Podcasts about open hands

Relapse and Relapse Prevention for Overeating Featuring Dr. Angela Krumm On today's podcast, we proudly feature an old friend, Dr. Angela Krumm, on the topic of relapse prevention for habits and addictions. This is certainly a top of incredible importance, since all treatments for all habits and addictions seem to have extremely high relapse rates. Anything we could do to reduce that would be a major contribution. Angela was on our Feeling Good Podcast #270 on Nov 29, 2021 describing some TEAM CBT methods she'd developed to deal with her own weight gain. In podcast #270 she taught listeners how to set process goals, instead of outcome focused goals. She then taught about the Triple Paradox, Habit Addiction Log, Devil's Advocate technique, and the Problem-Solution log. In that first episode she explained that this was a difficult time in her life: her father had died, and she'd also experienced a traumatic fall which caused a concussion. So she fell off being careful about her diet, and one day was shocked that she could not recognize herself—due to weight gain--in a photo, and was on the fast track to Type II Diabetes. As a result, she utilized many of the TEAM CBT techniques and slowly, but surely, lost weight and kept it off for multiple years. She explains that she was "solid for a long time, but have to confess, with shame, that I eventually relapsed because I got over-confident. I'd been tracking what I ate, which was an important key for me, and stopped keeping up with it consistently, thinking I didn't really need to anymore." We reviewed the kinds of tempting thoughts she'd had (and still has, of course, at times), when she feels tempted by her favorites: things like delicious brownies, red wine, and other sweet treats.  She has tempting thoughts such as: I deserve to take a break from tracking what I eat. I deserve a treat—I've had a hard day. It's silly to be so rigid. I deserve to eat whatever I want. Spontaneity is one of my core values! During the podcast, we illustrated the Devil's Advocate Technique (DAT), which is powerful and a lot of fun, but sometimes trickier than it looks. When Angela gave a "good" but not "huge" response to one of these tempting thoughts, I automatically suggested a role-reversal. Rhonda immediately and rightly reminded us that we never do role-reversals when people are stuck during the Devil's Advocate. Instead, we paradox the person and sit with open hands. Rhonda modeled this beautifully and it worked like a charm. Angela had a sudden about face and blew the tempting thought out of the water immediately. We made three teaching points on DAT. Don't give in to the urge to "help." This will have the opposite effect of keeping the patient stuck. Realize that if you're a therapist, and your patient cannot convincingly defeat all the temping thoughts in the office, the likelihood that they can defeat them when they're at home is 0%. So, the DAT is both a powerful technique to boost motivation with tools you can use when tempted, but it is also a powerful test of motivation. Remember to Sit with Open Hands if your patients cannot convincingly defeat their tempting thoughts. Angela shared that she now realizes that the main reason for her relapse was that she had skipped relapse prevention. This is the danger of being your own therapist, sometimes you make the mistake of cutting corners or getting overly confident. She asked to return to the podcast today to talk about that important mistake and help others prevent that mistake in the future. She wants us to emphasize the important of Relapse Prevention for all habits and addictions. When Angela mentioned that she'd relapsed in her eating to a therapist who was just learning TEAM-CBT, the therapist seemed shocked and asked, "Oh, does this mean that the techniques we're learning don't actually work?" This is such a great (but naïve and common) question, because we always emphasize that all patients—in fact all human beings—will relapse after recovery from depression, anxiety, a relationship conflict, or a habit / addiction. That's why it's so important to tell patients about relapse before discharge from therapy, and do a brief but intensive relapse prevention intervention. We reviewed several of the Relapse Prevention techniques, including the Problem Solution List and the Relapse Prevention Daily Mood Log, using and recording the Externalization of Voices. When you do this step with a patient, ask them to imagine the future moment in time when they have relapsed. It's important to capture the thoughts that will lead them to give up and quit using the techniques. Often, these are hopeless thoughts about the usefulness of the techniques or their ability to remain in recovery. If these thoughts are left unchecked, they will spiral the person into a deeper and more lengthy relapse. If they can predict the thoughts ahead of time and generate powerful rebuttals to use in that moment, then their first moment of relapse can be turned around quickly! We listed several of Angela's predicted negative thoughts during her relapse: I should not have let this happen. 100% I'm not strong enough. 60% It's just too hard to start tracking and logging what I eat again. 65% It will be too painful to have to track and see what I've eaten. 60% This isn't fair. It should be so hard to be healthy! 70% Screw it. I should just accept this and give up! 40% Podcast listeners will judge me because I have gained weight again. 10% We practiced challenging those thoughts with the Externalization of Voices, and Rhonda summarize several of the strategies that can be the most helpful: Self-Defense The Acceptance Paradox. The Counter-Attack Technique A combination of two or three Angela summarized three important take home messages from today's podcast. Always prepare a Relapse Daily Mood Log ahead of time, anticipating what you will be telling yourself when you relapse Challenge those thoughts with EOV and record that role-play so you can listen to it in the future when tempted. After you have lost sufficient weight, make a plan to continue your healthier eating after the acute phase. Do NOT make the common mistake of thinking, "Oh, I've achieved my goal of losing 30 pounds (or whatever), so now I'm done, and can go back to my normal eating habits and patterns again." Thank you for listening today! Angela, Rhonda, and David

How do you respond when going through difficult times? In this message, Pastor Anvita Elder teaches on the attitude Job had while going through his toughest season and how the perspective you have can change everything.

Anthony Gammage preaches on 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 on Sunday, November 30th, 2025. 

Erik McEntyre, Pastor

What kind of a giver are you? In this message, Pastor Justin Davis teaches how Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish, and how the fear of scarcity will keep you from being more generous.

Please join us as Pastor Matt wraps up our series, Open Hands

Rob Harlamert's sermon on investing in the kingdom.https://elevatelex.church

Wednesday Night Message | Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 & 2:1-11 | November 19, 2025.

Are there areas of your life that are hard to give over to God? In this message, Pastor Nate Nupanga teaches on the rich young ruler and how Jesus can't be your everything, until you lay everything at His feet.

God had promised to give the children of Israel everything they needed to rebuild the temple, including the gift of time. But when their priorities shifted, the first thing they failed to steward was that time. For 17 years, they did nothing with the assignment God had given them. Through Haggai, God calls them to “think carefully about your ways” and to evaluate how they had used their days. Time is one of the most overlooked gifts God has given us. Our days are numbered, and every one of them has a purpose. Like Israel, it is easy to let circumstances distract us and keep us from God's presence and His work. When we face difficult times, we must choose whether we will run to Him or away from Him. When we give Him our time, He adjusts everything else. The dash between our birth and death is what God has entrusted to us. While there is still breath in our lungs, how will we use the time God has given us?Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/r5XIw5lSUGQSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium We don't often realize how much we walk through life with our fists curled tight. Tight around our stories. Tight around our fears. Tight around all the ways we think life should unfold. PAUSE That grip, though invisible, can be felt in the way your body stiffens, in the way your mind races, in the way your heart feels protected, guarded, closed. PAUSE Take a breath in. Exhale slowly. Now notice your hands. Notice if they are clenched, even just a little. Notice if there's tension hiding there. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium It's easy to feel like you don't have enough. Enough time. Enough energy. Enough resources to keep up with what life asks of you. The pressure can weigh heavy — especially when the world seems to demand more, when you catch yourself comparing, when the voice inside wonders if you are falling behind. PAUSE But there is a more gentle truth here. Everything you need has a way of arriving. Not always on your timeline— but in the right moment, And in a way that sustains you. PAUSE Close your eyes now, and take a slow breath in. Feel your chest expand with air. Exhale gently. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Life often feels like a journey where you carry everything on your back. Responsibilities, memories, to-dos, expectations, even other people's emotions — they pile in, sometimes without you even realizing. And before long, the weight is too much. PAUSE But not everything belongs in your pack. Some things are necessary: your love, your breath, your presence. The rest — the extra — you're allowed to set down. PAUSE Close your eyes, and imagine a backpack resting against your shoulders. It's heavy, pulling you down with every step. Feel the weight of it, the way it tugs at your back, the way it slows you. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Find a comfortable place to rest. Let your body settle where it is supported. Take a long breath in, and let it move slowly out of you. LONG PAUSE Trust comes as a quiet gift. It arrives gently, like a calm hand at your back, reminding you that you are safe to lean. PAUSE So imagine yourself lying in a hammock, the fabric cradling your body, swaying with ease. You are supported. You are carried. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium There comes a moment when you can no longer hold it all. When your body aches for rest, and your heart longs for ease. This is that moment. Take a breath, and let yourself step inside it. PAUSE Feel your breath moving in, filling your lungs with air. Exhale slowly, as though you are setting down something heavy you've been carrying. Notice your shoulders soften. Notice your back ease. Notice your legs growing steadier beneath you. PAUSE So often the weight we carry is invisible. It lives in the tightness of your jaw, in the clenching of your stomach, in the racing of your mind. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,

Did you know there's MAGIC in your Meditation Practice? Say Goodbye to Anxiety and Hello to More Peace & More Prosperity! Here Are the 5 Secrets on How to Unleash Your Meditation Magic https://womensmeditationnetwork.com/5secrets Join Premium! Ready for an ad-free meditation experience? Join Premium now and get every episode from ALL of our podcasts completely ad-free now! Just a few clicks makes it easy for you to listen on your favorite podcast player. Become a PREMIUM member today by going to --> https://WomensMeditationNetwork.com/premium Settle into a comfortable position. Let your body be supported. Close your eyes if you'd like, and take a deep breath in. Exhale slowly, releasing some of the tightness you've been holding. PAUSE Let your breath soften, bringing ease into your chest and belly. LONG PAUSE Now imagine your hands. See them holding a thick stack of slips of paper. Each slip carries something you've been holding. A worry. A responsibility. A “should.” A list of what you think must be done. Join our Premium Sleep for Women Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Sleep podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here --> https://bit.ly/sleepforwomen Join our Premium Meditation for Kids Channel on Apple Podcasts and get ALL 5 of our Kids podcasts completely ad-free! Join Premium now on Apple here → https://bit.ly/meditationforkidsapple Hey, I'm so glad you're taking the time to be with us today. My team and I are dedicated to making sure you have all the meditations you need throughout all the seasons of your life. If there's a meditation you desire, but can't find, email us at Katie Krimitsos to make a request. We'd love to create what you want! Namaste, Beautiful,

The Generous Life Pt. 1 | November 9, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisProverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.√ WE HOLD ON TRYING TO PROTECT WHAT WE HAVE.√ WE HAVE A SCARCITY MINDSET.John 6:8-9 (NLT) Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. “There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”Scarcity isn't the absence of resources; it's the absence of trust.John 6:11 (NLT) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.Philippians 4:19 (NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.√ WE'VE BEEN HURT IN THE PAST.Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.OPEN HANDS, FULL HEARTSI.  PRACTICE DAILY SURRENDER.John 12:24 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.II.  DEVELOP A THANKFUL HEART.II Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.III. FIND JOY IN BEING GENEROUS.Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.Group Discussion Questions + PracticeICEBREAKER QUESTIONS (Pick One)If you could have one superpower to help people (not to make your own life easier), what would it be?What's something small someone gave you that meant way more than its actual value?If you had to describe your week using only one word of gratitude, what would it be?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSKey Verse: “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.”  Proverbs 11:24 (MSG)1. WE HOLD ON TRYING TO PROTECT WHAT WE HAVE.Why do you think our first instinct is often to hold on tightly instead of trusting God?How does generosity challenge our desire to stay in control?2. WE HAVE A SCARCITY MINDSET.John 6:9-11 (NLT), Philippians 4:19 (NLT)“Scarcity isn't the absence of resources; it's the absence of trust.”When have you felt like you didn't have enough - time, money, energy, or ability - yet saw God provide?3. WE'VE BEEN HURT IN THE PAST.Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)How can past pain or disappointment cause us to close our hands or hearts?What does it look like to let God soften your heart again?How might healing and generosity be connected?OPEN HANDS, FULL HEARTSI. PRACTICE DAILY SURRENDERJohn 12:24 (NIV), Romans 12:1 (NIV)What does surrender practically look like in your everyday life?Why is it so hard to let go, even when we know God can do more with what we give Him?What's one area where God might be asking you to take your hands off and trust Him?

God has called His people to live with open hands—ready to release whatever He's entrusted to us so He can use it for His glory. In Ezra, God's people were given a specific assignment: return to Jerusalem and rebuild His temple. They were not only called but also promised everything they needed to complete the task. God will never lead us where He will not provide. At first, their obedience and excitement collided with God's power, and they celebrated what He had done. But when opposition came, circumstances grew louder than God's promises, and their hands began to close. For 17 years, they stopped building. Through the prophet Haggai, God spoke again: “Think carefully about your ways.” We're not saved to sit. We've been set free to build His Kingdom. As we align our priorities and move together in obedience, God is preparing to do what only He can do. Whatever He asks of you—say yes. Trust Him with what seems impossible. When our obedience meets His power, He makes a way where there seems to be no way.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/5bkNssH4jzYSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave a review, and let us know what you think.

When do you show compassion to others? In this message, Pastor Josh Husmann teaches about the Good Samaritan and what it means for you to care for those that are hurting and in need.

Join us as Pastor Matt begins our new series, 'Open Hands'

What if your “yes” to God changed everything?In this inspiring episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with author, speaker, and God Hears Her podcast host Vivian Mabuni to talk about the beauty and bravery of saying yes to God. Vivian shares how surrendering to God's leading has shaped her story—from ministry and motherhood to surviving cancer—and why the risks of obedience are always worth it. Whether you're standing at a crossroads, holding tightly to control, or longing to trust God more deeply, this episode will remind you that saying yes to Him is never wasted.Meet VivianVivian Mabuni is an international speaker and writer with a passion for helping others experience the hope and life found through intimacy with God. With over thirty years of ministry experience on staff with Cru, she brings a depth of biblical wisdom and practical insight to her teaching. Vivian is a cancer survivor, co-host of the Our Daily Bread Ministries podcast God Hears Her, and the author of Open Hands, Willing Heart. She lives in California with her husband, Darrin, and their three kids.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhat it means to give God your “yes,” even when it feels riskyPractical ways to grow in surrender and trustWhy obedience often leads to unexpected blessingsHow saying yes can deepen your intimacy with GodEncouragement for seasons when surrender feels scary or uncertainHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf you've ever struggled to trust God's plan or feared what obedience might cost, this conversation will fill your heart with hope. You'll be reminded that surrender isn't about losing control—it's about finding freedom and peace in the One who holds it all.Collide Women's Conference - Join us for a powerful one-day event filled with inspiration, connection, and encouragement to help you pursue healing, purpose, and deeper faith.✨ Learn more and grab your ticket on our website.Connect with Vivian - Website | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow's New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide

What does it really mean to wait on God? To open our hands, release control, and trust His timing? In this conversation, Vivian Mabuni invites us into her story of returning to seminary later in life, writing her book Open Hands, Willing Heart, and learning to surrender with both courage and clarity. Vivian shares how waiting isn't passive—it's a steady, patient readiness that allows God to settle our hearts and bring clarity. She talks about what it means to live with a posture of surrender, not as resignation but as faithful obedience. We also explore the role of proximity and presence and why being with people who are different from us shapes our compassion, changes our language, and deepens our leadership. If you've ever wrestled with timing, struggled to let go of control, or wondered how to walk more faithfully in your calling, Vivian's wisdom will encourage and challenge you in all the right ways.   Resources & Links Vivian's site: vivianmabuni.com Her book Open Hands, Willing Heart: HERE Warrior in Pink:HERE Listen to Vivian on God Hears Her: godhearsher.org/podcast Follow Vivian on Instagram: @vivmabuni Justin & Trisha's new book: One Choice Away from Change → Order Here Follow us on Instagram: @justindavis33 | @trishdavis_

Eric Massanari leads this contemplative practice to strengthen our confidence while growing our compassion, so that we are ready to generously give, graciously receive, courageously release, and compassionately serve. Eric Massanari (he/him) is an ordained minister in Mennonite Church USA, and currently serves as the Executive Conference Minister of the Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference of MCUSA. Eric also serves as a spiritual director and recently concluded seven years of service on the Spiritual Directors International (SDI) Board of Directors. An avid poet and essayist, he lives with his family in Bellingham, WA, on the unceded lands and waterways of the Coast Salish Peoples.

Are you relying on God to do what only He can do through you? In this message, Pastor Nate Nupanga teaches on the privilege and obligation to be part of God's mission and that there is no limit to what God can do in and through your life.”

Are you open to allowing God to direct how you spend your money? In this message, Pastor Nate Nupanga talks about one of the most sensitive subjects in the church and how we think about money and possessions will affect the type of impact we make for God's Kingdom.

Mission, Vision, Values, Culture To know who we are, we need to know where we're going.To know where we're going, we need to know what we're going to do to get there.To know what we're going to do to get there, we need to know who we're going to be doing it with. And to know who we're going to be doing it with, we need to know what we're doing. We need a clear understanding of our mission – given by Jesus Himself.We need a rallying vision – a picture of a preferred future that keeps us rooted in the mission.We need a known set of values – the things that we choose to high-center on that will hold us high-and-tight to our vision.We need a culture – an established code that defines the hills we're willing to die on that will drive our values, help us accomplish our vision, and will keep us on mission. We need a Firm Foundation. Mission >>> We are called to awaken the hearts of the hopeless, the helpless, and spiritually homeless to the reality of Jesus' love for all people and His perfect plan for our lives. Hopelessness, helplessness, and spiritual homelessness present differently depending on where you are looking, but these three realities are the norm of the human condition. We have all been there. Some of us may be there now, experiencing a version of one or all three of these conditions. Regardless of our current situation, Jesus is always the answer. Jesus has sent The Spirit to be a Help. Jesus is the Hope of The World. And The Father sent Jesus to lay the foundation for how He desires a Spiritual Home – His Church – to be built. Bring Hope: Jesus is the Hope of the World and He has chosen His Church to be the vehicle He uses to bring hope to those who are at the end of their rope and don't know their next steps. Sometimes people just need a little hand-up to help them get back on their feet, and we are here to serve. Hope can be restored when real needs are met; and, when real needs are met, doors can open to real spiritual conversations about The Hope that Jesus provides. (Psalm 41:1-2) We exceed the need.  Be a Help: We are called to be a help to those who don't have the resources they need to thrive (James 1). Jesus promised His followers that He would send The Spirit to be a Help for His people (another Helper). When we walk with Jesus, we are guided by The Spirit, gifted by The Spirit, and empowered by The Spirit. And when the Spirit Guides, Gifts (1 Cor 12), and Empowers (Gal 5) it is always for building up and growing The Church and putting Jesus on display. When we step into these Good Works, we honor The Father in the process (Matthew 5).  We value the vulnerable.  Build a Family: We are called to be a safe space - a spiritual home - for those who need Jesus and a Church Family. The Church has been built to honor The Father. He sent Jesus to establish a new covenant with His people and to bring us into His flock. This is not easy work. And for this work to be accomplished in a God-honoring way, we must build families that are not only strong, but resilient. Families who consistently show-up. Families who serve out of an overflow. Families who give sacrificially and generously and radically. Families who bend, but don't break. Families who get back up again. Families with thick skin and soft hearts. Families who learn and grow and shine like Jesus. We build resilient families.  Multiply the Mission: We understand that it can't end with us. God has given each of us a part in this Body, and He desires for His Body to grow and multiply. As we respond to His call for His Church, we believe we will see a multiplication of ministry efforts that look and sound and feel like Venture. Ministry efforts that are born of our DNA and are committed to replicating it here, near, and far. This looks like localized ministry efforts. This looks like new-to-the-world Parachurch Organizations that see the need and meet it, find a hurt and heal it, see a problem and fix it. This looks like new church plants that take this beautiful Gospel far and wide. What we're doing is good, but it will never be enough. We need to take Jesus to more places. This will make Venture a John 14 Greater Works Church. We multiply the Mission.  Vision >>> Vision is aspiration – the picture we paint of a preferred future. The things God allows us to see as we follow Him more closely. In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples (including us!) that we would be equipped with the very presence of The Holy Spirit and, through Him, we would accomplish even Greater Works than what they saw Jesus Himself do. Later in the New Testament, James talks about these ‘works' as being the evidence of our faith and belief in Jesus. These ‘works' that Jesus and James talk about always extend towards and into the segments of our population that find themselves hopeless, helpless, and, very often, spiritually homeless. As we follow Christ more closely and become more aware of how we can work for His Glory, we want to be a Church that displays our love and devotion to Jesus by being a part of these Greater Works that He calls us to and equips us for. We are called to be a Greater Works Church. We have an enemy that prowls around, seeking to devour us – especially the weak and vulnerable. He steals, he kills, and he destroys. As we embrace and step-into the hopelessness, helplessness, and spiritually homelessness that surround us, we seek to create solutions to these problems that can't be stolen, killed, or destroyed.  Bring hope that can't be taken awayBe a help that brings lifeBuild a Family that can't be destroyedMultiply the Mission We will accomplish this by launching multiple interdependent ministry efforts across the metroplex, surrounding areas, and globally – each seeking to partner with and potentially even share space with like-minded and spiritually-aligned organizations that serve the needs of their local community. This presents solutions to multiple problems at once:1.    We serve our partnerships with their biggest need: volunteers and resources!2.    We sharpen our focus on the thing that that The Church is uniquely commissioned to: provide Peace and Hope for the soul!3.    We rally resources to meet the indigenous needs of each ministry effort's community4.    We redeem each community's specific needs, hurts, and problems into Greater Works opportunities Per our Elder Mandate and, as we develop practices for spiritual maturity and create environments for leadership development, we will build pathways to multiply ministry efforts. Develop healthy disciples / Cultivate leaders worth following / Build resilient families / Multiply the Mission We bring Hope / We are here to help / We build resilient families / We multiply the Mission  Values >>> Values are the things an organization hold in high-esteem – they are Values because they are valuable to us. Values are valuable because they drive culture up and down and left and right and in and out and all throughout the organization. Some of these Values and Culture pieces are actual, others are aspirational. And that's ok – we should always be on the path to valuing the things that make us more like Jesus.  We value deep roots … because in a world that doesn't stop changing, we need a firm foundationWe want Venture to be the church you can always call Home We value open hands … because it's how people can see the Jesus in us·      Jesus gave His life to love and serve and so will we We value movement … because we're all on the path to becoming more like Jesus·      It's ok to be where you are, but we believe God wants more for you We value true worship … because it aligns our heart and minds with The Father·      How we love, live, and lead should point people to Jesus We value the vulnerable … because everybody needs somebody to love them·      Jesus trusts the vulnerable to the care of His Church We value leaving a legacy of faith … because the next generation must not be the last generation·      We're here to help you take your next step with Jesus  Culture >>> Culture are the things that we do, say, and put into action that make us unique. Not better, simply unique. There has never been a Church like Venture because, as Jesus taught us, a Church is a Body. A living organism and, although most bodies have the same body parts, each part is unique to that particular body. Never before has this collection of Christ-followers been united to form this Body. And as unique as it is today, we desire it to be unique each day moving forward as The Lord adds new Members to His Body known as Venture Church. These cultural elements are hills worth dying on. When we protect the Culture, we protect our Values. When we protect our Values, we protect our Vision. And when we protect our Vision, we ensure that we stay true to our Mission – To awaken the hearts of the hopeless, helpless, and spiritually homeless to the reality of Jesus' Love for us all and His perfect plan for our lives. 1: We are here to serveWe serve because it prioritizes our lives properlyNo strings attached·      See a need, meet the needIf something catches your attention it deserves your attentionSee a need and meet itFind a hurt and heal itFind a problem and fix it  2: What we do matters, but you matter moreWe don't sacrifice relationships on the altar of ministryPeople > TasksWe can use people to get ministry done, but we'd rather use ministry to get people done 3: We have a Heart for The HouseWe want Venture to be The Church you will always call Home 4: We have a Heart for The CitiesYou live where you live because God wants His Light to shine there 5: We are defiantly joyfulWe choose joy even when we don't feel like itWe are thermostats, not thermometers – we set the temp 6: We are all hands in, all hands openWe are outrageously generousWe give until it hurts and then we give some moreWe serve and we give because what we do together matters 7: We make it feel like homeWe turn an old grocery store into a HomeWe open the door and save you a seatThere's a seat at the table for youWe appreciate the privileges and embrace the responsibilities 8: We have eyes for the sunriseTomorrow > YesterdayUnderstand your part in the bigger pictureEyes for opportunityWe're not there yet 9: We Love the 99, AND go after the 1We seek to serve to hopeless, the helpless, and the spiritual homelessThe room is never full 10: We believe God can do itIf He's in it, He's going to do it – and we want Him to use us

Our world is in desperate need of bridge builders, meaning people who will reach their hand out to those who feel unseen or hurting. These days, we've narrowed our view of hospitality to HGTV and Instagram, but our hearts are more lonely than ever. During the Covid-19 pandemic, author Laura Baghdassarian Murray hosted a solitude and silence retreat via Zoom. As a result of that experience, Laura began to champion spaces where people could practice welcome and hospitality, even online. Join in for a thoughtful conversation about how you can open yourself up to letting God use you as a bridge builder to bless others.   RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Connect with Laura on Instagram Connect with Laura on Facebook Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality Healed Hearts are Hospitable Hearts Worksheet Visit Laura's Website Learn More about Laura's Online Retreats Here!   ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST Laura Baghdassarian Murray (DMin, Fuller Seminary) is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with and others (www.digitalsilentretreats.com). She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children.

Life With Open Hands | 1 Samuel 30 | Pastor Ethan Henderson

What if giving is something that can change your life for the good?? What if it becomes a habit? Martin gives us his thoughts and inights, and Sue and Richard are our hosts for the morning. Catch the whole Holy Habits series as podcasts or on YouTube: search horleybaptist

This week we close out our sermon series "Open Hands" by talking about Biblical principles for our personal finances. We're glad that you made it to this video! We're also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more information on our worship services or church as a whole, visit fbcwest.com

In this week's sermon, we begin a new series on stewardship entitled "Open Hands." In this week we look at what it means to have faithful and active stewardship and how we can be good and faithful servants to God. We're glad that you made it to this sermon! We are also available on Youtube. For more information on our worship services and church as a whole, visit fbcwest.com

Genesis 2:15, Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 3:7-11

8/17/2025 Rev. Paul Bang Proverbs 6:6-11 6 Go to the ant, O sluggard;     consider her ways, and be wise. 7 Without having any chief,     officer, or ruler, 8 she prepares her bread in summer     and gathers her food in harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, O sluggard?     When will you arise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber,     a little folding of the hands to rest, 11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber,     and want like an armed man.

In a world that constantly pushes us to take control of our plans, our schedules, our relationships, James 4:13–16 reminds us of a better way. In this message, Pastor Nate confronts the illusion of control and the anxiety it produces. Through Scripture, and story, we're invited to release our grip, open our hands, and trust the God whose plans are higher, wiser, and rooted in love. When we surrender what we cannot control, we make room for the peace, purpose, and power God longs to give us—because open hands receive what closed fists never will.

In a world that constantly pushes us to take control of our plans, our schedules, our relationships, James 4:13–16 reminds us of a better way. In this message, Pastor Nate confronts the illusion of control and the anxiety it produces. Through Scripture, and story, we're invited to release our grip, open our hands, and trust the God whose plans are higher, wiser, and rooted in love. When we surrender what we cannot control, we make room for the peace, purpose, and power God longs to give us—because open hands receive what closed fists never will.

Caleb Hartwig - Open Hands Open Heaven by Citipointe Church - Redcliffe

Ask David: How to Stop Giving a Crap Motivating a Procrastinator . . . and More The answers to today's questions are brief and were written prior to the show. Listen to the podcast for a more in-depth discussion of each question. Today's questions. 1. Chris has a question about Positive Reframing and the Magic Dial. 2. Joe asks: What method would be best to stop giving a crap? 3. Ollie asks: How do you motivate a procrastinating patient to do the hard work of facing the task they've been putting off? 4. Owen asks: Should I complete a full Daily Mood Log each day? 5. Owen also asks: Is it okay to copy the positive reframing from a previous DML when relevant?   1. Chris asks about Positive Reframing and the Magic Dial. Hi David! I'm currently on my third re-read of "Feeling Great" and want to thank you for the positive changes and progress I have experienced in my life as a result of the techniques and information present in the book. My question is, when you use positive reframing, and identify all the advantages of a negative thought, but still decide, "Hey I would still like to reduce my suffering, in spite of all these good things. But I would love to keep the advantages too." Does this mean my conviction for change is not strong enough? Or is this when I should transition to the magic dial technique and try to keep the best of both worlds ? Thank you in advance, Christian David's reply Thanks, do the Magic Dial and you can have it both ways. However, keep this in mind, or perhaps discover it later on. Once you start to challenge your thoughts successfully, and your belief in your negative thoughts diminishes substantially, you may decide to lower your feelings even further, possibly all the way to zero. And at that point, you're probably ready for Relapse Prevention Training as described in the book. The Feeling Great app is free this summer if you're in the US, so that might help you along the trail if needed. Warmly, David Can I use this as an Ask David question on one of our Ask podcasts? d Christian responds Hello David, Thank you for your in depth response, that's really handy. Part of me is really hoping I'll want to lower my ratings even further, but I think as you have outlined many times, honoring my resistance is important if I want to get to that point. It's weird isn't it, I know at an intellectual level I want these things to happen, but at the gut level part of me is still holding on. I would love to use the app, however I'm based in the UK and it isn't available to me, I saw on the FAQ on the website that it may be getting released in other parts of the world soon ? I also hope there will be more and more TEAM-CBT therapists available in the UK in future too ! Absolutely, I would love for my question to be featured in the podcast ! Warm Regards, Christian   2. Joe asks: What method would be best to stop giving a crap? Hey Dr. Burns, Your two most recent webinars have been very helpful, especially Overcoming Perfectionism, yet I still struggle hard with perfectionism. [To be specific, I put a video out there that people enjoyed (internally) and that I spent a month on, only to get mostly ignored, and I feel defeated.] What method would be best to stop giving a crap? Thanks! Joe David's Reply As I have said so often, I don't recommend “methods” for “problems.” I use TEAM, a process. I sometimes have the same problem with media interviews. I am often asked to give three tips on this or that problem, like gaining self-esteem or whatever. For example, a Chinese interviewer asked for “tips” on overcoming depression, like spending more time in nature or more time with friends and the people you care about. I am not happy about such questions, as my answer is that I'm a no tips please type of guy. I have developed many powerful processes for dealing with a variety of common problems. For example, for individual mood problems I find it extremely useful to start out with a partially completed Daily Mood Log, and for a relationship problem a partially completed Relationship Journal can lead to some fantastic and revealing work. But as far as general “tips” for not “giving a crap” if you're struggling with perfectionism, I can only quote what the Buddha said nearly 2,500 years ago: “General tips suck! Give me something specific and real, please!” Best, david   3. How can you motivate someone who procrastinates? Dear David, I have a question but first I'd like to tell you and the team just how much I'm loving the app. Especially since you gave the AI a voice so now we can speak with it rather than typing out responses. Now it feels so quick and easy. Sometimes, I find it can be hard to motivate myself to do the self-help work but talking to the app makes the process effortless. It really does feel like having a friend who's got your best interest at heart, and they're available to talk to you whenever you need them. My question is about the role of therapists when it comes to patient motivation. I was hoping you could clarify why when patients present with anxiety, we know they will predictably resist doing exposure, but as a therapist it is necessary to press the matter. However, when working with a procrastinating patient, they will almost always show similar process resistance (to doing whatever it is they're procrastinating about), but your recommendation (as far as I understand it) is not to push them to do anything. Not to help motivate them to do the hard work. Is there a reason for this difference, or have I misunderstood entirely? Warmest regards, Ollie David's Reply I can make this an Ask David question, and thanks. Appreciate the kind comments. As a therapist working with anxiety or depression, I work out the Outcome and Process Resistance before trying to “help.” So, the depressed patient must agree to homework, and the anxious patient must agree to exposure, in order for us to work together on those problems. This is called Dangling the Carrot, Gentle Ultimatum, and Sitting with Open Hands and sometimes with Fallback Position at the end. If a patient wants help with procrastination, they must agree to the five-minute rule, to get started at a specific time today, even if they don't feel motivated. I see it as the same thing: making the patient accountable and giving the patient free will to decide what they are willing to do—or not willing to do. I would never try to motivate a procrastinating patient! That's not on the menu. However, I can help them get started if they need help, but I the first five things they have to do into simple things taking 15 seconds each, like sit in my chair might be the first step in organizing you desk. Then reaching for a piece of paper that needs filing. Etc. Five minutes work of little things. You might want to listen to / search the podcasts for this process. We'll mention a bit more on the podcast. Warmly, david If I missed it, try again!    4. Owen asks: Should I complete a full Daily Mood Log each day? Hi Dr. Burns, Thank you again for all the incredible content you've been sharing—both the Feeling Good podcast and your Feeling Great videos. You're so engaging and natural on camera, it's hard to believe you were ever camera-shy! The Ask David segments are always a highlight of my Mondays. I just had two quick questions about the Daily Mood Log. I often find it takes me several hours to complete one fully, including the positive reframing. Should I aim to complete a full log each day for maximum benefit, or is it okay to work through one gradually over several days? I often get unrelated negative thoughts while still working on a previous log, which means I can't get to the new ones right away. David's Reply Hi Owen, Yes, you can spread it out for sure. david   5. Owen asks: To speed things up, is it okay to copy positive reframing from a previous DML when relevant, or is it better to start fresh each time? Thanks so much in advance, Owen (assumed name) David's Reply Hi Owen, Yes, you can use previous PR! Will include your questions at the upcoming Ask David podcast. Can we use your first name? david At our next Ask David, we'll start out with this question: 1. Zainab asks: Is friendship a basic human need? What do you think? Yes? No? Maybe? We did a survey among our group in preparation for the next Ask, and it was two “no's” (Matt and David) and one “yes” (Rhonda). So stay tuned next week for the discussion of this question that comes up often in different disguises. For example, we often hear heated proclamations on whether love is an adult human “need.” What do you think about that question? Thanks for listening today! Matt, Rhonda, and David

Father Shawn McCain Tirres | August 10, 2025 Drawing from Luke's teaching on stewardship, Father Shawn challenges us to examine whether our relationship with money reflects our faith that Christ will return. Through personal stories and practical examples, he explores how God's generous pleasure in giving us the kingdom should transform our approach to wealth and possessions. www.rezaustin.com

This episode explores the heart posture we're called to have in prayer. Whether you're praying for your ex, a broken friendship, or a situation that feels uncertain, the real invitation is to come to God with open hands. We talk about what it means to surrender, to trust, and to partner with God rather than try to control the situation yourself.This episode is inspired by the Practicing the Way course on prayer— it's full of practical tools to help you actually live this out: The Prayer Practice — Practicing the Way

Pastor Tim continues our series on spiritual gifts. They aren't meant to be collected and displayed but given freely to build the body of Christ and fulfill God's purposes through us.• Fruits of the Spirit are for everyone to cultivate, while gifts are given, seasonal, and imparted• The prerequisite for receiving spiritual gifts is humility—acknowledging our need for God• Many believers devalue their gifts or don't recognize they have them• Exhortation is a verb that combines faith and action• Stephen's story demonstrates how the gift of exhortation operates with both truth and grace• Our posture for receiving should be "closed eyes and open hands"—combining trust with expectation• Spiritual gifts assess our motives when they land in our lives• Sometimes what we want isn't what we need in our current season• Every gift of God is empowered by love and expressed through faith

Pastor Matthew Woodward preaching part four of the "The Promise and Precaution of Prosperity" on Wednesday night. July 16th, 2025. Find us online at:Website: www.capitalcommunity.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/capitalcommunitychurchInstagram: www.instagram.com/ccc_fredericton YouTube: www.capitalcommunity.tvThe Conversation Podcast: www.anchor.fm/ccc-theconversationSermon Archive Podcast: www.anchor.fm/capitalcommunitychurch

The early church demonstrated radical generosity, sharing all they had to meet each other's needs, reflecting their faith in Jesus and God's provision. Their giving came from love, not obligation, as they understood that following Jesus meant living with open hands and caring for one another. Pastor Shawn Williams challenges us to embrace this same generous heart, trusting that as Jesus gave everything for us, we, too, should hold nothing back in our giving.

Open Arms Leads to Open Hands