek to live by God's word. And I tell you what, I probably don't look nearly as impressive by the world's standards. But the joy and the peace, and really just the transformation that the Lord has accomplished in my life through his word, is something that I cannot stop testifying to. And I just cannot encourage women enough, like if you are wrestling with the flesh, to get into God's word, because God works by the power of the Holy Spirit through his word in the lives of his people. And so, that's why really this whole passion has just overtaken my life for God's word. Laura Dugger: (6:40 - 6:59) Wow, that is incredible to hear that transformation, because God did it, and God can do it again. And God can do it for each one of us listening. But you are so passionate about discipling others. Can you first tell us, what were some of the significant ways that you've been discipled? Hunter Beless: (7:00 - 10:07) Yeah, well, I went to college, and that was the first time that I had ever really had someone seeking to do spiritual good in my life, outside of my parents. And really, even with my parents, like, you know, sitting down intentionally studying the word, that wasn't a part of our family culture. And so, when I went to college, there was a girl, her name was Meredith. And I remember, she sat down, and she taught me how to read my Bible, for really the very first time. I remember being confronted with some of the truths of scripture, Laura, and I'm like, "That's in the Bible? That disrupts me. Like, I didn't know that, you know?" And so, it was such a wonderful time, just of really kind of being confronted with my own theological ideas from my, you know, lack of ability and time to really understand the message of the text, you know, and then to really reevaluate that and be conformed to the text and to allow it to conform me. So, Meredith had a significant influence in my life in how to study the Bible. And then I had an older woman named Joyce, who at the time, I believe, was in her late 40s, maybe early 50s. And I just remember, Joyce found out that I began to memorize scripture. So, somewhere along the way, I realized, like, this book is so, significant that I need to start, you know, hiding scripture away in my heart. Some of that was just watching my own grandmother and seeing the way that the Lord had used scripture in her own life. And realizing, like, wow, if my grandmother has these truths hidden away in her heart for this season, and she had dementia, I need to start hiding scripture away in my heart, too. So, Joyce and I really, we started up a group on scripture memory. And I'll never forget the first time I met her, she said, "Hey, I heard you're starting to memorize Ephesians." I never finished. But she said, "Let's hear it." And so, she just opened up her Bible. And I just started quoting Ephesians. And one of Joyce's coined phrases that at the time I didn't realize was actually scripture itself, she would hold the Bible out in front of me. And she would say, "Hunter, this is no empty word for you, but your very life." And she had so many phrases like that, that I didn't even realize at the time, because I was pretty biblically illiterate, that were the words of scripture themselves. That's Deuteronomy 32:47. And Joyce really embodied that message for me, that scripture is that man doesn't live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. And so, watching her just live with her face in her Bible, proverbially speaking, and seeking to meditate on its truths and live by those day in and day out really transformed who I am even today. And she gave me a picture of what I'd like to look like years down the road. So, I've had various mentors, but those are some of the first. And the Lord definitely used them in significant ways to do spiritual good in my life. Laura Dugger: (10:08 - 10:36) And I don't know what kind of life those women lead if they're in public or more private disciplines, but their faithfulness, you just see the impact how it ripples out to bless generations. And even you, Hunter, you're leading this incredible ministry, where you disciple others through helping women know and love God through his word. So, will you share how you ended up getting to do this awesome work that you get to do today? Hunter Beless: (10:37 - 15:41) Oh, well, the beginnings of this, you would not have thought were awesome. And in fact, you and I were just chatting, and I still am recording out of my closet. And really, it's all just been an overflow of what the Lord has been doing in my own life. And I did feel like along the way, I just, I began to just love learning from older women. And I do think that's a biblical, like scriptural kind of practice. You look at Titus 2, you see the older women are to teach the younger women what is good. I was a younger woman who loved learning from older women. And so, I had this, over the years, this just long list of women who had invested in me who had, you know, testified to God's grace in their life, who had taught me the scriptures. And when my husband Brooks and I were in the military, we found ourselves on post. And just due to the transiency of a military lifestyle, the churches around military installations tend to be a little bit tired, sometimes depleted, because people in the military are moving so, frequently. So, it's hard, right, to have continuity to see people through in their discipling process and all of that. And so, I really missed those mentors that I'd had from college, and the year after college, after coming into marriage. And so, I thought to myself, like, man, I want the other women. I was also interfacing with either believers or non-believers who really had never been discipled. And I thought, man, I just wish I could get you with Joyce, or I wish I could get you with Meredith. I wish I could connect you, you know, with X, Y, or Z woman from the past couple of years. And so, I thought, I also simultaneously was listening to a lot of podcasts because I was super lonely. Just because, you know, moving into a new culture, and then my husband was gone at least 50% of the time for training or deployment. And so, I'd be walking along the military installation listening to like sermon audio, like John Piper or Timothy Keller or whatever. And I thought, man, I wish that there was a conversational podcast about theology for women that would just be more warm and kind of like what we're doing right now. And my husband was like, "Well, you should start it." And so, I just started with the women who had mentored me. If you go back to the very beginning of the podcast, it's truly like my college roommates. It's my mentors from Pine Cove Christian Camps where Brooks and I met. And I think I just by God's grace, the podcasting network was so, small at the time. I remember Journey Women landed in the number two spot right behind Joel Osteen whenever the thing launched. And so, then from there, it just gave the podcast some notoriety, which is what then allowed, you know, some of the names that you would recognize to reach out and to say, "Hey, you know, could we come on the podcast?" And at the time, I had no knowledge of, you know, how to market people marketing books or any of that Bible studies, etc. And yeah, it was a really fun season, actually, because it was pre-COVID. And you know, people weren't used to doing a whole lot online. And so, had some really, really fun conversations. And along the way, the Lord has helped me to hone in more of a vision of what I'm doing. Because at first, it was just like, let's get in the closet and have like fun, intentional conversations that I could share with my girlfriends or with maybe the military spouse that I'm meeting on the playground that I may never see again, you know. And then along the way, people started even wanting to donate to the podcast and different things like that. And I thought, I really need to have a clearer aim. And so, now, you know, over the past eight years, the Lord has given us this mission to help women know and love God through his word, to find their hope in the gospel and to invest deeply in their local churches as they go out on mission for the glory of God. And some of that came and Laura, I'm sure you face this from women really seeking out discipling online, and us realizing we can't disciple you. Like, we cannot come alongside you and help you to grow in godliness, you know, but we can do that via the interwebs. But the degree to which we're able to do that is super-duper limited. And so, what does it look like for us then to equip women so, that then they would be encouraged to seek out fellowship in the local church, and to be investing their time, energy and talents in the local church. And so, that's become kind of our resounding gong at Journey Women over the years, just because we really do believe that ministry happens best in the context of the local church. And that's something that the Lord has validated through seeing women reaching out online and realizing like, hey, we could never, you know, provide what they need. But God in his grace has given us the local body that is able to do that. Laura Dugger: (15:42 - 19:08) So, well said, because this is a great place that we can meet people anytime what is most convenient for them with a podcast. But then also, so, that's great for sowing seeds. But there's nothing that replaces that embodied relationship. And it just makes me think of God that he created us that way. And he knew it because Jesus even being embodied, little baby sent to earth, so, nothing replaces that. And, Hunter, I just I love hearing about your public ministry and the way the Lord has blessed and grown it. And now a brief message from our sponsor. With over 28 years of experience in real estate, Sue Neihouser of the Sue Neihouser Team is a RE/MAX agent of Central Illinois, and she loves to walk alongside her clients as they unlock new doors. For anyone local, I highly recommend you call Sue today at 309-229-8831. And you can ask her any real estate questions. Sue lives in Central Illinois and loves this community and all that it has to offer. When unlocking new doors with her clients, Sue works hard to gain a depth of understanding of their motivations and dreams and interests in buying and selling their home. And then she commits to extensive market research that will give them confidence in their decision. Sue truly cares for each of her clients and the relationship she forms with each family along the entire home buying or selling process. This was absolutely our experience when we worked with Sue and her team. The house that we desired at the time was actually not even on the market, but Sue had a connection and was able to ask those homeowners if they would be willing to sell. She was timely in her response as she walked us through this whole process, and she helped us sell our home with the right offer coming in hours after it was listed. We kept saying she's thought of everything. And Sue's continued generosity was astonishing. I remember one afternoon after we had settled into our new home, and she was knocking on the door dropping off a goodie bag for our family that came from the local bakery. Our daughters also loved getting to know Miss Sue as she assisted us in finding truly our dream home. So, whether you're looking to buy a home for the first time, or looking to upgrade or downsize, or making the big decision to move to an assisted living from your home of many years, Sue will be there to help you navigate the big emotions and ensure the process is smooth and stress free, and that the new doors to be unlocked are ready and waiting for more memories to be made. So, call her today at 309-229-8831 or visit her website at sueneihouser.com. And that is sueneihouser.com. Thanks for your sponsorship. I'd also love to hear a little bit more about your personal life. So, what does a day in the life look like for Hunter Beless? Hunter Beless: (19:09 - 21:25) Well, I think if somebody joined me in a day in a life, in this season, Laura, I feel like I'm too busy. I have committed to too much. And so, what it looks like practically, it's going to be a lot of time running from this or that event and just trying to do the things that I committed to before or some of the other things that the Lord has allowed in my life came to fruition. But just leaning into him for the grace that I need moment by moment, you know, and trusting that he is the same and that he has provided all of the grace that I need. His grace is sufficient for me, you know, as I'm running errands and facing the temptation to feel anxious or overwhelmed that, you know, I think it's Luke 12, where it's talking about how I can't even add a moment, not even the smallest amount of time to my life by worrying. So, I'm just going to entrust all of this to the Lord. So, for me, I wonder how many women are listening to this and that they can relate to this because I talked to various people who they don't have a podcast, but they don't have the same work as me, but they feel that same temptation towards anxiety and the feelings of overwhelms that we all face, you know, and yeah, I think my life probably looks a lot like many of y'all's. And for me, it's just the constant meditation on scripture and just rehearsing the truths of God's word that are never changing, even in the midst of my ever-changing and chaotic circumstances. So, it doesn't seem to change even if I do a better job, which I could have done, planning my schedule or, you know, prayerfully considering the commitments that I made, but just resting and knowing that he is unchanging and that he is ever-present and that he is all-knowing and that he has provided everything that I need and his son. So, that is what it looks like. Every day looks different, but again, leaning into the truths of God's word, meditating on those truths, rehearsing those truths over and over, and resting in the grace that the gospel provides. That's the thing that never changes. Laura Dugger: (21:27 - 22:06) And I love that overview because if we look from the outside, you're homeschooling, you run this ministry, you have a podcast, and you're cooking healthy recipes for your family, but I'm sure do you also have weekly patterns? Because to me, it's a stewardship issue. You've been faithful with little, it sounds like, so, he has given you the opportunity to be faithful in much, and it's a season of much where you've written books and produced all this content. So, do you have a system in place or rhythms throughout the week that have helped you live that full, abundant life? Hunter Beless: (22:06 - 24:19) Yeah, that's a really good question. Obviously, the weekly rhythm that we always start with is worshiping with the saints on Sunday. I look forward to that like no other. And we are in a church that the Lord is just so, gracious to have provided a pastor who prioritizes the preaching of the word and who is consistently proclaiming the gospel from the pulpit. And so, Laura, on the weeks where I feel like I have been so, busy that I have not spent the time in God's word that I would desire, just the recognition that going to church on a Sunday is such a blessing to get to receive God's word. And so, there have been many times that I just show up and I'm just like, "Thank you, Lord." Thank you for the provision of your word. Thank you for the provision of the body of Christ. And so, Sundays are just like a non-negotiable for us. We go to church on Sundays. And then, you know, we have various things. My kids are actually homeschooled on two days out of the week or three days out of the week. And then, they go to school two days. So, we do like a university model is what it's called. And so, on the three days that they are home, I am full tilt homeschooling, doing everything home-related. And in fact, I have had to learn that part of their education is also helping care for our home. And so, we really see it as a team effort to keep the home, like, tidy and running and functioning well, so that we can, you know, spend as much time in it as we do, like, with happy hearts. And then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I typically am in this closet working while the children are at school. Saturdays, we rest together as a family. We spend a lot of time outdoors. I also make bread regularly. And I think there's something liturgical for me about making bread. And, like, when everything else feels, like, a little bit chaotic and out of my control, the beauty of just doing a simple task like making bread to provide food for my family and nourishment is something that really brings me great joy. So, Saturdays are also bread-making days. And then, the week begins again. That is awesome. Laura Dugger: (24:19 - 24:41) I love hearing that. And it makes me curious to go even a little bit further. I'll give you a few categories, but I'd love to hear what rhythms in these categories have been most profitable to you. So, when you think of it spiritually, physically, relationally, and just productively, how you stay creatively fresh. Hunter Beless: (24:41 - 28:24) Yeah. You know, spiritually for me, and I'm a mother of, like, young children, right? So, my kids are ranging from age 11 to age 3. I would say we're still in a season in which sleep is a little bit unpredictable, particularly in those early waking hours. But I do my very best to try and get in God's Word first. And that is not because I want to check it off the list, but because I need the people in my home and beyond. So, really trying to just orient myself rightly to the truths of God's Word first thing is huge. I also do try to work out. So, that gets to the physical piece. I neglected working out for many years. I actually, hilariously, was a personal trainer when we were back in the military. And that was kind of my gig while Brooks was gone. And so, I know how to work out, and I enjoy working out. But with the children, it has been a difficult thing for me to prioritize. But just this last year, I got, this is the most, like, basic thing ever. I got a Peloton. I bought it secondhand off of Marketplace. And it has just been a wonderful way for me to sweat and exercise my body first thing in the morning without, you know, really requiring a whole lot. I don't have to leave the house. I don't have to go outside or anything, because Brooks does travel quite a bit still for work. And so, I try to ride the Peloton. Doesn't always happen. Happens less than it does, than I want for it to, but it does help. And then, yeah, relationally is really, that's a really good question. I think one thing that the Lord has blessed me with, having lived a season of extreme transiency, right? So, we did eight years of military. And then, we did two years at, you know, university where Brooks got his MBA. And now, we're in our first, like, what we would call, like, a civilian kind of location, where he's got his first civilian job. We're almost 15 years deep into marriage now. And so, all of the friendships that I made along those eight years of moving almost annually. I think we moved, like, six or seven times in eight years. Yeah, just trying to maintain those relationships. I only have one or two from each duty station, but I love using Voxer or Voice Memo to keep in touch with people who have known me for, you know, a longer time. And that's just one thing that's really fun. I have to be careful not to let that overtake my time on my phone, but I do love to keep in touch with old friends. And they are some of the friends that the Lord has used just really to help me navigate the various challenges that we face, right, in life and relationally in marriage and all of that. So, anyways, and relationally in marriage, Brooks and I were really just relishing in the friendship that God has given us with one another. I don't think it's been easy over the years, especially with all of the transiency and all of the deployments and all of the many moves that we've faced. But God has really just given us a true appreciation for one another. And to begin to see now, 15 years into marriage, that the differences that He has given each of us are a gift to help us be conformed into the image of His Son. So, that's some of it, spiritually, physically, relationally. Did I miss anything? Laura Dugger: (28:25 - 28:32) Just even productively as you're creating content, how do you stay creatively inspired and fresh? Hunter Beless: (28:33 - 30:55) Yeah, I love, my friend Gretchen Stoffels has a lot of wonderful things to say about this. She talks a lot about producing from the overflow and not the undertow. And that's ministered to me over the years. I find a lot of times when I am not creatively fresh, it's either because I'm overproducing or because I'm not honestly spending, most of what I do is all revolving around God's Word. So, it's like if I'm not spending time in God's Word and allowing myself to just be struck anew with truths from the text, then what do I have to share? So, that helps me too in knowing when am I overcommitted? Because if I don't have time then to be relishing in God's Word, not for the sake of producing something, but just like you said, just being struck and wonder by who God is, then I really need to reevaluate the commitments that I'm making and slow things down a bit. And so, that's kind of what has helped me to protect that time with the Lord so that then I would have something to offer others. And I don't just think about it in terms of producing a podcast or writing a book or sending out a newsletter. I mean, honestly, even with the children, this has been something that I've been thinking about for the last six to eight months. If I want them to understand how God's Word informs all of life, then I need to be with my face in my Bible because who is it that they spend the most time with, right? All throughout their life. Like, it's me. And so, I get to then help them realize like, oh, here is how Scripture applies to all these different circumstances. But if I don't spend time in God's Word, then I've got nothing to give. And I have a friend who was a missionary actually in a remote country with the IMB. And I asked her, I said, "How did you ever evangelize with people in this remote context from this different religion and all of this?" And she said, "You know what, I just had to be so, filled up with God's Word that that's what came out." And I think about that all the time. So, when I'm feeling dry, I'm like, "Oop, oop, that's a good sign. I need to go back to God's Word." Laura Dugger: (30:56 - 31:07) I love that. And let's go there then in your own home. How have you intentionally helped your children to know and to love God through Scripture? Hunter Beless: (31:09 - 33:52) This is going to sound really selfish, but, you know, this whole endeavor, right, I've realized the significance of God's Word in my own life. And so, I'm constantly thinking, Laura, like, how am I going to get into God's Word? You know, like, that's, it sounds selfish. But if I really believe that I need God's Word for all of life, I'm going to have to figure out how am I going to get that in. And then it's wonderful because I get to bring the children along in that. So, maybe that's just like a fresh take on it, right? Because we're always thinking as mothers, like, how can we be investing in our children more heavily in all of these things? And I think those are good and right desires. Obviously, Deuteronomy speaks to that. You know, we're supposed to teach our children diligently the ways of the Lord. But I think it's just so refreshing when we come to the text as learners, as co-learners. And so, for me, I'm just always thinking, like, how can we learn together who God's Word is? How can we worship the Lord together in our home? And then it helps me see those times, right, when you are offering instruction to the children, when you are being intentional about, you know, for us, we do, like, catechesis, for example, which is a series of questions and answers just to help disseminate doctrinal truths and help the children learn, like, here are, you know, foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. Then I'm not just like, "Okay, who is God? You know, God is the Spirit." I'm, like, thinking about the things that we're learning in a way where I also am seeking to learn as well. And I think that just gives a posture of humility, too. Like, as a parent, where it's not like, "You gotta learn your Bible verse this week, kid." You know, it's like, "We get to, we get to, look, we get to learn God's Word together, you know?" And then that helps them understand the joy of learning God's Word. And it also gives them a very real picture of a parent who's being transformed by the truths of God's Word. What better witness is there? And so, really, I've stopped seeing it as, "Hey, here's our time," you know, which we do have. And practically, for us, a lot of that happens around the table because I've realized that, like, when children are well-fed, when they have something to do with their hands, they may be a little bit more prone to, like, have open ears, ready to hear, you know, instruction. But we do have those rhythms kind of in place, but I don't want it to be relegated to those rhythms. I want it to be all of life. I want us to understand it doesn't just mean we're gonna sit here over breakfast and do our Bible reading for the day. This is something that is really going with us through the day because we need it not just for this moment, but for all of life. Laura Dugger: (33:53 - 35:38) You draw so much wisdom there, and I think especially that it's not an either-or, having that set-aside rhythm and time, or just hoping it'll be incorporated into all of life. But it's both. I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Henrichsen from Episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities, and we are thrilled with the final product, so, I hope you check it out. There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones, so, that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button, or our mailing address, for sending checks that are tax-deductible, so, that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com today. Even going back to the heart of this conversation of discipleship, Hunter, how do you think the local church, and especially older women in the community, can play a vital role in encouraging young people to love Scripture? Hunter Beless: (35:40 - 39:34) You know, I love this question, and I just, I cannot overemphasize the value of older women who love God's Word in the church enough. You know, I think in the culture, we're hearing and seeing that, you know, it's not good to grow old. I mean, that's being perpetuated by all of the Instagram ads that we receive, and by seeing shiny faces that look like they haven't aged one bit. And I'm like, "No, God's Word says that women, older women in particular, have tremendous value in the family of God." And so, I think I want older women just to realize, like, we need you. And in fact, no one is exempt. No woman is exempt from the Titus 2 mandate to teach the younger women what is good. And how do we know what's good? Well, we know God alone is good. And because God is good, we know His Word is good. And if you don't have any clue, like how to reach back and invest in the next generation, I have great news for you. All you need is God's Word. So, I mean, the littlest learners, the children in the community, I think they are the most gracious recipients of anybody in our community, you know, just when it comes to God's Word. And so, look for ways that you can encourage the younger people in your sphere of influence, in your local church, with God's Word. And often I think that just starts with maybe even meditating on one verse. You know, it can be that simple. Or for me, one way that I want to encourage, you know, the children in my life with God's Word is by identifying ways that I see God working in their lives and naming it. I mean, how encouraging would that be if an older saint in the church said, "Hey, you know, I don't know, my oldest daughter's name is Hadley. Hey, Hadley, like, I see God working in you. You are showing kindness, you know, to the other children in the church. Thank you so much for that. And I'm just praising God for the work he's doing in your life," you know. But I think in order for them to do that, right, they have to be willing to be inconvenienced by being around the children. And we just had a sermon on this, a wonderful sermon from the book of Mark about Jesus saying, "Let the little children come to me." And so, I think just realizing that Jesus himself, right, he was unbothered. He delighted in the presence of children. So, I think in our older age, you know, especially after you have young kids and you've done all of your time, you know, investing in the next generation in that way, just realizing that there is value in serving in kids' ministry or children's ministry in the church and just getting around the children to be able to give yourself the opportunity to know them in a way where you can meet them with the truths of God's Word. It could also be just having younger families in your home. And I know that can be such an inconvenience. I mean, we're a hot mess. We are so chaotic. And I know, you know, you even have to consider the breakables. Like, you got to protect those, you know, when we come into the house. But figure out, like, what does hospitality look like where we can welcome in younger children, the families with younger children in the home, seek to encourage the parents. I mean, truly, Laura, what else are we doing here? Like, we have been given two things. We have been given the mission of evangelizing and discipling. And that message is the same. At the heart of both of those things is the gospel. The gospel is for salvation and for sanctification. And so, if you're an older person in the church, keep meditating on the gospel. Keep, you know, seeking to disseminate the truths of the gospel to everybody around you. And remember, the littlest of these, I think, are the most eager learners. And it's such a great opportunity. Laura Dugger: (39:36 - 39:52) Goodness, I love that. And as you say, disseminate these truths of the gospel for both salvation and sanctification. Can you even share clearly what is that gospel that applies to everyone? Hunter Beless: (39:53 - 43:58) Oh, yes. I mean, this is the good news that I continually am rehearsing over and over and over again. I think for me, you know, I realized as a young child that the gospel was for salvation, right? That I love the Titus 3. You know, I just wrote this Bible study on Titus with Courtney Docter. If you don't have, like, a great comprehensive kind of gospel text that you've got in your back pocket, I think Titus 3:3-7 is a wonderful text to commit to memory. It says, "So, we are sinners." Romans 3:23. You know, we were created by God to glorify him. And yet, we have chosen to glorify ourselves. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." So, we too were once foolish. I think it's easy to see that when you really think about your life. You know, like, even me testifying to my life in high school. We too were once foolish. There's no getting around that. But we too, let me see, where am I now? "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us," "not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy," So, how does he save us? Well, he sent his son, Jesus. When did the kindness of God our Savior appear? Well, it appeared over 2,000 years ago. In a stable in Bethlehem. When, like you said, God sent his son to live a perfect life. And then he gave his life on the cross so, that we might have right relationship with God. He saved us. Not by works of righteousness, but according to his mercy, "By the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." So, when, and by the way, he rose from the grave. Let's see, is that in here? I don't know. But let's see. That one's not in this particular gospel text of Titus 3:3-7. But we know that from the gospels, right? That Jesus Christ died on the cross. And that he rose again three days later. Overcoming death. So, that we too might not have to experience eternal death. We get to experience eternal life. When we turn from our sin and trust in him. And that's when that washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit happens. We're filled with the spirit. He's poured out his spirit on us. Verses 6 and 7 says, "whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." And so, I think part of what it looks like for us to live with that hope of eternal life. Is to constantly be reflecting upon who we were apart from Christ. Who we are in Christ. And who we will be when we one day see Christ again. Face to face. And so, that for me is what it looks like. Just to relish in the gospel. To remember the gospel. Even when I was talking earlier, Laura, about feeling overwhelmed. The temptation for me then is to feel down on myself. And to wrestle with shame. Because I've over committed, right? But I'm rehearsing the truths of the gospel to myself in that moment. And saying, "Okay. Yes, could I have planned my schedule better? Yes, could I have done all these things? But you know what? I, by God's grace, get instead to rest in the grace that the gospel provides for me in this moment. Knowing that with all these various responsibilities, I am not going to be executing them perfectly. But he has perfectly accomplished my salvation on the cross. And so, I can rest in his son. Knowing that my salvation is not based on my perfect performance. But on the performance of Christ." And that then again helps me then to relish in the gospel. To remember the gospel, like I said, is not just for that moment of salvation or justification. When we're saved from our sins and made right with God. But it's also for every moment of every day. Because we need it all the time. At least I do. Laura Dugger: (44:00 - 44:20) Yes, absolutely. And I think we can hear that or repeat that so, often. But I love how you unpack it. Because especially for those who have been saved. When they rely on the gospel for sanctification. Can you give any more examples of what that looks like? Specifically for sanctification after the salvation? Hunter Beless: (44:21 - 46:35) Yeah. I think it's just coming to a greater understanding of our desperate need for Jesus. And then as we rely on him more wholly. I think we're conformed even more into the image of his son. Just after that gospel hymn in Titus 3. Verse 8 says, "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works." So, what is sanctification? Well, sanctification is growing in godliness. Or said another way, it's growing in good works. Right? So, we're not saved because of our good works. We're saved by the gospel so, that then we can produce good works. By God's grace. That's the sanctification process. And so, how does that happen? Well, verse 8 tells us, "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things." What does it want us to insist on? It wants us to insist then on the contents of the gospel from Titus 3:3-7. So, we need to, in order to grow in our ability to do good to others. What do we do? We insist on the gospel. And how does that work? Well, when I am feeling, again, overbooked, overwhelmed. And somebody comes into my life that needs service. If I'm functioning by the world's wisdom, what am I going to say? "You know what? I just don't have the margin for that. I can't do that. I need to protect my time." But if I'm looking at the gospel, what do I see? Well, I see what Christ died for me. Was that act of service self-protective in any way? No. So, what does it look like for me then to lay down my life for the good of another? And that's how the gospel then informs our living in such a way that we begin to grow by God's grace, not by our own effort, in godliness. So, I think that's how the sanctification process kind of works itself out. Laura Dugger: (46:35 - 46:54) Thank you so much for sharing that. And you've taught us already so, much in this time together. But you've also written a book recently for children. Can you tell us a little bit more about it and share the lasting truths that you want to impart to children who get to read or listen to your book? Hunter Beless: (46:55 - 49:47) Yeah. I think it started for me with really thinking about what are those kinds of scriptural, biblical truths that I want to offer to the children in these everyday moments like we've been talking about. My son, I already shared, he's been struggling with sleep for the last year or so,. And he'll come tumbling down the stairs in the middle of the night. And my initial reaction to that is to want to say, "It's okay. Mommy's here." Right? And that's true. And I do think that offers some temporal comfort. And it is a good thing for a mother to be present in the time of a child's need. But thinking more deeply, I began to say, "Buddy, God is with you. You have no need to fear." And the reason for that is because I started thinking about, well, what if mommy wasn't here? What if I wasn't able to be here? And some of that came just from having lost my own father in the last few years to cancer spontaneously. And just thinking, like, what are the lasting truths that I then want to impart to my children when I'm no longer able to be present? So, it is true. It's comfort that mommy is here in your time of need. But also, even when mommy's not able to be here, remember, God is with you always. And it's been such an encouragement for me then to even see him, like, on the playground and his little buddy will get hurt. And he'll turn and he'll tell his buddy, like, "It's okay. God's with you." You know what I'm thinking? "That's so, good. Like, this is the kind of stuff that I want to be just ingrained within the children so, that their initial reaction is, 'It's okay. God is with me.'" Similarly, the message that is repeated throughout the book is, "Jesus Loves You More". And that was really instigated from one of my children requesting for me to say over and over again this popular phrase that we've all heard, "I love you to the moon and back." And I started thinking, like, "Okay, that's true. I do. I love you to the moon and back. I love you to the, you know, mountaintop and to the ocean floor. I love you as far as the east is from the west. But there is one who loves you even more than I ever could. And in fact, when my love fails you, His never will." And so, I wanted to get that. If there's one message that I want my kids to know, it's that. It's that Jesus loves them so, much that he went all the way to the cross at Calvary and gave his very life so, that they could be made right with God. So, that's the message that I hope kids will take away from the book. I do hope that it inspires parents to think about what are those lasting truths that they want to impart to their kids. And I hope it equips them then to be able to share what I believe as Christian parents is the most important message we could ever give. Laura Dugger: (49:48 - 49:54) I just want to acknowledge too, I'm so, sorry for the sudden loss of your father in recent years. Hunter Beless: (49:55 - 50:19) Well, thank you. Yeah, it's, you know, my kids were just saying as we were hiking this last weekend, they're like, "We miss puppy." But we're like, I'm at a point now where I did go through many years of grief, missing him, you know, all of this. But just relishing in the fact that he's in the presence of the Lord Jesus. And I am just so grateful because he's in a much better place. So, I'm looking forward to the day that I get to join him there. Amen. Laura Dugger: (50:20 - 50:28) Well, Hunter, you've already given us so much, but where can we go to continue being discipled by you after this conversation? Hunter Beless: (50:30 - 51:14) Well, if you like conversations like this, you know, I infrequently show up at Journey Women. We used to do a weekly show and then it turned to bi-weekly and now we're seasonal. But I do love having conversations just like this. And I hope that, you know, just as our conversation today, I hope it encourages women just to get together, like you said, with women in their local context to open up God's word. And just to go deeper, relationally, conversationally, to come together around the truths of God's word. You've asked such great questions, Laura. And I think take some of these questions and ask your friends and see where the Lord guides those conversations. I think that'll just be such a blessing. It's been a blessing to meet and chat with you today. Laura Dugger: (51:15 - 51:32) Well, I've loved every minute. And you may already be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge or insight or discernment. And so, as my final question for you today, Hunter, what is your Savvy Sauce? Hunter Beless: (51:34 - 52:28) Oh, you try to nail me down to something practical. It's funny, Laura, because I feel like I resist practical. And I'm not sure what it is about me that resists practical other than maybe sometimes I felt like bound in by people's practical advice. Does that make sense? And so, for me, here's my practical advice. My practical advice is to allow all of your practices or your practicals to be informed by the principles of the text. So, allow the principles of scripture to inform your practice. And that's not very practical, but I think the only practical way you can do that is to get your face in your Bible and to really seek to know and love God through his word. And then he will certainly help inform your practice. Laura Dugger: (52:30 - 56:34) I think that's actually more practical than you realize. That is wonderful. And Hunter, your joy and your laugh are just contagious. And you're clearly gifted from the Lord as a clear, articulate communicator. And it blesses so, many people in so many generations because you are able to filter in the truth and then communicate it in a way that's able to be received. So, it's been so encouraging to sit under your teaching and be inspired to take this out and to hopefully begin in our home. But also, those good works, as we're called as older women, too. None of us are exempt, as you said. So, I've just thoroughly enjoyed being with you. Thank you for being my guest. Thank you so much for having me. It's been so fun. One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news. Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started. First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.
In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, “Empty Me”, from the recording, Forty Days and Forty Nights - Songs of Contemplation and Intimacy Vol. 2." That mp3 is available at https://dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=2385 Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!
Childhood trauma and emotional neglect don't just disappear when you become an adult. The coping strategies that helped you survive a painful childhood can quietly sabotage your relationships, mental health, and happiness later in life.In this episode, I explain three common survival strategies people develop in difficult childhoods: losing touch with your needs, feeling disconnected from others, and becoming afraid of vulnerability. These strategies once protected you—but in adulthood they can keep you stuck.Healing starts when you recognize these patterns and slowly begin to replace them with healthier ways of relating to yourself and other people. The survival skills that once protected you don't have to control the rest of your life.If my podcast has helped, my new book, The Light Between the Leaves, goes even deeperNext Steps:
The Mindful Healers Podcast with Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang
When we've been carrying a lot for a long time, "fine" can start to feel like the only option. In this conversation, Jessie is joined by Dr. Jennifer Swaringen an orthopedic surgeon and yoga teacher. She has already been to Jessie's Nicasio Creek Farm retreat twice: once with a friend, and once on her own during an empty-nest transition. We talk about: what shifts when women physicians step into a small, safe community how coaching helps us see the stories we've been living inside why nervous-system care (movement, breath, stillness, sound) can create a steadiness that thinking alone sometimes can't reach. Connection isn't a luxury and being cared for is a practice. We explore: How resentment, catastrophizing, and "I'm only valuable when I'm producing" show up (and soften) Why coming to a retreat alone can actually deepen connection Coaching vs. yoga: insight work and nervous-system work (and why both matter) Staying connected after the retreat so it becomes real life Empty nest as a transition point and a valid time to ask for support Pearls of wisdom Noticing our default stories reduces their power. Coaching and yoga work differently, and together. Safe community expands what feels possible. Coming alone isn't a disadvantage. Allowing ourselves to be cared for is a real practice—especially for women physicians. Reflection questions Where are you telling an old story that keeps us stuck? What support would you allow if you no longer needed to earn it? Where are you craving connection—and what is one small follow-through? Ways to work with Jessie: Coaching: www.jessiemahoneymd.comCME Wellness Retreats: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats Free Live-Stream Mindful Yoga: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/yoga Blog: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog Podcast page: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/mindful-healers-podcast Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.
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Settle into the quiet interior of a car on a nighttime drive along an empty highway. The steady motion and gentle road sounds create a calm, cocoon-like atmosphere perfect for relaxation, focus, or sleep. Want access to an ad-free, 8-hour version of this episode? Try Deep Sleep Sounds Premium free for 7 days: https://sleepsounds.supercast.com/. Create a mix of your favorite sounds by downloading the Deep Sleep Sounds App at: https://deepsleepsounds.onelink.me/U0RY/app. Having an issue with Deep Sleep Sounds or want to ask us a question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions. Our AppsRedeem exclusive, unlimited access to premium content for 1 month FREE in our mobile apps built by the Slumber Studios team:Slumber App: slumber.fm/deepsleepsounds Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Success Trap: Why High Achievers Feel Empty at the Top Success is supposed to make you happy… so why do so many high achievers feel trapped? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I talk with executive coach and author Keren Eldad about the hidden emotional cost of ambition. We explore why success and happiness often move in opposite directions, how leaders unknowingly build a “gilded cage,” and why perfectionism, hustle culture, and chasing the wrong goals can leave even the most accomplished people feeling empty. Keren shares practical insights on breaking free from the relentless pursuit of more, rethinking success, and leading from purpose instead of pressure. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or high performer who feels like your ladder might be leaning against the wrong wall, this conversation will challenge how you think about success. Learn more about Keren Eldad and her book Gilded https://amzn.to/4bqmRPaSubscribe to Deep Leadership for more conversations that help build a world with better bosses Sponsors: Cadre of Men Farrow Skin Care Salty Sailor Coffee Company Leader Connect The Qualified Leadership Series ____ Get all of Jon Rennie's bestselling leadership books for 15% off the regular price today! HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Empty is not absence. Empty is capacity."Welcome back to the porch. Today's episode is a quiet one. I've been sitting with Verse 4 of the Tao Te Ching since before the sun came up, just watching the steam rise off my coffee and thinking about how much energy we spend trying to stay "full."We're a culture of filling—filling our calendars, our houses, and our heads with noise. But Lao Tzu suggests that the most useful part of a cup (or a life) is actually the space inside it.In this episode, we're untangling:The "40-Meeting Week" Trap: Why we treat silence like a problem to be solved instead of a room to breathe in.The Art of Blunting the Sharpness: Moving away from being "right" and toward being reachable.Working the Knots: Why yanking on your old resentments only makes them tighter, and how to ease them loose instead.Merging with the Dust: A reminder that we aren't standing above the world—we're made of the same stardust as the dirt under our feet.If you've been feeling a little "sharp" lately, or if your internal glare is a bit too bright, I hope this gives you permission to just... let it be empty for a second.Today's Reflection:Where are you too full to receive anything new? What happens if you just sit in the "not-knowing" for the length of this episode?Thanks for sharing a cup with me.
5 SETTER: This Week in Racket Sports, where we bring you the top five headlines across tennis, padel, pickleball, and more. In this episode: 1. 2026 Indian Wells Headlines (Andreeva Expletives, Sinner's Heckler, and serve-clocks are too fast?) 2. Indian Wells Mixed Doubles Prize Money Increase 3. Stadium 2 Ghost Town Due To Ticket Restrictions 4. Rest of Racket News (Anna Leigh Watters & Ping Pong Event in England) 5. Roger Federer's Billionaire Status Subscribe to the 5-Setter Newsletter: https://www.newsletter.servedpodcast.com/ Grab Some Served Merch: https://store.servedpodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are written prayers biblical or just empty tradition? If you've ever felt like praying someone else's words isn't "sincere" or questioned whether liturgical prayers belong in the Christian life, this episode will challenge your assumptions and open up a rich tradition of faith. Did Jesus forbid scripted prayers in Matthew 6:6–7? Many Christians assume prayer must always be spontaneous. But throughout both Jewish and early Christian worship, written prayers were a normal part of community life.In this episode, we look at the history of liturgical prayer and why Acts 2:42 says the early believers devoted themselves to “the prayers.” We'll also talk about how written prayers can strengthen—not replace—your personal conversations with God. We will also explore the beauty and biblical foundation of liturgical prayers, from the Psalms (which are themselves written prayers) to the Book of Common Prayer and prayers written by early church fathers like Polycarp. Many American evangelicals dismiss written prayers as "ritualistic" or empty tradition, but Scripture shows us that God gave us the Psalms to pray, Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer to pray, and faithful Christians throughout history have used written prayers to train themselves in adoration, confession, and thanksgiving—not just requests. I also share a few favorite historic prayer resources and simple ways to turn Scripture into your own prayers.Shop Prayer Resources⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop Our Spring Shop is live and filled with new prayer-focused resources including the Praying the Psalms Scripture Guide and Not-So-Quiet Time: Psalms Volume 1, a multisensory guide that you can use alone or as a family discipleship tool.Watch the full Verity Podcast Prayer Series: https://www.youtube.com/@veritypodcastSubscribe to Verity Podcast: https://apple.co/veritypodcastVerity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.Order Every Woman a Theologian: https://tsfqr.com/EWATbookNew Release: Not-So-Quiet Time: The Book of Psalms Volume 1 https://tsfqr.com/psalmsFollow along:Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/phyliciamasonheimerEWAT Instagram: https://instagram.com/everywomanatheologian
https://teachhoops.com/ Post-season conditioning is a high-stakes balancing act: you need your players at peak physical fitness, but you cannot afford to "burn them out" before the championship rounds. Traditional "distance running" or repetitive "liners" are often counterproductive this late in the year because they build aerobic capacity at the expense of explosive power and lateral quickness. To "win" the post-season, your conditioning must be "Sport-Specific" and "High-Intensity Interval" ($HIIT$) based. This means your players should be conditioning in the same metabolic windows they experience in a game—short, 5-to-20 second bursts of maximum effort followed by incomplete recovery. To bridge the gap between "being in shape" and "being in basketball shape," you must implement "Tactical Conditioning." Instead of running sprints to a whistle, run your "Full-Court Press" or "Fast-Break" drills at a tempo that exceeds game speed. This allows you to "hide" the conditioning within the coaching. Use the "30-Second Rule": any conditioning segment should be followed by a "Mental Task"—like shooting a free throw or executing a late-game out-of-bounds play—while the heart rate is still elevated. In the post-season, games are lost when players "check out" mentally because they are physically gassed. By "stacking" physical fatigue with cognitive demands, you build the Performance Poise required to execute under pressure. Finally, you must prioritize "Recovery as a Weapon." A fatigued muscle is a slow muscle, and a slow muscle leads to defensive breakdowns and "flat" jumpers. In your post-season script, monitor the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio ($ACWR$) of your starters. If they played 30 minutes on Tuesday, Wednesday's practice should focus on "Tactical Refinement" rather than "Physical Pounding." Utilize "Isometric Holds" and "Dynamic Flexibility" to maintain strength without adding "impact stress" to their joints. Use your TeachHoops member calls to "audit" your taper: are you ramping up the intensity while scaling back the volume? By entering the tournament "fresh" rather than "fried," you give your team a significant physiological advantage over opponents who are still grinding through heavy conditioning sessions. Basketball post-season conditioning, basketball fitness, tapering for playoffs, HIIT for basketball, sport-specific conditioning, basketball IQ, player recovery, high school basketball, youth basketball, coach development, team culture, performance poise, basketball training, conditioning drills, mental toughness, athletic leadership, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, aerobic vs anaerobic basketball, playoff preparation. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The city recently learned the Federal Emergency Management Agency won't reimburse for the cost of demolishing most vacant buildings destroyed during the May 16 tornado, leaving the future of the buildings and the north city neighborhoods in limbo. But STLPR's Kavahn Mansouri reports, the vacant buildings in the path of the tornado are just the most recent chapter in the city's long history of vacancy issues.
Thanks to our partners Promotive and Wicked FileWhat if that empty bay in your shop is costing you $175,000 a year?What happens when your best technician walks in on Friday afternoon and says they're not coming back Monday?In this episode, Hunt Demarest welcomes back Chris Lawson from Technician Find — the first returning guest on Business by the Numbers. Chris tackles the question shop owners struggle with most: Can you really afford to invest in recruiting when money is tight? Drawing on real shop data, Hunt and Chris break down the hidden cost of empty bays ($175,000 per year in lost gross profit for the average shop) and why treating recruiting as an optional expense is costing shops far more than any recruiting service ever could.Chris explains why recruiting is fundamentally different from advertising — you're not looking for people actively searching for jobs, you're reaching employed technicians who need a compelling reason to take the risk of leaving where they are. This requires completely different messaging, targeting strategies, and an understanding that ChatGPT-written ads on Indeed all look identical because they're copying each other. The conversation covers everything from why shops get 10+ applicants per opening while others get zero, to the emerging concept of "bench building" — maintaining relationships with potential hires before you desperately need them.This episode also dives into compensation strategy, the importance of running competitive salary surveys, and why the trades are positioned for continued wage growth as AI threatens white-collar careers but can't turn a wrench. Whether you're fully staffed and looking to build insurance against turnover, or scrambling to fill an empty bay, this conversation provides a framework for thinking about recruiting as an investment rather than an expense — and why waiting until you're desperate is the most expensive strategy of all.What you'll learn…(03:05) The real cost of empty bays: $2,000 per day vs. the cost of recruiting(05:00) Why recruiting is viewed as a vendor expense instead of an investment(05:30) The Indeed problem: Why every automotive technician job posting looks identical(07:10) How to write ads for employed technicians vs. people actively looking for work(09:00) Why good techs aren't on job boards — and where to find them instead(12:05) The evolution of technician recruitment(15:00) Optimizing the hiring process(18:00) Building a strong reputation(21:00) The essential role of interviews in recruitment(24:30) Understanding technician recruitment challenges(30:15) The importance of communication in recruitment(35:00) Leveraging AI in recruitment strategies(40:00) Future trends in technician wages and industry perceptionsThanks to our partner PromotiveIt's time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/Thanks to our Partner WickedFileTurn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive RepairVisit us Online: www.paarmelis.comEmail Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.comText Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413Download a Copy of My Books Here:Wrenches to Write-OffsYour Perfect Shop The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.
Everyone is focused on the military side of a possible confrontation with Iran. But there’s another threat almost no one in Washington is talking about: drug shortages here in the United States. Many of the ingredients used to manufacture prescription medications travel through global shipping routes that depend on stable energy prices and open sea lanes. If conflict with Iran disrupts oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, energy prices could spike overnight. And when oil surges, the entire supply chain tightens—cargo shipping slows, transportation costs explode, and critical goods get delayed. That matters because the United States already depends heavily on overseas manufacturing for many prescription drugs and their raw ingredients. If oil prices soar and global shipping is disrupted, pharmacies could start seeing shortages of everything from antibiotics to blood pressure medications. So while politicians debate strategy in the Middle East, Americans should be asking a much more personal question: Could the next escalation with Iran hit us where it hurts most—our own medicine cabinets? Your health is too important to leave in the hands of a broken medical system that only treats symptoms. If you want real doctors focused on prevention, early treatment, and keeping you healthy, check out the team I trust at The Wellness Company. They’re building a parallel healthcare system that actually puts patients first with medical kits, supplements, and access to physicians who believe in proactive care. Go to https://Twc.Health/Grant and use code GRANT for 10% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUEST: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz uses a neighbor parable to argue that 46 years of empty American threats have emboldened Iran. He advocates for the U.S. and Israel to finally remove this long-standing threat. (1)1953
This episode explores vocabulary related to appetite (apetyt), food (jedzenie), kitchen routines (rutyny kuchenne), and daily life (codzienne życie) in Polish. We dive into how to discuss hunger, meals, cooking, Netflix habits, and maintaining energy – all in practical, everyday Polish. Welcome to the Learn Polish Podcast – your immersive gateway to mastering Polish through real conversations, cultural insights, and practical everyday language. Each episode blends authentic Polish dialogue with clear English explanations, helping you build vocabulary naturally while exploring Polish food culture, daily routines, and lifestyle topics. Whether you're a complete beginner or advancing your skills, join us as we make learning Polish engaging, practical, and fun. From appetite (apetyt) to kitchen vocabulary (słownictwo kuchenne), we cover the phrases you actually need for everyday life. Find more episodes, lesson materials, and resources at www.learnpolishpodcast.com. You can also find us on YouTube, Spotify, and Rumble. Looking for virtual assistance, websites, social media, AI agents, or apps? Visit va.world. Need lessons in Polish or Spanish? Check the links in the show notes for both audio and video content. English Polish Pronunciation Example Usage Appetite Apetyt ah-PEH-tit Mam apetyt. (I have an appetite.) Hunger Głód gwoot Jestem głodny. (I'm hungry.) Food Jedzenie yeh-DZEN-yeh Lubię jedzenie. (I like food.) Meal Posiłek po-SHEE-wek Trzy posiłki dziennie. (Three meals a day.) Breakfast Śniadanie shnya-DAH-nyeh Śniadanie jest ważne. (Breakfast is important.) Lunch Obiad OB-yad Obiad o dwunastej. (Lunch at twelve.) Dinner Kolacja / Obiad ko-LA-tsya / OB-yad Kolacja o siódmej. (Dinner at seven.) Snack Przekąska psheh-KON-ska Lekka przekąska. (A light snack.) Kitchen Kuchnia KOOKH-nya W kuchni. (In the kitchen.) Cook Gotować go-TO-vach Lubię gotować. (I like to cook.) Eating Jedzenie yeh-DZEN-yeh Jedzenie przy stole. (Eating at the table.) Full Pełny / Najedzony PEW-nih / nah-yeh-DZO-nih Jestem pełny. (I'm full.) Empty Pusty POO-stih Pusty talerz. (Empty plate.) Plate Talerz TAH-lehsh Talerz zupy. (Plate of soup.) Bowl Miska MEE-skah Miska zbożu. (Bowl of cereal.) Cup Filiżanka / Kubek fee-lee-ZHAN-kah / KOO-bek Kubek kawy. (A cup of coffee.) Glass Szklanka SHKLAN-kah Szklanka wody. (A glass of water.) Water Woda VO-dah Woda mineralna. (Mineral water.) Coffee Kawa KAH-vah Czarna kawa. (Black coffee.) Tea Herbata her-BAH-tah Herbata z cytryną. (Tea with lemon.) Juice Sok sok Sok pomarańczowy. (Orange juice.) Bread Chleb hlep Świeży chleb. (Fresh bread.) Butter Masło MAH-swo Masło na chlebie. (Butter on bread.) Cheese Ser ser Ser żółty. (Yellow cheese.) Meat Mięso MYEN-so Mięso z warzywami. (Meat with vegetables.) Fish Ryba RIH-bah Ryba na obiad. (Fish for lunch.) Vegetables Warzywa vah-ZIH-vah Świeże warzywa. (Fresh vegetables.) Fruit Owoce OH-vo-tseh Owoce sezonowe. (Seasonal fruits.) Salad Sałatka sah-WAT-kah Sałatka z pomidorów. (Tomato salad.) Soup Zupa ZOO-pah Zupa pomidorowa. (Tomato soup.) Dessert Deser DEH-ser Deser po obiedzie. (Dessert after lunch.) Sweet Słodki SWOOD-kee Słodki deser. (Sweet dessert.) Salty Słony SWO-nih Słone przekąski. (Salty snacks.) Spicy Pikantny pee-KANT-nih Pikantne danie. (Spicy dish.) Hot (temperature) Gorący go-RON-tsih Gorąca kawa. (Hot coffee.) Cold Zimny ZEEM-nih Zimne piwo. (Cold beer.) Fresh Świeży SHFYEH-zhih Świeże produkty. (Fresh products.) Delicious Pyszny PISH-nih Pyszne jedzenie. (Delicious food.) Disgusting Obrzydliwy ob-zhid-LEE-vih Obrzydliwy smak. (Disgusting taste.) Netflix Netflix NET-flix Oglądam Netflix. (I watch Netflix.) Series Serial SEH-ryahl Serial na Netflixie. (Series on Netflix.) Episode Odcinek od-CHEE-nek Nowy odcinek. (New episode.) Watch Oglądać og-WON-dach Oglądać film. (To watch a movie.) Relax Relaksować się re-lak-SO-vach sheh Czas na relaks. (Time to relax.) Couch Kanapa / Sofa kah-NAH-pah / SO-fah Leżeć na kanapie. (Lying on the couch.) Energy Energia eh-ner-GHEE-ah Brak energii. (Lack of energy.) Tired Zmęczony zmen-CHOH-nih Jestem zmęczony. (I'm tired.) Sleep Sen sen Idę spać. (I'm going to sleep.) Wake up Budzić się BOO-dzeech sheh Budzę się wcześnie. (I wake up early.) Morning Poranek / Rano po-RAH-nek / RAH-no Wczesny poranek. (Early morning.) Evening Wieczór VYEH-choor Wieczór przed telewizorem. (Evening in front of TV.) Night Noc nots W nocy. (At night.) Day Dzień dzyen Cały dzień. (All day.) Time Czas chas Czas na obiad. (Time for lunch.) Habit Nawyk NAH-vik Dobry nawyk. (Good habit.) Routine Rutyna roo-TIH-nah Codzienna rutyna. (Daily routine.) Process Proces PRO-tses Proces gotowania. (Cooking process.) System System SIS-tem System jedzenia. (Eating system.) Positive Pozytywny po-zi-TIV-nih Pozytywne nawyki. (Positive habits.) Negative Negatywny ne-ga-TIV-nih Negatywne skutki. (Negative effects.) Important Ważny VAZH-nih Ważny posiłek. (Important meal.) Problem Problem PRO-blem Problem z apetytem. (Problem with appetite.) Solution Rozwiązanie roz-vy-ZA-nyeh Rozwiązanie problemu. (Solution to the problem.) Change Zmiana ZMYAH-nah Zmiana nawyków. (Change of habits.) Start Start / Zacząć start / ZAH-chonch Zacznij od śniadania. (Start with breakfast.) Stop Stop / Przestać stop / PSHEH-stach Przestań jeść. (Stop eating.) Continue Kontynuować kon-ty-nu-O-vach Kontynuować dietę. (Continue the diet.) Skip Pominąć / Ominąć po-MEE-noch / o-MEE-noch Pominąć posiłek. (Skip a meal.) Healthy Zdrowy ZDRO-vih Zdrowe jedzenie. (Healthy food.) Unhealthy Niezdrowy nyeh-ZDRO-vih Niezdrowe nawyki. (Unhealthy habits.) Diet Dieta dyeh-TAH Być na diecie. (To be on a diet.) Weight Waga VAH-gah Kontrola wagi. (Weight control.) Gain weight Przytyć pshee-TIH Chcę przytyć. (I want to gain weight.) Lose weight Schudnąć SKHOOD-noch Chcę schudnąć. (I want to lose weight.) Exercise Ćwiczenia chvee-CHEH-nya Ćwiczenia codziennie. (Exercise every day.) Gym Siłownia / Fitness see-woov-NYAH / FIT-nes Chodzić na siłownię. (Go to the gym.) Sport Sport sport Sport i zdrowie. (Sport and health.) Walk Spacer SPAH-tser Spacer po obiedzie. (Walk after lunch.) Run Biegać BYEH-gach Biegać rano. (Run in the morning.) Swim Pływać PWIH-vach Pływać w basenie. (Swim in the pool.) Bike Jeździć na rowerze YEZH-dzeech nah RO-veh-zeh Jeździć na rowerze. (Ride a bike.)
Welcome to Day 2814 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2814 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Each Tuesday, I will share the messages I have delivered at Putnam Congregational Church this year. This is the eleventh message in a year-long series covering the Good News as narrated by Luke. Today's message covers Luke four verses thirty-one through forty-four and is titled “Ministry at the Grassroots Level” . I pray it will be a conduit for learning and encouragement for you. Putnam Church Message – 02/08/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “Ministry at the Grassroots Level.” Last week, we began our study of the ministry of Jesus Christ with a message titled “Into the Fire,” where we learned that the Road to Calvary began in Nazareth. Today, we continue with the eleventh message in Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ in a message titled “Ministry at the Grassroots Level.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 4:31-44, found on page 1597 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. SCRIPTURE READING — Luke 4:31-44 (NIV) Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit 31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Jesus Heals Many 38 Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. 39 So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. 40 At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. 42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 44 And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. Opening Prayer Lord God, as we open Your Word today, we ask that You would do more than inform our minds. Shape our hearts. Correct our assumptions. And show us what faithful ministry really looks like— not from a distance, but right in the middle of ordinary life. Give us ears to hear, hearts to obey, and courage to follow where Jesus leads. In His name we pray. Amen. Introduction: Learning by Watching the Master I was not a great student, especially in grade school and high school. In college, I buckled down somewhat and did okay, grade-wise, even while working two part-time jobs to pay for school. But when I look back, the moments that shaped me most weren't lectures—they were moments of watching someone who really knew what they were doing. I learn best by observing an expert. I need a mentor, not just a teacher. I even find that hands-on YouTube videos are extremely helpful, much more than a manual or set of instructions. Someone who doesn't just explain the theory but shows me how it works in real life. That's exactly what Luke gives us in Luke 4:31–44. This passage is the third part of Luke's introduction to Jesus' public ministry: First, Luke summarized Jesus' growing influence (4:14–15) Then he showed us the scope of Jesus' mission in Nazareth—saving those who want a Savior (4:16–30) And now, here in Capernaum, Luke shows us how Jesus actually did ministry. Not from a platform. Not from a palace. Not from the center of religious power. But at ground level, among real people with real problems. Main Point 1: Jesus Taught with Authority Where Life Was Actually Lived Luke 4:31–32 “Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. There, too, the people were amazed at His teaching, because He spoke with authority.” (NLT) Jesus leaves Nazareth behind and travels downhill—literally and figuratively. Nazareth sat high in the hills. Capernaum sat along the Sea of Galilee, nearly 2,000 feet lower. Luke wants us to notice that while Jesus went down in elevation, His ministry went up in influence. Capernaum wasn't glamorous, but it was strategic: A fishing town, /A trade hub, /A place where ordinary people lived and worked. /And there, Jesus taught. What Made His Teaching Different? Luke tells us the people were “amazed” because Jesus taught with authority — exousia. That word doesn't mean volume. / It doesn't mean charisma. / It doesn't mean clever arguments. / It means as someone who has the right to speak. Most rabbis taught by quoting other rabbis: “Rabbi so-and-so says… but Rabbi such-and-such disagrees…” Jesus didn't do that. /He didn't borrow authority. /He didn't hide behind tradition. /He didn't perform. / He spoke directly from the Word of God, as someone who knew it from the inside out. / Not just because He was divine—but because He lived what He taught. Object Lesson: The Difference Between a Map and a Guide Imagine preparing to hike a difficult trail that you have never seen before. One ranger hands you a map and says, “Good luck.” Another ranger comes alongside you and says, “Follow me—I've hiked this trail before and know it well.” Jesus didn't just give people information. He invited them to follow Him. That's why His teaching carried weight. Ancient Context → Modern Parallel In Jesus' day, people were tired of religious talk that didn't touch real life. In our day, people are tired of: Empty slogans / Shallow answers / Advice that sounds good but doesn't work on Monday morning. What people hunger for—then and now—is truth that meets them where they live. Jesus didn't water down the truth. But He delivered it in a way people could grasp and trust. Supporting Scripture Matthew 7:28–29 — “He taught as one who had authority.” James 1:22 — “Do not merely listen… do what it says.” John 7:46 — “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” Summary of Main Point 1 Jesus' ministry didn't begin with miracles. It began with truth spoken clearly, lived consistently, and offered humbly. Authority in ministry is not about position. It is about faithfulness to God's Word and alignment with God's heart.
Send a textIf your career looks impressive on paper but feels hollow in real life, you are not broken. You are evolving.In this episode, I speak directly to mid-career professionals who are successful, respected, and accomplished, yet quietly questioning whether their work still fits who they are now. If you are navigating job dissatisfaction, career confusion, or a stalled promotion path in today's competitive job market, this conversation will help you reclaim clarity and momentum.At mid-career, titles and compensation alone no longer guarantee fulfillment. What once motivated you may now feel transactional. The work gets done, but the energy is gone. I unpack why this happens and how to close the gap between achievement and alignment so you can lead more impactfully and build a career you actually enjoy.You will learn:• How to recognize the difference between external success and internal fulfillment • Why mid-career identity shifts beyond your title, employer brand, or résumé • The hidden cost of transactional work and how it drains purpose • My alignment to impact formula that turns strengths and values into influence and sustainable energy • Four powerful questions to determine whether your current role fits who you are today • Practical experiments you can run before making a major career move • How to challenge myths like “I should be grateful” and “uncertainty means weakness” • When to engage mentors, sponsors, or a coach to accelerate clarityI also share my own pivot from a coveted director title to building a coaching practice. That decision came with fear, doubt, and uncertainty. It also brought clarity, ownership, and deeper impact. Sometimes nothing is wrong with you. The fit has simply changed.If you are a mid-career professional who feels stuck, undervalued, or underutilized, this episode will help you treat your dissatisfaction as data instead of failure. You will walk away with practical steps to test your next move, strengthen your leadership presence, and move toward work that uses your genius.And if you are not part of my free weekly Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, you are missing deeper insights and tools to help you navigate what is next. Go to johnneral.com/resources and join the Mid-Career GPS Newsletter today.Support the showVisit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Grab my free 15-minute audio briefing about why doing good work at mid-career is no longer "good enough." Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Clarity Code to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.
We continued in our Elisha series being challenged to have jars ready for God to fill.
You know your spouse's love language, and you try to use it. So why is their love tank always running on empty? This week, we're expanding the classic framework to include personality nuances, seasonal shifts, overdoing it (yes, that's possible!), and love tank "leaks." Plus, you'll learn why gifts aren't always about money and why physical touch isn't always about sex. Join us for a conversation about moving past formulas and becoming a better student of the one you love. Guests: Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott Follow-up Resources: Listen to Dr. Gary Chapman talk about the Five Love Languages on Java #592 The Love Language that Matters Most. Take the free relationship assessment at myheartchart.com The Five Love Languages Premium Assessment The Love Language That Matters Most by Dr. Gary Chapman, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott Follow Les & Leslie at @lesandleslie Follow Authentic Intimacy at @authenticintimacy
It's DISC GOLF WEATHER! And the Pod Ninja is reading a new book about how to improve at sports by not thinking about improving at sports...THEN: A well-known preacher (Che Ahn) admitted he lied...but then he said he wasn't lying. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?! Later: If you don't know who Patton Oswald is, we describe his facial features perfectly, so you can picture him exactly. Then John tells you what Patton said which ought to bring Patton to his knees in repentence to God, but it probably won't. Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com !
Have an episode suggestion? Text us!A lot of people believe that once the drinking or drugs stop, life will finally start to feel better. But for many people in recovery, the opposite happens at first. The chaos disappears and what's left can feel like a huge void. No excitement, no purpose, and no clear direction.In this Mindset Monday episode, we'll talk about why that happens. Addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, which is why early recovery can feel flat, boring, and emotionally heavy. Sobriety removes the destruction, but it does not automatically rebuild a life.This episode also speaks directly to spouses and partners. Many of you think that once the addiction stops everything should go back to normal. Instead, you may find yourself staring at the life you've been surviving for years and wondering who you are without the chaos to manage.We'll discuss the science behind this stage of recovery, why both people often feel lost at first, and what actually fills that void. Community, purpose, contribution, and rebuilding a life that feels meaningful are what turn sobriety into something worth protecting.Sobriety isn't the finish line. It's the starting line for building a completely different life.Find video clips and full length video from this episode on YouTube and our other social media pages!On the web:www.twfo.comSupport the Show:Buy Us a Coffee! Online Program: www.reclaiming-you.com Soberlink Device:www.soberlink.com/wheelsCheck out our blog:https://twfo.com/blogFollow us on TikTok:https://tiktok.com/@twfo_coupleFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/twfo_couple/Follow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TWFOCoupleFollow us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@twfo_coupleFind Taylor Counseling Group:https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/Donate to Counseling for the Future Foundation:Donate Here
It's DISC GOLF WEATHER! And the Pod Ninja is reading a new book about how to improve at sports by not thinking about improving at sports...THEN: A well-known preacher (Che Ahn) admitted he lied...but then he said he wasn't lying. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?! Later: If you don't know who Patton Oswald is, we describe his facial features perfectly, so you can picture him exactly. Then John tells you what Patton said which ought to bring Patton to his knees in repentence to God, but it probably won't. Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com !
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The Seattle City Council has unanimously approved a plan requiring local police to monitor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during immigration actions. This plan, initially introduced by Mayor Katie Wilson, has now been codified into city law. The move comes in response to concerns about the conduct of federal immigration agents, particularly following incidents in Minneapolis. Under the resolution, Seattle police officers are directed to investigate, verify, and document any reports of immigration enforcement activity, including validating the status of federal agents and securing scenes of potentially unlawful acts. Furthermore, the city plans to install over 600 signs prohibiting ICE enforcement actions on city property. Critics argue that this is an overreach and pits law enforcement agencies against each other, while supporters maintain it's about ensuring accountability and upholding standards of conduct.
Thought to share? Send me a text...Why does worship sometimes feel empty?In Book of Nehemiah chapter 8, the people of Israel experience something powerful—true, joyful worship. But it doesn't begin with music, singing, or even celebration.It begins with God's Word.As the people gather during the Jewish feast known as Rosh Hashanah, they listen to the Law for hours. The Word convicts their hearts, leads them to repentance, and ultimately fills them with joy.And only then does worship overflow.In this episode of Moments to Ponder, Betsy explores what this moment teaches us about worship today—and why many churches may be missing the very thing that brings worship to life.You'll also hear reflections from: • a mission trip in Mexico • a worship night that looked like a failure—but wasn't • the revival at Asbury University in 2023Each story points to the same truth:Worship is not the beginning. It's the response.If you've ever wondered why worship can feel dry—or how it can come alive again—this episode will encourage you to prepare your heart before you ever walk into church.Take a few moments in God's Word… and discover the joy that leads to real worship.To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/You can follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/and Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98
It's DISC GOLF WEATHER! And the Pod Ninja is reading a new book about how to improve at sports by not thinking about improving at sports...THEN: A well-known preacher (Che Ahn) admitted he lied...but then he said he wasn't lying. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?! Later: If you don't know who Patton Oswald is, we describe his facial features perfectly, so you can picture him exactly. Then John tells you what Patton said which ought to bring Patton to his knees in repentence to God, but it probably won't. Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com !
Speaker: Leslie Rowedentonnorth.church/lectionary ★ Support this podcast ★
Today might be the day when you are running on empty. If so, cry out, "Lead me to the rock"If today is not that day, and you have got some reserve in your tank, then let's cry out FOR that person. Pray that the DEW OF YOUTH might be returned to them. Then, on the day whey YOUR tank is empty, they might intercede for you. Subscribe, for that day might be tomorrow. https://youtu.be/_4AgyZFmBvw
The Dad Edge Podcast (formerly The Good Dad Project Podcast)
What does it actually mean to pursue excellence without losing your peace, your family, or yourself in the process? In this episode, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Brad Stulberg to unpack the tension so many driven men feel: the desire to achieve at a high level while still living a meaningful and grounded life. Brad shares insights from his book The Way of Excellence and explains why humans are wired to strive — but not necessarily wired to feel content once we achieve. We dive into the trap many high-performing men fall into: constantly chasing the next milestone, promotion, or accomplishment while never feeling satisfied. Brad also shares powerful insights for fathers on how to help their kids develop a healthy relationship with effort, competition, and self-worth. If you're a driven man who struggles to slow down and enjoy the journey — or you want to raise kids who value effort and character over outcomes — this conversation will challenge how you think about success. Timeline Summary [0:00] Introducing Brad Stulberg and the idea behind The Way of Excellence [2:29] Why humans are wired to strive but not wired for contentment [8:57] The trap of "heroic individualism" and chasing achievement [11:04] Why success alone often leaves people feeling empty [20:08] The mountain metaphor for achievement and fulfillment [26:04] The importance of pausing to appreciate the journey [29:00] Helping kids avoid tying self-worth to results [34:46] Why youth sports should focus on development over winning [41:01] Separating identity from performance [48:55] The real goal of youth sports: helping kids want to play again next year Five Key Takeaways Humans are wired to strive, which means the next achievement rarely brings lasting satisfaction. True excellence is about pursuing something worthwhile that aligns with your values. Focusing only on outcomes causes us to miss the meaning of the journey. Kids need to learn that effort and growth matter more than results. Fulfillment comes from aligning ambition with presence, purpose, and values. Links & Resources The Way of Excellence (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Way-Excellence-Greatness-Satisfaction-Chaotic/dp/0063385945 Roommates to Soulmates Preview: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1448): https://thedadedge.com/1448 Closing If you're a driven man constantly chasing the next milestone, this episode is a reminder to pause and ask yourself an important question: What does excellence actually mean for my life? Success without alignment will always feel empty. But when your ambition is grounded in values, presence, and purpose — that's where real fulfillment lives. If this episode resonated with you, make sure you rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it. Go out and live legendary.
Become a Distance to Empty subscriber!: https://www.patreon.com/DistancetoEmptyPod Get some free DTE Swag by supporting out sponsors!Check out Mount to Coast here: https://mounttocoast.com/discount/DistanceUse code DISTANCE at Janji.com and be sure to select 'podcast' > 'Distance to Empty' on the post purchase "How did you hear about Janji" page. Thank you!In this episode of "Distance to Empty," we welcome back Michael Koppy, a seasoned ultra-marathon runner, to discuss his recent experiences at the Arrowhead 135, a grueling 135-mile race through the icy wilderness of Minnesota. Michael shares his journey of redemption after a near-finish DNF in 2024, detailing the challenges of extreme cold, self-sufficiency, and the mental and physical endurance required to complete such a demanding race. The conversation delves into the unique aspects of cold-weather racing, the importance of preparation, and the inspiration Michael provides to others by achieving remarkable feats at the age of 75.
Young Millennials and Gen Z are currently spiralling over the ultimate 'Why Now?' question: To procreate, or not to procreate? To help, they’ve resurrected an unlikely guru from the 1980s — Merle Bombardieri — whose decades-old 'Rocking Chair Test' is currently trending as the ultimate fix for biological-clock-induced brain rot. We unpack whether a 40-year-old therapy book can actually solve the most high-stakes dilemma of our lives. Plus, Amelia Lester, Monique Bowley, and Stacey Hicks are diving into the rise of the 'Empty Parenting Weekend'. And, from Matt Damon’s viral 'don’t blink' dad take, to the obsession with Paul Mescal’s mum, we’re asking: Why is Hollywood parenting suddenly so wholesome? Our Recommendations:
In this episode of Conversations With Toi, I'm talking about what it really means to pour from an empty cup — not the cute Instagram version, but the real-life, real-time signs that you're running on fumes while still trying to show up for everyone else. We'll break down how to recognize when your cup is drying out, the subtle ways burnout disguises itself as “being strong,” and the emotional toll of constantly giving without replenishing.I'm also sharing practical, grounded ways to pour back into your own cup — not the generic “take a bubble bath” advice, but the internal work, the boundaries, the rest, and the self-honesty required to refill yourself in sustainable ways. You'll hear real examples from my own life, because if you've been here long enough, you know my life stays being the catalyst for these conversations.We're also getting into what I'm still learning: how to express how I feel without being petty, how to honor my emotions after going no contact with people who drained me, and how to navigate the messy middle between protecting your peace and communicating your truth. Growth isn't linear, and I'm sharing the lessons as I live them.If you're tired of pretending you're okay while running on empty, this episode is for you.Follow me across all social platforms at @toitimeblog, and stay connected on the blog at www.toitime.org.
God doesn't honor our accomplishments. He rewards our emptiness.
Trying something new here! I interviewed three women authors on the same day whose novels took me through the full spectrum of motherhood — so I wanted you all to have the same experience. We start with Angela Brown's Ways to Find Yourself in which Grace Whittaker meets younger versions of herself as she mourns her mother's loss while attempting to get pregnant. We then move on to British “it girl” Saba Sams's Gunk which really throws you into the birth and baby experience. And then we fast forward to empty nesting in Lindsey Goldstein's Gap Year in which a middle-aged mom takes off on an adventure after being left by her husband. Would love your input on this new episode format. I had fun doing it! Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby's Important People! As a Z.I.P., you'll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby's Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's Mystery Hour. To join the game, call 0345 60 60 973, Thursdays at 12pm.
In this episode of The Sesh, we're posted up with Sour OG, and we go full rabbit hole, in the best way.We start with Castlevania, metroidvania obsession, Switch OLED upgrades, and why older games still hit harder than half the “new” stuff coming out. Then it turns into a real talk about why people feel more isolated than ever, why connecting feels harder than it should, and why getting comfortable being uncomfortable is basically a cheat code for life.We also get into Days Gone, Zelda, Ghost Recon no-HUD chaos, Ready or Not, British shows, revenge movies that actually slap, and why laughter might be the most underrated mental reset we have.Question for the comments, what's your favorite random non-US movie or TV show?Keep the Mic on.Fuel the movement. Keep the conversation going.We keep a running list of tools and brands we personally enjoy and actually use.Find everything in one place here:
Do you succeed—but feel strangely empty afterward?Do you struggle to rest, celebrate, or slow down without guilt?If you grew up as a parentified child, this episode explains why.Many high achievers were the “glue” in their families—absorbing stress, preventing crises, and keeping everyone else safe. That unseen work often goes unrecognized, even though it took enormous strength.In this episode, I talk about:Why high achievers feel empty after successHow hypervigilance and over-responsibility develop in childhoodThe unseen labor parentified children carry into adulthoodWhy letting go of the role doesn't mean losing your strengthsI also share how the RPC Method (Reflect, Protect, Connect) teaches self-parenting skills so your strengths become sustainable instead of exhausting.
5 American Bases Empty - Ask Modi for Help | राएता इतना फैला की संभाले नहीं संभल रहा |MapExplanation
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Stocking Classrooms, Building FuturesA first-year teacher stands in an empty classroom with a key in her hand and a knot in her stomach. Twenty-six desks. Bare walls. One loud thought: School starts soon, and the room has almost nothing.Dr. Megan Brown, an associate professor of education at Cedarville University, knows that moment well. Coursework can cover research and best practices. Training can shape strong habits. Still, the first year in a real classroom brings a different kind of weight — especially when the space begins as a blank slate.Megan teaches literacy courses to future educators, and she talks plainly about what teaching requires. Learning is hands-on. Students need materials in their fingers so ideas can stick in their minds. Yet school budgets only stretch so far. Families can only do so much. Teachers often fill the gaps with their own money: pencils, tissues, notebooks, cleaning supplies, even backpacks. For a new teacher, those costs add up quickly.That's where Malena Ball comes in. A 2022 Cedarville graduate with a degree in strategic communication, Malena now serves as marketing director for Crayons to Classrooms. In that role, she helps connect educators to practical, personal support. The Dayton-area nonprofit provides free classroom supplies for teachers in 144 schools, reaching more than 50,000 students through the teachers it serves.Malena has watched teachers push carts down the aisles and still expect a bill. “How much do I owe?” they ask, looking at the price tags left on some items to show their value. Volunteers smile back. “Nothing.” Relief softens shoulders, and gratitude shows up as tears. Being seen does that.Crayons to Classrooms stocks the consumables that disappear by October — glue sticks, erasers, paper, pencils. But Malena calls it more than a resource center. It's a care center. Teachers find air filters, hygiene products, Band-Aids, sanitizer, and tissues. Those supplies don't just serve learning. They support dignity, comfort, and confidence.Megan watched one new teacher arrive after visiting her classroom for the first time. Empty room. End of July. No paycheck yet. She left with two full carts squeezed into a small car and a face filled with relief. Now there was something to build with.That “something” reaches far past academics. A spare notebook helps a student keep up. A backpack handed quietly to a child in foster care says, “This is yours.” A pencil offered without a lecture says, “You matter here.”Megan and Malena shared these stories on the Cedarville Stories podcast. Their message? Equip teachers with training, care, and supplies. When teachers feel supported, students feel it too. And that feeling can shape those students' futures.https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fa1e2bdhttps://youtu.be/_4X2P8hjSuk
There's a tension at the heart of modern banking that technology doesn't seem to totally resolve: how do you be both, digitally excellent and deeply human at the same time? Most banks have picked a lane: either betting on digital efficiency or doubling down on relationship banking. But consumers aren't asking for one or the other. They want both. They want their banking app to work flawlessly when they need it, and they want someone who actually knows them when it matters. My guest today is Dontá Wilson, Truist's Chief Consumer and Small Business Banking Officer. He leads 20,000 teammates serving clients through both digital channels and more than 1,900 community banking branches. His portfolio spans core deposits and loans to mortgage, auto, credit cards, and the full stack of consumer products. He also oversees Truist's multi-year growth plan that's reimagining both their digital experience and their physical branches using insights and AI. We talked about how AI is redefining consumer expectations and trust, what it takes to innovate inside a highly regulated industry while keeping client purpose at the center, and why Dontá believes innovation without empathy is empty.
From the March/April 2026 edition of The Scottish Rite Journal. Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition.Make sure to like and subscribe to the channel! Freemasons, make sure you shout out your Lodge, Valley, Chapter or Shrine below!OES, Job's Daughter's, Rainbow, DeMolay? Drop us a comment too!To learn how to find a lodge near you, visit www.beafreemason.comTo learn more about the Scottish Rite, visit www.scottishrite.orgVisit our YouTube Page: Youtube.com/ScottishRiteMasonsJoin our Lost Media Archive for only $1.99 a month!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv-F13FNBaW-buecl7p8cJg/joinVisit our new stores:Bookstore: https://www.srbookstore.myshopify.com/Merch Store: http://www.shopsrgifts.com/
In this episode of the Empty the Benches podcast, hosts Nick Mannella and Mackane Vogel welcome Tyler Madarasz, co-host and producer of NHL Morning Skate on SiriusXM. The conversation dives into the excitement surrounding the NHL trade deadline, reflecting on Olympic hockey, and discussing various teams' needs and potential player movements. The trio explores the struggles of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the fit of certain players on different teams, and the potential for significant trades as the deadline approaches. With insights on key players like Robert Thomas, Vincent Trocheck, and Evander Kane, the episode captures the anticipation and chaos that often accompanies the trade deadline in the NHL. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Olympic Reflections 03:01 Trade Deadline Anticipation 06:02 Team Needs and Player Movements 08:53 Toronto Maple Leafs' Struggles 12:00 Potential Trades and Player Fit 14:56 Defensive Moves and Trade Rumors 18:00 Final Thoughts on Trade Deadline Chaos Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Are you running on empty spiritually? ⛽
He worked the night shift in an old Colorado school, cleaning long after the final bell rang. From the first day, he was warned the building had a reputation.At night, the hallways felt occupied. Footsteps trailed behind him when he knew every exterior door was locked. Something once ran down the corridor, turned the corner near his office, then ran back—just out of sight.He learned to keep music playing. Silence made the school louder. One evening, he set up his phone to record in the main office. He didn't see anything. But later, tiny rocks appeared in the lobby—and his boss wanted to know where they came from.He no longer works there. But sometimes, when a building feels empty… it isn't.#HauntedSchool #NightShiftStories #ParanormalActivity #DisembodiedFootsteps #UnexplainedNoises #ShadowSightings #GhostlyEncounters #CreepyHallways #ParanormalPodcast #RealGhostStories Love real ghost stories? Want even more?Become a supporter and unlock exclusive extras, ad-free episodes, and advanced access:
Is Cade Cunningham getting the respect he deserves… or is the hype machine in overdrive? This week on Alley Oop, Juju and Trysta welcome Zach Harper from The Athletic for a full-on NBA debate episode — and things get SPICY. We kick things off with the big question: • Is Cade Cunningham an MVP candidate… or are we getting ahead of ourselves? Does he deserve praise for carrying Detroit — or shade for the results? From there, the besmirching spreads: • Are the Spurs the second-best team in the West? • Can ANYONE beat Team USA in Olympic basketball? • Who are the true powerhouses — East vs West? • Why won't Luka shoot when he's WIDE OPEN?! • Kelsey Plum does an Aliyah Boston elbow impression and we cannot recover. It's debates, hot takes, chaos, and a LOT of shade. If you love NBA debates, spicy basketball takes, and zero chill analysis — you're in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices