Podcasts about for mary

Seth Kahan is an executive strategy advisor on change and innovation who works with senior leaders and association executives. He is also the author of four books including business bestseller, Getting Change Right. Taking time for solo thinking is a habit we encourage all leaders to incorporate into their lives because if you're not pouring into yourself, then who is pouring into you? And if you're coming from a place of emptiness, how can you lead others with energy and enthusiasm? For Seth, solo thinking time happens while camping "off the grid" where he retreats when he feels the need to think clearly without the demands of everyday life. For Mary, it's not quite so primitive and might be a cabin on a lake or a retreat center. For both, however, the benefits of checking in with themselves outside all of their different daily roles is a way to reconnect and refocus on what is most important. Solo thinking time doesn't have to be camping in the wilderness or a week away at a cabin. It can be one day or half a day or even an hour. The benefits and return on investment can still be profound. What are the benefits of taking intentional time away? How can you create rituals to start and end your thinking time or retreat? How can you set aside solo thinking time and stick to it? Why is it even more important for solo thinking time when you're too busy or overwhelmed? It's easy to be busy, but not necessarily busy doing the right things -- the things that really matter and make a difference. Listen in and learn how to fill yourself up! I'd really appreciate it if you would click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! Visit https://www.marybyers.com/contact/ for links to join the conversation on our social sites. © 2021 Mary Byers

The story for Mary Magdalene was not over, in fact, it was just the beginning. Having been rescued by Jesus and invited to a new life, a new hope, Mary Magdalene would discover on that first Easter morning exactly what Jesus meant! For Mary, something happened inside of her the moment she recognized Jesus, her hope was no longer in the situation, but in the Savior. Because of what she realized she had to tell others. She ran to tell of what she had seen, proclaiming a message so bizarre that surely no one would listen to what she was saying. Jesus had revealed himself to someone that society would never value enough to pay attention to. Jesus showed that this message of hope, this Gospel message, was made for the broken, the lost, the singled out. It was not meant to be reserved for the elite or the religious. Jesus had died and rose again for all who would believe. And all who would believe would be called to go and share what they had seen. Salvation is here, in Jesus Christ we no longer have to endure life with no hope, we can have hope for now and for all eternity because of what He has done! What does the testimony of your life profess?

When Mary Magdalene visited Jesus' tomb on Easter morning, she met an angel. The angel gave her a message. We've summarize that message with three phrases based on Matthew 28: "fear not," "come see" and "go tell." The final phrase, "go tell," will be our focus the rest of the week. For Mary, the message was to tell Jesus' disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead and he would meet them in Galilee. For us, the message is a bit different. Yes, we are to tell people that Jesus is risen from the dead! This is fantastic news! The early followers of Jesus often used the phrase "He is risen!" as a greeting. The reply was "He is risen indeed!" The fact that Jesus miraculously lives is exciting. But we have so much more to tell! What does it mean for us that Jesus has risen from the dead? First, it means that forgiveness from God is possible. Romans 4:25 (NIV) says "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." (NIV) The word justification is a legal term. It means one is declared right in the eyes of the law. In other words, Jesus' resurrection was necessary for God to declare believers not guilty. Because Jesus lives, we can be forgiven of disobedience to God. We can have our relationship with God restored, here and now. Tell someone today that Jesus lives and about the forgiveness made possible by this fact. Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

GOSPEL POWER - APRIL 6, 2021 - EASTER TUESDAY Gospel: Jn 20:11-18 Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her. REFLECTION Jesus does not prohibit Mary Magdalene from touching him or clutching at him physically. He is not denying her a gesture that can be therapeutic in her grief. “Holding on to me” refers to the Master-disciple relationship they had before the Paschal events. For Mary's use of the customary address “Rabbouni” implies that she expects a return to the former relationship. Jesus did not resurrect simply to continue his ministry on earth. For he has to go back to the Father. His glorification, which necessarily includes death and resurrection, will be complete only when he ascends back to where he came from. Here he indicates that his death and resurrection have effected a change in the relationship with his disciples, for he now calls them “brothers,” and his Father and God is now also the disciples' Father and God. PRAYER Lord Jesus, help us not to cling to old ways but to be open to the transforming power of your resurrection. Amen.

What is it that catches your eye when you are determining what to paint? Do you look for color that speaks to you, are you drawn to certain subjects or locations? Growing up in Australia, Mary Tonkin quickly became enamored with, “The bush” - a term mostly used in the English vernacular of Australia and New Zealand where it is largely synonymous with backwoods or hinterland, referring to a natural undeveloped area. Mary completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2002 at Monash University, where she has also lectured. Tonkin has held solo exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney since 1999. Her work has been included in group exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, and internationally in New York.  It was my privilege to host Mary for a live session of our interview. It was a joy to have Mary open up about her process, what she sees when she’s out here in the bush, how she juggles life as a working mother, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to get to know Mary’s engaging story!  Brining the bush to life  When you speak with Mary, you get a quick impression that she means business when she talks about slowing down and paying attention. For Mary, phrases like stillness, being present, and “taking in” a place, aren't' strangers - they are well-known companions on her journey. While it may be challenging to have a living and constantly changing subject like the Australian bush, Mary says that the experience has been well worth it. What stands out to you when you observe Mary’s artwork? Make sure to catch images of her paintings located at the end of this post.  Learning to adapt  Working in the wilderness in many ways can prepare you for challenging situations you face later in life. Learning to prepare for variables that you can’t control is a helpful training ground for parents. Mary was kind enough to open up about her experience as a working mother trying to navigate her time in the wilderness with her responsibilities at home. At the end of the day, it all comes down to quality over quantity for Mary, she is grateful for the time in the bush that she can reserve.  Feeding your curiosity  I loved hearing from Mary about her own journey with compartmentalizing her painting life for both the good and bad, I know so many artists just like her! One big takeaway from my conversation with Mary comes down to the value of feeding your curiosity. Some of us love to explore our curiosity over conversations with friends, while others need time in solitude. What works best for you? How do you feed your curiosity and let it fuel your creativity? I want to hear from you!  Outline of This Episode [2:00] I welcome my guest, Mary Tonkin.  [3:15] How Mary got started as an artist.  [6:15] Mary describes her artwork.  [10:45] How does Mary manage the seeming complexity in her paintings?  [16:00] Mary opens up about how wildfires and COVID-19 have impacted her work. [18:30] The challenge of conveying color from the wild.  [20:30] Using collage to branch out.  [23:00] What is it like working in the wild? Do you incorporate changes in the landscape?  [27:15] Artists that inspire Mary.  [29:30] How Mary gets “Unstuck.”  [35:00] Why it’s important to Mary to nurture her curiosity.  [39:15] What Mary wants people to experience when they see her artwork.  [41:00] Artwork that Mary wishes she owned.  [44:30] Why it can be good to embrace your stubbornness.  [46:00] Compartmentalizing and focusing on what works. [47:30] Mary answers questions from listeners about her process. [54:00] Closing thoughts.  Other artists mentioned on this episode Émile Bernard Henri Matisse Paul Cézanne Vincent Hawkins Resources Mentioned on this episode On Instagram - @mary.tonkin Gallery Website - https://australiangalleries.com.au/artists/mary-tonkin/ Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter

In this episode, Pete speaks to Mary Keogh, The Mary Godmother. Mary is a life coach and has a passion for helping women to become the best version of themselves. She uses her own life experiences and desire to give back to help as many women as she can. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mary calls herself a transformational life consultant which means she begins with helping people choose a goal and then begin the ‘re-journey’ of working towards this goal. When she was younger, Mary didn’t feel like she was good enough. It meant that she got married and had her first child very quickly. She then found herself incredibly unhappy and lonely. Mary stayed as a full-time mother and had more children, they were and always have been her world. Unfortunately, two of her sons became addicts which lead to violence and she struggled tremendously with feelings of failure. She ended up having to detach herself from them to be able to look after her daughters and to cope with life. When Mary started on her journey of self-discovery and renewal the part she struggled with the most was self-homage. She had only ever seen herself as a wife and a mother and didn’t feel like she had done a great job of either. This step was a real challenge for her but she managed by changing her perception of herself and how she would talk to herself. For Mary, imagination and visualising things is incredibly helpful and healing for her. Mary uses the same steps and insights from her own journey on her clients and she watches them emerge as she did. Mary recognises that she carried her broken childhood as an adult. She carried it with her so much that her actions were still childlike as an adult. BEST MOMENTS  “We have to backtrack and take a look at who we are” “I began to change that hatred self-talk” “I could not see what other people saw” “Life’s not wonderful but I make it the best I can make it” “The only person, thing that was missing in my life was me, it was Mary” VALUABLE RESOURCES Subscribe to Fire In The Belly Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fire-in-the-belly/id1499375061) ABOUT THE GUEST Mary Keogh   ABOUT THE HOST The ‘Mighty Pete Lonton’ from the ‘Mighty 247’ company is your main host of ‘Fire In The Belly’.  Pete is an Entrepreneur, Mentor, Coach, Property Investor, and father of 3 beautiful girls. Pete’s background is in Project Management and Property, but his true passion is the ‘Fire in The Belly’ project itself. His mission is to help others find their potential and become the mightiest version of themselves. Pete openly talks about losing both of his parents, suffering periods of depression, business downturn and burn-out, and ultimately his years spent not stoking ‘Fire In the Belly’. In 2017, at 37 years of age that changed, and he is now on a journey of learning, growing, accepting, and inspiring others. Pete can connect with people and intuitively asks questions to reveal a person’s passion and discover how to live their mightiest life. The true power of ‘Fire In The Belly’ is the Q&A’s - Questions and Actions! The ‘Fire In The Belly’ brand and the programme is rapidly expanding into podcasts, seminars, talks, business workshops, development course, and rapid results mentoring. CONTACT METHOD https://www.facebook.com/mightypetelonton/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mightypete https://www.facebook.com/groups/430218374211579/ Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430218374211579/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social psychologist, Mary M. Clare, Ph.D, & science writer, Gary Ferguson, join Raghu to help us past the seperation myth, & into a restored balance of full ecology, environment, & human nature.Mary M Clare, Ph.D., brings her lifelong passion for the natural world together with a 30-year career as a social and cultural psychologist. A fellow in the APA with 100+ scholarly articles and two books, she opens doorways for considering how the natural world around and inside of us can be tapped as a guiding force for creating more contented and fruitful lives. For info on her new book with Gary, Full Ecology, please visit FullEcology.com. For Mary's personal offerings, please visit, ClaseConsultation.com.Gary Ferguson, a best-selling science writer and keynote speaker, began his career chronicling the tracks humans leave in nature. Today, he’s working “to portray the tracks nature leaves in us,” with books like, The Eight Master Lessons of Nature, which shines a powerful new light on the dazzling processes that nourish the creative powers of nature. For info on his new book with Mary Full Ecology, please visit FullEcology.com. For Gary's personal offerings, please visit, WildWords.net

When the angels appeared, delivering an important announcement, they were fulfilling a Messianic prophecy: “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,” meaning “God with us” (Isa. 7:14). As the gospels repeatedly point out, many aspects of the Christmas story fulfill Old Testament prophecies. How is this possible? Because we serve a God who plans and determines all of history. This is yet another reason for us to trust Him! That’s what Mary did when confronted with the incredible message from Gabriel: She would be the mother of the Messiah, who would also be the Son of God. She was “greatly troubled” because she was a virgin, betrothed but not yet married to Joseph (vv. 29, 34). Gabriel answered by reassuring her that God would be with her (v. 35). For Mary, that was all she needed to know, but he also graciously communicated to her another sign: her relative Elizabeth’s pregnancy (v. 36). More than one prophecy was being fulfilled in Gabriel’s words. Mary’s child, the long-awaited Messiah (see Luke 3:15), would sit on the throne of David (both Mary and Joseph were descendants) (vv. 31–33, 35). “His kingdom will never end” fulfills 2 Samuel 7:16 from God’s covenant with David. Perhaps unexpectedly, the child would also be the “Son of the Most High” and the “Son of God,” that is, the Second Person of the Trinity (v. 35). Jesus, conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit, would be fully man and fully God! Mary responded in faith, understanding that “no word from God will ever fail,” or as another translation says, “nothing will be impossible with God” (vv. 37–38). >> If you are interested in learning more about biblical prophecy, Moody professor and Q&A columnist Michael Rydelnik co-edited the Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy. Add it to your Bible study reference collection.

(Sgs.2:8-14 or Zep.3:14-18;  Ps.33:1-3,11-12,20-21;   Lk.1:39-45)   “Let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”   “Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” – she who comes bearing the Christ child, she whose very voice magnifies the presence of the Lord.  Listen to the witness of Elizabeth: “The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby stirred in my womb for joy.”  Mary carries the Son of God not only in her womb, but in her soul; the Spirit working within her serves to inspire him who shall go before the Lord, and so she paves the road the forerunner of Jesus shall tread. How one are mother and child!  Never so evident has it been than in this passage from Holy Scripture.  For Mary's voice carries the very presence of Jesus, and Elizabeth's ears convey that presence to her child.  Here is that relationship of love depicted in our reading from the Song of Songs exemplified most clearly; here is the oneness of lover and beloved.  And the loveliness of the lover becomes the loveliness of the beloved; the blessing of the Child becomes the blessing of the Mother – and in this love the earth brings forth its fruit. “The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.”  “The Lord, your God, is in your midst,” and He blesses all with His presence.  He calls to your soul to come forth and know His love.  “Springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills,” He hastens to your side.  He visits you.  He visits you, speaking to your heart, calling you to arise and join Him.  As Mary visits Elizabeth, “proceeding in haste into the hill country,” to bring her Son to the son of Elizabeth and so producing joy in this unborn child's heart – so she brings her sweet Jesus to us this day, her voice speaking of His glory to the ears of Mother Church. And so she becomes our Mother; and so she becomes our lover, for she bears the great lover of all souls to wed Himself to us as He is so perfectly wed to her.  His sweetness comes to us through His “beautiful one,” causing our hearts to rejoice at the sound of her voice and leading us to sing songs of praise to His holy name.  Let us raise the joyful shout to our God!   ******* O LORD, in joy with Mary, help us to bring Jesus to every waiting soul. YHWH, should we not rejoice at the coming of your Son?  He comes to us across the hills in the womb of His Mother: should His approach not fill us with expectation and wonder, with joy in the Holy Spirit?  And should we not cry out that joy with the Baptist and his mother? She who secluded herself for five months is now in her sixth, and now your Son comes to her.  And what has lain dormant within her womb springs to life at the sound of the voice of His Mother.  O LORD, are we not just so in need of your Spirit to awaken in us the love that has been dormant these many days?  Do we not begin to doubt your gifts to us as we long to see them fulfilled, as we sit this day in darkness?  And will you not come to us in your Son, in His Mother who carries Him to our side – she who is your perfect Bride? You desire to rejoice over us, O dearest LORD and God, and so our misfortunes you take away, and so the darkness of winter you dispel.  Even we who are aged in sin you find beautiful.  May our loveliness match your own.  May our voice be pleasing to you. 

(Sgs.2:8-14 or Zep.3:14-18;  Ps.33:1-3,11-12,20-21;   Lk.1:39-45)   “Let me see you, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.”   “Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” – she who comes bearing the Christ child, she whose very voice magnifies the presence of the Lord.  Listen to the witness of Elizabeth: “The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby stirred in my womb for joy.”  Mary carries the Son of God not only in her womb, but in her soul; the Spirit working within her serves to inspire him who shall go before the Lord, and so she paves the road the forerunner of Jesus shall tread. How one are mother and child!  Never so evident has it been than in this passage from Holy Scripture.  For Mary's voice carries the very presence of Jesus, and Elizabeth's ears convey that presence to her child.  Here is that relationship of love depicted in our reading from the Song of Songs exemplified most clearly; here is the oneness of lover and beloved.  And the loveliness of the lover becomes the loveliness of the beloved; the blessing of the Child becomes the blessing of the Mother – and in this love the earth brings forth its fruit. “The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.”  “The Lord, your God, is in your midst,” and He blesses all with His presence.  He calls to your soul to come forth and know His love.  “Springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills,” He hastens to your side.  He visits you.  He visits you, speaking to your heart, calling you to arise and join Him.  As Mary visits Elizabeth, “proceeding in haste into the hill country,” to bring her Son to the son of Elizabeth and so producing joy in this unborn child's heart – so she brings her sweet Jesus to us this day, her voice speaking of His glory to the ears of Mother Church. And so she becomes our Mother; and so she becomes our lover, for she bears the great lover of all souls to wed Himself to us as He is so perfectly wed to her.  His sweetness comes to us through His “beautiful one,” causing our hearts to rejoice at the sound of her voice and leading us to sing songs of praise to His holy name.  Let us raise the joyful shout to our God!   ******* O LORD, in joy with Mary, help us to bring Jesus to every waiting soul. YHWH, should we not rejoice at the coming of your Son?  He comes to us across the hills in the womb of His Mother: should His approach not fill us with expectation and wonder, with joy in the Holy Spirit?  And should we not cry out that joy with the Baptist and his mother? She who secluded herself for five months is now in her sixth, and now your Son comes to her.  And what has lain dormant within her womb springs to life at the sound of the voice of His Mother.  O LORD, are we not just so in need of your Spirit to awaken in us the love that has been dormant these many days?  Do we not begin to doubt your gifts to us as we long to see them fulfilled, as we sit this day in darkness?  And will you not come to us in your Son, in His Mother who carries Him to our side – she who is your perfect Bride? You desire to rejoice over us, O dearest LORD and God, and so our misfortunes you take away, and so the darkness of winter you dispel.  Even we who are aged in sin you find beautiful.  May our loveliness match your own.  May our voice be pleasing to you. 

For Mary, Jesus' coming was no longer a prophecy - it became life-alteringly personal. Nothing is impossible with God.

Two days ago, we looked at the passage in Isaiah where he prophesied about the birth of Christ 700 years before the event actually took place. Today, we’re going to look at the passage in Matthew where this prophecy was set into motion. (Matthew 1:18-24 NLT) This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:18-24 NLT) The Gospel of Matthew quotes Isaiah verbatim. So how does our focus topic this week of Immanuel being God with us in our sorrow and grief come into pay in this passage? When we hear this story around Christmas, all we tend to think about is the celebration of the birth of Christ. While true that this is a joyous occasion, that is actually a one-dimensional outlook. Here’s why: In the day that Joseph and Mary were planning their wedding, an engagement or betrothal was very different than today. Once betrothed, there was a legal agreement as if you were already married but not yet living together. For Mary to tell Joseph she was pregnant with him knowing they had not been together was the same as adultery. The bottom line is that Mary was amazed at what God had told her and was doing in her life, yet fearful and heartbroken at the same time because she knew what this would mean for her relationship to Joseph. Once Mary told Joseph, he was then heartbroken because, imagine for a moment, your fiance telling you she is pregnant and the Father is God. … God? How many people would buy that? There was no joy in these moments of conflict … there was fear, pain, grief, sorrow, and pain. But here’s the game changer for Joseph and Mary, as well as for us today in our pain … God spoke and confirmed the truth, taking away the fear. Would all this have been hard to believe and explain to people? Absolutely. But Joseph being a man of faith, as Mary was a woman of faith, responded in obedience, which was the very reason God chose them. He could trust them both with His plan. When we are in the midst of a heartbreak … sorrow … feelings of betrayal … pain … He is moving and active in our disappointment. We too must listen for the voice of God to speak. Hear His truth about our circumstances. Allow Him to take away our fear. He is as He promised … Immanuel—God with us. Today, wherever you may be in your circumstances, please take it from me, no matter how things may look today, God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Believe. Trust. Obey. One day, you will look back and see how the hand of God was with you, leading you, holding you, carrying you out of the pain and into a new life. Let’s pray: “Father, Mary and Joseph’s faith and belief in You is inspiring. Please help me to trust you with the same heart. Help me to see past my circumstances today and look toward what You will do as You are with me now and already in my future. Immanuel - God with us.”

In this episode of The Social Ideas Podcast, Dr Mary Murphy, a Post Doc researcher with the Faculty of Education and a Research Associate at Lucy Cavendish College in Cambridge, discusses her work in South Africa, and how she harnessed the power of the humble earthworm.For Mary, at the heart of her work are social justice and environmental sustainability, which she describes as the defining challenges of the 21st Century. https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/social-innovation/https://www.educ.cam.ac.uk/people/staff/murphy/

Hello and welcome to season 2 episode 86 of The Berean Manifesto, brought to you by The Ekklesian House.  This is Pastor Bill and over the next 10 minutes, or so, we are going to be looking at John the Baptist VS Jesus of Nazareth. First off, John the Baptist was not called “the Baptist” due to any denominational affiliation.  Honestly, I had no idea anyone even thought that was a thing until I was preparing to write this episode.  John had the title of “the Baptist” because it wasn't normal to be out in the wild offering the baptism of repentance to anyone happing by and the oddity stuck.  The baptism of repentance was a highly institutionalized, and in practice exclusive religious ceremony of purification or conversion to the religion.  John the Baptist said he baptized with water to reveal the Messiah.  He is then recorded in John 1 as saying, “The One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘When you see the Spirit come down and rest, this one is The One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'”  John only baptized with water to reveal The Messiah, calling for repentance to prepare the people for His arrival. Both John's mother and father were descendants of Moses brother Aaron, the first High Priest.  This placed John's family in the pinnacle of societal circles.  It got him invited to all the exclusive parties where he could rub elbows with the rich and powerful.  He would've been the man that every guy wanted to be, and that every woman would've wanted their parents to betroth them to.  So when John abandoned modern culture, strapping a thick leather belt around a tunic of camel hair and headed out into the wilderness to start baptizing and preaching repentance he, no doubt, was the hot gossip that spread throughout Israel.  Crowds flocked to the shores of the Jordan river, probably at first to gawk at the spectacle.  A remarkable number of people responded to John's call to repentance and were baptized. Jesus, His life was very different than John's upbringing and reputation.  Mary and Joseph, Jesus parents, despite both being descendants of King David were lowly, and unremarkable.  Joseph was from a town named Nazareth.  There was a common turn of phrase in Israel, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”  This is because Nazareth was a low-income slum, or ghetto might be a good modern English equivalent.  The only less respectable place for an Israelite to be from in that day would to have been born in a leper colony, or perhaps a Samaritan community.  For Mary's parents to betroth her to a man from Nazareth, was a sign of desperation, poverty, or both on her family's part.  Or perhaps they lost a bet or owed a debt. Jesus was then born to an unmarried teenage Mary whose fiancé, Joseph, hid her from public view to save her from scrutiny and ridicule.  Joseph and Mary having travelled to Bethlehem for a census, their impoverished little family would've spent the first two years of Jesus life scrounging for every cent until the delegation of Magi showed up with gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.  I know, Joseph was a carpenter, carpenters were rich.  Except, trades come by reputation, reputation comes by word of mouth, and nobody wants to hire a carpenter from the ghetto in the middle of the rich town of Bethlehem.  That would've been a very steep uphill battle to get any customers in a new town that you just moved to for the census, coming with the reputation that you have.  After they get that gold, frankincense, and myrrh they flee to Egypt to escape the murderous intentions of King Herod and live there until the news of Herod's death is delivered to Joseph by an angel in a dream.  Upon returning to Israel, Joseph fears that Herod's son will want to finish his father's work, so they settle in Nazareth to hide out from the authorities.  We know they must have spent all the riches of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh in Egypt.  Because when you come back to your country and you're wanted by the authorities you don't go live in the slums when you're rich.  You don't go back to the ghetto to hide; you hire private security, or you go get a lodge out in the wilderness where you're hidden by separation.  This is a sign that they came back just as penniless as they were before the Magi showed up. We fast forward to the age of twelve and it should be no surprise then that young Jesus would have absolutely no fear of setting off in the streets of Jerusalem, rich high class Jerusalem, alone having lived the last 8 years or so with the hard streets of Nazareth as His playground. These contrasting details between the lives that John and Jesus lived; John living this luxurious high class life rubbing elbows with the rich and popular, and Jesus growing up hard on the streets of the ghetto would have added a layer of absolute scandal when Jesus came to be baptized by John and was greeted with, (John 1:29b-30 CSB), “[29] Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  [30] This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.'”  While to us that statement may sound straight to the point and clear cut.  And while when we look at their lives we think this is going to cause some kind of scandal because of that.  To John's disciples, and the crowd on the shore, the statement seems to have come across as the gracious praise of the better to do stroking the ego of his poorer cousin from the “wrong side of the tracks,” as it were. We see some of this in John 3:22-26 CSB it says, “[22] After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized. [23] John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, [24] since John had not yet been thrown into prison. [25] Then a dispute arose between John's disciples and a Jew about purification. [26] So they came to John and told him, ‘Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing-and everyone is going to him.'” Here we have a great example of not every statement in the Bible being Gospel truth.  When John's disciples say that Jesus is baptizing and everyone is going to Him, we know this complaint to be 100% false.  First, it's an over exaggeration, if everyone were going to Jesus to be baptized then it couldn't be said that John was baptizing, because everyone would be over with Jesus and no one with John.  Second, as a reader you could get the impression that Jesus Himself is performing water baptisms like this disciple of John is saying, but the Gospel writer of this Gospel book clarifies in the next chapter that Jesus isn't baptizing anyone in water.  In John 4:1-3 CSB it says, “[1] When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples than John [2] (though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were), [3] he left Judea and went again to Galilee.”  Jesus didn't baptize here, his disciples did.  In fact, there's not one scripture telling us that Jesus ever baptized anyone in water.  Unless you count the washing of feet as a water baptism, but probably not. John's response to his disciple is in verses 27-30 of John 3 CSB he says, “[27] ‘No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. [28] You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of him.' [29] He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease.'” John was actually baptizing in this particular location when this conversation happened in an effort to hide from the authorities who were seeking his arrest for publicly criticizing the legality and morality of Herod Antipas and his sister-in-law divorcing their spouses so they could marry each other.  He would eventually be arrested and after a time Herod would be tricked by his wife into beheading John.  During his time in jail John would, very humanly, question if he had misunderstood and was mistaken about whether Jesus was in fact The Messiah.  Another Biblical note that isn't Gospel truth.  Just because John questioned it doesn't mean it's worthy of being in question.  After John's death Jesus would tell His disciples Peter, James, and John that the prophet Elijah had already come to prepare the way for The Messiah just as the prophets had said he would.  In the Gospel account of Matthew, John the Baptist is identified as to whom Jesus was referring to as Elijah. Jesus, of course, went on into full-time ministry to the people of Israel.  The very ministry God had desired the Israeli people to be performing all along to the rest of the world.  This presented a challenge to the religious leaders of the day.  A challenge that they couldn't let go unpunished.  As they were wolves in sheep's clothing, so to speak, they had to get their retribution on the one who shined the light on what they were doing.  With every miracle performed and sermon taught Jesus took one step further toward His crucifixion and the salvation of all who would place their faith in Him. So while we as Christian say, “I want to be Christ-like.”  And that's not wrong.  Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.”  Ultimately, we should be imitating Christ.  But when we place John the Baptist and Jesus side by side, I would like to think of myself as I must decrease so that He can increase.  I challenge you to have the same outlook.  We must decrease, our desires, our need for focus and attention must decrease as we place that focus and attention on the One who must increase. This is Pastor Bill saying, “Until next time…”

Many leaders surrender to the feelings, emotions, and self doubt that can hold them back from being dynamic and powerful leaders. In this episode, Dr. Mary Kelly, a graduate of the Unites States Naval Academy and retired Navy Commander, discusses insightful and powerful leadership traits that every team and team leader can take advantage of to be more successful. She starts by explaining, the six stages of crisis response that every leader goes through. They are Rejection, Recognition, Realization, Resolution, Reality, and Realignment.  And that's just in the first 10 minutes of this incredible episode! You won't want to miss the rest. This incredibly high energy episode will pump you up and get you ready to take on your next mission.For Mary's Free Multiple 5-Minute plans CLICK HERE 

When do you get impatient? I remember years ago someone saying that you know when you are in a hurry when you put a frozen meal in the microwave, turn it on, and then get impatient because it takes 4 minutes to defrost and cook a meal. When I heard that I gained some insight into myself!!!! Yes, it seems like I'm continually on the patience journey. I wonder if we did a little stock-take of our patience levels for one week what the results would show. For me I'm sure there would be some impatient moments related to technology, my husband and our children. Although by the grace of God, thankfully not as many as there used to be! If we let Him, God will continually transform us. But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. Now, the "Lord" I'm referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom. We can draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 TPT The Holy Spirit The New King James Version says it this way, But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed in to the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV On this patience journey, there has been one scripture that the Holy Spirit often leads me to when I can feel myself getting frustrated and feeling like I want to step in and take control ... So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 NKJV This scripture always stops in me my tracks. And I am reminded of a situation a few years ago with an organisation I am connected with, where there was a lot of might and power happening, it was very ugly. After months the situation was resolved, not by the might and power, but by the Spirit. And I am reminded of situations in our family, where using my own resources and wisdom (my might and power) I have tried and tried and tried to resolve issues. But then one day, by the Spirit, change comes and the issue is resolved. Developing patience In this season with three teenagers and one pre-teen, patience is certainly a virtue, and one I am relying on the Holy Spirit to develop more within me. But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. Galatians 5:22-23 TPT Mary, the mother of Jesus As a parent, I want patience that endures. I was thinking of a couple of parents we read about in the Scriptures, such as Mary the mother of Jesus. She knew before she became pregnant that the child she was carrying was the Son of God. But the angel reassured her, saying, "Do not yield to your fear; Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift. You will become pregnant with a baby boy, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be supreme and will be known as the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will enthrone him as King on his ancestor David's throne. He will reign as King of Israel forever, and his reign will have no limit." Luke 1:30-33 TPT How patient would Mary have been, knowing that her son had this future ahead of Him, but having to wait on God's perfect timing. I'm sure I would have had many moments of impatience and frustration thinking, "Why don't you just get on with it and do your job now!" God's timing We know from John 2, that eventually Mary does ask Jesus to do a public miracle when the wine runs out at the wedding in Cana. And when Mary realised it, she came to him and asked, "They have no wine, can't you do something about it?' John 2:3 TPT The footnote from The Passion Translation says, "This is a dilemma that Mary is hoping Jesus will solve by performing a miracle. Mary has no doubt about the power and anointing of her Son." The story goes on ... Jesus replied, "My dear one, don't you understand that if I do this, it won't change anything for you, but it will change everything for me! My hour of unveiling my power has not yet come." John 2:4 TPT Again, lets read the footnote from The Passion Translation, "For Mary, it will change her very little, but for Jesus, this will be his first public miracle and will dramatically change his ministry from this moment on as the crowds see the power he possesses. Jesus knows his miracle ministry will "come out of hiding" by performing a miracle. Yet with Mary's encouragement, Jesus proceeds to do just that." God knows all the implications There is so much for us to learn from that story. In relation to patience it shows how important it is that we gain understanding that God's timing is perfect. He has the full picture, and knows all the implications for everyone involved. For me as a mum I am always learning that God is at work in our children's lives, even when I can't see the physical outworking. Not by my might or my power, but by His Spirit, the transformation is happening. My role is to love and encourage - often with no words, just actions, and sometimes no actions either, but just interceding for them in prayer. The father of the Prodigal Son Another story in Scripture that came to mind is the parable Jesus told about the prodigal son. I wonder how long the son was away from home, and how often the father thought to himself, "Come on son, why don't you just come home!" But the father knew the son had to make his own decision to return home. It was another 'not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit' time. I found this commentary from Oosterzee, regarding the father ... "The father has, however, been indirectly working for his recovery, by allowing him to bear all the consequences of his transgressions; he has, besides, been waiting patiently, and keeping both his heart and his house open to him." -Theological and Homiletical Commentary on the Gospel of St Luke, Volume 2. Johannes Jacobus van Oosterzee, edited by Johann Peter Lange and translated by Sophia Taylor. Edinburgh, 1867. The father in the parable is just like our Father in Heaven, who keeps His heart and house open to us. He allows us to make our own decision to return to Him, first through salvation, and then each day as we continually yield to Him in different areas of our lives. God is love, and love is patient. Love is ... I'm sure you know this scripture, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, often read at weddings (how interesting that Jesus did His first public miracle at a wedding, an event celebrating love) ... Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one's achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honour. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, it never gives up. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 TPT When I read this scripture and think about God, these are all the qualities I picture in Him. And these are the qualities He wants to develop in us, including patience, not by our might, not by our power, but by His Spirit. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognised as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 The Message The patience journey, only made truly possible when walking in His Spirit. Let's walk that way today. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Bad things. Bad timing. For Mary and Peter, the crucifixion of Jesus 2000 years ago came at the worst time for them. Learn from the doubt, heartbreak and new-found faith in God they experienced to help you deal with the many bad things you experience. Running to Jesus 2000 years after the first Easter remains the foundational answer for the world during every tragedy even during the Coronavirus.

Hosts Tracy Swain and JaVonne Williams are joined by Mary Silver. Mary has been featured in Medium, Thrive Global, on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC and is a master at turning successful brick and mortar or service-based entrepreneurs into online business experts in rapid time by focusing on the sales process. For Mary, all business success begins with mastering sales. Mary is part heart centered and part sales shark with a Master’s in Social Work and over 15 coaching certifications to break mindset habits of her clients. Additionally, she's named one of the top professionals in coaching in 2018 by Powerful Professionals. As mindset is considered the biggest problem, Mary's forethought is when you shift from WORRY, DOUBT, and CONFUSION and into TRUST, ACCEPTANCE, and LOVE you’ll be amazed by how easily everything begins to shift. You are a powerful creator and you can be even more powerful by learning to build your business more consciously. Mary built her first business at 31 to over 6 figures within 2 years, Mary has sold over $14 million as an inside sales consultant and was hired to coach industry leader’s groups for Christy Whitman and Kim Walsh Phillips. To learn more about Mary Silver including her various coaching services, visit her website at https://www.marybaileysilver.com or find Mary Silver the various social media platforms. In addition to the social media platforms, Mary hosts a weekly Facebook Live under "The Inspired Hustle with Mary Silver" every Tuesday 10 AM Mountain Standard Time.  

For Mary, a miracle breaks in and seems to interrupt the natural course of her lives. But, we do not really know what God is doing in our lives as part of His super-natural order of where He is taking things. How this day needs to go according to His story, His plan and what He is making. This means His hand over our lives can be a painful thing, bringing things into our lives we would never choose, in order to bring about the good and Glory that will be seen only by “walking backwards into the future.”

“I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Luke 1:19b-20Wow, in describing the impact of this statement, here are a few descriptive words: Powerful, authoritative, definitive, shocking, humbling, overwhelming and divine. “I am Gabriel, who stand before God!” How many people can say that? Gabriel, being a celestial being is one of the few. It’s interesting to contrast the conversation of Zechariah and Gabriel with the one that Mary has with Gabriel. Their responses to Gabriel seem similar, but Gabriel reacts to each of them in completely different ways. To Mary, Gabriel offers a simple explanation upon her request for more information: “How can this be?” she says. Gabriel responds, “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you…” But, in the case of Zechariah, the Angel does not give an explanation. Instead, Zechariah is struck mute for his failure to believe.Though these reactions of Mary and Zechariah may seem similar on the surface, it’s clear that their hearts are quite far apart. For Mary, our Blessed Mother, her question was asked in perfect faith. She heard Gabriel speak and she believed. But faith seeks understanding and so Mary, in her perfect faith, sought to understand the mystery that was being presented to her. Gabriel responds with a brief insight and Mary is grateful for that. Zechariah responds to the angel, “How shall I know this?” In other words, he admitted to not “knowing” these words to be true. Faith is knowledge of the clearest form and Zechariah failed to have faith. Therefore, he was struck mute as a sign that, without faith, there is nothing to speak.Reflect, today, upon your own faith. Is it pure and eager to assent to all that God reveals? Are you ready and willing to believe all that God speaks to you? Though you may not receive His word through the direct mediation of an angel in visible form, you are privileged to have God speak to you constantly through these angelic advocates. When they speak, do you listen and respond with the faith of our Blessed Mother’s? Or, like Zechariah, do you hesitate and doubt the revelation?Lord, give me the same pure and holy faith that Your Blessed Mother had. Though I acknowledge my sin and weakness, help me, by her example and intercession, to receive each and every word You wish to speak to me through the mediation of the hosts of Heaven. May I always be attentive to Your word and respond with a generous heart. Jesus, I trust in You.

Last week we saw that after 400 years of silence God spoke again to announce the birth of John. But he was only coming to prepare for one who was greater, Jesus. Today we see the announcement of his birth. For Mary this must have been a moment of great joy, she was to give birth to the long awaited Messiah. However this was not without cost for Mary. Nevertheless Mary accepts her role as she declares, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." As she does she sets us a great example of being willing to pay the cost that often accompanies serving Jesus. Bible Text: Luke 1: 26-38

Jamie Berndette returns to the Wicked Horror Show to discuss her latest project "The Furnace".This episode is sponsored by Deadly Grounds Coffee "Its good to get a little Deadly" https://deadlygroundscoffee.comThe fit and fierce Mary Harris could not have been happier, marrying her running partner, Matt. Until a truck hits their car. A year later, Mary is all but incapacitated by both the loss of her husband, and the use of one lung. Forced to wheel around an oxygen cylinder, Mary no longer feels the joy that running once brought her. A grave digger, named Coffin (a nickname easier to say than his African name), notices the haunted, angry woman. He shares with her the story of his own loss, and his qualification as a doctor. Mary agrees to let this wise gravedigger train her, despite her stubborn outlook. The Furnace is the extraordinary story of just what it takes to heal yourself, and restore your faith. For Mary, it's an ultra-marathon through the harsh African bush-veld.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7951038/?ref=ttplpl_ttFollow Jamie: https://www.instagram.com/jamiebernadette https://www.facebook.com/jamiebernadette https://twitter.com/jamiebernadettJamie's leading role in the horror film "The 6th Friend", which she also produced and co-wrote, has garnered her many Best Actress awards on the film festival circuit and the film has also won many Best Feature Film awards. The film looks to be released in 2018. She is also the lead in the much-anticipated sequel to one of the most notorious films ever made, the original 1978 film "I Spit on Your Grave". The sequel is titled "I Spit on Your Grave: Déjà Vu" and boasts the return of the original director Meir Zarchi and actress Camille Keaton. Of her other 70 completed works, are horror/adventure film "All Girls Weekend", drama "State of Desolation", and thriller "American Satan" starring Malcolm McDowell, which will be released in theaters October 13th. Jamie is the recipient of the 2017 Best Actress Award from the Independent Cinema Foundation and Festival Academy for her work in film. The Lucky Strike Film Festival also awarded Jamie this year with the Rising Star Award. Jamie loves reading books and writing. She is busy compiling a book of poetry for publication in the near future.Follow Steve Van Samson https://www.facebook.com/steve.v.krikorian https://www.facebook.com/ridoctopus https://www.facebook.com/RoughHousePublishingFind out more at https://wicked-horror-show.pinecast.coSend us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/wicked-horror-show/07047512-d38e-428d-85a6-12e158592be3

Joining me on this week's episode is Mary Puppo and Mark Romero of Attic Door Media to discuss their successful Kickstarter for "Incident Report" #1! This debut issue serves as an entry point into a whole fictional world that Mary, Mark and their friend Brian Sippin have been invested in for many years. This is in part thanks to their regular tabletop RPG games in which they first forged this new superhero universe. We discuss what it's like to make the transition from the tabletop to the page, as well as the ins and outs of "Incident Report" #1 and its Kickstarter campaign. We also deep dive into the books that Mary and Mark love. For Mary, it's Gail Simone's New 52 run on "Batgirl," and for Mark it's "Copperhead" from Image Comics. Join us!Support That's The Issue by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/thatstheissueFind out more at https://thatstheissue.pinecast.co

Mary Henderson is a personal branding specialist who helps coaches, consultants and corporate executives define and commercialize their personal brand using B2B selling strategies on LinkedIn. She is widely regarded as an expert in this area. Mary believes that 90% of the “so called influencers” on LinkedIn are basing all their measurements on vanity stats. For Mary this is a problem because she also believes that vanity stats don’t put food on the table. In this episode Mary talks about: The strategies she has developed to build a B2B business on LinkedIn. The limitations and obstacles she faced growing up in a family with traditional mediteranean values. When and why she decided she was tired of being defined by labels. Her experiences as an entrepreneur prior to the start of her current business and how that helps her advise her clients. And so much more This episode is all about learning and is jammed pack with great advice from one of the worlds best personal branding experts. Enjoy You can reach Mary at: Website:  https://www.maryhendersoncoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhendersoncoaching/ Please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, and stories, or just make a connection. Email-  tim@screwthenaysayers.comFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/stnwithtimalison/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/screwthenaysayers/LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-alison/Screw The Naysayers- www.screwthenaysayers.com iTunes: https://apple.co/2LkWSPVScrew the Naysayers Episode Page: https://screwthenaysayers.com/Mary-HendersonGoogle Play Music: https://bit.ly/2NBgqMvSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2MF5T6gStitcher: https://bit.ly/2uYCsRCPodbean: https://screwthenaysayers.podbean.com/e/132-Mary-Henderson/

Mary can remember always being good at bookkeeping, even when she was young. While going to school, she worked full time in a corporate office in the accounting department for three years. She never finished her bachelor’s degree. Instead, she moved back to where she and her husband were from and worked for a local pharmacy where she was mentored by the in-house CPA. [4:30] During that time Mary’s husband deployed so she needed something to keep her busy. She was nominated to be the president of the local business association. It was around that time that Mary started to look for more flexibility so she could spend more time with her growing family, this lead to some timely advice from a friend to just do bookkeeping for more than one business. [7:00] Self-discipline has been key to Mary’s success. Being able to manage her time and still get things done is a very important quality to have once there is no one to tell you what to do. [8:40] When Mary started her business, she already had four clients and has built up her client base to 24 over the past five years. The flexibility of owning her own business really came in handy after Mary found out that her daughter had a heart defect. [11:30] At this point Mary works around 20-30 hours a week and has a contractor that works for her for roughly 10 hours a week. [12:30] Mary’s secret to getting clients has really been her relationship with the CPA that mentored her years ago. Several of the clients that she has now came from a referral from her mentor. You never know what relationship is going to be a goldmine for you. [13:55] Mary is trying to balance taking on new clients and building out the processes and systems that will ensure she can handle them [14:40] Mary has also recently opened a second business. It’s a coworking space for mom’s that need a place to work that provides childcare. [15:50] Mary is a bit of a creative, so she enjoys the marketing and creative side of the business alongside meeting people at networking events and having conversations. It’s quite the reverse of the way most bookkeepers approach business. [17:10] Keeping up with her email is what Mary finds the most unfun. She uses a tool called GQueues to stay on top of her to-do list. She doesn’t want to waste time trying to figure out what to get done. [18:30] In terms of vision, Mary is looking to double the number of clients she has and add a full-time bookkeeper to her business. She wants to be able to do the marketing and the client-getting and having another bookkeeper handle the in-the-weeds work. [20:10] Being able to bring her husband into the business is another potential goal to work towards. [21:00] Never stop marketing or looking for good people. For Mary, she should hire a second bookkeeper and start them out with a small amount of hours. You don’t want to be totally dependent on one person. [22:50] Mary is not currently doing the interpret and advise portion of the business that Ben talks about all the time. That’s why she’s not charging the rates that she would like, which means that she has to bring on more clients to increase her revenue. [24:20] Her current clients haven’t really asked for any extra advice but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need it. [25:35] It’s hard to say to your current clients that you are adding a new service so now you’re going to charge them more. It’s better to be more selective about the clients you take on in the future. For future clients, you have to educate and then sell them on the value of the service. If you work with higher value clients, the main benefit would be you wouldn’t need as many clients to hit your revenue targets. [27:50] Look for clients that are going to value you and are looking to collaborate instead of abdicate. When looking for new clients, you are going to look for clients who are already interested in that service. [29:40] While you’re looking for new clients, you need to start educating yourself on the services they will value. The good news is you have a built-in think tank with your existing clients to find that out. [31:10] The next time Mary is having a conversation with her client, plan for some time to talk about what they really want in their business and how she can help them get there. What roles do they not like to do in their business that she can take off their hands? This is essentially market research into what they value. Don’t guess, ask. [32:50] Look for key phrases and use their language. You can use the information you learn to speak and sell to your new clients. [34:05] We are paid in proportion to the value we put into the marketplace. Ask them what they need and then create something around it. Start thinking about a system you can brand from the language and words they are using. [36:25] There is learning that you’re going to have to do to deliver on the additional services. The best way to do it is to just pick a client that you already work with and do it for free. Nothing beats practical experience. The worst case scenario is you get experience and put goodwill into the relationship. [39:15] Look for the low hanging fruit and what could put on semi-autopilot so you don’t have to work a lot more to produce a particular result. Your relationship with your clients is ultimately going to be the thing that protects you from the growing trend of automation. [41:10] Mary’s action items include opening up the dialogue with her existing clients and looking for a need they have in common. To create a tool that she can use to attract more clients, and to find a second contractor.

20 years ago, Mary Shores started with an idea. Today, she is a successful entrepreneur with a multi-million-dollar, heart-centered business and a best-selling book, Conscious Communications. But she didn’t start that way. Mary hit rock-bottom after enduring the loss of her daughter within the first year of her life, and while Mary was still very young. She survived an unstable past filled with abandonment and instability stemming from her mother's mental illness, but found within herself the strength to rebuild by founding an industry-changing business. She now inspires others with lessons of resiliency and empowerment nationwide. Mary shares her gripping, emotional journey as a point of inspiration that, regardless of what we face, we can come through. And she talks about her business, debt collection,to show that regardless of the work you do, you can do it in a way that has an impact and does good. In an industry not known for such things, Mary is proof that you can rewrite the script and still succeed – something she's done time and time again no matter how things were playing out. Key Points from the Episode with Mary Shores: Reflection has brought an understanding around the theme throughout her life around the fear of abandonment Mary was taken in by family in Illinois from her home in Southern California when she was just three years old due to mental illness her mother struggled with Later in her childhood, she was reunited with her mother while her little sister stayed with the family who took them in when they were young, creating a sense of separation and loss from the person closest to her. At 13, Mary’s mother left again, leaving her alone with her step-father so she chose to go from friend’s couch to friend’s couch throughout high school rather than having a stable home. She looks back on her view of that time as exciting and one framed by strong independence. Mary became pregnant at 18, and ended up giving birth to a daughter when she was 19 only to lose her 18 months later due to complications her daughter suffered around oxygen deprivation during the labor and birth process and brain damage that resulted. Mary didn’t just lose her daughter, but the process was so extreme because of how drawn out it was, and how much she was exposed to in the hospital; and of course she had nothing at the time as she and her boyfriend basically lived on the floor of their daughter’s hospital room. While this obviously was a major trauma, it was also the spark for a resilience that has defined Mary’s life since then. After her daughter’s death, Mary went through the lowest point in her life, feeling dented, damaged and like a failure. She decided in that process not to be a statistic and instead started a business. It wasn’t from a place of empowerment, but rather a desire not to be a failure. Mary got into the debt collection business, which she says isn’t really most people’s dream or passion. She noted how so many people talk about following your passion, and collections isn’t really that, but there are things that can align to passion regardless of what the actual work is. She wanted to be different, and take an approach of positivity-based selling of collections. She focused on the idea of how great it will be to get out of debt while everyone else focused on the same and fear of being in debt in their approach.  She failed miserably. Being interested in neuroscience, she understood that people have a negativity bias, so the positive outcome wasn’t enough to overcome the unwillingness to pay in a way that fear can. This all ties to people feeling unworthy. Figuring this out was an ah-ha moment for Mary, and she said, “I want the next person I work with to be happier at the end of the call than when it started it.” That approach worked. The approach was so successful that Mary started to reach it more broadly, which is what lead her into her work as a coach and author. Mary shared one of her favorite quotes, which is by Maryanne Williamson, "A miracle is but a shift in perception.” Conscious Communications, her book, focuses on several key things to use to start your path forward. One of the key ideas is Gratitude. She talks about the word, “Empowerment,” which gets so much focus, but what does it really mean? It’s really about an internal sense of feeling good. All the focus on Happiness has people thinking that we have to be happy all the time. But the reality is, we aren’t. And we aren’t meant to be. And that’s ok. The key is to understand what we’re feeling and why we feel it, and learn and grow from that. But you shouldn’t judge yourself for feeling that way or ignore or diminish it. She reminds us of the importance of self-care, which is a buzzword that’s thrown around a lot, but what does it mean? For Mary, it’s about taking time for yourself. Cleanse or clog - everything you do in those smallest moments of life is always working to make a closer connection to what you want and desire or to stand in the way of it. The choices you make will shape your life forever. Links: Websites: maryshores.com Book: Conscious Communications Facebook: @shoresmary and her Fearless Ambition Facebook group Instagram: @mary_shore LinkedIn: @shoresmary YouTube: @maryshores The Daily Desires Diary Bundle gift Subscribe to The Do a Day Podcast     Keep Growing with Do a Day Get the book in print, Kindle, iBooks, Audiobookand more - even get a personally-signedcopy from Bryan Falchuk Get started on your journey to Better with the Big Goal Exercise Work with Bryan as your coach, or hire him to speak at your next event  

In today's gospel reading unlike the Blessed Virgin Mary,  Zechariah demonstrates lack of faith in God's word and was struck mute by Angel Gabriel as a consequence. Though the reactions of Mary and Zechariah may seem similar on the surface, it’s clear that their hearts are quite far apart. For Mary, our Blessed Mother, her question was asked in perfect faith. She heard Gabriel speak and she believed. But faith seeks understanding and so Mary, in her perfect faith, sought to understand the mystery that was being presented to her. Gabriel responds with a brief insight and Mary is grateful for that.We pray for the grace to be receptive to God's word and demonstrates faith and trust in his promises. 

Rather than thinking of the Christmas story as fairy tale, we must deal with the claims it has of being an account of real things that happened. This in mind, Ahren teaches on supernatural living. The call of every Christian to walk and adventure, following Jesus - and all that that entails. For Mary, Joseph, Zechariah and Elizabeth, their adventure following God was pretty crazy.

The old adage that preaches “to follow your dreams” might seem outdated in today’s precarious working world but get ready to meet a visionary that’s turning fantasy into reality. In this episode, Jennifer talks with Mary Miller, the CEO of a Cincinnati-based janitorial services company called Jancoa, and about their pioneering Dream Manager Program — and how to create a genuine culture of caring is a serious game changer for both employees and employers. First things first: Who is Mary Miller and what brought her to where she is today? The short answer? Herself! Tune in to hear more about how Mary went from being a bankrupt twice-divorced single mom with two kids to being the CEO and primary shareholder of Jancoa. When it comes to living a journey like Mary’s, there are lessons around every corner. Mary talks about what she learned from her past and how she applied it to her future. Here’s a taste of Mary’s philosophy of work: instead of keeping a laser focus on the task at hand and the money, making space for recognizing opportunities will take you to the next step. Mary brings her wealth of experience to her coaching with Strategic Coach, where she works with business owners and entrepreneurs. When talking to her clients about keeping an eye out for opportunity and growth, she uses a question developed by one of Strategic Coach’s founders Dan Sullivan: “If we were sitting here a year from now, what would have to happen for you to be really happy with your progress?” For Mary, intentionality in not only goal-setting but reflection that can give you the breathing room to check in with yourself and your efforts — and adjust if necessary. Mary sets aside one day per quarter to reflect on the last 90 days, specifically to track down lessons that can be applied in the future. How did The Dream Manager Program start at Jancoa? Mary talks about how the idea for the program sprouted out of their efforts to retain employees after chronic turnover problems. After meeting the best-selling author Matthew Kelly, Mary and her husband Tony – the founder of Jancoa – told him their story. Their program served as the backbone of the business fable featured in The Dream Manager book. For many of Jancoa’s employees, their dreams were about uplifting their family and future generations to come. Mary talks about how enabling this kind of success amounts to a culture-shifting endeavor. Let’s talk metrics: with their Dream Manager Program, Mary and Tony set out to create a workplace that makes people want to stick around. Mary discusses the results of those efforts from a business perspective. Thanks to the Dream Manager Program, there are countless success stories that come out of Jancoa. Mary shares some of the highlights with us and talks about how as the business grew, the formal Program has transformed into a broader culture of caring that consistently attracts quality employees. Now that the second generation is overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, Mary now travels for speaking engagements and coaching workshops. She talks about how her role as a CEO has her more occupied with questions of long-term vision and workplace philosophy than ever before. Mary recently published a book about the backstory of The Dream Manager Program called Changing Direction: 10 Choices that Impact Your Dreams by Mary Miller. She talks about the first point: you’ll never get anywhere if you can’t learn to embrace change. So what’s next for Mary Miller? She talks about her speaking work and her own dreams to transform the lives of others and make an even bigger positive impact in the world. Mary also gives us some tips and links for resources to follow. Resources & Links: Mary Miller LinkedIn Mary Miller Twitter Mary Miller - Speaking Strategic Coach – Mary Miller Jancoa The Dream Manager Program at Jancoa (Program) Floyd Consulting The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly (Book) Changing Direction: 10 Choices that Impact Your Dreams by Mary Miller Mike Sipple, Sr. BucketList.org Impact Makers Episode 1 - What Does It Mean To Be An Impact Maker? Are you struggling with developing your personal brand? You can now download Jennifer McClure's Personal Branding Worksheet to help you ask and answer the right questions so you're making the best impression. Check out another trailblazing HR powerhouse! HR expert Laurie Ruettiman hosts a podcast called Let’s Fix Work where she speaks with a diverse array of people about how to change the way we think and work for the better. Give us a hand getting the word out! Do you want to spend your personal and professional time making a lasting impact on others? Do you want to be the kind of leader people love? Subscribe today and we will bring you new ways to change the world every single week.  

For Mary to have an immaculate heart means an undivided heart, untouched by sin. She didn't always understand the right thing to do, but she intuitively knew it and was completely free to choose it! Like every good mother, she wants to help us heal our br

For Mary to have an immaculate heart means an undivided heart, untouched by sin. She didn't always understand the right thing to do, but she intuitively knew it and was completely free to choose it! Like every good mother, she wants to help us heal our br

Mary Nichols, aka DJ Fusion of the FuseBox Radio Broadcast, is a US mixshow and events DJ whose main musical focus is the Black Music/Urban Music genre. She founded the FuseBox Radio Broadcast when she was an undergraduate student at Rutgers University in 1988 and worked at Rutgers University Radio. Along with her co-host, fellow mix DJ and business partner, Ausar Ra Black Hawk, DJ Fusion says the weekly radio show and podcast exist to bring the balance back to black radio. They focus on bringing a diverse mix of independent and mainstream black music, like Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Funk, House and more from all over the world, along with relevant commentary, news, and guest interviews for the international listening masses. From its original roots, the FuseBox Radio Broadcast has spread to over 25+ websites, FM and internet radio stations and podcast distribution channels. More than 20 years of chasing dreams When did you find your dream? For Mary, she didn’t know when she started working the 12-2 am shift at her college radio station that the radio lifestyle would become her passion. Growing up, any extra money she had would be spent on music and books, but she never realized how much music would become a huge part of her life!  Now, she has hosted the radio show for 20 years and the podcast for 12 years. She never aspired to be a media personality, and even describes herself as shy until she gets to know someone. Nevertheless, she has found the dream that she never plans to give up. It began with rudimentary technology and has blossomed to give her a worldwide audience. TWEET: “I have found the dream that I never plan on giving up!” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams The show, politics, and unexpected opportunities How can you help others find their voice? Mary has done this through helping independent artists become mainstream, and her podcast has revealed interesting career trajectories for some of her featured artists. The show has also given voice to different political parties and their platforms, when they weren’t being heard through major news media. The show even survived the political turmoil of the 2016 election season, and listeners have appreciated the honest transparency of the show, as evidenced by the positive feedback. Mary says that even when she faced personal difficulties, the show became a constant and has given her unexpected opportunities that she never could have imagined. TWEET: “Opportunities I would never have imagined have come from my show!” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams A passionate side hustle Why put in the extra work for a radio show and podcast? This isn’t even her full-time job, but doing the radio show and podcast are things DJ Fusion is passionate about and absolutely loves doing. “If I could make the money I need with the show, I’d quit my 9-5 job tomorrow!” Of course, the supplemental income from any side hustle is nice, but when you are passionate about a constructive activity, then you don’t mind doing the extra work. Mary says she can’t ever see a time when she isn’t doing the show and has no plans to give it up. She says the work she does “feels awesome, has expanded my viewpoint of life and brings so much good to my life.” TWEET: “Don’t expect everything to work out in the beginning.” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Don’t expect everything to work out in the beginning.” OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE: [:17] Mary’s impressive list of accomplishments and the journey to her dreams [3:29] The lifelong inclination toward music [5:21] Keeping the show going after college and finding a worldwide audience [11:22] The success of her show in revealing political platforms [15:38] Having a true, honest voice [19:54] Mary’s plans for the NEXT 20 years [21:37] How to deal with an unsupportive partner [27:38] How the show became a successful and solid side hustle [29:33] A small world with new connections [35:23] ONE action for a dream chaser   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Fusebox Website  Fusebox on Twitter Fusebox on Instagram  Fusebox on Behance  Fusebox on LinkedIn  Fusebox on Soundcloud    TWEETS YOU CAN USE: TWEET: “If we could make the money we need doing what we’re passionate about, then most of us would quit our 9-5 job tomorrow.” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams TWEET: “Stay focused on what YOU are doing. You don’t know the journey someone else is on.” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams TWEET: “The radio lifestyle became a regular part of my life.” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams TWEET: “Podcasting is unique and special because it’s literally “you being you, in your best form.” @fuseboxradio #chasingdreams

John 20:1-20 V. 1. “First day of the week” The resurrection of Jesus was so monumental that it changed culture, worship, even the way we keep time. Christians began Sunday worship this day instead of Saturday sabbath. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all 4 gospels at the tomb this morning, but different women are said to be with her (Mary the mother of James and Salome). Perhaps Mary was there first and returned with other women, or perhaps these women were with her the whole time, but only Mary Magdalene is mentioned because she was a key figure in the church or as the first witness of the resurrected Jesus. John doesn’t mention the stone before, but a large stone was set in front of this cave-like tomb. Matt writes that the tomb was sealed and guards posted. No one saw the resurrection but each gospel writer presents evidence of the eye witnesses of what they saw – the stone was rolled away. V. 2. Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and John. No one has any idea of resurrection. She thinks someone has stolen the body. Vv. 3-4. Peter and John ran to the tomb. John got there first. V. 5. “John sees linen cloths lying there.” Jesus body was not embalmed like we do today. His body was wrapped in strips of linen like a mummy. They used fragrant spices and perfumes to cover the smell of decay. V. 6. Peter gets there second, but busts in. He sees the linen cloths lying there – they were not strewn all over like the body had been unwrapped, more like the body of Jesus passed through them and left them where they lay. The cloth around his face was folded neatly. Stone removed. Burial cloths left lying. Face cloth folded Empty tomb. This was no grave robbery, it was the power of God. Vv. 8-10. John believed – not sure what he believed. He still did not understand the Scriptures about the resurrection. Resurrection was not even in their minds. V. 11-12. Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb. Perhaps John has compressed the events from the appearance of the angels and Jesus’ appearing to her. In the other gospels angels appeared to the women. V. 13. “Why are you weeping?” A gentle rebuke. For Mary, it is that someone has taken the body of Jesus. She has no place to mourn for him. V. 14. Jesus now appears, but she doesn’t recognize him. Two men on the Emmaus road were ‘kept from recognizing him’ (Lk. 24:16), Mark says he appeared to them ‘in a different form’ (Mk. 16:12); the disciples in the boat on the lake of Tiberias did not recognize the man on the shore (Jn. 21:4) V. 15. Jesus asks again why she weeps. She has no reason to mourn. Jesus is alive. He has overcome sin. He has conquered death. He died, was buried in a tomb, but then rose again and left death behind. “Whom are you seeking?” An invitation to think about what kind of Messiah she thought Jesus was. Mary exhibited a grand devotion to Jesus Her estimation of Jesus was far too small. If Jesus was just a moral teacher or religious leader, what do you do with the resurrection? V. 16. The good shepherd ‘calls his own sheep by name … and his sheep follow him because they know his voice’ (Jn 10:3–4) V. 17. This is not a time for clinging to me. I am ascending. Go, tell the others, V. 18. Stone removed. Burial cloths left lying. Face cloth folded Empty tomb. Now an eye witness, “I have seen the Lord.” V. 19. Doors locked in fear. Jesus came and stood in their midst, spoke “peace.” Jesus is alive and speaks today, “Who are you seeking?” • He has overcome sin and death. He left death in his tomb. • He is God’s plan to forgive our sin, reconcile our relationship w/ God Jesus enters our sorrow and fear with peace. Is he calling you? asz

[vsw id="IeFw3PaAsA8" source="youtube" width="425" height="344" autoplay="no"] One of the things that most of us love about Christmas is the food. Next to Thanksgiving, Christmas is the second greatest “foodie” holiday. Holiday favorites will abound according to tradition and a lot of non-traditional food. Today, though, I want to share a simple message with you about a simple feast. And it involves just three courses: Bread, Wine, and Lamb. Luke 2:12-16 (ESV) 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. There are many messages that focus on no room at the inn. There are others who focus on the wise men and their gifts. Still others on the star that shone in the darkness to guide the path to the messiah. And, finally, “peace on earth, good will toward men.” All of these messages are wonderful but, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, I chose to focus on the manger. The manger, very simply, is a feeding trough. It is where the farm animals went to receive their nourishment. A manger is not very clean and it is certainly not very elegant. Now, I submit to you that this is an example of God’s will being done in spite of God’s will not being done. Every parent here — imagine you’re wealthy beyond imagination and it’s time for your first child to be born. Surely you’d want everything to be absolutely correct, right? The best hospitals. The best doctors. The cleanest environment. You would do everything to make that possible. But things don’t line up and your baby is born in a stable. Now, this doesn’t diminish the value of the child and it doesn’t limit what you want to do for the child or your expectations for the child. In fact, this event would become part of your family folklore — to be reviewed once the child accomplishes the greatness of your expectations. Ima let you chew on that… Imagine the surprise of the animals, seeing their creator in their feeding trough! This had to be a little confusing and unsettling. For Mary and Joseph — and the others in attendance — they were looking at the First and Greatest Christmas meal. Jesus said He is the Bread of life. That those who eat His flesh would never be hungry. Like the Passover bread, He is unleavened — that means He is not puffed up with religion and legalism. He is pure and requires no additives. But just like God gave the Israelites bread from heaven and they didn’t recognize it, the people of Jesus’ day didn’t recognize Him, either. And the funny thing is that people don’t recognize him, today. I think it’s fitting that Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine. First of all, He was demonstrating that the party — the wedding feast — doesn’t end until He says it does. Jesus said He is the Living Water — that if we drink of Him, we’d never thirst. But He also is the New Wine of the New Covenant and, like the water He turned into wine, He is the Best God saved for Last! Also, wine symbolizes blood in the eucharist — so He turns His Living Water to live-giving blood - because the life of flesh is in the blood. It is also awesome that He has given us His Holy Spirit, so we can stay drunk on Him and not the intoxicants of the world! Finally, Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Listen, I love lamb almost as much as I love bacon! Keeping it real, I can’t read the passover story without getting hungry. Meanwhile, back at the ranch… Jesus is the unblemished lamb that was provided as the atonin...

Every year following Thanksgiving, retail stores around the country offer huge discounts in order to jumpstart the Christmas shopping season. Large crowds, high demand, and low supply make it a day for only the bravest shoppers looking for that perfect gift. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, Caesar demanded a census be taken for tax and military purposes. This would be a financial boon to the economy, but also meant lots of travel and large crowds as each family returned to their hometown to be counted. For Mary and Joseph, it would mean no available lodging and navigating uncomfortable circumstances.

Every year following Thanksgiving, retail stores around the country offer huge discounts in order to jumpstart the Christmas shopping season. Large crowds, high demand, and low supply make it a day for only the bravest shoppers looking for that perfect gift. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, Caesar demanded a census be taken for tax and military purposes. This would be a financial boon to the economy, but also meant lots of travel and large crowds as each family returned to their hometown to be counted. For Mary and Joseph, it would mean no available lodging and navigating uncomfortable circumstances.

Great Escape Radio Episode 79: Start where you are “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” – Ellen Parr For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting. Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Great Escape Publishing Director, Lori Allen, introduce us to Mary Charlebois. For Mary, getting started with travel writing was a solution for avoiding a boring retirement. She has always loved traveling, ever since she was a child, earning her the nickname “Mary Go” from her mother. So after retiring as a technical writer, she decided to combine her two loves—writing and traveling. But an injury prevented her from getting started as fast as she would have liked. “I retired early—before the usual retirement age—with the plan to travel. But in less than a year, I broke my neck. That took my time and money,” Mary shares. She regained her health but she was broke and bored, with no money to travel. Her friends kept pushing though and in September 2015, she borrowed the money to attend the Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Denver. There she saw all kinds of people from all walks of life and that set her on fire. “I believe all things come to be in their own time, we have to believe in ourselves in our own time. I really thought that you had to be somebody who is a world traveler. I believed I wasn’t a good enough writer. I didn’t really think I had the ability to write about the exotic destinations I thought I had to go to.” But all she really had to do was walk out of her front door and start writing about her hometown. As Mary says, you should, “Grow where you’re planted. Start where you are.” Since that Denver event, she’s now had over 100 stories published, and each new byline is as exciting as the first. Listen in as Mary shares her experiences and adventures that have taken her retirement years from boring to fun! For more information about getting started with travel writing, visit: www.greatescapepublishing.com/start/travelwriting.

Today's quick episode shares the Cherokee legend of The Two Wolves. An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.” For Mary's full account of hearing this story, visit experience50.com/108 To support the podcast, please visit Patreon.com/Mary Rogers

Mary Shores is the founder and CEO of a multi-million dollar business, one of the most unique collection agencies in the country. Recognized as a leader of innovative thought, Mary has spent over a decade teaching businesses and individuals how to inspire others, create new ways of thinking, identify and achieve their goals, and take action to create truly meaningful results. She is the revolutionary founder of the groundbreaking Conscious Communications system, which produces positive results through positive action. Mary travels across the nation giving lectures and teaching courses, and has been featured on local and national radio and television shows, podcasts, and blogs. Choice—it’s something many of us forget we have. The choices we make are bricks, bricks that can be used to pave a road heading towards our goals or away from them. But making the right choice isn’t always easy. It takes alignment. It takes affirmation. It requires a willingness to look at situation objectively and say, is this a choice that will cleanse my life or clog it? And no one knows this better than today’s guest, Mary Shores. An author, entrepreneur, and firm believer in the power of positive thinking, get ready to hear Mary discuss the power of gratitude, the danger of disempowering thought, and the concept of cleansing versus clogging. Mary’s book Conscious Communications is a spiritual journey of self Mary always wanted to write a book Prior to publishing her book, Mary was the CEO of a debt collection agency The question she constantly asked herself: “How am I going to take the spiritual path when my career is in conflict with it?” Eventually Mary realized she needed to bring her eternal gift to the debt collection’s industry It started with making people feel good about paying their debt Mary’s publisher is Hay House Hay House won’t publish business books so Mary wrote a personal development book On Mary’s journey to enlightenment, she came to understand a lot of things The true meaning of alignment: getting your focus, thoughts, feelings, actions and words going in the direction of your goals and dreams The concept of alignment is very important for Mary The ‘Power of Now’ The Power of Now is tied to choice Every choice you make needs to backed by action Make your choices connect to your dreams One of the chapter in Mary’s book is “To Cleanse or Clog?—That is the Question” Cleansing is about connecting to things that are already in your vibrational escrow Abraham Hicks is famous for his teaching of Law of Attraction where he used term vibrational escrow was used Mary sees Vibrational Escrow as the bank account for life—everything you ever thought of or experienced is stored there We connect to our Vibrational Escrow account through alignment, the Power of Wow, and our choices Mary learned about this idea thanks to Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within Cleanse or clog will work in every area of your life Create a connection or drive a disconnection Before making a choice, ask yourself if it is a cleansing choice or a clogging choice The 80/20 principle In a diet, if 80% is cleansing, you still have room for treat once in a while Make 80% your choices cleansing ones, and you’ll see dramatic changes in your life Bruce Lipton’s The Honeymoon Effect Mary has done tons of research in neuroscience In 1992, Mary’s child was born with severe brain damage There was no internet then, so Mary had to study about brain science by reading books Mary believed there a way to heal her child’s brain We have some neuro pathways in our mind that are created by genetics and some that are created by our experience Neuroplasticity is the ability to rewire our own brain Mary has a couple of chapters in her book that are dedicated to rewiring your brain through affirmation Mary writes new affirmations every day The power of gratitude also helps in rewiring your brain Mary has a Facebook group called Declaring Gratitude People in the group text each other messages of gratitude every a day Doing this creates new neuro pathways—new roads The science of epigenetics Unlock the genes by the virtue of your beliefs Mary noticed a lot of synchronicities between her dreams and her state of alignment When you commit to a coaching exercise in Mary’s book, you’ll notice the chaos and struggle going away Last Mother’s Day weekend, Mary was with her autistic son Desperate to find a summer program that would fit her son’s needs, she reached out to an autism coach who just happened to know all the programs available in Mary’s area Mary believes being connected to that person is the universe’s way of helping her Eventually, alignment will get you connected with your higher intelligence We have to understand that 90% of our thousands of thoughts a day are identical It’s the new thoughts can carry us where we really want to go To harness your thoughts, you have to get into your subconscious To counter fear-based thoughts, we have to tell ourselves empowering thoughts Catch your thought, let go and think of an empowering thought When you have a disempowering thought, your brain secretes chemicals into your body to match the thought These are “feelings” Mary had a book title From Breakdown to Breakthrough Always remember, “I have a choice,” we can choose how we feel When you feel like you’re out of control, think what you can do to feel in control “Your brain is designed to answer questions” For Mary, affirmation is the way we are communicating with our brain and the way we’re giving our brain instruction” Mary has 4 types of affirmation Negative self-talk Releasing your fear of abandonment ‘I am’ statements The statements should be congruent with the truth Asking statements When we talk about affirmation, there are real things happening to your mind Mary’s friend calls her the Rosetta Stone of Manifestation Mary likes to make workbooks so she’s giving away The Night of Dreams workbook A personal development challenge workbook Go to MaryShores.com and click ignite your dreams to download the workbook Mary’s book is available for pre-order now and will be launched on August 22nd If you put your order number for the pre-order, Mary will throw in a Daily Desires Diary page Dream with a Deadline workbook is also included Mary’s book is Conscious Communications: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Your Words to Change Your Mind, Your Choices, and Your Life 3 Key Points: To cleanse or to clog? That question impacts every area of your life, every decision you make. Always ask yourself, is this a cleansing choice or a clogging choice? Affirmation is how we not only talk to our brain, it’s how we command our brain. Always remember that you have a choice—you are the master of your fate. Resources Mentioned: Conscious Communications: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Your Words to Change Your Mind, Your Choices, and Your Life – Mary’s book on personal development Dream with a Deadline – Mary’s workbook giveaway From Breakdown to Breakthrough – Mary’s another book

Mary Wilson is a popular Brave Writer blogger and the only person I know who may love tea more than I do. In her blog, Not Before 7, she writes about homeschooling, parenting and adventure. In 2016, I put out a challenge for parents to show how they are leading an Enchanted Education lifestyle via Periscope. Mary used the hashtag #EnchantedEducation and walked us through her amazing child-friendly home to showcase the power of an Enchanted lifestyle. For Mary, there’s a Brave Writer lifestyle and then there’s a Brave Writer philosophy, which helps guide all of the other choices we are making. Mary first incorporated elements of the Brave Writer lifestyle into her home, and the philosophy naturally followed. She started by implementing pieces of the Brave Writer lifestyle that connected right away, like Poetry Tea Time, The Arrow and free writing. Mary was drawn to resources that allowed her to teach all four of her children together and effectively.   “It was so great to move to this place where I could teach all my children together and accomplish so much.”   Mary also started hosting book club meetings for her family and other families, but she takes the meetings to another level. She brings in appropriately-themed activities, puzzles, experiments, foods and even invitations to turn book clubs into an adventure. For “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart, Mary sent out invitations that looked like a newspaper ad, set out a series of clues, used a red bucket to collect items and communicated using morse code using flashlights in the dark. For “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, Mary turned her home into a jungle, procured a conch shell, started a fire and made food in the shape of pigs.   Children aren’t just learning at these parties – they’re also excited to keep coming back. Mary has seen kids start public high school and continue to remain in the homeschool book club because it’s such a highlight of their learning education and their social life. The Brave Writer philosophy has encouraged Mary to look at her relationship with the child first, to look at the total person in front of her. Adopting this philosophy helped her take a year to focus on improving one of her children’s mental health. The extra focus was extremely beneficial and it greatly improved academic progress for her whole family.   “Now we’re making so much more progress academically because we’re not fighting against the way my child is programmed. Now we’re working with the way that she is programmed.”   Embracing this philosophy has also helped Mary shift from a Teacher-Student role to a Partnership role. This shift helped her overcome the preconceived notion that the teacher’s goal is to, eventually, not be needed in the education process. Collaboration through partnership is not only a useful tool for the education – it’s also a critical skill in the workplace. The most effective employees, workers and entrepreneurs of the future are those who know how to collaborate on a peer-level with their fellow co-workers. The Brave Writer wants to free parents from any obligation they may feel to make their student self-directed in learning without any conversation, direction or lesson preparation. Freeing yourself will allow you to invest in your children’s education, as opposed to controlling it.   You can download show notes for the podcast here: http://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/   Resources: You can download Free Writing Lessons here: http://go.bravewriter.com/free-writing-lessons Mary Wilson: (http://www.notbefore7.com)

Based on Mary's song in Luke, Pastor Brad asks us to consider the source of our own hope.  For Mary, it was a remembrance of the mighty things that God had already done. "He has done great things." What has he done for you?

For Mary, the journey began with startling news and a recognition that everything about her life was getting ready to change. But in her submission to God’s journey for her (instead of her own plans), Mary discovered the promise of blessedness, a...

Speaker: Graham Agnew – Back to Earth (After Christmas) Coming back to earth after Christmas is never easy – and it wasn’t for those involved in the first Christmas! For Mary and Joseph, following the breath-taking beauty of Bethlehem it was back to the normality of Nazareth! Fortunately we can learn much from the experiences of these two, along with people like Simeon & Anna, who missed the main event (Jesus’ birth), but were there when things “returned to normal” Reading: Luke 2: 25-38 (GNT)