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The Ulster Special Constabulary was one of the most controversial forces in modern Irish history. Formed amid the violence and uncertainty of the early 1920s, it was viewed by many nationalists as a sectarian militia, while in parts of the unionist community it was remembered as a force that defended order during a time of upheaval.As debates around Irish unification return to the center of political life, the legacy of the past is once again intruding into the present. In this episode of the Irish History Podcast, Fin Dwyer is joined by historian Patrick Mulroe to examine the origins of the Ulster Special Constabulary, the conditions that led to its creation, and why its history remains so contested more than a century later.Drawing on his article ‘Matters Best Forgotten': The Ulster Special Constabulary in 1922, Patrick explores how and why the force became associated with some of the worst violence of the decade, and why its story continues to provoke discomfort, silence and debate today.Support the show and get ad-free podcasts nd avideosSound Kate Dunlea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were never designed to do life in a vacuum. In this kickoff to our Family pillar series, Pastor Andy explores the radical reality of Acts 2:42—a community so devoted to one another that it changed history. We often view family through the lens of our past experiences—some beautiful, some broken. But Kingdom family isn't about finding a perfect environment; it's about taking personal responsibility to create one. In this message, we confront the modern barriers to connection (technology, busyness, and walls masquerading as boundaries) and issue a challenge: move from being a consumer of community to a cultivator of it. Revival is sustained in family. Are you ready to show up? Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Introduction: New Series & The Family Pillar 03:52 - The Blueprint: Acts 2:42 and "Devotion" 07:05 - The Goal: Becoming the Most Attractive Family on Earth 10:00 - Acknowledging the Baggage: Family of Origin & Trauma 16:00 - The Power of Diversity: Why We Need Differences 18:43 - The Shift: Taking Personal Responsibility 21:41 - Barrier #1: Technology & Isolation 23:19 - Barrier #2: Walls vs. Boundaries 26:52 - The Solution: Vulnerability & Being Known 30:33 - The Challenge: Find Your 2-to-4 33:37 - Ministry Time: Healing Family Wounds  

Last time we spoke about the battle of Nanchang. After securing Hainan and targeting Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway corridors, Japan's 11th Army, backed by armor, air power, and riverine operations, sought a rapid, surgical seizure of Nanchang to sever eastern Chinese logistics and coerce Chongqing. China, reorganizing under Chiang Kai-shek, concentrated over 200,000 troops across 52 divisions in the Ninth and Third War Zones, with Xue Yue commanding the 9th War Zone in defense of Wuhan-Nanchang corridors. The fighting began with German-style, combined-arms river operations along the Xiushui and Gan rivers, including feints, river crossings, and heavy artillery, sometimes using poison gas. From March 20–23, Japanese forces established a beachhead and advanced into Fengxin, Shengmi, and later Nanchang, despite stiff Chinese resistance and bridges being destroyed. Chiang's strategic shift toward attrition pushed for broader offensives to disrupt railways and rear areas, though Chinese plans for a counteroffensive repeatedly stalled due to logistics and coordination issues. By early May, Japanese forces encircled and captured Nanchang, albeit at heavy cost, with Chinese casualties surpassing 43,000 dead and Japanese losses over 2,200 dead.    #187 The Battle of Suixian–Zaoyang-Shatow Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Having seized Wuhan in a brutal offensive the previous year, the Japanese sought not just to hold their ground but to solidify their grip on this vital hub. Wuhan, a bustling metropolis at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, had become a linchpin in their strategy, a base from which they could project power across central China. Yet, the city was far from secure, Chinese troops in northern Hubei and southern Henan, perched above the mighty Yangtze, posed an unrelenting threat. To relieve the mounting pressure on their newfound stronghold, the Japanese high command orchestrated a bold offensive against the towns of Suixian and Zaoyang. They aimed to annihilate the main force of the Chinese 5th War Zone, a move that would crush the Nationalist resistance in the region and secure their flanks. This theater of war, freshly designated as the 5th War Zone after the grueling Battle of Wuhan, encompassed a vast expanse west of Shashi in the upper Yangtze basin. It stretched across northern Hubei, southern Henan, and the rugged Dabie Mountains in eastern Anhui, forming a strategic bulwark that guarded the eastern approaches to Sichuan, the very heartland of the Nationalist government's central institutions. Historian Rana Mitter in Forgotten Ally described this zone as "a gateway of immense importance, a natural fortress that could either serve as a launchpad for offensives against Japanese-held territories or a defensive redoubt protecting the rear areas of Sichuan and Shaanxi". The terrain itself was a defender's dream and an attacker's nightmare: to the east rose the imposing Dabie Mountains, their peaks cloaked in mist and folklore; the Tongbai Mountains sliced across the north like a jagged spine; the Jing Mountains guarded the west; the Yangtze River snaked southward, its waters a formidable barrier; the Dahong Mountains dominated the center, offering hidden valleys for ambushes; and the Han River (also known as the Xiang River) carved a north-south path through it all. Two critical transport arteries—the Hanyi Road linking Hankou to Yichang in Hubei, and the Xianghua Road connecting Xiangyang to Huayuan near Hankou—crisscrossed this landscape, integrating the war zone into a web of mobility. From here, Chinese forces could menace the vital Pinghan Railway, that iron lifeline running from Beiping (modern Beijing) to Hankou, while also threatening the Wuhan region itself. In retreat, it provided a sanctuary to shield the Nationalist heartlands. As military strategist Sun Tzu might have appreciated, this area had long been a magnet for generals, its contours shaping the fates of empires since ancient times. Despite the 5th War Zone's intricate troop deployments, marked by units of varying combat prowess and a glaring shortage of heavy weapons, the Chinese forces made masterful use of the terrain to harass their invaders. Drawing from accounts in Li Zongren's memoirs, he noted how these defenders, often outgunned but never outmaneuvered, turned hills into fortresses and rivers into moats. In early April 1939, as spring rains turned paths to mud, Chinese troops ramped up their disruptions along the southern stretches of the Pinghan Railway, striking from both eastern and western flanks with guerrilla precision. What truly rattled the Japanese garrison in Wuhan was the arrival of reinforcements: six full divisions redeployed to Zaoyang, bolstering the Chinese capacity to launch flanking assaults that could unravel Japanese supply lines. Alarmed by this buildup, the Japanese 11th Army, ensconced in the Wuhan area under the command of General Yasuji Okamura, a figure whose tactical acumen would later earn him notoriety in the Pacific War, devised a daring plan. They intended to plunge deep into the 5th War Zone, smashing the core of the Chinese forces and rendering them impotent, thereby neutralizing the northwestern threat to Wuhan once and for all. From April onward, the Japanese mobilized with meticulous preparation, amassing troops equipped with formidable artillery, rumbling tanks, and squadrons of aircraft that darkened the skies. Historians estimate they committed roughly three and a half divisions to this endeavor, as detailed in Edward J. Drea's In the Service of the Emperor: Essays on the Imperial Japanese Army. Employing a classic pincer movement, a two-flank encirclement coupled with a central breakthrough, they aimed for a swift, decisive strike to obliterate the main Chinese force in the narrow Suixian-Zaoyang corridor, squeezed between the Tongbai and Dahong Mountains. The offensive erupted in full fury on May 1, 1939, as Japanese columns surged forward like a tidal wave, their engines roaring and banners fluttering in the dust-choked air. General Li Zongren, the commander of the 5th War Zone, a man whose leadership had already shone in earlier campaigns like the defense of Tai'erzhuang in 1938, issued urgent orders to cease offensive actions against the Japanese and pivot to a defensive stance. Based on intelligence about the enemy's dispositions, Li orchestrated a comprehensive campaign structure, assigning precise defensive roles and battle plans to each unit. This was no haphazard scramble; it was a symphony of strategy, as Li himself recounted in his memoirs, emphasizing the need to exploit the terrain's natural advantages. While various Chinese war zones executed the "April Offensive" from late April to mid-May, actively harrying and containing Japanese forces, the 5th War Zone focused its energies on the southern segment of the Pinghan Railway, assaulting it from both sides in a bid to disrupt logistics. The main force of the 31st Army Group, under the command of Tang Enbo, a general known for his aggressive tactics and later criticized for corruption, shifted from elsewhere in Hubei to Zaoyang, fortifying the zone and posing a dire threat to the Japanese flanks and rear areas. To counter this peril and safeguard transportation along the Wuhan-Pinghan Railway, the Japanese, led by the formidable Okamura, unleashed their assault from the line stretching through Xinyang, Yingshan, and Zhongxiang. Mobilizing the 3rd, 13th, and 16th Divisions alongside the 2nd and 4th Cavalry Brigades, they charged toward the Suixian-Zaoyang region in western Hubei, intent on eradicating the Chinese main force and alleviating the siege-like pressure on Wuhan. In a masterful reorganization, Li Zongren divided his forces into two army groups, the left and right, plus a dedicated river defense army. His strategy was a blend of attrition and opportunism: harnessing the Tongbai and Dahong Mountains, clinging to key towns like lifelines, and grinding down the Japanese through prolonged warfare while biding time for a counterstroke. This approach echoed the Fabian tactics of ancient Rome, wearing the enemy thin before delivering the coup de grâce. The storm broke at dawn on May 1, when the main contingents of the Japanese 16th and 13th Divisions, bolstered by the 4th Cavalry Brigade from their bases in Zhongxiang and Jingshan, hurled themselves against the Chinese 37th and 180th Divisions of the Right Army Group. Supported by droning aircraft that strafed from above and tanks that churned the earth below, the Japanese advanced with mechanical precision. By May 4, they had shattered the defensive lines flanking Changshoudian, then surged along the east bank of the Xiang River toward Zaoyang in a massive offensive. Fierce combat raged through May 5, as described in Japanese war diaries compiled in Senshi Sōsho (the official Japanese war history series), where soldiers recounted the relentless Chinese resistance amid the smoke and clamor. The Japanese finally breached the defenses, turning their fury on the 122nd Division of the 41st Army. In a heroic stand, the 180th Division clung to Changshoudian, providing cover for the main force's retreat along the east-west Huangqi'an line. The 37th Division fell back to the Yaojiahe line, while elements of the 38th Division repositioned into Liushuigou. On May 6, the Japanese seized Changshoudian, punched through Huangqi'an, and drove northward, unleashing a devastating assault on the 122nd Division's positions near Wenjiamiao. Undeterred, Chinese defenders executed daring flanking maneuvers in the Fenglehe, Yaojiahe, Liushuihe, Shuanghe, and Zhangjiaji areas, turning the landscape into a labyrinth of ambushes. May 7 saw the Japanese pressing on, capturing Zhangjiaji and Shuanghe. By May 8, they assaulted Maozifan and Xinji, where ferocious battles erupted, soldiers clashing in hand-to-hand combat amid the ruins. By May 10, the Japanese had overrun Huyang Town and Xinye, advancing toward Tanghe and the northeastern fringes of Zaoyang. Yet, the Tanghe River front witnessed partial Chinese recoveries: remnants of the Right Army Group, alongside troops from east of the Xianghe, reclaimed Xinye. The 122nd and 180th Divisions withdrew north of Tanghe and Fancheng, while the 37th, 38th, and 132nd Divisions steadfastly held the east bank of the Xianghe River. Concurrently, the main force of the Japanese 3rd Division launched from Yingshan against the 84th and 13th Armies of the 11th Group Army in the Suixian sector. After a whirlwind of combat, the Chinese 84th Army retreated to the Taerwan position. On May 2, the 3rd Division targeted the Gaocheng position of the 13th Army within the 31st Group Army; the ensuing clashes in Taerwan and Gaocheng were a maelstrom of fire, with the Taerwan position exchanging hands multiple times like a deadly game of tug-of-war. By May 4, in a grim escalation, Japanese forces deployed poison gas, a violation of international norms that drew condemnation and is documented in Allied reports from the era, inflicting horrific casualties and compelling the Chinese to relinquish Gaocheng, which fell into enemy hands. On May 5, backed by aerial bombardments, tank charges, and artillery barrages, the Japanese renewed their onslaught along the Gaocheng River and the Lishan-Jiangjiahe line. By May 6, the beleaguered Chinese were forced back to the Tianhekou and Gaocheng line. Suixian succumbed on May 7. On May 8, the Japanese shattered the second line of the 84th Army, capturing Zaoyang and advancing on the Jiangtoudian position of the 85th Army. To evade encirclement, the defenders mounted a valiant resistance before withdrawing from Jiangtoudian; the 84th Army relocated to the Tanghe and Baihe areas, while the 39th Army embedded itself in the Dahongshan for guerrilla operations—a tactic that would bleed the Japanese through hit-and-run warfare, as noted in guerrilla warfare studies by Mao Zedong himself. By May 10, the bulk of the 31st Army Group maneuvered toward Tanghe, reaching north of Biyang by May 15. From Xinyang, Japanese forces struck at Tongbai on May 8; by May 10, elements from Zaoyang advanced to Zhangdian Town and Shangtun Town. In response, the 68th Army of the 1st War Zone dispatched the 143rd Division to defend Queshan and Minggang, and the 119th Division to hold Tongbai. After staunchly blocking the Japanese, they withdrew on May 11 to positions northwest and southwest of Tongbai, shielding the retreat of 5th War Zone units. The Japanese 4th Cavalry Brigade drove toward Tanghe, seizing Tanghe County on May 12. But the tide was turning. In a brilliant reversal, the Fifth War Zone commanded the 31st Army Group, in concert with the 2nd Army Group from the 1st War Zone, to advance from southwestern Henan. Their mission: encircle the bulk of Japanese forces on the Xiangdong Plain and deliver a crushing blow. The main force of the 33rd Army Group targeted Zaoyang, while other units pinned down Japanese rear guards in Zhongxiang. The Chinese counteroffensive erupted with swift successes, Tanghe County was recaptured on May 14, and Tongbai liberated on May 16, shattering the Japanese encirclement scheme. On May 19, after four grueling days of combat, Chinese forces mauled the retreating Japanese, reclaiming Zaoyang and leaving the fields strewn with enemy dead. The 39th Army of the Left Army Group dispersed into the mountains for guerrilla warfare, a shadowy campaign of sabotage and surprise. Forces of the Right Army Group east of the river, along with river defense units, conducted relentless raids on Japanese rears and supply lines over multiple days, sowing chaos before withdrawing to the west bank of the Xiang River on May 21. On May 22, they pressed toward Suixian, recapturing it on May 23. The Japanese, battered and depleted, retreated to their original garrisons in Zhongxiang and Yingshan, restoring the pre-war lines as the battle drew to a close. Throughout this clash, the Chinese held a marked superiority in manpower and coordination, though their deployments lacked full flexibility, briefly placing them on the defensive. After protracted, blood-soaked fighting, they restored the original equilibrium. Despite grievous losses, the Chinese thwarted the Japanese encirclement and exacted a heavy toll, reports from the time, corroborated by Japanese records in Senshi Sōsho, indicate over 13,000 Japanese killed or wounded, with more than 5,000 corpses abandoned on the battlefield. This fulfilled the strategic goal of containing and eroding Japanese strength. Chinese casualties surpassed 25,000, a testament to the ferocity of the struggle. The 5th War Zone seized the initiative in advances and retreats, deftly shifting to outer lines and maintaining positional advantages. As Japanese forces withdrew, Chinese pursuers harried and obstructed them, yielding substantial victories. The Battle of Suizao spanned less than three weeks. The Japanese main force pierced defenses on the east bank of the Han River, advancing to encircle one flank as planned. However, the other two formations met fierce opposition near Suixian and northward, stalling their progress. Adapting to the battlefield's ebb and flow, the Fifth War Zone transformed its tactics: the main force escaped encirclement, maneuvered to outer lines for offensives, and exploited terrain to hammer the Japanese. The pivotal order to flip from defense to offense doomed the encirclement; with the counterattack triumphant, the Japanese declined to hold and retreated. The Chinese pursued with unyielding vigor. By May 24, they had reclaimed Zaoyang, Tongbai, and other locales. Save for Suixian County, the Japanese had fallen back to pre-war positions, reinstating the regional status quo. Thus, the battle concluded, a chapter of resilience etched into the chronicles of China's defiance. In the sweltering heat of southern China, where the humid air clung to every breath like a persistent fog, the Japanese General Staff basked in what they called a triumphant offensive and defensive campaign in Guangdong. But victory, as history so often teaches, is a double-edged sword. By early 1939, the strain was palpable. Their secret supply line snaking from the British colony of Hong Kong to the Chinese mainland was under constant disruption, raids by shadowy guerrilla bands, opportunistic smugglers, and the sheer unpredictability of wartime logistics turning what should have been a lifeline into a leaky sieve. Blockading the entire coastline? A pipe dream, given the vast, jagged shores of Guangdong, dotted with hidden coves and fishing villages that had evaded imperial edicts for centuries. Yet, the General Staff's priorities were unyielding, laser-focused on strangling the Nationalist capital of Chongqing through a relentless blockade. This meant the 21st Army, that workhorse of the Japanese invasion force, had to stay in the fight—no rest for the weary. Drawing from historical records like the Senshi Sōsho (War History Series) compiled by Japan's National Institute for Defense Studies, we know that after the 21st Army reported severing what they dubbed the "secret transport line" at Xinhui, a gritty, hard-fought skirmish that left the local landscape scarred with craters and abandoned supply crates, the General Staff circled back to the idea of a full coastal blockade. It was a classic case of military opportunism: staff officers, poring over maps in dimly lit war rooms in Tokyo, suddenly "discovered" Shantou as a major port. Not just any port, mind you, but a bustling hub tied to the heartstrings of Guangdong's overseas Chinese communities. Shantou and nearby Chao'an weren't mere dots on a map; they were the ancestral hometowns of countless Chaoshan people who had ventured abroad to Southeast Asia, sending back remittances that flowed like lifeblood into the region. Historical economic studies, such as those in The Overseas Chinese in the People's Republic of China by Stephen Fitzgerald, highlight how these funds from the Chaoshan diaspora, often funneled through family networks in places like Singapore and Thailand, were substantial, indirectly fueling China's war effort by sustaining local economies and even purchasing arms on the black market. The Chao-Shao Highway, that dusty artery running near Shantou, was pinpointed as a critical vein connecting Hong Kong's ports to the mainland's interior. So, in early June 1939, the die was cast: Army Order No. 310 thundered from headquarters, commanding the 21st Army to seize Shantou. The Chief of the General Staff himself provided the strategic blueprint, a personal touch that underscored the operation's gravity. The Army Department christened the Chaoshan push "Operation Hua," a nod perhaps to the flowery illusions of easy conquest, while instructing the Navy Department to tag along for the ride. In naval parlance, it became "Operation J," a cryptic label that masked the sheer scale unfolding. Under the Headquarters' watchful eye, what started as a modest blockade morphed into a massive amphibious assault, conjured seemingly out of thin air like a magician's trick, but one with deadly props. The 5th Fleet's orders mobilized an impressive lineup: the 9th Squadron for heavy hitting, the 5th Mine Boat Squadron to clear watery hazards, the 12th and 21st Sweeper Squadrons sweeping for mines like diligent janitors of the sea, the 45th Destroyer Squadron adding destroyer muscle, and air power from the 3rd Combined Air Group (boasting 24 land-based attack aircraft and 9 reconnaissance planes that could spot a fishing boat from miles away). Then there was the Chiyoda Air Group with its 9 reconnaissance aircraft, the Guangdong Air Group contributing a quirky airship and one more recon plane, the 9th Special Landing Squadron from Sasebo trained for beach assaults, and a flotilla of special ships for logistics. On the ground, the 21st Army threw in the 132nd Brigade from the 104th Division, beefed up with the 76th Infantry Battalion, two mountain artillery battalions for lobbing shells over rugged terrain, two engineer battalions to bridge rivers and clear paths, a light armored vehicle platoon rumbling with mechanized menace, and a river-crossing supplies company to keep the troops fed and armed. All under the command of Brigade Commander Juro Goto, a stern officer whose tactical acumen was forged in earlier Manchurian campaigns. The convoy's size demanded rehearsals; the 132nd Brigade trained for boat transfers at Magong in the Penghu Islands, practicing the precarious dance of loading men and gear onto rocking vessels under simulated fire. Secrecy shrouded the whole affair, many officers and soldiers, boarding ships in the dead of night, whispered among themselves that they were finally heading home to Japan, a cruel ruse to maintain operational security. For extra punch, the 21st Army tacked on the 31st Air Squadron for air support, their planes droning like angry hornets ready to sting. This overkill didn't sit well with everyone. Lieutenant General Ando Rikichi, the pragmatic commander overseeing Japanese forces in the region, must have fumed in his Guangzhou headquarters. His intelligence staff, drawing from intercepted radio chatter and local spies as noted in postwar analyses like The Japanese Army in World War II by Gordon L. Rottman, reported that the Chongqing forces in Chaozhou were laughably thin: just the 9th Independent Brigade, a couple of security regiments, and ragtag "self-defense groups" of armed civilians. Why unleash such a sledgehammer on a fly? The mobilization's magnitude even forced a reshuffling of defenses around Guangzhou, pulling resources from the 12th Army's front lines and overburdening the already stretched 18th Division. It was bureaucratic overreach at its finest, a testament to the Imperial Staff's penchant for grand gestures over tactical efficiency. Meanwhile, on the Nationalist side, the winds of war carried whispers of impending doom. The National Revolutionary Army's war histories, such as those compiled in the Zhongguo Kangri Zhanzheng Shi (History of China's War of Resistance Against Japan), note that Chiang Kai-shek's Military Commission had snagged intelligence as early as February 1939 about Japan's plans for a large-scale invasion of Shantou. The efficiency of the Military Command's Second Bureau and the Military Intelligence Bureau was nothing short of astonishing, networks of agents, double agents, and radio intercepts piercing the veil of Japanese secrecy. Even as the convoy slipped out of Penghu, a detailed report outlining operational orders landed on Commander Zhang Fakui's desk, the ink still fresh. Zhang, a battle-hardened strategist whose career spanned the Northern Expedition and beyond , had four months to prepare for what would be dubbed the decisive battle of Chaoshan. Yet, in a move that baffled some contemporaries, he chose not to fortify and defend it tooth and nail. After the Fourth War Zone submitted its opinions, likely heated debates in smoke-filled command posts, Chiang Kai-shek greenlit the plan. By March, the Military Commission issued its strategic policy: when the enemy hit Chaoshan, a sliver of regular troops would team up with civilian armed forces for mobile and guerrilla warfare, grinding down the invaders like sandpaper on steel. The orders specified guerrilla zones in Chaozhou, Jiaxing, and Huizhou, unifying local militias under a banner of "extensive guerrilla warfare" to coordinate with regular army maneuvers, gradually eroding the Japanese thrust. In essence, the 4th War Zone wasn't tasked with holding Chao'an and Shantou at all costs; instead, they'd strike hard during the landing, then let guerrillas harry the occupiers post-capture. It was a doctrine of attrition in a "confined battlefield," honing skills through maneuver and ambush. Remarkably, the fall of these cities was preordained by the Military Commission three months before the Japanese even issued their orders, a strategic feint that echoed ancient Sun Tzu tactics of yielding ground to preserve strength. To execute this, the 4th War Zone birthed the Chao-Jia-Hui Guerrilla Command after meticulous preparation, with General Zou Hong, head of Guangdong's Security Bureau and a no-nonsense administrator known for his anti-smuggling campaigns, taking the helm. In just three months, Zhang Fakui scraped together the Independent 9th Brigade, the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Guangdong Provincial Security Regiments, and the Security Training Regiment. Even with the 9th Army Group lurking nearby, he handed the reins of the Chao-Shan operation to the 12th Army Group's planners. Their March guidelines sketched three lines of resistance from the coast to the mountains, a staged withdrawal that allowed frontline defenders to melt away like ghosts. This blueprint mirrored Chiang Kai-shek's post-Wuhan reassessment, where the loss of that key city in 1938 prompted a shift to protracted warfare. A Xinhua News Agency columnist later summed it up scathingly: "The Chongqing government, having lost its will to resist, colludes with the Japanese and seeks to eliminate the Communists, adopting a policy of passive resistance." This narrative, propagated by Communist sources, dogged Chiang and the National Revolutionary Army for decades, painting them as defeatists even as they bled the Japanese dry through attrition. February 1939 saw Commander Zhang kicking off a reorganization of the 12th Army Group, transforming it from a patchwork force into something resembling a modern army. He could have hunkered down, assigning troops to a desperate defense of Chaoshan, but that would have handed the initiative to the overcautious Japanese General Staff, whose activism often bordered on paranoia. Zhang, with the wisdom of a seasoned general who had navigated the treacherous politics of pre-war China, weighed the scales carefully. His vision? Forge the 12th Army Group into a nimble field army, not squander tens of thousands on a secondary port. Japan's naval and air dominance—evident in the devastation of Shanghai in 1937, meant Guangdong's forces could be pulverized in Shantou just as easily. Losing Chaozhou and Shantou? Acceptable, if it preserved core strength for the long haul. Post-Xinhui, Zhang doubled down on resistance, channeling efforts into live-fire exercises for the 12th Army, turning green recruits into battle-ready soldiers amid the Guangdong hills. The war's trajectory after 1939 would vindicate him: his forces became pivotal in later counteroffensives, proving that a living army trumped dead cities. Opting out of a static defense, Zhang pivoted to guerrilla warfare to bleed the Japanese while clutching strategic initiative. He ordered local governments to whip up coastal guerrilla forces from Chao'an to Huizhou—melding militias, national guards, police, and private armed groups into official folds. These weren't elite shock troops, but in wartime's chaos, they controlled locales effectively, disrupting supply lines and gathering intel. For surprises, he unleashed two mobile units: the 9th Independent Brigade and the 20th Independent Brigade. Formed fresh after the War of Resistance erupted, these brigades shone for their efficiency within the cumbersome Guangdong Army structure. Division-level units were too bulky for spotty communications, so Yu Hanmou's command birthed these independent outfits, staffed with crack officers. The 9th, packing direct-fire artillery for punch, and the 20th, dubbed semi-mechanized for its truck-borne speed, prowled the Chaoshan–Huizhou coast from 1939. Zhang retained their three-regiment setup, naming Hua Zhenzhong and Zhang Shou as commanders, granting them autonomy to command in the field like roving wolves. As the 9th Independent Brigade shifted to Shantou, its 627th Regiment was still reorganizing in Heyuan, a logistical hiccup amid the scramble. Hua Zhenzhong, a commander noted for his tactical flexibility in regional annals, deployed the 625th Regiment and 5th Security Regiment along the coast, with the 626th as reserve in Chao'an. Though the Fourth War Zone had written off Chaoshan, Zhang yearned to showcase Guangdong grit before the pullback. Dawn broke on June 21, 1939, at 4:30 a.m., with Japanese reconnaissance planes slicing through the fog over Shantou, Anbu, and Nanbeigang, ghostly silhouettes against the gray sky. By 5:30, the mist lifted, revealing a nightmare armada: over 40 destroyers and 70–80 landing craft churning toward the coast on multiple vectors, their hulls cutting the waves like knives. The 626th Regiment's 3rd Battalion at Donghushan met the first wave with a hail of fire from six light machine guns, repelling the initial boats in a frenzy of splashes and shouts. But the brigade's long-range guns couldn't stem the tide; Hua focused on key chokepoints, aiming to bloody the invaders rather than obliterate them. By morning, the 3rd Battalion of the 625th Regiment charged into Shantou City, joined by the local police corps digging in amid urban sprawl. Combat raged at Xinjin Port and the airport's fringes, where Nationalist troops traded shots with advancing Japanese under the absent shadow of a Chinese navy. Japanese naval guns, massed offshore, pounded the outskirts like thunder gods in fury. By 2:00 a.m. on the 22nd, Shantou crumpled as defenders' ammo ran dry, the city falling in a haze of smoke and echoes. Before the loss, Hua had positioned the 1st Battalion of the 5th Security Regiment at Anbu, guarding the road to Chao'an. Local lore, preserved in oral histories collected by the Chaozhou Historical Society, recalls Battalion Commander Du Ruo leading from the front, rifle in hand, but Japanese barrages, bolstered by superior firepower—forced a retreat. Post-capture, Tokyo's forces paused to consolidate, unleashing massacres on fleeing civilians in the outskirts. A flotilla of civilian boats, intercepted at sea, became a grim training ground for bayonet drills, a barbarity echoed in survivor testimonies compiled in The Rape of Nanking and Beyond extensions to Guangdong atrocities. With Shantou gone, Hua pivoted to flank defense, orchestrating night raids on Japanese positions around Anbu and Meixi. On June 24th, Major Du Ruo spearheaded an assault into Anbu but fell gravely wounded amid the chaos. Later, the 2nd Battalion of the 626th overran spots near Meixi. A Japanese sea-flanking maneuver targeted Anbu, but Nationalists held at Liulong, sparking nocturnal clashes, grenade volleys, bayonet charges, and hand-to-hand brawls that drained both sides like a slow bleed. June 26th saw the 132nd Brigade lumber toward Chao'an. Hua weighed options: all-out assault or guerrilla fade? He chose to dig in on the outskirts, reserving two companies of the 625th and a special ops battalion in the city. The 27th brought a day-long Japanese onslaught, culminating in Chao'an's fall after fierce rear-guard actions by the 9th Independent Brigade. Evacuations preceded the collapse, with Japanese propaganda banners fluttering falsely, claiming Nationalists had abandoned defense. Yet Hua's call preserved his brigade for future fights; the Japanese claimed an empty prize. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Japanese operations had yet again plugged up supply leaks into Nationalist China. The fall of Suixian, Zaoyang and Shantou were heavy losses for the Chinese war effort. However the Chinese were also able to exact heavy casualties on the invaders and thwarted their encirclement attempts. China was still in the fight for her life.

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Colossians 3:12-17

"...behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt...'" - Matthew 1—2 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#363: In this episode, I'm revisiting one of the most shared conversations on the show because it explains something so many people feel but can't quite name: emotional outsourcing. Emotional outsourcing forms in early relationships, gets reinforced by family systems and culture, and persists even when you intellectually understand it. This pattern lives in the body, not just the mind, which is why insight alone doesn't create change. Listen in this week as I share a compassionate path toward healing emotional outsourcing by rebuilding safety within your nervous system. You'll learn how emotional outsourcing shows up somatically, how it disconnects you from your own needs and desires, and the real costs it takes on your health, relationships, and sense of self. Most importantly, this is about coming home to yourself gently, reclaiming agency, and learning to trust your internal guidance again without shame, force, or rushing. Click here to check out Anchored: https://beatrizalbina.com/anchored/ Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://beatrizalbina.com/363 Order your copy of End Emotional Outsourcing here: https://beatrizalbina.com/book/ Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/beatrizvictoriaalbinanp/?hl=enMentioned in this episode:Join Anchored!If you're ready to break away from anxiety and codependent relationships so you can live a life of joy and confidence, Anchored is for you. This is my 6-month high-touch, high-results coaching program, and we're currently enrolling. Click here to find out more: https://feminist-wellness.captivate.fm/anchored Join Anchored

"Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' Now none of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?'  They knew it was the Lord." - John 20–21 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We live in a moment where spiritual language is everywhere, but formation is rare. Many people claim to be spiritual while rejecting authority, truth, and discipline. Others consume sermons built on slogans rather than Scripture, leaving their faith thin, sentimental, and easily shaken. The result is a generation that feels awakened but remains unformed. This week on Win Today, Lisa Bevere joins me for the final installment of the [Formed.] discipleship series to confront the cost of being spiritual but not anchored in truth. We talk about the rise of tarot and oracle cards, what an exorcist revealed about their spiritual danger, how progressive theology often drifts toward self-deification, and why the church has grown far too comfortable preaching phrases instead of the Word. This conversation is not reactionary; it is corrective. If you're hungry for real formation, grounded truth, and a faith that can withstand deception, offense, and cultural pressure, this episode brings the series to its necessary conclusion. Guest Bio Lisa Bevere is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of Messenger International. Known for her prophetic clarity and uncompromising commitment to Scripture, Lisa has spent decades calling believers to spiritual maturity, courage, and wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Her books and teaching reach a global audience, challenging cultural Christianity and inviting the church back to truth, holiness, and biblical authority. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Have you heard of the Rochester Urbanarium? Formed in 1970, the independent citizens' organization was dedicated to helping residents become more engaged with their local government to solve community problems. The founder, Gene DePrez, died last year, but his legacy lives on. An upcoming symposium celebrates DePrez's work and explores how residents can put the ideas of the Urbanarium into practice today. Our guests preview the event and discuss what it means to engage with government and each other — and how to encourage more of it. Simeon Banister, president and CEO of the Rochester Area Community Foundation Liz Call, former university archivist at RIT and current head of the Eberly Family Special Collections Library at Penn State University  Suzanne Mayer, co-founder of Hinge Neighbors Justin Murphy, research and communications coordinator for Our Local History William Schwappacher, creative director for the City of Rochester ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus..." - Luke 19:1-10 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Bee Gees are one of the most influential and enduring acts in popular music history, a band whose songs have soundtracked generations and transcended genres, eras and trends. Formed by brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb, the group's journey began long before global fame, rooted in family, harmony and an almost instinctive musical bond.Born on the Isle of Man and raised between England and Australia, the Gibb brothers began performing together as kids. Music wasn't just an interest — it was the family language. By the late '50s, the brothers were already writing songs, honing their harmonies and learning the discipline of performance. Their early success in Australia laid the groundwork for an international career that would soon explode.The Bee Gees' first major breakthrough came in the late '60s with emotionally rich, melodic songs like “To Love Somebody,” “Massachusetts,” “Words,” and “I've Gotta Get a Message to You.” Their close, often aching harmonies and introspective songwriting set them apart. In the '70s, the Bee Gees achieved one of the most dramatic transformations in music history. With Barry's soaring falsetto, the brothers became the undisputed kings of the disco era. Songs like “Stayin' Alive,” “Night Fever,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “You Should Be Dancing” dominated charts worldwide, largely through their work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack — one of the best-selling albums of all time. Their songwriting partnership extended beyond their own recordings, producing hits for artists including Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.Yet behind the global phenomenon was a tight-knit family unit. It was within this world that Stephen Gibb, Barry's eldest son, grew up. Raised surrounded by music, Stephen witnessed the Bee Gees at work from an unusually intimate vantage point. As a child, he watched his father and uncles write, rehearse and refine songs, often assuming that such musical brilliance was simply part of everyday life. Only later did he realise just how extraordinary that environment was.Stephen chose not to follow directly in his family's musical footsteps. Instead of pop harmonies, he gravitated toward hard rock and heavy metal, inspired by bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard. Determined to carve out his own identity, he built his own career. It was a conscious decision to step out of the Bee Gees' long shadow while still deeply respecting it.Tragedy struck the Gibb family with the loss of Andy Gibb in 1988, followed by Maurice Gibb in 2003 and Robin Gibb in 2012. These losses marked the end of the Bee Gees as a performing group, but not the end of their music. Barry continued performing and recording, often with Stephen by his side. Over time, Stephen became a trusted musical collaborator and guitarist in Barry's touring band, providing both musical and emotional support as his father carried the legacy forward alone.In 2021, Barry released Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers' Songbook, a roots-influenced reimagining of classic Bee Gees songs, recorded with a stellar lineup of artists including Dolly Parton, Keith Urban and Alison Krauss. The album was widely praised and served as a poignant tribute to his brothers and their shared catalogue. It also marked the closing chapter of Barry's recording career, as he has since stepped into a well-earned and contented retirement.Today, the Bee Gees' legacy remains immense. Their songs continue to resonate because they speak to universal emotions — love, heartbreak, resilience and hope — delivered through melodies that feel both intimate and timeless. Through Barry, and through the respect and care shown by Stephen, that legacy is protected with dignity rather than spectacle.The Bee Gees were never just a band. They were a family, bound by blood, harmony and an extraordinary gift for songwriting — a gift that continues to echo across generations.Today Stephen Gibb joins us with the story of The Bee Gees.

In this episode of the Kansas City Underground Podcast, we interview Ashlyn Griffin, a younger leader who has been developing a new team among young adults in Kansas City. From her early days in a traditional church setting to her "come to Jesus" moment, Ashlyn shares her path of faith, mission, and the challenges of disciple-making. Join us as we explore the messy yet rewarding process of living on mission, the importance of community, and the refining fire that shapes our identity in Christ.

On episode 199 of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Seth Davis of Light The Fire! Formed in 2011, Light The Fire is a band from Dallas, Texas that fuses elements of metalcore and melodic hardcore for their own blend of heavy music. On November 22nd, 2024, Light The Fire released their latest record entitled Death Won't Be The End Of Me. The EP was recorded at Saosin guitarist Beau Burchell's California home studio. In 2025, the band released three new singles, the latest of which is the fiery "Inhuman." Released in December, "Inhuman" already has over 31,000 Spotify streams, while the accompanying music video has over 21,000 YouTube views. On this episode, Seth talks with Mike about coming from a musical family, his foray into heavy music and hardcore vocals, linking up with the guys in Light The Fire and eventually moving to vocals in the band, getting the opportunity to record with Beau Burchell for Death Won't Be The End of Me, the power of journaling, their shared love of Killswitch Engage (and mutual favorite KsE record), and more.  This episode of the podcast also features the aforementioned "Inhuman" from Light The Fire, available where you get your music! Follow Light The Fire and Seth on Instagram @lightthefire_tx and @sdavis_ltf. To stay up to date with Light The Fire, visit https://www.lightthefire.com/home. Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up to date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please visit https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists. Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it.'" - Jonah 1-3 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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many christians know a lot about God, yet still feel unchanged by their faith.in this episode of made to dwell, we explore the difference between information and formation in our spiritual lives—and why knowledge alone doesn't produce transformation. we talk honestly about the unique challenges that come with theological education, the temptation to prioritize certainty over surrender, and how god forms us through slow, embodied, often unseen practices.if you love learning, studying scripture, or engaging theology but long for deeper intimacy and lived change, this episode is an invitation to let what you know begin shaping who you become.

"But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, 'Tabitha, rise.'" - Acts 9 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pain is something we all experience—but what if God is doing more in it than we realize? This week, we're talking about how the Holy Spirit doesn't waste our pain. Instead of simply removing discomfort, He uses suffering to form Christlike character, deepen our dependence on God, and produce real hope. The Spirit doesn't promise a pain-free life—He promises a formed life. And the life He's forming in us looks more and more like Jesus. Join us as we lean into truth, hope, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit—right in the middle of life's hardest moments. Subscribe to be notified of new videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/ValleyRealLife Follow us on Instagram: @valleyreallife Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/valleyreallife Take your next step and connect with us: http://www.vrl.church/connect Are you ready to say YES to following Jesus?: http://www.vrl.church/connect Submit a prayer request: http://www.vrl.church/prayer Partner with us: http://www.vrl.church/give #ValleyRealLife2025 #ValleyRealLifeRecap #ValleyRealLifeQuestions #Bible #ValleyRealLifeChurch #ValleyRealLife #VRL #DanShields #Spokane #SpokaneValley #ChurchinSpokane #OnlineChurchSpokane #OnlineChurch #OnlineChurchService #ChurchSpokane #ChurchSpokaneValley #FaithThatLasts #SpiritualGrowth #YoureInvited #SermonSeries #ChurchOnline #Formed #Joyinsuffering #lossandtrial

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 Peter | Part 4: The Beauty of HolinessSome of you know the book well. For others, it may feel unfamiliar.But Peter names the tension every believer feels. We live in a world that often moves in a different direction. He calls us “exiles,” yet reminds us we are chosen, loved, held by a living hope.The heart of this series is simple. It is not just about studying a letter. It is about becoming the kind of people Peter envisions: Steady. Courageous. Formed by grace.Teaching Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16.Preached by Paul Khochay

Connecting people to a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

"Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.'" - Mark 7 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Suffering exposes what we believe about God faster than success ever could. When affliction lingers, disappointment goes unresolved, and growth feels slower than we want, the question isn't whether God is present—it's whether our theology can carry the weight of real life. Too many believers inherit a framework that collapses under pressure, leaving them confused, bitter, or quietly disillusioned. This week on Win Today, Dr. Craig Keener joins me to rebuild a theology of suffering that can endure. We talk about why God is not in a hurry to mature us, how pressure actually forms spiritual resilience, and what it looks like to develop a mindset about affliction that produces endurance rather than erosion. This conversation doesn't minimize pain—it gives it meaning. If you're suffering, stalled, or carrying disappointment you haven't known how to name, this episode will help you reframe affliction as formation and discover the kind of maturity that only pressure can produce. Guest Bio Dr. Craig Keener is a leading New Testament scholar, historian, and theologian whose work has shaped global conversations on Scripture, the Holy Spirit, miracles, and suffering. He has authored dozens of academic and popular-level books and has taught and lectured internationally, bringing rigorous scholarship together with pastoral sensitivity and lived faith. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Send us a textAnnie stops by the show to discuss music, how Loki's Folly came together, anxiety, new music and more.******‘Retribution' is a song looking at the parallels of extreme sides of emotions and how we react to difficult things,” says Annie Kuchenmeister, guitarist and singer for Loki's Folly, the Minneapolis-based indie-punk trio made up of sisters Annie (24), Nissa (19) and their brother Oskar (15). “The verses are an exploration of defensive and protective anger - wanting to hurt those who hurt you. While there's gratification and justification to seeking retribution, the chorus creates a vulnerable opposition to these harsher feelings. It's really about just not wanting to be alone forever and wanting to be cared for after being hurt.”   At its core, “Retribution” channels raw emotional honesty through the band's trademark blend of kinetic guitar work, cathartic drumming, and melodic grit - a sonic space where fury meets tenderness head-on. “This song came out of a lot of feelings of frustration and anger,” Annie continues. “Dealing with those big emotions can be hard, and I really didn't want to be consumed by them. So, this song became a way to lay everything bare - the good and the bad - and explore it all honestly. The music and lyrics really came together as a unit; as the melody came about, an old lyric idea immediately clicked.”Following on the heels of their September 2025 single (“King of All Alone”),” “Retribution” continues Loki's Folly's evolution toward deeper, more introspective songwriting. This reflective thread connects “King of All Alone” and “Retribution,” both songs were produced by Ryan Smith of Soul Asylum and born from turbulent emotional spaces that transform struggle into strength. Where “King of All Alone” aches with longing and cautious optimism, “Retribution” pushes back with defiant honesty - together forming a striking one-two punch from a band unafraid to confront both the chaos and the catharsis of modern life.  Formed in South Minneapolis, Loki's Folly began as a project between sisters Annie and Nissa, later joined by their younger brother Oskar on bass. Their bond - both familial and creative - gives their music a distinct urgency, weaving together themes of identity, isolation, neurodivergence, and resilience. On their debut Sisu, the band worked with legendary producers Ryan Smith (of Soul Asylum), Ed Ackerson (The Replacements, The Jayhawks), Kevin Bowe (Etta James, Jonny Lang), and John Fields (Jonas Brothers, Andrew W.K.), crafting a record that explored the complexities of adolescence and the emotional weight of finding one's voice in an uncertain world. While Sisu introduced listeners to their youthful defiance and eclectic spirit, “Retribution” feels like a step into something more introspective - a song that acknowledges the anger beneath the surface, but also the fragile hope that lingers within it. It's a fitting next chapter for a band growing up in public, unafraid to document the messy process of becoming.For more info about the band: https://lokisfolly.com/****If you would like to contact the show about being a guest, please email us at Dauna@bettertopodcast.comFollow us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_d.m.needom/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bettertopodcastwithdmneedomIntro and Outro music compliments of Fast Suzi©2025 Better To...Podcast with D. M. NeedomSupport the show

"...nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:39 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Bryan reflects on a line from Bill's Teaching, "God is looking for men and women he can trust with the dreams of their heart." He walks through each of the three commitments that we believe shapes our Formation. A people of abiding in a culture of restlessnessWhere has restlessness quietly become normal?A people of transformation in a culture of superficialityWhat is shaping me more than scripture and prayer right now?A people of maturity in a culture of noveltyWhere am I tempted to chase what's new instead of tending to what's in me?

"Jesus asked them, 'What were you talking about as you walked along?' Then the one named Cleopas asked Jesus, 'Are you the only person from Jerusalem who didn't know what was happening there these last few days?'" - Luke 24:13-35 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar have accepted US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the so-called 'Board of Peace.' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also publicly confirmed Israel's participation, while Vladimir Putin says he's considering Trump's invitation to join. Amid concerns the board of peace will pose a threat to the United Nations, the UN Secretary General has urged continued commitment to international law.

From the beautiful tapestry of Southern California's high desert comes the most explosive and diverse rock band known as Kings Of Karma.Combining styles ranging from Led Zeppelin to The Rolling Stones, to even the Foo Fighters, the band takes uniqueness to a new universe. Formed in 2012 by longtime friends and previous band mates Chris Gates, Joe Berry and Spencer Nicholas. Kings Of Karma is conceived as an outlet of expression for musical freedom. Three different backgrounds as multi instrumentalist, songwriters and composers unite into a tasteful modern vintage soul approach on the Blues and Rock N Roll.Chris Gates - Lead Vocals, Guitar, KeysSpencer Nicholas - Guitar, VocalsJoe Berry - Bass, Vocals, GuitarBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Spiritual drift rarely announces itself. It doesn't show up as rebellion or collapse. It shows up as subtle disorder, numbed discernment, and a slow loss of fire in the ordinary rhythms of life. Most people don't abandon discipleship; they simply stop training for it. This week on Win Today, Ian Simkins, lead pastor of The Bridge Church in Tennessee, joins me as part of our Formed discipleship series to expose the quiet ways formation breaks down and to recover the daily practices that restore spiritual clarity, hunger, and endurance. We talk about why the wilderness of everyday life—not the mountaintop—is where God does His deepest work, and how discernment must be trained intentionally if we're going to mature in godliness. If your faith feels cluttered, distracted, or quietly cooling, this conversation will help you recognize the fingerprints of disorder and reclaim the fire of discipleship to Jesus, right where you are. Guest Bio Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of The Bridge Church in Tennessee and a longtime pastor and teacher focused on spiritual formation, discernment, and everyday discipleship. Known for practical, Scripture-rooted teaching, he equips believers to develop resilient faith through disciplined rhythms, community, and faithful obedience to Jesus. Show Partner We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

You've built a toolkit over the last several episodes. Logical reasoning. Causal thinking. Mental models. Serious intellectual firepower. Now the uncomfortable question: When's the last time you actually used it to make a decision? Not a decision you think you made. One where you evaluated the options yourself. Weighed the evidence. Formed your own conclusion. […]

"When the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that Jesus thus breathed his last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!'" - Mark 15 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last Sunday, Justin Rife shared a powerful message on being formed in God's presence, reminding us that what happens in the secret place shapes who we become in public. He unpacked how prayer is not performance but formation, inviting us to approach God as a loving Father. We were encouraged to cultivate posture, prayer, and presence as we grow in hunger for more of Him. More from Catch The Fire Raleigh Messages: https://ctfr.me/messages Music: https://ctfr.me/music Worship Moments: https://ctfr.me/worship Connect with us: Website: https://ctfraleigh.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/ctfraleigh Instagram: https://instagram.com/catchthefireraleigh Spotify: https://ctfr.me/spotify Apple Music: https://ctfr.me/applemusic Thank you for watching this video from Catch The Fire Raleigh. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://ctfraleigh.com/give

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, we interview Sam Leichty about how she has been formed in the ways of Jesus as she has joined Him on mission. Sam shares her story of moving from a life of uncertainty to one filled with purpose and connection, as she embraces her mission to see her family redeemed, restored and reconciled. Along the way, the Spirit has formed her character in greater surrender and faithfulness and brought healing in her identity.

"...bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found."- Luke 15:11-31 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor David continues our series on fasting with a sermon from Philippian 2:1-11, discussing how we can become more Christlike in our mindset. Sermon originally recorded on January 18th, 2026.

Matt Jones and Drew Franklin open with the Bears falling to the Rams. As a Bears fan, Matt feels like the team was playing ahead of schedule. Are the Rams an even bigger Super Bowl favorite now? The Bills may have missed out on their best chance to win a championship. How will the Broncos fare without Bo Nix? Matt explains why he thinks Denver still has a chance! Will Josh Allen ever win a Super Bowl? Matt notes the rough night for CJ Stroud and how it impacts what the Texans are willing to pay for an extension. The Patriots are back in the Conference Championship and have a chance at another Super Bowl. Matt ranks the networks for his viewing experience. What are your first thought Super Bowl picks? Matt explains how winning a 2nd QB puts Matthew Stafford in a new category. In other NFL news, Kevin Stefanski is hired by the Falcons. Where will Mike McCarthy land? Drew expresses his hopes for the Titans. We wrap up with Matt's plans for Super Bowl Week in Santa Clara and predictions for the CFB Championship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Mark Johnson 1-18-26

How often do we stop to think about who we are? God wants us to know that He made us, purposed us to live here and now. The Psalmist says it well, ""You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something."" May we love our Father who loves us in the everlasting realm of always. We have been and will be His dearly beloved children.Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, Joy Peyton and Phil Reaser

It's no secret that America is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. Though most of us are surrounded by people, digitally connected, and relationally busy, few of us have actually experienced the deep and life-giving reality of authentic community. In Ephesians 4, Paul paints a picture of what Christian community can look like. Rather than giving us model, brand, or method, Paul describes community as a body. Just like a body, each person within a community has a part to play in supporting those around them. But also like a body, if one person is unhealthy and unwilling to change, the rest of the community can get infected. Lying, anger, stealing, foul language, and bitterness can cause damage to the communities we find ourselves in. Because of this, true community is a risk. But it's also the way in which we can grow more like Christ, accept his love, and share that love with those around us.

In this sermon we look at Ephesians 2 and talk about the good we are called to do in Charlotte, NC.For more teaching, visit citizenscharlotte.com/teaching

Conversations from the heart and soul of Humanity Church with Nathan Neighbour. For more information, visit www.humanitychurch.com LINKS: CONNECT CARD: https://humanitychurch.com/card JOIN A GROUP: https://humanitychurch.churchcenter.com/groups/humanity-groups GIVE: https://humanitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving   Christian discipleship, spiritual growth, freedom from addiction, body and spirit connection, overcoming temptation, Christian living, spiritual transformation, breaking bad habits, temple of the Holy Spirit, Christian discipline, agency, integrity, mindfulness, spiritual freedom, body stewardship, Christian self-control.

This week at Valley Real Life, we continue our Formed series by exploring how prayer is one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit shapes us from the inside out. Prayer forms who we are before it ever changes our circumstances—aligning our hearts with God's will, clarifying our identity as His children, and directing our steps as we learn to speak, listen, and worship. Join us as we discover how making space for prayer allows God's Spirit to dwell in us and continue His forming work. Subscribe to be notified of new videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/ValleyRealLife Follow us on Instagram: @valleyreallife Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/valleyreallife Take your next step and connect with us: http://www.vrl.church/connect Are you ready to say YES to following Jesus?: http://www.vrl.church/connect Submit a prayer request: http://www.vrl.church/prayer Partner with us: http://www.vrl.church/give #ValleyRealLife2025 #ValleyRealLifeRecap #Bible #ValleyRealLifeChurch #ValleyRealLife #VRL #DanShields #Spokane #SpokaneValley #ChurchinSpokane #OnlineChurchSpokane #OnlineChurch #OnlineChurchService #ChurchSpokane #ChurchSpokaneValley #FaithThatLasts #SpiritualGrowth #YoureInvited #SermonSeries #ChurchOnline #Formed #newseries #Promises

WASHINGTON'S NAVY AND THE LIFEGUARD Colleague Patrick O'Donnell. Upon arriving in Cambridge in July 1775, George Washington formed a close bond with the Marblehead Regiment, relying on them for security and expertise. Facing a desperate shortage of gunpowder, Washington utilized the Marbleheaders to create an impromptu navy; Captain John Manley successfully captured a British ordinance ship, delivering vital supplies. Washington also established the "Lifeguard" (Commander-in-Chief's Guard) to protect himself and his papers, appointing Marbleheader Caleb Gibbs as commander. The segment describes Beverly as a crucial, difficult-to-navigate port that protected these new cruisers from the Royal Navy. NUMBER 41870

Sources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration

Today is day 17 and we are concluding the section on Salvation with question 17. 17. By what means will God transform you into the image of Jesus Christ? The first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Following this pattern, I will be transformed within the life of the Church through reading Scripture and receiving the sacraments, through worship and prayer, and through fellowship with God's people and loving witness to the world. (Deuteronomy 6:1–9; 2 Chronicles 7:1–3; Psalm 1; Acts 2:42–47; Hebrews 10:23–25) Our prayer today is Prayer 71. For Christ to be Formed in Us found on page 668 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Comfort feels kind, but it keeps you immature. The wilderness is where God trains you for weight, yet most of us cheat the process by numbing pain, curating outcomes, and calling it wisdom, while our souls atrophy. This week on Win Today, Dr. Joel Tudman joins me to expose why "finding yourself inside yourself" is a dead end, how the Lord sometimes pulls us apart to make us whole, and how to stay spiritually agile when life is disruptive. If your faith has been built around feelings, not formation. And if you're tired of circling the same mountain with better language, this conversation will call you back to training for godliness, where it actually happens: in the desert. Guest Bio Dr. Joel A. Tudman is a pastor, communicator, and leadership coach who equips people to trade comfort for formation and preference for obedience. Known for clear, high-energy preaching and practical frameworks for spiritual growth, he serves churches and leaders across the country, training teams in character, resilience, and Spirit-led discipline. His work centers on courage, identity, and purpose, calling believers to be formed, not performed. Show Partners We spend a third of our lives asleep, so stop treating your bed like an afterthought. Cozy Earth's Bamboo Sheets are a game-changer. They're silky smooth, breathable, and cool to the touch. And they're more than bedding; Cozy Earth also makes bath essentials, pajamas, and men's and women's loungewear designed to bring calm and comfort to everyday life. Try their sheets risk-free with a 100-Night Sleep Trial and a 10-Year Warranty. Start the New Year right. Head to cozyearth.com and use code WINTODAY for up to 20% off. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them you heard about Cozy Earth on Win Today. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.