Podcasts about open hands

Open Arms Leads to Open Hands

The moment we begin to see Jesus as more than just another literary character or just another prophet or just another historical figure or just another name in a book full of names... the moment we begin to see Jesus as who He says He is, everything changes. Jesus is God and, because God is Love, Jesus is Love. Jesus is Lord over sin. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is The One who offers you a second chance. Jesus is The Guide by your side that will never leave you and will never forsake you.Jesus is all of these things and so much more. Which is why an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response. All throughout Scripture we read story after story of real encounters that real people had with the real Jesus.Some questioned while others sought answers.Some begged while others gave.Some listened while others mocked.Some beat Him while others loved him.Some tempted Him while others stood up for Him.Some fought for Him while others betrayed Him.Some followed while others walked away.Regardless of their response, they all had a real encounter. They saw Jesus and heard Jesus. They witnessed Him.  As His Church, as real people who have encountered the real Jesus, we are called and commanded to take our iWitness experiences to the mountaintops. To tell and re-tell of our life-changing, soul-saving experience with our Lord and Savior Jesus. With 5 Simple Truths & Open Hands we can embrace our responsibility and our opportunity to be a part of His cosmic plan to restore humanity to Himself...because an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response.

Does your school have mission, vision, and values statements? Who knows about them? We're probably all familiar with these three terms and in this episode, Merle Burkholder offers simple definitions and provides clear examples of each one to refresh our usage. He also suggests a variety of means to communicate these guiding statements so that they can become second nature for you and your people. Merle brings many years of experience in church and organizational leadership including his work at Open Hands and Servant Institute. After working through definitions and examples of guiding statements Merle explains four elements of an organization that can be used to measure its health and life-stage from birth to death. It's a useful grid for evaluating the health of a school. On that note, this episode echoes our last episode on evaluation. Merle proposes that, “People produce what you measure.” Clear guiding statements, particularly core values, give you an effective basis to evaluate your school. Merle was addressing leaders of different types of organizations. Where Merle discusses the responsibilities of a leadership team and CEO in carrying the vision, I think we can insert the school board and administrator. You might consider going back to episode 14 by Steven Brubaker outlining the role of an administrator who works at the intersection of the various parties involved in a school. Finally, it is possible for a school team to share a vision that is sufficiently vivid and understood to occasionally take away your breath and consistently guide your decision-making. May this strengthen your gains here or guide your steps in that direction. Links Why Administrators? on The Dock School Leader Podcast: https://administratorspodcast.podbean.com/e/why-administrators/  This recording was originally published on The Dock as "Clarifying Mission Vision and Values": https://thedockforlearning.org/lecture/clarifying-mission-vision-and-values/  More recordings from REACH 2017: https://thedockforlearning.org/series/reach/reach-2017/ 

The moment we begin to see Jesus as more than just another literary character or just another prophet or just another historical figure or just another name in a book full of names... the moment we begin to see Jesus as who He says He is, everything changes. Jesus is God and, because God is Love, Jesus is Love. Jesus is Lord over sin. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is The One who offers you a second chance. Jesus is The Guide by your side that will never leave you and will never forsake you.Jesus is all of these things and so much more. Which is why an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response. All throughout Scripture we read story after story of real encounters that real people had with the real Jesus.Some questioned while others sought answers.Some begged while others gave.Some listened while others mocked.Some beat Him while others loved him.Some tempted Him while others stood up for Him.Some fought for Him while others betrayed Him.Some followed while others walked away.Regardless of their response, they all had a real encounter. They saw Jesus and heard Jesus. They witnessed Him.  As His Church, as real people who have encountered the real Jesus, we are called and commanded to take our iWitness experiences to the mountaintops. To tell and re-tell of our life-changing, soul-saving experience with our Lord and Savior Jesus. With 5 Simple Truths & Open Hands we can embrace our responsibility and our opportunity to be a part of His cosmic plan to restore humanity to Himself...because an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response.

In this message, Tony concludes their study of Exodus, highlighting the Israelites' eventual obedience and the presence of God dwelling among them in the tabernacle. He draws a parallel between the tabernacle and Jesus, who also came to "dwell" among humanity. Tony explains that just as the Old Testament priests facilitated worship, Jesus, as the ultimate high priest, offers a permanent resolution for sin. On Palm Sunday, this message emphasizes remembering Jesus' sacrifice and encourages believers to participate in communion as a direct command and act of remembrance.Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

The moment we begin to see Jesus as more than just another literary character or just another prophet or just another historical figure or just another name in a book full of names... the moment we begin to see Jesus as who He says He is, everything changes. Jesus is God and, because God is Love, Jesus is Love. Jesus is Lord over sin. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is The One who offers you a second chance. Jesus is The Guide by your side that will never leave you and will never forsake you.Jesus is all of these things and so much more. Which is why an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response. All throughout Scripture we read story after story of real encounters that real people had with the real Jesus.Some questioned while others sought answers.Some begged while others gave.Some listened while others mocked.Some beat Him while others loved him.Some tempted Him while others stood up for Him.Some fought for Him while others betrayed Him.Some followed while others walked away.Regardless of their response, they all had a real encounter. They saw Jesus and heard Jesus. They witnessed Him.  As His Church, as real people who have encountered the real Jesus, we are called and commanded to take our iWitness experiences to the mountaintops. To tell and re-tell of our life-changing, soul-saving experience with our Lord and Savior Jesus. With 5 Simple Truths & Open Hands we can embrace our responsibility and our opportunity to be a part of His cosmic plan to restore humanity to Himself...because an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response.

First Covenant Church

The moment we begin to see Jesus as more than just another literary character or just another prophet or just another historical figure or just another name in a book full of names... the moment we begin to see Jesus as who He says He is, everything changes. Jesus is God and, because God is Love, Jesus is Love. Jesus is Lord over sin. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is The One who offers you a second chance. Jesus is The Guide by your side that will never leave you and will never forsake you.Jesus is all of these things and so much more. Which is why an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response. All throughout Scripture we read story after story of real encounters that real people had with the real Jesus.Some questioned while others sought answers.Some begged while others gave.Some listened while others mocked.Some beat Him while others loved him.Some tempted Him while others stood up for Him.Some fought for Him while others betrayed Him.Some followed while others walked away.Regardless of their response, they all had a real encounter. They saw Jesus and heard Jesus. They witnessed Him.  As His Church, as real people who have encountered the real Jesus, we are called and commanded to take our iWitness experiences to the mountaintops. To tell and re-tell of our life-changing, soul-saving experience with our Lord and Savior Jesus. With 5 Simple Truths & Open Hands we can embrace our responsibility and our opportunity to be a part of His cosmic plan to restore humanity to Himself...because an iWitness encounter with Jesus will always demand a response.

Send us a textMeet Cate--a gifted farmer with a seasonal booth at the Audubon Park Community Market and just one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. The name Open Hands Farm comes from the spirit of abundance and generosity; plus a willingness to let go and surrender to what life brings you. Cate is wise beyond her years with a sustainable agriculture degree, plus a lifelong interest in growing food. We talk about her farming journey through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maine; and how her Farm Manager job in Ft. Meyers prepared her for running her own farm right here in the Greater Orlando (Longwood) area. https://linktr.ee/helloapgdpod

As an artist, what does it mean to pursue your calling while holding it with open hands? In this episode, Philip Sheegog, an Arts InterVarsity alumnus and co-founder of the electroacoustic duo Arkai, shares his journey from Juilliard to life as a touring musician. He opens up about navigating calling, trusting God's plan in a highly competitive industry, and resisting the pressure to define success by the world's standards. Through personal stories and wisdom, Philip challenges alumni to surrender our gifts to God, trust His timing, and embrace a vision bigger than ourselves.RELATED EPISODEE116: Navigating a Career in the Arts (Apple, Spotify, YouTube)STAY IN TOUCHSocials: @afterivpodVisit our WebsiteLeave us a message on SpeakPipe ★ Support this podcast ★

This message explores what forgiveness is not, how to practice it, and the deeper motivation behind forgiving others. It emphasizes that forgiveness is a vital aspect of whole-life generosity, reflecting God's grace and kindness in our relationships.

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of our words and how they intertwine with a lifestyle of generosity. We began by celebrating the recent baptisms and the overwhelming generosity shown through the EVC Go Gift offering, which supports local and global ministries. This generosity is a reflection of the grace we have received from God, a theme central to our series on living with open hands.We delved into the power of words, drawing from Ephesians 4, where Paul emphasizes the transformation that should occur in a believer's life. This transformation is not about striving harder but about surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to renew our thoughts and speech. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and as followers of Christ, we are called to be builders, speaking life and encouragement into others.

In today's final installment of "Open Hands," Pastor Steve spoke on giving. Key Idea: Do I give Jesus the best of me? Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. Proverbs 3.9-10 (NLT) How do I honor God with my finances? 1. I will give God my best. 2. I will trust God to take care of the rest.

God has uniquely gifted each of us to serve in the body of Christ, but how are we using our gifts? In this message, Pastor Randy explores Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reminds us that we are all essential parts of one body—each with a special role to play. Whether you're a leader, a servant, an encourager, or even the "little toe" behind the scenes, your contribution matters!Join us as we discover the joy of using our God-given gifts to serve both inside and outside the church. Let's live as an active body, not a sedentary one, and step into the calling God has placed on our lives.

Let'd de-compartmentalize our worship. Deuteronomy tells us to bring "everything" to the temple. Paul echoes that we are to offer our entire life to God as a living sacrifice in an act of worship. We should see our opportunities to give as an opportunity to worship. What we worship determines what we hold onto the tightest and what has the tightest hold on us. 

In the New Testament, most giving is regarded as generosity. In 2nd Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul challenges the church to excel in the ministry of generous giving. He points to the "poor Macedonians" as an example of generosity. If we are not careful, we will see our generosity fueled by the amount we can safely give and the reward we seek. But generosity is best driven by a joyful attitude and a step of faith. 

The main idea for this series is: Living a life with open hands is how God works in us and through us. Today's key words: Grace and Truth. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Today's Application: How do I live with open hands when it comes to the grace and truth of Jesus? 1. Start by looking again at Jesus. 2. Where am I lacking in grace and truth? 3. Where can I live more fully with his grace and his truth?

Three common obstacles—disorganization, fear, and comparison—often hinder a lifestyle of whole-life generosity. This passage encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of generosity by planning intentionally, trusting God's provision, and focusing on their unique ability to give, rather than comparing themselves to others.

The key idea behind our series is this; Living a life with open hands is how God works in us and through us. Today's Key Idea: How do I live with open hands when it comes to offense? 1. Be intentional with the process. 2. Meet privately with the other person. “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4.15 Today's personal application: 1. Who am I walking in offense with today? 2. How and when will I start the conversation with them?

Paul challenges believers to practice generous, sacrificial giving as a response to the graceof God. Just as Christ gave up everything for us, we are called to give joyfully and selflessly, trusting in God's provision and reflecting His love through our actions.

Are New Testament Christians obligated to give tithes? Before it was a law to follow, tithes were given as an act of faith and in response to God's goodness. Jesus affirmed the tithe but emphasized the heart. It's not really about money but about our hearts. Today, giving is a way to show that we are placing God first in our finances. 

We will discover how recognizing God's incredible generosity toward us inspires us to open our hands and share what we have with others. Through the life change of Lydia and the generous hospitality of the people of Malta toward the Apostle Paul, we'll learn practical ways to reflect God's generosity in our daily lives by meeting the needs of others with open hearts and open hands.

Everything belongs to the Lord. He has entrusted us with everything we have. He is our source and supply. Do we put it to good use or spend and bury it out of selfishness and fear? The amount we have and the actions we take in faithfulness reflect our hearts and test our trust. Let's accept the challenge of using what we've been given well. 

In this message, we will explore how God's lavish grace has chosen, redeemed, and savedus, not because of our works but out of His boundless love. Recognizing this amazing giftcompels us to live lives of gratitude, walking in good works and extending that same grace toothers, as a reflection of God's transformative power in our lives.

Called to Change One Life at a Time!

Jesus sat down in the temple and was watching the crowd come in to worship and give offerings to God. He calls his disciples together to point out a very unlikely person…a poor widow who had very little to give. Jesus calls out her heart of generosity and giving all she had, over those who gave much but also had much to live on. How can the act of generosity by this woman change our view of giving to the Lord?

We've all seen it or experienced it: that toddler who breaks down into screams and tears in a store because she didn't get what she wanted. In children, we see the root of selfishness and greed- the desire to want more and to be satisfied. That same behavior, but now more subdued, is seen in adults as we work to aquire more and to keep all that we have “earned.” However, scriptures teach us a very different story. To understand generosity we first need to understand the root of our greed, which keeps our hands closed instead of open with all that we have.

Horizon | Open Hands, Open hearts into the New Year | December 29, 2024

Horizon | Open Hands, Open hearts into the New Year | December 29, 2024

Living With Open Hands // Pastor Matt Heck

Have you ever noticed how we entrepreneurs are awesome at giving but kind of awful at receiving?In this episode, let's explore why your closed hands might be shutting out success. Perfect for this season of giving and gratitude!Are you drowning in tasks but refusing help? You might be blocking abundance. Learn how accepting help can open doors to success!Undervaluing your work? Stop giving away your time and start charging what you're worth. I'll share some personal stories and tips on how to welcome financial abundance.Start opening your hands and heart to receive the universe's blessings!Also, don't miss my Five Minute Business Detangler—it's a game changer for creating a stress free, productive business. Download it now and start reclaiming your time.Grab my guide below:FREE : Business Detangler: 5 Minute Audio to Reclaim Time and Get Immediate Relief in Your Chaotic BusinessWant to untangle your business in the next 5 minutes? This quick-hit audio guide reveals my signature detangling process - the same one I use to help entrepreneurs find hidden revenue and reclaim their time. No fluff, just practical steps to spot what's really tangling up your profits.Warning: Side effects may include sudden clarity, unexpected free time, and the bizarre sensation of your business feeling easier than it should be.About Donna AshtonDonna Ashton is the calendar sorceress, efficiency expert and strategist and host of 4 Day Weekends.She built a multiple 6-figure business entirely with leveraged programs while working about 15 hours per week so she can have 4-Day weekends every week.Donna waves her magic wand and uses quantum tools and her 15 years of experience to help you untangle your business from time-starved to time-off. She will help move you re-work your business so it fits into your life - and not the other way around- so you can reclaim ONE WEEK back in your calendar.What would you do with an extra week of time??

Everything has been given to us by God. Whether you are talking money, talent or your time. The question is what do you do with what you have been given?

If you regularly attend Desert Springs, you are probably familiar with today's guest! Seth Tramp joined us in the studio to share about what God has done in his life up until this point. Seth serves as our Middle School Pastor and has been married to his wife Ella for 3 years. We are blessed to have the Tramps as a part of our church family and staff! Seth came on staff at Desert Springs in January of this year and you'll hear as Seth shares that working in full time ministry wasn't always on his radar, but he feels he is now right where God wants him. He was raised in Buckeye and always loved working with his hands and figuring out how things worked. Seth describes that his parents set an incredible example of what a life of service looks like and shared a story about a special needs boy his parents ended up taking in while he was in high school. He also talks about a trip to Africa that gave him a deeper perspective for ministry and serving. While attending NAU Seth made the decision to join the National Guard which Seth still actively serves in. All of these events in Seth's life were leading him to a place of wanting to live a life of purpose. Life took him on some more paths including starting a career in construction, but God had other plans. We appreciate how Seth describes his walk with Christ as being intentional with plans but keeping his hands open to what God might have. We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use Seth in ministry! Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

PAVING THE WAY HOME:   YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pavingthewayhome85 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/paving-the-way-home-podcast/id1517252693 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0sywWGWjqXFSErvxOcNeEt?si=jjRM2DjsQvGUJppEQqFS_g   Email: info@pavingthewayhome.com   HOLY FAMILY MISSION If you wish to support the work that Holy Family Mission do, you will find details on how to do so here - https://www.holyfamilymission.ie/support/

Nothing in all the world is as wonderful as a gift. It may be the sunrise, wrapped in rose and gold, delivered to our eastern window. It may be the stick-figure drawing by a three year-old that bears the ribbon, “I love you, Mommy.” It may be the unexpected offer of the trip we've always dreamed of, to that place we sense has always been our home. Gifts make us conscious of the love beyond ourselves—the deep, rich kindness in the heart of God. “For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:22-24). What but our foolish pride could keep us from enjoying God's good gift? It's not our worthiness that matters: it is His great, untiring love that moves Him to keep giving. “God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done” (Eph 2:8-9). So open up your hands, your heart. Receive the grace Christ offers. And stay in it. -Bill Knott

Well, we've reached the end (at least for now) of the Raised Catholic podcast. This week I'll share some grace-filled moments from this four-year journey, my encouragement to you to say 'yes' to where God is leading you, and where I and this community are headed. Thanks so much for listening and for all of your support - it is truly appreciated. If you'd like to connect with me, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠find me on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you'd like to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠help support this podcast financially⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, there's a way to do just that ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on my page at buymeacoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Thanks for sharing, subscribing, rating, and reviewing, as this helps our community to grow. Thanks as always to my friend, Peter Vaughan-Vail, for providing the beautiful harp music you hear in this and every episode. Here are some resources I hope will help you to engage with this week's topic in a deeper way for yourself: 1. Raised Catholic 127: The Great Tapestry of God - transcript with link to episode 2. Raised Catholic 132: Be Not Afraid - Rome Edition - transcript with link to episode 3. Raised Catholic 197: How to Discern when it's Done - transcript with link to episode 4. Raised Catholic 155: Retreat Takeaways - Bells, Time, and Open Hands - transcript with link to episode 5. Reopening information from the Notre Dame Cathedral website 6. Song: Be Not Afraid, by Peace Together Choir 7. Song: Kind and Generous, by Natalie Merchant

We can't all do the same thing but we can all do something. Let God inspire you to make a difference in the lives of those around you through loving deeply and radically.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're bringing you an encouraging survivor's story from our Mountain Brook community. Kathryn Tortorici will remind you that the Lord knows your days and will equip you for what's next.   Through her struggle with breast cancer, Kathryn says she learned to fully trust—and that it's possible to be full of tears and full of joy.   Plus, you'll love hearing how Kathryn and a friend were diagnosed at the same time. Together, they developed a heart for God and a heart for others.   In this episode you will learn: - Life is like a train track with trials and tribulations as the tracks, but it will take you to a destination. Links: Song: “Do I Trust You” by Twila Paris   Two by Two: Conversations Between Friends Navigating Breast Cancer by Kathryn Tortorici & Nancy Bynon   Listen to a similar story~ Jehan Corbin- Ep. 121: “Jesus Plus Nothing Equals Enough” and Lindy Walker- Ep. 13: “Surrender Her Agenda”   Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Kathryn   Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Where Are They Now with Lauren Beckner- Ep. 109: “Open Hands”   Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible study series   Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates!

27th Year Anniversary Sunday | Living Life With Open Hands | Brian Bloye 

A Conversation on Surrender, Healing, and the Holy Spirit with Vivian MabuniThe Best Kept Secret exists to help women identify the secret to healing their hearts and connecting with others despite their past. Here, you'll find engaging conversations and important questions that help us connect to the body of Christ despite what the culture believes to be true.This season, we are learning how the enemy misleads church girls and to what lengths the Lord goes to restore our faith in Him.JOHN 16:7-11Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.MEET VIVIANVivian Mabuni is a national speaker, author, bible teacher and podcast host. Her writing has appeared in Christianity Today, SheReadsTruth, Our Daily Bread, Propel Sophia and her teachings have been featured on the YouVersion Bible App's “Verse of the Day.”With over 30 years on staff with Cru, Viv loves teaching about the Bible and its practical application to ministry and life. She has been a keynote speaker at IF:Gathering, Cru Winter Conferences, Family Life's “Weekend To Remember,” and women's events across the country.Author of "Open Hands, Willing Heart”, she also serves on the Board of Trustees for Denver Seminary and is the founder & host of “Someday Is Here” a podcast for AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islanders) leaders. Viv loves drinking coffee with her husband of 32 years, Darrin, and marveling at their young adult kids. Connect with her on Instagram@vivmabuni or on her website www.vivianmabuni.comRESOURCESPurchase Open Hands Willing HeartConnect with Viv on IGConnect with Me on IGPodcast NotesSELAH: A STUDY OF 1 AND 2 SAMUELPurchase your copy of Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samue

Special Announcement #1 Attend the Legendary Summer Intensive Featuring Drs. David Burns and Jill Levitt August 8 - 11. 2024 Learn Advanced TEAM-CBT skills Heal yourself, heal your patients First Intensive in 5 years! It will knock your socks off! Limited Seating--Act Fast Click for registration / more information! Sadly, this workshop is a training program which will be limited to therapists and mental health professionals and graduate students in a mental health field  Apologies, but therapists have complained when non-therapists have attended our continuing education training programs. This is partly because of the intimate nature of the small group exercises and the personal work the therapists may do during the workshop. Certified coaches and counselors are welcome to attend. Special Announcement #2 Here's some GREAT news! The Feeling Great App is now available in both app stores (IOS and Android) and is for therapists and the general public, and you can take a ride for free! Check it Today's Ask David Podcast We have lots of great questions today. The answers in the show notes were written prior to the podcast, and the answers in the live podcast as we discussed these questions may differ somewhat or amplify the written materials in these show notes. We love your questions. Remember to send them to David@feelinggood.com. Ask David Questions for Today Bosley asks: My father can be very critical of my plans for the future. What's the best way to respond to him? Willie asks: I have a dating questions. Why do women keep ghosting me? Should they be more willing to work out differences with the Five Secrets of Communication? 1. Bosley asks: My father can be very critical of my plans for the future. What's the best way to respond to him? "To explain somewhat concisely, I just want to move to the nearest major city (Seattle) since I feel really really happy there. I also love volunteering for a specific organization and have some community there that I care about, and I feel very isolated having been away from for months. I'm willing to carry the load of all the work I would need to do to make it happen, and do a business training my dad wants me to complete. He has other thoughts. He looks down on volunteering and his thoughts on friends are simply that I can make new ones anyway. He is very aggressive and intimidating in his arguments, full of insults and many factually incorrect statements that are difficult to disarm on the fly. He shoots down the idea upon mention, so it's difficult to collaborate to find mutually beneficial solutions. He is a successful businessman, despite recent financial issues, and has a sort of strict plan for me that he has wanted me to follow, although I really don't feel this conflicts with his goals to have me run things in the future. I'm just worried since he has a long past of being emotionally abusive and of going back on his word. Plus, I just want some autonomy. In the end, it's his way or the highway. He says “You keep scheming and going down a twisted path instead of doing what I tell you.” David's reply I suggested he might complete the first four steps of the Relationship Journal so we could see how he's communicating with his dad. Here is Bosley's partially partially completed Relationship Journal (showing steps 1 to 4, but not 5.)   Step 1 – S/he said: Write down exactly what the other person said. Be brief: You keep scheming and going down a twisted path instead of doing what I tell you! Step 2 – I said: Write down exactly what you said next. Be brief: What? Circle or bold the emotions S/HE might have been feeling Circle or bold the emotions YOU were feeling Sad, blue, depressed, down, unhappy Sad, blue, depressed, down, unhappy Anxious, worried, panicky, nervous, frightened Anxious, worried, panicky, nervous, frightened Guilty, remorseful, bad, ashamed Guilty, remorseful, bad, ashamed Inferior, worthless, inadequate, defective, incompetent Inferior, worthless, inadequate, defective, incompetent Lonely, unloved, unwanted, rejected, alone, abandoned Lonely, unloved, unwanted, rejected, alone, abandoned Embarrassed, foolish, humiliated, self-conscious Embarrassed, foolish, humiliated, self-conscious Hopeless, discouraged, pessimistic, despairing Hopeless, discouraged, pessimistic, despairing Frustrated, stuck, thwarted, defeated Frustrated, stuck, thwarted, defeated Angry, mad, resentful, annoyed, irritated, upset, furious Angry, mad, resentful, annoyed, irritated, upset, furious Other (specify) Other (specify)   Step 3 – Good Vs. Bad Communication: Was your response an example of good or bad communication? Use the EAR Checklist to analyze what you wrote down in Step 2 Step 4 – Consequences: Did your response in Step 2 make the problem better or worse? Why? It probably made things worse. I came off dismissive, which probably confirmed for him that I automatically ignored any advice or direction that he gave me. I wasn't assertive in fear of escalating anger or just being shut down anyway, but that also maintains the status quo. I didn't, and typically don't, show a caring respectful attitude. This, I think, allows his anger to continue snowballing into more intensity. 2. Willie asks why women he's dating “ghost” him instead of working out the problems in the relationship using the techniques in your book, Feeling Good Together. Good morning, Dr. Burns! I hope you are doing well! I want to start off by saying that I love your books and they've played a massive role in changing my personality for the better. However, there is a question I struggle with. In feeling good together, you say that one can keep status quo, solve their problem, or walk away from a relationship. I lean very strongly on the side of always wanting to solve problems. However, at my age, most of girls I date err on the side of just walking away and this opens me up for unnecessary headache and pain. I don't know where to draw the line? My heart says that any two reasonable adults can always make a relationship work given that at least one wants to make things better and, unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case in my experiences. Your insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the time! Best Regards, Willie David's reply Thank you, Willie, I'd love to use this as an Ask David question for one of the podcasts, if that's okay, using your first name or a fake name if you prefer. Here's the super short answer. I wrote a book on that exact topic called Intimate Connections. Essentially you probably need to learn a little more about how to “play the game” when dating. You'll see what this means when you read the book. Warmly, david Willie's Response: Good morning, Dr. Burns! Frankly, I was not expecting a response at all, much less as quick as it was. For this, I truly want to thank you for taking the time to do so. Secondly, it will be my honor if you do bring it up to your podcast. Please don't use my first name - I'd prefer staying anonymous. Please do let me know which podcast this will be so I can give it a listen as well. Lastly, thank you so much for referring me to your book. That will be my next read so I am super excited. If you have any other books which you believe are worth reading which will be beneficial in the dating world, corporate world, etc., please point me to those. I absolutely love your books and their effects on me have been immeasurable. Thank you! Willie I wrote back and suggested we could use the fake name Willie, as he wanted to remain anonymous, and he responded: Now that you say, Willie is definitely sexier! Question: when are you planning on doing the next episode with this question in it? I wouldn't want to miss it.   Here was my response to “Willie.” We'll just read your question, and then provide opinions. My career in private practice has a majority of single individuals who were trying unsuccessfully to connect in the dating world. That's why I wrote that book, which is intensely personal as I was the biggest loser of all for a long time because I was a minister's son and never learned how to “play the game” or be a “bad boy.” But I learned from a friend who was a “hustler” when I was in medical school. I learned a tremendous amount, including that there is a game-playing phase in dating, and a time to be more serious, open and vulnerable. The biggest mistake men make is trying to get too serious when they should be playing the game. What's the game? Well, you'd know if you ever had or loved a cat. If you chase them enthusiastically, you force them to run away. You have to learn how to make them chase you. Many men are stubborn about this, and lamely insist, “But I shouldn't have to play the game!” My answer would be, “You don't! Especially if you don't want to get laid and have lots of ladies chasing you!” Warmly, david Willie's response This is extremely valuable to me. I never knew that you come from a religious background and I do too so I do want to ask you some more questions / share my experience. One pattern I am noticing is that either Muslim ladies have a lot of religious trauma or they have very strict conservative values - usually a combination of both. In the modern world, I try using dating apps and might get matched with someone 2-3 states away so usually we would hop on a FaceTime and the topic of religion almost always comes up. And, due to differing opinions, they just walk away which deeply upsets me because they make the false assumption that humans are snapshots in time i.e., opinions / perspectives don't change. In fact, a personal experience I would like to share with you. I was in a relationship for 1.5 yrs (long distance) and it just ended 1-2 months ago. Our intention was always to get married. However, a few weeks before breaking up with me, she basically said "oh you don't pray and I cannot even imagine my future husband not praying etc etc" and she ended things with me on that. I even tried using the 5 methods of effective communication to acknowledge and validate her opinions while simultaneously sharing mine but she was dead set and did not even want to think about working on problems. How could I "play the game" in such instances or over long distances?   David's response Hi Willie, The principles of dating are the same in all cultures for the most part, and one rule is “Never chase a distancer.” So, when she switches to religion, you could use the listen skills subset of the Five Secrets, and buy in to what she's saying, WITHOUT arguing or presenting your own thinking. You can admire her, urge her to tell you more about her religious feelings and spiritual life, using liberal Thought and Feeling Empathy, and lots of Disarming Techniques, and Stroking, with Gentle Inquiry. You would NOT chase, or try to persuade, or argue, or defend yourself. Be totally admiring and other-centered at those times. If she says she wants to break up, you might say that you've been sensing some distance, and are relieved that she is doing that, because you, too, would like to date other women, but that the two of you can still be friends if she promises not to get romantically involved with you, and that you will be on the lookout for some really great guys she might want to date. This is a paradoxical approach, and it is an art form. And I can also tell you to date other women immediately, and the moment you find one you like better than her, she will find out, even if no one tells her, and she will likely want you back again. That's because of the Burns rule, which states: “People NEVER want what they CAN have; they ONLY want they CAN'T have!” Now, if you tell me this approach is phony, I would tell you that you're 200% right! And it's not only incredibly phony, it's amazingly effective! And a kinder word that “phony” might be to say that when someone starts pulling away, you have to switch into this style and strategic approach, and stop trying to be loving and sincere or logical, etc. Do NOT chase, simply open your hands and let go. It's the exact same strategy you might use to get close to a cat! Best, david Hi Willie, If you'd like, you can send me an example of what one of the Muslim ladies said to you, and exactly what you said next. Please select an interaction that didn't go well. Then I can analyze your response and suggest some alternative ways to respond in a dating situation. In fact, if you like, you can record it on the Relationship Journal that I've attached. Please fill in steps 1 through 4. Please do this right away as we record tomorrow. Best, david   Hi Dr. Burns, I cannot even tell you how much these emails are already changing my outlook. I truly want to thank you for taking the time and responding to these. One thing that caught my eye is the paradoxical approach. I never thought about it. In my mind, I feel you should work on relationships / never let go but if letting go is working on it, then that is something I really need to do. I am attaching two copies of the Relationship journal. One dealing with the topic of drugs and one with prayer. One thing I will tell you is that I usually bring these topics up myself because, in my mind, I don't want to deceive anyone and get these big topics out of the way as early on as I can and I think I am making a mistake somewhere here. Thank you, again, for taking the time and responding to these emails! Looking forward to what you think about the topics of conflict I have been having! Best Willie

Special Announcement #1 Attend the Legendary Summer Intensive Featuring Drs. David Burns and Jill Levitt August 8 - 11. 2024 Learn Advanced TEAM-CBT skills Heal yourself, heal your patients First Intensive in 5 years! It will knock your socks off! Limited Seating--Act Fast Click for registration / more information! Sadly, this workshop is a training program which will be limited to therapists and mental health professionals and graduate students in a mental health field  Apologies, but therapists have complained when non-therapists have attended our continuing education training programs. This is partly because of the intimate nature of the small group exercises and the personal work the therapists may do during the workshop. Certified coaches and counselors are welcome to attend. Special Announcement #2 Here's some GREAT news! The Feeling Great App is now available in both app stores (IOS and Android) and is for therapists and the general public, and you can take a ride for free! Check it Today's Ask David Podcast We have lots of great questions today. The answers in the show notes were written prior to the podcast, and the answers in the live podcast as we discussed these questions may differ somewhat or amplify the written materials in these show notes. We love your questions. Remember to send them to David@feelinggood.com. Ask David Questions for Today Bosley asks: My father can be very critical of my plans for the future. What's the best way to respond to him? Willie asks: I have a dating questions. Why do women keep ghosting me? Should they be more willing to work out differences with the Five Secrets of Communication? Marc asks: In your book, When Panic Attacks, you mentioned that sometimes people feel “trapped.” What should you do when you're struggling with this feeling?   1. Bosley asks: My father can be very critical of my plans for the future. What's the best way to respond to him? "To explain somewhat concisely, I just want to move to the nearest major city (Seattle) since I feel really really happy there. I also love volunteering for a specific organization and have some community there that I care about, and I feel very isolated having been away from for months. I'm willing to carry the load of all the work I would need to do to make it happen, and do a business training my dad wants me to complete. He has other thoughts. He looks down on volunteering and his thoughts on friends are simply that I can make new ones anyway. He is very aggressive and intimidating in his arguments, full of insults and many factually incorrect statements that are difficult to disarm on the fly. He shoots down the idea upon mention, so it's difficult to collaborate to find mutually beneficial solutions. He is a successful businessman, despite recent financial issues, and has a sort of strict plan for me that he has wanted me to follow, although I really don't feel this conflicts with his goals to have me run things in the future. I'm just worried since he has a long past of being emotionally abusive and of going back on his word. Plus, I just want some autonomy. In the end, it's his way or the highway. He says “You keep scheming and going down a twisted path instead of doing what I tell you.” David's reply I suggested he might complete the first four steps of the Relationship Journal so we could see how he's communicating with his dad. Here is Bosley's partially partially completed Relationship Journal (showing steps 1 to 4, but not 5.)   Step 1 – S/he said: Write down exactly what the other person said. Be brief: You keep scheming and going down a twisted path instead of doing what I tell you! Step 2 – I said: Write down exactly what you said next. Be brief: What? Circle or bold the emotions S/HE might have been feeling Circle or bold the emotions YOU were feeling Sad, blue, depressed, down, unhappy Sad, blue, depressed, down, unhappy Anxious, worried, panicky, nervous, frightened Anxious, worried, panicky, nervous, frightened Guilty, remorseful, bad, ashamed Guilty, remorseful, bad, ashamed Inferior, worthless, inadequate, defective, incompetent Inferior, worthless, inadequate, defective, incompetent Lonely, unloved, unwanted, rejected, alone, abandoned Lonely, unloved, unwanted, rejected, alone, abandoned Embarrassed, foolish, humiliated, self-conscious Embarrassed, foolish, humiliated, self-conscious Hopeless, discouraged, pessimistic, despairing Hopeless, discouraged, pessimistic, despairing Frustrated, stuck, thwarted, defeated Frustrated, stuck, thwarted, defeated Angry, mad, resentful, annoyed, irritated, upset, furious Angry, mad, resentful, annoyed, irritated, upset, furious Other (specify) Other (specify)   Step 3 – Good Vs. Bad Communication: Was your response an example of good or bad communication? Use the EAR Checklist to analyze what you wrote down in Step 2 Step 4 – Consequences: Did your response in Step 2 make the problem better or worse? Why? It probably made things worse. I came off dismissive, which probably confirmed for him that I automatically ignored any advice or direction that he gave me. I wasn't assertive in fear of escalating anger or just being shut down anyway, but that also maintains the status quo. I didn't, and typically don't, show a caring respectful attitude. This, I think, allows his anger to continue snowballing into more intensity. 2. Willie asks why women he's dating “ghost” him instead of working out the problems in the relationship using the techniques in your book, Feeling Good Together. Good morning, Dr. Burns! I hope you are doing well! I want to start off by saying that I love your books and they've played a massive role in changing my personality for the better. However, there is a question I struggle with. In feeling good together, you say that one can keep status quo, solve their problem, or walk away from a relationship. I lean very strongly on the side of always wanting to solve problems. However, at my age, most of girls I date err on the side of just walking away and this opens me up for unnecessary headache and pain. I don't know where to draw the line? My heart says that any two reasonable adults can always make a relationship work given that at least one wants to make things better and, unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case in my experiences. Your insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for taking the time! Best Regards, Willie David's reply Thank you, Willie, I'd love to use this as an Ask David question for one of the podcasts, if that's okay, using your first name or a fake name if you prefer. Here's the super short answer. I wrote a book on that exact topic called Intimate Connections. Essentially you probably need to learn a little more about how to “play the game” when dating. You'll see what this means when you read the book. Warmly, david Willie's Response: Good morning, Dr. Burns! Frankly, I was not expecting a response at all, much less as quick as it was. For this, I truly want to thank you for taking the time to do so. Secondly, it will be my honor if you do bring it up to your podcast. Please don't use my first name - I'd prefer staying anonymous. Please do let me know which podcast this will be so I can give it a listen as well. Lastly, thank you so much for referring me to your book. That will be my next read so I am super excited. If you have any other books which you believe are worth reading which will be beneficial in the dating world, corporate world, etc., please point me to those. I absolutely love your books and their effects on me have been immeasurable. Thank you! Willie I wrote back and suggested we could use the fake name Willie, as he wanted to remain anonymous, and he responded: Now that you say, Willie is definitely sexier! Question: when are you planning on doing the next episode with this question in it? I wouldn't want to miss it.   Here was my response to “Willie.” We'll just read your question, and then provide opinions. My career in private practice has a majority of single individuals who were trying unsuccessfully to connect in the dating world. That's why I wrote that book, which is intensely personal as I was the biggest loser of all for a long time because I was a minister's son and never learned how to “play the game” or be a “bad boy.” But I learned from a friend who was a “hustler” when I was in medical school. I learned a tremendous amount, including that there is a game-playing phase in dating, and a time to be more serious, open and vulnerable. The biggest mistake men make is trying to get too serious when they should be playing the game. What's the game? Well, you'd know if you ever had or loved a cat. If you chase them enthusiastically, you force them to run away. You have to learn how to make them chase you. Many men are stubborn about this, and lamely insist, “But I shouldn't have to play the game!” My answer would be, “You don't! Especially if you don't want to get laid and have lots of ladies chasing you!” Warmly, david   Willie's response This is extremely valuable to me. I never knew that you come from a religious background and I do too so I do want to ask you some more questions / share my experience. One pattern I am noticing is that either Muslim ladies have a lot of religious trauma or they have very strict conservative values - usually a combination of both. In the modern world, I try using dating apps and might get matched with someone 2-3 states away so usually we would hop on a FaceTime and the topic of religion almost always comes up. And, due to differing opinions, they just walk away which deeply upsets me because they make the false assumption that humans are snapshots in time i.e., opinions / perspectives don't change. In fact, a personal experience I would like to share with you. I was in a relationship for 1.5 yrs (long distance) and it just ended 1-2 months ago. Our intention was always to get married. However, a few weeks before breaking up with me, she basically said "oh you don't pray and I cannot even imagine my future husband not praying etc etc" and she ended things with me on that. I even tried using the 5 methods of effective communication to acknowledge and validate her opinions while simultaneously sharing mine but she was dead set and did not even want to think about working on problems. How could I "play the game" in such instances or over long distances?   David's response Hi Willie, The principles of dating are the same in all cultures for the most part, and one rule is “Never chase a distancer.” So, when she switches to religion, you could use the listen skills subset of the Five Secrets, and buy in to what she's saying, WITHOUT arguing or presenting your own thinking. You can admire her, urge her to tell you more about her religious feelings and spiritual life, using liberal Thought and Feeling Empathy, and lots of Disarming Techniques, and Stroking, with Gentle Inquiry. You would NOT chase, or try to persuade, or argue, or defend yourself. Be totally admiring and other-centered at those times. If she says she wants to break up, you might say that you've been sensing some distance, and are relieved that she is doing that, because you, too, would like to date other women, but that the two of you can still be friends if she promises not to get romantically involved with you, and that you will be on the lookout for some really great guys she might want to date. This is a paradoxical approach, and it is an art form. And I can also tell you to date other women immediately, and the moment you find one you like better than her, she will find out, even if no one tells her, and she will likely want you back again. That's because of the Burns rule, which states: “People NEVER want what they CAN have; they ONLY want they CAN'T have!” Now, if you tell me this approach is phony, I would tell you that you're 200% right! And it's not only incredibly phony, it's amazingly effective! And a kinder word that “phony” might be to say that when someone starts pulling away, you have to switch into this style and strategic approach, and stop trying to be loving and sincere or logical, etc. Do NOT chase, simply open your hands and let go. It's the exact same strategy you might use to get close to a cat! Best, david Hi Willie, If you'd like, you can send me an example of what one of the Muslim ladies said to you, and exactly what you said next. Please select an interaction that didn't go well. Then I can analyze your response and suggest some alternative ways to respond in a dating situation. In fact, if you like, you can record it on the Relationship Journal that I've attached. Please fill in steps 1 through 4. Please do this right away as we record tomorrow. Best, david   Hi Dr. Burns, I cannot even tell you how much these emails are already changing my outlook. I truly want to thank you for taking the time and responding to these. One thing that caught my eye is the paradoxical approach. I never thought about it. In my mind, I feel you should work on relationships / never let go but if letting go is working on it, then that is something I really need to do. I am attaching two copies of the Relationship journal. One dealing with the topic of drugs and one with prayer. One thing I will tell you is that I usually bring these topics up myself because, in my mind, I don't want to deceive anyone and get these big topics out of the way as early on as I can and I think I am making a mistake somewhere here. Thank you, again, for taking the time and responding to these emails! Looking forward to what you think about the topics of conflict I have been having! Best Willie