Podcasts about Mountaintop

Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” — Mark 9:5 Mountaintop experiences can come in many forms. Sometimes they occur on a literal mountain, like when our family rode the cog railroad to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. Other times they can be an experience or part of an event that leaves us feeling like we are on a mountaintop. Some of the students I work with have mountaintop experiences at a summer camp or on a mission trip, where everything goes well and they learn and grow in faith. We sometimes wish events like that could last forever, but mountaintop experiences rarely last. Peter thought the experience of Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain would last a long time. He even suggested building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But the top of this mountain wasn't where they needed to stay. The amazing, spectacular transfiguration of Jesus was soon past. Whatever your mountaintop experience is, it's probably not where you need to stay either. We are called to be in the world, living life, talking to the people around us, bringing about healing and peace, and walking the path that God has in store for us. Mountaintop experiences are great. And we can use them to fill us up for the everyday challenges God has in store for us. Holy God, thank you for filling us up with moments of your presence. Allow those times to carry us along on the path you have laid out for us. In Jesus, Amen.

MTRS meets Domino La puntata di Mountain Top Reggae Station del 4 aprile 2025 Per diffondere questa puntata: https://www.radiotandem.it/mountain-top-reggae-station-del-4-aprile-2025 Tutti i podcast di Mountain Top Reggae Station: https://www.radiotandem.it/mountain-top-reggae-station

3.2.25 Sermon by Rev. Erin Rugh based off of Deuteronomy 34

A few years ago, she decided to leave her Maryland / suburban DC empty nest to find a rural getaway -- a small farmhouse where she could put her interest in conservation to work. With little experience in gardening or conservation, she had a crazy idea to cultivate a small native meadow to provide an acre or two where wildlife could thrive, and she could explore with her poodle. Then she set foot on two hundred acres of old farmland atop a Virginia mountain and her dream became a reality.In BAD NATURALIST: One Woman's Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop (Timber Press | January 7, 2025), funded by the Maryland State Arts Council, author Paula Whyman explains how she cares for her mountain-sized ecological restoration challenge with a mixture of humility and humor. She quickly discovers it is impossible to be a “good” naturalist. https://paulawhyman.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.org

Have you ever felt stuck? Are you clinging needlessly to the methods and instincts that got you stuck in the first place? Maybe you need someone to nudge you in the right direction… If you're feeling unsatisfied or if you're running on fumes, today's story is good news for you. The character at the center of the story discovers the truth about her situation. History calls her the woman at the well, and if we listen closely to her interaction with Jesus, I believe that we too might discover a better way. Learn more about Mountaintop at https://mountaintopchurch.com 

So what you have in Micah 7 is the voice of a righteous man living in a nation under judgment. He is not naive about the sin around him, and he is not unaware of the sin within him. He feels the weight of national collapse and the weight of personal guilt. He has watched justice break down, truth be silenced, and enemies rise in power. But—in the midst of it all, Micah speaks words that defy despair. "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise..." (v. 8) That is what makes this passage so compelling. It is a cry of defiant hope. This is not an idealist. This is a man who has been in the valley, who has tasted the consequences of sin, who has witnessed devastation, and yet—he still looks up and says, "My God will hear me... He will bring me forth to the light... I shall behold His righteousness." Contact us @ 4faithfoundations@gmail.com For more resources, teaching & preaching please visit our website @ faithfoundations.church

Hana shines and Aya rises.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.“It is selfish to believe that your family will always love you. At some point you will be asked to earn it.”My equilibrium decided to cut me some slack and not invoke the reflexive vomiting. "It is only me, Hana, Imogen, Deidre, Mom, Buffy, hi Juanita," I hadn't spotted my designated bodyguard standing behind Chaz."Don't talk to me right now," she seethed. "I'm furious with you." Yep, she was the Caribbean Buffy."Perhaps she's pissed about the five extra Illuminati bodyguards added to the regular two around Hana plus the two circling Ghost Tigers having not a fucking clue what those other armed parties are doing in Hana's company," Pamela joked. She could. Everyone else was giving me crap about my social gaff."Hey now. This meeting is important. Imogen and I are going to have a child," I enlightened them. The door chimed open and we piled in with two Amazons whose 'fresh' look indicated a use of the showers within the past ten minutes."You consistently maintain particularly low standards," Chaz dryly remarked."I sent her here for a check-up and that gave Buffy a chance to meet Mom, Deidre and Imogen, plus two unarmed bodyguards," I kept bailing out the Titanic."Chaz, I am happy we aren't going to miss this one (lunch)," Pamela smiled at her two grandsons."Cáel, are you going to tell your fiancée you've impregnated your aunt?" Chaz was back to being mildly sympathetic to my 'totally fucked-up' life."Yes. I figured Buffy shooting death rays at me from her eyes will garner me enough confusion to get the words out of my mouth without her throwing her drink in my face, slapping me, then storming out," I envisioned.I got no more shit until I reached the garage for my vehicle. There an armed FBI Special Agent Virginia Maddox (did you know when a Federal Agent adds 'Special' to their title it means they have a gun?) stood next to my chariot. She'd drawn the short straw, meaning she had been given the chore of driving today.I found myself wondering when Yasmin would finally finish her orientation. Her training involved some serious mental challenges including a crash course from the FBI at Quantico concerning modern judicial theory & practice as well as whatever pre-Iron Age jurisprudence the Host practiced.Javiera promised me (and Katrina) that she would not-so-subtly remind those scholastically-groomed legal minds that a (couldn't use the word 'Amazon') legal code they followed had existed, with minor tweaking, as a successful social instrument for over 3,000 years. If they truly behaved in a respectful manner, the owners of the code might even show those people the Codex on the original horse-skin, written in Hittite cuneiform.Anyway, everyone assumed I had a good reason for heading to my apartment (aka need to retrieve a sleepy Odette.) Had I repeated 'the Bitch stole my fortune cookies', they might have simply taken me to an Asian-inclined grocery store. As we hit the second story landing, Chaz in the lead, we heard a passel of folks come down toward us from the fourth level.I didn't think there were that many people on the entire floor. Chaz and Pamela each went for their holstered pistol, while keeping them hidden in their jackets. Wiesława, who went for her PDW, backed up so she could fire through the stairs from beneath.Juanita, bless her heart, and Virginia had remained in the S U V because sending in more people would have left us piled into one another. If a firefight did break out, Juanita could bring in some serious hardware to back us up while Virginia called the appropriate authorities before rushing in herself.Around the corner on the third floor landing came a number of women, early/mid-twenties, physically fit, foreign clothes and downcast expressions. A few looked like they were about to cry. They were all in shirts and jeans, with no obvious weapons. Not looking lethal didn't ratchet down Chaz's vigilance. Me? I was instantly reminded how much sex I had been missing."Prince Cáel! You are alive!" spilled out of the first one, a fiery red-head with a billowing, thick mane, porcelain skin and adorable freckles. Her Irish brogue was enchanting. I had to wonder if she cried out in Gaelic during orgasm. Wasn't I about to meet my future bride plus numerous other love interests?She was fit, curvy and wearing an aqua shirt which exposed her midriff with a belly ring bearing a pearl drop, the requisite tattered skin-tight jeans and soft leather calf-boots."Why wouldn't I be alive?" I grinned, like a pirate discovering an all-girls school oceanographic classroom in need of plundering."How do total strangers know how unlikely it is that you would still be alive?" was Chaz's spin on things."We talked with your roommate. He said you had moved to Svalbard where you suffered an excruciating painful, yet richly deserved, death in a lemming stampede," she pouted, "and then the UN had your ashes exiled to Pluto because the Sun was too good for you."9, 10, 11 --12 of them looking, 3 with pale blonde hair that eerily reminded me of my fiancée, another red-head, two russet and five with deep, dark brown, or black hair. They were all fit, fit, fit! With an air of 'I graduated college only to discover: 1) no one was hiring Saline Soil Scientists, or 2) I no longer want to do any of the things I wanted to do when I picked this major. I was familiar with both types.Timothy would have been at work and Odette would have invited the troupe in to regale them with all sorts of tales, which would have included a tour of my bedroom. They clearly had missed Odette so, now I recalled; that particular excuse was one of the ten I had given the guy in 4B should anyone suspicious come calling.I imagine twelve hot, English-as-a-Second-Language girls might be considered, a bit odd. See, his was my address of record. I lied about my actual apartment, so random people who came looking for me went to him instead. This arrangement had been made prior to my understanding of the nature of my employment at Havenstone.I'd neglected, telling him to move out and go far, far away? Poor guy. I'd find a way to make it up to him later."Actually it was a southern vole immigration incident that was set off by the Bulgarian consulate offering repatriation for the first 10,000 applicants," I frowned, clearly traumatized by memory of the incident."These poor southern vole, native to the vacationer-friendly Black Sea resorts, were accidently introduced to the coldest inhabited place in the Northern hemisphere and they've been trying to get home ever since, that would be the equivalent of a century and a half in 'vole-years.""Despite the UN trying to quarantine any news of this Cricetidae catastrophe, I decided to evacuate the six most critically injured vole using a Bortolanza Pluto ultralight, which he must have confused with the UN sending my ashes to Pluto," I explained.Mind you, the 'southern' voles are native to, among other places, Norway, the owner of Svalbard. They were also native to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast so, The Pluto ultra-light, once built in Italy, is now called the 'Puma' and made in Canada, has a maximum range of 675 km, which would leave me crash landing into the Barents Sea, 260 km north of the northernmost airport in Norway, rendering me and my voles so much frozen food."You are an animal rights activist too?" several of the girls gasped. Yes. Yes I was. I was an animal and I was all for me having rights."Please, don't tell anyone about this," I grew serious. "I don't want my philanthropic efforts to be publicized. What I do, I do for the Earth's endangered ecosystems because it is what everyone should do, not because we suddenly feel bad about neglecting it.""E haere koe ki te whai kia nui ai," Pamela snorted. I'd ask her why she knew Maori later, right after I figured why Grandpa knew it."Ko toku mahere whānui," I replied. The girls looked confused."I'm also trying to revitalize endangered languages and revive dead ones. It is more of a hobby than life pursuit," I informed them."You really are a modern-day noble warrior-poet," the red-head leader sighed."Nah. I'm just a guy," I shrugged. "Besides, Ba ch ir fear a bheith ar eolas ag a gn omhais, n  a oidhreacht." (A man should be known by his deeds, not his heritage)."Sa ch s go bhfuil misneach, t  s il agam," she replied using my 'family' motto."Jos on jalot on toivoa,", "Ahol van b tors ga, van rem ny," and "cesaret olduğu yerde umut vardır," all followed. 'Where there is Valor, there is Hope' in Finnish, Hungarian and Turkish. I got the sneaking feeling this wasn't a college field trip gone awry. These chicks were coming at me with a purpose that included more than sexual gratification and a kiss good-bye. Ugh."Thank you," I genuflected, paying honor to their reciting of my personal vow. "Anyway, you appear to be looking for me, but I am afraid I don't know any of you. Taking into account that I have a late lunch date with my fiancée in a half-hour and will be taking notes at a feminist convention at 8, what can I do for you?" I was establishing my escape plan."We have come here to join you," an assertive, dusky-skinned one smiled. I had to think about this. I was a bit tired. Taking all twelve of these girls on in one orgy was currently beyond me. I'd do eight tonight and the last four before breakfast tomorrow. Ah, happy thoughts of the Lacrosse Finals."What exactly do you plan to do with Mr. Nyilas?" Chaz interrupted."We are the (Irish) 'Na conairte soith an   S aghdha ar', (Hungarian) 'A szuka kuty kat Herceg Nyilas', (Turkish) 'Prens ok u Kaltak K pekleri' and (Finnish) 'Narttu koirista prinssi jousimies'," they chorused.Pamela snickered. All of those fancy sounding names were variations on 'the Bitch Hounds of Prince Archer/Nyilas (with the Irish going for O'Shea)."You want to be my bodyguards?" I gawked. Lacking lions, the Irish choice of the 'fur-balls of death' were hounds. Being women technically made them 'bitches'. I had to move fast. Any second now Wiesława was going to figure out these over-anxious non-Amazons were trying to replace her."You do realize I've left piles of dead bodies in my wake, right?" I nearly choked. Pamela slapped me on my back."Of course," they sounded so chipper. Fuck you Internet and 'First Person Shooter' games. This wasn't a fucking game! Trained combatants who joined my retinue met grisly ends and this was their freaking profession!"Can I think about it? I mean, do any of you have any combat experience at all? Attacked someone in anger? Send off a blistering instant message?""Some of us have (combat experience I was assuming). We won't let you down.""You do realize Ms. Dubois is going to kill them, don't you Sir?" Chaz sent me a chilling look."Ms. Dubois?", "who is that?" and "kill us?" floated around."Ms. Dubois is my blood-hungry ferret who wears a 'naughty berserker' human suit to trick the masses.""Three of us have military training," one of the Finns spoke up.By that they meant they had volunteered for military service in their native countries, then left after their first term because they found military life to be boring. On the 'plus' side, all but one had martial arts experience and six of the twelve had been a member of a Gun Club of some kind. Yep, Buffy was going to kill them, all twelve at once by herself."I'll make you a deal," I offered. Chaz was giving me his 'I'm a stone yet clearly unhappy with you' face. "At 7:15 tonight, you will show up at Havenstone. I will sign you in, we'll go upstairs to one of the gyms and then warm up for fifteen minutes. When you are ready, or 7:30 rolls around, we are going to the sparing mats. If I lose, you can stay. If you lose, you will write this off as one of a legion of ideas that look good in print yet are foolish in practice. Do you accept?""How many of us do you have to beat for us to join with you and your Crusade?" the lead Irishwoman asked."All of you. I will fight you all at once. The mat space is quite extensive.""You mean all twelve of us against you at the same time?" one of the Turks blinked in disbelief."Yes. I am not disrespecting you, any of you. You've shown initiative, courage and a spirit of adventure. I found all three to be both admirable and worthy of reward (i.e. I will gladly have sex with you). What I am also telling you is of the three people with me, the only one I can most likely defeat in single combat is her," I motioned to Wiesława, "and I'm only saying that because she is 19 and relatively new to the art of killing."Their eyes flickered to Pamela. Chaz was scary without even trying. Pamela could be threatening, or appear harmless, as she wished."Chaz is a professional military man from a long line of diligent warriors and in a branch of service that requires close contact with hostile individuals, teams, tribes, clans and nations.""The woman behind me is much, much worse. I've met precisely three people who could possibly kill her and I killed one of them. Would you agree, Chaz?""Absolutely," he concurred."We know who you two are," a Finn spoke up. She had a dazzling smile and cleavage that had to obscure her toes when she stood."You do?" Pamela played nice. For once, it was technology biting her in the ass, not me. Yay?"You are Rhingyll lliw Siarl Yfory," the Irish lass looked at Chaz. That was Welsh, and meant Color Sergeant Charles Tomorrow, I imagined his superiors in the British military weren't going to be happy with any of us, him being a 'secret military operator', emphasis on the 'secret'."And you are Sverkhsekretnykh Shpiona Vsemed Svaya," the Turkish girl pointed at Pamela. Pamela snorted. In Russian that meant 'Super-secret Spy Pamela Pile'. Since Pamela in Russia was pronounced 'Pamela' they had gone back to the origin of the name of Pamela, a fictitious 17th English novelist creation using mangled Hellenic, which translated as 'all-honey'.'All-honey' in Russian was Vsemed. Pamela snickered. Oh yeah, those twelve had combed through millions of articles and pictures to figure out who Chaz was and who Pamela claimed to be. Actually, one of my Hungarian admires back when we were all in Eastern Europe had suggested Pamela was a remorseful ex-SMERSH agent turned Princely-sidekick. Pamela jabbed me, the unspoken 'sidekick' thing.(For those who don't know, in Russian SMERSH loosely means 'Death to Spies', it really existed from 1943 to 1946 and was resurrected by Ian Fleming as a foil for James Bond.)"Chaz, since Cáel is, without a doubt, already having a stupendously wretched day, we must insist he inform Addison of all three of these developments, in person. I want to see the look on her face," Pamela plotted with the man who had thrown himself between me and an explosive vest, probably out of some psychic impulse that I would suffer far, far worse later, like in today, within less than 24 hours of said act."Why am I here again today?" I lowered my head and groaned."Are you okay?" a dozen innocent voices cried out."We are here to pick up Odette," Wiesława reminded me."Oh yeah, fortune cookies," I mumbled."Is 'Fortune Cookie' a nickname for one of your other operatives? Many of them are real enigmas. We can't find out anything about her," one of the Hungarians said. Yeah, because SD doesn't have a Facebook page, or Twitter account. Odette, she was protected by a completely unremarkable lifestyle, but I had a feeling that was fading fast."Excuse us," I asserted myself. "I need to get something on the third floor. Chaz began pushing forward while Pamela had my back."What are you doing?" to me and "Hey, is that a gun?" to Chaz, then Wiesława. Pamela was too sneaky to get caught."I'm here to pick up Agent Fortune Cookie then head out to a meeting with some really shady characters and my fiancée," I informed them."Agent Fortune Cookie," Chaz mused. "She's going to love that,""And then," Pamela continued."She is going to want a gun," I groaned.Oh goddess! No! Chaz had joined Pamela and my 'group think'."No, I have not," Chaz corrected me, about my mental ruminations."I've been coaching him," Pamela faux-consoled me. As my new prospective bodyguards parted for my current bodyguards,"Do you have psychic powers?" "Where is your android?" and "Is it true you can have sex up to ten times a day?""Yes, but we can't talk about it," then, "Which one? We have six models," and finishing up with, "Yes, I can have sex up to ten times a day with each session lasting at least an hour, though I do need breaks for food, drink, quiet romantic conversations and showers, cause shower-sex is so damn fun."While they mulled that over, I unlocked my door in time to see a nicely-dressed (as if she was about to go out on an expensive lunch date) Odette spring off the sofa. Looking at the crowd behind me, she blessed me with an incredibly happy smile."Oh cool! Do we really have enough time for an orgy?"I wanted to cry.(A Family FUNction, minus the 'fun' part)My fiancée giving me a congenial and contented look. Good.My fuck-buddy/friend Libra giving me a salacious 'you and me are going to hook up soon' smile while dressed in a red, 'business suite/slinky number' combo with a plunging neckline. I put her invite on my mental day-planner. Fellas, if you can't keep it in your mind, forget about it. Print equals pain, believe me.Brooke had joined the lunch group, sharing a smile and wink with Libra with the secret agreement for a three-way. Sweet! I could do this, hmm, lunch break Friday, yum-yum-yum. She was wearing a beige business suit with slacks, minus the shirt. Only her cunningly cut jacket kept her goodies from exposure.Hana was a saint for putting up with those two, and me.Buffy was studying me with the clear desire to put me in a dog cage for the rest of the week. Technically she had to produce my body for work Monday. As for the hot, sweaty, intense Brooke-Libra-Cáel m nage   trois, Buffy was reading the undercurrents and setting up a breakwater. At least her attire suggested well-paid, successful international assassin. I wondered if I had paid for her clothing as well. I'd given Chaz's wardrobe a serious upgrade courtesy of Pamela faking my signature.The gathering was rounded out by Mom, Imogen and Deirdre. Thank God they all had different hair styles and forms of dress. Mom was in 'casual-durable' attire, Imogen was going with the military-chic and Deirdre's get up was in the same style as Hana.I was pleasantly pleased that Hana had reserved two adjacent tables for what she assumed would be my support network, Pamela, Odette, Chaz, Wiesława and Juanita, plus Imogen's five and her (Hana's) two Illuminati minders. That made me squeezing my twelve newest over-eager admirers into the mix doable, if not comfortable. Better yet, none of the new girls was dressed for a restaurant this exclusive.Hana was quietly amused. Buffy was volcanic. Thankfully she was being a volcano on the mid-Atlantic ocean ridge ~ submerged."Chaz, Pamela, explain," Buffy seethed."I don't work for you," Pamela playfully bantered back, "Sweet-Cheeks.""They are part of a clandestine operation to provide cooperation and assistance from the European Union," I offered up in such a sincere manner. I almost had them. Buffy looked to Chaz who opted to channeled his 'inner- Cáel'."I can neither confirm nor deny their status as operators from four European nations," he nodded.Buffy forked a helpless appetizer shrimp then catapulted at one of my Finns, I thought it was Oili. It bounced off her bosom. She couldn't even claim to not have seen it coming."What?" Oili gasped."Operatives?" Buffy sizzled at me."Prince Cáel," Flannery asked, "why did that strange woman throw a, shrimp at Oili?""It was a hand-eye coordination test," Odette informed her. "Had Oili been a real spy, you would have snatched up a nearby napkin, deflect the item with the napkin and all while drawing down on her. It is what they do all the time. It is pretty neat to watch.""Why use a napkin?" Oili asked Odette while eyeing Buffy in case another decapod was coming her way."You use a napkin because the shrimp might have a contact poison on it," Odette rolled her eyes. "Buffy used a fork to flip it at you. She didn't use her hands, so the possibility existed." Pamela gave Odette an 'atta girl' high five."Prince Cáel?" Brooke giggled. "What have you been up to?""Okay. I got this. Ladies, may I introduce Annikki, Belgin, Berit, Flannery, Gizi, Ilkay, Kato, Neve, Nuray, Oili, Pirkko and Zsuzsi. These fine women have decided to put their productive lives on hold so they can be my bodyguards," I made the introductions."They have volunteered to be, basically the 'Hounds of Prince O'Shea/Nyilas/Archer'. My Hounds, please let me introduce Hana, my fiancée, Brooke, my close friend, Libra, a sweet & sincere childhood acquaintance, my Mother, Sibeal, my O'Shea aunts, Deidre & Imogen and Kalmarasērmi Buffy."Despite the absurdity of the situation and my clear irresponsibility, Buffy let a smile crease her frown. 'Kalmarasērmi' was my term for her in the Amazon language = my Mountaintop."I will volunteer my facilities to train them," Aunt Imogen offered me drolly. She was the primary trainer for all O'Shea guardians/Special Forces."Train us?" a half dozen voices murmured."Yes Child. I am Imogen O'Shea, Cáel is the greatest treasure in my life and I have serious doubts any of you can be anything more than distracting bullet-catchers for my favorite (and only) nephew. It annoys me to think you are yet another walking advertisement showing him to be both big-hearted and soft-headed.""I will offer prayers upon the mounds of my ancestors (lie, her only 'ancestor' refused to stay buried) for Cáel's safety. You should invoke whatever supernatural entity you place faith in to keep Cáel safe as well, because if he gets so much as a scratch defending any one of you, I will exercise my nearly endless knowledge of human pain to make you pay.""Is she Ms. Dubois?" Flannery asked Odette."That would be me," Buffy showered fury their way."Do you really want to kill us?" Neve tried to stare Buffy down."Until ten seconds ago, Yes. Now I want to hand you over to these two," she motioned to Deidre and Imogen with her fork."Prince Cáel, why are they all so hostile?" Flannery requested understanding from me. "We have come here to help you. We have skills. All we are asking if for a chance to prove ourselves to you.""To Us," Buffy snapped. "Cáel's vote doesn't count.""Chill, Buffy," I snapped back. "I'm dealing with this, and your lack of trust is pissing me off.""Buffy," Hana intervened. She placed a hand on Buffy's thigh out of sight, yet not outside of my notice. "When was the last time Cáel failed to take your advice on something life-critical? These young ladies appear to be honest and diligent. If not, Pamela and the Color Sergeant wouldn't have let them come here, or near Odette."If I dated dumber women I would have less explaining (lying) to do, but I'd miss the challenge both inside and outside the bedroom. Hana's deft touch and gentle words calmed Buffy more than anything (outside of a righteous cocking) I could have accomplished. I was suddenly seized with the realization there was a goodly number of Katrina's positive attributes in Hana. How had I missed it?"Marrying you is going to be Hana's first step toward mortal beatification," Brooke teased me. Normally only dead people were made saints."A Servant of, probably not Jehovah. I think everyone at the table can agree she has interacted with supernatural forces," Sibeal hid her joking well."Martyring her hopes of monogamy?" Deidre's fey gaze flickered over the women of note (the women at the main table)."Her Heroic Virtue is Prudence?" Buffy added. Buffy had been Catholic?"Ladies, I'm Lutheran. We don't normally venerate saints. Joking aside, I was given a reason to believe this lunch date was important on a social level between myself and my fianc . Food would be nice too."Brooke and Libra's presence regulated Pamela and Chaz to an adjacent table. A waiter slipped in, took my order, I decided to forgo an appetizer because I was late, then the conversation began."Hana, this is my Mother, Sibeal Nyilas. Imogen and Deidre are my family from Ireland," I made the introductions, most definitely unnecessarily. I was buying time to get a better read on the women around me."I know," Hana showered me with mature compassion."Get to it, damn you," Buffy huffed."Wow, I'm thinking of the best way to tell you this," I barely could meet Hana's eyes."I am pregnant with your fianc 's child," Imogen cut to the chase. What she said was delivered on purpose. Imogen wasn't as socially maladjusted as Rachel. The fewer women in my life, the easier the O'Shea would have roping me in. Imogen's words were meant to hurt Hana and drive a wedge between us."You too?" Hana's sad eyes studied Imogen. She hid her anger-disappointment-disgust well. In this crowd her efforts to obfuscate her feeling only worked on Libra and Brooke. Those two ladies were less astute at concealing their surprise."She's your aunt, right?" Libra's look settled on me instead of a blatant Imogen, or a pained Hana."No," Mom answered for me. "My sisters and I were born sterile. It is impossible that our paternal heritage has been passed along. Whatever Imogen's maternal contribution was, it is not from our DNA. My sister does have a child inside her, Havenstone verified it and will have the precise genetic make-up within 24 hours," she persisted (lying)."If Cáel has a failing, it is that he was seduced by my sisters who played upon his very confusing Mother-Son relationship. I faked my death when he was seven. I 'died' in a quite painful manner and he had to watch helplessly as he witnessed me wasting away. I did such a horrible thing to a young boy because the people who were hunting me down, the two O'Shea before you and the nine who aren't here, would have used numerous means of torture to verify my death."(Until they realized 'what' I was. Then my imprisonment would have begun)"My wonderful husband would have died without giving them the truth. It was too much to ask of our son. For fifteen years he believed me dead. He learned the truth at his Father's funeral. I believe every woman at this table knows my son doesn't handle emotional pain well.""Imogen's statement was a thinly-veiled stab at Hana's heart and a kick to my son's sense of responsibility to both Hana and his unborn child. How could this not hurt Hana? How could Cáel possibly respond, torn between the woman who has already sacrificed so much of her happiness for a man barely aware of his own maturity, and the woman bringing his child into the world?""Good one, Imogen. Those two are better than you, or I. By all means, make a mockery of my son, your nephew, who has pledged to fight for your life when he should clearly walk away and let the rest of you die. He asks nothing of you yet you feel no remorse at sullying his happiness.""There are ten good reasons for you getting up and walking out of here intact right now. There are six better reasons for making you pay for your cruelty," she threatened."Ten?" Brooke whispered."The sisters' five bodyguards, the two body guards they gifted me with, Deidre, Imogen and Cáel. You don't think he would let the woman bearing his child take a beating, do you Brooke?" Hana enlightened her."No.""The Six?" Libra scanned the room."My other two bodyguards won't act unless I am directly threatened. They won't be out to hurt anyone. If anyone tries to hurt me, they will jump straight to the making them dead option. The 'Six' are Buffy, Pamela, Chaz, Juanita, Special Agent Maddox and Sibeal.""We'd help," Libra insisted. Brooke was onboard with that proclamation."No," came forth from Hana, Mom and me."Brooke and Libra; you two, Odette, the other twelve and the wait staff will only confuse the issue. My sisters and their soldiers will use you and the rest to distract Cáel. Except for Ms. Maddox, the rest won't give a fuck so your best bet is to hit the deck and let the professionals deal with things," Mom clarified."Brooke, Libra, this is a wacko chicks with guns moment," I put things in perspective."Hana?" Libra put a hand on Hana's shoulder."Don't mind me," she patted Libra's hand. "I'm diving for cover and not getting up until you, Brooke, Cáel, or Buffy tell me to get up. Sorry Sibeal, but I don't know you that well yet.""I understand," Mom agreed.To punctuate the awkwardness of the moment, Aisha (the Arabic swimsuit model) and three other SD ladies waltzed into the place and took a table. When the maytre dee tried to impede them, Aisha threatened to exterminate his entire extended family with a look alone. Been there, done that, and the maytre dee was nowhere close to being in my league.I had to think that through. Had Buffy called them, the SD would have been here before I arrived. Pamela was a possibility, except the SD still hated her over Constanza's maiming. If she told them my life 'was' in danger, they would still show up. My life wasn't in danger and Pamela wouldn't yank their chain.It had to be Juanita. The head of my bodyguard telling Elsa that I was in an exposed position with 9 armed Illuminati would have elicited this level of response. Pamela prodded Odette. Odette had a 'what do you want me to do' non-verbal exchange with Pamela then got up and went over to Aisha.Odette even remembered to navigate the room in such a manner Aisha and her team could keep an uninterrupted view of the threat. Pamela and Chaz's lessons were paying off. They weren't training her in the lethal arts. They were showing her how to not be an obstacle, which was better, given our current circumstances."Hana, don't hate Imogen. The only parent she's ever known was Granddad," I returned my attention to the crisis at hand."Oh, I'm sorry," Hana sent sympathetic waves Imogen's way. If there was a hint of 'you bitch' hidden within those words, none of us would admit it."Yes, yes," Imogen smiled back. "Father was a real troll.""That's not true," Hana responded. "I've met him and he has always been very nice to me. It was easy for me to look past the nations of dead he's murdered, his propensity to rape his daughters and his plans to destroy my Cáel.""I don't hold you to blame for not protecting Cáel more than you have. He's a handful and reminds you of your Father, the mass-murdering rapist. And Imogen, don't try to hurt Cáel using me again, you Bitch. I'm not a part of your circus. That doesn't render me powerless. I love more than I hate. I count a person great by the lives they save, not those they take. Where there is Valor, there is Hope and my fianc  has both in spades. Do we understand one another?""Proving you are smarter than Ms. Sievert is not something which equates to being a threat," Deidre countered."Cáel, why aren't you saying something?" Brooke whispered to me."Because he knows better," Mom grinned. "This is a battle Hana has to win, or lose, on her own.""Cáel has plenty of women willing to go behind his back and kill people, Brooke. Now, if Hana asks for such a favor, we know it is not over some petty bullshit," rolled menacingly forth from Buffy as her feral countenance made a few of the Illuminati at the next table nervous."That won't be necessary," I broke up the tension. "We are as dysfunctional a family as they come, but we are family and we will all treat one another as such by the standards of the only one who matters. Clear?""You?" Deidre soothed me."No. Ferko Nyilas', my Father and the best man I've ever known. He taught me to never make excuses for your own behavior. Surrendering our control over our lives is a cop-out. If you want to continue acting like the creepy-ass bitch daughters of Cáel O'Shea, so be it. That is your choice to make. I care for you.""I care enough for you to fight Granddad over your futures. I hope all of you know I mean what I say. Whatever you decide to do, no matter how you act, I will always love you. I've made my choices and I am going to hold you responsible for yours. Let's eat lunch. It has been a rough fucking day and it isn't over yet."If there was ever any doubt, I destroyed those twelve hopeful bodyguards on the mats. They possessed neither the skill nor the savagery necessary in a warrior culture. We Amazons didn't recoil from pain. Our sisters' lives were on the line. That was why you practiced no-holds-barred fighting with, or without, weapons."We can learn," the lead Finn protested. The rest were getting over the physical and spiritual pain of being so easily beaten."My normal bodyguards go through three years of intense 24/7 training. Being a member of that elite body means you train in all forms of weapons as well as hand-to-hand combat techniques.""Once you've mastered the core physical and skill baseline requirements, and this core training never stops, no point is considered 'good enough', you begin learning at least two specialties. Those are disciplines such as close-protection, sniping, small unit tactics, infiltration, battlefield medicine, electronics, computing, communication systems, linguistics and 'training' expertise.""In my current team, the ones who fought at my side in Hungry and Romania, all have three specialties. Discounting their regimen since the age of five, each had been on the job in a professional capacity at least six years. The leader had eleven years in.""Finally, when you are at that level of excellence, you need a specific mindset. What you need to do is think why you shouldn't kill someone, not if you should. If there is any doubt, you strike. If you hesitate, someone close to you might be killed, not just me.""Look around you. If you aren't ready to kill for any of your companions, you will never cut it. Now, I'm going to have you shown out. I will have taxis take you back to your hotel. Think about it. Seriously, think about dedicating yourself to more than some stranger you've met on the internet.""You will be dedicating yourself to the other elven women in your group, to the death. That is the level of spiritual dedication it takes to be at my side. Go, take a rest, talk it over, search your souls. Call me if any of you want to continue and we can have lunch Sunday and make plans. Questions?""Do the other women around you do this, make those choices?" one of the Turkish women frowned while nursing a bruised jaw."No. They have it worse. They have thrown their old lives away, never to return. Each and every one has either murdered a human being, or attempted to, before they are even considered for the task.""Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't be having his conversation. You would never be given the chance. You are woefully unqualified in every way except spirit. Your willingness to cross the Atlantic to make your offers resonates with me, so I am both warning you this is horrible, horrible path you are taking and I am explaining precisely how slender any of your chances are of accomplishing your goals.""I, I don't know," whispered one of the Hungarian lasses."At the Seven Skulls, I led three such women into combat (Rachel, Charlotte and Saku) against a group of warriors who were fighting free of 500 elite Romanian Mountain Troops. Of the Romanians, nearly 200 were either dead, or wounded. The FBI Special Agent we took with us was badly wounded."One of the three was killed, a head shot, and the remainder left her body where she had fallen because the enemy were still out there and they had to protect me. The world will not bend to your sensitivities. Life around me is exceedingly dangerous and unforgiving," I finished.No immediate consensus united them. Fear and disbelief were the major vibes I was picking up. None of them were angry, insulted, or overly terrified."Time for you to go," Buffy concluded our meeting. "Tigger Maeve and Dora Farānak, would you please see Cáel's guests to the lobby." A new pleasure of Buffy's was using the House names of the Full-bloods she interacted with.I have taken a few mystic liberties:Maeve was a Celtic War Goddess ~ the Enslaver of Men.Farānak was a Scythian Goddess also known as the Lynx Goddess and the Silent Huntress.As for the other new hires:Daphne was, as explained earlier, of House Cotyttia (Thracian Goddess of Sex, War and Slaughter)Fabiola was of House Minerva (Roman Goddess of War & Strategy)Violet Maza was in House Oshun, the Yoruba Goddess of Love, Sexuality, Beauty and Diplomacy; Lady of the Orisha ~ life spirits.Paula Wadena was of House Cybele (Phrygian Earth Mother, Guardian of the Lion Throne)}They were dismissed and smart enough to know that was the best possible answer to their current predicament, learning your romantic adventure was actually a gory supernatural battle for survival. A growing number of Isharans had been gathering while I dealt with the wannabes. A few were amused, perhaps even understanding, of my actions.Soon enough, using her position as Record Keeper of House Ishara, Helena cajoled the other Amazons into giving us peace and quiet. Not all left. Watching a jury-rigged House Ishara work through its business in a semi-public setting was an event both unlooked for and possibly enlightening.For this gathering, we had 122 of the 159 members. The missing members were not close enough, or were providing a critical function that wouldn't allow them to be in New York on this night."Sisters, a moment of personal prayer for each of us to seek guidance from our Ancestors as we seek to continue their legacy," I intoned softly, calling the meeting to order.I had barely opened my eyes, failing to get any inspiration from Yakko, when the struggle began."Why are we including them in a House Ishara meeting?" Madori pointed out the three 'new hires' who were sticking around."Memasant (Amazon for to speak true)," I answered her. Since Daphne, Paula and Violet had clearly been sitting among us before the meeting began, I gave Buffy a disappointing frown. "Ishara respects these three for teaching the rest of you the Amazon language so that we can teach it to others, thus all of you becoming able to engage all our sisters in our native tongue.""I doubt any other House would extend this honor to others. Thankfully, we are not like any other House. We know better. We have all been outsiders. We aren't a 'normal' House and I am working toward us never being one. We have to be kind and just when necessary, and forgive when it is what the Host needs.""We will do this because we Isharans alone will decide on the prestige of our sisters. If the other Houses make an issue of it, who cares? None of them have made the sacrifices necessary to be Isharans. I know that you have not all gathered here tonight to hear me pontificate. Who wants to be first?""Will you accept a challenge?" Madori stood up. We had spread out in a ring, two Amazons deep, along the edges of the mats. I had never sat down."Put forth your complaint," I responded."You emphasize duties other than that of a House Head. You don't take the time to show up at initiation ceremonies. In essence, you ignore your sisters to advance your own prestige.""Yes, I am not showing up at the initiation ceremonies.""Yes, I prioritize other activities over running the day-to-day operations of our House.""Yes, you are utterly ignoring the two Amazons sitting at either side of me. I chose Buffy Ishara and Helena Ishara to lead this House because I knew I would have others issues coming up in my life concerning the Host.""Buffy, are you challenging me?""No, Wakko Ishara," she responded angrily. She wasn't angry with me. She had chosen the majority of the assembly and they were turning on me, thus her."Helena, are you challenging me?""No Wakko Ishara. I am intimately familiar with your work and the dangers you constantly confront for the greater Host," she answered in an equally hostile tone."Now that the issue of relevance has been dealt with, I will accept any challenge from any of you selfish, bigoted, power-hungry cunts who wish to put your own self-interest above that of our House. By all means, stumble over one another for the top spot," I mocked them. I'd played nice. No more.It was telling that my classification of any challenger was completely ignored. Madori and five supporters stood. In theory, challenges were the rare 1-on-1 Amazon experience. Another Amazon, Arianne, stood with another supporter."Cool beans," I nodded.I backed up, stepped off the mats and picked up the four axes I had pre-prepared. Back on the mat I went past my handful of supporters, brandished two weapons and advanced a quarter way onto the sparring area. The mass of my opponents muttered in confusion and resentment."Ishara, we have not trained in archaic weapons. Most of our facilities never had then," Madori protested."Amazons don't play fair," I glared. Several migrated to the walls to pick out whatever looked the least daunting. Buffy, Helena, Marsha, Daphne Cotyttia, Violet Oshun and Paula Cybele did likewise."Is this how you want to answer a challenge for leadership?" Madori glowered. "Cheating, utilizing a clear advantage in a farce of equality and justice?""No. Please step back and call every member of JIKIT," my eyes narrowed. "How about this, call the Amazon's contact with the Earth & Sky? Can't do that either? How about convince the 9 Clans to help us pursue a House obligation?""You duties as Chief Diplomat are not that of Isharan House Head and actually make you less of a House Head," she countered. She had chosen a short spear, using it two-handed. And that made Katrina what precisely?"I should fucking kill you," Buffy snarled."Madori Ishara, Dot-Ishara is not the Goddess of Scrabble. She is not the Goddess of," and Madori tried to catch me flat-footed with a spear-thrust. I was appalled at how easy I dealt with her. My right axe diverted her spear enough so when I twisted my stance, she missed. I placed the head of my left axe on her shoulder, blade against her throat."Madori, you lose. Sit back down and contemplate that you were beaten by a 22 year old man," I seethed. There was no 'you didn't give me a chance' bullshit. She had struggled for advancement in the Amazon way. Such people weren't crybabies. "Next."Arianne approached me with a shield and short sword. My read on the situation was she was going to use acrobatics to compensate for my superior reach. I readied myself."I don't suppose you would accept a suggestion we fight unarmed?" she put out there. I took two steps toward her then dropped my axes."I trust you," I looked down at her. I could see the 'oh, fuck me' written all over her face. The unfairness had been tossed in her lap. She put the point of her leaf-shaped blade under the left side of my ribcage, close to my kidney."Yield.""Never.""Yield, or I will kill you."I took a quarter-inch penetration when I clamped down on her right wrist and slammed my elbow into her face. A quick exchange of footwork ended up with both of us on the mat, Arianne on her back, sword pinned to the mat and her shield trapped between us. Head-butt followed head-butt until she was unresponsive.I stood up, blood oozing down my side."Water!" I barked. A bottled water was rolled my way. Three more Amazons were sizing me up. This challenge phase was far from over. I splashed water down on Arianne's face until she sputtered into wakefulness."Pathetic," I sneered at her. "This House is worth any and all of our lives. If you were the best candidate to lead this house and I refused to yield, then why did you spare me? Not only could you not kill me when you clearly could, you failed to do so even when it became an unequal contest of arms."Arianne was shamed and furious. I was treating her like a presumptuous, outsider woman."I'm feeling particularly generous in victory, Arianne, don't you dare stand up," I growled when she tried. "I will not kill you for your disrespect. I will not exile you from our House because doing so would show both of us failing to grasp one of the key principles of our People, learn. Learn and keep learning. A loss is nothing more than a temporary setback. Learn, don't repeat the same mistake twice and never stop striving for success until you take yourself to the cliffs."One of the two newes

Music: Reflections Of Light, by Jonathan Urie

Matthew 17:1-9

Mountain Top Reggae Station del 28 marzo 2025 La puntata di Mountain Top Reggae Station del 28 marzo 2025 Per diffondere questa puntata: https://www.radiotandem.it/mountain-top-reggae-station-del-28-marzo-2025 Tutti i podcast di Mountain Top Reggae Station: https://www.radiotandem.it/mountain-top-reggae-station

This episode is the fourth in a series of Stuart McMillan chatting with and introducing various presenters from The Speed Summit, brought to you by 3X4 Genetics. Our guest this time is Univeristy of Kansas Men's Basketball Director of Performance Dr. Ramsey Nijem. Stuart and Ramsey talk Experiencing the Mountaintop, New NCAA Realities, Mapping out Coaching Philosophy, Sharing Information ... and much more. The Speed Summit will take place June 6-8 in Chicago, Illinois. Registration is now OPEN and Early Bird Pricing is available through March 31. Big thanks to our sponsors 3X4 Genetics, 1080 Motion, STATSports and TeamBuildr.

During the filming of Sacred Sight, on the Big Island expedition, in search of a lost pyramid, we camped on a mountain top with a sky window through dense forest and had a campfire, with a fireside chat.Unexpectedly, Me, Ceb Bland and Zach Royer, were visited by UFOs in the double digits. The audio recording of this scene is in the documentary Sacred Sight in video form. Also, featuring a bookend talking about the latest finds at the Giza plateau, about lies underneath the pyramids.This recording had to undergo a voice repair which left the dialogue a little warped. We sound a bit retarded. You can now see the theatrical version for SACRED SIGHT for FREE on YouTube :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzxLuFmp5vcThe whole movie (DIRECTOR'S CUT) is available on pattern:https://www.patreon.com/c/LuemasHelp support Luemas on the sequel for Sacred Sight @ https://www.sacredsight.infoShow website:⁠https://www.chantitdownradio.com/⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmTlBzFViiv58N4_K9On0UQ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chantitdown/⁠Telegram:⁠https://t.me/chantitdown⁠Odysee: ⁠https://odysee.com/@chantitdownradio:c⁠Rumble: ⁠https://rumble.com/user/Chantitdownradio⁠Please help support the show. Subscribe, leave reviews, help algorithms find the show. Support the show if possible.Support Luemas in his new documentary join Patreon and get the extra show: Afterthoughts : ⁠https://www.patreon.com/Luemas⁠⁠https://www.chantitdownradio.com/store.html⁠Chant it down t-shirts: https://chant-it-down-store.creator-spring.com/listing/chant-it-down-logo

Are you interested in a challenging yourself?  Have you been struggling in your goals? In this episode I talk with Jenn Drummond. Jenn is a Mom of 7. She's also a successful business owner and World Record holder. As the first woman to climb the second highest summits on each of the 7 continents, she now spends her time inspiring others to create a thriving business and lasting legacy of their own. She shares her story and strategies for success through her book, Quit Proof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals, and her Seek Your Summit podcast, programs, and signature talks. She elevates devoted and determined entrepreneurs to go beyond a life of success to a life of significance. Today, we discuss how we can all make it to the summit of our dreams. We discuss the importance of committing to your goals, and why the goal you choose matters.   Questions I asked: ·      What is second summit? ·      Can you tell us about your accident? ·      How did you survive? ·      What happened next that led to mountain climbing? ·      Can you tell us about your 7 kids? ·      Why did you choose 7 2nd Summits? ·      Why do we need to fully commit? ·      How do we build our own support system? ·      How do we master our own summit? ·      How do we turn our mindset around? ·      Why isn't the goal the whole thing? ·      How can we get over our fears to achieve a goal? ·      How can you prepare to climb a mountain? ·      What did your diet look like for training? ·      How do we own where we are ·      Where can people find you online?   Topics Discussed: ·      Goal setting. ·      Climbing Everest. ·      Overcoming challenges. ·      Finding success. ·      Finding support. ·      Commitment. ·      Healthy mindset. ·      Positive thinking.   Quotes from the show: ·      “Once I launched my kids into college, I could get back to my passions.” @thejenndrummond @SisterhoodSweat ·      “The accident made me reset and made me question my beliefs.” @thejenndrummond @SisterhoodSweat ·      “I don't get to choose when I do, but I get to choose how I live.” @thejenndrummond @SisterhoodSweat ·      “We don't have all the time in the world.” @thejenndrummond @SisterhoodSweat     How you can stay in touch with Jenn: ·       https://www.jenndrummond.com  ·       https://www.facebook.com/jenndrummondutah/ ·       https://www.instagram.com/thejenndrummond/ ·       https://www.youtube.com/@jenndrummond     How you can stay in touch with Linda: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube SoundCloud   "Proud Sponsors of the Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T" Essential Formulas  

Old Testament Reading Exodus 34:29-35New Testament Reading 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

Stay The Course: The Elite Performer's 7 Secret Keys to Sustainable SuccessThis book is about having the mindset to overcome any obstacle and garner more wins in your life. Filled with quotes, stories and actionable advice this book will help you to learn:The major key of elite performance that enables the other 7.The habits of successful people that create a dynamic life.How to increase your effectiveness in your workplace.How to have an excellent day, every day.Why crisis creates the champion that you are meant to be."In Dom's new book, he shares his experiences & the actions he's found crucial to creating success & an extraordinary life. Throughout the pages, Dom shares his knowledge, stories, & most importantly his heart, to inspire each of us to keep on going & grow into the life we deserve.” - Wendy Elover, Serial Entrepreneur & Author of “My Cape is At the Cleaners”“Dom Brightmon has taken thousands of pages of wisdom covering centuries of humanities greatest achievements and is putting his own interpretation on the work and delivering it to you, in the book you are holding in your hands. Be ready to learn, be ready to grow.” - Mike Shelah, LinkedIn Consultant & Keynote Speaker“In Stay the Course: The Elite Performers 7 Secret Keys to Sustainable Success, Dominique Brightmon provides next-level insights. This is a practical field guide to get you to greatness. Dominique lives his message and practices what he preaches. These tips and strategies are relevant and immediately applicable. Buy this book today and stay the course to your Mountaintop.” - Jeff Davis, author of “Reach Your Mountaintop” and authentic leadership expert, jeffdspeaks.com“I highly encourage all winners or future winners to read this book. Dom lays out the best advice on how to achieve your dreams in the most organized and complete fashion. Highly recommend reading this book, as many will be able to relate and learn from it.” - Christy Callahan-Cromwell, Personal Trainer, Volleyball Coach & Author of “Top Keys for Weight Loss”“Stay the Course is a must-read for everyone looking to get to their next level. It is motivational and inspirational. Dom provides quotes and stories that are encouraging and relatable to readers. If you are looking to achieve and maintain your success then Stay the Course is the book for you.” - Christina Alva, Serial Entrepreneur & Author of “Beyond the Job Description”Want to be a guest on Book 101 Review? Send Daniel Lucas a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17372807971394464fea5bae3 #PodMatch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had a powerful “mountaintop” moment in your faith—only to struggle when coming back to daily life? In this episode, we dive into the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) and explore: How to seek moments of transformation in your spiritual life What it means to carry the light of Christ into everyday struggles The power of prayer to open our hearts to God's transformative love Lent is a season of renewal—don't miss this episode that will challenge and inspire you to draw near to God in a deeper way! Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

John is joined by our Man Up retreat speaker, PastorJonathan, to talk about next steps after coming down from a spiritual Mountaintop. They talk about responding to God's prompting and practical things we can do to make it stick. The tools shared are useful for anyone who wants to see God change their life.To learn more about the Tabernacle visit us online at: thetabchurch.com

Discover Christ-centered leadership lessons from Luke 9 that will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose—whether you're on the mountaintop or deep in the valley. In this episode of the Transforming Mission Podcast, we explore the turning point in Jesus' ministry when he asks, "Who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9:20). This question is central to your identity and calling as a leader. How you answer shapes how you live, lead, and love in your church, community, and family. You'll also learn how the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) prepares you for the valleys of leadership. We unpack practical insights for leading with hope in the messy, hard places where leadership gets real. ✅ This episode is for you if: You're seeking clarity about your leadership calling.  You struggle with public opinion and want to stay grounded in Christ. You desire to lead with hope, even in times of suffering or uncertainty. You want to understand the deeper meaning of the mountaintop and valley experiences in leadership. Key topics include:  ✔️ Kingdom leadership lessons from Luke 9  ✔️ The identity and purpose of Christ-centered leaders  ✔️ What the Transfiguration means for leadership today  ✔️ How to navigate public opinion vs. your God-given calling  ✔️ Leading with hope and presence in messy, real-life situations  ✔️ Why listening to Jesus brings clarity in leadership

Recorded from the mountain that saved me back in 2018 when I could hardly walk up the street. Reflecting on my recent adventures to NYC and AZ, how far I've come, the tools I have now and how this journey is not linear. The power of goals, adventures and creating life! Get inspired to create your own adventures, goals and path ahead!xoAddie BPS- don't forget to check the notes and sign up for the next event to start creating the next you! SPRING EVENT SIGN UP: MEfirst Guide Spring into Your Future Self Planning Event at the link! Oder HERE Free Visioning Meditation (goes with Ep 160 Unlock Your Future: Create Vision for Midlife Transformation) Get Social with Me!Don't do it alone- us badasses gotta stick together ;)FREE Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mefirstsisterhoodFacebook Namaslayer (LIVE Sundays at 9 AM Pacific / Noon Eastern)YouTube Addie Beall @addiebeall2574Instagram @addiebeall_namaslayer

Follow us on BlueSky! https://bsky.app/profile/gigaboots.com New Chugging Bleach! https://youtu.be/7blbb5gjd6w Podlord Song: https://youtu.be/jdkTdaNJsvs Industry Burning Down Song: https://youtu.be/6XJmalxng0Q Become a podlord or normal patron today! http://www.patreon.com/GBPodcasts RSS Feed: https://gbpods.podbean.com/ Kris' BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/kriswolfheart.bsky.social Dr. Aggro's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/draggro.bsky.social Bob's BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/gigabob.bsky.social GB Main Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/gigaboots GB Fan Discord: https://discord.gg/XAGcxBk #ChronoTrigger #KatamariDamacy #DeathStranding2   Tags: gigaboots,chrono trigger,silent hill f,pipistrello and the cursed yoyo,Katamari Damacy,Ken Kaneki,Death Stranding 2 on the beach,Wild Blue,Star Fox,Chuhai Labs,Blizzcon 2026,Time Gal HD,Ninja Hayate HD,Moon Studios,Focus entertainment,no rest for the wicked,private division,Apple Intelligence,Ubisoft,EA,Skate Pre-alpha,microtransactions,Bethesda Oblivion Unreal Engine 5,Spectre Divide,Mountaintop

"I wasn't voted most likely to succeed. Instead, it was most likely to be found on a mountaintop in Guadalajara writing the world's most profound three-word sentence."  The Author Mark 9:2-13 (when they looked around, they saw no one else with them anymore) #IC 79: A Farewell Address from the Mountaintop (1/29/12)  #IC 90: Moments of Epiphany (5/23/12) #IC 80: Revelation Weekend (2/5/12)  

March and April is spring wildfire season in Virginia. This is also the time when foresters do prescribed burns, to reduce fuel that could feed larger wildfires. Paula Whyman owns a 200-acre property in Rappahannock County, where she set out to do a prescribed burn on her property. She wanted to see if a small … … Continue reading →

Numbers 23: Balaam's Prophecies Over Israel Numbers 23 is a critical chapter in the biblical narrative, highlighting God's sovereignty over His chosen people, Israel. It takes place in the broader story of Balak, the king of Moab, who hires Balaam, a pagan diviner, to curse Israel because he fears their strength and growing presence. However, instead of cursing Israel, Balaam is compelled by God to bless them. Summary of Numbers 23 1.Balak's First Attempt to Have Israel Cursed (23:1-12) Balak takes Balaam to a high place called Bamoth Baal, from where he can see part of Israel's camp. Balaam instructs Balak to build seven altars and offer sacrifices on them. Balaam goes aside to seek the Lord, and God puts a message in his mouth. Instead of cursing Israel, Balaam proclaims a blessing, declaring that Israel is a special nation, set apart by God. Balak is frustrated, but Balaam reminds him that he can only speak what God commands. 2.Balak's Second Attempt to Have Israel Cursed (23:13-26) Hoping for a different outcome, Balak takes Balaam to another location, the field of Zophim, on the top of Pisgah, where he can see more of Israel. Again, seven altars are built, and sacrifices are made. Balaam seeks the Lord, and once more, God gives him a message of blessing for Israel. He proclaims that God does not change His mind like humans and that He has blessed Israel, and no curse can overturn that. Balaam also declares that Israel will be victorious over its enemies. Balak is increasingly angry, but Balaam insists he can only declare what God reveals to him. Key Themes in Numbers 23 1.God's Sovereignty Despite Balak's attempts to manipulate events, God remains in control. Balaam, though a pagan diviner, is used by God to deliver truth, showing that God can work through anyone to fulfill His purposes. 2.The Unchangeable Blessing of God Balaam's second prophecy (23:19-20) is particularly powerful: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” This emphasizes that when God blesses, no human power can reverse it. 3.God's Protection Over Israel Israel is described as a nation separated for God, a people who will be victorious. This foreshadows God's faithfulness to Israel throughout history, despite challenges and opposition. Lessons from Numbers 23 God's Word is Final: No external force can override what God has spoken. If God declares blessing over someone, it will stand. Faithfulness Over Fear: Balak operates from fear, but fear leads to futile attempts to resist God's will. Trusting in God's plan is always better. God Uses Unexpected People: Balaam, a non-Israelite and a diviner, becomes a mouthpiece for God. This shows that God can use anyone to accomplish His purpose. Conclusion Numbers 23 is a powerful reminder that God's will prevails over human schemes. Despite Balak's determination to harm Israel, God turns the intended curse into a blessing. The chapter reinforces that God is faithful, His word is unchangeable, and His protection over His people is secure. This remains an encouraging message for believers today: when God blesses, no one can reverse it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

With declining church attendance and shifting values, there's no denying that our culture's posture toward Christianity has changed. Some say America is now “post-Christian,” but author Aaron Renn believes it is downright “anti-Christian.” In a recent NY Times profile, Renn explains why he thinks Christianity now occupies a “negative world,” and why the winsome approach of leaders like Tim Keller should be abandoned for more aggressive tactics. Then, Phil talks with legendary musician, songwriter, and producer Charlie Peacock about his new memoir, “Roots in Rhythm: A Life in Music.” Also this week, a leaked memo reveals the real impact of Trump's foreign aid cuts and immigration policy, and what exhibits would you add to the Museum of Failure?   Holy Post Plus: Bonus Interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124128840/   Ad-free Version of this episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/124154267/ 0:00 - Show Starts   2:35 - Theme Song   2:00 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/STAND to join The Path to support vulnerable communities around the world!   3:10 - Sponsor - Bushnell University - Equip yourself to be transformative in your community! Go to https://www.bushnell.edu   5:10 - Museum of Failure   10:35 - Trump Cutting Funding—to the US?   24:30 - Negative World   32:57 - Crotch Christianity?   53:00 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   54:10 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month   55:20 - Interview   1:06:00 - Personal Spirituality and the Music Industry   1:14:22 - Death on the Mountaintop   1:31:30 - End Credits   Links from News Segment: Museum of Failure: https://abc7news.com/post/museum-failure-look-legal-challenges-surrounding-what-could-san-franciscos-newest-attraction/15955141/   Article on Aaren Renn by Ruth Graham and Madeleine Hordinski: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/us/aaron-renn-christianity-conservative-negative-world.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c&pvid=37FBD019-9B01-4CB8-B85C-587FBFCB4794#   Other Resources: Roots and Rhythm by Charlie Peacock: A Life in Music: https://a.co/d/2lwSYE2   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying  purchases.  

Who God Blesses, No Man Can Curse. Numbers 22, Baalam and Balak. Hello everyone, in our Bible Study today, on Send Me Radio we will be looking at Numbers 22. Subscribe to Send Me Radio YouTube and Facebook page. Send Me Radio, for awesome Christian content! Numbers 22, Throughout the Bible, one unshakable truth stands firm: when God blesses someone, no human effort can undo it. That's why if you're a child of God who trusts in Him, and walk in His precepts, don't be afraid of the snares of others and their feelings about you, no matter their wealth, or status. Their schemes, animosity, and slander are all fallible. I'll reverberate that you should not whether through curses, opposition, or schemes, God's will prevails, and His favour remains unchangeable. From the story of Balaam and Balak to the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, David, and even Jesus Christ, we see this divine principle in action.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Life is full of mountaintop moments but we also experience valleys, seasons of struggle, doubt, and hardship. In this message by Pastor Andre Sushchik, we see how God strengthens our character under pressure, and deepens our faith through trials. No matter where you are, on the mountaintop or in the valley, God is with you. Watch or listen to this message and be encouraged! Psalm 23:4, Psalm 1:1, psalm 34:18, John 16:33, 1 Kings 19:1-12   Website: http://www.newlifechurchsf.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeSF/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/7Ig-qXgVAmE/ Pastor Alex Klimchuk New Life Church 500 S 1st Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Numbers 20: Historical and Archaeological Facts, Scriptures, and Chapter Summary Chapter Summary Numbers 20 is a pivotal chapter in the Israelites' wilderness journey, covering three key events: 1.The Death of Miriam (Numbers 20:1) – Miriam, Moses' sister and a key figure in Israel's history, dies at Kadesh. 2.Moses Strikes the Rock (Numbers 20:2-13) – The Israelites complain about a lack of water. God tells Moses to speak to a rock, but instead, he strikes it, leading to his and Aaron's punishment. 3.Edom Denies Passage (Numbers 20:14-21) – The Israelites request to pass through Edom but are refused, forcing them to take a longer route. 4.The Death of Aaron (Numbers 20:22-29) – Aaron dies on Mount Hor, and his son Eleazar succeeds him as high priest. This chapter marks a transition from the first generation of Israelites (who left Egypt) to the second generation who would enter the Promised Land.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Numbers 19 is a significant chapter in the Old Testament that outlines the laws regarding the red heifer and its use in purification rituals. This ordinance was given by God to Moses and Aaron and was crucial for maintaining ritual purity among the Israelites. The chapter begins with God commanding Moses and Aaron to take a red heifer that is without blemish, has no defect, and has never been yoked. The heifer was to be brought outside the camp and slaughtered in the presence of the priest, Eleazar. Eleazar was to sprinkle its blood seven times toward the front of the Tabernacle.The entire heifer—its hide, flesh, blood, and dung—was to be burned. Cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet wool were thrown into the fire as it burned. Afterward, a clean man was to gather the ashes and store them in a clean place outside the camp, to be used for purification from sin. The ashes of the red heifer were mixed with running (fresh) water to create the "water of purification." This water was used to cleanse those who became ritually unclean, particularly from contact with a dead body. A person who touched a dead body became unclean for seven days. On the third and seventh days, they were to be sprinkled with the water of purification to be cleansed. If someone refused to be purified, they remained unclean and were cut off from the community.Objects, tents, and vessels that came into contact with the dead also had to be purified using the water. The red heifer ritual symbolized the need for purification from sin and death. The ashes, mixed with water, provided a way for people to be cleansed and restored to purity. Many Christian scholars see the red heifer as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice cleanses people from sin. Just as the heifer was sacrificed outside the camp, Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12). The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness, showing that impurity must be dealt with before a person can approach God. Numbers 19 serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision for purification and points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who cleanses believers from all sin. It highlights the need for spiritual purification, the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the understanding that sin and death require divine redemption.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Exodus 17 – Water from the Rock and Victory Over Amalek Exodus 17 is a crucial chapter in Israel's journey through the wilderness, showcasing God's provision and power. It highlights two key events: the miraculous provision of water from the rock at Rephidim and Israel's victory over the Amalekites through divine intervention. After leaving the Wilderness of Sin, the Israelites camped at Rephidim, where they found no water to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, demanding water, and accused him of bringing them out of Egypt to die of thirst. Moses, distressed by their complaints, cried out to the Lord. God instructed him to take his staff—the same one used to part the Red Sea—and strike the rock at Horeb. When Moses did so, water gushed out, providing for the people. This place was named Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) because the Israelites tested the Lord by questioning whether He was among them. Soon after, the Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men and go out to fight, while he stood on a hill with the staff of God in his hand. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but when he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Seeing this, Aaron and Hur supported Moses by holding up his hands until sunset, ensuring Israel's victory. After the battle, God commanded Moses to write the event down as a memorial and declared that He would blot out Amalek's memory from under heaven. Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi, meaning “The Lord is my banner,” signifying God's power and protection over Israel. Exodus 17 teaches profound lessons about God's faithfulness and the importance of trust, obedience, and intercession. The provision of water illustrates that God sustains His people even when circumstances seem impossible, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate “rock” from which living water flows (1 Corinthians 10:4). The battle against Amalek demonstrates that victory comes not merely through human effort but through dependence on God. The image of Moses' upheld hands symbolizes prayer and intercession, highlighting the need for spiritual perseverance and communal support. This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's provision, rely on His strength in battles, and uphold one another in faith.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Numbers 18: The Responsibilities and Privileges of the Priests and Levites Numbers 18 is a chapter in the Book of Numbers in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament that outlines the duties and privileges of the Levites and priests (Aaronic priesthood) concerning the tabernacle and the offerings of Israel. This chapter establishes the structure of priestly service, the inheritance of the Levites, and the tithe system that sustains their work. God directly speaks to Aaron, defining the specific duties and responsibilities of the priests and Levites in caring for the sanctuary. Only Aaron and his descendants are allowed to handle the most sacred aspects of worship, while the Levites are assigned to assist them. God warns that any unauthorized individual (non-Levite) who approaches the holy objects or enters restricted areas will bear the penalty of death. This separation of roles ensures that the sanctuary remains holy and that its services are carried out properly. The Levites are designated as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel, a concept that originates from Exodus 13:1-2, where God claimed the firstborn of Israel as His own after sparing them during the Passover in Egypt. Rather than requiring the service of every firstborn male in Israel, God chooses the Levites as His dedicated servants to perform the work of the tabernacle. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites do not receive land as an inheritance. Instead, they are given the tithes and offerings brought by the Israelites, which are considered holy to God. This system ensures that the Levites can focus on their spiritual duties rather than agricultural or economic labor. God explicitly states in Numbers 18:20, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.” The Levites' dependence on God's provision reinforces the idea that their work is solely devoted to ministering in the tabernacle. The Israelites are required to give a tenth (tithe) of their produce to support the Levites. This tithe system, established in Numbers 18:21-24, ensures that the Levites are sustained while they serve in the tabernacle. However, the Levites are not exempt from giving; they are required to offer a tithe from their received portion to the priests as an offering to the Lord (Numbers 18:26-29). This principle creates a cycle of giving that sustains both the priests and Levites in their service to God. Strict rules and consequences are outlined for the handling of holy offerings. The sacred portions of the offerings are reserved for the priests and their families, ensuring that only those ordained for temple service may consume them. Unauthorized handling of the holy things results in severe consequences, including death. These regulations reinforce the sacredness of God's presence and the importance of reverence in worship. Numbers 18 holds great historical and theological significance. The centralization of worship around the tabernacle reinforces the idea that God's presence is among Israel and must be approached with reverence and holiness. The Levitical system set the precedent for later Jewish priesthood practices in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Additionally, the principle of tithing outlined in this chapter influenced later Jewish and Christian traditions regarding the financial support of religious leadership. This chapter establishes a divinely structured system where God's chosen servants are provided for through the offerings of the people, allowing them to focus entirely on their sacred duties. It emphasizes the holiness of God's sanctuary, the importance of obedience in worship, and the ongoing responsibility of the people to sustain their spiritual leaders.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Epiphany Luke 9:28-36 at Common Table: What to Make of the Mountaintop? w/ Drew Willson

Mac Mullins preaches on transformation. Our light, God's light within us, shines through the abundance of how we live; living with patience, humility, and limitless generosity. When we begin seeing, reacting, and envisioning ourselves and others through God's eyes, our minds and lives are formed into Jesus's shape. We see ourselves as worth beyond our actions, thoughts, and deeds. We have our own transfiguration each and every moment of our lives.   Preaching text: Luke 9: 28-36 

Numbers 17 describes how God reaffirmed Aaron's priesthood after the rebellion of Korah and his followers. Following the dramatic events in Numbers 16, where God judged the rebels and sent a plague upon the Israelites for their continued murmuring, the people still questioned whether Moses and Aaron were truly chosen by God. To settle the matter once and for all, God commanded a test that would demonstrate His divine selection. God instructed Moses to collect a staff from the leader of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, with each leader's name inscribed on their respective staff. Aaron's name was written on the staff representing the tribe of Levi. These staffs were then placed in the Tabernacle before the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence dwelled. God declared that the staff belonging to the man He had chosen would sprout, and this would end the complaints of the Israelites against His appointed leadership. The next day, when Moses entered the Tabernacle, he found that Aaron's staff had miraculously budded. Not only had it sprouted, but it also produced blossoms and ripe almonds, a clear sign of divine selection. Moses brought out all the staffs and showed them to the Israelites, and each tribal leader took back their own staff. However, God commanded that Aaron's staff be kept as a permanent sign before the Ark of the Covenant, serving as a warning to prevent further rebellion. Upon witnessing this miracle, the Israelites were filled with fear and awe, realizing the seriousness of challenging God's authority. They expressed their fear that they might die if they came too close to the Tabernacle, finally understanding the sacredness of God's appointed order. Numbers 17 highlights God's power to confirm His chosen leaders and serves as a reminder that divine authority is not to be questioned lightly. Aaron's budding staff became a symbol of God's affirmation and a warning against rebellion. This chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, respect for God's order, and the consequences of doubting His decisions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Numbers 16 recounts the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. These men, along with 250 prominent leaders from Israel, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, claiming that the entire congregation was holy and that Moses and Aaron had taken too much power for themselves. The rebellion began when Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, gathered 250 men to challenge Moses' leadership. They argued that all Israelites were equally holy and accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves over the community. Moses, in response, fell on his face before God and proposed a test. He instructed the rebels to present incense before the Lord, and God would reveal whom He had chosen. He also reminded the Levites that they already had a special role in serving in the tabernacle and were overstepping their boundaries by seeking the priesthood as well. Dathan and Abiram refused to meet with Moses, accusing him of leading the people out of Egypt only to let them die in the wilderness. Their defiance angered Moses, and he prayed to God not to accept their offering. The following day, Korah and his followers stood at the entrance of the tabernacle with their censers. The glory of the Lord appeared, and God warned Moses and Aaron to separate from the rebels because He was about to destroy them. Moses pleaded with God not to punish the entire congregation, and God commanded the people to move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Immediately, the earth opened up and swallowed Dathan and Abiram, along with their families and possessions. Fire from the Lord then consumed the 250 men who had offered incense. After this dramatic event, God commanded that the censers of the 250 rebels be hammered into a covering for the altar as a warning to the Israelites. However, the people continued to murmur against Moses and Aaron, blaming them for the deaths. As a result, a plague broke out among them. Aaron, following Moses' instruction, made atonement with incense, running into the midst of the congregation to stop the plague. Even so, 14,700 people died before the plague was halted. Numbers 16 powerfully illustrates the consequences of pride, rebellion, and defiance against God's chosen leadership. It reinforces the importance of recognizing God's authority, the power of intercession, and the necessity of obedience. The chapter serves as a warning against challenging divine order while also highlighting God's justice and mercy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Numbers 15: Historical Facts and Keywords Historical Context & Summary Numbers 15 takes place after the Israelites' rebellion in Numbers 14, where they refused to enter the Promised Land and were sentenced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Despite their punishment, God still provided laws and instructions, showing His ongoing relationship with them. 1.Laws on Offerings (Verses 1–21): •God commanded the Israelites to present grain, drink, and burnt offerings alongside their animal sacrifices when they entered the Promised Land. •This law applied to both Israelites and foreigners living among them, emphasizing that all people under God's covenant should follow the same worship practices. 2.Sin Offerings (Verses 22–31): •Distinction was made between unintentional and intentional sins. •Atonement could be made for unintentional sins through sacrifices, but high-handed (defiant) sins were punishable by being cut off from the community. 3.The Sabbath-Breaker (Verses 32–36): •A man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath, violating God's command. •God instructed Moses to have the man stoned by the community, reinforcing the seriousness of obeying divine laws. 4.Tassels on Garments (Verses 37–41): •God commanded the Israelites to wear tzitzit (tassels) with a blue cord on their garments as a visual reminder to obey His commandments. •The tassels symbolized holiness and devotion to God, preventing the people from straying after their own desires. Key Themes & Keywords •Obedience – Following God's laws was essential for both individuals and the community. •Holiness – The tassels served as a physical reminder of Israel's calling to be holy. •Judgment – The Sabbath-breaker's punishment showed that willful defiance had consequences. •Grace – God still provided ways for forgiveness through sacrifices for unintentional sins. •Covenant – The laws reaffirmed the Israelites' unique relationship with God. Numbers 15 highlights God's expectations for His people and the importance of living in obedience, even in the wilderness.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

"What Happens on the Mountain Top, Stays on the Mountain Top" Rev. Joe Evans

A sermon by Rev. R.J. March on Luke 9:28-36 on Transfiguration Sunday.

Leviticus 19, often referred to as part of the “Holiness Code,” is a significant chapter in the that outlines a comprehensive set of laws and ethical guidelines for the Israelites. These directives emphasize the pursuit of holiness in daily life, reflecting the character of God. Historical Context: Leviticus is the third book of the Torah and is traditionally attributed to Moses. It serves as a manual for the Israelites, detailing laws and rituals to maintain purity and holiness. Chapter 19 is situated within the “Holiness Code” (Leviticus 17–26), a section that scholars believe was compiled to guide the Israelites in living distinctively from surrounding nations. This code was likely formulated during the Israelites' wilderness period, approximately 1490 B.C., as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.   Key Themes and Commandments: 1.Call to Holiness - The chapter begins with God's directive: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” This establishes the foundation for the ensuing commandments, highlighting the expectation for the Israelites to emulate God's holiness in their conduct.  2.Respect for Parents and Sabbath Observance - The Israelites are instructed to revere their parents and observe the Sabbaths, underscoring the importance of family structure and dedicated time for worship. 3.Prohibition of Idolatry: The text warns against turning to idols or creating molten gods, reinforcing monotheistic worship. 4.Laws of Charity: Farmers are commanded not to reap the very edges of their fields or gather every grape from their vineyards, leaving some for the poor and the foreigner. This practice ensured provision for the marginalized in society.  5.Ethical Interpersonal Conduct: The chapter addresses various aspects of social justice, including prohibitions against stealing, lying, and deceiving one another. It also emphasizes fair treatment of workers, the disabled, and the elderly. 6.Justice in Judgment: Judges are admonished to avoid partiality, ensuring that both the poor and the great receive fair treatment. 7.Prohibition of Hatred and Vengeance: The text advises against harboring hatred or seeking revenge, culminating in the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” a principle that has resonated through centuries as the “Golden Rule.”  8.Prohibition of Mixed Practices: The Israelites are instructed not to breed different kinds of animals, sow fields with mixed seeds, or wear garments made of mixed fabrics. These laws symbolized the importance of purity and separation from pagan practices. 9.Respect for Life and Property: The chapter includes laws against eating blood, practicing divination, and tattooing, aiming to distinguish the Israelites from neighboring cultures.  10.Treatment of Foreigners: The Israelites are reminded to treat foreigners residing among them as native-born, loving them as themselves, recalling their own experience as foreigners in Egypt. Key Words and Phrases - Holy/Holiness: Central to the chapter, emphasizing the distinctiveness and purity expected of the Israelites. Neighbour: Refers to fellow community members, highlighting the importance of social ethics. Idols: Denotes false gods, against which the Israelites are repeatedly warned. Sabbath: The day of rest, symbolizing covenantal relationship with God. Stranger/Foreigner: Individuals not native to Israel, whom the Israelites are commanded to treat with compassion. Significance: Leviticus 19 serves as a comprehensive guide for ethical and holy living, intertwining ritual purity with moral conduct. It reflects a holistic approach to spirituality, where one's relationship with God is intrinsically linked to their treatment of others. The chapter's emphasis on justice, compassion, and community responsibility has influenced Judeo-Christian ethics and continues to be a foundational text for discussions on morality and societal norms. By adhering to these commandments, the Israelites were to embody a society that mirrored divine holiness, setting them apart as a model community devoted to justice, mercy, and faithful worship.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Leviticus 18 is a pivotal chapter, delineating specific prohibitions concerning sexual behaviors deemed unacceptable for the Israelites. This chapter is part of the broader “Holiness Code” (Leviticus 17–26), which emphasizes the distinctiveness and sanctity expected of God's chosen people. Historical Context: The Book of Leviticus, traditionally attributed to Moses, is believed to have been composed during the Israelites' sojourn in the wilderness, approximately in the 15th century BCE. Leviticus 18 addresses practices prevalent among neighboring cultures, particularly the Egyptians and Canaanites, from whom the Israelites were to distinguish themselves. The chapter commences with a divine injunction against adopting the customs of these nations, underscoring the imperative for Israel to maintain a unique identity rooted in holiness. Key Prohibitions in Leviticus 18: 1.Incestuous Relationships: •Verses 6–18 enumerate forbidden sexual relations with close kin, including parents, siblings, grandchildren, aunts, and in-laws. These prohibitions aim to preserve family integrity and societal stability.  2.Adultery: •Verse 20 explicitly forbids sexual relations with a neighbor's spouse, underscoring the sanctity of marriage and trust within the community.  3.Child Sacrifice to Molech: •Verse 21 prohibits offering one's offspring to the deity Molech, a practice associated with certain Canaanite rituals. This underscores the value placed on human life and the rejection of idolatrous customs.  4.Same-Sex Relations: •Verse 22 states, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” This verse has been traditionally interpreted as a prohibition against male homosexual acts. However, some scholars suggest it may specifically address certain exploitative or idolatrous practices rather than consensual same-sex relationships.  5.Bestiality: •Verse 23 forbids sexual relations with animals, emphasizing boundaries between humans and other creatures. Archaeological Insights: •Molech Worship: •Archaeological excavations, particularly in Carthage (a Phoenician colony), have uncovered burial sites containing the cremated remains of infants and young children. These findings suggest that child sacrifice was practiced in certain ancient cultures, corroborating biblical references to such rituals.  •Canaanite Practices: •Artifacts and texts from ancient Canaanite sites reveal religious practices involving fertility rites and ritual prostitution. The prohibitions in Leviticus 18 against various sexual practices can be seen as a direct counter to these customs, aiming to set the Israelites apart from their neighbors.  Key Terms and Concepts: •“Abomination” (Hebrew: To'evah): •This term is used to describe actions considered detestable or repugnant, often in a ritualistic or moral sense. In Leviticus 18, certain prohibited sexual acts are labeled as abominations, indicating their severity. •“Uncover Nakedness”: •A euphemism for engaging in sexual relations, this phrase is recurrent throughout the chapter to describe forbidden interactions. •“Molech”: •A deity associated with child sacrifice, particularly among the Ammonites and Canaanites. The Israelites are expressly forbidden from participating in such rites. Theological Significance: Leviticus 18 serves as a foundational text emphasizing the importance of holiness, not merely in ritual practices but in ethical and moral conduct. By adhering to these prohibitions, the Israelites were to reflect the sanctity of their covenant with God, distinguishing themselves from surrounding nations. The chapter underscores that holiness encompasses all aspects of life, including intimate relationships, and that the community's moral fabric is integral to its identity as God's people. Contemporary Reflections: The interpretations and applications of Leviticus 18 have evolved over time. While traditional readings have viewed these prohibitions as universal moral directives, modern scholarship often considers them within their historical and cultural context. Debates continue regarding the relevance of these laws today, particularly concerning topics like same-sex relationships. Some argue for a re-examination of these texts in light of contemporary understandings of sexuality and ethics, while others uphold them as enduring moral standards. In conclusion, Leviticus 18 provides profound insights into the values and societal norms of ancient Israel, reflecting a commitment to holiness that permeates both communal and personal spheres. Its directives were designed to cultivate a distinct identity for the Israelites, rooted in ethical monotheism and a rejection of practices deemed incompatible with their covenantal relationship with God.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Exodus 24 is a pivotal chapter in the Bible that details the formal ratification of the covenant between God and the people of Israel at Mount Sinai. This event underscores the establishment of Israel as a nation bound to God through agreed-upon laws and commitments. Key Events in Exodus 24: 1.Divine Invitation to Leadership: •God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Sinai, accompanied by Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel. They are to worship from a distance, with Moses alone approaching closer to God.  2.Presentation and Acceptance of God's Laws: •Moses conveys all of God's commands and ordinances to the people. In unison, they respond, committing to obey all the words spoken by the Lord.  3.Covenant Rituals: •Moses documents God's words, constructs an altar at the mountain's base, and erects twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Young men offer burnt and peace offerings. Moses collects the sacrificial blood, using half to consecrate the altar and reading the “Book of the Covenant” aloud to the people. They reaffirm their commitment, and Moses sprinkles the remaining blood on them, symbolizing the binding nature of the covenant.  4.Encounter with the Divine: •Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders ascend and witness a manifestation of God, described as a sapphire-like pavement under His feet. They see God and partake in a meal, signifying fellowship and the sealing of the covenant.  5.Moses' Extended Stay on the Mountain: •God summons Moses further up the mountain to receive the stone tablets inscribed with the law and commandments. Moses, accompanied by his aide Joshua, instructs the elders to await their return, delegating Aaron and Hur to handle any arising matters. Moses enters the cloud-covered mountain, where he remains for forty days and nights, during which he receives detailed instructions from God.  Theological Significance: •Covenant Confirmation: The chapter formalizes the covenant between God and Israel, establishing a foundational relationship based on mutual commitments. The rituals performed, including sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood, emphasize the seriousness and sanctity of this agreement. •Divine Revelation: The leaders' encounter with God highlights the accessibility of divine revelation to chosen representatives, reinforcing the concept of mediated communication between God and His people. •Law as Foundation: The giving of the tablets signifies the importance of a written code of conduct, serving as a tangible guide for the Israelites' ethical and religious life. Historical and Cultural Context: The practices described, such as altar construction, sacrificial offerings, and covenant meals, align with ancient Near Eastern customs of treaty-making and religious ceremonies. The use of blood in covenant rituals symbolizes purification and the binding nature of agreements, reflecting the cultural milieu of the time. Reflections for Today: Exodus 24 invites contemporary readers to reflect on the themes of commitment, obedience, and the sacredness of covenants. It underscores the importance of communal assent to shared values and laws, the role of leadership in spiritual journeys, and the profound experience of encountering the divine.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

Pastor Eric Silberschmidt UNITY Lutheran Church Brookfield, WI

Luke 9:28-43aNow about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us set up three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” While he was being brought forward, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God. Now that was fun! I'm talking about last night's Mardi Gras party, of course. +Mark likes to say it's about as much fun as you can have in church. I have to agree—and I'll be honest, Cross of Grace, I had my doubts.When I first got the paperwork to begin the call process, the description of the congregation caught my eye: Cross of Grace is a lively, growing, and fun family of faith. Now, I grew up Lutheran, and I wouldn't call most of our congregations lively, so that seemed like a bold claim. Then growing—and I thought, That's too good to be true. It's 2022, we're just coming out of a pandemic, nobody is growing. And then the kicker: fun family of faith. I thought, They know they're supposed to be honest about this, right? How much fun can a Lutheran church in a town of less than 3,000 people be?Well, come to a Mardi Gras party, and you'll see! There's music, laughter, food, drink, games, and feasting—all while raising money for a good cause. We really do let the good times roll! Some might ask, A Mardi Gras party at church? A pancake breakfast is one thing, but Mardi Gras? To which I say: Of course! We should have fun! We should feast! And what better time than Mardi Gras?What many don't realize is that Mardi Gras has deep Christian roots. Like many of our traditions, it began as pagan celebrations of spring and fertility thousands of years ago. But when Christianity arrived in Rome, they adapted the traditions instead of abolishing them, thank goodness! By the 1600s, Mardi Gras—or carnival—had become what we know today. And it's not not just a day, but an entire season. It begins with Epiphany and ends on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French). And this season was preparation for Lent: 40 days of feasting, filling up on meat, eggs, butter, and a little fun too… before the 40 days of fasting and self-sacrifice.That same spirit is still alive in New Orleans today. You might think Mardi Gras is all debauchery and drunkenness, but you'd be wrong. Nearly every part of it has rich Christian symbolism. The colors—purple, green, and gold—represent justice, faith, and the power of God. The food, from king cake to paczkis (poonch-keys), connects to traditions of feasting on the very things you soon fast during Lent. Even the bands and floats marching down the streets create more than just spectacle—they offer people a shared experience of joy and community before embarking on a time of penance and reflection.I asked our own Angi Johnson, whose family goes to Mardi Gras nearly every year, what she loves most about it. She told me that when you watch the bands marching by and the krewes strutting around in their colorful costumes and masks, handing out handmade, one-of-a-kind treasures, something remarkable happens—the strangers beside you quickly become friends. The energy, the generosity, the sheer joy of it all draws people together. It's communal. It's sacramental. It's a party you never want to end. Maybe it was Mardi Gras up on the mountaintop that Peter, James, and John had followed Jesus onto. It certainly sounds like one heck of a party: dazzling clothes, changes in appearance, bright lights, surprise VIP guests, who knows, maybe there was a jazz band up there too.And Peter was loving it. He didn't want the party to end. Who could blame him? Who wouldn't want to stay at that mountaintop Mardi Gras? Moses, Elijah, and Jesus—who else might show up? What else might happen? But Peter also remembered what Jesus had said just eight days ago: that he would suffer, be rejected, and be killed. If they stayed on the mountain, they could pretend Jesus never said that. If they stay on the mountain, they can continue to let the good times roll and he doesn't have to go back down the mountain; back to the dark, cold, struggling world from whence they came. So Peter says, let's not leave. Let's build tents and just stay on the mountaintop, far away from the valley below.But, every Mardi Gras comes to an end, including this one. As Peter is laying out his plans to stay, a mysterious crowd engulfs them. They hear God speak to them and when the voice is gone, so too are Elijah and Moses. The party's over. It's time to go back down the mountain and enter the valley. Or perhaps more accurately, Jesus chooses to go back down the mountain, where he's immediately met with another crowd and a father begging for his son to be healed. And you can almost hear Peter saying, that's why I wanted to stay on the mountain: away from all the disease, from all the demons, from all the people in need of Jesus. If they had just stayed on that mountain, Peter wouldn't have to go to this lowly place, filled with lowly people. Yet the first thing Jesus does upon entering the valley is heal the boy brought to him by the begging father. And everyone who saw it was astounded at the greatness of God.That's the good news in this story. Jesus chooses to go back down the mountain, into the valley, where there is a crowd clamoring for his teaching, his healing, his mere presence; where there is disease and demons waiting for him, where there is suffering, and rejection, and pain, waiting for him. And yet, he goes willingly, showing that the glory of God is not just revealed at Mountaintop Mardi Gras's but also through humble service in the sin-filled, disease ridden, valley. Thanks be to God.And what does all this mean for us today? It seems this country is having our own Mardi Gras atop the America First mountain, reveling not in God's glory and power, but it's own. On Wednesday, the State Department announced it would cut hundreds of USAID-funded programs—$60 billion in lifesaving aid to the world's poorest communities, gone. It's just 1% of government spending, but it has an outsized impact on global health. HIV treatment for 350,000 people in Southern Africa, including 20,000 children and pregnant women, gone. The only water source for 250,000 displaced people in war torn areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, gone. Health clinics operating in the middle of Sudan's civil war, gone. And that's just a few examples! Hundreds more, just like them, gone! All to save a back, to stay on the mountaintop of America First. Meanwhile, children like the boy in the valley, will be mauled, not by demons, but by hunger, thirst, disease, and war. Does that sound like a Christian nation?Not to me it doesn't, because the Jesus I know can't help but go down the mountain. Our Jesus chose to go into the valley because the sick boy needed him, because I needed him, because you needed him, because the world needed him! And when the time was right, Jesus went up another hill, this time on a cross, but he didn't stay on that hill either.We certainly know how to have fun, Cross of Grace, and God knows.. with all the grief we are holding from the deaths of beloved Partners in Mission and with the long, difficult, days of Lent ahead, we needed it. But every mardi gras comes to an end and Ash Wednesday is right around the corner. So this Lent, let's follow Christ into the valley and help the most vulnerable through our Lenten disciplines. In your giving, support organizations that got their funding cut, like World Vision, International Justice Mission, Global Refuge, and Lutheran World Relief, all faith-based organizations, all had programs cut. In your fasting, think of and pray for the children in Gaza, Syria, and Nigeria suffering from severe malnutrition. In your praying, lift up our president and all elected officials, that they would leave the mountain of America first and follow Christ's example, helping and serving those in the valley. Lord have mercy. Amen.

Mark 9 recounts the day Jesus took a select group of disciples up a mountain where He was transfigured and met with Moses and Elijah. Explore the beauty of what this event tells us about who Jesus is in Pastor Kevin's message, MOUNTAINTOP VIEW.

Readings: Exodus 34:29-35 | 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 | Luke 9:28-36 | Psalm 99. Preached for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany (2025-03-02).

Kyle Mervau preaches from Luke. Find out more at clcscranton.org

Snowcats produced by DeLorean (and diesel fuel) are keeping our phones working! Fuel choice is important even for cell towers. Ford's CEO Jim Farley praises the Chinese Xiaomi SU7 he drove for months. Ford also admits EREVs are more useful & profitable than EVs for America. What if a range extender engine was a spine-tingling V8 or rev-happy Hyabusa alllowed to rev under load using creative software, and an optional "sound mode" to attract gearheads like us?            

The transfiguration of Jesus

Brian Russell offers a deep dive into how to integrate high altitude spiritual experiences with God. He uses as a model the Transfiguration of Jesus as reported in Luke 9:28–36. Brian offers a close reading of the experience of Peter, John and James in light of the wider context of Luke 9. You will gain insights into the biblical text and learn practices for turning spiritual experiences into transformational living in your day to day life. Interested in joining Brian Russell's Deeper program (launches each Mar 1 and Sept 1): www.brianrussellphd.com/deeper  or email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Sign up for Brian's Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Brian Russell's Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9     Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Join Brian's Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #transfiguration #Luke #jesus

Send us a textI don't know if you've ever lifted a desperate prayer that asked, "Lord, why are you keeping me here?" but that line in Samantha Ebert's song "Flowers" gets me every time. That one that acknowledges the valley I'm in but reminds me that God has something beautiful in mind that will bloom from the soil of suffering.Scripture details what good comes from suffering. Join me as we explore part of a letter from Paul to the Romans together.In this episode, I discuss:Episode Guide Available – Download your free Episode Guide at michellenezat.com/511download to help you interact with Scripture.Personal Connection to the Song – I share how Flowers ministered to me during my waiting season.Mountaintop vs. Valley Perspective – Drawing from personal experiences hiking in the Smoky Mountains and biblical wisdom from Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God, I discuss how our circumstances can cloud our view of God, but seeking His perspective brings clarity.Romans 5:3–5 Breakdown – Exploring how suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—the flowers that grow in the valley.Cross-References & Biblical Themes: Psalm 126:5–6 – Sowing in tears, reaping in joy.James 1:2–4 – Trials produce steadfastness, leading to spiritual maturity.2 Corinthians 2:9-10 – Proven character results in obedience and forgiveness.Romans 4:18-25 – Abraham's unwavering hope in God's promises.BITE (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises) Used:Following cross-referencesStudying words in original Greek (hypomone – endurance, dokime – character, elpis – hope)Reading in context (Romans 4–6)Making lists (evidence of faith and hope in Scripture)Comparing and contrasting passagesTakeaways:God is growing something beautiful even in your suffering.Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it's a well-grounded expectation in God's faithfulness.Viewing your circumstances through God's perspective changes everything.Additional ResourcesLyrics - New Release TodayExperiencing God by Henry Blackaby - Amazon Paid LinkBibleHub.com for cross-referencesLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Romans 4-6 before focusing in on Romans 5:3-4. Look for the flowers that grow in the valley of our suffering. Make lists, define words, and complete word studies. Follow the cross-references and take time to meditate on what you are reading and studying. Use the Episode Guide to help.Purchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.