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Read OnlineWhen the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22–24Forty days after a firstborn male was born, the law of Moses required that the mother participate in a purification ritual and that the parents were to “redeem” the child by offering a ritual sacrifice. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph took these obligations seriously. When they entered the Temple, they were met by a holy man named Simeon, who was among the faithful Jews “awaiting the consolation of Israel.”From its founding, the Kingdom of Israel had endured many troubled times. The last time the Kingdom of Israel had been united was under the reign of King David and his son Solomon in the tenth century B.C. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was captured by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and the Southern Kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon for about seventy years. In the centuries that followed, Greek culture was imposed upon the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the Romans finally captured Judah in 63 BC, maintaining control beyond the birth of Christ.This history of oppression and division created various responses among the Jewish people. Many prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah, the one who would bring consolation to Israel. Some Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would reunite and restore the Kingdom. Others were indifferent to the prophecies. But a faithful remnant, like Simeon, awaited the Messiah who would bring about a profound spiritual renewal.Simeon was not a Pharisee, Sadducee, or scribe, but an ordinary devout Jew filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit Who revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, came to the Temple and recognized the Christ Child. He took Jesus in his arms and rejoiced, saying, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled…”We should all strive to be like Simeon. Like the people of Israel and Judah, we are living in a world where God's Kingdom is often divided or overshadowed by immorality, wars, divisions, and a lack of faith. We might be tempted to address these challenges in various ways, but the best way is to become part of the faithful remnant who, like Simeon, trust in God's promises and eagerly anticipate His transforming action in our lives and in the world. Reflect today on the state of the world. In some places, the Kingdom of God is vibrant and alive; in others, it seems distant or absent. No matter where you find yourself, turn your gaze to the all-powerful Messiah, Who is capable of renewing His Kingdom on Earth as we await its fullness at the end of time. Devote yourself to His mission, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to be an active participant in bringing about the reign of God. My Lord and Messiah, as I see the challenges and divisions in the world around me, help me to trust in Your promises. May I, like Simeon, be filled with faith and hope as I await Your Kingdom. Inspire me to be an instrument of Your grace, helping to build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Janmad, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
In this recent monograph Sarcasm in Paul's Letters (Cambridge University Press 2023, Matthew Pawlak offers the first treatment of sarcasm in New Testament studies. He provides an extensive analysis of sarcastic passages across the undisputed letters of Paul, showing where Paul is sarcastic, and how his sarcasm affects our understanding of his rhetoric and relationships with the Early Christian congregations in Galatia, Rome, and Corinth. Pawlak's identification of sarcasm is supported by a dataset of 400 examples drawn from a broad range of ancient texts, including major case studies on Septuagint Job, the prophets, and Lucian of Samosata. These data enable the determination of the typical linguistic signals of sarcasm in ancient Greek, as well as its rhetorical functions. Pawlak also addresses several ongoing discussions in Pauline scholarship. His volume advances our understanding of the abrupt opening of Galatians, diatribe and Paul's hypothetical interlocutor in Romans, the 'Corinthian slogans' of First Corinthians, and the 'fool's speech' found within Second Corinthians 10-13. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Sunday, 28 December 2025 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Matthew 15:19 “For from the heart, they come: evil meanderings, murders, adulteries, harlotries, thefts, false-witnessings, blasphemies” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus told the disciples that it is what proceeds out of the mouth that defiles a man. Having said that, He now explains what that means, saying, “For from the heart, they come.” Rather than something entering externally and passing through, this is something that begins internally, in the heart. Therefore, it reveals the nature and characteristics of the one from whom those things issue. In the case of defilement, Jesus begins His list of seven defiling items with “evil meanderings.” It is two words in Greek, dialogismoi ponēroi. The first word is new, dialogismos, a discussion. Internally, it signifies a consideration (by implication, purpose). Thus, it would signify a meandering. The second word is an adjective signifying evil. Taken together, this refers to the general evil thoughts that arise in a person's head. The thought itself is wicked. To act on such meanderings only compounds the guilt of the person. Next, He says, “murders.” It is another new word, phonos. It is from pheno, to slay. In this case, it is intentional, unjustified homicide. Jesus continues with “adulteries.” Another new word is given, moicheia, the act of adultery. It will only be seen again in Mark 7:21 and John 8:3. Throughout the Bible, the act of adultery is condemned as wrongdoing, but the act begins inside the person. Jesus will later note that the thought alone brings guilt, even without committing the act. Continuing on, Jesus says, “harlotries.” It is a word already seen, porneia. It signifies various harlotries, such as adultery, incest, and fornication in general. Next are “thefts.” It is yet another new word, klopé, meaning stealing or theft. It is derived from the verb kleptó, to steal. One can think of a kleptomaniac. But it includes any stealing, not just the compulsive type. A person taking something that does not belong to him is a thief. The act is known as theft. Jesus continues with, “false-witnessings.” It is another new word, pseudomarturia. One can easily see the breakdown. The first part is pseudo, being derived from pseudés, that which is false or untrue. It defines what a liar speaks. The second half of the word is from martus, a witness. Thus, it speaks of a false witness. The word martus has come to signify a martyr because one's witness will often lead to his martyrdom. This word, pseudomarturia, only refers to a false witness. Jesus finishes the list with “blasphemies.” It is a word already used in Chapter 12. It refers to vilification, especially against God. As such, it is defined as blasphemy, evil speaking, and railing in general. Life application: Jesus says these things stem from the heart and render a person unclean. The fact is that most of us have had many of these thoughts in our hearts many times. They exist as a part of fallen humanity. It isn't that we would necessarily act on these thoughts, but we may even have done or still do them. As people, we are responsible for quelling the inner urges that stem from within us, keeping them from overtaking us. When we fail, does the Lord understand? The answer is, Yes. He knows our weaknesses and frailties. David was overtaken by adultery. That started in his heart, and he acted out his desire. This led to his next wicked act, murder. Again, that started in his heart. He acted against one of his own soldiers. The law called for death in such instances. However, the record of the account says – “So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.' And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.'” 2 Samuel 12:13, 14 David's sin was taken away. He acknowledged his sin, the Lord looked on his heart and knew that he was repentant, and forgiveness was provided. David still had to live with the consequences of what he did, but he remained in the Lord's favor. If the Lord did this for David, even before sending Jesus to atone for our sins, we can know that God will forgive us when we come to Him, acknowledging our wrongdoing. No person is outside of God's potential forgiveness, and no person's sin is too great to be forgiven. Trust that this is so, come to Jesus, and receive forgiveness and eternal life because of what He has done for His people. Lord God, how grateful we are to You for what You have done in sending Jesus. May we stay close to You at all times, but when we stray, we know we have an Advocate who stands with us, ready to defend us for His name's sake. Hallelujah for Jesus our Lord! Amen.
In this recent monograph Sarcasm in Paul's Letters (Cambridge University Press 2023, Matthew Pawlak offers the first treatment of sarcasm in New Testament studies. He provides an extensive analysis of sarcastic passages across the undisputed letters of Paul, showing where Paul is sarcastic, and how his sarcasm affects our understanding of his rhetoric and relationships with the Early Christian congregations in Galatia, Rome, and Corinth. Pawlak's identification of sarcasm is supported by a dataset of 400 examples drawn from a broad range of ancient texts, including major case studies on Septuagint Job, the prophets, and Lucian of Samosata. These data enable the determination of the typical linguistic signals of sarcasm in ancient Greek, as well as its rhetorical functions. Pawlak also addresses several ongoing discussions in Pauline scholarship. His volume advances our understanding of the abrupt opening of Galatians, diatribe and Paul's hypothetical interlocutor in Romans, the 'Corinthian slogans' of First Corinthians, and the 'fool's speech' found within Second Corinthians 10-13.
In this recent monograph Sarcasm in Paul's Letters (Cambridge University Press 2023, Matthew Pawlak offers the first treatment of sarcasm in New Testament studies. He provides an extensive analysis of sarcastic passages across the undisputed letters of Paul, showing where Paul is sarcastic, and how his sarcasm affects our understanding of his rhetoric and relationships with the Early Christian congregations in Galatia, Rome, and Corinth. Pawlak's identification of sarcasm is supported by a dataset of 400 examples drawn from a broad range of ancient texts, including major case studies on Septuagint Job, the prophets, and Lucian of Samosata. These data enable the determination of the typical linguistic signals of sarcasm in ancient Greek, as well as its rhetorical functions. Pawlak also addresses several ongoing discussions in Pauline scholarship. His volume advances our understanding of the abrupt opening of Galatians, diatribe and Paul's hypothetical interlocutor in Romans, the 'Corinthian slogans' of First Corinthians, and the 'fool's speech' found within Second Corinthians 10-13. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies
In this episode of Amateur Traveler, host Chris Christensen talks with AJ Ajay, a Libyan-born travel professional and founder of Intu Libya, about traveling to one of North Africa's least-visited and most misunderstood destinations: Libya. From spectacular Roman ruins to Saharan oases, ancient Amazigh towns, and the vibrant streets of Tripoli, AJ explains why Libya rewards travelers who are curious, respectful, and willing to look beyond headlines. This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here. Why Visit Libya? Libya offers a rare sense of discovery. With tourism largely undeveloped since the mid-20th century, many of its historic sites feel untouched. AJ describes Libya as a country where Roman, Greek, Phoenician, Ottoman, Italian, and Islamic histories overlap, often in the same physical space. Add to that Mediterranean coastline, vast Saharan landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions of hospitality, and Libya becomes a destination for travelers seeking something truly different. Safety, Visas, and Practicalities Chris and AJ address the elephant in the room: safety and travel advisories. AJ explains how Libya currently operates with an electronic visa system that requires a local sponsor and organized itinerary. Tourism is tightly coordinated with authorities, and travel routes are planned in advance. While some regions remain off-limits, AJ emphasizes that millions of Libyans live their daily lives safely and that guided travel within approved areas is the key to visiting responsibly. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-libya/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Snowy Santorini: Maarten's Artful Journey to Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-27-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De zachte winterlucht van Santorini omhulde de straten met een ijzige bries.En: The soft winter air of Santorini enveloped the streets with an icy breeze.Nl: De sneeuw die zich op de blauwe daken van de eilandhuizen nestelde, gaf een ongewoon gezicht.En: The snow settling on the blue rooftops of the island homes presented an unusual sight.Nl: Maarten, een 22-jarige kunsthistorie student, zat op de rand van zijn bed in zijn kleine kamer.En: Maarten, a 22-year-old art history student, sat on the edge of his bed in his small room.Nl: Voor hem lag een stapel ongeopende boeken.En: In front of him lay a pile of unopened books.Nl: Buiten weerklonk het zachte geluid van kerkklokken, herinneringen aan het naderende kerstfeest dat overal voelbaar was.En: Outside, the gentle sound of church bells resounded, reminding him of the approaching Christmas holidays that were palpable everywhere.Nl: Maarten had zijn tijd goed benut – alleen niet met studeren.En: Maarten had used his time well—just not for studying.Nl: Hij had zich laten meeslepen door de prachtige uitzichten en schilderachtige steegjes van Santorini.En: He had been carried away by the beautiful views and picturesque alleys of Santorini.Nl: De charmante eilandcafés, de wandelingen langs de kliffen en de warme gesprekken met de lokale bewoners.En: The charming island cafes, the walks along the cliffs, and the warm conversations with the local residents.Nl: Allemaal uitvluchten om zijn studieboeken te ontwijken.En: All excuses to avoid his study books.Nl: Maar nu naderde het eindtentamen van zijn kunsthistorie klas.En: But now the final exam for his art history class was approaching.Nl: Het was nu of nooit.En: It was now or never.Nl: Maarten wilde deze reis niet gewoon herinneren als een vakantieavontuur maar als een persoonlijk succes.En: Maarten didn't want to remember this trip merely as a vacation adventure but as a personal success.Nl: Hij moest zichzelf bewijzen dat hij academisch kon slagen.En: He needed to prove to himself that he could succeed academically.Nl: Met stevige overtuiging sloot hij de wereld buiten.En: With firm determination, he shut out the world.Nl: Ondanks de feestelijke lampjes die door zijn raam schenen, hield hij vast aan zijn boeken.En: Despite the festive lights shining through his window, he clung to his books.Nl: Hij nam een besluit – hij zou vragen om hulp.En: He made a decision—he would ask for help.Nl: Sanne en Lieke, zijn klasgenoten en persoonlijke reddingsboeien, waren meer dan bereid om hem bij te staan.En: Sanne and Lieke, his classmates and personal lifelines, were more than willing to support him.Nl: Ze kwamen naar zijn kamer en samen maakten ze hoofdstuk voor hoofdstuk door.En: They came to his room, and together they worked through each chapter.Nl: Sanne, altijd georganiseerd, bracht overzicht.En: Sanne, always organized, brought structure.Nl: Lieke, creatief en fantasierijk, maakte het studeren levendig en spannend.En: Lieke, creative and imaginative, made studying lively and exciting.Nl: Ze maakten flashcards, stelden elkaar vragen en wisselden inzichten uit over de praktijkvoorbeelden die ze op het eiland hadden gezien.En: They made flashcards, quizzed each other, and exchanged insights about the practical examples they had seen on the island.Nl: Toen de examendag aanbrak, voelde Maarten een knoop in zijn maag.En: When exam day dawned, Maarten felt a knot in his stomach.Nl: Een moment van paniek overviel hem, maar beelden van zijn wandeltochten, de gesprekken met Sanne en Lieke en zijn nachtelijke pogingen tot leren, verzachtten zijn angst.En: A moment of panic overwhelmed him, but images of his walks, the conversations with Sanne and Lieke, and his late-night study attempts softened his anxiety.Nl: De examenvragen leken complex, maar langzaam begon het Maarten te dagen.En: The exam questions seemed complex, but slowly it started to dawn on Maarten.Nl: De discussies over de betekenis van kunst en de invloed van de oude Griekse meesters kwamen terug.En: The discussions about the meaning of art and the influence of the ancient Greek masters came back to him.Nl: Hij haalde diep adem, en legde zijn pen op het papier.En: He took a deep breath and placed his pen on the paper.Nl: Elke zin vloeide rustiger dan de vorige, versterkt door herinneringen en kennis.En: Each sentence flowed more calmly than the last, strengthened by memories and knowledge.Nl: Na de laatste vraag te hebben beantwoord, liep Maarten de zaal uit.En: After answering the last question, Maarten walked out of the room.Nl: Zijn hart bonsde, maar hij voelde zich licht.En: His heart pounded, but he felt light.Nl: Verlossing.En: Relief.Nl: De eerste sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden naar beneden toen hij zich bij Sanne en Lieke voegde.En: The first snowflakes fluttered down as he joined Sanne and Lieke.Nl: Ze omarmden hem vol vreugde en sleurden hem mee naar een lokale taverna.En: They embraced him with joy and whisked him away to a local taverna.Nl: Aan de houten tafels van de taverna versierden felgekleurde lampionnen het plafond.En: At the wooden tables of the taverna, brightly colored lanterns decorated the ceiling.Nl: Kerstvieringen vulden de lucht.En: Christmas celebrations filled the air.Nl: Onder het genot van warme moussaka en gezang, realiseerde Maarten zich dat hij niet alleen de kunst van balans had geleerd, maar ook de kracht van samenwerking.En: Enjoying warm moussaka and singing, Maarten realized he had learned not only the art of balance but also the power of collaboration.Nl: Met glimlachende blikken tussen vrienden om zich heen, wist Maarten ook dat deze Kerstmis er een was van persoonlijke groei.En: With smiling glances among friends around him, Maarten knew that this Christmas was one of personal growth.Nl: De winterse avond op Santorini eindigde met een twinkeling in de ogen van iedereen.En: The wintry evening on Santorini ended with a twinkle in everyone's eyes.Nl: En voor Maarten met een nieuwe zekerheid; hij kon meer dan hij ooit had gedacht.En: And for Maarten, it ended with a new certainty; he could accomplish more than he had ever imagined. Vocabulary Words:enveloped: omhuldesettling: nesteldeunusual: ongewoonreminded: herinneringenpalpable: voelbaardetermination: overtuigingfestive: feestelijkeclung: hield vastlifelines: reddingsboeienorganized: georganiseerdlively: levendigimagined: fantasierijkdawned: dag gewordenpanic: paniekanxiety: angstcomplex: complexinfluence: invloedplaced: legdepounded: bonsdefluttered: dwarreldenembraced: omarmdenwhisked: sleurdentaverna: tavernalanterns: lampionnenceiling: plafondenjoying: genotrelief: verlossingbalance: balanscollaboration: samenwerkingtwinkle: twinkeling
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Day One Receive the Light of Christ Scripture “Arise, shine; for your light has come,and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”Isaiah 60:1 Reflection Epiphany comes from the Greek word meaning manifestation or appearing. It proclaims the making known of who Jesus Christ is for the salvation of the world. From the beginning, ... Read more The post Day 1 – Receive the Light of Christ – An Epiphany Novena for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
IT'S FOOTBALL FRIDAY! On Friday's LOADED edition of WagerTalk Today, Teddy Covers talks Saturday's Green Bay Packers vs Baltimore Ravens matchup and gives a best bet in the Pop Tar Bowl Georgia Tech vs BYU matchup. Marco D'Angelo shares how he's betting the Philadelphia Eagles vs Buffalo Bills game and give his favorite play for the Texas Bowl LSU vs Houston CFB tilt. Hosts Andy Lang & Dan Alexander provide props, survivor picks and givs daily betting advice while Gianni the Greek gives his daily Steam Report - don't miss out!Introduction 00:00NFL Christmas Recap 1:00Teddy Covers 2:00Third Stringers go 3-0 ATS 2:11NBA Christmas Recap 3:47Pop-Tarts Bowl: Georgia Tech vs BYU 6:30Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers 9:44Sell Me: Houston Texans vs Los Angeles Chargers 16:57Andy's Steam Report 23:42Marco D'Angelo 29:10Why Did Steelers Line Move 30:00Texas Bowl: LSU vs Houston 32:50Steelers 2025 Season 36:26Philadelphia Eagles vs Buffalo Bills 40:00Marco Claus' Lump of Coal Awards 46:45WTF or LFG? 52:50Andy's NBA Bets 56:45Andy's All Around the World 59:20Dan & Andy's NFL Pick Five 1:01:20Andy's Free Dart Play 1:06:00
It was a blast having Dan Souza in the studio. Dan is the chief content officer of America's Test Kitchen and the former editor in chief of Cooks Illustrated. Dan has such a great style in the way he talks about home cooking, and we discuss his time working in food media before digging into a very cool and ambitious new drinks book: Cocktails Illustrated: 400+ Recipes for the Home Bartender, from Spirit Forward to Zero Proof. And, at the top of the show, it's the return of Three Things, where Aliza and Matt talk about what is exciting them in the world of restaurants, cookbooks, and the food world as a whole. On this episode: Motek is blowing up in NYC, Katerina is a Greek pop-up in NYC to follow, Claire Saffitz's Pineapple Upside Down Cake ice cream collab with Salt & Straw is redic. So good. Also: Dashi Okume in Brooklyn is a great place to visit for lunch or a custom dashi blend, a reminder that Superiority Burger is NYC's best restaurant, another reminder: the French onion soup brioche at Little Egg in Brooklyn is the perfect savory pastry. Have a future guest request? A restaurant we should visit? Take the This Is TASTE listener survey. We really appreciate the feedback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we look at casinos, Epstein, sagging, Christmas shopping, P Diddy, Get Him to the Greek, and aging.Listen to the Jortscenter playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ioAsKKw7AhdJ0cCrasqfH?si=6c2cef121c3a4a9aJoin our Peloton! https://www.patreon.com/JortsCenterFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/342135897580300Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/jortscenterFollow us on Twitter:@JortsCenterPod Will is @wapplehouse Josh is @otherjrobbins Ryan is @ryhanbeard Vic is @DokktorvikktorZack is @ZackVanNus
Order 'The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition' by Professor James Hankins here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golden-Thread-Ancient-World-Christendom/dp/1641773995UnHerd's Freddie Sayers talks with Professor James Hankins, a forty-year veteran of Harvard University, about the precarious state of the Western tradition and the burgeoning resistance movement in classical education. Moving through a 2,500-year narrative arc from the ancient Greek invention of reason to the modern-day "cult of innovation," Hankins warns that elite institutions are suffering from a dangerous cultural amnesia. But, despite the degradation of the canon, offers a defiant hope rooted in history, arguing that Western civilisation has survived near-extinction before and remains ripe for a new Renaissance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If Jesus said that faith even as small as a mustard seed could move mountains…then why are so many of your mountains still standing?Unfortunately, Christian husbands living the nice guy lie are told that all they need is a teeny tiny speck of faith. If that's the case...then...Why is your marriage still stuck, your finances capped, your health unchanged, your inner world still heavy… even though you “believe” and you've been told that “even a tiny mustard seed of faith is enough”? In fact, many Christian husbands struggle with weak faith and stagnant growth in their marriage, finances, and personal well-being, despite believing the common teaching about tiny faith. In this teaching, I'm going to show you something that might upset a lot of Sunday school lessons:Jesus never talked about the small size of your faith.He talked about the nature of it.We're going into the Greek, the interlinear, and the actual word Jesus used. Then we'll look at what mustard actually does in the wild: it's invasive, dominant, environment-transforming. And you're going to see that the faith that moves mountains is not a cute, tiny speck… it's an invasive, aggressive, environment-changing belief that crowds out doubt, fear, and passivity.Once you see this, it will change:How you prayHow you fight for your marriageHow you go after healing, provision, and breakthroughHow you interpret “unanswered” prayers in your lifeAnd if you're a Christian husband who's tired of praying tiny prayers while your marriage slowly dies… this is your wake-up call. Heaven is not asking you for a polite speck of faith. Heaven is inviting you into a wildfire faith that rewires your inner world, rewrites your story, and forcefully invades the darkness and the world around you.Stop playing the polite Christian Nice Guy role. Start becoming a masculine force to be reckoned with.
Do you need help planning your trip to Greece? Then book a travel consultation with Maria. Click here.To support the show, for ad free episodes and exclusive content sign up here.On this episode George and Maria discuss the Dodecanese, the other 'side' of Greece, that while it doesn't resemble the Cyclades which many are accustomed to, once you visit you get addicted.... ask us, we have been four years in a row! This is a general episode on the region, as expect more episodes in the next season.Tune in to hear more about this region and make sure to get in touch to tell us what future episodes you would like us to cover, as we plan to be back with more.Greek phrase shared on the episode: I want to visit the Dodecanese: Thélo na episkeftó ta Dodekánisa (In Greek: Θέλω να επισκεφτώ τα Δωδεκάνησα)Available Itineraries/Top Picks:Rhodes (+ Halki)AstypalaiaKarpathosFurther Podcast Listening:KarpathosRhodes - Part 1Rhodes - Part 2The Acropolis of LindosAstypalaia - Part 1Astypalaia - Part 2Do you need help planning your trip to Greece? Then book a travel consultation with Maria. Click here.Visit the website: www.mygreekis.land for inspiration, itineraries and more.Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mygreekislandSubscribe and leave a rating and review!To support the show further sign up to Patreon for ad free episodes and exclusive content here.There are 227 inhabited Greek Islands, which one will YOU visit next?#MGIPODCAST Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What if the universe just dropped the smoothest mystery ever? Scientists have discovered a perfectly round sphere of plasma floating in deep space — and it's freaking everybody out. They've named it Teleios, which literally means “perfect” in Greek, because it's just too symmetrical to be normal. Could it be a strange kind of supernova? Or something no one has ever seen before? Hit play and dive into the most mind-bending space mystery scientists are trying to solve right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Νέα στα Ελληνικά από την Αυστραλία και όλο τον κόσμο.
If you're in Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria or several other countries in southeastern Europe today, be careful and keep your wits about you. This is when Christmas goblins are on the loose again. Plus: if you've ever just wanted to sit for a bit with a nice hot cup of coffee, we have a moment in patent history for you. Kallikantzaroi: Tree-Chopping Christmas Goblins (The Atlas of Christmas by Alex Palmer, via Google Books) James H. Mason (Franklin Historical Museum)Legend has it that one way to stop the Christmas goblins is to back a really good podcast on Patreon
The Daily Quiz - Entertainment, Society and Culture Today's Questions: Question 1: Which of these is an aircraft operated by an air force? Question 2: Name the movie that matches the following plot summary: 'A former Roman General seeks revenge against the emperor who murdered his family.' Question 3: In Spanish, what is the meaning of the word 'uno'? Question 4: Name the movie that matches the following plot summary: 'Two bounty hunters with the same intentions team up to track down an escaped Mexican outlaw.' Question 5: Which philosopher famously said 'Entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily'? Question 6: The language 'Chittagonian' belongs to which language family? Question 7: Which mountain was believed by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the Earth? Question 8: Which South Park character is known for regularly experiencing excruciating deaths? This podcast is produced by Klassic Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hecate started as the ruling goddess of the Asian region of Caria, and got taken over by the Greeks as the only one able to operate in every realm of the cosmos. This then gave her special responsibility for travellers, doorways and restless ghosts. That slowly darkened her image, so that she became associated with the night, the moon, and magicians. By the Roman period, she was the goddess of sorcery par excellence, invoked for all sorts of enchantments, good or bad. In the late ancient worlds this also turned her into a saviour figure, enabling humans directly to contact the divine. This lecture traces that colourful journey.This lecture was recorded by Robin May on the 26th of November 2025 at Bernard's Inn Hall, LondonProfessor Hutton is Professor of History at the University of Bristol. He took degrees at Cambridge and then Oxford Universities, and was a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford. He is now a Fellow of the British Academy, the Royal Historical Society, the Society of Antiquaries and the Learned Society of Wales, and has won awards for teaching and research.He has lectured all over the world, authored twenty books and ninety-six essays, appeared in or presented scores of television and radio programmes, and sits on the editorial boards of six journals concerned with the history of religion and magic.He is currently working on the third volume of his biography of Oliver Cromwell. The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/goddess-hecateGresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham College's mission, please consider making a donation: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/get-involved/support-us/make-donation/donate-today Website: https://gresham.ac.ukX: https://x.com/GreshamCollegeFacebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollegeInstagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollegeBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/greshamcollege.bsky.social TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greshamcollegeSupport Us: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/get-involved/support-us/make-donation/donate-todaySupport the show
Comedians and podcasters Naomi Ekperigin (Broad City, Hacks, Mythic Quest) and Andy Beckerman (The Pete Holmes Show, Cedric's Barber Battle, Couples Therapy) join Jameela Jamil for a messy dive into marriage superstitions, chaos goblins, and a truly staggering collection of micro-humiliations.Naomi relives the nightmare of meeting Andy's parents for the first time, only to end up hospitalized within hours, delivering her full medical history four months into a relationship that somehow survived. Andy shares a seventh-grade “prank” so ill-conceived it nearly caused a multi-parent emergency, plus the existential horror of being forced into a talent show with no talent and no escape.Along the way, Jameela explains her theory that marriage alerts the universe to send dangerously attractive temptations, recounts an accidental nude incident at an accidental visit to a Greek weight-loss spa, and confirms once and for all that some embarrassment permanently rewires your DNA.No silver linings. No dignity. Just lifelong cringe, lovingly unpacked.Jameela's Substack is A Low Desire To Please, you can also find her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.Our consulting producer is Colin Anderson.Wrong Turns was created and produced by Jameela Jamil and Stewart Bailey.Listen to Wrong Turns on Amazon Music or wherever you find your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
ICYMI: This episode is one of our earliest episodes, and originally aired on 5/14/2020 In this introductory conversation, Dr. Jonathan Pennington joins the Center for Hebraic Thought as its newest fellow and shares how his journey through philosophy and biblical scholarship led him to see the New Testament as part of a deeply sophisticated intellectual tradition. Pennington discusses how early Christianity, though written in Greek and shaped within a Hellenistic world, did not abandon its Jewish roots but rather translated its robust metaphysic across cultural lines. Drawing from his work on Jesus as a philosopher, Pennington explains that the New Testament doesn't reject or capitulate to Greco-Roman philosophy—it stands alongside it, often outthinking and outlasting it. In contrast to Stoicism's emotional detachment and denial of suffering's reality, the Bible presents a profoundly realistic vision: a God who enters the world, values the body, and promises the restoration of creation through Shalom. Pennington argues that Jesus—especially in Matthew's Gospel—functions as a public philosopher. In moments like the Sermon on the Mount or debates with religious elites, Jesus offers strikingly rational, ethical, and metaphysical responses to life's biggest questions. This episode introduces not only a new CHT fellow, but a vision of Scripture as intellectually vibrant, emotionally honest, and endlessly translatable. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AnalyticJoin The Normandy For Additional Bonus Audio And Visual Content For All Things Nme+! Join Here: https://ow.ly/msoH50WCu0K In this segment of Notorious Mass Effect, Analytic Dreamz dives deep into the highly anticipated official trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. Join Analytic Dreamz as he reacts to the epic first look at Matt Damon starring as Odysseus in this mythic action adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek saga. The trailer showcases stunning IMAX-filmed visuals of Odysseus' perilous journey home after the Trojan War, featuring intense sequences inside the Trojan Horse, raging storms at sea, and teases of mythical encounters like the Cyclops. Analytic Dreamz breaks down the star-studded cast including Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya as Athena, Lupita Nyong'o, and Charlize Theron as Circe. Discover Analytic Dreamz's thoughts on Nolan's grounded yet grand approach, the practical effects, and why this 2026 blockbuster could redefine epic filmmaking. Tune in for in-depth analysis on The Odyssey trailer reaction with host Analytic Dreamz.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/analytic-dreamz-notorious-mass-effect/donationsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The holidays are here, and while they are meant to be a time of joy and connection, they often bring along digital distraction, fear of overeating, and anxiety about the impending New Year.In this short and sweet episode, Andrés Preschel breaks down the three most important themes for navigating the holiday season intentionally. You'll learn how to optimize your physiology to enjoy family meals without the guilt, how to create a digital barrier to ensure you are truly present with your loved ones, and exactly how to execute a "Past Year Review" to set yourself up for massive success in the year ahead.Discover your science, optimize your life, and enjoy your holidays.In This Episode, You'll Learn:1. The Gift of Presence (Digital Detox Strategies)Why you should delete social media for the last week of the year (less than 2% of your life!).How to use "intervention" tools to break the dopamine loop and stop doom-scrolling.Tools mentioned: The One Sec app and Shift technology.2. Preventing Holiday Weight Gain (Without Dieting)How to enjoy potlucks and home-cooked meals without "dieting" or counting calories.The Pre-Meal Protein Primer: Consuming 20-30g of lean protein (Greek yogurt, whey, lean beef) 30–60 minutes before a meal to suppress Ghrelin and boost GLP-1 (satiety).Fiber & Bitters: Why eating handfuls of dark leafy greens (arugula, spinach) before your meal slows gastric emptying and reduces glucose spikes.Food Sequencing: The correct order to eat your food to manage insulin response (Fiber/Protein first, Carbs last).The Postprandial Stroll: How a 10–15 minute walk after dinner pulls glucose into the muscles without insulin.3. The "Past Year Review" (Strategic Planning)Why New Year's Resolutions often fail and what to do instead.A step-by-step guide to Tim Ferriss's Past Year Review exercise.How to use the 80/20 rule (Pareto's Law) to identify the people and activities that bring you peak joy—and how to schedule them immediately.Creating a "Not-To-Do" list to eliminate the negative triggers from your life.
TVC 719.2: Part 2 of a conversation that began a few weeks ago with author, essayist, novelist, and TV historian Mitchell Hadley (The Electronic Mirror, ItsAboutTV.com). Mitchell's latest book, Darkness in Primetime: How Classic-Era TV Foresaw Modern Society's Descent into Hell, is a series of essays that shows how certain episodes of such classic series as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Star Trek, and The Prisoner—all of which were originally written and broadcast in either the 1950s or 1960s—not only envisioned a society of 24/7 surveillance, thought control, disinformation, persecution, and loss of freedom, but portrayed those realities in ways that are disturbingly similar to the world that we currently occupy. Topics this segment include a look at The Brotherhood of the Bell (CBS, 1970), a made-for-TV movie starring Glenn Ford (adapted for television by David Karp, based on his novel The Brotherhood of Velvet, about a secret society that is bent on world domination) that is also a variation of the classic tale of Faust; and "Susan B. Anthony, I Love You," an episode of Petticoat Junction from February 1970 that, whether by design or not, has a storyline that is reminiscent of Lysistrata, the classic Greek play by Aristophanes.
learn how to ask for directions
Professor Toby Wilkinson. Ptolemy I Soter, a scholar and general under Alexander, founded a dynasty by integrating Greek and Egyptian traditions. He appointed Egyptian advisors and created the hybrid god Serapis to unify his subjects, successfully establishing a stable, wealthy empire that included Cyprus and parts of the Mediterranean. 1900 NILE
PREVIEW PTOLEMY I: THE GENIUS WHO UNIFIED GREEK AND EGYPTIAN CULTURES Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson. Wilkinson characterizes Ptolemy I as a genius who unified Greek and Egyptian cultures following Alexander the Great's death. By employing diverse advisors and inventing the hybrid god Serapis, Ptolemy Isuccessfully forged a single identity from many strands, effectively implementing an ancient version of e pluribus unum.
On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (12/24/25), as we arrive at Christmas Eve, Hank concludes his special series on his acronym CHRISTMAS, detailing the final three letters of the acronym. The “M” in CHRISTMAS represents Miracles. Modernity has left many with the false impression that the virgin birth is nothing more than ancient superstition. But, in reality, miracles are not only possible, they are absolutely necessary in order to make sense of the universe in which we live. The “A” in CHRISTMAS represents Advent. The term Advent literally means “coming.” As such, Advent is a season in which the Christian church celebrates the coming in flesh of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The final letter in the CHRISTMAS acronym is “S”, which represents Salvation. On Christmas Eve, it is time to turn our hearts toward the primary reason for the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ—namely, the salvation of sinners. The very name—Jesus—embodies salvation, as it is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” This Christmas season and throughout the coming year, may you be ever mindful of the reality that God has condescended to use you as the means through which the free gift of the water of life is dispensed to a parched and thirsty world.
Dr. Alyson Melzer, an Assistant Professor of Classics at Indiana University Bloomington, joins Lexie to discuss the emotional resonance of Greek tragedies and specific elements that make these ancient works distinctively Greek, the challenges of interpreting and performing these plays in modern times, balancing authenticity and modern adaptation, and the timeless themes found in Greek tragedies and their relevance today. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week's exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 5, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Melzer: https://classics.indiana.edu/about/core-faculty/Melzer_Alyson.html Check out her publications on Academia: https://indiana.academia.edu/AlysonMelzer Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bench Press and Biblical Truth: The Strength of Dr. Trent RogersDr. Trent Rogers doesn't fit the stereotype of a Bible professor and college dean. Sure, he's got the credentials — a doctorate in New Testament, years of pastoral experience, and a deep love for Scripture. But he also once bench-pressed 670 pounds, setting a world record. That same drive to be the best shapes everything he does, from the classroom to his leadership at Cedarville University.Trent's path to academic ministry wasn't direct. He started with a degree in ancient and classical Greek from Wabash College, aiming to read the New Testament in its original form. He imagined life in church ministry, not on a college campus. In fact, when he joined Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville, he ranked “college ministry” dead last on his list of preferences.But God had different plans.When the college ministry volunteer stepped away, Trent unexpectedly stepped in — and what began as a reluctant assignment quickly became a passion. He discovered students who were eager to grow, ask meaningful questions, and pursue Christ with conviction. Their hunger for direction and truth stirred something in him. Over the next five years, not only did his heart change, but so did the direction of his calling.Today, as Dean of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies, Trent brings the same passion to shaping students as he once brought to training with elite athletes. Before Cedarville, he worked as a personal trainer in Chicago, coaching everyone from businessmen to NFL stars like Devin Hester. Whether he's teaching Greek, launching academic programs, or designing a personal fitness regimen, his goal remains the same: to do it well and purposefully.What began as reluctance has become calling. Now, Trent leads with clarity, compassion, and a deep belief in Cedarville's mission to equip students for a lifetime of faithful service.To hear more of his story, check out the Cedarville Stories podcast.https://share.transistor.fm/s/4ce82391https://youtu.be/26dd7nqxTj8
Today's devotional is read by author and host of Eleven2one, Janice Wolfe. Taken from the heartfelt pages of her book, What Do I Have to Lose? Losing My Way and Finding God's, this transformative Bible study is rooted in the 100 occurrences of the Greek word for "lose" from Mark 8:35 and offers powerful insights to deepen your walk with the Lord. To listen to the full audio book visit Audible.com. Prefer to read? Grab a printed copy at CausewayMediaGroup.com or the Kindle version on Amazon. Tune in to Faith Music Radio each Wednesday at 12:30 PM central time for this uplifting audio reading of What Do I Have to Lose? Losing My Way and Finding God's. You may also subscribe to Eleven2One on your favorite podcast platform for a weekly Wednesday download of the devotional.
RATED Y SPECIALThis is a sample of the monthly LIVE get together for SUBSCRIBERS ONLY which is a new element of the RATED Y project from Ochelli and The GreekUnique is one word that might apply to this but a full description has yet to reveal itself.Most of this information and observation collection exist nowhere elseThe clip is just a small glimpse at this unique ongoing project that has rare information shared via a completely interactive community on Patreon@https://www.patreon.com/c/OGRatedYElements are being created by and for Subscribers and there are over 250 Sonic Events in audio form taking listeners through an organically generated Collection of resourses that begin with the Ochelli and The Greek Podcasts which started over a decade ago and now culminate in The Rated Y Project which is beyond content of any sort that preceeded it and defy dewscription as it evolves in Real Time for the select few who engague in the indescribable entity that is and will be created by those who particpatehttps://www.patreon.com/c/OGRatedYOchelli is just a small part of this, and this is apart from Ochelli Dot Com Radio2026 may see new projects or the end of Chuck's experiment as a public voiceDownload and preserve whatever you find worthyhttps://www.patreon.com/c/OGRatedYBE THE EFFECTListen/Chat on the Sitehttps://ochelli.com/listen-live/TuneInhttp://tun.in/sfxkxAPPLEhttps://music.apple.com/us/station/ochelli-com/ra.1461174708Ochelli Link Treehttps://linktr.ee/chuckochelliAnything is a blessing if you have the meansWithout YOUR support we go silent
2025 Show Notes addendum: In light of the release of C1E100 (the final "non-retrospective" Ch 1), I thought it would also be good to release C2E20 (the final "non-retrospective" Ch 2) as a nice tie-in. Though my production quality has improved somewhat since late 2024, it is nowhere even remotely close to the quantum leap that is the difference between my Dec 2025 and my Jan 2017 production quality difference with C1E1. Channel 2 was a COMPLETELY different kind of show, though. Rather than being a vaguely NPR-esque mixtape-style program that was "less a podcast per se" and more "a late nite FM radio music program which just so happened to go out over the podosphere", Ch 2 was a "proper podcast" with a co-host out of Chicago and myself taking turns sharing tracks and talking about them. We wrapped the show at the end of 2024 because my co-host had been podcasting since 2009, and would be turning 50 in 2025, and so he decided at the end of 2023 that he would be retiring completely from podcasting at the end of 2024, and I didn't feel like replacing him, so we just wrapped it together. Anyway, since we referenced C2E20 and even featured a few tracks from it in C1E100, and since we're rerunning C1E1, I figured I'd rerun this too. By the way: that one upcoming Ch F one-off with Trey Johnson of NintenDomain and W.A.R.T. Radio will be in this exact format - only, obviously, a different co-host. Anyway....enjoy! Also, this rerun will release on Christmas Eve. So, Merry Christmas to anyone who celebrates it - and a belated Happy Hannukah to anyone who celebrates it instead (I celebrate both, myself!) :-D ------------------------------------------------------ orig show notes Today's Broadcast is C2E20, for Theme Thursday, Oct 24th, 2024. All good things must come to an end. Today is the final “regular” (as in, “final non-retrospective” episode - and as opposed to “final all time” episode). This will be the final episode where we bring new tracks to the show, though. So it is still an ending. The theme, therefore, is ending music, on a program we're calling “...all good things…” Track# / Track / Game / System / Composer(s) / Selected By 01) Summer Vacation - Tokyo Xanadu - Multiplatform - Takahiro Unisuga (Falcom Sound Team jdk) - Hugues Earcatcher - 00:00:00 Music - 00:00:03 Introduction - 00:05:23 Top of Show Business - 00:06:14 The Reveal of last episode's mystery themes - 00:09:44 Discussion - 00:24:38 02) Credits - Sonic 2 - Genesis - Masato Nakamura - St. John Music - 00:30:16 Discussion - 00:33:01 03) Staff Roll - Phantasy Star III - Genesis - Ippo Takeuchi - Hugues Music - 00:35:17 Discussion - 00:37:15 04) Ending - Super Castlevania IV - SNES - Masanori Adachi and/or Taro Kudo - St. John Music - 00:42:07 Discussion - 00:44:46 05) Ending - Another World - Amiga - Jean-François Freitas - Hugues Music - 00:54:53 Discussion - 00:56:27 06) Triforce Chamber - LoZ: Link to the Past - SNES - Koji Kondo Music - 01:00:40 Discussion - 01:02:09 07) The Credits Concerto - Donkey Kong Country - SNES - David Wise and/or Eveline Fischer - Hugues Music - 01:08:45 Discussion - 01:10:43 [EDITOR's NOTE: I partially confused Vangelis with fellow Greek musician, Iasos. My bad! -St. J] 08) Ground Zero - Shinobi III - Genesis - Hirofumi Murasaki, Morihiko Akiyama, and/or Masayuki Nagao - St. John Music - 01:16:19 Discussion - 01:18:38 09) Good End - Streets of Rage II - Genesis - Yuzo Koshiro and/or Motohiro Kawashima - Hugues Music - 01:34:07 Discussion - 01:36:30 10) End Credits - Mega Man 3 - NES - Yasuaki Fujita and/or Harumi Fujita - St. John Music - 01:43:56 Discussion - 01:46:14 11) Farewell and a Decision - Grandia II - PS2 / Dreamcast - Noriyuki Iwadare - Hugues Music - 01:49:38 Discussion - 01:54:26 12) Ending - Stray - Multiplatform - Jan van der Cruyssen - St. John Music - 02:01:40 Discussion - 02:05:12 13) 16th Floor - Speedrun Tower - Genesis - c: JAM / a: Hugues Johnson - Hugues Music - 02:10:48 Discussion - 02:12:38 End of Show Business - 02:22:27 Closing track Discussion - 02:29:49 Sign-off - 02:30:44 14) Ending - Super Mario World - SNES - Koji Kondo - St. John Music - 02:30:51 Outtakes - 02:34:52 BONUS - the “Composed by St. John / arranged by Jay Cook” collection “Floor It!” from the Game “X-Racer” (Hydra Development System) - 02:39:52 “In-Game Theme” from the Game “Ranquest” (Hydra Development System) - 02:41:07 Total Episode Runtime: 02:44:07 Hugues' blog can be found here: https://huguesjohnson.com/ St. John's Mom's flute business can be found here: Website: www.valwedgeworth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/UxpsjWw3Js5uUtLf/ Valerie's Flute Entertainment, LLC (Playing the Decades) Email: valerie@valwedgeworth.com Note: St. John called it “Val's Flute Entertainment”, instead of “Valerie's Flute Entertainment”, but it used to be called “Val's Flute”. You can find Nerd Noise Radio on Facebook and on Twitter each @NerdNoiseRadio. There are also two Facebook Groups: Nerd Noise Radio “Easy Mode” where we just have general video game and nerd fun, or for the gearheads among you, Nerd Noise Radio “Expert Mode” where we deep dive sound hardware, composer info, and music theory. You can find the blog at www.nerdnoiseradio.blogspot.com. Where we sometimes share additional show notes, and inside info. You can also find Nerd Noise Radio on Archive.org, where we have remixes and super bonuses only available there (such as a music-only alternative version of today's show). Nerd Noise Radio is also a member of the Retro Junkies community, which can be found at www.theretrojunkies.com. And we are a member of the VGM Podcast Fans community on Facebook. St. John is also the admin of the Podcasters of Des Moines Facebook group, which features a number of other podcasters and great programs from the greater Des Moines area. Thanks for listening! Join us again later this month for a very special Channel 1 (subject a surprise for now), and then again in November for a sequel Ch 1 and for our Ch 2 “Best of Season 4 retrospective” - which will be our second-to-last ever installment of Ch 2…..Delicious VGM on Noise from the Hearts of Nerds, as well as Tasty VGM and Talk on Nerd Noise Game Club…and wherever you are….Fly the N! Cheers!
Do detoxes work? Do you need a juice cleanse to "reset" your body? Is your liver full of toxins? Short answer: no, no, and absolutely not.This week we debunk the $6.3 trillion wellness industry's claims,juice cleanses, detox teas, foot pads, coffee enemas, the Master Cleanse, and everything in between. We cover how your liver actually detoxifies, why your kidneys filter 200 quarts of blood daily without any help from celery juice, and what a 2015 systematic review concluded about the science of detoxes.We also dig into the history, from ancient Greek bloodletting to George Washington's death to John Harvey Kellogg's yogurt enemas (ew?) and the psychology of why we fall for purity narratives. Plus: why athletes are prime targets, the connection between "clean eating" and orthorexia, documented harms (kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, rectal perforations (again, EW!)), and 8 red flags for spotting detox scams.95+ facts checked, 17 sources cited. Full references at https://www.yourdietsuckspodcast.comSponsors:Tailwind Nutrition – Sports nutrition without the BS. Code YOURDIET20 for 20% off at tailwindnutrition.comOsmia – Small-batch skincare made by a doctor who reads the research. Code YDS20 at osmiaorganics.comJanji – Running gear with purpose. Code YDS at janji.comMicrocosm Coaching – Work with coaches like Zoë and Kylee who get endurance athletes, no shame, no pseudoscience, just evidence-based training. Get connected with a coach at microcosmcoaching.com
Saint Nicolas was a real bishop from Myra in modern-day Turkey, whose tomb there was popular with pilgrims, but 700 years after his death, a group of sailors decided to steal his magic bones… What myth about St Nicolas first associated him with gift-giving? How did his story get merged with the Greek god of the seas, Poseidon? How were the tombs in his hometown connected with Ancient India? Anita and William are joined by Sam Dalrymple to discuss his original research on the build up to the heist of St Nicolas' body… Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode 606 — Adult Twins, Accidental Murders & Vinyl Christmas Miracles Host: Brian BecknerEpisode Type: Solo Episode (Part A of a Two-Part Holiday Drop) Episode Summary Brian Beckner flies solo in Episode 606, delivering a classic, wide-ranging Baller Lifestyle monologue that somehow connects adult twins at the gym, celebrity deaths, NASCAR plane crashes, LeBron James being insufferable, Coldplay ruining lives, and a Christmas miracle involving rare vinyl records. With Ed Daly out, Brian handles the duties alone—covering pop culture absurdities, sports grievances, listener voicemails, celebrity scandals, and a deeply heartfelt end-of-year reflection on why the show still matters after 12 years. This episode is equal parts rant, comedy, grief, nostalgia, and gratitude—exactly what longtime Ballers expect. Topics & Segments Holiday & Personal Reflections Christmas is three days away and Brian still hasn't decorated The eternal debate: real tree vs. tinsel tree Single dad holiday logistics The moral crime of leaving Christmas decorations up until March Why nobody listens the week of Christmas anyway ️ Adult Twins (A Recurring Public Safety Issue) Brian explains (again) why adult twins should not be allowed in public A real-life gym encounter with long-necked adult twins Mirror-image twins explained (and condemned) HGTV twin flippers from the Pacific Northwest A firm stance: adult twins must remain at least 500 miles apart Rest In Peace Segment Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers) — a man Brian assumed was already dead 1980s TV male babes and fake PIs Greg Biffle — NASCAR driver killed in a small plane crash, along with his family Why rich people should take commercial flights James Ransone (The Wire, Ziggy Sobotka) — a devastating loss Season 2 of The Wire reappraised as elite television Dock workers, the Greeks, and prosthetic penises Honorable (future) mentions: Joran van der Sloot (still alive, still murdering) Keith Richards (Brian predicts he won't make it past Easter) Sports (Unfortunately) World Darts Championship scandal: Dom Taylor suspended for a drug test Brian demands to know what drugs make you better at darts Cocaine should be allowed in darts (official stance) LeBron James hatred continues Will Smith Lakers speech disaster Rob Pelinka incompetence Russell Westbrook vindicated LeBron: finals losses, ego, celebrity worship, general phoniness The Los Angeles Angels: Tyler Skaggs tragedy Team-provided fentanyl pills A trial nobody wanted Another masterclass in organizational failure ️ Voicemail Segment Ben “Nine-Oh-Six” (aka “Been Anal Sex”) checks in Michigan football, Sharon Moore, and racism Being “the guy after the guy” in college football Advice: cash the checks before ruining your career Non-Sports Pop Culture Coldplay Kiss Cam scandal: The New York Times sympathy tour Billionaires, affairs, and viral consequences Hampton Beach, New Hampshire slander Why Coldplay is undanceable and soulless Man leaves girlfriend to freeze to death on a mountain Extreme hobbies = red flag Preview of a future deep dive Christmas Vinyl Miracle Listener Corey (Fados) sends Brian an insane vinyl care package: Lord Sutch & Heavy Friends (Page, Beck, Bonham) Black Pumas The Church Staple Singers Rolling Stones Hot Rocks (original pressing) Link Wray Rare private-press blues rock A genuine, emotional reflection on: 12 years of podcasting A small but loyal audience The real value of listener relationships ️ Final Thoughts Brian closes Episode 606 with sincerity—acknowledging the reality that the show may never grow larger, but emphasizing how deeply meaningful the connections with listeners have become. A perfect end-of-year episode that blends humor, honesty, and gratitude. Subscribe, Rate & Review If you've been listening for years—or just found the show—your reviews and ratings help more than you know. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Joe gives his opening statement from his debate with LDS apologist Jacob Hansen on The Great Apostacy. Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shameless Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and Mormons all agree that Jesus Christ founded a church. After all, he tells us that he’s founding a church. But most of us also agree that people can fall away from the faith. This falling away in Greek is apostasia, which is where we get words like apostate and apostasy. But Mormons and many Protestants believe that not only can individuals fall away from the church, but tha...
We talk about the BEARS come back game, a 44 year old retired QB making it back in the NFL, Greek cruises and doomsday bunkers. SPONSORS@pioneer_fitwww.generalleathercraft.com@subzeroplunge www.subzeroplunge.comCode STUPID saves you 250$ Show Hosts@tomkal1@huckfinnbarbell@hfbapparel@officialbebetterbrand@smartstrengthofficialletsgetstupidpodcast@gmail.comwww.huckfinnbarbell.comwww.bebetterofficial.com
Let us remember that nothing is a substitute for earnest prayer. Nothing can take its place. Today's church does many important things, but we must make prayer a priority. Main Points:1. This is a remarkable story of God's power and deliverance, but what stands out to me the most from this story is the commitment of the church to prayer. This miracle happened in the middle of the night. The church was not asleep because they knew the next day Peter would be put on trial. The church was having an all-night prayer meeting to ask God to protect Peter.2. It was a desperate situation but I believe they remembered that Jesus told them to “ask and it will be given you.” The Greek word tells us that they were “straining in prayer”. It was not a casual prayer, “Lord, bless Peter tonight.” No, it was a desperate prayer, a fervent prayer, and an earnest prayer. They were seeking God. They were crying out to God for Peter's deliverance. This is intercessory prayer.3. When was the last time you gathered with other believers and prayed an earnest prayer? Let's recommit ourselves to prayer. The God who hears will answer.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 12:5-10 - “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.”James 5:16 - “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”Mark 11:17 - “My house shall be called a house of prayer.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group
"Taking that first step is going to change your life—but it's also going to change the lives of so many animals." – Alex Ricard This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast. In this globally-minded episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Adelle Louise and Alex Ricard—two trailblazing young leaders reshaping the future of TNR. As founders of the Saaving the Streets podcast and grassroots nonprofits spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Adelle and Alex have turned compassion into action, collectively sterilizing over 3,000 cats while mentoring others along the way. Adelle shares her shift from general rescue work in Vietnam to high-volume TNR operations in Greece, supported by collaborations with local and international organizations. Alex opens up about how rescuing one kitten in a dog's mouth on a Greek island set her on a mission to tackle the root causes of feline overpopulation. Together, they explore how cultural context, veterinary access, and community engagement impact outcomes—offering practical advice for improving programs at any scale. With a focus on strategy, collaboration, and the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to level up their approach to TNR—whether in a city, on a farm, or across borders. Press Play Now For: How Adelle and Alex went from solo rescuers to global educators What TNR looks like in Greece, France, Mexico, and beyond The story behind their podcast Saaving the Streets Why thinking like a funder helps you do more with less Equipment, training, and collaboration tips for mass trappings How to turn your first sterilization into a life of impact Resources Mentioned: Saaving the Streets Podcast (https://www.petliferadio.com/saavingthestreets.html) Travel Animal Rescue (https://travelanimalrescue.org/) Saaving Lives (Alex's Nonprofit) (https://www.instagram.com/saavinglives/) Feline Fix by Five (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five/) Spay Panama (https://spaypanama.org/) Spay Mexico (https://www.spaymexico.org/) Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/) The Cat Report (https://www.thecatreport.org) United Spay Alliance (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies644) Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Dive into the heart of NFL betting with our expert panel! Join Kelly Stewart, Marco D'Angelo and Gianni the Greek as they provide in-depth analysis and professional insights on Week 17 NFL games. Intro 00:00Why the Short Show!?! 01:00Christmas Day Games 03:20How to Handicap the Next Two Weeks of NFL Regular Season 08:00Best Bets 11:42VR's NFL Best Bet: Philadelphia Eagles vs Buffalo Bills 11:55Save HUGE with Code: XMAS25 14:30Marco's NFL Best Bet: Seattle Seahawks vs Carolina Panthers 15:30KIV's NFL Best Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins 17:25Recap 19:40
Rabbi Jacobson will discuss the following topics: Aftermath of the horrific Sydney massacre What inner strength (netzach and hod) does Chanukah offer us? What are the souls of the kedoshim experiencing now? We still cannot fathom this terrible tragedy. Any words of wisdom? Why would G-d allow it to happen? How can we call G-d kind and compassionate in face of this horror? During the time of the Greeks the Jews would hide their observance due to the danger involved. How is today different? What is the special significance of this day? What comes next? What is the connection between the eighth day of Chanukah and Shemini Atzeres, completing the high holiday season? How will it work after Moshiach comes and we light eight candles on the first night? What is the significance of the new moon? Why was finding pure olive oil so significant? What's the connection between Chanukah and education? What is the significance of it being a rabbinic holiday? Why is chassidus compared to oil? Does Shammai not hold that we have to grow each day in holiness? Why is chapter 67 in Tehillim printed in the shape of a menorah? What should we focus on in the month of Teves? What are we celebrating on Hei Teves? How did the Rebbe instruct us to observe this day? Is there a connection between Chanukah and Hei Teves? What lessons do we learn from living with the times, with this week's Torah parsha? Why did Joseph ask everyone to leave the room when he revealed his identity to his brothers? Why did Joseph not inform his father over the 22 years that he is alive? Zos Chanukah Rosh Chodesh Teves Chanukah Hei Teves Vayigash How should we react to Mamdani's visit to the Ohel?
The boys return for another week to discuss the latest in Greek football, the gift that keeps on giving.UEFA Conference LeagueAEK finish 3rd in the league phase after a 3-2 thrillerSLGR midseason reviewWe go through every Greek club and how they have performed so farGreek CupOlympiakos finish top of the tableWe look at the playoff drawOther newsGreece will play Hungary in a friendly next MarchWe answer your questionsGive us a follow on:X: https://twitter.com/HellasfootyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellasfooty/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@HellasFootyRead our blogs on: https://hellasfooty.blogspot.com/Intro music credit to George Prokopiou (Ermou Street)
This discussion features: Judah Thomas, David LaManna, Lenny Salgado, Johnny V., Mike McHugh and James Gowell. Edited by: Tim NicholsonYou don't want to miss this episode, not only do we deep dive into Hebrews, Johnny steps outside to cough off the mics, slips on ice and breaks his leg (real time). James gets the following text message from Johnny mid-episode, "Slipped on ice outside going to cough off mic, think I broke my ankle". You will hear James say, "What?!?!" and we end up spending the rest of the day in the ER, getting xrays, getting Johnny fitted with a brace and getting him home.Prior to the incident, we dive into Hebrews 1 through 3, discussed the fact that Jesus didn't come to abolish the law of the Prophets, but to fulfill it. We discuss Jesus being Supreme over all, Angels being servants, that Salvation is a Person, Jesus is the door to our Heavenly Father, how easy it is to drift away spiritually, aka spiritual drift, God's Word is our map and then we help a brother in need. Hebrews is considered to be some of the most beautifully written Greek in all of the Bible and we uncover the gorgeous description of sovereign Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.This is a page turner episode so come along for the ride...it's a great conversation! Please read along with us. Hebrews, chapters 1 through 3.Please help us spread the word about Thriving in the Word, and we encourage you to read it and come along for the journey. Thank you for listening and being part of the Thriving in the Word family.Have a blessed day.For more information visit: www.thrive.churchIf you would like to give financially you can do so here: www.thrive.church/give/If you need prayer email us at prayer@thrive.churchThis is a presentation of Thrive.Church©All Rights Reserved
Advent E4 — We're ending our short Advent series with a reflection on love. In the Hebrew Bible, the word “ahavah” involves faithfulness to God and living by his wisdom, but it also means showing practical care to others—especially the vulnerable. Jesus views this love for God and neighbor as the greatest command, and he expands it to be indiscriminate, radical kindness and generosity even toward our enemies. The New Testament authors were so blown away by this kind of love that they adopted an obscure Greek word for love, “agape,” and redefined it to be a self-giving, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrates in his life, teaching, death, and resurrection. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the main biblical words for love, showing how the story of Advent characterizes agape as God's own essence and our calling. FULL SHOW NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSThe Hebrew Bible's Understanding of Love (0:00–13:17)Agape and Jesus' Redefinition of Love (13:17–21:25)God Is Love (21:25–31:10)Reflections on Love With JoDee (31:10-36:12)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology by Nijay GuptaAhavah / Love: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word ahavah.Agape / Love: Also not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, agape.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Clouds ft. ahmo” by Lofi Sunday“Warm Hugs” by Lofi Sunday & Cassidy Godwin“Snowflakes” by AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest JoDee Atherton.Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
When the original hearers of John's gospel—the Jews and the Greeks—heard the term, “the Word became flesh,” it was revolutionary. Many scholars have said it marked a complete revolution in the history of human thought. But I'd like us to think about the fact that Christmas doesn't change our lives like it ought to. John says the Word of God became a flesh and blood human being. This is a life-transforming truth. Let's look at three ways this truth should change our lives. If Christmas happened, and it did, 1) we have infinite comfort in the face of suffering, 2) we have infinite powerful conviction and incentive to serve, and 3) we have a hope that is both realistic and infallible. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 11, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:14-18. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
Dr. Lyman Montgomery is a renowned clarity and culture strategist, author, coach, and business leader with decades of experience empowering organizations and individuals to turn chaos into clarity. As the architect of the “5S Framework” and a globe-trotting consultant, Dr. Montgomery has guided over 60,000 leaders, built multiple businesses, and become a powerful voice for faith, focus, and cultural transformation. His latest work, "Sacred, Not Sinful," explores the intersection of Greek life and Christian discipleship, while his digital hub, CoachLyman.com, serves as a gateway for leaders seeking personal and professional growth. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Dr. Lyman joins Robert Plank to unpack his actionable 5S Framework Structure: Systems, Strategies, Simplicity, and Sustainability, which helps businesses and individuals thrive amidst distraction and overwhelm. The conversation traces Dr. Lyman's journey from humble beginnings to global influence, explores how leaders can overcome resistance to new tools and documentation (including leveraging AI for business efficiency), and examines the shift from an “I can't” to an “I will” mindset. Discussion topics include building strong foundational systems, driving business results with clarity, embracing collaboration, leveraging automation, and nurturing the habits that support sustainable growth both in the boardroom and at home. Quotes: "Simplicity drives business... The more simplistic you can make it, the more users will use it." "Everything we do is designed to get a result within 24 to 48 hours—otherwise, it's too complicated." "There's a difference between an 'I can't' mentality and an 'I will' mentality. Which are you choosing?" Resources: Connect with Dr. Lyman Montgomery on LinkedIn Transform chaos into clarity—grab Dr. Montgomery's book on Amazon. Learn more about how to navigate complex compliance challenges on their website Follow Dr. Lyman Montgomery on Facebook
On Monday's edition of WagerTalk Today, Steve Merril previews tonight's NFL Week 16 finale in the San Francisco 49ers vs Indianapolis Colts Monday Night Football matchup and takes a look at NBA Doubleheader Action in the Magic vs Warriors & Pistons vs Trail Blazers games. Bill Krackomberger joins the show to talk the latest in the sports betting industry and give his favorite prop for NBA Monday Action. Hosts, Andy Lang & Dan Alexander react to Sunday's NFL action, provide props and share free picks and Gianni The Greek gives daily betting advice – don't miss out!Intro 00:00Gianni the Greek 2:00CFP Round 1 Takeaways 2:20CFB Bowl Game Plays 4:45NFL Week 16 8:37CBB/NBA Steam 12:00Week 16 Reactions 15:28Books/Public where did they win 20:40Prop/Fantasy Winners/Losers 21:20Betting Trends 23:19Andy's Birthday Special!! 25:17Bill Krackomberger 26:20Line Moves - What do they Mean 27:13Parlays 31:00Free Play - Lamelo Ball Prop 32:20Steve Merril 39:00Potato Bowl Free Play 41:0749ers vs Colts 42:00NBA Double Header: Magic vs Warriors & Pistons vs Trailblazers 47:00Andy All Around the World 55:00MNF Props 56:13WTF or LFG? Follow or Fade this Play? 1:00:30
Rabbi Menashe Reizman shared a beautiful idea from the Or HaChaim that we can take with us as the days of Chanukah come to an end. One of the central components of lighting the Nerot Chanukah is pirsumei nisa—publicizing the miracle. But this raises a question. The miracle that the oil lasted for eight days is common knowledge among Jews. Why, then, is there such an emphasis on publicizing it? Usually, the need to publicize something is when the message is not yet well known. The Ramban, at the end of Parashat Bo, explains that when Hashem performs open miracles, the purpose is not only the miracle itself, but what we are meant to learn from it. We are meant to internalize that just as Hashem performs revealed miracles, He is equally behind all the hidden miracles that take place every second of our lives. That is the true message we are meant to publicize. Not merely that oil burned for eight days, but that Hashem is behind everything that happens in this world, at every moment. In this week's Parashah, Vayigash, when Yaakov Avinu hears that Yosef is still alive, the pasuk says וַיָּפָג לִבּוֹ כִּי לֹא הֶאֱמִין - that his heart did not believe them. Rashi explains that although Yaakov physically heard the words, his heart was not yet ready to internalize the reality. This happens to us very often. With our mouths, we say that we believe Hashem is in charge of everything that happens in the world. But when we look honestly at the way we live, it becomes clear that our hearts have not fully internalized that belief. If we truly believed that only Hashem runs everything, why do we get so angry when things don't go our way? Why do we become upset at people when they hurt us? Why don't we invest more effort into tefillah? Why are we late to tefillah? If Hashem is the only One in control, then He is the only One we need to impress. If HaKadosh Baruch Hu alone decides our parnassah, then why do we feel pressured to run out of davening for a business meeting? The Nerot Chanukah are there to remind us that Hashem's presence fills every detail of life. Hashem decided that a small amount of oil would burn for eight days. Oil does not burn on its own—it burns only because Hashem wills it to burn. He also made a small group of Jews defeat the mighty Greek army. The Greeks wanted us to believe that the world runs on autopilot, that everything happens naturally. Unfortunately, this belief still exists today. People see weather patterns and global warming, but they don't see Hashem behind every raindrop, every gust of wind, and every change in temperature. When someone loses a business deal, he sees the person who took it away, not Hashem. When someone gains a good opportunity, he credits the person who gave it, not Hashem. We must know with absolute clarity that no human being has any power to help or harm us. No one can use their free will to affect our lives unless Hashem decrees it. But because we are constantly involved in hishtadlut—searching for the best doctor, the best shadchan, the best deal—we easily become absorbed in the effort itself. We begin to believe that success comes from our actions or from the people we rely on, and we forget Who is truly running everything. The message of the Nerot Chanukah is that Hashem alone is behind it all. Someone who has not yet married off his children may still believe that shidduchim depend on shadchanim and networking. But someone who has already married off his children knows with absolute clarity and without the slightest doubt that HaKadosh Baruch Hu alone does everything. There are people who send their children to one yeshivah instead of another out of fear that it might, quote-unquote, "damage shidduchim." But what does that really mean? Hashem brings the shidduch, and He would never want us to do something that is not truly beneficial for our child. One of the clearest indicators of whether we truly believe in Hashem's control is the way we engage in hishtadlut. May we be zocheh to take the light of the Nerot Chanukah with us throughout the year—to move our emunah from our lips into our hearts—and to live with a deep, internalized belief in Hashem's absolute control over everything that happens.
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