Podcasts about Flourishing

Today's Devotional "My Flourishing Season"1 Kings 17, 18lmjministries.org4/16/25Join us for coffee and conversation and community.

Send us a textHave you ever found yourself thinking, “I'm not depressed… but I'm not exactly thriving either”? As women who are juggling family, work, faith, and countless responsibilities, it's easy to settle into survival mode. But what if God invites us to something more—something deeper than simply not feeling bad? What if He desires for us to flourish?In this eye-opening episode, Dr. David Carreon joins the conversation to explore the powerful idea that flourishing—not just the absence of depression—is the true goal of mental and spiritual health. Drawing from his clinical experience, Dr. Carreon helps us understand what flourishing looks like and how it involves more than just feeling “okay.” It's about cultivating a life of purpose, connection, and joy.Whether you've struggled with depression or just feel stuck in a spiritual or emotional rut, this conversation is a grace-filled invitation to pursue a life that is vibrant, grounded, and whole. You were created to flourish, not just function. Let this conversation be the first step toward embracing a more joy-filled, connected, and purposeful life. SHOW LINKS: Connect with Angie ElkinsThe Opposite of Depression 

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode, Coach Jill Pack introduces a powerful exercise called “Building My House”—a metaphorical journaling and self-awareness tool that helps individuals better understand themselves, their values, and how they relate to others. As a midlife women's coach and host of the Seasons of Joy podcast, Jill shares how this framework has helped women from all walks of life flourish by identifying what truly matters most to them. For more information about Jill and for links to access all she has to offer, please click HERE! To watch this interview on YouTube, go HERE. For more information and available downloads, go to: https://ldslifecoaches.com/ All content is copyrighted to Heather Rackham and featured coaches. Do not use without permission.  

In this episode of the Just Schools Podcast, Jon Eckert interviews Dr. Matthew Lee, research professor at Baylor University and co-leader of the Global Flourishing Study—a longitudinal project spanning 22 countries and nearly 200,000 people. They discuss what it means to flourish as whole human beings and how education can support not only academic success but spiritual, emotional, and relational well-being. Dr. Lee shares insights on how flourishing is not just about individual happiness or wellness, but about contributing to the greater good—what he describes as "ecosystem-wide flourishing." He and Eckert explore how love, hospitality, and compassion can shape the culture of schools, drawing from research and real-world examples, including organizations like Barry-Wehmiller that center care and community in their leadership. The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center for School Leadership. Be encouraged. Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Christian Caregiving: A Way of Life by Kenneth Haugk Connect with us: Baylor MA in School Leadership EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership Jon Eckert LinkedIn X: @eckertjon Center for School Leadership at Baylor University: @baylorcsl     Transcript: Jon Eckert: All right. Today we get to welcome a good friend and colleague at Baylor University. So Matt Lee is here with us today, and his work all revolves around flourishing, which is the ultimate goal of all education and one of the most intrinsically human things that we think about. So Matt, if you just give us a quick intro as to why you're at Baylor and kind of the 30,000-foot view of what you do here at Baylor. Matt Lee: Well, thanks, Jon. I'm delighted to be here at Baylor, and I would say part of the reason that I'm here is that the Global Flourishing Study is a joint project of Baylor and Harvard, and this is a five year, 22 country survey to understand the forces that affect flourishing for about 200,000 people globally. And we've got nationally representative samples in each of these countries. So we're almost able to generalize to all humanity, which is unusual for a study. And to have this longitudinal approach enables us to follow up over time, look at changes. We've got the time ordering nailed down, we've got some statistical techniques to address robustness. We're almost able to make causal claims that generalize to all humanity. So that was one of the reasons. The other thing is I just really appreciate Baylor's mission and ability to combine really rigorous research with a Christian commitment. And so I think that is a special strength of Baylor University, not to go into a commercial for Baylor right now. Jon Eckert: Oh no, we're all for that. But it's one of the reasons why our work overlaps, because we work with education leaders in over 45 countries and all 50 states and the stated goal of education since Aristotle has been for the flourishing of human beings. And so there's obviously a school component of this. You're looking at all of humanity. Again, that's not probably something I'll ever be able to say as a researcher that I've able to generalize findings to all humanity. But I'm curious to hear how you all think about words like flourishing in love and operationalize those for educators. What does that look like in whatever school you're called to? Obviously, we're here at Baylor and we can have a faith component to what undergirds everything we do, but a lot of our educators that we serve are in public schools, and there's secular humanism there, and there's all different kinds of kids with all different kinds of backgrounds. So what does flourishing and love look like universally, in the way you would define it? Matt Lee: Well, I would frame it as a dialogue. And so we are contributing to a dialogue. And I remember there was a chaplain at Harvard who used to just observe that Harvard tends to treat students as though they are just a brain on a stick or maybe a neocortex on a stick. And of course, there's more to human beings than that. And so when we think about flourishing, we think about multiple domains. We're flourishing in terms of our physical health, we're flourishing in terms of our spiritual health, our emotional health. And so there's all of these different domains at the individual level, but it's sort of meaningless in a sense if we're not contributing to the greater good. And for most people, particularly in the United States, the greater good is going to be largely defined in terms of a sacred narrative. So if we're not honoring that need to serve the greater good in terms of a sacred narrative, then we are dehumanizing people by definition. And so if we care about the inherent dignity, the infinite value of every person, that we need to attend to all of the domains of flourishing across levels. So flourishing is different than well-being and happiness and wellness and some of these other constructs because it really is not just about the person, it's about the person in their context. And their context might include a sacred context. Their context certainly would include a political and economic context. It's knowing we have the skills in order to make a meaningful difference in this person's life. We're not trying to fix anything. We know that that doesn't necessarily work, but we can be present with loving awareness in a way that is itself healing, and then we can get people the help that they need if we can't provide it. But it's not one person's responsibility to do that. So oftentimes when we think of love or compassion, we think of one-on-one, but this is actually something that you find at the level of groups. And Brian Wellinghoff, my co-author on the one article about Barry-Wehmiller, he's a senior director at Barry-Wehmiller. He said in the article, what we've found over these couple of decades is that when love is present, it promotes the conditions that are required for flourishing. It's not just that love is present at the level of one-on-one interactions, it's that it's now that love is part of the culture. Love is part of the context, and that enables everything that they do. And they help encourage that by promoting skills like listening and the practice of gratitude and regularly celebrating people, not just employee of the month where you get a nice parking spot and everyone hates you for the month or whatever. But like a culture of celebration where it actually is joyful to celebrate the people that you care about and you want to do that and you appreciate it when they do it for you. And you know it's going to happen because you can see your love, make a difference on a daily basis. You know that you're contributing, you know that you're engaged. And I remember asking Bob Chapman, again, the CEO of that company, "What do you do about free riders?" When I went to Harvard, I thought, "I'll never see any free riders," and there's free riders everywhere, and how do you do that? And so he said, "Well, we want everyone to get on the bus, but they're not necessarily going to get on at the same stop, but we have faith and we're committed that eventually everyone's going to get on the bus." So there's some mercy and there's some grace. And then there's the tough conversation. There's the tough love. It's not just the warm hug, it's the powerful love that says, "Look, I'm going to speak truthfully to you about your contribution as a co-creator of this culture," he calls it a culture of caring, but I think we could also call it a culture of love and compassion. Jon Eckert: So couple of things that came to mind when you were talking about that. I like the term sacred hospitality, but the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara came out just a few years ago. He ran Eleven Madison, and they became the best restaurant in the world based on not their service, but on their hospitality. And he differentiates service from hospitality. And it's absolutely a culture that gets created. It can't just be one person. It's how the whole team views the experience they're creating for diners. And it's a remarkable book that it's hard to replicate in schools because that is an elite experience with lots of money behind it, and public schools aren't functioning in that world. But how do we have that kind of an attitude about how do we see whole human beings and reach out in a hospitable way, not just in a service way? So I wonder if you have any... Are you familiar with Unreasonable Hospitality at all? Matt Lee: I've not read it, no. Jon Eckert: Okay. But does that align with sacred hospitality as you're considering it? Matt Lee: Well, one conceptual resource that I found helpful is from a book called Christian Caregiving, and this is written by the founder of the Stephen Ministries. This is the laypeople in a congregation who provide care to others in the congregation. They're not trained as psychologists or counselors, but they've been given a set of skills and they know their boundaries. That's the most important skill is knowing what's yours and what's for a professional and what's for God. And so when you think about the critical distinction in that book, it's between servitude and servanthood. And so when we are living into our vocation, that's servanthood. And when we are forced to do something that we wouldn't want to do in a way we wouldn't want to do it, then we're talking about servitude. And so when we imagine education and we think about a system that is perfectly designed to get the result that it gets, what is our system getting? It's perfectly designed to get disengagement. That's what we see from the Gallup data. So as you progress through your journey, you start out highly engaged in kindergarten, and then you're less engaged in middle school, less engaged in high school, and it just continues. It's a nice linear downward trend. Jon Eckert: That's not a nice trend, Matt. Matt Lee: Well, it's not nice, but from a research standpoint- Jon Eckert: It's clean. Matt Lee: It's very clean. So what are we doing systematically there? Well, we start out in kindergarten, we're sitting in a circle with our friends holding hands, finger painting the alphabet, singing songs. The creative arts are infused into this container of friendship. And we're learning our core material in that kind of container. And then we systematically start pulling all that stuff out. No more recess, take art maybe once in four years in high school. Jon Eckert: Elementary school, on average now, get 27 minutes of recess a day in the United States. Matt Lee: Oh, so we're- Jon Eckert: It's devastating. Matt Lee: We're doing it even younger than when I was a kid. Jon Eckert: Yes. Yeah. Matt Lee: I started doing this UN class called Love and Action at the University of Akron, and I said, "Rather than reading about this, why don't we practice it and then come back in a community of friends and share what are we learning?" And it just felt more like kindergarten to me. Let's sit in a circle and let's sing some songs about what we're learning. And I remember saying, "Well, do we even need exams at some point in these UN classes? Maybe there's a different way to be in relationship where we don't need the exams." And some of my colleagues would say, "Well, that's dangerous. You're going to have all these free riders." I had so few free riders in that context, and it's sort of like Barry-Wehmiller company as well. There's so few free riders because you empower people to be what they were created to be. Jon Eckert: Seeing data coming out on what leads to flourishing and mental health and what doesn't. But we're always looking for the things, what's working. I don't have time to spend a lot of time on the things that aren't working. I do like Bob Chapman's belief that everybody will eventually get on the bus. I don't believe that is true. I believe some people need to find another bus. But I think eventually you need to get the people that need to be on the bus, on the bus, and they'll get there. And they may choose there's another bus route that's better for them, and that will lead more to their flourishing. And that's great. But with 12,000 people in that company, that's not going to be 12,000 people that are on the right bus all the time. Matt Lee: Well, and I think maybe it's not everyone, but you go after the lost sheep. Jon Eckert: That's right. Yeah, you do. You do. That is fair. That's fair. And teachers definitely do that. And you can run yourself ragged. This is the last part of the time, and this is always the hardest part for me. I would be terrible at this, but you have four questions, four sentences. So one sentence for each one. So in all of your flourishing work that you've done, what is the most obvious finding that you're like, "That's kind of a duh, we all knew that and now we have empirical evidence that says that's true." Matt Lee: Better to give than receive. Jon Eckert: Okay. Well, there you go. Some ancient wisdom. All right, second. What's the most surprising finding that really jumped out? Like, "Oh, didn't see that coming"? Matt Lee: Yeah, I don't know that it was really surprising. It was just surprising to see it so consistently that groups that so obviously prioritize financial material stability, have the lowest flourishing on all the other domains. At the country level, at the group level, even within particular organizations. So we find in a paper that I've just... This is more than one sentence, but I'll give you an example. Jon Eckert: That's all right. Matt Lee: So I'm co-leading a paper on showing love and care to another person, and this is using the global flourishing study data. We find a fairly strong negative correlation with GDP. Countries that have higher GDP have people who show lower levels of love and care. Jon Eckert: Wow, okay. And I'm not- Matt Lee: So I'm not totally surprised by that, but it's still kind of shocking to see it so reliably surfacing in all of this work. Jon Eckert: I'll keep this short, but my daughters went down to the Dominican Republic to do some work there with a lot of high school and college students this summer. And they had an amazing experience because of the joy of the people that they were with in the Dominican Republic. And so the joy that they exuded through... Some of them had very little, but the joy was there and it made a fundamental difference I think will mark my daughters for the rest of their lives because they recognize, "Oh, really, joy is not tied to what we have." Matt Lee: Yeah. I had a group from Spain consult me a couple of years ago, "We're going to this impoverished country and we're going to help them with their flourishing." And I said, "Oh, really? You might find that they help you with your flourishing." Jon Eckert: 100%, right. So the last two questions. What's the biggest challenge you see globally or in the US, take your pick, that's inhibiting flourishing right now? Matt Lee: Yeah. I think that the way we understand flourishing or love or leadership is really just a small part of what those words represent. And so I think if we understood flourishing as ecosystem-wide flourishing, we would have the appropriate North Star. But if we keep doing it as, or understanding it as, a kind of subjective experience of wellbeing for an individual, I think we'll never get out of the crab bucket. Jon Eckert: That's good. And then what's your biggest hope for flourishing, globally or in the US? Matt Lee: My biggest hope would be that we would learn from the positive outliers who are already doing it everywhere in the world. And I think I remember some years ago... So I'm bad at one sentence. Jon Eckert: I know, I am too. This is a challenge. Matt Lee: I have to immediately support it with evidence. Jon Eckert: That's good. Matt Lee: So let me give you just one example of evidence. I was chair of the section on altruism, morality, and social solidarity of the American Sociological Associations. That's a lot to remember. But as part of my role as chair, I was also editing the newsletter, and I was approached by a member of the section who had done some research on concentration camps, Nazi Germany, and he found in his argument... I'll just cut to the chase. His argument was, most of the Holocaust museums focus on the narrative of victimhood. But what you saw in the camps was incredible heroism, incredible sharing under pain of death of your last crumbs and incredible, just inspiring altruism. The human spirit was soaring, even as the body was being destroyed by this evil regime. And so people who have never had their names in the history books have done incredible things. And Holocaust museums around the world could tell that story too. Not just the victim story and not to the exclusion of the victim story, but tell the story of empowerment. Jon Eckert: Wow. That's a great place to end. Thank you for taking the time, and thanks for the work you do, Matt. Matt Lee: Thank you.  

I sit down with my friend and colleague Dr Helen Machen-Pearce for a real, raw conversation about burnout, healing, and what it actually takes to flourish as a human being. I share my personal story - how I pushed myself to the point of physical and emotional collapse, what it took to come back from that, and the lessons I learned the hard way. Helen opens up about her own experience with burnout and recovery, navigating illness and rediscovering herself through yoga and embodiment. Together, we talk about nervous system health, trauma, grief, overwork, purpose, and the quiet power of everyday practices that nourish rather than deplete. Our new two-year membership program, Embodied Flourishing, is a supportive and pressure-free space to explore well-being, boundaries, embodiment, and more. Find out more and join us here: embodimentunlimited.com/flourish Check out more from Dr Helen here: yogarogue.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------- Check out our YouTube channel for more coaching tips and our Podcast channel for full episode videos Uplevel your coaching with a free copy of Mark's latest eBook, The Top 12 Embodiment Coaching Techniques  Join Mark for those juicy in-person workshops and events Fancy some free coaching demo sessions with Mark?  Connect with Mark Walsh on Instagram 

In today's fast-paced world of cryptocurrency booms, sports betting apps, and market volatility, it's easy to blur the lines between investing and gambling. Some even suggest they're essentially the same: putting money at risk in hopes of a reward. But that's a serious oversimplification—and it misses what sets these two activities apart, not just financially but morally and biblically.Let's examine closely how Scripture, wisdom, and faith guide us in thinking rightly about risk, wealth, and the difference between gambling and godly investing.Surface Similarities, Foundational DifferencesYes, both investing and gambling involve uncertainty. But the nature, purpose, and outcome of that uncertainty reveal a stark contrast.Investing is thoughtful risk—measured, intentional, and directed toward long-term growth and productivity. It's about building something: a business, a future, a legacy. Gambling, on the other hand, is a zero-sum game. One person's win always comes at another's loss. There's no product created, no value added—just money changing hands, often driven by chance.Scripture doesn't condemn risk itself. In fact, Ecclesiastes 11:1 encourages wise, forward-looking activity:“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”Farmers sow in faith, business owners launch ventures without knowing outcomes, and faithful stewards invest, trusting God while using His resources wisely.At its best, investing helps others flourish. When you invest in a company, you support its ability to hire employees, create products, and expand services. It contributes to the real economy. This aligns with the biblical call to participate in the common good and steward what we've been given.In contrast, gambling thrives on imbalance. Its business model depends on extracting wealth from those who can least afford to lose it. According to numerous studies, gambling establishments disproportionately profit from those in financial distress. That's not just unfortunate—it's unjust.Scripture speaks clearly on this:“Ill-gotten gains do not profit anyone, but righteousness rescues from death.” - Proverbs 10:2 “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” - Isaiah 1:17When we gamble, we're often not just risking money—we may be supporting an industry that profits from injustice and preys on desperation.Faithful Investing Is an Act of StewardshipIn the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), Jesus praises servants who wisely multiply what was entrusted to them. This wasn't a message about maximizing profits—it was about faithfulness. The servants who acted wisely weren't gamblers but stewards who took action with the Master's interests in mind.That's the heart of Christian investing: not chasing gains but multiplying God's resources to serve others and glorify Him.As stewards, we ask not just what we invest in but why. Are we motivated by generosity or greed? By love for neighbor or love of money?Gambling feeds on a dangerous lie: “If I just get lucky, everything will be better.” It exploits our dissatisfaction and fuels a restless craving for more.But the Bible calls us to contentment, not a compulsive pursuit of wealth.“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” - Hebrews 13:5That warning doesn't apply only to gamblers. Even investing, when driven by fear or pride, can become a spiritual trap. Hoarding under the guise of saving. Obsessing over returns instead of resting in God's provision. That's why heart-checks are essential: Am I trusting in God—or in my portfolio?Gambling Turns Money into a God—Investing Can Turn It into a ToolJesus was clear:“You cannot serve both God and money.” - Matthew 6:24Gambling often makes money the master—something to chase, fear, and idolize. But investing, done with a kingdom mindset, makes money a servant—something to steward and direct toward God's purposes.That's why investing should never be seen as a get-rich-quick scheme. It's a long-term discipline rooted in wisdom, patience, and generosity. It's a way of preparing for the future while contributing to the flourishing of others today.Here's the bottom line: how we handle money is never just a financial issue—it's a spiritual one.Gambling often reflects distrust in God's provision and a desire for quick fixes. When done right, investing reflects wisdom, contentment, and a desire to serve.Here are a few reflective questions to consider:Am I making financial decisions out of fear or faith?Is my heart set on what money can do—or on what God has already done?Do I view my investments as a way to bless others or simply benefit myself?Your Security Is in Christ, Not in ReturnsIn today's uncertain economy, it's tempting to look for shortcuts or put our trust in performance. But real peace doesn't come from perfect financial planning—it comes from knowing the One who holds your future.Whether you're investing, giving, saving, or simply getting by, remember:Your ultimate treasure isn't in the stock market or your net worth—it's in Christ.As you steward God's resources, don't chase the illusion of easy wealth. Instead, pursue faithfulness, justice, and generosity.That's not just wise investing. That's worship.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a question about what I actually need to do as far as whether we look at an estate attorney, whether we look at a CPA, whether we look at a financial planner. We have several homes and investments and want to create a trust, but we just don't know which direction to go with it.I want to know if our portfolio is conservative enough. We have about $900,000 to $1 million in property. Is property considered aggressive or conservative in an investment mix?What are the pros and cons of changing house title to transfer upon death and adding my kids' names versus leaving it to them in a will?Is it advisable to contact an insurance broker about skyrocketing insurance premiums, and if so, how do I find a reputable one?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineeHealth | HealthMarkets | Healthcare.govChristian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

This article emphasizes the importance of churches actively engaging with their surrounding communities by promoting shalom, a holistic concept of peace and well-being. It highlights the biblical call to "seek the welfare of the city" as a path to both community and church flourishing, urging churches to assess local needs and develop partnerships that contribute to the common good. 

What happens when a ministry fully aligns its strategy with its mission? In this episode, hear how Summit Ministries President Dr. Jeff Myers and author of Truth Changes Everything, and CFO Jeff Wood are building a culture of trust, collaboration, and engagement—all while equipping the next generation of Christian leaders. Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/438DrJeffMyersJeffWood Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2   By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus  | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org  

“Whether or Not You Think You're Worth It, Jesus Does” – A Palm Sunday Sermon on Luke 8 In this compelling Palm Sunday message, guest preacher Chasen Robbins unpacks the Parable of the Sower from Luke 8:4–15, offering deep insight into why people either continue or stop following Jesus. Drawing from Scripture, life experience, and even a nostalgic reference to The Sandlot, Chasen calls listeners to reflect on their spiritual soil—are we truly rooted in Jesus, or are we being choked out by the worries and distractions of the world? The message begins with a reflection on Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the painful irony that the same crowds praising Him would, just five days later, demand His crucifixion. This contrast sets the stage for the parable: a seed scattered freely across all types of soil—hard, rocky, thorny, and good. While the seed (God's Word) never changes, the soil (our hearts) determines the outcome. Chasen walks through each soil: • The Path – A heart hardened by the world and unable to receive the Word. • The Rocks – Shallow faith with no depth; easily withers in trials. • The Thorns – Faith choked by life's worries, riches, and pursuit of perfection. • The Good Soil – A receptive heart that hears the Word, holds onto it, and produces fruit with endurance. This sermon is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth is not about striving harder but receiving more of God's grace. It's not about being a perfect soil from the start, but being willing to let God transform us. Key Themes: • The generosity of God's grace and how it is scattered to all. • The difference between emotional hype and deep, committed faith. • The dangers of spiritual distractions and burnout. • The importance of spiritual rest and community. • The truth that Jesus sees your worth—even when you don't. Takeaway Quote: “Following Jesus doesn't remind us of how worthless we are. Following Jesus reminds us of how worthwhile we are.” Whether you are questioning your faith, weary from the weight of performance, or looking to go deeper in your walk with God, this message invites you to receive the love of Jesus in a fresh way. Who This Sermon is For: • Those feeling distant from God or unworthy of His love. • Christians longing for a deeper, more authentic faith. • Anyone wrestling with spiritual burnout or performance-based identity. • Those seeking rest, renewal, and hope. Chasen teaching style is deeply relatable and rooted in Scripture. With a pastor's heart and a clear love for the local church, he challenges and encourages all listeners to ask: What kind of soil am I today? And no matter the answer, he reminds us that transformation is always possible through the grace of Christ. Scripture Reference: Luke 8:4–15 About the Speaker: Chasen Robbins is a guest preacher at Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful, Utah. Known for his engaging, honest teaching, Chasen often preaches to young adults and students, helping them navigate faith in a complex and often confusing world. His messages are filled with truth, humor, and hope. About the Church: Flourishing Grace Church is a gospel-centered community in Bountiful, Utah, committed to helping people find and follow Jesus. Through biblical teaching, heartfelt worship, and authentic community, we desire to see lives transformed by the love of Christ.

Meet Christian Wolfe, a professional counselor who not only runs his own practice, but also serves seminarians and priests through both individual and group counseling. With a Master of Science in Counseling from Divine Mercy University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, Wolfe brings a rare integration of clinical expertise and a Catholic understanding of the human person.In this episode, Wolfe shares how his work — rooted in EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing — supports individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, unwanted sexual behavior, and addiction, including digital dependencies. He also talks about guiding those discerning their vocation, whether to the priesthood, religious life, marriage, or career.Before becoming a counselor, Christian led a high-powered career in international advertising, living and working across five continents. He opens up about that chapter of his life, his encounters with suffering and grace, and how God's merciful love radically transformed his path.Tune in to hear Christian reflect on human formation, the importance of integrating faith with psychology, and why he believes healing is always possible — no matter where you've been.

On a recent expedition to Antarctica, researchers made a startling discovery after part of a huge ice sheet broke off. In the frigid waters originally hidden below, scientists discovered what appear to be new species of crustaceans, fish and other life forms. How is this possible and just how many more new life forms are waiting to be found? Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, joins The Excerpt to share details of this remarkable discovery. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back with Jenny is award-winning media executive, actor-producer, writer and speaker, Kathleen Cooke.  She's a founding partner & VP of Cooke Media Group with her husband Phil. She co-founded the nonprofit The Influence Lab/Influence Lab Women, where she leads and mentors Christian professionals and leaders – particularly women in the media industry. She has such a passion for what she calls the “4 C's” for women - connecting,  collaborating, creating -  for Christ - to change our culture!  Kathleen wants to see you thrive, flourish and to make a meaningful impact wherever God leads you! They have lots to talk about from Christian movies to Actor Russell Brand. Kathleen has had a huge influence on Jenny's career in Christian media and encouraged her to write her one minute stories; “Standing At The Crossroads.” She challenged Jenny and she did it!

Today, we are excited to share Dr. Alexandra's recent interview on the Signal Award-winning podcast No Small Endeavor. Produced by PRX and Great Feeling Studios, the podcast explores what it means to live a good life with the help of courageous and impassioned guests like renowned happiness expert Gretchen Rubin, Hidden Brain podcast host Shankar Vedantam, and New York Times bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell.In this specific episode, host and theologian Lee C. Camp and Dr. Solomon discuss insights from her book, "Loving Bravely,” as well as the secrets to thriving intimacy, mastering the art of apology, and staying truly present with your partner. Not to mention she shares practical tools for navigating the inevitable challenges of long-term love.  Listen to more episodes of No Small Endeavor here: https://lnk.to/D28Fv3

The Kent-Burningham household took a road trip to Cambria (we're already laughing too) AFTER Lala made a couple of new “mom friends” (wait till you hear this story)! They stopped at the Madonna Inn, and toured the Hearst Castle, and got their fill of art and kitsch. All the stories. Plus, are you ready for Saturday's Pink Moon! Check your zodiac signs! And did you watch the White Lotus finale? Shocking! And there's a special message for the trolls hating on RHONY's Erin Lichy!   GTL video episodes available Fridays at 9am Pacific on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GiveThemLalaPodcast?si=9oETguBpysJbttBz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the life you've planned is only the beginning of who you're truly meant to become? In this powerful episode, Lucy Henshall shares how a health crisis steered her from a conventional career as a GP onto a path of purpose, freedom and self-discovery. Guided by intuition and courage, Lucy now empowers others to embrace change and live authentically. From cycling across Cuba to mentoring fellow doctors, her story is a call to trust the unknown, embrace vulnerability as a strength and what it means to Be Brave, Be Bold, Be You.   KEY TAKEAWAY ‘Be Brave, Be Bold, Be You. It's an invitation to live and to live fully and richly and go for it because you cannot get it wrong.'   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield - https://amzn.eu/d/4KhqTZX   ABOUT LUCY Lucy's GP career was defined by her love of people. She thrived on the human interactions and shared problem-solving with her patients. She intended to practice into her 60s, but shortly after her 50th birthday, a life-changing experience derailed everything. Lucy's second career grew from the ashes of her first - and for the last 8 years Lucy has supported other GPs who seek to resume work after unexpected time out. In 2018 she founded www.welcomebacktowork.co.uk and she is now a respected expert, leader and speaker in this field. Having found her Ikigai, Lucy is now thriving and loving life.   CONNECT WITH LUCY https://www.welcomebacktowork.co.uk/ https://x.com/DrLucyHenshall  https://bsky.app/profile/drlucyhenshall.bsky.social   https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-henshall-4bb45921 https://www.facebook.com/lucy.silovsky   ABOUT AMY Amy is a life purpose coach, author, podcast strategist, global podcaster, professional speaker, trainer and mastermind host. Work with Amy to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to have clarity of purpose and create a more purposeful, sustainable and fulfilling way of life.   WORK WITH AMY If you're interested in how purpose can help you personally and professionally, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Focus on Why by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

In this illuminating episode of "Tell Me More," host Katy Reed Hodges welcomes Luke Stehr and Dr. Dennis R. Wiles for a powerful conversation centered around Holy Week and the essence of Christ's church. The trio explores Dr. Wiles' recent Sunday sermon, unpacking the fundamental belief that the Church serves as the living Body of Christ on earth today.Dr. Wiles shares his passionate perspective on how Jesus established the church with divine purpose—creating a community of believers called to actively participate in God's work. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the five key pillars discussed in the sermon: the PERSON of Jesus as Messiah and Head of the Church, PETER's role as the disciples' spokesperson, the PURPOSE behind Jesus establishing His church, the POWER He provides to accomplish His mission, and how following The Jesus Way leads to FLOURISHING as God intended.As Easter approaches, the conversation naturally flows into what this sacred season means for believers and how the church community can meaningfully engage with the resurrection story. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to the faith journey, this episode offers thoughtful reflections and practical applications for walking in community with fellow believers.Don't miss this timely discussion that will both challenge and encourage you as we enter the Easter season!

About Ciara Foy: Ciara Foy is a 47-year-old Nutritionist, Author, and Women's Health & Hormone Specialist. But she's not your average nutritionist. As a former corporate world insider turned entrepreneur, she intimately understands the health challenges faced by high achievers and hustlers. She's been there – battling mid-afternoon crashes from quick lunch fixes and foggy mornings after that “relaxing” glass of wine. Her mission is to help ambitious individuals like you transform their health and lives by revealing the direct connection between self-care and peak performance – not just at work, but in every aspect of life. If you're prepared to discover how GOOD it feels to revolutionize your approach to health, hustle, and mindset, Ciara is your girl. Let's redefine what it means to be a high achiever   What We Discuss In This Episode:   Perimenopause Symptoms and Challenges Over 100 potential symptoms, many lesser-known: Frozen shoulder due to low estrogen and increased inflammation Pain syndromes affecting 75% of women (recent 2023 study) Vaginal dryness, increased UTI risk, and pain during Anxiety and mood changes due to progesterone decline Dry eyes, skin, and hair Changes in microbiome affecting body composition and immune function Sleep disturbances   Hormonal Shifts and Their Impact  Progesterone typically declines first, leading to anxiety and stress sensitivity Estrogen fluctuates, eventually declining, causing various symptoms Cortisol (stress hormone) often increases, affecting overall hormonal balance Thyroid function can be impacted, potentially leading to autoimmune issues like Hashimoto's   Strategies for Managing Perimenopause   Focus on controllable factors: sleep, nutrition, stress management   Maintain steady blood sugar to reduce inflammation and mood swings   Prioritize self-care and set boundaries   Develop a growth mindset and believe in the possibility of improvement   Seek education to advocate for oneself with healthcare providers   The Importance of Mindset and Self-Advocacy Reframe challenges as opportunities for growth Recognize that the body is always trying to help, not work against you Get curious about symptoms and what the body is communicating Educate oneself to have informed conversations with healthcare provide   Resources from Ciara Foy: Ready to Heal Your Hormones, Balance Stress & Become Unstoppable? Grab A Free eCopy Of Ciara's Book Now! Learn how stress reduction = weight loss and increased fertility Finally, start to crave foods that make you feel fabulous Discover how to fuel your body to stay at peak performance Conquer PMS and heal burnout! https://ciara-foy.mykajabi.com/free-ebook-opt-in Metabolic Mastery for Women Over 40: https://ciara-foy.mykajabi.com/metabolic-mastery   Connect With Ciara Foy: Website: https://www.ciarafoy.com   Connect with Lynne: If you're looking for a community of like-minded women on a journey - just like you are - to improved health and wellness, overall balance, and increased confidence, check out Lynne's private community in The Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a supportive and collaborative community where the women in this group share tips and solutions for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. (Discussions include things like weight management, eliminating belly bloat, balancing hormones, wrangling sugar gremlins,  overcoming fatigue, recipes, strategies, perimenopause & menopause, and much more ... so women can feel energized, healthy, and lighter, with a new sense of purpose. Website:  https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth   Free Resources from Lynne Wadsworth: ✨ Ready to Thrive in Midlife? Let's Make It Happen!

Rising middle-distance sensation and newly-crowned NCAA Indoor Champion Makayla Paige joins the show today to discuss her incredible journey, the 2025 season, and what's next on her horizon.The senior University of North Carolina star won the 800m Indoor NCAA title in Virginia with a time of 2:00.39 in March, her new PR in the distance. It's been a memorable start to the New Year for Makayla, as she shattered UNC's women's 800m record by three seconds with a 2:00.57 at the BU John Thomas Terrier Classic in January. Makayla has displayed uncanny range since her high school days, competing in events from the 200m all the way up to the 1,000m. This breadth and strength has helped propel her to the stage she's on now.The Tewksbury, Massachusetts native was named 2019 high school Gatorade Player of the Year for Girls Track & Field in Massachusetts. While focusing on sprints, middle distance and hurdles during her high school days, she ran PRs of 26.21 in the 200m, 56.01 in the 400m, 1:29.71 in the 600m and 2:06.27 in the 800m. Makayla, who signed an NIL deal with On in the fall of 2024, has additional collegiate PRs of 52.70 in the 400m, 2:47.35 in the 1,000m and 4:38.51 in the mile. In today's conversation, Makalya walks me through winning her first NCAA title, what it means to her, her ambitions for the future and the UNC program, why keeping the sport light and fun is so important and how she does that, and so much more!This conversation was thoroughly enjoyable, and I hope you appreciate it as much as I did having it. Tap into the Makayla Paige Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

Workplace hurt is real, but it doesn't have to be the end of the story. In this episode, Dr. Meryl Herr, author of When Work Hurts, shares how leaders can process pain in a faith-centered way, foster emotional and spiritual healing, and build a culture of trust and resilience. Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/437drmerylherr Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2   By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus  | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

Luke 7:36–50 Location: Bountiful, Utah Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In this sermon, Pastor Benjer McVeigh opens up Luke 7:36–50 and leads us through a powerful encounter between Jesus, a Pharisee named Simon, and a woman known only as "a sinner." Through this deeply personal and public moment, we see two very different responses to Jesus—one of judgment and self-righteousness, and one of humility, gratitude, and extravagant worship. Pastor Benjer invites us to reflect on the essential question: How do we view our own sin and how do we view Jesus? This teaching challenges us to see ourselves truthfully and to bring our full selves—our failures, our past, our treasures—to Jesus, who welcomes us, forgives us, and is worthy of our everything. This passage speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt unworthy, judged, or unsure of where they stand with God. It's also a message for those who may feel like they've earned God's favor through good behavior or religious observance. In the end, both the Pharisee and the woman owed a debt they could not pay—but only one recognized the weight of her debt and responded to Jesus with wholehearted love. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Benjer weaves in personal stories of his own journey to faith, the significance of our church community, and the beauty of God's grace. He also introduces our Easter Renewal Offering, a special opportunity to support partner ministries that extend care and the gospel to vulnerable families and new church plants. If you're new to Flourishing Grace Church or new to exploring faith, this message is a compelling invitation to encounter Jesus for who He truly is—not as a distant judge, but as a loving Savior who forgives and transforms. Scripture Passage: Luke 7:36–50 (Page 811 in the black Bibles available at Flourishing Grace Church.) Key Themes from Today's Message: The contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the woman known as a sinner. How we view our own sin will impact how we view Jesus. Jesus invites us to bring our full selves—not the cleaned-up version—to Him. Worship flows from forgiveness. What we treasure most reveals what we believe is most worthy. Jesus is not repelled by sin; He is moved by repentant hearts. Our response to Jesus should be marked by love, gratitude, and surrender.

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, Reverend Dr. Alvin Sanders shares his transformative approach to urban ministry as President of World Impact. Drawing from personal experience with poverty and three decades in ministry, Sanders challenges traditional church models by advocating for a "neighbourhood-as-parish" approach where churches become institutional assets to their communities. He reveals how World Impact's "glocally urban" strategy equips untrained pastors in 19 countries through innovative programs like their "seminary in a backpack."   Sanders unpacks the true nature of poverty beyond finances and outlines practical strategies for churches to engage their communities authentically. From creating "third spaces" that combat loneliness to implementing Asset-Based Community Development models, he demonstrates how churches can move beyond paternalistic charity to foster genuine community flourishing. His stories of transformation—from Cincinnati neighbourhoods to closed countries experiencing revival—illustrate how trained urban leaders can catalyse lasting change when churches approach ministry with humility, genuine care, and a commitment to meeting people at their point of need.   WEBLINKS World Impact World Impact Facebook Alvin's LinkedIn

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church

This week we close out our Flourish sermon series in a special way—gathered not in a sanctuary of stone, but in the sanctuary of creation itself. We return to the words of Jesus at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, where He offers a call to action: to build our lives on a foundation that can endure. To flourish, Jesus teaches, is not to escape difficulty—but to root ourselves in values that are practiced, embodied, and tested in the wilderness of life. Flourishing happens not on the mountaintop or the cruise ship, but in the grit and grace of real life. This message challenges us to consider what we're building on. Are our values lived out or just ideals we admire from a distance? Do we have the kind of foundation that can weather the storms of life? Storied Church is a community rooted in hope, justice, and love. If this message speaks to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/35sNwYuf JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch YouTube: @storiedchurch921

Fr. Ryan gave this talk on a flourish apostolic church based off of the Bishop Malesic's letter.

In December of 2024, Bishop Edward Malesic shared his first pastoral letter for the Diocese of Cleveland, A Flourishing Apostolic Church.  Fr. Ryan shared with multiple parish groups about the Bishop's new letter.  In this talk, Fr. Ryan addresses a group of parishioners after weekday Mass, sharing the Bishop's heart and the fruits of his personal prayer time with the document.   Read the document: https://www.dioceseofcleveland.org/a-flourishing-apostolic-church/overview     Come, follow us: Parish Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube  |  Spotify Music

There's something of a policy revolution afoot: As of March, more than a dozen states — including California, Florida and Ohio — have passed bills or adopted policies that aim to limit cellphone usage at school. More are expected to follow.Jonathan Haidt is the leader of this particular insurgency. “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” his book exploring the decline of the “play-based childhood” and the rise of the “phone-based childhood,” has been on the New York Times best-seller list for a year. It feels, to me, like we're finally figuring out a reasonable approach to smartphones and social media and kids … just in time for that approach to be deranged by the question of A.I. and kids, which no one is really prepared for.So I wanted to have Haidt on the show to talk through both of those topics, and the questions we often ignore beneath them: What is childhood for? What are parents for? What do human beings need in order to flourish? You know, the small stuff.Haidt is a professor at New York University Stern School of Business and the author of “The Righteous Mind” and “The Coddling of the American Mind” (with Greg Lukianoff). His newsletter is called After Babel.This episode contains strong language.Mentioned:“She Fell in Love With ChatGPT. Like, Actual Love. With Sex.” by The DailyThe Age of Addiction by David T. Courtwright“Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?” By Jean TwengeStolen Focus by Johann HariBook Recommendations:The Stoic Challenge by William B. IrvineDeep Work by Cal NewportHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Jack McCordick. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Mixing by Isaac Jones, with Efim Shapiro and Aman Sahota. Our executive editor is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Michelle Harris, Rollin Hu, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

What is the state of the intelligent design movement today? How is it faring in the scientific realm, the church, and in the public? How has the strategy of the ID movement shifted, and what has it learned over the past 20 years? Our guest today is Biola University Biology professor Doug Axe.Douglas Axe is the Maxwell Professor of Molecular Biology at Biola University, the founding Director of Biologic Institute, the founding Editor of BIO-Complexity, and the author of Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition That Life Is Designed. After completing his PhD at Caltech, he held postdoctoral and research scientist positions at the University of Cambridge and the Cambridge Medical Research Council Centre. His research, which examines the functional and structural constraints on the evolution of proteins and protein systems, has been featured in many scientific journals, including the Journal of Molecular Biology, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, BIO-Complexity, and Nature, and in such books as Signature in the Cell and Darwin's Doubt by Stephen Meyer and Life's Solution by Simon Conway Morris.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Most businesses start with a bold “why,” but along the way, profits take over, and purpose fades into just another corporate slogan. Now, with ESG and purpose-driven business facing backlash, companies are backing away, fearing controversy and short-term losses. But the truth is that leaders who abandon purpose risk more than just bad PR; they lose trust, culture, and long-term success.In this episode of The Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Thomas Eckschmidt to explore how organizations can evolve beyond profits, embrace conscious leadership, and create a culture of trust and impact—without sacrificing success. Thomas Eckschmidt is the co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement in Brazil and CEO of CBJ Conscious Business Journey, a global network driving conscious business transformation. A seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for Conscious Capitalism, he has launched multiple ventures, won 12 business awards, authored 11 books, and filed four patents. He also serves on corporate boards, helping organizations integrate conscious business practices.Things you will learn in this episode:• Understanding the Four Tenets of Conscious Capitalism• The Danger of Losing Your "Why" in Business• Ego vs. Ecosystem Leadership• The Power of Stakeholder Orientation• Reframing Business Success Beyond Just Profit• The Rise and Challenge of Conscious Capitalism• The Leadership Reset—Why This Matters NOWResources:✅• Thomas Eckschmidt's website: http://www.cbjourney.com/ • Creating Better Businesses for a Better World | Thomas Eckschmidt | TEDx: https://youtu.be/9Oqy8zywipU?si=GOnG6TCj7HFcBdeC • Harvard Global Leadership Development Study 2023: https://www.harvardbusiness.org/leadership-learning-insights/global-leadership-development-study/• The Conscious Business Activator: https://www.cbactivator.cc/ Books:✅• “Purpose Canvas for Business: Making it clear why we are in business” by Thomas Eckschmidt: https://a.co/d/gRYSAfy • Conscious Capitalism Field Guide (Harvard) co-authored by Thomas Eckschmidt: https://a.co/d/gRYSAfy • Shakti Leadership by Nilima Bhat and Rajendra Sisodia: https://a.co/d/3Vao9Ra • The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben: https://a.co/d/bSSr9nE• I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong: https://a.co/d/hIFnx7K • Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl: https://a.co/d/jiIH4Gk

Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!In his newest book, Chuck DeGroat offers a deeply personal account of his journey of being fired from a ministry position and the stress surrounding that experience that ultimately led to a life-changing health crisis. But it was that crisis that showed him the much deeper inner healing he needed.In this episode, Chuck DeGroat discusses not only his experience of deep inner healing, but also the need for inner healing for all of us who are ministry leaders.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Chuck DeGroat highlights his experience with the autonomic nervous system and its role in managing past trauma, indicating how unresolved trauma can manifest in physical and emotional symptoms.Engaging with our bodies helps reveal unaddressed shame and grief, which many individuals, including pastors, tend to bury.Chuck DeGroat shares his story of being fired from a church, leading him to recognize the necessity of inner reflection and healing for effective ministry leadership.Neglecting emotional health often leads to physical symptoms, illustrating the body's way of signaling unresolved emotional turmoil.Chuck DeGroat describes his journey from placing blame externally to focusing on internal work, which allows for more authentic healing.Constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system can have detrimental effects on one's health, indicating the importance of addressing stress and trauma.Chuck DeGroat encourages pastors and leaders to engage in regular practices that foster a calm and centered emotional state, aiding in spiritual insight and leadership.Successful healing involves consistently attending to emotional and physical cues from our bodies, signaling deeper underlying issues.Chuck DeGroat explains practices that help individuals transition from a survival mindset to a state of calm connection, enhancing overall well-being.Regular and intentional understanding of our body's signals is crucial for maintaining emotional health and preventing future burnout.Addiction often serves as an attempted solution to address deeper inner wounds, which requires a more nuanced understanding in the context of spiritual counseling.Chuck DeGroat discusses the value of acknowledging and understanding one's inner child to achieve authenticity and awareness in spiritual leadership.Differentiating between various parts of oneself allows for a clearer understanding of internal struggles and promotes healthier decisions.Effective spiritual and emotional growth requires addressing core issues beyond behavior, thereby promoting sustainable change and authentic leadership.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Chuck DeGroatWestern Theological SeminaryBooks mentioned:Healing What's Within, by Chuck DeGroatWhen Narcissism Comes to Church, by Chuck DeGroatRelated episodes:82. Narcissism and Spiritual Leadership, with Chuck DeGroat206. The Healing Power of Pilgrimage, with Jon Huckins254. Endless Expectations and Emotional Exhaustion, with Jonathan HooverClick HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.

About Rhiannon Neuharth: Rhiannon is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor, Board Certified Health Coach with the American Association of Natural Wellness Coaches and a Board-Certified member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She began her journey in functional nutrition after struggling to maintain her chronically ill child's health with antibiotics. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she delved into research, eventually finding her passion in supporting others on the path to optimal health and wellness. With a focus on individuals with MTHFR, Rhiannon provides simple solutions to optimized wellness in just 90 days, without spending endless hours on Google.   What We Discuss In This Episode: Rhiannon shares how her youngest child's autoimmune deficiency and chronic illness led her to discover MTHFR, a genetic variation that affects the body's ability to process folate and other key nutrients. This sparked her passion for functional nutrition and supporting others with MTHFR-related health challenges. What is MTHFR and how does it impact our health? MTHFR stands for methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, a gene that plays a crucial role in converting folate and homocysteine. Rhiannon explains how MTHFR variations can contribute to a wide range of issues like hormone imbalances, weight problems, fatigue, ADHD, autism, and autoimmune conditions - regardless of age. Strategies for managing MTHFR and supporting overall health Rhiannon discusses the role of diet, lifestyle, stress management, and nervous system regulation in supporting those with MTHFR. She highlights the importance of gut health, hormone balance, and addressing nutrient deficiencies through targeted supplementation. The importance of comprehensive testing  Rhiannon emphasizes the need for comprehensive genetic testing that looks at 165 genes, rather than just one or two. This provides a clear action plan and insights into the root causes of a person's symptoms. She contrasts this with typical doctor-testing that may miss key factors.   Resources from Rhiannon Neuharth: Learn more about comprehensive testing by texting TEST to (321) 335-2414   Connect With Rhiannon Neuharth: Website: https://www.Revitalizing-Wellness.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com@MTHFR_Coach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mthfr_Coach   Connect with Lynne: If you're looking for a community of like-minded women on a journey - just like you are - to improved health and wellness, overall balance, and increased confidence, check out Lynne's private community in The Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a supportive and collaborative community where the women in this group share tips and solutions for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. (Discussions include things like weight management, eliminating belly bloat, balancing hormones, wrangling sugar gremlins,  overcoming fatigue, recipes, strategies, perimenopause & menopause, and much more ... so women can feel energized, healthy, and lighter, with a new sense of purpose. Website:  https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth   Free Resources from Lynne Wadsworth: ✨ Ready to Thrive in Midlife? Let's Make It Happen!

Luke 7:18-23 Location: Bountiful, Utah Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit Are we holding false expectations of God? In this powerful sermon from Luke 7, Chason Robbins challenges us to let go of our expectations so that God can raise our expectancy. Drawing from John the Baptist's question to Jesus—“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”—Chason unpacks how our preconceived notions about faith, suffering, and success can actually hinder our trust in God. This message explores how following Jesus doesn't always mean life will be easy or that we will receive worldly success. Instead, Jesus invites us to trust in his unexpected ways, showing that his kingdom operates differently than we often assume. Through healing, restoration, and gospel transformation, we see that God calls us to let go of control and trust in his perfect plan. Key themes in this sermon include: • The dangers of false expectations in faith • How suffering can shake and strengthen our faith • John the Baptist's doubts about Jesus as the Messiah • Jesus' response: healing, transformation, and a higher calling • Why following Jesus doesn't guarantee an easy life • The contrast between worldly expectations and kingdom reality • Letting go of self-made ideas about who God is • Trusting in God's unexpected ways Scripture focus: • Luke 7:18-23 – John the Baptist questions Jesus • Job 21:7 – Wrestling with the prosperity of the wicked • Isaiah 29:18 and 35:5-6 – Prophecies of healing and restoration • 1 Corinthians 1:27 – God's upside-down wisdom • Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit vs. worldly success Who is this sermon for? • Christians struggling with unanswered prayers • Those wondering why following Jesus doesn't always bring worldly success • Anyone experiencing doubt or disappointment in faith • Church leaders, pastors, and small group members seeking deeper discussion • New believers learning to trust God beyond expectations Watch to the end for these takeaways: • How to shift from expectation to expectancy • Why faith isn't about getting what we want, but trusting in what God is doing • How Jesus invites us to a greater understanding of his kingdom • How suffering reveals where our trust in God truly lies • Why Jesus calls us to be part of his unexpected and radical mission If this message encouraged you, be sure to subscribe for more biblical teaching from Flourishing Grace Church. New sermons are shared every week to help deepen your understanding of scripture and grow in faith. Stay connected and discover more faith-building messages that encourage trust in God's plan and the power of the gospel. Let go of expectations so God can raise your expectancy. #BibleStudy #Sermon #Luke7 #ExpectationsVsReality #ChristianTeaching #JesusChrist #JohnTheBaptist #FaithJourney #TrustGod #Christianity #DoubtAndFaith #BiblicalTeaching #ChurchSermon #FollowingJesus #ChristianEncouragement #NewTestamentStudy #HealingAndFaith #GospelMessage

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church

This week Jim O'Shaughnessy (Website | X) joins Humans On The Loop to carry our first on-record conversation on Infinite Loops into bold new terrains! Jim is one of the most renowned investors and asset managers of all the time and the author of several hugely best-selling and influential books on investing, including What Works on Wall Street, Invest Like The Best, and Predicting The Markets of Tomorrow. He also founded the first online investment advisor and holds the patent for “ the origination and fulfillment of stock investment portfolios over a worldwide computer network.” (You heard right!)After decades of success in wealth management, he left his company in the care of his son Patrick and launched O'Shaughnessy Ventures — a firm that combines “Jim's deeply rooted interest in all things art, science, investing and tech with his long-held desire to establish positive sum scenarios designed to help promising creators and their inspiring ideas succeed, regardless of age, location, job history or level of education.”Last fall when I was on his show, we played a game of mind-jazz about “how we can live curious, collaborative and fulfilling lives in our deeply weird, complex, probabilistic world.” For this discussion, I wanted to rotate the axis of our exploration and learn how Jim's personal experiences have contributed to the frame through which he engages life. Sweeping across scales from candid autobiography to team inquiry into some of the wickedest problems — like how we foster meaningful relationships and balance achievement with humility — we covered a lot of new ground.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and benefit from a fresh take on the mind — and heart — of one of the most exemplary mavericks I know.If you find value in this conversation, please like and subscribe (YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify), leave a comment, and consider supporting my mission to help us cultivate wisdom in an age of magical technologies. Humans On The Loop is fiscally-supported by my friends at HAPPI (Helping Awesome People Prosper Intentionally), so you can become a member here or make tax-deductible contributions at every.org/humansontheloop. Recurring donors get the same community perks, including the book club and online course recordings.Project LinksContact me if you have questions or propositionsProject pitch & planning documentFull episode and essay archivesJoin the Future Fossils Discord Server for both public and members-only threadsMeet collaborators on the open online commons Wisdom x Technology Discord serverChapters0:00:00 - Teaser0:01:16 - Intro0:06:23 - Jim's Backstory0:31:43 - Crisis Personalities + Creativity vs. Risk Mitigation0:46:28 - Networks of Trust + Bootstrapped Credentials0:53:37 - Incenting Trust: Mass Customization + Consensus Reality Collapse1:06:14 - The Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma + Trust-Building in Social Networks1:13:25 - How Do We Design for Flourishing at Scale (or Can We)?1:21:22 - Markets as Complex Systems1:29:10- Using (Especially Local) AI to Accelerate Realizing Your Mistakes1:37:23 - OutroMentioned Reading, Listening, & PeopleFrom Nowhere: Artists, Writers, and The Precognitive Imagination by Eric WargoThe Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchristFinite and Infinite Games by James P. CarseThe Status Game by Will StorrThe Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (John Minford, translator)Power and Influence: Beyond Formal Authority by John P. KotterOne Summer: America 1927 by Bill BrysonGödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas HofstadterThe End of Trust - McSweeney's Issue 54Bilawal Sidhu — How to Unite Reality with Imagination - Infinite Loops PodcastWill Storr — The Status Game - Infinite Loops PodcastBrendan McCord — AI and The Philosophy of Technology - Infinite Loops PodcastAdam Aronovich on A Cultural Anthropology for The Psychedelic Internet - Future Fossils PodcastReimagining the PhD - Nadia AsparouhovaThe TPOT PhD - Priya RoseSo many music festivals have been canceled this year. What's going on? - Greg Rosalsky for NPRCory DoctorowDoug RushkoffAlfred North WhiteheadJosiah WarrenJed McKennaJosh WolfeSocratesUpcoming Events* My new single and music video “The Big Machine” goes live on April 1st! Pre-save to Spotify or pre-order on Bandcamp here.* I'm co-facilitating a session on “Right Relations with AI” for the School of Wise Innovation's Spring Cultivator alongside a superb faculty. Cohort starts April 3rd!* The book club is back! Join us for a group reading and discussion of Federico Campagna's Prophetic Culture: Recreation for Adolescents with asynchronous discussion in the Future Fossils Discord server and a live call on May 3rd. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michaelgarfield.substack.com/subscribe

Rebroadcast: Languishing. That feeling of a lack of motivation or direction. Most people feel a sense of languishing at some point in their lives. So how do we move from languishing to flourishing? Sociologist Corey Keyes has spent his career trying to find the answer.

Join us on this episode of Inside Startup Investing as we dive into the fascinating journey of Shannon Edgar, founder and CEO of Stormalong Cider. Discover how a spontaneous move led to the birth of a unique cider brand that respects tradition while innovating for today's market. Key highlights include:Unexpected Beginnings: Learn how Shannon transitioned from the music industry to founding a cider company after moving to an orchard.Crafting Unique Ciders: Explore Stormalong's commitment to using rare apple varieties and whole ingredients to create distinctive ciders.Future Aspirations: Hear about Stormalong's plans for expansion and new product lines, including a non-alcoholic option.Don't miss this insightful discussion on building a brand that's as authentic and storied as the cider it produces.

When we invest our hard-earned money, we naturally seek a financial return—but could there be other rewards as well?Faith-based investing offers more than just financial gains. Today, Finny Kuruvilla joins us to explore the deeper impact of aligning our investments with our values.Dr. Finny Kuruvilla serves as a Co-Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager, and founding member of Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He holds an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Chemical Biology from Harvard University, a master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and a bachelor's degree from Caltech in Chemistry.Common Objections to Faith-Based InvestingIndeed, Christians might have different views on some of these, but here are three of the most common that Finny hears consistently:Objection 1: “I'm not responsible for the actions of the companies I invest in.”Many investors assume that purchasing stocks or mutual funds does not connect them to a company's actions. However, investing is ownership. When you purchase shares in a company—whether publicly traded or private—you become a partial owner.If you owned a small business and that business engaged in unethical practices, it would reflect on you. The same principle applies to publicly traded companies. As shareholders, we are tied to the actions and values of the companies we invest in.Objection 2: “What difference can I make? These companies are too big.”Some argue that individual investors cannot influence large corporations. However, history shows that even a small percentage of engaged investors can shape corporate values—just like voting in an election, where small margins can determine the outcome.Through shareholder engagement, faith-driven investors can influence corporate decision-making. Large companies respond to shareholder resolutions, and when values-aligned investors unite, they can steer businesses toward ethical practices.Objection 3: “Faith-based investing means I'll underperform financially.”A common concern is that limiting investment choices to faith-aligned companies will lead to lower returns. However, research suggests otherwise.Companies with strong ethical foundations—those that treat employees well, operate with integrity, and provide valuable goods and services—tend to outperform over the long term. Businesses that exploit customers or employees may see short-term gains but often struggle in the long run. Faith-based investing is not just morally sound—it's also financially strategic.The Three Benefits of Faith-Based Investing 1. Integrity: Investing with a Clear ConscienceThe foundation of faith-based investing is the principle of loving our neighbor. Jesus taught us to treat others as we want to be treated (Luke 6:31), and this applies to business and investing as well.Proverbs 1 warns against pursuing “ill-gotten gain,” or wealth that exploits others. Many mainstream funds include companies engaged in tobacco, gambling, and unethical labor practices.Investing with integrity means choosing companies that:Provide valuable goods and servicesTreat employees fairlyOperate with transparency and ethical leadershipBusiness should be about supplying goods and services—not exploiting people. Faith-based investing ensures that we support businesses that contribute to human flourishing.2. Impact: The Power of Faith-Driven InvestorsOne of the most compelling reasons for faith-based investing is the ability to make a real impact. History provides powerful examples of how Christian investors have shaped industries and social policies.A notable case is the role of Christian investors in ending apartheid in South Africa. In the 1970s, a group of faith-driven investors partnered with Reverend Leon Sullivan to pressure corporations like Ford and General Motors to implement anti-apartheid policies within their workplaces. These shareholder resolutions sparked a domino effect, leading other companies to follow suit.This example demonstrates that investors—when united and strategic—can drive significant cultural and ethical change. Today, faith-driven investors have opportunities to:Encourage companies to uphold biblical values in business operationsAvoid investing in industries that profit from addiction, exploitation, or human sufferingPromote corporate social responsibility by engaging in shareholder activism3. Performance: Ethical Investing Can Lead to Strong ReturnsMany assume that avoiding certain industries—such as gambling, pornography, or companies that oppose Christian values—means sacrificing returns. However, data suggests that companies with strong ethical principles actually perform better over time.Most investors define total return as:Share price return + dividend returnHowever, a biblical perspective expands total return to include:Financial return + integrity + impactInvesting in companies that operate with integrity and long-term vision leads to sustainable growth and reduced risk. Ethical companies that treat employees well, focus on quality products, and manage resources wisely often outperform businesses prioritizing short-term profits over long-term stability.How to Get Started with Faith-Based InvestingFor many believers, the idea of faith-aligned investing is a brand-new concept. They strive to honor God in spending, giving, and career choices, but they haven't considered how their investments align with their faith.Here's how to begin:Use screening tools—Many financial platforms provide tools to evaluate how investments align with Christian values. Work with faith-driven investment professionals—Christian financial advisors and fund managers can guide you toward biblically responsible portfolios. You can find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) when you go to FaithFi.com and click "Find a Professional." Explore faith-based funds—Several firms specialize in faith-aligned investments. Eventide is one of many great options available. To find a complete list of faith-based investment funds and companies, visit faithandinvesting.com/faithfi.  Pray for wisdom—Ask God to guide your financial decisions, ensuring that your investments honor Him and advance His kingdom.Faith-based investing is more than a financial strategy—it's a movement. As more believers align their financial decisions with their faith, they contribute to a marketplace that reflects God's heart for justice, integrity, and human flourishing.When investors choose integrity, prioritize impact, and trust that God honors ethical investing, they participate in kingdom work that extends beyond their own lifetime.If you're ready to take the next step, learn more at EventideFunds.com. Faith-based investing isn't just about returns—it's about stewardship that glorifies God and blesses others.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I inherited a house from a family member, and it's out of state. We would like to keep it and use it for friends and family, but we don't want to rent it out. What are your thoughts on this situation?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineEventide Asset ManagementWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

For full episode notes: www.kayleehackney.com/elegantbalance/84Grab Jordan's free resource: Food as Fuel!Connect with Jordan on Instagram, Facebook, or her website.Elegant Balance AcademyLet's connect: @kayleejhackney

Have you ever pushed through a long workday only to feel utterly drained—like no amount of caffeine or sleep could recharge you? That exhaustion might signal that it's time to realign your energy. In this final episode of Season 7, we're wrapping up by focusing on energy. Your energy flows through five key dimensions, and everything feels harder when even one is off. Instead of pushing through, try shifting your energy. A slight realignment today can lead to big results. That's a wrap on Season 7! I'll be back in a few weeks, but until then, thank you for listening, sharing, and supporting this show. You mean the world to me! The Flourish Careers Podcast is proudly highlighted in the Top Career Podcast Guide

Season 3 Episode 65: Pregnant at 16 years old, Leah found herself in a place of total confusion, panic and sadness. She was frustrated with her boyfriend and not sure what to do. Fast forward 20 years later; Leah has a powerful story of placing her daughter for adoption, as well as going on to parent five beautiful kids with her husband. Leah and Kim talk about therapy, self-blaming and shame versus grace and freedom, and enjoying moment of joy in the midst of hardship. (This episode is not sponsored by Chick-fil-A but it basically is, they just don't know it yet)...Leah's Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.leahoutten.com/What is EMDR Therapy?: https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/Leah Outten's previous Book Therapy podcast episode #43: Episode 43: Give Yourself Permission to GrieveLeah's Resources for Adoptive families: https://www.leahoutten.com/services~Get to know the host:Kim Patton's book- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nothing Wasted: Struggling Well through Difficult Seasons⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is for those struggling through hard times. View the book in paperback, ebook, and audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Books | Mysite (kimpatton.com)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dear Foster Mama letter on Substack⁠Enter email address on Substack for free sample chapters:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Author Kim Patton | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check it out at your local library using the Hoopla app!Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.kimpatton.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Author Kim Patton | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latest Stories on Her View from Home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- listen to Book Therapy episodes here, too.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stay in Touch with Author Kim Patton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get your first freebie!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodreads ⁠⁠

About Terri Rehkopf: With a solid 14 years in the hairstyling game, her journey began in a salon her mom opened. Eager to master the trade, she spent 3 years there until her mom sold the business, I continued, renting a station in the same salon. After a dedicated two-year stint, she took the plunge into entrepreneurship, establishing her own salon. Building a thriving community soon led to the need for additional hands. A desire to share her expertise prompted her to assemble a team, imparting lessons and fostering growth. Some team members ventured out on their own, a testament to the loyalty and training they received. Discovering a passion for teaching amid her struggles, she crafted a comprehensive apprentice program. In one year, she poured her knowledge into budding stylists, preparing them for the challenges of the profession. Her commitment to their growth extends beyond formal training, providing ongoing support and education. Beyond hairstyling techniques, she educates on product knowledge, differentiating between toxic and non-toxic options. Equipping stylists to handle sensitivities and navigate diverse client needs has been a key focus. Terri is deeply committed to sharing her passion for sustainable practices and holistic beauty education with fellow stylists.   What We Discuss In This Episode: Terri shares her holistic approach to hair care, focusing on educating clients on toxic vs. non-toxic ingredients, and how scalp and overall health impact hair health. She emphasizes the importance of using clean, natural products and avoiding harsh chemicals like ammonia and PPD. Alopecia and hair thinning:  Terri provides recommendations for those dealing with hair loss, such as avoiding aggressive coloring, using gentler products, and focusing on scalp health through treatments and oil applications. Terri introduces alternative hair coloring options like Hairprint and Goldwell's Aluminum line, which use more natural, less damaging formulas. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding PPD-based dyes, especially for those with sensitivities or autoimmune conditions.  Scalp health and hair growth:  Our discussion turns to the critical role of scalp health in supporting hair growth and strength. Terri recommends using scalp brushes to stimulate circulation, as well as specific oils like Amla and black castor oil to nourish the scalp. Recommended clean hair care brands: Terri shares some of her favorite clean, sustainable hair care brands, including Away, Routine, and Hairprint, highlighting their natural formulations, ethical sourcing, and effectiveness. Terri's top recommendation is to seek out a stylist who uses gentler, cleaner hair color lines, even if it means switching salons. She emphasizes the importance of being an informed consumer and advocating for your hair health.   Resources from Terri Rehkopf: Check out her bi-monthly blogs here: https://www.ippodarosalon.com For a 15% discount on recommended products, sign up for the text campaign through Shopify.   Connect with Terri Rehkopf: Website: https://ippodarosalon.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ippodarosalon/?hl=en Facebook:  Connect with Lynne: If you're looking for a community of like-minded women on a journey - just like you are - to improved health and wellness, overall balance, and increased confidence, check out Lynne's private community in The Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a supportive and collaborative community where the women in this group share tips and solutions for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. (Discussions include things like weight management, eliminating belly bloat, balancing hormones, wrangling sugar gremlins,  overcoming fatigue, recipes, strategies, perimenopause & menopause, and much more ... so women can feel energized, healthy, and lighter, with a new sense of purpose. Website:  https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth   Free Resources from Lynne Wadsworth: ✨ Ready to Thrive in Midlife? Let's Make It Happen!

Are you living in a transactional relationship with Jesus—believing that if you do enough, serve enough, or prove your devotion, then God will respond with blessings? Many people unknowingly approach faith this way, feeling pressure to perform in order to earn God's favor. But is this what true faith looks like? In this message, Brett Turner explores Luke 7:1-10, the story of the Roman centurion whose faith amazed Jesus. This centurion, despite his power, wealth, and influence, recognized something profound—he was not worthy, and he could not control the outcome. Instead of demanding Jesus' help based on his status, he simply trusted in Jesus' authority. His faith was not based on religious performance or personal merit, but on the belief that Jesus only had to say the word for healing to come. Key Themes: Faith vs. Performance: How transactional thinking leads to burnout and anxiety Freedom from the Pressure to Prove Yourself: Trusting in Christ's authority instead of striving for control The Power of Humility: How recognizing our limitations allows us to experience God's grace Jesus Marvels at Faith, Not Familiarity: The danger of becoming too comfortable with Jesus and missing His power A Call to Surrender: Moving from a works-based faith to fully trusting in God's promises Cultural Pressures and the Trap of Transactional Living Today's culture reinforces the belief that everything must be earned—success, recognition, approval, and even love. Children are placed in competitive environments from an early age, where their value is measured by their achievements. This mindset carries into adulthood, shaping how we approach relationships, careers, and even our faith. Many Christians live under the weight of spiritual performance, believing that if they just work harder, pray more, or behave better, then God will bless them. But Jesus never called us to a transactional faith—He calls us to trust in Him. The centurion's story offers a radical contrast to this mindset. Despite being a man of authority, he understood that his power and status meant nothing before Jesus. Instead of striving to earn Jesus' favor, he simply believed in His word. Have You Become Too Familiar with Jesus? In Mark 6, Jesus visits His hometown of Nazareth, where the people dismiss Him because they think they already know everything about Him. Their familiarity leads to unbelief, and as a result, Jesus could do no mighty works there. This is a warning for us today. Have we stopped believing that Jesus can work in our lives? Have we grown complacent in our faith? The invitation is not to try harder but to trust deeper. The Invitation: Moving Under Christ's Authority The centurion recognized his own limits and willingly placed himself under Jesus' authority. His faith was not about trying to control the outcome but about trusting the One who does. When we do the same, we experience freedom from striving, anxiety, and fear. Instead of approaching faith as a transaction, we are invited into a relationship of trust—where Jesus' love is not based on our performance, but on His grace. How Will You Respond? Do you feel pressure to earn God's approval? Have you settled for a faith that is based on habit rather than expectation? Are you ready to surrender control and trust in Jesus' authority? If you are weary of striving, Jesus is calling you to come under His authority and let Him speak a word over your life. His grace is not something to be earned—it is a gift to be received. Listen, reflect, and step into the freedom of faith that trusts in Christ alone. #Faith #TrustingGod #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTeaching #Luke7 #Sermon #JesusAuthority #ChurchOnline #ChristianFaith #GospelMessage #WalkByFaith #SurrenderToGod #FollowingJesus

Recorded Sunday, February 16, 2025 at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor, Wisconsin. "Like" us on Facebook!!

Exodus 20:1-17  Hebrews 13:1-6

Do you know the story of Doeg the Edomite and the slaughter of Israel's priests at Nob? According to its superscript, this horrific incident is the backdrop to Psalm 52's important message about the wicked.----------------------------Please follow us on these platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JointhesearchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jointhesearchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhesearchtodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhesearchtoday

How to help patients build fulfilling lives even in the face of unremitted illness.CME: Take the CME Post-Test for this EpisodePublished On: 03/17/2025Duration: 15 minutes, 19 secondsChris Aiken, MD, Margaret Chislom, MD, and Kellie Newsome, PMHNP have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

About Esther Avant: Esther Avant is a health industry veteran with over 18 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and wellness related roles. She is known for making exercise and nutrition simple and helping her clients address the root issues that have been standing between them and results that last. Her Gone For Good framework has helped hundreds of women lose weight for the last time and start living their healthiest, happiest, most confident lives. Her business, EA Coaching, provides full spectrum health & lifestyle coaching through a combination of exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset strategies. Esther is also a boy mom and Navy wife who has lived and traveled all over the world while running her EA Coaching.   What We Discuss In This Episode: Unique Challenges for Menopausal Women: Esther explains that while there are physiological changes that occur during menopause, the bigger challenge is often the mindset and beliefs that women have been conditioned to accept about this stage of life. She emphasizes that weight gain and other symptoms are not inevitable, and that lifestyle choices can make a big difference in managing these changes. The key is being willing to try different approaches and listen to your body. Navigating Alcohol and Carbs: Esther discusses the relationship between alcohol and weight/health goals, noting that while it doesn't have to be eliminated completely, it's important to be mindful of how much and when you consume it. With carbs, she recommends prioritizing them around workouts and focusing on nutrient-dense carb sources rather than processed, high-calorie options. Overlooked Aspects of Health:  Esther highlights the importance of prioritizing sleep and mental/emotional well-being, as these factors have a big impact on energy, mood, and overall health. She encourages listeners to take a few minutes to reflect on one small change they could make in their routine to start improving in these areas.  The "Big Rock" habits that can help us feel our best and reach our health goals, regardless of menopause.   Free Resource from Esther Avant: “Big Rocks” Habit Tracker: https://go.estheravant.com/habits   Connect With Esther Avant: Website: https://www.estheravant.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esther.avant Live Diet-Free Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-live-diet-free-podcast/id1543658046   Connect with Lynne: If you're looking for a community of like-minded women on a journey - just like you are - to improved health and wellness, overall balance, and increased confidence, check out Lynne's private community in The Energized Healthy Women's Club. It's a supportive and collaborative community where the women in this group share tips and solutions for a healthy and holistic lifestyle. (Discussions include things like weight management, eliminating belly bloat, balancing hormones, wrangling sugar gremlins,  overcoming fatigue, recipes, strategies, perimenopause & menopause, and much more ... so women can feel energized, healthy, and lighter, with a new sense of purpose. Website:  https://holistic-healthandwellness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistichealthandwellnessllc The Energized Healthy Women's Club:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/energized.healthy.women Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnewadsworth LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewadsworth   Free Resources from Lynne Wadsworth: ✨ Ready to Thrive in Midlife? Let's Make It Happen!