Podcasts about practical ways

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3785: JD Roth shares how tackling home repairs himself, despite fear and frustration, has saved money and built confidence over time. Through practical lessons learned from leaky toilets and broken fixtures, he shows how patience, curiosity, and calm problem-solving can turn home maintenance into both a financial and personal victory. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/frugality-in-practice-do-it-yourself-home-maintenance/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't panic. A zen-like state is important for repair work." "Home-improvement can be intimidating if you don't have much experience with it. But with time, you can develop the confidence and the basic skills necessary to perform many common household repairs." "Be safe. Some tasks are dangerous. Electricity can kill you. So can a chainsaw." Episode references: Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: https://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual/dp/0895773783 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3785: JD Roth shares how tackling home repairs himself, despite fear and frustration, has saved money and built confidence over time. Through practical lessons learned from leaky toilets and broken fixtures, he shows how patience, curiosity, and calm problem-solving can turn home maintenance into both a financial and personal victory. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/frugality-in-practice-do-it-yourself-home-maintenance/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't panic. A zen-like state is important for repair work." "Home-improvement can be intimidating if you don't have much experience with it. But with time, you can develop the confidence and the basic skills necessary to perform many common household repairs." "Be safe. Some tasks are dangerous. Electricity can kill you. So can a chainsaw." Episode references: Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: https://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual/dp/0895773783 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if 5 minutes could completely shift your perspective from overwhelm to peace? In this episode, we're diving into powerful gratitude examples from history and my own life that prove thanksgiving isn't just feel-good advice—it actually changes your brain, your home atmosphere, and your children's mental health.From Abraham Lincoln declaring Thanksgiving during the Civil War to Corrie ten Boom thanking God for fleas in a concentration camp, you'll discover how gratitude transforms even the hardest circumstances into blessings.In this episode:✅2 practical activities you can do to go from complaining to gratitude✅3 real gratitude examples that prove thankfulness changes everything✅The 5-minute kitchen table practice that pulled me out of a breakdown and into peace✅Scientific proof that gratitude increases joy, decreases anxiety, and improves sleep✅How to raise grateful kids who are more satisfied, happier, and mentally healthier✅Daily thankfulness practices you can start today to shift your family's atmosphere from complaining to contentmentReady to transform your home with thankfulness? Grab the free 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge mentioned in this episode and join hundreds of moms starting November 1st!Show NotesWhen Complaining Takes Over Your MorningIt's Tuesday morning. You get up, you get breakfast ready, and your kids come in complaining, complaining, complaining. All of a sudden, someone spilled their milk, and the phone is buzzing, and before you realize it, you are mentally listing everything that's wrong.I'm going to share a way to flip the switch in your head and get back into a place of peace, a place of gratitude. Today, we are talking about changing complaining to thankfulness, to gratitude. I'm going to be giving you several gratitude examples along the way.Abraham Lincoln's Example During America's Darkest HourLet's start with Abraham Lincoln. Back in 1863, the war between the states was tearing America apart. Families were divided, thousands were dying, no one knew what the future held. And President Lincoln declared a National Day of Thanksgiving.He knew that the attitude of thanksgiving could actually change our country. He wrote, "Year filled with blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies, gracious gifts of Most High God." He was looking to God to say, even though everything around us is falling apart, we are gonna look up, and we are going to say thank you to God.So when everything in your life feels chaotic, you can still choose to focus on God's goodness.The Kitchen Table That Changed EverythingSeveral years ago, I was having a mental-emotional breakdown. In our house, I was walking back and forth, just reeling out in my head all the things I wanted to tell all the people that were giving me a hard time.And all of a sudden, I was like, stop, Kerry. Just stop. I went to the kitchen table, I just grabbed a piece of regular notebook paper, and I started writing down anything I could think of to be thankful for. It could have been a blue sky outside, a hot cup of coffee, I don't know. But I went and just wrote everything down.Got all the way down the list, and even got to the top, and started a second column. Almost to the bottom, I quit thinking about the things that God had given me, things to be thankful for, and I started to write down things about God. I started to praise Him for who He was in my life.By the time I finished that list, peace came over me. There was joy in my heart, because I knew that God was taking care of me, and it really didn't matter about all the craziness.Recognizing the Enemy's AttackMaybe your marriage is falling apart. Maybe you're rejected by your friends, or your mother-in-law's giving you a hard time. Maybe you're just totally overwhelmed, because you got 5 kids under the age of 7, and you're trying to homeschool a few of them.That is the enemy attacking you, and you can change that overwhelmed, rejected attitude to something positive. You need to realize that the negative voice and all those bad things is not yours. It is the enemy attack. He is trying to get you to think about you, your circumstances, instead of God and trusting in a faithful God.It only took me about 5 minutes, my perspective changed, and my heart and soul changed as well. My self-pity changed to praising God for His faithfulness, His character, and His provision that's always there.The Science Behind GratitudeI've been keeping a gratitude journal since about 2010 or 2011. This is actually my second gratitude journal. I actually hit 10,000 items earlier this year, and I know that keeping that journal changes the way I think.It's not just God saying this, which is all that really matters, but there is scientific evidence that gratitude and thankfulness changes the way we think. Research shows that gratitude increases our joy and our contentment. It decreases our anxiety and our depression. It even helps you sleep better and gives you a stronger immune system.If you are stressed out, I highly recommend that every day, you start a gratitude journal.Corrie ten Boom's Gratitude Example: Even for FleasLet's talk about Corrie ten Boom in the middle of World War II. Her family housed Jews up in the attic, and eventually they got caught. Corrie and her sister Betsy were sent to Ravensbrook, one of the worst concentration camps in World War II.The barracks were overcrowded, they were cold, and there were fleas everywhere. Her sister insisted, we have got to thank God for everything, even the fleas. Well, Corrie thought she had lost her mind. Seriously? You want me to say thank you for fleas?Let me tell you, those fleas were a blessing from God. They discovered that those fleas kept the guards away and gave Corrie and Betsy time to share Jesus, to share things about the Bible, to have prayer meetings in their little barracks, without any interruption. Those guards didn't want you talking about God, but they were staying far away from the fleas.Betsy knew something: We can thank God for even the hard times.Finding Blessings in Your Hardest CircumstancesIt's hard to say thank you that someone rejected me, or thank you that I have a child that's not walking with God. You're not thanking Him for that, but we can say, God, thank you for your faithfulness in the midst of this situation.The things that we complain about the most are sometimes blessings in disguise. God uses anything for our good. Over 9 years ago, my husband left, and I would never wish this on anyone. It has been the hardest thing I have ever walked through in my life.But I remember about 2 years ago, I was sitting with my dad, and I said, Dad, I would never wish this on anyone, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am closer to God than I have ever been.That rejection, that hard time, the suffering, the trials that I continue to walk through—when you change your attitude to gratitude, it can sometimes become a blessing, and it is a true blessing.Raising Grateful KidsWhat about my kids? My kids were complaining, everything's falling apart. If you can raise grateful kids, then they will be more satisfied with their life, they will have happier emotions, and they will actually have better mental health.The key is you, Mom. When you are more grateful, your children will express more gratitude. Steve and I said thank you to our kids all the time, and we told our kids to say thank you when they're young. Now, as they grew up, they just naturally said it.I've had parents say, Hunter or Gentry or Ashley, they're the only ones that said thank you for the meal when they came over. That was because we modeled it, and it became a part of who they are in their mind and in their heart.It's not just changing their attitude for today, it's modeling a life skill for children for the rest of their lives.How Gratitude Activates the BrainWhen you are thankful for things, you activate dopamine. Dopamine is that happiness neurotransmitter. As we are grateful, it will happen to us, and as we model it for our kids, it will happen to the kids.Let's face it, it is biblical as well. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God." It is not an option. God's will is for you and me to give thanks.Teaching gratitude to our kids moves them from being entitled to a heart focused on Jesus.George Washington Carver's Daily PracticeGeorge Washington Carver grew up born into slavery in 1864. He was orphaned as an infant, he had a chronic illness, he was denied an education, and yet he grew up to be a celebrated scientist and inventor.He had a daily practice. He would walk in the woods at dawn, and he would look for little bitty things in the woods to say thank you to God. He said, "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks."When I go for a walk and I hear the birds sing, I'm like, oh, thank you, God. When I walk outside and see a beautiful sunset or sunrise, thank you, God. When I see green leaves on the tree, thank you, God.Do you make it a practice to say thank you all day long? Gratitude in the simple things leads to extraordinary discoveries.Gratitude Is a ChoiceListen, if you're multitasking, come back to me. Gratitude does not require perfect circumstances. It's a choice that opens our eyes to the possibilities of what is out there.Practical Ways to Practice Gratitude DailyI suggest daily thank God for at least one thing in your life, or your family, or your kids. Your family and kids should start to participate. Model your attitude of gratitude, and let them see that you keep a gratitude journal. Rest in God—He is always in control, no matter what your circumstances are.Find something that you already do every day. Like, we ate meals together. So maybe you keep all the gratitude challenges at the meal table, and after breakfast, lunch, or dinner, everyone writes one thing down that they are thankful for.Maybe it's during your morning time, basket time, whatever that family time is. It only takes—it didn't even take 5 minutes sometimes. Each person can share what they're thankful for, and you can write that down.With preschoolers, you can use prompts, and they can just tell it to you, you can write it down. Maybe if they're able to draw a picture, they just keep a little notebook of everything that they're thankful for. As they get older, they can actually write words.With older kids, I would encourage them to write at least 3 things daily. That changes the neurons in your head and the way you think, because you are changing from negative, complaining thinking to positive, thankful thinking.Anchor Your Practice in ScriptureChoose one Bible verse about thanksgiving and practice it all of November. You could use 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God." Simple.Practice it at the dinner table every single night. Say it together, let them take turns saying it, whatever the verse is. This will anchor your gratitude practice, your gratitude actions in God's Word.It also teaches our kids to focus on Jesus and what He's doing, not just positive thinking. This isn't all about positive thinking. This is about following God, because we know that Jesus and the Holy Spirit is what can change what's inside.Start Today, Not When Crisis HitsDon't wait for crisis, like I did that time, to start practicing gratitude. Start it right now. You don't need perfect circumstances, you just need to start!Go get the free 30 Days of Gratitude Challenge. We're gonna start as a group on November 1st. You can start whenever you would like. You'll get free printables for the whole family, daily blog posts—I have 30 blog posts coming out in November. Some of them are crafts, some of them are activities, some of them are about the history of Thanksgiving, some of them are about being thankful in hard times.This is a proven strategy to shift your family's atmosphere, home atmosphere, and your kids' minds, and yours. You'll have a community of moms doing this together as well.Sign up now at HowToHomeschoolMyChild.com/gratitudechallenge. Choose gratitude together this November. Show your kids your thankful heart, and how it changes everything, and you can create a peaceful home that you deserve.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3785: JD Roth shares how tackling home repairs himself, despite fear and frustration, has saved money and built confidence over time. Through practical lessons learned from leaky toilets and broken fixtures, he shows how patience, curiosity, and calm problem-solving can turn home maintenance into both a financial and personal victory. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.getrichslowly.org/frugality-in-practice-do-it-yourself-home-maintenance/ Quotes to ponder: "Don't panic. A zen-like state is important for repair work." "Home-improvement can be intimidating if you don't have much experience with it. But with time, you can develop the confidence and the basic skills necessary to perform many common household repairs." "Be safe. Some tasks are dangerous. Electricity can kill you. So can a chainsaw." Episode references: Reader's Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual: https://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Do-Yourself-Manual/dp/0895773783 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For critically ill patients, what are some practical ways speech-language pathologists can address barriers to communication?Today on the podcast, we talk effective communication between critically ill patients and providers in the ICU, emphasizing the role of augmentative and alternative communication.Guests include speech-language pathologist Tami Altschuler and nursing professor Mary Beth Happ, who describe practical ways SLPs and others working in the ICU can collaborate to create greater access to communication. Both share moving stories that bring this work to life.Plus, SLP Chris Ross shares her personal experience of being unable to communicate during a stay in the ICU.Learn More:ASHA: Communication AccessSPEACS-2 Communication Training ProgramASHA Voices: Creating ‘Ramps' to Communication Access in Health CareCommunication Access in Health Services Special CollectionAugmentative and Alternative CommunicationTranscript

Are You Ready for the 10 Tests That Make or Break a Man? (Part 1) Every man wants the crown. Few can survive the cave. In this first part of a two-part series on The Patriarchy Podcast, Pastor Joseph Spurgeon sits down with Pastor Jake Mentzel of Christ the King Church (Evansville, IN) to walk through the first five of “The 10 Tests That Make or Break a Man.” From David’s lonely nights in the wilderness to his battles with lions, giants, betrayal, and pride, these are the trials God uses to forge true kings—men who fight, lead, and refuse to quit. If you’ve ever felt like God’s hiding you, humbling you, or hammering you into shape, this episode will hit home. These aren’t just Sunday-school stories. They’re the blueprint for manhood forged in fire. Topics Covered ✅ The Test of Calling – Learning to be faithful when no one sees you✅ The Test of Courage – Facing giants when everyone else hides✅ The Test of Brotherhood – Building real friendships through shared battle✅ The Test of Honor – Refusing to take shortcuts when you could✅ The Test of the Wilderness – Learning leadership through suffering Chapters 00:00 – Cold Open: Every Man Wants the Crown02:17 – Psalm 144 and the Call to Arms04:30 – Introducing Pastor Jake Mentzel05:20 – Why Men’s Ministry Must Be the Engine of the Church07:45 – The First Test: Calling and Obscurity13:10 – How God Shapes Men in the Dark17:45 – The Pain That Builds Leadership19:20 – The Second Test: Courage and the Cost of Cowardice23:40 – What Drives Real Courage—Faith and Love26:00 – Why Martyrs Call Us to Action28:00 – The Third Test: Brotherhood and Battle-Tested Friendship32:00 – How Men Bond Shoulder to Shoulder36:30 – Practical Ways to Build Brotherhood Today38:10 – The Fourth Test: Honor and Refusing Shortcuts40:20 – David in the Cave: Choosing God Over the Easy Way43:45 – How Honor Protects Your Legacy46:00 – Final Reflections: The Pain That Makes a King49:30 – Closing Challenge: Build, Fight, Protect, Lead Support the MissionWe’re still raising funds to expand Sovereign King Academy and keep tuition affordable for families. Want to invest in the future of Christ’s Kingdom?

This week's episode is one you're going to want to listen to with your kids! I'm talking with Jimmy Darts, yes, that Jimmy Darts from social media, whose videos of undercover kindness and radical generosity have touched millions. But what you might not know is the incredible faith journey behind it all.Jimmy's story is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest act of love can ripple into something much bigger. He shares how God nudged him out of his comfort zone and into a calling that's all about seeing people, stepping in, and choosing kindness again and again.Here are a few things we talk about in this episode:How God used an unexpected challenge to turn Jimmy's life completely aroundThe importance of obedience, even when it feels risky or counterculturalSimple ways to model generosity and compassion in your everyday parentingWhy kids don't need a huge platform to make a huge differenceAnd for a fun bonus, my son Griffin joins us at the end with some great questions just for Jimmy! It's such a sweet moment that I think your whole family will enjoy.Jimmy is a social media creator, author, and speaker known for his viral videos highlighting undercover acts of kindness. With over 12 million followers across platforms, he's on a mission to spark a movement of generosity around the world. His new book, Undercover Kindness, is a heartfelt and practical guide to living out compassion, one small step at a time.I hope that today's conversation encourages a life of kindness that starts at home and reaches far beyond.(03:09) Jimmy's Journey to Faith and Kindness(06:09) The Impact of Social Media on Kindness(08:59) Growing Up with Generosity and Faith(11:56) The Power of Kindness in a Divided World(15:07) Practical Ways to Show Kindness(17:59) Encouraging the Next Generation(20:58) Griffin's Questions on Kindness(24:04) Deepening Your Relationship with God(27:02) Conclusion and Book ReleaseConnect with JimmyInstagramYouTubeTikTokJimmyDarts.comResource MentionedUndercover KindnessChristian Parenting Christmas Gift GuideChristian Parenting products10 Questions seriesPrefer video? This episode is on YouTube!The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Guest post by Annika Bizon VP of Product and Marketing at Samsung UK&I AI is no longer a futuristic concept - it is here and has started changing the workplace and its practices irrevocably. Whether you are in finance, marketing, engineering, or customer service, AI offers a powerful toolset that can drive productivity, streamline processes, dive deeper into data and unlock new opportunities. There are those who will embrace the change, others who will be closer to fearful. It is important to understand that while the fear is not necessarily groundless, there is a new mantra: AI won't take your job, but someone who knows how to use AI effectively, might now have the edge. The competitive landscape is different, so, it's time to start understanding and leaning into these new capabilities. AI as an Enabler The misconception that AI will replace human jobs overlooks its true potential: augmentation rather than replacement. AI is best leveraged as an assistant, supporting professionals in handling repetitive tasks, analysing vast amounts of data, and generating insights that enhance decision-making. Recent research carried out by Samsung Ireland, undertaken by 3Gem, showed that virtually all (98%) managers feel that AI can make their job easier, with around three-fifths feeling it could automate administrative or mundane tasks, freeing up their time for more productivity. The research also showed that the AI features that 52% of managers are most excited about are those where AI acts as a personal assistant, reducing mundane tasks and improving overall efficiencies in our day-to-day. For instance, AI-powered tools that automate administrative work such as scheduling meetings, summarising data and transcribing notes, free employees up to focus on strategic initiatives and projects. In creative fields, AI assists with idea generation, enabling professionals to refine and elevate their work rather than replace their role altogether. The key is to harness AI's capabilities to become more efficient, innovative, and valuable in your profession. For example, a graphic designer might use AI tools to generate multiple concept drafts based on a client brief, then refine and customise the best one using their own artistic judgment. The opportunity here is to capitalise on AI to become more efficient, innovative, and valuable in your profession. Practical Ways to Integrate AI into Your Work You don't have to be a data scientist to use AI, most of the tools that are now coming to market are designed to be used by anyone and everyone; you just have to understand the capabilities of any given one. What are the right questions/prompts? Which tool works best for the task at hand? It is just a matter of learning how best to use it to your own advantage. Here are some practical ways that professionals can use AI to enhance their jobs: • Automate Repetitive Tasks: AI can handle mundane activities like scheduling meetings, data entry, or sorting emails, giving professionals more time to focus on high-value work. • Enhance Decision-Making: AI-driven analytics tools provide actionable insights that help professionals make informed choices faster and with greater accuracy. • Boost Creativity and Productivity: From AI-powered content generators to smart design tools, professionals in marketing, design, and communications can speed up idea development and execution. • Upskill with AI Tools: Platforms like Gemini 2.0 or AI-powered CRM systems enable professionals to refine their skills, from coding to content writing, making them more competitive in the job market. • Data analysis: Because sometimes, AI tools can pull out insights that you didn't think to look for - I would note that this is not just about numbers and spreadsheets. Feed your CV into something like NotebookLM and read/listen to the results, it can be fascinating. AI and Ireland's Innovation Agenda Ireland has positioned itself as a global technology hub, attracting investment from the wor...

What if Christmas wasn't about doing more, but learning how to be more present with your family? In this episode, we're diving into why holiday perfection is stealing your joy and how you can shift from chaos to connection this season.We're talking about practical ways to focus on what really matters—faith, family, and freedom from the pressure to do everything perfectly. You'll discover how to choose meaningful traditions over Pinterest-perfect moments, and how to prepare your heart during Advent so you can actually enjoy Christmas morning.In this episode you will learn:✅Why scrolling social media makes you feel behind and stressed✅How to shift from perfection to presence during the holidays✅3 keys to a more peaceful Christmas✅Simple ways to create meaningful traditions your kids will actually remember✅How to use Advent to prepare your heart, not just check off a to-do listReady to make this your most peaceful Christmas yet? Grab the Christmas Celebration Bundle mentioned in this episode at HowToHomeschoolmychild.com/ChristmasbundleShow Notes:How to Be More Present This Christmas (Without the Holiday Stress)Hey everyone, Kerry Beck here with Homeschool Coffee Break, where we help you stop stress so you can take a coffee break. Let me tell you, the topic we're talking about today can stress you out, but I'm here to give you some ideas and some solutions.Yes, you can see the background, it's one of my first episodes for this Christmas season, and I think it's really important to figure out what happens when you let go of holiday perfection. What if Christmas wasn't about doing more, but being more present?The Pressure of Holiday PerfectionYou know, I used to try to make everything, well, back in the day, magazine perfect. Y'all are dealing with making everything Pinterest perfect, or Instagram perfect. I used to get a magazine, Southern Living. Actually, I got a whole two rows of them, old copies, and Southern Living had always, around November, December, they'd have an article about decorating the tree, and having the perfect little snacks, and everything was just perfect.Only, anytime I tried that, it didn't work. So, I sort of gave up on it. Some of you may be thinking about, oh, I gotta get the perfect matching pajamas, or just the flawless photos, elaborate crafts. But by Christmas Eve, for myself, and especially Christmas Day after we'd opened gifts, I was exhausted and snappy, and as I've told you before, crying in the car on the freeway.I realized after a couple years like that, that Jesus never asked for perfection. He asked for presence. He just wants our presence with Him.Letting Go of the Comparison TrapHow can we let go of that perfection? And you may not be a perfectionist. But you may still be scrolling social media going, oh, I wish I had… oh, look at them, look at that.That is such a false hope. They are showing you their highlight reels. They are not giving you an accurate picture of what life is like. Because we scroll through Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and we feel behind already. We want our kids to have magical memories, but we forget that we set the tone as well.You see, when we do that, when we are constantly comparing ourselves to other people, we feel guilty. We feel overwhelmed. We feel stressed. And there's one more. Oh, we miss the joy of the season! You know, the season's supposed to be joyful and joy to the world. It is not happening.Your kids are not going to remember the perfect decorations, or the perfect decorating, tree decorating evening. They're going to remember the times as a family. They're gonna remember your peace and your presence with them. We don't need to be doing more, we just need to be present with our family.From Chaos to ConnectionSo how can we go from chaos to connection? Letting go of perfection actually opens the door for true connection.Think about it. What if on Christmas morning, y'all just had a great morning? If you open gifts in, that's great, but you're calm, your kids are happy, the home is at peace. Wouldn't that be awesome?But it doesn't just happen like this. We need to be intentional about it, and that is why I want to talk to you about that. We can use that time of Advent. Advent starts about 4 weeks before Christmas, and every week we can be doing different activities that can prepare our heart.Sometimes it's a heart surgery. We need to look at ourselves and see what do we need to do before God? Are there some sins that we need to confess? And we need to model that, and then show our kids as well. And then the different activities need to be purposeful and intentional.The Three Keys: Faith, Family, and FreedomThe key here is making a shift to faith, family, and freedom.Faith. Putting Christ back at the center. Back at the center of your celebration.Family, focusing on meaningful moments together, not the perfect photo.And then freedom, releasing the pressure to do everything perfect. And just have joy instead!You see, we need to spend that time personally, in faith, with our Lord and Savior, spending time, preparing our hearts for that celebration, and then we need to spend time as a family. That will draw the connections first. You've got up and down connection with God, then we have horizontal connection with our family. And when we build those connections, I think we grow into some freedom, that we don't have to do everything perfect.Practical Ways to Be More PresentSo, what are some practical ways? I would encourage you to pick one or two meaningful traditions that you might do year after year.For our family, I think my kids will all tell you their favorite Christmas tradition was baking pumpkin bread and cookies to sell. They took the profit, and they bought a gift for one missionary family. Every year, we picked a different missionary family. And to this day, they've all said something about that. It's one of their favorite traditions.We did that every year, and they would sell the baked goods, and then we would go to the store and buy it with whatever profit they had, because they had to pay me back for all the ingredients and that type of thing.So, pick one or two traditions. Say no to the activities that drain your family, that drain your spirit, your husband's spirit, your kid's spirit. Focus on time together, not just checking off the boxes. I did that for several years and realized that was not helping our family.I think it's really important that we use that time before Christmas, not as a to-do list with a checklist, but to prepare your heart, prepare your heart for that celebration.The Christmas Celebration BundleNow, it would be nice to have something that's sort of all set out for you, and that's why I did pull together our Christmas Celebration Bundle. I'm going to say this quickly. It's for some of you, it's not for others of you, but it's gonna go back to faith, family, and freedom.We've got items in this bundle, it's all digital, it's a Christmas celebrations bundle.Faith. We have a Star of Bethlehem. This really ties together Bible and history and science, all sorts of things, research, writing, and so this is analyzing from Matthew 2 what is the Star of Bethlehem. We have copy work.We also have fun family activities. This is our Christmas celebration eBook. Celebrate Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. And for those of you that don't know what Epiphany is, here's a little something. It's the 12 days after Christmas, because the Feast of Epiphany is on January 6th.That is the day they… we celebrate the wise men arriving. Now, it didn't really happen in 6 days, but that is the day that we celebrate the wise men going to see Jesus. And so there are traditions, activities, all sorts of things in this one book.And you can see these are for all different ages. We have Christmas around the world. This is more for junior high, elementary, and preschool, and you've got 5 countries that we're gonna, that you can use this as well, with books and crafts and songs and everything. And then we've got Christmas Carol Book, your kids can learn biblical Christmas songs, they can copy it, there's all sorts of things, but that will tie together your faith, your family, and then hopefully give you some freedom, because it's sort of all set out for you. And that is something that can be used year after year after year.Brooke said she got this bundle, and it helped her save time, and guided her to teach her kids the true meaning of Christmas. Another mom, Elena, told me that she became much more intentional with their learning during the Christmas season. She was excited to dive into Bethlehem Star and learn more about astronomy and astrology.That is a bundle available. You can go to HowToHomeschoolmychild.com/Christmasbundle, and you can get that there.Make Christ the CenterYou need to think about this. You don't need a perfect plan, you just need a plan, just a simple one that keeps you focused on Jesus Christ.So let's make this year the year that Christ takes center stage. Christ takes over the heart of you, your kids, and your home.For unto us is born a child, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.Ready to make this your most peaceful Christmas? Grab the Christmas Celebration Bundle at HowToHomeschoolmychild.com/Christmasbundle!

(Acts 20:24) As we conclude our study of the great journey's of the Bible, we look at one verse and three simple ways to enjoy our own life-long journey with the Lord.   (09251251017)  Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

Hi friend! “Do you love me?” Jesus asked Peter this question three times by the fire—not because He doubted Peter's heart, but because He wanted Peter to say it, to reaffirm it, to make it known. In marriage, that same question can linger unspoken: Do you love me? And, more importantly, how do I know? In this episode, we explore why reaffirming love through both words and actions matters—and how simple, intentional practices can deepen intimacy and strengthen your bond in marriage. ................................................................................................

Did you know that God wants to speak to you about every situation you are facing? This powerful series is filled with revelation and practical instruction on how to hear the Lord's voice clearly and accurately. Get ready to learn to hear God clearly and make wise decisions in your life as you receive the truths contained in this series, Hearing God Clearly!

In this episode of Count Me In, host Adam Larson sits down with Elizabeth Lotardo, author of "Leading Yourself," for a candid and refreshing conversation about finding purpose, battling burnout, and navigating real-life work challenges. Elizabeth shares relatable stories and actionable advice for anyone who's ever wondered how to stay motivated in a less-than-dream job, or how to handle difficult coworkers and demanding bosses. From debunking hustle culture to practical tips on “phoning it in” when you need to, Elizabeth's insights will have you rethinking what self-leadership actually means. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to survive Monday, you'll walk away with tools to boost your mindset, improve your work relationships, and take control—even when everything feels uncertain. Don't miss this engaging chat packed with wisdom, humor, and the perfect dose of real talk.

Did you know that God wants to speak to you about every situation you are facing? This powerful series is filled with revelation and practical instruction on how to hear the Lord's voice clearly and accurately. Get ready to learn to hear God clearly and make wise decisions in your life as you receive the truths contained in this series, Hearing God Clearly!

Welcome to Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health! The Go-To Holistic Health Podcast for Christian Women Seeking to Boost Their Energy and Overall Well-Being! Blubrry Nominated as a Favorite Woman Podcaster! Ranked in the Best 20 Christian Health Podcasts! If your teeth have become more sensitive during perimenopause or menopause, it might not be just about brushing or dental care — your body could be signaling a mineral deficiency. This episode explores the powerful connection between mineral depletion, oral health, and hormone balance. You'll discover how declining estrogen levels affect your body's ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and zinc — three key minerals needed for strong teeth, healthy bones, and vibrant energy. Contact Me by sending a message! Love, Health and Blessings, Rekishia Join My Facebook Health Support Group for Christian Women! Ask questions, exchange ideas and connect with other like-minded sisters to navigate your health journey My Award-Winning Health Book: Rock Your World Naturally: 7 Divine Keys to Unlock Extraordinary Health Listen to Related Episodes: 270 | Low Magnesium in Women Linked to Body Cramps, 3 Simple Fixes to Restore Balance 269 | Is Fluoride Fueling Hormone Imbalance in Women? How to Protect Your Thyroid Naturally 266 | Nitric Oxide the Missing Link in Women's Health: Boost Energy, Hormone Balance & Longevity with Dr. Nathan Bryan 156 | Is Lack of Fiber Causing Hormonal Imbalance? 5 Practical Ways to Increase Fiber and Balance Hormones Disclaimer: Information shared on this podcast and any referenced websites are not to be taken as medical advice or to be used as a diagnosis or treatment plan for any medical condition. I am sharing my educated opinions & experience, but nothing shared here can be taken on a one size fits all basis and we always recommend you do your own research, talk to your own doctors and practitioners, and take full responsibility for any health & medical choices you make.

If digital photos a source of guilt and overwhelm, you're not alone! In this session, photo organizing expert Casey von Stein (aka Ms. Freddy) validates why every mom struggles with messy camera rolls and helps you discover the mindset shifts and simple habits that make organizing and enjoying your photos easier than ever. Casey also shares her favorite tech tools and her “daily delete” secret. Whether you want to create meaningful photo books, connect with loved ones, or just find your favorite memories in seconds, this conversation will inspire you to finally take control of your digital photos—without perfection or overwhelm.  FREEBIE for all: 3 Tricks for Taming your Camera Roll download BONUS raffled off to All-Access Pass Holders: Backup Bootcamp Course Get the Basic Pass to watch and/or read each speaker session for free through Sunday, October 12th. Upgrade to the All-Access Pass for ad-free listening on a private podcast feed, + lifetime access to all content visual, audio, and written.    Casey von Stein, aka Miss Freddy, is a certified Professional Photo Organizer in Golden Colorado.  She's a mom of two (a 12 year old boy and 10 year old girl). After 10 years as a professional photographer, she realized that what people really needed was HELP organizing and enjoying their photos.  She offers remote organizing services for clients worldwide and self-paced online courses for those who want to tackle their photo mess on their own.  FOLLOW ON IG WEBSITE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that God wants to speak to you about every situation you are facing? This powerful series is filled with revelation and practical instruction on how to hear the Lord's voice clearly and accurately. Get ready to learn to hear God clearly and make wise decisions in your life as you receive the truths contained in this series, Hearing God Clearly!

So many new moms prepare the nursery but forget to prepare themselves. In this episode, Jordan Dooley sits down with nurse practitioner and founder of Postpartum Care USA, Stacia Scott, for a powerful conversation about what it really looks like to care for the body after birth... physically, mentally, and spiritually.Jordan talks with Stacia Scott about the four main pillars of postpartum health — nutrient replenishment, inflammation, thyroid balance, and cortisol regulation — and explores why holistic, proactive postpartum care is one of the most important things a mom can do for herself and her family.What You'll Learn:What postnatal depletion syndrome is and why it's often mistaken for postpartum depressionThe four core pillars of postpartum wellness and how to support each onePractical nutrition and supplement tips to help the body heal and thriveWhy lab testing and proactive care can prevent many common postpartum issuesHow to build a “village” of support when family or friends aren't nearbyThe importance of community and asking for help in postpartum recoveryLinks:Stacia Scott's Instagram – @postpartumcare_usaPostpartum Care USAPre-Order a Copy of "Be Good to Your Body" Poplin Laundry Service  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know that God wants to speak to you about every situation you are facing? This powerful series is filled with revelation and practical instruction on how to hear the Lord's voice clearly and accurately. Get ready to learn to hear God clearly and make wise decisions in your life as you receive the truths contained in this series, Hearing God Clearly!

Did you know that God wants to speak to you about every situation you are facing? This powerful series is filled with revelation and practical instruction on how to hear the Lord's voice clearly and accurately. Get ready to learn to hear God clearly and make wise decisions in your life as you receive the truths contained in this series, Hearing God Clearly!

Whether you’re asking “Do I drink to slow down?” or “How do I build healthier rhythms without adding more to-do lists,” this episode is practical, encouraging, and full of real-life examples that’ll give you ideas you can try this week. We’re back with Lauren, this time digging into pace, rhythms, and how busyness intertwined with drinking and why alcohol felt like the only “off” switch

Robin talks with special guest Dr. Heidi Sevestre. Also, Heartening Words.

Welcome to Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health! The Go-To Holistic Health Podcast for Christian Women Seeking to Boost Their Energy and Overall Well-Being! Blubrry Nominated as a Favorite Woman Podcaster! Ranked in the Best 20 Christian Health Podcasts! Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, especially hormonal balance. For women, adequate protein intake is vital for supporting various bodily functions, including the regulation of hormones. In this episode, I explore how the lack of protein can lead to hormonal imbalances and provide 5 holistic solutions to incorporate more protein into your diet creatively and simply. Be a part of the conversation! Disclosure: My show notes may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. If you're interested in being a guest on my show or have health-related questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Let's navigate the path to holistic health together! Contact Me by sending a message! Love, Health and Blessings, Rekishia Join My Facebook Health Support Group for Christian Women! Ask questions, exchange ideas and connect with other like-minded sisters to navigate your health journey Science-based Protein Supplement Stronghold My Award-Winning Health Book: Rock Your World Naturally: 7 Divine Keys to Unlock Extraordinary Health Listen to Related Episodes: 176 | Hormonal Imbalance Linked to BPA in Clothing, 3 Ways to Protect Your Health 168 | Dehydration and Hormonal Imbalance in Women, Simple Strategies to Stay Hydrated & Balance Hormones 161 | Hormonal Imbalance Chemical Detected in Bottled Drinking Water, 8 Healthy Alternatives to Protect Women's Health 156 | Is Lack of Fiber Causing Hormonal Imbalance? 5 Practical Ways to Increase Fiber and Balance Hormones Disclaimer: Information shared on this podcast and any referenced websites are not to be taken as medical advice or to be used as a diagnosis or treatment plan for any medical condition. I am sharing my educated opinions & experience, but nothing shared here can be taken on a one size fits all basis and we always recommend you do your own research, talk to your own doctors and practitioners, and take full responsibility for any health & medical choices you make.

This week, Amy reminded the congregation that broken people often do broken things simply because they don't know who they are or whose they are. When we forget our God-given identity, we let trauma, words, the opinions of others, and the lies of the enemy define us instead of the truth of Scripture.She acknowledged that even though identity is a familiar topic, it's still one we wrestle with daily. We live in a world that constantly tries to redefine us — and as believers, we must stand firm in who God says we are.Referencing her earlier messages on convictions and the church's “Guardrail” series, Amy reminded everyone that convictions are what keep us aligned with Christ. If we trade conviction for convenience, we lose the foundation of who we are.She pointed out that life feels increasingly complicated, tense, and confusing — because we live in a culture that celebrates what God calls sin, questions what He has made clear, and mocks those who stand for truth. Yet, our call is not to withdraw, but to stand firm and love well.Amy turned to the story of Daniel, drawing parallels between ancient Babylon and our modern culture. Babylon didn't just conquer God's people physically — it tried to redefine who they were.King Nebuchadnezzar renamed Daniel and his friends, attempting to reshape their identities around false gods. Daniel's name, which means “God is my Judge,” was changed to Belteshazzar — meaning “Bel protects the king.” This was more than a name change; it was an attack on identity.Amy explained that Satan still uses the same tactics today — whispering lies like “You're not enough,” “You're too broken,” or “You can't be used by God.” But God's Word says the opposite: You are chosen, forgiven, victorious, fearfully and wonderfully made, and more than a conqueror.“When the enemy tells you who you're not,” she said, “remind yourself who God says you are.”Just like Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness, we defeat deception with truth — through Scripture.Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). That means he made up his mind before the temptation even came. Amy urged the church to do the same — to decide in advance what they will and won't compromise.She gave examples of these commitments:“I will seek God first every day.”“I will worship faithfully.”“I will reserve intimacy for marriage.”“I will not join the crowd when it goes against God's ways.”Daniel didn't protest or shout to make his point. He acted with wisdom, respect, and compassion — choosing to make a difference rather than just make a point. His quiet faith changed lives, including the guard assigned to him.Even in exile, Daniel's story shows that God was working behind the scenes. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. Amy reminded the congregation that no matter what happens in our culture or nation, our King is still on the throne.Psalm 103:19 declares, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”When we live out who God says we are, our lives become living testimonies that influence others — just like Daniel and his friends influenced kings and nations.Amy was transparent about her own journey — admitting that even after years of studying identity, she still finds herself struggling to fully live it out at times. But she emphasized that it's possible to stand firm without conforming.“You can live in Babylon,” she said, “without letting Babylon live in you.”Practical Ways to Walk Out Your IdentityAmy closed the message with seven practical ways to live out your identity in Christ:Live Out Your Faith Authentically (Matthew 5:16) – Let your good deeds shine so that others see Christ in you. Be consistent, real, and genuine.Be a Person of Integrity (Colossians 3:23) – Let honesty and excellence define you. Be the same person in private that you are in public.Share Your Story – Your testimony is proof of God's transforming power.Show Love and Compassion (John 13:34–35) – Love is your loudest sermon. Don't just win arguments; win hearts.Speak Truth in Love – Truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.Pray for Opportunities – Ask God daily to open doors to share His love.Reflect Christ's Joy – In a dark world, joy shines brightest.Amy ended with a heart-searching prayer:“Lord, help us be the best version of ourselves in You. Father, do people see the ‘me' that You see and want me to be?”She reminded everyone: You may live in Babylon, but Babylon doesn't have to live in you.

"Practical Ways to Walk In the Light"A message preached by Pastor Mike Henry at Royal View Baptist Church.Worship Guitar - 100 Beautiful Hymns - Instrumental - Peaceful Gospel Music --- Used by the permission of the artist Josh Snodgrass.

Practical ways to download consciousness

What does it mean to keep the Sabbath today? In this episode, Mark and Emily explore the fourth commandment and what it teaches us about God's design for rest. They talk about how the Sabbath command is fulfilled in Christ yet still calls us to rhythms of renewal, worship, and delight in God.Mark also shares his own weekly patterns of rest and how Sabbath practices shape his life as a pastor, husband, and father. In a culture of hurry, constant emails, and endless activity, this conversation invites us to see rest not as weakness but as worship.Episode Highlights:00:00 — Introducing the Sabbath commandment05:15 — How Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ yet still needed today12:00 — Why rest is part of God's design for human flourishing18:45 — Mark's weekly rhythms of Sabbath and rest25:30 — Practical ways to resist hurry and embrace delight in GodResources:Cornerstone Church Sermons: Listen online

226: Free up your students' mental space! Teacher Meghan Hein explains why building background knowledge first makes complex texts more accessible. You'll love her practical tips!Click here for this episode's show notes.Sign up for my free masterclass, 5 Essential Steps to Reach All Readers. Get my book, Reach All Readers! Looking for printable resources that align with the science of reading? Click here to learn more about our popular and affordable membership for PreK through 3rd grade educators.Connect with me here! Blog Instagram Facebook Twitter (X)

Welcome to Integrative Medicine for Energy and Health! The Go-To Holistic Health Podcast for Christian Women Seeking to Boost Their Energy and Overall Well-Being! Blubrry Nominated as a Favorite Woman Podcaster! Ranked in the Best 20 Christian Health Podcasts! Menopause marks a significant transition in our lives, bringing with it a host of changes both physically and emotionally. Magnesium plays a major role in supporting hormonal balance and is a crucial component during menopause and is often overlooked. On today's episode, I'll explore the importance of magnesium, signs of deficiency, along with 3 holistic approaches to naturally increase magnesium.  Order my book Rock Your World Naturally: 7 Divine Keys to Unlock Extraordinary Health today Contact me https://www.rekishiamcmillan.com/ Listen to Related Episodes: 269 | Is Fluoride Fueling Hormone Imbalance in Women? How to Protect Your Thyroid Naturally 165 | Hormonal Imbalance in Women a Root Cause of Hair Loss, 7 Holistic Remedies for Thick Healthy Hair 156 | Is Lack of Fiber Causing Hormonal Imbalance? 5 Practical Ways to Increase Fiber and Balance Hormones Disclaimer: Information shared on this podcast and any referenced websites are not to be taken as medical advice or to be used as a diagnosis or treatment plan for any medical condition. I am sharing my educated opinions & experience, but nothing shared here can be taken on a one size fits all basis and we always recommend you do your own research, talk to your own doctors and practitioners, and take full responsibility for any health & medical choices you make.

In episode 253 of the Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast, Paul Andrews explores the powerful—yet often overlooked—concept of musical intervals. Whether you're new to the guitar or looking to improve your musicianship, understanding intervals can unlock a deeper grasp of the fretboard, sharpen your ear, accelerate your learning, and even provide inspiration for songwriting. Paul breaks down what intervals are, explains why they matter, shares practical tips for practicing them, and wraps up with a mini ear-training test.What's Covered in This EpisodeAnnouncements for BGA MembersUpcoming live Q&A on Monday, September 29th (details on times and how to join or submit questions in advance).Introduction of 30-minute private guitar lessons exclusively for members ($40 per lesson). Booking details in the community/news section.Reminder: Unlimited access to Paul via private video exchange, audio, or text—the new lessons are just an extra option in response to member requests.Musical Intervals DemystifiedWhat is an interval?Simply put, it's the distance between two notes. Paul demonstrates intervals using open strings and fretted notes, explaining the basic concepts of half steps and whole steps on guitar.Intervals in the Major Scale:Using the C major scale, Paul explains “major second,” “major third,” “perfect fourth,” “perfect fifth,” “major sixth,” “major seventh,” and the “octave.”Fun trivia: The term “perfect” dates back to medieval times, referring to intervals considered stable and sacred.Why are intervals important?Ear Training: Recognize famous riffs and melodies (e.g., “Smoke on the Water” – minor third, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – perfect fifth).Building Blocks: Chords and scales are literally made by stacking intervals.Improvisation & Songwriting: Intervals guide you on which notes work well together.Practical Ways to Practice IntervalsPlay and SingPlay intervals on your guitar and try singing them—don't worry about vocal ability; the goal is to internalise the sounds.Use Songs as ReferenceMajor Second – “Happy Birthday”Major Third – “When the Saints Go Marching In”Perfect Fourth – “Here Comes the Bride”Perfect Fifth – “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or the “Star Wars” themeMajor Sixth – “My Way” (Frank Sinatra)Major Seventh – “Take On Me” (a-ha)Octave – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”Ear Training Apps and ResourcesApps: MusicTheory.net (free web exercises and the Tenuto app), Earmaster (BGA discount available in the resource section).BGA Members: Leverage the ‘Improve Your Ear' course with tailored exercises.Start SmallBegin with just a couple of intervals—like the major second and octave, which have a clear contrast—and add more as you progress.Ear Training TestPaul conducts a quick ear training test focusing on major seconds, perfect fifths, and octaves to help listeners start recognising these intervals.Key TakeawaysLearning intervals isn't just “theory”—it's a real-world tool for mastering the guitar.Consistent practice is key: make interval ear training a regular part of your routine to permanently develop your musical ear.Use song references, simple exercises, and helpful apps to make training enjoyable and effective.Support &...

Long time listeners may well know Phil has a penchant for poetry and the episodes guest leads with it in the work they do. Creator of the Poetry in Business conference and seizing a gap in the market to create the conference she would want to go to, Kate Jenkinson is the guest for this podcast episode. With over 25 years' experience as an HR director and a lifelong passion for development, Kate brings a unique perspective on how poetry can transform the workplace. The conversation begins with an evocative opening about sunsets, leading into Kate's reflections on poetry as a form of creative recovery from the efficiency-driven world of corporate life. She shares her journey of weaving poetry into business, the resistance she's faced, and the communities she's built along the way. Together, Phil and Kate explore the emotional power of poetry, its role in meaning-making, and its potential to unlock creativity, connection, and wellbeing at work. Kate also shares her pride in a deeply personal collaboration with her daughter, her vision for the future of business poets, and practical steps for listeners to “find their poetry.” The episode closes with Kate performing her poem Hope, a moving reminder of poetry's ability to inspire resilience and renewal.

A Journey Toward Self-Transcendent Leadership In January 2023, I began a long-term goal to earn a Master's degree. Initially, my intentions were to learn, grow, and yes, to "check that box" that I had a Master's degree. While I did all three of those things, earning my degree in December 2024, what really happened is that I examined my leadership, who I was, who I was becoming, how I impacted others around me, and how I wanted to lead for the rest of my career. As I look back, I learned that enabling others to thrive was a core part of self-transcendent leadership. When I enrolled in the Gonzaga University Master's of Organizational Leadership program, I would not have described myself as selfish. Yet through my coursework and reflections, I learned I had several self-embedded leadership behaviors. As I looked more closely, I learned that these behaviors stifle or inhibit others' growth and development. By learning how to be more self-transcendent, focusing on others, and the greater good of the organization and people, a few things happened. Firstly, I became a more effective leader. Secondly, I enjoyed work more. Thirdly, I experienced more positive organizational outcomes. In this episode of the PCS to Corporate America Podcast, I share some of my journey, explain why being self-transcendent is so important and necessary, and the steps we can take immediately to be less selfish and more serving of others and our organizations. Self-Transcendent Leadership: Going Beyond Yourself In transitioning from the military to a business leadership role, it's easy to focus on personal goals—promotions, achievements, recognition. These are not bad. However, as leaders, our greatest impact comes when we go beyond ourselves. Self-transcendent leadership, inspired by Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, means pursuing purpose beyond personal gain—serving others, creating excellence for its own sake, and finding meaning even in challenges. Why It Matters In Business We all live and work within organizations: companies, teams, boards, and communities. Leaders profoundly shape whether these organizations enable people to flourish or become stifling. In our work organizations, where we spend most of our waking hours, leaders have a duty to create environments where team members feel valued, engaged, and able to use their talents. This responsibility is especially critical for those making the leap from military service, where purpose and camaraderie are deeply ingrained. Practical Ways to Lead Beyond Yourself Self-transcendence doesn't require grand gestures—it's built in everyday moments. For example: Be present in conversations. Show genuine curiosity about your teammates. Smile and greet people each morning. Offer a word of encouragement or practical help, like bringing someone coffee. And when tough decisions arise—such as giving candid feedback or reorganizing a team—lead with honesty, kindness, and a commitment to the other person's long-term good. Questions to Guide Your Journey To Self-Transcendent Leadership Ask yourself: How do I want others to be different because of my leadership? What do I need to let go of to lead for others, not just myself? As Frankl wrote, “It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expects from us.” In your transition to business, consider—what does your organization expect of you right now, and how can you answer with leadership that transcends self-interest? The Cameron-Brooks Mission Our mission at Cameron-Brooks is to help guide officers through the transition and accompany them along the journey to de-risk the process of transitioning to the civilian world and help them reach their goals. We aim to equip JMOs with the tools and the necessary reflection and preparation required to successfully transition into leadership developmental roles that will allow them to use their talents and skills to lead teams and organiza...

Marriage is about becoming one—but what does that mean for your money? For many couples, the question of whether to combine bank accounts or keep them separate is one of the first major financial decisions they face. While the Bible doesn't speak directly to checking accounts, it does give us a clear picture of what unity, trust, and stewardship look like in marriage.What Scripture Says About OnenessIn Mark 10:7–8, Jesus says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”That phrase, “one flesh,” is more than physical—it describes an emotional, spiritual, and practical union. Marriage is about sharing a life together, and that includes finances. The Bible doesn't command couples to have joint accounts, but it does call us to transparency, mutual submission, and faithful stewardship.Joint accounts are one practical way to live this out, offering a structure of accountability and openness. Separate accounts, while not inherently sinful, can sometimes become symbolic of separate lives if not handled with care.A story from a banker friend drives this home. One day, a woman came into the bank distraught after discovering her husband had a secret credit card with thousands of dollars in gambling debt. The shock wasn't just about money—it was about broken trust.Financial infidelity is devastating because it goes deeper than dollars and cents. It damages the foundation of unity. Ephesians 5:21 reminds us: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” That submission extends to our financial decisions.Practical Ways to Build Financial UnitySo, what does financial oneness look like in real life? Here are a few steps couples can take:1. Hold Regular Money DatesSet aside time each month to review your budget, giving, and goals. These conversations don't have to be stressful—they can strengthen communication and provide alignment in your marriage.2. Build a Shared Emergency FundSaving three to six months of expenses together demonstrates trust and unity. It says, “We're in this together, no matter what comes.”3. Use Tools That Foster UnityBudgeting apps like the FaithFi app can help you and your spouse manage money together with clarity and purpose. Built on biblical principles, it's more than just software—it's a discipleship tool.Why Financial Unity MattersFinancial unity is ultimately about more than accounts and numbers. It's about our hearts. When couples pursue oneness in their finances, they reflect the greater reality of Christ's love for His church—a bond marked by trust, sacrifice, and faithfulness.Your bank account setup matters far less than your posture toward one another. Ask yourselves:Are we making decisions together?Are we being transparent and honest?Are we aligning our finances with God's purposes?When the answer is yes, your marriage becomes a living testimony of the Gospel.A Bigger Vision for StewardshipAt the end of the day, combining or separating accounts isn't the ultimate issue. The greater call is to live as one—financially, emotionally, and spiritually—while stewarding God's resources faithfully.And if you'd like to go deeper in this journey, I invite you to become a FaithFi Partner. For just $35 a month or $400 a year, you'll receive exclusive benefits, including our quarterly printed magazine, Faithful Steward. It's full of biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow as a faithful steward of God's resources.To join, visit FaithFi.com/Partner.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've paid off my house, but the title company still has my deed. Should I leave it with them, put it in a safety deposit box, or what's the best way to handle my home's title?I've come into $20,000, and I want to invest it wisely. What's the best way to put this money to work?I had a will drafted when my first child was born, but now my youngest is turning 18. I'd like to avoid probate court. What can I do instead of just having a will? I've already added beneficiaries to my accounts and want my house title to transfer upon my death.When I was younger, I made poor financial choices without seeking godly counsel. I want to encourage others to seek advice from wise, godly people before making financial decisions.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Bankrate.comWisdom 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It can be confusing when your prayers are steady and your trust in God is real, yet your body still reacts like danger is near. Maybe your stomach knots up, your breath shortens, or you can't seem to relax no matter how hard you try. That's because safety isn't just a thought; it's something your body has to learn to feel. Today, I want to share five powerful ways to create that felt safety in your body, rooted in God's presence and truth. Rooting for you, Jessica Next steps: Get my free 3-day study and learn how to deal with your emotions in a biblical way: https://www.jessicahottle.com/3-day-study/ Learn more about working with me 1:1 as your mental health coach: https://www.jessicahottle.com/mental-health-coaching Or book your free 20-minute consultation here! Check out my biblical studies: https://www.jessicahottle.com/shop Work with me in my Untangle Your Thoughts program: https://www.jessicahottle.com/heal Email me at >> jessica@jessicahottle.com The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or clinical advice. While we discuss mental health topics, this is not a substitute for professional care. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a raw look at what you may be passing down to your kids, without even realizing it. First responder stress doesn't just stay at work (Amazon Affiliate). The silence, the discipline, the avoidance, and the constant tension of the job can quietly trickle into your parenting and shape the next generation. We dig into the emotional inheritance that comes from responder culture, exploring how children often absorb unspoken lessons about fear, conflict, and emotional distance. More importantly, we share how to break the cycle—so your kids inherit your strength, not your struggles. How Kids Absorb Stress You Don't Speak About Why silence isn't neutral—it's still communication. The way kids mirror tension even when you think you're hiding it. Discipline vs. Connection in Responder Homes How rigid structure can be misinterpreted as coldness. Balancing rules with empathy so kids feel both safe and understood. The Cost of Avoidance How refusing to talk about emotions teaches kids to bury theirs. Why avoidance feels protective but often leads to disconnection. Signs of Generational Stress Transfer Children showing anxiety, hyper-vigilance, or perfectionism. The unspoken fear of “what could happen” carried into adulthood. Practical Ways to Break the Cycle Talking openly about stress in age-appropriate ways. Modeling vulnerability as strength. Creating family rituals that focus on presence, not performance. Seeking outside support so your family isn't carrying it alone.

When life feels unstable, it's easy to slip into fear, overwhelm, or constant questioning about what's next. In this episode, I'm sharing a message I preached at the Beltway Church Women's Event on how to stay grounded in the middle of life's transitions. You'll learn 3 practical ways to abide in Jesus through seasons of change, so you can trade uncertainty for peace, anchor your heart in His presence, and walk forward with confidence in God's plan for you. Whether you're navigating a big life transition, waiting on God for clarity, or simply trying to find stability in a busy season—this message will encourage and equip you to remain connected to Christ, no matter what shifts around you. ✨ Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode Download the Discussion Questions Grab Your Renew & Rewire Journal Connect with me on Instagram: @reneeebooe Join the free Facebook community: Personal Growth for Christians Learn more at: reneeebooe.com

“Mateship is essentially a code of conduct that embodies friendship, equality, solidarity, and it's often forged in adversity.” “We all have something to give one another.” “Be generous with your time when you can.”   Episode summary | In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Shayna Goodworth, a yoga teacher and community builder, about the importance of generosity in both personal and professional settings. Shayna shares her journey from Australia to the United States, her understanding of mateship, and how she fosters community through her initiative, Seagulls. The conversation delves into the healing power of the ocean, the significance of connection, and practical ways to be generous in our daily lives. Shayna emphasizes that generosity is not just about financial giving but about investing time and creating meaningful relationships.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | We grow when we give. Generosity is about being of service. Mateship is a code of conduct that embodies friendship and equality. Creating community is essential for combating loneliness. Time is the most precious resource we have. The ocean has profound healing effects on our well-being. Mindfulness is about being aware of what's going on around us. We all have something to give one another. Home is where you make it, and it's in your heart. Meditation is a crucial part of personal wellness.  Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Community 02:53 Shayna's Journey: From Australia to North Carolina 06:02 Understanding Mateship: Building Connections at Work 09:01 The Mateship Pyramid: Social Connections and Loneliness 12:13 Practical Ways to Be a Good Mate 14:53 Generosity in the Workplace: Personal Experiences 17:47 Seagulls Community: Women, Ocean, and Connection 22:06 Space Holding as Generous Leadership 24:52 Balancing Care for Others and Self-Care 28:05 Lessons from the Ocean: Healing and Growth 31:00 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections   Guest Bio | Shayna Goodworth has been a student of yoga since 2012 and to deepen her practice, she took part in a RYT200 hour program in the United Kingdom in 2021 and is passionate about Vinyasa, Yin & Trauma Informed styles of yoga along with meditation as a way to heal the body. Yoga is integral in her daily life and she is currently Longwave's Yoga resident SeaGal facilitator, devoted to fostering community through a shared connection with the ocean.    Raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, her spiritual path began early through learning about the local environment and waterways. This instilled in Shayna a profound respect for nature and the power of place-based connection. Her vision for SeaGals at Longwave and Wrightsville Beach is rooted in this philosophy: to cultivate meaningful bonds among women and create space to ground, reflect, and honor ourselves in unity. Or simply, her mission is centered around Ocean, Women & Community. These three pillars have helped Shayna inform and hone her leadership styles of inclusion, authenticity and humility and she enters her first year as a 30 year old.   Guest Resources:  Find Seagals at https://longwaveyoga.com/schedule  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/longwaveyoga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticoceanproject.inc/ A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern Figuring out Thirty by Bridget Hustwaite Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz    Credits: Shayna Goodworth, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 246, Special Guest, Jon Sichel.

In this episode, Chad Moore and Robert Watson unpack the biblical reality of generational sin, and how Jesus gives us the power to stop repeating the past. If you've ever felt stuck in unhealthy patterns from your family or struggled with the idea of generational curses, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real next steps for healing.Subscribe to receive our latest videos!Website: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunvalleycc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunvalleycc/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sunvalleyccTo support Sun Valley and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://www.sunvalleycc.com/givingGod loves you no matter who you are, what you've done, or what's been done to you. This is the vision of Sun Valley Community Church, led by Pastor Chad Moore and based in Gilbert, AZ with multiple locations throughout the Phoenix valley.Chapters:00:25 What Is Generational Sin?01:55 Why Your Parents' Patterns Still Affect You04:11 Seeing What “Normal” Could Be05:33 Generational Cycles07:20 Taking Responsibility for the Future09:47 The Power of a New Identity in Christ14:39 Uprooting to Make Room for New Fruit18:52 Practical Ways to Break the Cycle21:24 Renewing Your Mind with God's Truth23:10 When It Feels Overwhelming, Start Small25:34 God Can Heal Your Family Line

Ever had a discovery call or free consultation that felt so right — only to be met with complete and utter silence afterward? No reply. No “thanks, but no thanks.” Just… crickets. And if your ADHD brain is anything like mine, that silence turns the situation into a 3D crime scene you just have to solve.ABOUT THE HOSTDiann Wingert (she/her) is a former psychotherapist turned ADHD entrepreneur coach and business strategist, as well as the insightful host of ADHD-ish. With both lived experience and deep professional expertise in ADHD, Diann guides neurodivergent entrepreneurs toward greater self-awareness, creativity, and sustainable success— with her signature blend of no-nonsense advice, compassionate understanding, and a dash of sass.WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:Ghosting = Brain Spiral Town.Most of us with ADHD are natural connectors, really tuned in to people's emotions and needs (sometimes to a fault!). So when a prospect suddenly ghosts, our brain doesn't just let it go. We cycle through: Did I misread everything? Did I say something wrong? Should I follow up? The open mental tabs never close!Why Does It Hit So Hard? It's about more than lost potential business — it chips away at our confidence and identity. Thanks, rejection sensitivity! Our brains crave closure, and ghosting feels like an unsolvable mystery that burns a hole in our mental inbox.3 Practical Ways to Prevent & Recover:1.Set Clear Expectations on the Call:Instead of ending with vague “I'll send info and we'll go from there,” clearly address what comes next. Give the prospect space to say if they need to think or consult someone else. Your brain will thank you later.2.Summary Follow-Up Email:After the call, send a recap: “Here's what I heard you need, and how I'd help.” It's not just professionalism — it helps you remember details if the anxiety spiral hits.3.One Professional Follow-Up (Then Let Go):Send a single, polite check-in. Example:“Hi X, just following up on the proposal. Totally understand if timing isn't right. Let me know if you have questions!”Then, mentally… close that tab. Their silence is about their stuff, not your value.Bonus Brain Hack: If you catch yourself spiraling, say out loud, “My brain is trying to solve an unsolvable puzzle.” Set a 15-minute timer to ruminate if you must, then move your body — walk, jump, play with the dog, whatever. Shifting gears really does help!Real Talk: Ghosting is not a judgment of your worth or skill. Often it's got nothing to do with you. Life happens. Budgets cut. Crises pop up. Sometimes people just freeze on big decisions.Focus on what you can control: being a pro, building your pipeline (more prospects = less sting), and separating your self-worth from any one client's decision. And, always redirect energy into new opportunities — don't dwell on what's done.If you're ready to get found everywhere online, check out Meg Casebolt's “Findable Everywhere” 5-Day challenge — Sept 15th - 19th. It could be the redirect your brain and business need! Meg is the SEO expert who saved my bacon after my social media accounts disappeared, and this is your chance to work with her for under $100! Click here to registerDon't forget:You. Are. Not. Alone.And you're honestly better at this than you think. ❤️Stay tuned for more empowering conversations and practical tools for thriving in business with ADHD—right here on ADHD-ish!

In this episode of the Life Coach BFF Show, Heather Pettey discusses a surprising encounter with her son at a high school football game that sparked reflections on our relationship with God.   She draws parallels between how teenagers seek their parents in times of need and how we often turn to God only when we face challenges.   Heather shares insights from Dr. Lisa De Moore's book 'Untangled' and emphasizes the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives, even during good times. Practical tips for maintaining a daily connection with God, such as starting the day with prayer, listening to worship music, and practicing gratitude, are also highlighted.   Follow for more encouragement and connect through private coaching via show notes. Join The Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie   Connect with Host Heather Pettey: Email: hpetteyoffice@gmail.com Private Coaching with Heather:https://www.ourmidlifemoxie.com/heatherpetteycoaching Speaker Request Here Instagram @HeatherPettey_ Facebook: @HeatherPettey1 Linkedin: @HeatherPettey Book: "Keep It Simple, Sarah" (Amazon bestseller) Connect with Dr. Carol Lynn: Linkedin Website: https://www.drcarollynn.com Facebook Group: @ourmidlifemoxie Website: www.ourmidlifemoxie.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Life Coach BFF Show for more inspiring content and practical life advice!   *Quick Disclaimer- Heather Pettey is a certified coach and not a therapist. Always seek the support of a therapist for clinical mental health issues.       00:00 Welcome to Life Coach, BFF Show! 00:44 A Surprising Encounter at the Football Game 02:45 Reflecting on Our Relationship with God 03:22 Insights from Dr. Lisa De Moore's Book 06:10 Practical Ways to Keep God First 07:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement  

n this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb dives into a theological exploration of work as an extension of Christian calling that extends far beyond paid employment. Building upon their previous discussion about vocational choices for Christians, Jesse addresses the question: "Does a Christian's work ever cease?" Through careful examination of Ephesians 2:8-10 and other passages, he argues that while the nature of our work may change through different seasons of life—including retirement, caregiving, or illness—God has prepared good works for believers to walk in throughout their entire earthly journey. The episode offers both theological foundations and practical guidance on how Christians can approach all forms of labor as worship, finding purpose and meaning in every season of life. Key Takeaways Good works are not the basis of salvation but its goal—Christians are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not by works, yet they are saved for good works that God has prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). The Christian's work never ceases but changes form—Whether in paid employment, retirement, caregiving, or even during illness, God has prepared meaningful work for believers in every season of life. All work has spiritual value when done unto the Lord—The Reformed tradition elevates all forms of work, not just paid employment, as having potential to glorify God. Prayer is a significant and valuable form of work—Even those who cannot engage in physical labor can participate in the vital spiritual work of intercessory prayer. Good works offer multiple benefits to believers—According to the Westminster Confession, good works manifest gratitude to God, bolster assurance of faith, encourage other Christians, adorn Christian doctrine, silence critics, and glorify God. Christian workers should be distinctively different—Believers can stand out in the workplace by being fair and committed, genuinely caring for others, demonstrating generosity, remaining calm under pressure, and being authentic about their faith. Finding our identity in Christ transforms our approach to work—When we place our ultimate treasure in heaven rather than earthly gain, we can approach our labors with greater peace, purpose, and freedom from anxiety. Elaboration on Key Points The Christian's Work Never Ceases but Changes Form Jesse challenges the modern Western notion that work is merely a season of life that eventually ends with retirement. Instead, he presents a more ancient and biblical perspective: that work never ceases but merely takes different forms throughout our lives. Using Paul's metaphor of "walking" in the good works God has prepared (Ephesians 2:10), Jesse explains that our journey continues throughout life, with the landscape changing as we move through different seasons. Whether we're in paid employment, caring for loved ones, serving in retirement, or confined to a bed during illness, God has prepared meaningful work for us to do. Even those who are physically limited can engage in the vital work of intercessory prayer, which Jesse describes as "the kind of work that is so glorious... that while it exhausts us, it exhausts us in a way that brings us the greatest kind of sleep or refreshment." This perspective eliminates the anxiety many Christians feel about the purpose of their later years and affirms the ongoing value of their contributions to God's kingdom regardless of their physical capacity or economic productivity. Good Works Offer Multiple Benefits to Believers Drawing from the Westminster Confession of Faith, Jesse outlines six significant benefits of good works in the Christian life. First, good works manifest our gratitude to God for the gift of His Son—they become tangible expressions of thankfulness for salvation. Second, they bolster assurance of faith by providing evidence of God's work in our lives. Third, good works encourage other Christians toward greater acts of Christ-centered love, as we witness the transforming power of the gospel in one another. Fourth, they adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, making abstract theological truths visible and attractive to others. Fifth, good works silence critics who devalue biblical Christianity by demonstrating its positive impact. Finally, they glorify God by displaying His transformative work of love in our lives. These benefits apply to all forms of work—paid or unpaid—and give eternal significance to even the most mundane tasks when done unto the Lord. As Jesse emphasizes, "There are no mundane things. There are no small works... There are just these small things that come alongside with the great work that God has done already in our lives." Memorable Quotes "Good works aren't bad when they're seen as the goal of salvation, not its ground. The goal, because it's worthwhile to want to worship God and to obey him by doing good works." "Keep walking on that journey knowing that God all along the way has already prepared good works for you to do because he loves you and because this is our opportunity to worship him together in everything that we do." "When we are performing this work for God, he assures our faith. He refreshes us in it. He exhausts us in the best possible way so that we might love him more, cherish him more, encourage one another more, and really come to understand his character more forthrightly."   Full Transcript [00:00:08] Jesse Schwamb: Keep walking on that journey knowing that God all along the way has already prepared good works for you to do because he loves you and because this is our opportunity to worship him together and everything that we do. [00:00:32] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 459 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast where the tulip never wilts. Hey, brothers and sisters. [00:00:48] Recap of Previous Episode [00:00:48] Jesse Schwamb: So in this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, this solo episode, I'm gonna wrap up a conversation that Tony and I just had in the last episode and set us up, wet Your Appetite for a whole brand new series. [00:01:03] Jesse Schwamb: That's gonna be starting in the next episode. So you find yourself bookended by two really great things. One, a great conversation we just had about the Christian and work. Are there jobs that really Christians shouldn't have? Because it takes us away from what it means to serve the Lord vocationally, as strange as that sounds. [00:01:22] Jesse Schwamb: So if you didn't hear that, you're gonna wanna go check that out before you listen to me, wrap all of us up right now. In fact, here's what you should do. Stop everything you're doing, unless it's operating a vehicle or a backhoe. Power those things down. Get off the side of the road, then go to reformed brotherhood.com and you can find all of the episodes living out there that we've ever recorded, including the one from last week, and I believe will be greatly blessed by hanging out with some of those conversations. [00:01:49] Jesse Schwamb: So go and do that first. [00:01:51] The Christian's Work and Retirement [00:01:51] Jesse Schwamb: On this episode, I'm gonna talk a little bit as a follow up about. Does the Christian's work ever cease? Is there a time, because we just spoke about vocational work and work for which we're remunerated, where once that goes away, what happens next? Is it a different kind of work? [00:02:07] Jesse Schwamb: Is it no work? Should we be the kind of people that are trying to pursue an end to that remunerated work as quick as possible? Is that okay? What happens if we can't be compensated for our work anymore? What happens? We're gonna reason from the scriptures a little bit more about work, our calling and all of that by way of vocation. [00:02:26] Jesse Schwamb: And part of this conversation has actually come from a larger conversation. So one of the greatest and best things about this podcast, something I wanna boast in right now, because it has nothing to do with Tony or me, and that is. There are lots of people listening, brothers and sisters from all over the world who gathered together and debrief. [00:02:47] Jesse Schwamb: Talk about the episodes, hang out and talk about life, share funny stories, share prayer requests, support one another. And you can do that by joining our little group on a messaging app called Telegram. So in fact, here's the second thing you should do. If you go to T Me Reform Brotherhood one more time, T Me Back slash Reform Brotherhood, slap that bad boy in your favorite browser, and that'll give you a link to our little corner of this messaging app. [00:03:13] Jesse Schwamb: And there's a channel within that app just to talk about. The various episodes as a way of interacting with all of us, and as a result of the episode that we recorded last about this idea of vocational work and calling, how does that all come together? Brother Joshua posed an excellent question, which is in part the reason for the conversation I'm about to have with you all, and that is what happens. [00:03:33] Jesse Schwamb: When we retire, or what happens when we desire to set aside sufficient resources if we can, so that we can get to that place as soon as possible. What then what about work or what if we have to care for a sick, sick, loved one? Or what if we have to come and take responsibility for our family in a different or unique way that takes us away from work where we're not being paid for things in the same way anymore? [00:03:52] Jesse Schwamb: What happens then? So we are going to get to all of that on this little brief little episode that's gonna sit in between the end of our conversation on work and the beginning of our brand new series, which, you know, you want me to tell you what it is, but I'm not gonna do it. It's just not gonna happen on this episode. [00:04:09] Jesse Schwamb: So you're just gonna have to sit in that anticipation waiting. Waiting for it to come next week, but for now, let's talk a little bit more about work. [00:04:17] Good Works and Salvation [00:04:17] Jesse Schwamb: And let me start with a, a phrase that's like so obvious, but you can say it with me if you want, because we have to agree on this. At least that good works aren't bad. [00:04:27] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, good works aren't bad. They're good. By definition it seems like self-reinforcing. And as Christians, we should want to do those good works. Now, I haven't said what the good works are, haven't even explained really. Although we, Tony and I talked about this before, how they really fit into that pattern and that normative behavior of the Christian life. [00:04:44] Jesse Schwamb: But can we just agree that if the Bible is saying there are good works for us to do, then they must be good. And they must be there for a purpose. They must be there for a reason and we can't debate that. Just because we're not saved according to our works doesn't mean that we shouldn't be concerned about pursuing a life of joyful obedience to God's word. [00:05:01] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is why Jesus like emphatically states in the gospel. If you love me, you'll keep my commandments in obedience. However frail it is. However much we stumble, however feeble we are in actually executing it is our evidence. Our love for God and for his son Jesus Christ. So far from undermining the gospel of grace, good works are the perfect compliment to the gospel, and this is why good works are good. [00:05:29] Jesse Schwamb: So to be clear, good works are bad when they're seen as the basis of salvation. And I think if you've been with us for any length of time or you're familiar with the reform. Theological movement. If you've been steeped in the scriptures, you're gonna find that kind of compulsion, that pull that says like, well, I understand that when I use my good works as a means of somehow Meritoriously earning my salvation, they cease to be good. [00:05:54] Jesse Schwamb: This is why, of course, Jonathan Edwards called Good works of this nature, only glittering sin because they're, they have no power to redeem. They have no power to save. They have no power to. Transition yourself into some kind of a righteous sense or rubric. It's impossible. They will not do that. They do not serve that purpose. [00:06:12] Jesse Schwamb: A person is not saved by works, but by God's grace through faith in Christ. [00:06:17] The Role of Good Works in Christian Life [00:06:17] Jesse Schwamb: So this is the time where we have to love ones. Go to Ephesians chapter two. It's impossible for me to continue without at least sharing this good news. If you need to hear this again, and this may be a well rehearsed verse or a well rehearsed writing from the Apostle Paul to you, but I ask that you hear it again. [00:06:32] Jesse Schwamb: If you can with these ears that are unstopped, that are almost fresh with excitement for this really good news, this is what Paul writes to the church and Ephesus for. By grace, you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not as a result of works so that no one may boast. [00:06:51] Jesse Schwamb: For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. I mean, there's so much there that is. Lovely and refreshing. And freeing. It's not works righteousness, it's not meritorious. Salvation is clearly not of our own doing. It's not the result of these works, even the faith through which we receive salvation is a gracious, gracious gift from God. [00:07:21] Jesse Schwamb: So what a just burden taken off of our shoulders. The mantle has been removed from us. To somehow even equate or think that, well, if I have a good day and I've done a lot for God, he must love me more. I must be more ingratiated towards him, even if I have the sense that. I feel closer to him. Hopefully that closeness is the sense of joy and obedience. [00:07:40] Jesse Schwamb: And now where we get the sense that, well, because I've done something for God, he ought to do something for me or me more favorably disposed towards me. All of that is nonsense and that way just. Total foolishness and madness lies. Instead, when we turn that into our rejoicing first for the faith itself by which we receive from God, that grants us access to this great salvation. [00:08:02] Jesse Schwamb: When we see that as a gift first, then all of this other mongering for responsibility and trying to placate through the things that we can do and having this sense of guilt in our minds about what we should have done or what we did not accomplish, or even if in our own obedience toward Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we've fallen short. [00:08:20] Jesse Schwamb: We can still find there is this gift for us and the gift of salvation is ours in Christ through faith, not by works. It's very, very clear in what Paul writes to the church here as fallen creatures, even our best efforts are completely laced with sin. This also is, by the way, a really great kindness of God that we can never really be contrite enough in our coming before him and, and even in our humility, we probably can never be humble enough. [00:08:47] Jesse Schwamb: So the fact that God accepts because of Christ us into the family of God without having to put upon us this burden that you must be sorry enough for your sin, or you're not repentant enough, you haven't expressed the severe and necessary amount of contrition to really placate and understand that you have cosmically committed treason against the all powerful God of the universe. [00:09:13] Jesse Schwamb: Who could stand underneath that kind of weight. And the answer is no one, but by the grace of God through Jesus. So it's amazing. That when we start to think about work, what we find is that God is first doing all of the work in us, and we see that the first work is not our work, but his work, the secondary work, this means of obedience, of showing, our gratitude of expressing praise and worship. [00:09:37] Jesse Schwamb: Must, I think, necessarily be manifest in work that is labor of some kind, because God has first expressed himself in that kind of labor. And second, he's given it to us to do as an experience into his very being and his character, but also in service to him and to those who are around us. I promise I'm getting to all of this good stuff about what does this practically mean, but all this I think is so necessary for us. [00:10:02] Jesse Schwamb: To really set the proper understanding for what it means to have good work to do and to do this work. So these good works provide no basis for boasting because they're utterly worthless to save. They have worth in other ways, but it just turns out they're worthless In this way. It's a bit like if you take your, take your, whatever your domestic currency is, whatever the currency you, you transact in, I live and hang out in the United States, so my currency is the US dollar. [00:10:24] Jesse Schwamb: If I take a bunch of dollars with me and I go travel almost anywhere else in the world. There's a small chance they'll be accepted. And I realize I've picked the wrong currency for this metaphor at this point, but if I let, let's say, let's just pick a different one. Let's say that you live in Zimbabwe or you just happen to have a bunch of Zimbabwean dollars hanging out in your pocket. [00:10:42] Jesse Schwamb: I'm sure some of you do, and you take that currency and you come to the United States and you wanna go buy something, those dollars will not work. They just won't work. Nobody will accept them. They're worthless. They're without value. Now, do they have value? In a certain sense, of course they do. In that domestic currency, in that homeland they do. [00:10:59] Jesse Schwamb: And in the same way, though, of course, slightly different here, our works are these expression of. Obedience of love for God. But the minute we try to exchange them for salvation, what we're gonna find is God says that's worthless here. And it again, is a fool's errand to build your entire life on some kinda system or belief that says, what I'm doing is earning these dollars, making these good works, performing these things. [00:11:22] Jesse Schwamb: So I'll have gathered to myself all of this currency, which I'm then going to use to buy my salvation now, I think even in my own ears, that sounds ridiculous to say, and yet so many of us. Get caught up in that. And if we don't get caught up in whole, we sometimes get caught up in it peace wise, because again, we have a sense that, well, if I've been a particularly good Christian today, doesn't that mean that God is more happy with me? [00:11:45] Jesse Schwamb: And Paul says, no, you have been saved as a gift of God. It is his gracious act that through faith you have been given salvation, and that faith was not of your own. That itself as well was a gift. It's gift upon gift upon gift. And so even the work itself is shaped. By the sense that all that God gives us and him doing all the verbs is his gifting. [00:12:09] Jesse Schwamb: So good works are gonna provide no basis for boasting because they are worthless to save. And the only foundation for salvation is Christ, we're saved by his works, not ours. If you're looking for that good, that first, that perfect work, the thing that you could latch onto, the thing that you would say this, I'm gonna hang my hat. [00:12:27] Jesse Schwamb: And all of my life on the work that you're looking for is not the one that you can accomplish. It is the one that Jesus has already done on your behalf. So that's why I always think when I see those W wait, they're not as prevalent anymore I suppose. But do you remember a time loved ones when like the ubiquity of the WAJD bracelet and I always thought about the question, what would Jesus do? [00:12:49] Jesse Schwamb: And to me, the answer I give now somewhat tongue in cheek is everything and it's already been done. And so that is really the promise. The great blessing of the gospel that now we are saved for works and boy does that preposition make a difference. Like we should be underlining that, like putting that gilded gold in our Bibles like we are saved now for God works good, works are not bad then when they're seen as the goal of salvation, not its ground. [00:13:14] Jesse Schwamb: I wanna say that again because I think that might sound a little bit funny to some, but I've long really come to cherish this idea that it is the goal but not the ground. The goal, because it's worthwhile to want to worship God. And to obey him by doing good works. And Paul gives us an avenue in which to travel and to understand this and to reason it from the scripture so that we can be confident that that's exactly what God intends for us. [00:13:37] Jesse Schwamb: And so again, while these good works aren't meritorious salvation, they are a necessary component of Christian faith. And the first important thing that we ought to mention here. Is that when we think about work, it's not that like the reform tradition, that that theological perspective has somehow elevated work for remuneration. [00:13:55] Jesse Schwamb: I, I don't think that entirely was the whole emphasis of talking about vocation in that kind of theological sphere. That is, we have a bunch of Christians and they have to do work to survive, and some of them are cobblers and of them are cooks and some of them are cleaners. And so what we really need to do here is make sure that people understand that whatever you're getting paid for God has made you to do. [00:14:15] Jesse Schwamb: And that is not a great thing. That's all true, but the goal wasn't just to elevate that style or type of work that is the work for which you get compensated. It was to elevate all work, all work of every kind, all labor of every kind, because God is big enough that every bit of labor paid or unpaid in direct service for somebody. [00:14:34] Jesse Schwamb: Fortunately, there is no compensation or in service to someone for which there is that all of that work. It does give God glory if we mean it to. And so this is why they do all things. Whatever you do, whether you eat or whether you drink, all of even these tiny things roll up into this argument from the lesser to the greater all of work is for God's glory. [00:14:53] Jesse Schwamb: And so to tip my hat a little bit here, then I think an answer to, to Brother Joshua's question, and in a nice compliment to what Tony and I were talking about last week, there is no end to the Christian's work. There's just different types of work. Oh, we'll get to that. I'm a little bit ahead of myself here. [00:15:08] Jesse Schwamb: But of course we find in Ephesians two, it's important to understand this because there's so much of the dynamic of good works in the Christian life that are being explained there. And of course we learn that good works are the result and not the cause of being new creations, and they're testifying to the fact that we have been redeemed. [00:15:24] Jesse Schwamb: So our lives might reflect craftsmanship and character of God. So amazing, isn't it? That God has given work, that work is not a four letter word, that labor is good labor of all kinds. Is good because it's reflecting the craftsmanship in character of God in unique ways. That is like apart from doing work from this work which God has called us to, from traveling in it through our lives and participating in all kinds of different work, that there's something that would be missing in our exemplifying, the craftsmanship in character of God. [00:15:56] Jesse Schwamb: And so we see that apart from Christ. We can do nothing that pleases God, but in Christ. And here's a great promise. We are created to perform God honoring acts of obedience in Christ. We can be confident that God accepts our weak and wobbly efforts. You know, Paul further goes on to talk about good works, a result of God's pattern for the Christian life. [00:16:15] Jesse Schwamb: We don't need to wonder what God requires from us. He's told us in his word, good works are deeds done in conformity to God's word. Now the beauty of that is. That we have this pattern for the Christian life in which Paul is saying, and I think this is really helpful for our conversation, that all of the things that God has given us to do, he's already prepared. [00:16:39] Jesse Schwamb: He's already me and plus it. He's already set the table for us. He's already put all the things in place. He's already organized all the details. And he says that because he's done that we are now free to walk in them. And I interpret that walk as this idea, which I think is very particular to the way that Paul is writing here. [00:16:57] Jesse Schwamb: It's a word of encouragement that is speaking of more of a marathon and rather a sprint. So of course, like a lot of times in the West, we think of our work as a season of life in which we're doing something in service for a company and for others, creating value, which is good. All of these things can be in service to God, of course, especially when they're in honoring. [00:17:15] Jesse Schwamb: With a full counsel of the scriptures and that when we do those things, that time will end and then we start to think about what work do have left. Whereas really, of course, a more ancient way of thinking about work was that it never ceased. It was of different kinds, and we know it was of different kinds because of this idea of walking that is like you never says stop the walk. [00:17:32] Jesse Schwamb: It never says take a break. It says you're gonna continue throughout your life in this metaphor of. Your journey of life being a walk, and as that walk changes, as the landscape undulates, as you move and transverse over different geographies on this walk in this metaphor, there's no doubt that the work will be different. [00:17:50] Jesse Schwamb: And there may be a season when you no longer have to work and be compensated, but it doesn't mean, of course, that the work ends. In fact, the work is still there. It's a different kind. And we don't want it to go away, in fact, and we don't want it to feel, uh, like it should be a, a lesser thing because it's not because we've been given in this verse the sense that this is the pattern that's been given to us. [00:18:12] Jesse Schwamb: It's the value of walking the pathway of obedience. And Paul makes it manifold. In fact, the Westminster Confession of Faith, which I'm 17 minutes in and you can mark your clock. That's the first time I mentioned it. I've gotten there already. Loved ones. Don't worry, we're always gonna bring in a confession. [00:18:27] Encouragement and Assurance Through Good Works [00:18:27] Jesse Schwamb: And on this week, it's the confession of faith from the Westminster states that there are at least six benefits of good work. So here these out, this is just my quick rundown of what the Westminster puts forward thinking about these good works and when you hear these benefits. Think about them in the broadest way. [00:18:41] Jesse Schwamb: That is like, think about how these benefits apply to all kinds of work, not just like your nine to five, but like of course your family society and the church and your work there is needed both because it is an exemplification of obedience to Christ, but also because it is accomplishing good and creating value. [00:18:58] Jesse Schwamb: So the first is that good works manifest our gratitude to God for the gift of his son. Now think about this. If that's true, that this in a concrete way. No matter what, we're able to do that we, if we're doing these good works, we're showing gratitude to God. Why would we ever want those good works to go away? [00:19:14] Jesse Schwamb: Why do we wanna break that pattern? We don't want to. And again, this gives a, a high level, a high calling to all the things that we can do, both like again, in our paid work and then thereafter. Or even if we, we never have paid work that all of these things, there's something for us to do here and it manifests our gratitude to God and the gift of his son. [00:19:32] Jesse Schwamb: The second thing is good work's, bolster assurances of faith. So it is the Christian who in obedience to Christ has a compulsion is as Paul would say elsewhere, hemmed in by the love of God to work towards a specific end in love and service toward others. That is a good work. And when we're doing that good work, there's a mutual kind of reinforcement that occurs that as we humble ourselves before God and that we work to. [00:19:57] Jesse Schwamb: Or to obey him and that we walk in the good works that he has prepared for us, that we find that we are sure that God is who he is, that his character and craftsmanship is, is in fact manifest in us and demonstrated by us. And in this way as we worship him, we find that our faith grows. Especially perhaps when we're called to do things that are difficult or we're called to participate in work, especially in the church, that requires some kind of leap of faith and we're in so doing where we must trust God forthrightly. [00:20:27] Jesse Schwamb: We find that doing those good works bolster our assurance of faith. Number three. Good works are a means of encouraging other Christians toward greater acts of Christ-centered love. There's so much in Hebrews chapter 10 that we could talk about there. This is an incredible idea that when we work towards obeying God laboring on his behalf in all of the spheres of life, to which he has given us to participate in that Christians receive this as a. [00:20:55] Jesse Schwamb: Form of encouragement. You know, think about how you've seen the testifying work of somebody else in your church, in their patience, in their kind behavior. You know, we often speak about a person who is graceful, and by that of course, we mean there's a beauty to their outer movement, as it were. That's maybe they're a graceful dancer. [00:21:11] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe they're a grace or a baseball player, but you'll find that you can apply this word in so many ways whenever you are trying to really show that somebody in their outward movements does things particularly well, or just with ease or in a way that conveys a certain kind of beauty. When we say that somebody is gracious, what we essentially mean is that there's a beauty to their inner movement that is, that the exemplification of who they are in Christ is so firmly rooted in solid, that the way they behave in situations and circumstances clearly shows. [00:21:43] Jesse Schwamb: That there's something different about the way that they process the world and in the way that they work. And when we see that we are prone to be encouraged to see that God is real, that he does intervene and interact in situations that he does, in fact still do the most miraculous thing ever, which is take the sinner, take the gospel abuser, take the unregenerate, and perform that surgical movement. [00:22:05] Jesse Schwamb: Where that heart of stone is replaced with one of flesh, it's the greatest miracle in the entire universe. And so when we're seeing that work exemplified, we're allowing ourselves to participate in encouraging our brothers and sisters. Fourth good works are concrete avenues for adorning the doctrine of God, our savior in life, in ministry. [00:22:25] Jesse Schwamb: So again, it's uniting this idea of who we are, that we say we are, who we are in our transformation regeneration, marrying that up with work. And this is, again, why a. All of this reform of theology elevates work to this place of saying, whatever you do, you can do it to the glory of God and you ought to, you ought to be thinking that way because this is the way God intended all the things that we do to be done. [00:22:47] Jesse Schwamb: So idea of like when Paul says, like, pray without ceasing, be constantly in the Lord. I think in some ways what he's saying is. When you shift your mindset to recognize that there are no mundane things to do because God has prepared all those things ahead of time, they're, they're mundane, maybe in their smallness, in our own like really myopic kind of human natural man perspective. [00:23:06] Jesse Schwamb: They are certainly not mundane with respect to the power of love that may be communicated in them with the encouragement that flows out of them, and with the expression of gratitude for God, our savior and his son. All of those things are high and lifted up worthy of exaltation and call worthy of all of our efforts. [00:23:23] Jesse Schwamb: And so there we find that there are really no mundane things. There are no small works as it were. There are just these small things that come alongside with the great work that God has done already in our lives and our expression of that first work that he has done. So Fifth Good Works, silence critics who devalue the goodness of biblical Christianity. [00:23:43] Jesse Schwamb: You know, there's a lot here that we could talk about. Jesus was so outspoken about what it meant for his followers to adorn themselves to be in Christ, and in so doing, they were gonna be these lights set on a, like a city on a hill for all to see. And sometimes as Christians, we get a little, eh, strange about this kind of thing, don't we? [00:24:01] Jesse Schwamb: Because we, we wanna be careful that we need to be humble. You know, we, we want to make sure that as we're serving God, that we are not boasting in that in any kind of way, and yet there is something here where we ought to be giving and testifying to why we do certain things. I've been thinking about this a lot because I think it's one thing for us to say, well, we wanna live in such a manner. [00:24:21] Jesse Schwamb: We wanna do our work in such a manner, whatever that is, so others know there's something different and, and this is noble and honorable. I think what's even better is to let them know why it's different. Sometimes you shouldn't wait for somebody to ask. You know, if it's clear that you're doing something and you wanna express why we're doing it, say, I'm, I'm doing this 'cause Jesus loves me, he's changed me, and Jesus loves you. [00:24:39] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is okay to say loved ones. And I think in doing that, making that connection clear, what it's gonna do is it's going to make sure that those who would say like the, the Bible is antiquated out wounded document. It's a document that's filled with strife. It's a document that pits won't people against one another. [00:24:54] Jesse Schwamb: It's a document that is not progressive enough. What they'll find instead is. When our good works, our truly good works are accompanied by a verbal testimony of why we do these works in obedience to God for, because of his great love for us. It will discredit those who would say all of those things. It turns away a. [00:25:14] Jesse Schwamb: All of the critics would say that the Bible is, is not relevant, that Christians are too, uh, bigoted, that we are the kind of people that are too hypocritical. Instead, when we acknowledge that we are far from perfect, but that we have a perfect savior when we talk about our weak faith, but that our, the faith that we have is not in its size, but in the size of the savior. [00:25:34] Jesse Schwamb: When we can say all these things alongside of our efforts to be obedient. Being humble, asking for forgiveness, seeking repentance from those whom we hurt, that in this way, we are again doing all of the things that are the theology of the cross, that even in our small weaknesses, even in our great failures, what we find is God does more than just to fill in the gaps He overflows with through the power of His Holy Spirit into a powerful testimony into the lives of others with whom we interact, and especially in the things that we do. [00:26:05] Jesse Schwamb: So six. And lastly, this is from the Westminster. These benefits of good works. Last Good works glorify God by displaying his work of love in our lives. I think we often forget about this. That God has given us work because he loves us. Of course, God is always working. There's something beautiful about the fact that God is ever present in our lives working in our hearts. [00:26:29] Jesse Schwamb: And sometimes of course, as the, the older reformers have said, he lays us over the Anil, as it were, and he hammers on us, and those are painful times. And other times he's really polishing up our sharp edges or sanding off those places where we need a little bit of attention. But everywhere he's working in us and what a blessing that he never stops, isn't it that he comes to us constantly because he loves us. [00:26:51] Jesse Schwamb: He refuses to leave us in a state that is less than the abundant life. Now we know that we will never accomplish that, this side of glory. But what a benefit that God never gives up on us. That he continues to show his great love for us in how he attentively comes into our lives to hone us in this progressive sanctification, whereby his work doesn't stop. [00:27:13] The Unending Nature of Work [00:27:13] Jesse Schwamb: And so because his work doesn't stop. Neither does ours. So the beauty of this is for anybody else, for us, for brother Joshua, for those who are thinking about, you know, what if I, I want to maybe try to set aside more resources now so I can stop my work of re of compensation to do other things, I would say. [00:27:31] Jesse Schwamb: Well, Godspeed by, by the power of God, I, I hope that happens for you. And what about those who would say, well, my work is gonna have to be caring for a loved one who's ill? I would say that is great and good work. What about those for who are retiring now or thinking about retirement? What's left? Tons. Of good work. [00:27:48] Jesse Schwamb: I think we know this. Now, what about for those who are in the final stages of their life, those who are not ambulatory, maybe those who are weak, maybe those who are ill themselves. There is still good work because the work that God gives us is not the heavy kind that causes our bodies or our minds to be crushed in despair, to have to till the ground as it were in such a way that it leaves us lacking replenishment instead, even for those. [00:28:16] Jesse Schwamb: Who are saying, what is my place when my body is wasting away? [00:28:21] The Value of Prayer in Our Work [00:28:21] Jesse Schwamb: When I'm having a, a season of sickness and I feel like there's nothing I can do, there is so much that the church needs from you in particular, especially your work in prayer. And again, I think we've been outspoken. Prayer is absolutely a work. [00:28:34] Jesse Schwamb: If you don't believe me, just. Try to pray. So just being able to participate in something like that, which is in many ways maybe the greatest calling. I, I always think about this phrase, when we work, we work, when we pray, God works. And so just the act of saying I'm gonna devote myself in prayer, in intercessory prayer for my church, for my community, for my family, is a kind of work that is unparalleled. [00:28:58] Jesse Schwamb: And so if that's the work that God has given you to walk in right now. Then would you please do it? Because it is the season to which he's called you because he's with you on that journey. And Paul says, wherever you go, wherever you are walking, God has already prepared before you get to the next stop sign, before you get to the next wave point, before you get to the next pin drop. [00:29:17] Jesse Schwamb: God has already prepared for you good works, and you're mealing to walk in them. [00:29:22] Finding Joy and Refreshment in Labor [00:29:22] Jesse Schwamb: And so the work of prayer by itself is the kind of work that is so glorious, like all the work of Christ that we find refreshment and it changes. There's a theme here, like all of our work changes because when we are doing it onto the Lord, we're doing it with him in mind when we're understanding that this is our obligation, but also our greatest privilege, that while it exhausts us. [00:29:41] Jesse Schwamb: It exhausts us in a way that brings us the greatest kind of sleep or refreshment. Does that make sense? We ever had like a really great day at work where, you know, I, I worked hard and I did work worth doing, and in that I felt that there was a sweetness. In fact, Ecclesiastes five 12 says, sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich man will not let him sleep. [00:30:05] Jesse Schwamb: This idea that. Why as we work, as we labor for God, that he does restore us, he gives us joy and satisfaction in that work. And again, there's this, all this mutual reinforcement, this kind of self-fulfilling and reinforcing idea that. When we are performing this work for God, he assures our faith. He refreshes us in it. [00:30:24] Jesse Schwamb: He exhausts us in the best possible way so that we might love him more, cherish him more, encourage one another more, and to really come and understand his character more forthrightly. [00:30:34] Living Quietly and Minding Your Affairs [00:30:34] Jesse Schwamb: I like what Paul says in one Thessalonians chapter four, aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs. I mean, that's. [00:30:42] Jesse Schwamb: Good advice for all of us, mind your own affairs and to work with your hands as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. So we talked before about what it means, that really in our work, we ought to care for those who we love. We ought to make sure that we can provide for them, but there will also be seasons. [00:30:59] Jesse Schwamb: One, there will be others who need to provide for us. And so in so doing, again, we're honoring God by walking in this path that he has given us, uh, to do. I like this. There's a couple of other great verses I think that are helpful for us to really think about what it means to have good work to do and to understand that good work. [00:31:17] The Blessing of Giving [00:31:17] Jesse Schwamb: Here's from Acts chapter 20. Paul says, in all things I've shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus. How He himself said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. So think about that there. There is an expression right there about work and what is this working hard. [00:31:35] Jesse Schwamb: It's to help the weak and to remember the words of Lord Jesus Christ. It is more blessed to give, to receive than to receive. Love always leads to giving for God. So love the world that he. Gave, and I think part of this good work that God calls us to is just giving. And so like right now, you may be in a season where you are giving of your labor in return for compensation, for that labor, but presumably there will, and there should come a time when you'll be giving it and you'll not be receiving that. [00:32:00] Jesse Schwamb: But it doesn't lessen the work. It doesn't take it away. It doesn't mean that it's not necessary anymore. We ought to continue to pursue that because love always leads to giving. Now I want to just finish our short little time together today as we've reasoned, hopefully. [00:32:15] Practical Ways to Exemplify Christian Values at Work [00:32:15] Jesse Schwamb: In a profound way from the scriptures helping us to be encouraged in this work by just a couple of things that if you are thinking in the sense of what can I do right now in my work of all kinds to exemplify and to be driven by unique view of humanity and a love rooted in the wisdom of the cross to stand out, what, what can we do as Christians, practically speaking. [00:32:37] Jesse Schwamb: To take everything that Paul has just given us here, appreciating this beautiful pattern that work is just gonna be part of our lives forever. And by the way, loved ones I, I have a strong conviction that in the new heavens and new Earth, that work will still be present there in a fully orbed and fully expressed, fully realized way that it's not capable today because of everything being mined by sin. [00:32:59] Jesse Schwamb: But then we're gonna find that this is just like an amm bush. It's the taste that. The thing that's coming for us, the appetizer of how work is gonna be fully satisfying, fully encouraging, fully joyful, and a full expression of how God has made us to do things. One of those things again are laboring in prayer, laboring on the construction site, laboring on a desk, laboring in the education and the teaching and ammunition of children. [00:33:24] Jesse Schwamb: All of these things are just really, really good. So what are a couple of things that we can do? Well, here's some things that that come to my mind. The first is that I think Christians can be known as the most care fairing and committed kind of people. So. Think about it this way, driven by the father's love and his acceptance of us through Jesus, we can be the kind of people that are known as fair, caring, and committed to others. [00:33:52] Jesse Schwamb: Since we know the depths of our own sin and the magnitude of God's grace to us, we can be ready to forgive and reconcile with others, and we should be quick to do so if we're doing that in their work environments. Whatever that environment is, there's no doubt this is gonna draw some fair amount of attention. [00:34:07] Jesse Schwamb: We may actually, and this is gonna sound a little bit wild. We may even have opportunities to take risks for the benefit of others. Now imagine it this way. Let's say that everybody has somebody to whom they're responsible and almost everybody else has somebody who's responsible to them. So think of it this way, if you are leading any kind of group of people, formerly or informally, you may have a unique opportunity to take risks on the behalf of those people. [00:34:30] Jesse Schwamb: Now, that may be may mean advocating for them. It could mean yielding to them, even if you have a hierarchical position that's above them. But more than anything, it could mean that you actually take a risk to take responsibility at times. So it's possible that let's say you're a leading a team and you're a place of work, and one of the people who is responsible to you, that is one of the people who reports to you, makes a mistake. [00:34:52] Jesse Schwamb: Let's say that the person that you are responsible to, your boss finds out about this. There's lots of ways you could go about this. Now, you may feel that you want to be easy just to say, well, this wasn't me. It was their fault. But consider how a Christian might approach this in love. It's possible that it may be entirely appropriate for that leader to take responsibility for the mistake, not taking blame for it, but taking responsibility for it as an act and expression of what it means to be fair, caring, and committed to others. [00:35:20] Jesse Schwamb: And now this may mean that if you were that person, you might lose a little bit of cloud to the organization. You might use a little bit of reputation or ability to maneuver within the organization, but there could be a very powerful, could be testimony in your ability to risk yourself for others in a way that I believe, again, is walking in this path of good works and that you are reasonable people. [00:35:41] Jesse Schwamb: You can sort out, I think in a situation like that. What kind of responsibility you might have, but I think it's important for us to consider that we may have that kind of responsibility and that to be known as fair, caring and committed to others. To advocate for them to again, forgive and to reconcile, and then sometimes to take risks of opportunity for the benefit of others is something that is unique to the Christian. [00:36:00] Jesse Schwamb: I think we at least agree on that, that kind of response to a s. We'll be wholeheartedly unique. [00:36:06] Generosity and Kingdom Living [00:36:06] Jesse Schwamb: I think we also need to be known as generous and depending on the context and opportunity, generosity at work can be expressed in so many different ways. Managers can be generous with their advice, their access, their investment in people. [00:36:17] Jesse Schwamb: All of us can be generous with our time, our money sharing our resources. Sacrificially. If you're a small business owner, and this is gonna sound wild, but let's, let's talk about kingdom living for a second. Loved ones like I presumably you're listening to this because we're not just satisfied with the small things. [00:36:31] Jesse Schwamb: We wanna think big in what it means. For the gospel to go out, for Jesus to be known. And so in this context of being generous, maybe it means if you're a small business owner, that you're willing to take less personal profit to benefit your neighbors or your customers or your employees. You know, I think of this company called a Go. [00:36:47] Jesse Schwamb: Which is a wooden toy company and it's, it was founded by a couple of Christians and driven by their Christian faith. They intentionally take smaller profit margins to benefit the people of Honduras where the wood is sourced and to create an employee savings program for them. I mean, that what a remarkable thing what, what a counter-cultural expression of what it means to be doing good. [00:37:08] Jesse Schwamb: Work. And so we can also grow and show our generosity to our colleagues by loving them outside work. You know, cooking a meal, preparing a meal for them when they have a child or attending a funeral if they lose a loved one, grabbing dinner with them if they're struggling, joining their club sports team, attending their wedding. [00:37:23] Jesse Schwamb: You know, generosity during, after work hours is a testimony of love. It shows that you see them as a whole person, not merely as like a productive asset or just a colleague. So I think we should push back a little bit on being generous and maybe sometimes I, I wanna say this. Gently because we are a benefit ourselves in this podcast of this, but not just with your money, especially with your time and maybe with like your attentional focus, maybe with your prayer time. [00:37:47] Jesse Schwamb: Maybe with your labor, in your prayer closet, that of all the things you could focus on, how often are we praying for our colleagues, like really praying that they would come to see the gospel in us, that we would be courageous in expressing that gospel and that God would arrest their hearts, which snatch them up and bring them into his kingdom so that all of our workplaces would be filled, uh, with Christians, that they would be everywhere. [00:38:08] Jesse Schwamb: Doing all kinds of things in som, much as God calls us to those things in submission to him, an expression of who he is and in obedience to what he's done for us. Here's another thing. I think this is a big one. It's one that I struggle with in my own life. [00:38:23] The Importance of Calmness and Authenticity [00:38:23] Jesse Schwamb: So I think another place, another way in which we can really stand out as Christians in our good work is to be known as calm. [00:38:30] Jesse Schwamb: Poised in the face of difficulty, failure or struggle. This might be the most telling way to judge if a person is drawing on the resources of the gospel and the development of their character. And this goes back to this idea of like, what does the a voracious person mean? It's, it's somebody who has like that inner. [00:38:47] Jesse Schwamb: Beauty expression of inner inner beauty. You know, how do we act when our boss passes over us for a promotion? How do we act if we fail to get that bonus we expected or, or if like a colleague is placed on a team we want to be on, how do we respond to those things really reveals where we placed our hope and identity. [00:39:03] Jesse Schwamb: And that can be a whole nother. Podcast. But if it's true that we have rooted ourselves, grounded ourselves, securely in Christ, then that is the supreme treasure that we have, and then everything else should be like, oh, that's no big deal. It's not to say that we're not gonna have big emotions, but even as we experience those big emotions, part of what it means to be humble is to come before God and say, God, I'm feeling this way. [00:39:26] Jesse Schwamb: And I'm a contingent being and I'm upset about this. Would you help me to reveal your gospel in this situation? And what a blessing in our progressive sanctification where God moves us into that space so that what becomes normative is when everybody else is losing their minds, when everybody else is gossiping, when everybody else is complaining. [00:39:46] Jesse Schwamb: What everybody else is pushing back here is the Christian who is resolute in firm and is speaking words of life. Encouragement into their workplace or those whom they're doing their work, who is speaking the gospel to them, who is calm and is poised and is ready to lead in such a way that brings value to everybody, helps 'em to find the true security in the situation and is not willing to compromise by participating in a meaningless backtalk. [00:40:12] Jesse Schwamb: That is an incredible testimony, and there's no doubt it's gonna cause us to stand out. There is something about this placing value that I think is important to mention. And I think I mentioned this before, but Tony's not here and I'm just talking. And so my experience, my professional career is all in the realm of finance. [00:40:30] Jesse Schwamb: So I've gotta use this because I think about this a lot and it's certainly relevant to us thinking about where is our value. [00:40:38] The Concept of True Treasure [00:40:38] Jesse Schwamb: I find it so interesting. That in the sermon on the mound. And when Jesus is speaking about treasures, he doesn't completely say that we should forsake treasures. Have you ever thought about that? [00:40:50] Jesse Schwamb: So instead of saying, you know, listen, don't worry about the treasure, just focus on me. Don't try to go after things. Just focus on me. And somebody says, listen. Listen, listen. You're going after the wrong treasure. So don't go after treasure where you know a moth or Russ is gonna destroy it or where like you're gonna be worried. [00:41:09] Jesse Schwamb: A thief is gonna break in and steal it. All those things are not just temporal, they can be taken from you. In fact, they, they will be taken from you. This is the wild part to me. He says instead, rather than do that, here's what you should do. Seek after the treasure that's in heaven. In other words, the proclivity to want to grab hold of valuable things and to keep them close to you, that is not bad in and of itself. [00:41:32] Jesse Schwamb: It's that you are focusing on the wrong thing that you want to grab and hold close. Seek after those treasures in heaven. And I can tell you why. This just shows the brilliancy with which Jesus knows us because he has created us loved ones, and in our fallen state, he's so kind to condescend to be like us, yet of course, without sin. [00:41:50] Jesse Schwamb: And in that he expresses a great knowledge of who we are and how we are. So. There's a very famous study done, actually very many versions of this study done, and what they'll do, and you can play along, I know I've done this before, but as you're sitting there listening to my voice play along with the scenario that I'm about to give you, and you can answer for yourself what you would do in this situation. [00:42:11] Jesse Schwamb: There's no right or wrong answer. So here's the situation. Researchers gave per people two options. They said, you, I can either give you a thousand dollars for sure, or. Or we can play a game. We'll flip a coin. If the coin is heads, you get $2,000, but if the coin comes up, tails, you get nothing. So the choices were you could have a sure thousand dollars or you could risk it. [00:42:39] Jesse Schwamb: And with a coin flip, a fair coin flip, you could get either $2,000 or zero. Now I'll pause. What would you prefer if you're like most people? You would take the sure $1,000 because you'd rather have for sure a thousand dollars in your pocket than giving up the gamble. Even though you could get twice as much the gamble of $2,000 or zero, who wants to walk away with zero when somebody's like, I'll give you a thousand dollars for certain. [00:43:06] Jesse Schwamb: Most people would prefer the certainty. Now those who are like keen have a turn of mind for mathematics are gonna realize that on average, those two options are exactly the same. So whether you get a thousand dollars. For certain, you got the a thousand dollars on the other option, half the time you'll get zero. [00:43:23] Jesse Schwamb: Half the time you'll get a $2,000. If you average those out, that's sequel to a thousand dollars over the long term. So there's something interesting there too, isn't it? See how our minds are working that we prefer, we are loss averse. In other words, we do not like loss. In fact, there's a very famous. [00:43:39] Jesse Schwamb: Theorem about this that says the pain of losing a dollar is twice as great as the pain of gaining one. And this is why it's so hard. If you have a retirement account, you have investments somewhere. When you look at your accounts and the numbers are down, you feel particularly awful. And when they're up, you feel good, but not that great. [00:43:54] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, this is the idea of. Being a loss averse. Now, here's the other thing that these researchers did. They flipped the whole scenario, and I'm gonna give you one more thing to think about. So rather than talking about gains, they said these people, okay, here's your choice, and you have to choose one of these. [00:44:09] Jesse Schwamb: Either you can take a sure loss of a thousand dollars, or you can take a gamble. And you can take a, we'll flip a coin and if it comes up heads, you'll lose $2,000. But if it comes up tails, you will lose zero. So again, here are the two options, but now we're talking about losses. You either have to take a loss of a thousand dollars for certain, or you could take the gamble, flip a fail fair coin, and you could lose $2,000 or you might lose nothing if it comes up tails. [00:44:42] Jesse Schwamb: Now what would you do? Now if you're like most people, what these researchers found is people gravitated toward taking the risk. That is, they chose the option when they said, let me flip the coin, because at least if I flip the coin, there's a chance I might not lose anything. I know I might lose $2,000, but I would rather take the risk of losing 2000, but have the opportunity to lose nothing than take the sure loss of a thousand dollars. [00:45:05] Jesse Schwamb: So here's what's crazy about all this. Here's what it teaches us, is we make the wrong choices all the time. You know, technically speaking, when it comes to gains, we should prefer the risk, the risk of zero, because you started out with zero, so you're not better. You're not worse off by having zero, and if you win, you get $2,000. [00:45:22] Jesse Schwamb: But when it comes to the loss, we should take the sure loss of a thousand dollars because we might end up having a loss of $2,000. We tend to behave poorly given the situations. This is an example of loss aversion and risk aversion, and Jesus knows this. That's the brilliance of it, of course, because he says, I know that your hearts will be troubled by losing your treasure. [00:45:45] Jesse Schwamb: So here's the thing. It's not the treasure that's bad, it's that you're putting your faith, you're going after the wrong thing. So loved ones. When we find ourselves rooted in Christ, when we find our identity right there in him, when we are sure that all that we have is in the heavenly realms and therefore everything else can float and fl away, then we find ourselves able to be the kind of people in our workplaces where we're calm, poised in the face of difficulty failure, or all kinds of challenges. [00:46:14] Jesse Schwamb: One more thing I would encourage you with, and that is just be known as authentic and integrated. This goes back to something Tony and I have really challenged ourselves with so much, and that is some Christians aren't very open about their faith at work and others talk about it all the time, but act and speak in ways that marginalize nonbelievers. [00:46:30] Jesse Schwamb: We should, of course, be really wise about how we share the reason for the hope that we're, we have when we're at work. But staying silent isn't an option. If we wanna be authentic people, we have to bring our whole selves to work. I think this is where we all, at times could use a little work. I, I've barely been encouraged by brothers and sisters who are far better at this than I, where. [00:46:50] Jesse Schwamb: They're really good at explaining why they do something, and perhaps they've been building a relationship with non-believers, serving them, working with them. And, but when the right opportunity approaches when the moment arrives, they're right there with their explanation. They're quick to say, it's because Jesus loves me. [00:47:06] Jesse Schwamb: They're quick to talk about the transforming power of the gospel. And it's not in a way that's overbearing. It's not in a way that seems disingenuous or somehow like they're, they're shoehorning in some kind of, you know, bully pulpit testimony. Instead, it's a natural expression. Because they were ready and willing and brave. [00:47:22] Jesse Schwamb: To do that. So we've got to be known as authentic and integrated, and that integration is just as important as the authenticity. What, what is the good, what is the point of doing many of these good works if there is not a commensurate explanation or expression of why we are doing them, because. Plenty of people who are non-believers also do good work. [00:47:42] Jesse Schwamb: This is part of the common grace that God has given to all of our world and to the entire universe writ large. So in that being said, sometimes we just need to say, this is why I'm doing it. And it's possible that probably people are sometimes thinking, I have no idea why this person is doing this, but I'm not gonna ask them. [00:47:57] Jesse Schwamb: 'cause that's super weird. So by us stepping forward and saying, listen, I love you, God is good to me, uh, there there's a God over the universe who saved me. I was in this pit of despair and he's taken me out of that pit. My work, the things I do, I do now for him. I do it not just because I wanna provide for my family, but because I love God. [00:48:16] Jesse Schwamb: I want to be obedient in worshiping him, and part of how I worship him is doing my work this particular way. That's why you see me. Work like this. What a beautiful thing. Loved ones. [00:48:25] Final Thoughts and Encouragement [00:48:25] Jesse Schwamb: So there's so much I think for us to think about here. I could go on and on, and at this point, this is no longer a short episode. [00:48:32] Jesse Schwamb: You've gotten almost 50 minutes of me just talking. So I want to thank some people for good works right now. And that is. For those of you who have joined in the Telegram chat and are hanging out. Thank you. I really appreciate that. And there's so much good conversation going on there. Again, I gotta plug it. [00:48:48] Jesse Schwamb: If you haven't, if you're not in there, you're really missing out on this experience. It's not just hearing Tony and I talk. It's coming alongside and being integrated with all kinds of other brothers and sisters. So do yourself and us a favor and go to T Me Rhyme, see t me slash reform brotherhood and come hang out with us in addition. [00:49:10] Jesse Schwamb: I'm so grateful for all those who contribute to the podcast financially to make sure that just keeps going. If you've ever wondered like, how is this all free, and there's a website where I can go surf the back catalog@reformbrotherhood.com and it just shows up in my podcast feed, and it doesn't sound like they're in a tin can somewhere or in a hurricane recording this. [00:49:28] Jesse Schwamb: How does all of that happened? It happens because there's so many lovely brothers and sisters who's come alongside and said. Yeah, you know what? After all my responsibilities, I have a little bit left over and I wanna make sure that this thing just continues to keep going. And so I say to you, thank you so much. [00:49:43] Jesse Schwamb: If you would like to be a part of that and I challenge you, come join us in giving toward the podcast, Tony and I do. And there's somebody I love, our brothers and sisters who do as well. That's what makes this happen. You can go to patreon.com, reformed brotherhood, so we've got all kinds of good stuff coming up. [00:49:59] Jesse Schwamb: I love the fall season, autumn in the Western hemisphere here, because it feels like a reset in many ways. Like the kids go back to school, the weather changes depending on where you are, the

There's more than one way to do apologetics. In this episode of The Apologetics Guy Show, I talk with Dr. Melissa Cain Travis and Dr. Timothy Paul Jones, co-authors of Understanding Christian Apologetics, about five practical methods Christians can use to explain and defend their faith. We'll unpack the unique strengths of each approach, how they've been used in church history, and what they mean for conversations about the gospel today. The five major approaches to apologetics—Classical, Evidential, Presuppositional, Cultural, and Ecclesial—and why each one matters. How Melissa Cain Travis makes the case for the enduring value of Classical Apologetics in a modern, scientific age. Why Timothy Paul Jones emphasizes Ecclesial Apologetics and the church's lived witness as a defense of the gospel. How different methods complement each other rather than compete, giving you a fuller toolkit for engaging skeptics and seekers.

Send us a text283. Practical Ways to Study the Word | Impact TodayPurchase HERE!https://globalimpactmi...Subscribe to our channel to hear the latest messages  https://www.youtube.co....If you accepted Jesus, received a miraculous healing, or need prayer, contact Mark and Victoria at https://globalimpactmi....Impact Today is a ministry of Mark and Victoria Bowling.  To learn more about the various outreaches of Mark and Victoria visit https://globalimpactmi....Give Online: https://globalimpactmi....……Stay ConnectedFacebook:   / globalimpact​​​.  .Twitter:   / mvb_global​​​  Instagram:   / global.impa​​​.  .If you accepted Jesus, received a miraculous healing, or need prayer, contact Mark and Victoria at https://globalimpactmi....Impact Today is a ministry of Mark and Victoria Bowling.  To learn more about the various outreaches of Mark and Victoria visit https://globalimpactmi...Support the show (http://impacttoday.tv)Support the show

Do you ever look at another woman in business and think, “How the heck is she so confident?” The truth is, confidence is NOT something you're born with. It is a skill you can build… as long as you build it through ACTION. In this episode of the HerBusiness Podcast, I'm walking you through 5 practical ways to grow your confidence in business. Now is the time to STOP holding back, overcome your self doubt, and finally show up as the leader your business needs. All by taking action before you feel 100% ready and start building real confidence. Here's What You'll Learn in the Episode of the HerBusiness Podcast:  Why we need to stop believing that confidence is something your born with… and understand the foundations of building confidence The 3 big myths about confidence that are keeping you stuck The 5 steps that I personally swear by to grow your confidence and stand in your power How to take small action that stack up into lasting confidence, even when you're not “ready” Why action always comes before confidence (and never the other way around) Practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and showing up in business and your industry The difference between confidence and self-worth… and what happens when you finally untangle the two Mentioned in This Episode: The HerBusiness Network

Hosts: Mark Smith, Meg Smith

A beautiful way to be of service and create active community is to actually get out there and help others. Can you be of service today in a hands on way? In today's episode, Rachel shares some great practical ways to help those around you and make a small dent in someone's life in a positive way. Tune in to begin.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices