Podcasts about Ordinary

Kids are always watching—especially when it comes to money. Every purchase, every act of generosity, and every expression of contentment quietly shapes how children learn to view God's provision.To help us think more clearly about this, John Cortines joins us today on Faith and Finance. John serves as Director of Partnerships and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and is a longtime contributor to FaithFi. Through his writing and teaching, he helps families see how God's Word speaks into every part of life—including how we disciple our children through everyday financial decisions.John begins with Deuteronomy 6, where God calls parents to teach His ways diligently—when sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, and getting up. Financial discipleship, John explains, isn't a one-time lesson or a class on money management. It's a daily, relational process, woven into the ordinary rhythms of life. Money is one of the most tangible tools we have to shape a child's heart toward God.While financial literacy matters, John emphasizes that values are formed long before kids understand budgets or compound interest. Children absorb what they see modeled: trust or anxiety, gratitude or discontentment, generosity or accumulation. The goal isn't simply to raise financially capable adults, but to form hearts that love God more than possessions and find joy in contentment.One powerful way to do this is through storytelling. Scripture itself teaches through stories, and our own financial experiences can become formative lessons. Instead of merely stating principles—such as saving or trusting God—parents can share concrete stories about God's provision, seasons of sacrifice, financial mistakes, or generous obedience. Honest, age-appropriate conversations help children connect everyday money decisions to God's ongoing faithfulness.John also encourages families to celebrate generosity. Giving shouldn't feel hidden or transactional. Families can pause to reflect on the causes they support, pray together over gifts, and thank God for the opportunity to be a blessing. Even in a digital age, involving children in the act of giving helps generosity become joyful and memorable.Ordinary financial milestones—paying off debt, saving for a goal, buying a car—are also rich teaching moments. Explaining the patience, planning, and prayer behind those milestones helps children see stewardship as a long-term, faith-filled process.Contentment also plays a critical role. Children learn what satisfies us by listening to our words and watching our attitudes. When gratitude and trust in God's provision are modeled—even in imperfect circumstances—children learn a healthier posture toward money.The takeaway is simple but profound: if we want wise stewards tomorrow, we must model faithful stewardship today. Look for one teachable moment this week and invite your children into the story of how God is shaping your faith—and your finances—together.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband has had a group universal life insurance policy through his job for over 20 years. We're both about 65 now, and I'm wondering what the best next step is—should we keep the policy, convert it, or consider a different option?I'm retired from law enforcement and have a Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System pension that is currently earning approximately 5% now that I'm no longer contributing. I'm currently working elsewhere and have a 401(k). Should I leave my law enforcement retirement where it is, or roll it into my new employer's plan?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Real Stakes of Sports Betting (Article by Kyle Worley in Faithful Steward)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

We all experience struggles and trials. Despite the struggles, it is possible to find ways to celebrate every day.    In this episode, I share ways that I am choosing to celebrate even though this has been a difficult year for our society, my life, and my business.    In Today's Episode We Discuss:    Why the extraordinary is in the ordinary How to feel gratitude daily despite life's challenges How every day can feel special  What a gratitude inventory can do to shift your perspective   My hope in sharing the small and simple ways that I am celebrating each day is to help you see the things in your life that are worthy of notice. We all have things that we can be grateful for, so I hope you can choose to focus on those things more often in order to feel more joy.    I would love to know how you celebrate the little things?  Do you take time each day for gratitude?  Don't forget to share what you are thankful for right now.  DM me on Instagram @leading_lady_coach and share with me how you are celebrating!  Show notes available at www.leadinglady-coaching.com/podcast Have you joined the Leading Ladies Facebook Group yet?! I would love to see you in there!   Let's connect on Facebook and  Instagram!

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Most New Year goal setting assumes you need fixing....New year. New you. Try harder. Do more....Nope. We're not doing that here....In this episode of Ordinary to Badass, you'll discover a different kind of reset—one that doesn't ask you to become someone new, but instead helps you become more of who you already are....This conversation is rooted in one core truth:Your next level is already in you. We're just clearing the noise so she can drive....Marie walks through what felt ordinary and what felt badass as she stepped into 2026—from falling into old business patterns, to releasing the pressure to finish everything perfectly, to creating a vision board that finally felt aligned (yes, with a little help from AI and a Walgreens poster print

Send in your music story!Start with a question: what happens when your words shape your year? We dive into that idea headfirst, sharing New Year goals about speaking with intention, listening better, and even using silence as a strategic tool. From high-stakes business meetings to decompressing at home, we talk about how choosing our words—and choosing when not to speak—can shift outcomes, mindsets, and relationships.Then we pivot into our favorite kind of chaos: holidays, family, and music. We trade stories about Christmas hosting mishaps, perfect plates from an ex–Italian chef grandpa, and gifts that fuel creativity, like a personalized guitar capo and a full art chest. Parenting makes a surprise entrance too: a toddler's sudden language burst, color naming, and the first proud “trash can.” It's the kind of moment that reminds you growth looks flat until it rockets ahead.On the music front, we break down the 2025 charts and confess our personal favorites, from Alex Warren's Ordinary to Teddy Swims and Billie Eilish. Sparks fly when we challenge the ease of country crossovers and ask whether dominant sounds invite outsiders to take over. It's lively, opinionated, and packed with examples—why some artists thrive across genres, why others don't, and how “90s alternative” still echoes through modern playlists. We also compare mood-based listening with old-school genre boxes and ask what really drives a hit in the streaming era.We wrap with pure fun: movies that blindsided us with big feelings, game recommendations, and a slate of plans for Pokemon's 30th anniversary—think retro runs, builds, card openings, and music-themed teams that listeners can help name. Hit play for a candid, energetic ride that blends real life with real music talk.If you're into thoughtful riffs, chart debates, and a community that builds together, follow the show, tap the bell, and share this episode with a friend. Rate and review to help more music nerds find us—what was your number one track of 2025?Check out our Youtube and Instagram! Check out our Website! Become a member!Support the showPlease give us a quick rate and review. If you enjoyed the audio version head over to our Youtube for video content! Follow the Instagram for special content and weekly updates. Check out our website and leave us a voice message to be heard on the show or find out more about the guests!Ever wanted to start your own podcast? Here is a link to get started!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1964696https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONMXkuIfpVizopNb_CoIGghttps://www.instagram.com/hook_and_bridge_podcast/https://www.thehookandbridgepodcast.com/

As we begin 2026 we're looking at some Simple Habits—just three—that will put us “in the channels” (so to speak) of God's grace. Ordinary paths and places where he regularly pours out his grace. Practicing spiritual habits (spiritual disciplines) is how we stay close to the grace that is already ours in Jesus. We begin this week by seeing that God's grace does not wait for us to get our act together—it arrives first, freely and lavishly, before effort, obedience, or change ever begin. Grace justifies us without merit, sanctifies us through Spirit-empowered effort, and will glorify us at Christ's return.

Exploring the Unknown: A Journey to Planet BlueThe story revolves around a science fiction narrative adapted from Philip K. Dick's story 'Colony'. It explores the themes of colonization, the dangers of extraterrestrial life, and psychological disturbances faced by the crew on Planet Blue. The narrative unfolds with the crew's exploration of the planet, the unexpected threats they encounter, and the psychological implications of their experiences, culminating in a desperate attempt to escape a life-threatening situation.In the vast expanse of the universe, the quest for new worlds continues to captivate our imagination. The recent mission to Planet Blue, led by Commander Stella Morrison, offers a glimpse into the challenges and wonders of space exploration. As the team navigated the unknown, they encountered unexpected phenomena that tested their resolve and ingenuity.The Mission BeginsThe journey to Planet Blue was meticulously planned, with the research team orbiting the planet and conducting aerial photography to identify potential landing sites. Initial atmospheric tests were promising, suggesting an open-air environment without the need for pressure suits. However, the team remained cautious, recalling past missions where unforeseen dangers lurked beneath the surface.Unseen ThreatsAs the exploration progressed, Major Lawrence Hall's bio-survey revealed a startling discovery. Ordinary objects, such as microscopes and towels, exhibited lethal behavior, attacking the crew in a bizarre twist of fate. This phenomenon raised questions about the nature of life on Planet Blue and the potential for unseen threats that could jeopardize the mission.A Race Against TimeWith the safety of the crew at stake, the team faced a race against time to understand and neutralize the threat. The decision to evacuate the planet without any inorganic material underscored the gravity of the situation. As the crew prepared to leave, they grappled with the psychological impact of their experiences, highlighting the human element in the face of extraterrestrial challenges.The mission to Planet Blue serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space exploration. As we continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge, the lessons learned from this journey will inform future endeavors. The spirit of discovery remains undeterred, driving us to explore the unknown and uncover the mysteries of the universe.Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest in space exploration and science fiction adventures.TakeawaysThe exploration of new worlds often comes with unforeseen dangers.Colonization requires thorough biological assessments to ensure safety.Psychological stability is crucial for survival in alien environments.Mimicry in extraterrestrial life can pose significant threats.The crew's dynamics are tested under extreme stress.Technological failures can lead to life-threatening situations.The narrative highlights the importance of teamwork in crisis.Fear and paranoia can distort perceptions of reality.The story serves as a cautionary tale about human hubris.Survival often requires making difficult ethical decisions.science fiction, Philip K. Dick, colonization, extraterrestrial life, psychological thriller, mimicry, adventure, exploration, danger, survival

Nikko Cagalanan is the chef-owner of Kultura in Charleston, South Carolina. Born and raised in the Philippines, Nikko began cooking in 2017 while still working as a nurse, discovering that the kitchen offered the same sense of purpose—to nurture, care for, and bring comfort to others. In 2019, he moved to Charleston to fully pursue his passion for cooking and launched Kultura to great acclaim, including a James Beard Award nomination. It was a lot of fun having Nikko in the studio to talk about his journey to professional cooking as well as some exciting news from the world of openings.  And, at the top of the show, it's the return of Three Things, where Aliza and Matt talk about what is exciting them in the world of restaurants, cookbooks, and the food world as a whole. On this episode: Hangover cures, Television: A Novel of Luck and Perfection are novels worth checking out, and Catskills love for Fellow Mountain Cafe and Matilda. Also: We like I Love LA a lot and props to sneaky donut masters Grayling Bauer of Sparrowbush Bakery and Zoë Kanan of Elbow Bread.  Also check out: Charleston Isn't Ordinary with Mike Lata Have a future guest request? A restaurant we should visit? Take the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This Is TASTE listener survey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We really appreciate the feedback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 069 For Want of a Package The Influence Every Day Show with Dr. Ed Tori A package arrived on my doorstep. Ordinary. Forgettable. Until it wasn't. In this episode, I share a moment of unexpected awe triggered by something most of us barely notice anymore. A cardboard box. A doorbell. A delivery notification. What followed was a cascade of realization about just how many lives, skills, systems, and unseen acts of effort converge so that a single package can arrive at our door. I reflect on the old proverb often called For Want of a Nail, a centuries-old story about how the absence of one small thing can lead to catastrophic downstream consequences. From a missing nail, to a lost shoe, to a fallen kingdom. That story is usually told as a warning. This episode explores the opposite direction. What happens when a small, seemingly insignificant moment leads to massive positive outcomes? Holding that package, I trace the invisible web behind it. The driver who needed health, strength, and training. The truck that required parts, materials, and maintenance. The metal that required mines. The mines that required machines. The machines that required inventors. The inventors who needed teachers. The teachers who needed food. The farmers who needed sun, soil, rain, and forces far beyond human control. All of it so that I could click “add to cart” and open a box. ... This episode is not a denial of the real problems that exist in global systems. Exploitation, environmental harm, corruption, and injustice are real and worth confronting. But that is not the path I take today. Today is about gratitude. About choosing to see the human effort that usually remains invisible. About honoring the thousands of small contributions that make modern life possible. I offer a direct thank you to the people behind the ideas, the funding, the design, the engineering, the manufacturing, the packing, the coding, the logistics, the driving, the maintenance, the teaching, the parenting, the farming, and the natural forces that sustain it all. This is a reminder that we never receive alone. We are always beneficiaries of lives we will never meet. Gratitude, in this framing, is not sentimentality. It is perspective. It is state management. It is leadership. And it is a practice that can transform an ordinary moment into a grounding reminder of our interdependence. This episode is an invitation to pause before the next package is opened. To see the invisible threads. To let gratitude recalibrate your state. And to remember that even the smallest things often carry the weight of the world behind them. If this episode resonated with you, consider who else might need the reminder. Share it. Pay it forward. And as always, go forth and influence for good... every day.

Send us a text! We love hearing from listeners. If you'd like a response, please include your email. Kick off the new year with The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery podcast! Join Jennie and Dianne for a delightful chat with Pamela McColl, author of "Wondrous Mrs. Claus: a Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character". As we bid farewell to 2025, let's take a moment to appreciate a true unsung hero of the holiday season, Mrs. Claus! Join us as we celebrate the woman behind the man in red and appreciate all the love and care she brings to this final festive season of the calendar year.View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NeY4abu6j1Y?si=HfMC3MCoDyesM4LCPurchase your copy of "Wondrous Mrs. Claus: a Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character" by Pamela McColl here: https://a.co/d/0eWM2IwFamily Tales: A free printable, is now available! Gather 'round the table and dig into your roots! This interactive family history game is perfect for holidays, reunions, or just because. Ask, listen, and laugh your way through generations of stories and secrets. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UT_R56qEwNTIxIBrTy8KFyVmGnFOe7g8/view?usp=sharingNeed an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.comSupport the show

Ordinary experience is governed by the endless round of the Wheel of Life, which can be gradually halted by treading the spiral path to Enlightenment until progress becomes irreversible. Excerpted from the talk entitled Stream Entry given by Sangharakshita in 1965 as part of the series The Meaning of Conversion in Buddhism. *** Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone! Donate now: https://freebuddhistaudio.com/donate Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: Bite-sized clips - Buddhist inspiration three times a week. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dharmabytes-from-free-buddhist-audio/id416832097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UHPDj01UH6ptj8FObwBfB

Life rarely unfolds the way we expect, and that's exactly where the MAGIC lives. In this episode, Kelley Tyan and I talk about what happens when people change for the better, how forgiveness frees you more than anyone else, and why staying OPEN to possibility can shift everything even after years of tension, unanswered questions, or unmet expectations. We also dive into faith versus religion, the power of environment on your mindset, how to handle uncomfortable conversations with grace, and why the people you surround yourself with shape what you believe is possible. Get ready to see how openness, forgiveness, and faith can turn ordinary moments into life-changing ones. In This Episode You Will Learn How staying OPEN allows unexpected blessings to show up. Why FORGIVENESS frees YOU more than the other person. How to address uncomfortable moments without carrying resentment. The difference between RELIGION and RELATIONSHIP with God. Why ENVIRONMENT can instantly shift your mindset and beliefs. How to stop SETTLING and trust that timing is still working for you. What strong relationships do differently to stay CONNECTED and GROWING. Check Out Our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Quince - Step into the holiday season with layers made to feel good and last from Quince. Go to quince.com/confidence Timeline - Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/confidencefree Resources + Links Join Kelley Tyan's Community HERE Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Kelley on Instagram & LinkedIn

Hello to you, Marilyn, listening in Hancock, New Hampshire!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey—this final day of the old year—and your host, Diane Wyzga.      Shoveling Snow With Buddha by Billy Collins"In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wokyou would never see him doing such a thing,tossing the dry snow over the mountainof his bare, round shoulder,his hair tied in a knot,a model of concentration. Sitting is more his speed, if that is the wordfor what he does, or does not do. Even the season is wrong for him.In all his manifestations, is it not warm and slightly humid?Is this not implied by his serene expression,that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe? But here we are, working our way down the driveway,one shovelful at a time.We toss the light powder into the clear air.We feel the cold mist on our faces.And with every heave we disappearand become lost to each otherin these sudden clouds of our own making,these fountain-bursts of snow. This is so much better than a sermon in church,I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.This is the true religion, the religion of snow,and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,I say, but he is too busy to hear me. He has thrown himself into shoveling snowas if it were the purpose of existence,as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear drivewayone you could back the car down easilyand drive off into the vanities of the worldwith a broken heater fan and a song on the radio. All morning long we work side by side,me with my commentaryand he inside the generous pocket of his silence,until the hour is nearly noonand the snow is piled high all around us;then, I hear him speak. After this, he asks,can we go inside and play cards? Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milkand bring cups of hot chocolate to the tablewhile you shuffle the deck,and our boots stand dripping by the door. Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyesand leaning for a moment on his shovelbefore he drives the thin blade againdeep into the glittering white snow."My New Year wish for you: As the old year folds onto itself and the new year dawns I wish for you that your everyday activities, even the very simple tasks, bring humor, contemplation, and a sense of magic in the ordinary. May you find your way on the path following a compass heading of True North. May the love you seek wend its way to you. May you dream well, journey far, and be sustained in hope that what you're looking for is looking for you.You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you'll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer's Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Holy Family 2025 - The Ordinary by Fr. Josh Waltz

As 2025 comes to an end, Laura and Shanna reflect on their last 12 months of parenting with honesty, humor and insight in the special segment "Year in Review." As they look back on 2025, they share their biggest laughs, unexpected wins and surprising realizations, including the hilarious thing Laura's kids taught her this year, the shocking incident that sums up the vibe of Shanna's year, their favorite shows of 2025 and more! Also, Laura reports on her family's recent trip to Hawaii, and Shanna talks about how she got her kids involved in Thanksgiving meal prep. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura's kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Taking a family trip with kids (the good, the chaotic and the realistic expectations)Thanksgiving routines that feel doable instead of overwhelmingLetting kids help more at home, especially during the holidays, and why that matters"Mommy Magic" and making the invisible work visible for our kidsLooking back at 2025 and reflecting on what this year actually felt likeSmall parenting wins that didn't feel like a big deal at the timeThings our kids taught us this year (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not)Finding ways to have fun again as adults, not just planning fun for our kidsNavigating change, transitions and feeling pulled in a million directionsMedia, shows and pop culture that brought comfort, laughter or escapeLooking ahead to the new year with intentions about how we want to feelA vacation activity that will create a core memoryA fun board game to play with your familyProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-Pasadena's Celebration of the Young Child-"Your Friend, Nate Bargatze" special on Netflix-Lita the dog on TikTok-Clara Batten on TikTok-Perimenopause-Baader-Meinhof phenomenon (aka Frequency Illusion)-Rainbow Baby-"Five Nights at Freddy's"-"Ordinary" by Alex Warren-"Severance"-"The Chair Company"-"The Carpool Detectives"-Snorkle Bob's-Humuhumunukunukuapua'a fish-TelestrationsPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 362 - (Shanna gets a concussion from a soccer ball)-Ep. 381 - (Laura hosts a booth at the Pasadena Celebration of the Young Child)-Ep. 221 - (Shanna and Laura go to a rage room) -Ep. 378 - (Laura adopts her new kitten, Pumpkin)-Ep. 355 - (Shanna tells her daughter about the Leprechaun and Santa)-Ep. 356 - (Where Shanna tells her daughter about being a "Rainbow Baby")Connect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.comIf you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gospel Luke 2:22-35 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Reflection In this week of readings, we're going to see a repeated pattern. Ordinary individuals, not people of the temple, not people of high learning, are manifesting to Mary and Joseph something so extraordinary about their son. Simeon represents the waiting, the long waiting of Israel for this moment, and he, as a symbol of faith, has always believed that the Messiah would come. He walks into the temple and encounters Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and knows somehow, deep inside of him, this is the one. It's a beautiful image of the way the Holy Spirit works in ordinary people, and how he affirms the promises that are unfolding daily in our life. Closing Prayer Father, make us attentive to those around us who carry perhaps a way of seeing that we don't see. Let us pay attention to the fact that you always seem to work with others, to be able to work with us. Help us to read the signs of those around us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Common Table's November 9, 2025 sermon. Ordinary time - Amos 1:1-2; 5:8-15, 21-24 // Let Justice Roll w/Drew Willson.Election Day is past! No more political ads! With a consequential election in the rearview and plenty of work on the horizon, let's learn from what the prophet Amos has to say about the people of God, public worship, and political life."While we do not believe churches should affiliate with particular political parties, we do encourage churches to speak out boldly on social issues from a Gospel perspective. We further believe churches have a right and a responsibility to educate and equip their members to be effective advocates for justice in the wider world."~ from United Methodist Social Principles, 2025-2028

The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode:Ordinary Soil bookAnalog Sun bookAlex Woodard websiteDr. Zach Bush websiteFarmer's Footprint websiteChemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) videoPrevious Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods:Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane PodcastEpisode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, AuthorEpisode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture GuildEpisode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire FarmHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Combined Worship Gathering from Luke 2:22-38 What is the next faithful step that God is calling you to take? The next faithful thing God is calling you to do? A life spent simply taking that next faithful step and doing the next faithful thing…even though that life may feel ordinary, becomes the grounds in which … Continue reading "(December 28, 2025) “Ordinary Faithfulness”"

Teacher: Randy Fall Download Sermon Notes  Watch Episode Give Online: http://westgatechapel.org/give Connect With Us: http://westgatechapel.org/connect Chapters (00:00:00) - Christmas Family(00:00:30) - The Joy of the Lord(00:10:08) - Wonders of Westgate Chapel Service(00:11:26) - 3 Things to Know Before the 2021 Annual Meeting(00:15:17) - House of the Lord(00:28:00) - Care Pastor Randy Fall(00:30:51) - Christmas: A Year Ends(00:32:55) - All God's Love Revealed(00:34:02) - The Gift of God(00:36:22) - Christmas Story: God's Love reaches the Ordinary(00:42:11) - God's Love Came in the Humblest Way(00:46:42) - 3 Truths of God's Love(00:53:08) - Jesus' Peace for Nations(00:56:04) - Truth #4, The Shepherds(01:00:08) - 4,000 Gospel Conversations in 2025(01:04:44) - A Simple Invite(01:06:47) - Christmas Story: Repentance and Faith(01:11:42) - Go Tell It on the Mountain

In this episode, KyLee and Darcy share a few holiday highlights, then KyLee sits down with author Julie Klassen to talk about research, faith, and her latest Regency release. Key takeaways Holiday traditions can be simple, and still feel special. Teachers and read-aloud stories can shape a reader and a writer for life. Julie Klassen weaves themes of grace, forgiveness, and second chances into her fiction. Real places and local legends can add weight and texture to historical novels. Whispers at Painswick Court blends romance with gothic atmosphere and a murder plot. Holiday baking, hot chocolate, and an Instagram invite A Bookworm Review of The Lost Girl of Astor Street, Stephanie Morrill KyLee: Today I will be talking with Julie Klassen. Darcy will not be with us because she’s gone to spend some time with her family. We’re recording this beforehand, and Darcy, we are about 10 days until Christmas. I know you are full of Christmas cheer and doing tons of Christmas things. No, that is not true. Darcy and I were talking about how it feels like the season has not quite started because we have been so busy. However, there are a couple special things we would like to share with you. Darcy: The most Christmas-y thing I am doing this year is making hot chocolate over and over at the ice cream shop. I’m not complaining — I love hot chocolate. I love making it, frothing the milk and everything. I am really looking forward to visiting my sister for Christmas. She lives five hours away. We see each other regularly through the year, but I’m going to spend a whole week at her place with my younger sister. The three of us will be hanging out. She has to work, so we’ll probably be doing some reading during the day. I have a couple of Christmas novellas picked out, one by Rosanna White. I’m looking forward to relaxing and doing Christmas-y things after I get the chaos behind me. KyLee: Do you ever throw something in with your hot chocolate, or make it different? Darcy: I’m very classic. I like to stir it with a candy cane and let that slowly melt in. So it’s like a peppermint hot chocolate. KyLee: I only ask because I started baking while procrastinating on preparing for this episode. I had this idea to take peanut butter cookies, make them a little bigger, and put a Reese's cup in the middle. Like you put a chocolate kiss in the middle. We got Reese's cups and they were PB&J, which I’m not the biggest fan of. I thought, let's see if I can make this work. I get halfway through the recipe. I have my sugar out, shortening measured, flour measured, and I have no peanut butter. I do not know how this happened in my house. My oldest has a pretty severe allergy to milk that affects her esophagus. Finding things like proteins is something we’re constantly trying to do. I pulled out some plant-based chocolate protein powder and mixed that in with the cookies, then cooked them up. They are so good. They are a little heavy on the sugar. Along with having my daughter with this severe allergy, my husband has diabetes. So I rarely bake. I was procrastinating and it is Christmas time, so I broke that out. He tried them against my recommendation. He hates coconut, and since it is plant-based, it has coconut, so he does not want them. So it worked out. Darcy: I love that you are improvising with your holiday baking. This may be a new tradition. You might end up making these chocolate-protein-powder cookies every Christmas now. KyLee: They might be the start of a beautiful Christmas dessert. For our listeners, we are going to do something fun. Pop over to Instagram, on the Historical Bookworm Podcast page. On Instagram, it is Historical Bookworm Podcast, not Historical Bookworm Show. You will find a picture of my cookies, and Darcy, a picture of some hot chocolate. Darcy: Yes, absolutely. KyLee: We would love to see pictures of your sweet treats that you are making this holiday season. Now we are going to get on to the show with Julie Klassen. Meet Julie Klassen Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing's BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.  KyLee: Julie, welcome to the Historical Bookworm Show. Julie: Thank you, KyLee. I’m happy to be here. The most Jane Austen thing, besides tea KyLee: Tea drinking goes without saying for an Anglophile. What is the most Jane Austen thing, other than drinking tea, that you might incorporate into your daily life? Julie: True confessions, I do not drink as much tea as I’m probably alleged to do. I am a coffee drinker. Normally it is coffee in the morning, and then I might switch to tea. I just went to the Jane Austen Christmas and birthday party for my local Jane Austen Society of North America meeting and drank lots of tea. Today I drank lots of tea, but it’s not usual. I don’t incorporate a lot of things from the Regency era into my real life because I like my computer and technology. A few things I do. I love candles. I’m not a writer who writes with music or soundtracks, but I do love to burn sweet-smelling candles when I write. If we’re talking about Christmas, then I do love to go to church. We have candlelit services. Charity was very big in the Jane Austen time during Christmas in general. Those kinds of things I am a fan of, but I also like modern medicine and other ways of modern life. KyLee: I agree with you about the modern thing. There is something homey and romantic about candles. Aromatherapy would be great for when you are writing. Julie: I do enjoy it. Ordinary people who leave a lasting impact KyLee: Jane Austen's characters are average people with ordinary lives, often drawn from real life observations. Can you tell us about a time an ordinary person left a lasting impact on your life? Julie: There are a lot. I’ll name teachers. Mrs. Hayes read Jane Eyre to us out loud over several weeks in the sixth grade. That cemented my love of all things English, British literature. Even though I grew up in Illinois, she had a big impact on me. Later, Mrs. Mitchell, a high school writing English teacher, encouraged me in my writing. I am still connected with both of those women online, and I send them my books every year. KyLee: Teachers have a big impact on our lives. There is something special about having a story read aloud to you. It builds trust and imagination. I am a teacher, so I try to read out loud to my students often. I read to them every day. When my children were younger, I read out loud to them too. They don’t really let me do that anymore. How faith and writing intersect KyLee: Could you share a little bit about how faith and writing intersect for you? Julie: I came to Christ later, in my 20s. A lot of my books carry similar themes of grace, forgiveness, second chances, things that I appreciate in my own life. God was very generous to me and wooed me and called me and saved me when I was not interested in Christianity. I try to weave those kinds of things into my books. I have imperfect characters who make mistakes, because that is what I did and continue to do. I am grateful for His mercy, and I try to weave that into all of my books. KyLee: It makes sense that you would share those experiences. We write what we know. Real history, and writing historical fiction versus fantasy Is there anything especially interesting you haven’t covered in other interviews for this book? Julie: One of the things I love about being a historical writer is that, even though I am writing fiction, I love to base things on what was really happening. My book is set in a real place called Painswick in England. Someone praised me about how I continue to show great historical medical knowledge. I laughed because I have zero real medical knowledge, but it shows I have to do a lot of research. For this book, the main character is a surgeon's daughter. She is trying to serve as a sick room nurse to an older woman. It was a fun connection that Jenner, who came up with the smallpox vaccination, was related to Painswick. I did not know that when I made the setting there. It was interesting to include some real history about medical practices. I do a lot of research, but I am not a medical expert. KyLee: You do your research and write those characters and that story, and it takes off. Weaving in historical details makes a difference. I am a fan of fantasy too, but I like that historical fiction is anchored in the way it really was. Julie: In fantasy, you have to build that whole world. In historical, I have anchors, but you still have to build the world for the story. I don’t think I could be a fantasy writer. You would have to make up all your rules and keep track of it. KyLee: I would have to have lists of rules, then I would lose the list and find it a decade later on my computer. Julie: You and I have a similar organizational system. There are so many resources in historical. I can check if a word is too modern. I can see if Jane Austen used it. Whispers at Painswick Court KyLee: Let's talk about your latest release, Whispers at Painswick Court. Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year. Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid.  Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer—and protect her heart—before it's too late? KyLee: Somehow the title did not prepare me for the secrets to include a murder plot. Anne has medical knowledge at her disposal. Why has she set her heart on remaining single? A heroine committed to the single life Julie: Women in that time period, in general, their main goal was to marry and marry well. There were not a lot of options for women. Anne has gotten a taste of helping others and having a greater purpose than marriage. She thinks that because she has a sister who married in an arranged marriage and is unhappy. That’s been her example. Her young stepmother is trying to marry Anne off to completely inappropriate men. Men who are strangers, far too old, and not at all suitable. Men who want a wife and do not appreciate Anne's qualities. She’s determined that marriage is not for her. In that time period, many marriages were more like business arrangements. She does not want to marry for those reasons. She does not want to give up helping others and using the knowledge she has. The men interested in her would expect her to give that up to be their wife. KyLee: She found something she loves. Being pulled away from that would be heartbreaking. Julie: In a different world, she would have loved to be a doctor, a physician, a surgeon. She is smart enough and capable enough, but that was not an option for women. This is as close as she can get. The men in Anne's orbit KyLee: There seem to be several gentlemen of interest. Two nephews of Lady Celia, and a young doctor who admires Anne. Could you sketch a quick portrait of each? Julie: Anne and her sisters spent summers in Painswick because her grandparents lived there. She knows the two grown nephews from her younger days. One is very handsome and charming, and untrustworthy. Jude Dalby is the man her sister fell in love with years ago. His aunt said no, you are not going to marry this surgeon's daughter with very little money. So Anne has resentment toward him. The other nephew is a former military man. They were friends. He takes a shine to her and vice versa, but it is more of a friendship. There are actually two doctors in the story. Both doctors have secrets. The one who takes an interest in Anne has other stuff going on, so he cannot be forthcoming right away. Anne has to review her plan for her life. Sometimes God has other plans. She has to reevaluate if there is a way for her to have both marriage and purpose. KyLee: Which is the happily ever after we hope for. Julie: When you read a Julie Klassen book, you are going to have a happily ever after. It’s pretty much guaranteed. Gothic atmosphere, real legends, and place-based history KyLee: Did this book uncover any new historical tidbits, or give you an opportunity to weave in detail you had not shared before? Julie: There is poison involved, so I had to research those things. I love that the setting, Painswick, has real history I could weave in. The house I based it on is a real place with gothic legends surrounding it for generations. King Charles I stayed there, and people report seeing his ghost around the house and the adjacent churchyard. I am not that interested in ghosts except the Holy Spirit, but it is a well-known legend, and he really did stay in the house. The old house had jail cells in the basement because it used to be used as a courthouse. Prisoners were sent there. I love when I can take something real and weave it into the novel. I think it makes the world more believable and more real for readers. KyLee: Especially when there is somewhere they can go. If you can’t go to England, you can use street view and at least have an idea of what it looks like. Julie: Painswick has a beautiful church and a churchyard that is famous. It has 99 yew trees, and there is legend around it. If they plant another to make it 100, one of the other ones will die, and they will have to cut it down. I did not know yew has lore around it. It is a symbol for eternal life. It is also used for poison. I love to weave in that symbolism. You can Google it and see beautiful pictures. KyLee: I did not know yew wood was poisonous either. That will be handy if it is part of the murder plot. What's next for Julie Klassen KyLee: What is next for your writing, looking forward to 2026? Julie: I turned in my draft for the 2026 novel. Most of my books have been standalone. Whispers at Painswick Court is a standalone, and the 2026 book is also a standalone. It’s not a murder mystery, per se, but it’s a romantic story set on the coast of North Cornwall. It has gothic elements, bumps in the night, rumors, smugglers, those kinds of good things. It’s more of a romance with those gothic elements. It’s set to come out in December of 2026. The title is The Widow of Woodlark Cottage. It’s about a woman who rents Woodlark Cottage on this estate. There are a couple of men with different agendas and a lot of other things going on. Connect with Julie: Newsletter, Pinterest, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Instagram. Bookworm review: The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill In “The Lost Girl of Astor Street,” Stephanie Morrill combines a gusty heroine, chronic illness representation, a swoony detective, feuding mafia families, and raw emotion into a gripping YA mystery that'll keep readers guessing till the very end. Fans of first-person narratives will fall for Piper Sail's vibrant voice that practically zings off the page. Determined and devoted, Piper is a compelling character sure to win readers' hearts as they're immersed in her dualistic world of Chicago amid the Roaring Twenties. If you love to hunt for clues with gumshoes and amateur sleuths, join the search for The Lost Girl of Astor Street! Read more about Stephanie at her website. (www.stephaniemorrill.com) ~ Angela Bell, author of A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure If you enjoyed this episode, we hope you'll subscribe for more on your favorite listening platform, and join our newsletter (see the sidebar). Don't forget to share it with a fellow historical fiction reader! And if you really enjoyed this episode and would like to support, you can always buy us a coffee.

The Wish of the Ordinary Dweller of Jannah - Mufti Yusuf Moosagie by Radio Islam

Four ways to pursue ordinary faithfulness in a new year: By treasuring the Word of God (Psalm 1) By preaching the Gospel to ourselves consistently (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) By cultivating a firm belief in the sovereignty and goodness of God (Romans 8:28-32) By folding our lives into the local church where we are members (Hebrews 10:23-25) You can watch this message here.

12/28/2025 - Chris Randall - Immanuel in the Ordinary (Matthew 2) by Faith Community Church of South Boston, VA

Alex Warren hat it seinem Hit “Ordinary” beinahe die Hälfte des Jahres auf Platz 1 der Single Charts verbracht. In ganz Europa ist das 2025 Rekord. Kein Wunder also ist “Ordinary” der Jahreshit 2025, die weiteren Top-Platzierungen hier zum nachhören.

A Falun Dafa practitioner and her two adult children, who all practice Dafa, share their cultivation journeys. The daughter, an electrician, faced challenges at work but overcame them by prioritizing cultivation and clarifying the truth to coworkers. The son, after a difficult divorce, returned to Dafa, finding strength in his faith and eventually securing a new job. This and other experience-sharing on the Minghui website. Original Articles:1. My Adult Children and I Cultivate Together on the Path of Returning Home2. My Family and I Experience Master's Compassionate Protection3. The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary 83-year-old Woman To provide feedback on this podcast, please email us at feedback@minghuiradio.org

This week on the Free Outside Podcast, I am joined by Jeff Eklund, an “ordinary Jeff” calling in from North Carolina who quickly proves he is anything but ordinary. We kick things off with a Jeff quiz show where every answer is a different Jeff, and it immediately derails into the best kind of chaos.Jeff shares his winding path into running, including randomly ripping a 3:16 at Chicago in his 40s, qualifying for Boston (and skipping it because life happened), then stepping away before coming back strong after knee replacements. He talks about what it felt like to start running again, why he refuses to accept “don't run” as a life sentence, and his current mission to break two hours in the half marathon while stalking the competition on Strava like a proper veteran.Then we shift into the second life arc, Jeff and his wife selling basically everything during COVID, moving into a 27-foot Airstream, and traveling to 47 states. We talk minimalism, Facebook Marketplace hustle, getting “pulled around” the country by life, and the underrated places that surprised him most, from Rhode Island to Arizona to the hidden gems of Nebraska.Somewhere in the middle, Jeff goes full historian and takes us deep into his obsession with Theodore Roosevelt (the strenuous life, Rough Riders lore, the teddy bear origin story, and meeting a TR impersonator in North Dakota that turns into a legit hike). We also get a side quest on Fred Harvey restaurants, Harvey Girls, and old-school American road culture, plus a list of roadside oddities that feels like a hallucination timeline from mile 20 of a marathon.We wrap with a quick masterclass in sales (relationships, listening, and handling rejection), lessons Jeff wishes he knew when he was younger, and a perfect cherry on top story about Brooks customer service, a surprise signed Scott Jurek book, and the greatest accidental Instagram mix-up of all time.If you like running, reinvention, road trips, American history tangents, and a guest who can turn one question into six stories, this one is for you.Chapters00:00 The Jeff Quiz Show Begins04:52 Jeff Eklund's Journey into Running07:49 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Motivation10:50 The Impact of Family on Running13:45 Rediscovering the Love for Running16:42 Transitioning to Life in an Airstream19:28 Selling Everything and Embracing Minimalism22:23 Exploring the Open Road and Human Connection24:56 Theodore Roosevelt: A Personal Connection26:29 Meeting the Impersonator: A Unique Encounter28:47 The Legacy of Theodore Roosevelt30:23 The Teddy Bear Origin Story31:40 The Strenuous Life Philosophy33:40 Fred Harvey and the Railroad Era37:24 The Harvey Girls: Pioneers of the West39:07 Underrated States: Personal Reflections41:34 Hidden Gems in the Midwest45:20 Exploring Unique Destinations48:13 The Art of Selling50:29 Reflections on Youth and Education55:10 Customer Service and Personal Connections01:00:18 Celebrating Ordinary HeroesSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

Brett Sanner Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 1:18-25

Christianity showed up in the mainstream in unexpected ways this year. Are we in a revival?Take a look at this year's Billboard charts. For the first time, multiple Christian musicians charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time — and stayed there for weeks. And some of the biggest hits of the year - like Alex Warren's "Ordinary" - pull from Contemporary Christian Music sounds. Plus, Trump says he wants to defend Christians. In the episode, Brittany talks with Christianity Today reporter Kelsey Kramer McGinnis to understand the multi-billion dollar machine behind the Christian Contemporary Music genre and how this behind-the-scenes system impacts what music you hear.This episode originally aired on July 23, 2025.Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, Jake and Bob discuss the relationship between healing, deliverance, and spiritual warfare. They explore the nature of spiritual strongholds (patterns of thoughts or beliefs that oppose the reality of who God is) and why these strongholds often obstruct emotional and spiritual healing. Jake and Bob also nuance the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary experiences of grace and how the supernatural is hidden within the quiet or ordinary moments. Finally, they address the role of spiritual authority within the Church, the importance of recognizing your own authority, and why authentic healing flows from relationship with Christ rather than technique.   Key Points: The healing and deliverance processes are deeply connected  Spiritual warfare is part of everyday life Strongholds are built from repeated thoughts, beliefs, and lies that oppose the reality of who God is The ordinary is often where the supernatural is most active. Extraordinary experiences are not a measure of God's presence in our lives Wounds can become entry points for spiritual influence if left unaddressed Deliverance often involves dismantling lies and beliefs (strongholds) rather than confronting extraordinary manifestations Prayer, the Sacraments, and virtues are our weapons in spiritual warfare Healing comes from relationship with Christ, not because of a specific prayer formula or technique There are different levels of spiritual authority within the Church   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:02 Engaging in a Spiritual Battle as a Catholic 12:21 How Do We Pull Down Strongholds in Our Life? 18:21 The Supernatural isn't Exclusive to Extraordinary Moments 25:11 Ordinary and Extraordinary Dynamics in Healing and Deliverance 34:56 The Difference Between Human and Angelic Intelligence 43:55 What are the Different Levels of Authority in the Church? 57:43 How Can We Exercise Our Authority?  Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

Are you making decisions based on your standards, or are you unconsciously following the crowd?In this episode, Kevin and Alan examine how trend-driven behavior quietly undermines self-improvement, personal development, and long-term consistency. Using real coaching experience and patterns observed across thousands of conversations, they explain why decision-making rooted in external validation weakens self-trust and identity. This conversation breaks down the psychological cost of bandwagon thinking, the difference between perception and reality, and why accuracy matters more than certainty when building a disciplined life.If you care about sustainable success, clear thinking, and becoming someone who follows principles instead of popularity, this episode will recalibrate how you approach decisions, habits, and personal growth.Learn more about:Join our Next Level University Monthly Masterclass, "How to Set and Achieve Your Most Important Goals in 2026." One hour. Real principles. Lasting breakthroughs: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-ShY-iGKTEKPlsx3oCJUWw#/registration Join our private Facebook community, “Next Level Nation,” to grow alongside people who are committed to improvement. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/459320958216700_______________________NLU is not just a podcast; it's a gateway to a wealth of resources designed to help you achieve your goals and dreams. From our Next Level Dreamliner to our Group Coaching, we offer a variety of tools and communities to support your personal development journey.For more information, check out our website and socials using the links below.

I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of our podcast, featuring an inspiring conversation with Peyton Smith, the Founder and CEO of Black Kanyon, a private equity firm based in South Dakota. Peyton's journey from farm life to leading a successful business is packed with valuable lessons and insights that you won't want to miss. Here are some of the key takeaways from our chat:

We Like Shooting Episode 642 This episode of We Like Shooting is brought to you by: C&G Holsters, Night Fision, Medical Gear Outfitters, Bowers Group, Second Call Defense, Rost Martin, Swampfox Optics, and Matador Arms   Welcome to the We Like Shooting Show, episode 642! Our cast tonight is Jeremy Pozderac, Aaron Krieger, Nick Lynch, and me Shawn Herrin, welcome to the show! Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 - Gear Chat Nick - Multi Tools: Must-Have Gear Multi tools and you! Shawn - Cabot Guns' Revolutionary Double-Stack 1911 Design Cabot Guns has launched the Rebellion MAX, a double-stack 9mm 1911 pistol that maintains the same dimensions and weight as its single-stack version. It features advanced materials and technologies aimed at enhancing performance and comfort for everyday carry. The base price is set at $6,295, with a limited production of only 60 units for 2026. The introduction of this model may influence preferences within the gun community, particularly for those seeking compact, high-capacity firearms. FESTIVUS AIRING OF GRIEVANCES -  Bullet Points Night-Camo Glock 34 Upper Zaffiri Precision dropped a limited-run Dominion LTD Glock 34 Gen 3 upper with night-camo Cerakote, ZPS4 slide, tritium sights, RMR cut, and barrel options like flush, ported, or threaded. Fits G17-G37 Gen 1-3 frames best. $599.99. Limited quantities available now. Gun fans get a ready-to-drop custom upgrade without one-offs. New FDE Ruger Pistol Out Now Ruger and Davidson's dropped an exclusive RXM pistol with flat dark earth slide and Magpul FDE frame—first full FDE version, only at Davidson's. Modern ergonomics, optics-ready, recoil control. $519. Available now. Gun fans get a fresh earth-tone option missing from standard RXM colors. SK Guns' 2025 Top Gun: Jesús Malverde SK Guns names Jesús Malverde 1911 its 2025 Gun of the Year: limited run of 300 .38 Super pistols with gold/silver/blue finishes, pearl grips, and Mexican folk engravings of the "generous bandit" legend. Special for cultural artwork blending Colt heritage with Malverde motifs. $2,700. Available now. Gun fans get exclusive collector piece. TAG Adds RMR Sights to Kimber 2K11 & 1911 TAG Precision released a steel RMR adapter plate for Kimber 2K11 and 1911 pistols. Made in Texas from tough 4140 steel with black nitride finish, it fits Trijicon RMR, SRO, Holosun 507 optics securely for carry or range. Special: Includes all hardware and TORX driver. Price: $99.95. Available now. Gun folks get easy optic upgrade on classic guns. Henry's Ultra-Rare 250th Birthday Rifle Henry releases Spirit of '76 rifle for US 250th anniversary. Limited to 250 engraved, museum-grade lever-actions on 1860 design, with gold highlights of Revolution scenes. Costs $4,115 factory-direct. Special for tiny run and historical engravings. Not available now. Gun fans get exclusive collector piece. New Limited Goldberg Rogue Rifle POF-USA released a limited run of 100 Goldberg “Jack Hammer” Rogue .308 rifles, based on wrestler Bill Goldberg's personal gun. It's a super light 5.9-pound semi-auto with custom black/bronze Cerakote, autographed certificate, and pinned 13.75-inch barrel. Special for its sub-6-lb weight without cuts, using patented tech. Gun fans get a rare collectible. Available now in limited quantities. New LightGuard Holster from CrossBreed CrossBreed launches LightGuard Holster for guns with lights. Hybrid design with swappable Kydex light shell for custom fits, adjustable retention, IWB carry. Saves money by not replacing whole holster. Gun folks get adaptable everyday option. Available now. Gun Fights Step right up for "Gun Fights," the high-octane segment hosted by Nick Lynch, where our cast members go head-to-head in a game show-style showdown! Each contestant tries to prove their gun knowledge dominance. It's a wild ride of bids, bluffs, and banter—who will come out on top? Tune in to find out! WLS is Lifestyle The Dead Pool Actor Over 50 Shawn Mel Brooks Jeremy  Clint Eastwood Nick Gene Hackman X Savage Robert Dinero Aaron Val Kilmer X   Actor Under 50 Shawn Vladimer Zinskey/Frankie Munis Jeremy Pete Davidson Nick Zendah Savage Ryan Renolds Aaron Dan Masterson   Musician Shawn Diddy/Lizzo Jeremy Billie Elish Nick Don Henly Savage Eric Clapton Aaron Justin Bieber   Politician Shawn Bernie Sanders Jeremy Chuck Grassly Nick Maxien Waters Savage nancy Pelosi  Aaron Valadamier Putin 12:50 PM   Actor Over 50 Shawn - Clint Eastwood Jeremy  - Robert Duvall Nick - Dick Van Dye Savage Robert Deniro Aaron Eva Marie Saint   Actor Under 50 Shawn - Nick Reiner Jeremy - Daniel Radcliff Nick - Ezra Miller Savage - Leonardo Dicaprio Aaron - James Van Der Beek   Musician Shawn - Jelly Roll Jeremy -  Bob Dylan Nick - Keith Richards Savage - Diddy Aaron  Willie Nelson   Politician Shawn - Mitch McConnell Jeremy - Bernie Sanders Nick - Chuck Grassley Savage - Joe Biden  Aaron - Trump   Privateers and Cartel Combat: A Legislative Move by Sen. Mike Lee Sen. Mike Lee introduced the Cartel Marque and Reprisal Reauthorization Act, allowing private entities to combat drug cartel smuggling and violence by seizing cartel assets outside the U.S. The proposed legislation, which echoes historical practices of granting private citizens authority to engage in acts against enemies, has implications for the gun community as it may enable armed citizens to take action against perceived threats from cartels. The Agency Brief Agency Brief — LETTERS OF MARQUE COLD OPEN "The same founders who supposedly 'never imagined AR-15s' literally wrote into the Constitution a program where private citizens could own warships, cannons, and get paid to hunt America's enemies. But sure, tell me more about how 'weapons of war' are only for the government." THE CORE STORY: CONSTITUTIONAL PIRACY The Power: Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 gives Congress the power to grant "Letters of Marque and Reprisal." This is a government license converting a private citizen into a legal combatant. It authorized the use of privately owned warships, cannons, and small arms to capture enemy vessels for profit. The Intent: The Founders distrusted standing armies. Their solution? Unleash the free market on America's enemies. It wasn't a loophole; it was the strategy. The Reality: This destroys the modern argument that civilians shouldn't own "weapons of war." The Constitution relies on it. FULL HISTORICAL BREAKDOWN Origins: Dates back to medieval times as a way for merchants to recoup losses from foreign thieves. Revolutionary War Usage: Continental Navy: ~60 ships. American Privateers: ~1,700 ships. Result: Private citizens captured ~600 British vessels and supplied the colonies with seized gunpowder and goods. War of 1812: The US Navy was still tiny. Privateers essentially fundamentally were the American naval strategy. Ordinary businessmen up-armored their schooners and decimated British trade routes. The Kill Switch: 1856 Declaration of Paris. European powers banned privateering to protect their massive state navies from scrappy private competition. Fact: The US never signed this treaty, but we eventually complied to fit in with "civilized" nations. Modern Attempt: Following 9/11, Rep. Ron Paul introduced bills to issue Letters of Marque to hunt al-Qaeda. The establishment buried it. They preferred a trillion-dollar occupation over a bounty-hunter approach. FACT CHECK SUMMARY Confirmed: Private citizens owned the 18th-century equivalent of nuclear-armed frigates (cannons/warships) with the blessing of the government. Myth: "Privateering was lawless piracy." Correction: It was highly regulated. "Prize Courts" adjudicated every capture. Lawless behavior was punished by hanging. Missing Context: The State's monopoly on violence is a modern invention. The Founders viewed war as a participatory duty of the armed citizen. Hidden Incentive: Why don't we use it now? Because the Defense Industrial Complex (Raytheon, Lockheed) cannot compete with low-cost private operators. The government wants total control, even if it costs more and works less. IMPACT ON GUN OWNERSHIP Reframing the Narrative: When anti-gunners say, "The 2A doesn't cover weapons of war," the response is: "Actually, Article 1 authorizes me to own a battleship." Bruen & Litigation: Under the Bruen test (Text, History, and Tradition), there is a robust tradition of civilians owning artillery and naval warships. If the history supports private ownership of cannons, it certainly supports private ownership of standard rifles and magazines. Cultural Impact: It moves the gun culture debate from "sporting purposes" to "national defense," which is where the Constitution places it. AGENCY NOTES (POLITICAL ANALYSIS) Regulatory Creep: We shifted from a Citizen-Militia/Privateer model to a Standing Army/Federal Law Enforcement model. The Motive: Control. An armed populace capable of waging naval war is impossible to oppress. A disarmed populace dependent on the Navy for protection is compliant. Action Item: Use Letters of Marque to mock the "F-15s and Nukes" argument. The Founders didn't just allow private firepower; they banked the nation's survival on it. The Alley Jelly Roll Receives Pardon as Gun Rights Restoration Program Returns The Trump administration has revived the federal gun rights restoration program by pardoning Jelly Roll, a notable figure,

God gave the world YOU to be a gift to the world. Ordinary people carrying the presence of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Scripture shows us that God doesn't give rushed or careless gifts. He gives with purpose—and that includes you. Your presence, your personality, your wiring, and your passions are meant to bless the people God has placed around you.

Chris Timson // In the crowded ordinary moments of life, Simeon shows us what true devotion looks like—holding onto God because we recognize that God is holding onto us. Through the Story, the Savior, and the Spirit, we're reminded that our devotion is not powered by effort, but by God's faithful presence at work in and through us.Visit Our Website summitchurchfl.org Follow Us on Social Media Facebook // InstagramWatch Online Services and More YouTube Subscribe for weekly sermon podcasts!

All throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see a clear pattern of people in Scripture turning to prayer and fasting in times of uncertainty, brokenness, and need. And in those examples, we find that prayer and fasting are not just religious obligations but natural responses to desperation. And we find that moments of crisis can lead to spiritual renewal when approached with humility and dependence on God. And we find that whether you and I are facing the unknown road ahead or the ruins of life, the invitation is to pray and fast, recognizing that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by God. SPEAKERS: Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills) Bible Passage(s): Ezra 8:21,23, Nehemiah 1:3-4

Merry Christmas from Martha and I, so often Christmas is distracting and we get off focus on what the whole season of celebration is about. God came in His physical presence to transform our world and our thinking. Just like Adam and Eve walked regularly in the garden in the cool of the day, Jesus came so that we can walk with Him by our side in the ordinary of every day. Think about it, Our God who created everything wants to walk with you in your whole life, including your work. Now that is a Christmas Present for sure. 

Come All Ye Faithless (Ordinary Faithfulness) - Robert Green by Fondren Church

This one's about Jesus becoming -- and remaining -- a full human, and some implications of that."And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (Jn 1:14)

  As the year comes to a close and Christmas draws near, this episode is an invitation to slow down and rethink what actually makes a year meaningful. If you're ending the year feeling like you didn't do enough, didn't accomplish enough, or didn't have any big, flashy "banner moments," this conversation is for you. What if the ordinary years—the quiet, unseen, seemingly mundane ones—are actually where God does His deepest and most transformative work? In this episode, Blake reflects on a lifetime of big dreams, ambition, and achievement, and how this year gently (and sometimes painfully) reshaped her understanding of purpose. From dreams of being a lawyer and living a "big" life, to seasons of stay-at-home motherhood, to years in podcasting and political commentary, God has repeatedly drawn her close enough to the spotlight to ask the question: Do you still want this? This year, the answer surprised her. God invited her into a slower, simpler, more ordinary rhythm—one that prioritized home, children, marriage, nervous-system healing, and time in Scripture. What felt at first like a downgrade or a pulling back revealed itself as protection, formation, and deep peace. Scripture itself is filled with ordinary faithfulness: farming, shepherding, raising children, waiting, wandering, and quiet obedience. The big miracles were never the whole story. Blake shares how stepping away from constant digital noise, limiting headlines, embracing small rituals, practicing audacious gratitude, and finding beauty in everyday moments has reshaped her identity. Faithfulness, not flashiness, is what God values. Bigger burdens don't always mean bigger blessings—and sometimes the most impactful work is the work no one sees. If your life feels small, overlooked, or slower than you hoped, be encouraged: nothing surrendered to God is wasted. The ordinary is holy ground, and God meets us there. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7 Sponsor: CrowdHealth Health insurance shouldn't feel impossible. CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative that puts power back in your hands. Pay a monthly fee, get bill negotiation, lower-cost prescriptions and labs, and community coverage after the first $500. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com/speakeasy. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Sponsor: PreBorn A free ultrasound can double a woman's chance of choosing life. PreBorn provides ultrasounds and ongoing support for moms in crisis.

If the daily grind has you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just in need of a mental reset, this episode of Late Night Health is exactly what you need. Host Mark Alyn sits down with entertainment host and pop-culture insider Kendra Dukes to talk about one of Los Angeles' most playful and unexpected new experiences — Bubble Planet — and the conversation is as joyful as the attraction itself.Bubble Planet isn't about sitting quietly or “relaxing” in the traditional sense. It's about movement, laughter, imagination, and fun — the kind that instantly transports you back to childhood. In this lively segment, Kendra describes running from room to room, diving into a massive bubble-style ball pit, exploring a balloon ocean, and interacting with LED-powered underwater worlds where turtles and stingrays scatter beneath your feet. It's immersive, interactive, and impossible to experience with a straight face.What makes this conversation especially timely is its connection to Mental Wellness Month. Kendra and Mark explore why stepping away from routines, to-do lists, and constant stress isn't indulgent — it's essential. Whether you're juggling work, family, or the mental clutter that comes with modern life, Bubble Planet offers a playful reminder that mental wellness can come from joy, curiosity, and shared experiences.The episode also answers practical questions listeners are bound to ask: Is it just for kids? (No.) Is it good for adults, couples, or date nights? (Absolutely.) Is it worth giving as a gift when you're tired of buying ties, belts, or generic presents? (Yes, yes, and yes.) From families to singles to creative professionals looking for inspiration, this experience offers something refreshingly different  .If you're craving an escape that feeds both your mind and spirit, this Late Night Health episode will make you smile — and might just inspire your next adventure. Tune in, laugh along, and remember what it feels like to have fun again.https://bubble-planet.com#BubblePlanetExperience#BubblePlanetLA Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/late-night-health-radio--2804369/support.

This talk was given by Diana Clark on 2025.12.15 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License