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2 episodes with promptness
13 episodes with promptness
Have you ever considered the transformative power of eagerness in your spiritual journey? Join us, as we explore how alacrity can be the key to unlocking virtues that lead to a deeper connection with the divine. Inspired by Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair's teachings, we discuss how enthusiasm becomes the stepping stone to virtues like cleanliness, purity, and humility, ultimately guiding us closer to God. Through engaging anecdotes and profound insights, we uncover how this passionate energy can combat negative traits such as laziness and anger, encouraging a practice-focused approach to spirituality.Emotions can be overwhelming, but what if expressing them could strengthen your connection with God? In this episode, we emphasize the importance of vocalizing our emotions and thoughts, drawing from the wisdom of the Torah. By acknowledging Hashem's role in our lives, we can transform feelings of jealousy and find acceptance in our circumstances. As we face life's challenges, we explore how increasing our spiritual devotion through Torah, prayer, and good deeds can help us embrace hardships with love. Let's journey together towards inner peace and spiritual growth by maintaining our closeness to God, trusting in the belief that everything unfolds according to His just and loving plan._____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on February 10, 2025.Released as Podcast on June 10, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Alacrity, #Promptness, #Urgency, #Eager, #Laziness, #Anger, #Humility, #Virtues, #Jealousy, #Clarity ★ Support this podcast ★
Have you ever considered the transformative power of eagerness in your spiritual journey? Join us, as we explore how alacrity can be the key to unlocking virtues that lead to a deeper connection with the divine. Inspired by Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair's teachings, we discuss how enthusiasm becomes the stepping stone to virtues like cleanliness, purity, and humility, ultimately guiding us closer to God. Through engaging anecdotes and profound insights, we uncover how this passionate energy can combat negative traits such as laziness and anger, encouraging a practice-focused approach to spirituality.Emotions can be overwhelming, but what if expressing them could strengthen your connection with God? In this episode, we emphasize the importance of vocalizing our emotions and thoughts, drawing from the wisdom of the Torah. By acknowledging Hashem's role in our lives, we can transform feelings of jealousy and find acceptance in our circumstances. As we face life's challenges, we explore how increasing our spiritual devotion through Torah, prayer, and good deeds can help us embrace hardships with love. Let's journey together towards inner peace and spiritual growth by maintaining our closeness to God, trusting in the belief that everything unfolds according to His just and loving plan._____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on February 10, 2025.Released as Podcast on June 10, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Alacrity, #Promptness, #Urgency, #Eager, #Laziness, #Anger, #Humility, #Virtues, #Jealousy, #Clarity ★ Support this podcast ★
What if the secret to spiritual fulfillment lies in how quickly you act? On the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, we unravel the transformative power of alacrity, drawing wisdom from the Talmud and the exemplary life of Avraham Avinu. We explore how embracing eagerness not only enriches your spiritual growth but also opens doors to more opportunities for mitzvahs and acts of kindness. Rabbi Aaron Kotler's insights remind us of the significance of acting promptly, illustrating how a mindset of urgency can prevent regret and deepen our connection with the divine.Through stories and teachings, we highlight the critical importance of seizing each moment as a chance for good deeds, stressing the fleeting nature of time. Discover how Torah study is more than an academic pursuit—it's a spiritual dialogue with God that enriches your consciousness and daily life. Engaging with the sacred language of the Torah creates a profound connection with Hashem, offering an extraordinary gift of deepened spirituality. Join us in this enlightening journey as we uncover the blessings that alacrity can bring to your spiritual path._____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on February 10, 2025.Released as Podcast on June 8, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Alacrity, #Promptness, #Urgency, #PersonalGrowth, #Procrastination, #Opportunity, #Privilege ★ Support this podcast ★
What if the secret to spiritual fulfillment lies in how quickly you act? On the Jewish Inspiration Podcast, we unravel the transformative power of alacrity, drawing wisdom from the Talmud and the exemplary life of Avraham Avinu. We explore how embracing eagerness not only enriches your spiritual growth but also opens doors to more opportunities for mitzvahs and acts of kindness. Rabbi Aaron Kotler's insights remind us of the significance of acting promptly, illustrating how a mindset of urgency can prevent regret and deepen our connection with the divine.Through stories and teachings, we highlight the critical importance of seizing each moment as a chance for good deeds, stressing the fleeting nature of time. Discover how Torah study is more than an academic pursuit—it's a spiritual dialogue with God that enriches your consciousness and daily life. Engaging with the sacred language of the Torah creates a profound connection with Hashem, offering an extraordinary gift of deepened spirituality. Join us in this enlightening journey as we uncover the blessings that alacrity can bring to your spiritual path._____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)Recorded from a live audience presentation in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studios (B) in Houston, Texas on February 10, 2025.Released as Podcast on June 8, 2025_____________DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.orgPlease visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!_____________#Alacrity, #Promptness, #Urgency, #PersonalGrowth, #Procrastination, #Opportunity, #Privilege ★ Support this podcast ★
Send us a textYet again the Minnesota Twins lose a series, this one a sweep at Target Field by the Atlanta Braves. The Twins are now solidly in third place in the AL Central and in third place in the AL Wild Card, with teams steadily gaining on them during this recent streak of eight losses in 10 games. David's optimism is at a season-low, and he has many critiques for Rocco Baldelli and Tommy Watkins. Dan is impressed with David Festa but little else. Both are still thinking this is a playoff team, but it is one with serious bullpen issues. And, in true Minnesota fashion, they recap where they were during the big storm during Game 1 that ruined Bailey Ober's day (though perhaps his day could have been worse?). Thanks for listening, and go Twins!The Gran Group with Edina Realty TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.Twitter: @MNfortheWin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWinWebsite: https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/ Puckett's Picks Scoring 1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI -1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP +0.5 Point Bonus if Winning Player is Top Team Scorer Tie Breaker 1. Most HRs 2. Least Ks 3. Least LOBListeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series
I got another text from her, “Enjoying yourself?” based on a post by Fugman; narrated by Andrew; Welcome To Connected Podcast By Fugman. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected. We've been married now for just a few years, Samantha and I. We've enjoyed a healthy and exciting sex life so far, with twists and turns every once and a while. I never could have expected what would happen one spring day that Sam was home while I was working.Sam got up with me that morning, made breakfast for me while I took my shower and shaved. I finished up, ate breakfast, gave her a kiss and I was on my way to work. I was out at the car as she came to the driveway with just a skimpy white shirt and her black lace panties, “I love you baby, see you tonight,” “I love you too! I said as I got in the car. Once I arrived at work, I looked at my phone and noticed I had a new message from Sam, “Enjoy you're ‘One Every Hour,' I Love You!” I scratched my head as I didn't know what she meant at the time. It exactly nine o'clock, she texted me again, this time it was a picture of her, black and white, sexy as hell, just her with her glasses on and with a pencil suggestively between her lips. I was still looking at the picture of my wife when the phone buzzed in my hand, “Just an hour til the next one.” I couldn't get it out of my head, I tried to concentrate on work. I was nervous of what she was planning for me throughout the day, because my office has clear glass walls and my desk is clearly visible to the entire office. Still, I couldn't wait until the next image. My phone buzzed again at ten o'clock, another black and white picture, this one just showed her black panties around her ankles. I can only think, maybe I should go home early? I texted her, “do you need me to come home?” “Don't you dare, you need to work all day!” I was disappointed but excited by the prospects as the day rolled on. I messaged her again, “Are you sure you don't want me to come home?” “No, and stop texting me, just enjoy your ‘One Every Hour” and I will see you tonight.” I anxiously awaited whatever came in the next hour. Minutes dragged on forever, my mind was definitely not at the office, it was definitely elsewhere. I thought to myself I am going to go home at lunch, but then I couldn't wait to see how the day played out. “Buzz” my phone indicated it was eleven, again a black and white picture, this one, my wife's gorgeous bare backside as she retrieved the laundry from the dryer. I think she must have used the timer, this was no selfie, this was taken at a distance. Wow, this day sure was going to be interesting. “One Every Hour?” I was never going to get any work done. Lunch time, and my phone went off again, I grabbed it as soon as I could, anxiously awaiting the next black and white image of Sam, each one was more revealing than the last. Oh man, I love this woman, in this picture, she was standing with her backside in front of the wide-open window in our bedroom, holding a very sheer white sheet in front of her, I could tell she was completely naked. The outline of her nipples, the curve of her body. The way she stood with her legs slightly open, I could make out the shape of her pubic region. This picture was again from a short distance, and with her hand on the sheet, it was no selfie! About twenty minutes later, I got another text from her, “Enjoying yourself?” “Hell Yes, Baby! I can call it a day and come home if you want!” Another quick reply, “No! That's against the rules!“ The phone buzzed again “Stop texting me!” I did what I was told, I resisted the urge, no matter how hard it was, to go home early. I tried to work, checked my emails, tried to think about anything other than what was going on at my house without me. Every time I thought of the previous picture, I would harden again. I didn't know where she was going with all of this, but I was happily enjoying the ride. 12:53, I had the phone in my hand awaiting the next message. The anticipation of what was coming next was soon to be answered. Would I get to see her gorgeous naked body yet, I was already hard and finding it difficult to sit still as the minutes slowly passed. 12:59, come on, one more minute, the clock struck one and nothing happened, no message; come on now, what is going on? No picture? You can't do that to me, you just can't! I put the phone down, discouraged and upset, unsure of what was happening. The phone finally went off at 1:10 pm with a new text, no picture! “Are you Anxious?” I could tell, she was having fun with me. “Baby, I might as well come home, it's not like I am doing anything remotely connected to work!” “Sorry, with a wink emoji!” 1:15, I finally got my next picture. She was now in the bathroom, standing in the shower, holding the sheet still, however this sheet was absolutely clinging to her every curve. The water trickled over the sheet, making the fabric all but invisible. Every inch of her body was completely in view, the sheet was so transparent, I could see the droplets of water glistening on her skin. Oh my, she was so breath-taking, not to mention the effect it was having on other parts of me. Each new image that came to my phone was even hotter than the previous one. I refused to put my phone down at this point, there is no telling when I will receive the next black and white moment of this incredible day. Back to tinkering on the computer, just to appear busy to everyone in the office. It's almost two o'clock now, is she going to be prompt? Promptness is a good thing I believe. When two o'clock came around, I was excited to hear the phone go off, I looked around the office before I opened it up. Another black and white image, A close-up of her naked chest, water shimmying off of her skin. Her nipples were erect and droplets of moisture slid off of the tips. This image was really close, I could not see anything but her chest, but wow, what a picture! I kept looking up, praying that nobody in the office saw me staring at my screen all day long. At this point, I was completely transfixed by my phone, there was no way I was doing any work, not when this woman is tormenting me like this. Luckily, my desk is angled in such a way that no one sees the lack of work being done on my computer, they just see that I am sitting in front of it. Is it almost three yet? just a couple of more images, then I will be on the drive home. I have never been a clock watcher at work, but suddenly today, I am checking it quite frequently. 2:45, are you kidding me? I have to wait 15 more minutes? This is killing me, I can't wait! My mind wandered, of course to her and what we were going to do when I finally get the chance to arrive home. Just then, the phone came alive again. I looked at the clock, it's three, it's here! Alright, let me see the next image. Another black and white image, her well sculpted ass this time, another close-up, still glistening from her shower. I've just about seen every inch of her at this point, I can't wait until I get to touch her, feel her as I plunge inside of her. I've worked myself into a frenzy, why is she torturing me? why can't I just go home? Why do I have to pretend to work, as she is having all of the fun? Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying every picture, but I want to be home. “Buzz,” “Only 2 more to go, can you handle it?” “That was Rhetorical, no response please!” She's having too much fun, I thought to myself, I'm just going to get some work done, but, when I get home though, she is going to suffer! Who am I kidding? I will anxiously await the next two images and then fly like hell to get home to her. John, A colleague, came into my office with a question and I had to pretend that I am working hard, I was but not in the way he thinks. I was happy he came in and distracted me for a few moments, but he better not still be here at 4:00! We talked for a few moments until around 3:55pm, I mentioned to him that I had a call to make and he kindly left my office. I watched the clock on my phone change from 3:59 to 4:00 as it buzzed in my hand. Another black and white close-up, this time of my Sam's wet and very smooth pubic area. She has never shaved it completely bare before, and with the moisture glistening off of her bare skin and making her lips shine, everything was on display for my pleasure. I was extremely hard and horny and ready to go, what? another hour? what does she have left to show me? I had to wait until my erection died down to retire to the restroom with my phone and my pictures. It was a very long bathroom break, at least 15 minutes or so, but man, I had 8 pictures to browse through. I finished up, and went back to my office and sat down in front of my computer screen. “Buzz,” “one more to go, should I send it now, or should I wait?” She was having way too much fun at my expense, and I loved every agonizing minute of it. I could not wait until 5, what would the next image be? I can only imagine, or fantasize what would come next. It'll only be about 10 minutes from now, these last few minutes are really going to drag on. The phone came to life, “I don't want you to wait anymore!” “Drive safe!” and the next image came in. This one was in color, Sam was laying on the bed, naked and another woman was naked on top of her. I could tell Sam was enjoying herself, the glow of passion in her face as the woman kissed her neck, ooh man, I did not expect this. Off to the bathroom, or speed home to take care of them. “Buzz,” “You've seen my new friend Paige, the last three pictures were of her, now come meet her!” I grabbed my coat and practically ran to the door. Traffic was slow, and I was impatient to get home, red lights were the worst, “come on, I need to be somewhere!” Another message? I grabbed the phone, opened the text; ”Did you enjoy your treat? Paige and I have been having fun all day, she had me shave her, did you like it? Should I shave too?” I think I ran the last two lights and tore into the driveway and jumped out and went inside. By Fugman for Tumblr.
I got another text from her, “Enjoying yourself?” based on a post by Fugman; narrated by Andrew; Welcome To Connected Podcast By Fugman. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected. We've been married now for just a few years, Samantha and I. We've enjoyed a healthy and exciting sex life so far, with twists and turns every once and a while. I never could have expected what would happen one spring day that Sam was home while I was working.Sam got up with me that morning, made breakfast for me while I took my shower and shaved. I finished up, ate breakfast, gave her a kiss and I was on my way to work. I was out at the car as she came to the driveway with just a skimpy white shirt and her black lace panties, “I love you baby, see you tonight,” “I love you too! I said as I got in the car. Once I arrived at work, I looked at my phone and noticed I had a new message from Sam, “Enjoy you're ‘One Every Hour,' I Love You!” I scratched my head as I didn't know what she meant at the time. It exactly nine o'clock, she texted me again, this time it was a picture of her, black and white, sexy as hell, just her with her glasses on and with a pencil suggestively between her lips. I was still looking at the picture of my wife when the phone buzzed in my hand, “Just an hour til the next one.” I couldn't get it out of my head, I tried to concentrate on work. I was nervous of what she was planning for me throughout the day, because my office has clear glass walls and my desk is clearly visible to the entire office. Still, I couldn't wait until the next image. My phone buzzed again at ten o'clock, another black and white picture, this one just showed her black panties around her ankles. I can only think, maybe I should go home early? I texted her, “do you need me to come home?” “Don't you dare, you need to work all day!” I was disappointed but excited by the prospects as the day rolled on. I messaged her again, “Are you sure you don't want me to come home?” “No, and stop texting me, just enjoy your ‘One Every Hour” and I will see you tonight.” I anxiously awaited whatever came in the next hour. Minutes dragged on forever, my mind was definitely not at the office, it was definitely elsewhere. I thought to myself I am going to go home at lunch, but then I couldn't wait to see how the day played out. “Buzz” my phone indicated it was eleven, again a black and white picture, this one, my wife's gorgeous bare backside as she retrieved the laundry from the dryer. I think she must have used the timer, this was no selfie, this was taken at a distance. Wow, this day sure was going to be interesting. “One Every Hour?” I was never going to get any work done. Lunch time, and my phone went off again, I grabbed it as soon as I could, anxiously awaiting the next black and white image of Sam, each one was more revealing than the last. Oh man, I love this woman, in this picture, she was standing with her backside in front of the wide-open window in our bedroom, holding a very sheer white sheet in front of her, I could tell she was completely naked. The outline of her nipples, the curve of her body. The way she stood with her legs slightly open, I could make out the shape of her pubic region. This picture was again from a short distance, and with her hand on the sheet, it was no selfie! About twenty minutes later, I got another text from her, “Enjoying yourself?” “Hell Yes, Baby! I can call it a day and come home if you want!” Another quick reply, “No! That's against the rules!“ The phone buzzed again “Stop texting me!” I did what I was told, I resisted the urge, no matter how hard it was, to go home early. I tried to work, checked my emails, tried to think about anything other than what was going on at my house without me. Every time I thought of the previous picture, I would harden again. I didn't know where she was going with all of this, but I was happily enjoying the ride. 12:53, I had the phone in my hand awaiting the next message. The anticipation of what was coming next was soon to be answered. Would I get to see her gorgeous naked body yet, I was already hard and finding it difficult to sit still as the minutes slowly passed. 12:59, come on, one more minute, the clock struck one and nothing happened, no message; come on now, what is going on? No picture? You can't do that to me, you just can't! I put the phone down, discouraged and upset, unsure of what was happening. The phone finally went off at 1:10 pm with a new text, no picture! “Are you Anxious?” I could tell, she was having fun with me. “Baby, I might as well come home, it's not like I am doing anything remotely connected to work!” “Sorry, with a wink emoji!” 1:15, I finally got my next picture. She was now in the bathroom, standing in the shower, holding the sheet still, however this sheet was absolutely clinging to her every curve. The water trickled over the sheet, making the fabric all but invisible. Every inch of her body was completely in view, the sheet was so transparent, I could see the droplets of water glistening on her skin. Oh my, she was so breath-taking, not to mention the effect it was having on other parts of me. Each new image that came to my phone was even hotter than the previous one. I refused to put my phone down at this point, there is no telling when I will receive the next black and white moment of this incredible day. Back to tinkering on the computer, just to appear busy to everyone in the office. It's almost two o'clock now, is she going to be prompt? Promptness is a good thing I believe. When two o'clock came around, I was excited to hear the phone go off, I looked around the office before I opened it up. Another black and white image, A close-up of her naked chest, water shimmying off of her skin. Her nipples were erect and droplets of moisture slid off of the tips. This image was really close, I could not see anything but her chest, but wow, what a picture! I kept looking up, praying that nobody in the office saw me staring at my screen all day long. At this point, I was completely transfixed by my phone, there was no way I was doing any work, not when this woman is tormenting me like this. Luckily, my desk is angled in such a way that no one sees the lack of work being done on my computer, they just see that I am sitting in front of it. Is it almost three yet? just a couple of more images, then I will be on the drive home. I have never been a clock watcher at work, but suddenly today, I am checking it quite frequently. 2:45, are you kidding me? I have to wait 15 more minutes? This is killing me, I can't wait! My mind wandered, of course to her and what we were going to do when I finally get the chance to arrive home. Just then, the phone came alive again. I looked at the clock, it's three, it's here! Alright, let me see the next image. Another black and white image, her well sculpted ass this time, another close-up, still glistening from her shower. I've just about seen every inch of her at this point, I can't wait until I get to touch her, feel her as I plunge inside of her. I've worked myself into a frenzy, why is she torturing me? why can't I just go home? Why do I have to pretend to work, as she is having all of the fun? Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying every picture, but I want to be home. “Buzz,” “Only 2 more to go, can you handle it?” “That was Rhetorical, no response please!” She's having too much fun, I thought to myself, I'm just going to get some work done, but, when I get home though, she is going to suffer! Who am I kidding? I will anxiously await the next two images and then fly like hell to get home to her. John, A colleague, came into my office with a question and I had to pretend that I am working hard, I was but not in the way he thinks. I was happy he came in and distracted me for a few moments, but he better not still be here at 4:00! We talked for a few moments until around 3:55pm, I mentioned to him that I had a call to make and he kindly left my office. I watched the clock on my phone change from 3:59 to 4:00 as it buzzed in my hand. Another black and white close-up, this time of my Sam's wet and very smooth pubic area. She has never shaved it completely bare before, and with the moisture glistening off of her bare skin and making her lips shine, everything was on display for my pleasure. I was extremely hard and horny and ready to go, what? another hour? what does she have left to show me? I had to wait until my erection died down to retire to the restroom with my phone and my pictures. It was a very long bathroom break, at least 15 minutes or so, but man, I had 8 pictures to browse through. I finished up, and went back to my office and sat down in front of my computer screen. “Buzz,” “one more to go, should I send it now, or should I wait?” She was having way too much fun at my expense, and I loved every agonizing minute of it. I could not wait until 5, what would the next image be? I can only imagine, or fantasize what would come next. It'll only be about 10 minutes from now, these last few minutes are really going to drag on. The phone came to life, “I don't want you to wait anymore!” “Drive safe!” and the next image came in. This one was in color, Sam was laying on the bed, naked and another woman was naked on top of her. I could tell Sam was enjoying herself, the glow of passion in her face as the woman kissed her neck, ooh man, I did not expect this. Off to the bathroom, or speed home to take care of them. “Buzz,” “You've seen my new friend Paige, the last three pictures were of her, now come meet her!” I grabbed my coat and practically ran to the door. Traffic was slow, and I was impatient to get home, red lights were the worst, “come on, I need to be somewhere!” Another message? I grabbed the phone, opened the text; ”Did you enjoy your treat? Paige and I have been having fun all day, she had me shave her, did you like it? Should I shave too?” I think I ran the last two lights and tore into the driveway and jumped out and went inside. By Fugman for Tumblr.
I got another text from her, “Enjoying yourself?” based on a post by Fugman; narrated by Andrew; Welcome To Connected Podcast By Fugman. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected. We've been married now for just a few years, Samantha and I. We've enjoyed a healthy and exciting sex life so far, with twists and turns every once and a while. I never could have expected what would happen one spring day that Sam was home while I was working.Sam got up with me that morning, made breakfast for me while I took my shower and shaved. I finished up, ate breakfast, gave her a kiss and I was on my way to work. I was out at the car as she came to the driveway with just a skimpy white shirt and her black lace panties, “I love you baby, see you tonight,” “I love you too! I said as I got in the car. Once I arrived at work, I looked at my phone and noticed I had a new message from Sam, “Enjoy you're ‘One Every Hour,' I Love You!” I scratched my head as I didn't know what she meant at the time. It exactly nine o'clock, she texted me again, this time it was a picture of her, black and white, sexy as hell, just her with her glasses on and with a pencil suggestively between her lips. I was still looking at the picture of my wife when the phone buzzed in my hand, “Just an hour til the next one.” I couldn't get it out of my head, I tried to concentrate on work. I was nervous of what she was planning for me throughout the day, because my office has clear glass walls and my desk is clearly visible to the entire office. Still, I couldn't wait until the next image. My phone buzzed again at ten o'clock, another black and white picture, this one just showed her black panties around her ankles. I can only think, maybe I should go home early? I texted her, “do you need me to come home?” “Don't you dare, you need to work all day!” I was disappointed but excited by the prospects as the day rolled on. I messaged her again, “Are you sure you don't want me to come home?” “No, and stop texting me, just enjoy your ‘One Every Hour” and I will see you tonight.” I anxiously awaited whatever came in the next hour. Minutes dragged on forever, my mind was definitely not at the office, it was definitely elsewhere. I thought to myself I am going to go home at lunch, but then I couldn't wait to see how the day played out. “Buzz” my phone indicated it was eleven, again a black and white picture, this one, my wife's gorgeous bare backside as she retrieved the laundry from the dryer. I think she must have used the timer, this was no selfie, this was taken at a distance. Wow, this day sure was going to be interesting. “One Every Hour?” I was never going to get any work done. Lunch time, and my phone went off again, I grabbed it as soon as I could, anxiously awaiting the next black and white image of Sam, each one was more revealing than the last. Oh man, I love this woman, in this picture, she was standing with her backside in front of the wide-open window in our bedroom, holding a very sheer white sheet in front of her, I could tell she was completely naked. The outline of her nipples, the curve of her body. The way she stood with her legs slightly open, I could make out the shape of her pubic region. This picture was again from a short distance, and with her hand on the sheet, it was no selfie! About twenty minutes later, I got another text from her, “Enjoying yourself?” “Hell Yes, Baby! I can call it a day and come home if you want!” Another quick reply, “No! That's against the rules!“ The phone buzzed again “Stop texting me!” I did what I was told, I resisted the urge, no matter how hard it was, to go home early. I tried to work, checked my emails, tried to think about anything other than what was going on at my house without me. Every time I thought of the previous picture, I would harden again. I didn't know where she was going with all of this, but I was happily enjoying the ride. 12:53, I had the phone in my hand awaiting the next message. The anticipation of what was coming next was soon to be answered. Would I get to see her gorgeous naked body yet, I was already hard and finding it difficult to sit still as the minutes slowly passed. 12:59, come on, one more minute, the clock struck one and nothing happened, no message; come on now, what is going on? No picture? You can't do that to me, you just can't! I put the phone down, discouraged and upset, unsure of what was happening. The phone finally went off at 1:10 pm with a new text, no picture! “Are you Anxious?” I could tell, she was having fun with me. “Baby, I might as well come home, it's not like I am doing anything remotely connected to work!” “Sorry, with a wink emoji!” 1:15, I finally got my next picture. She was now in the bathroom, standing in the shower, holding the sheet still, however this sheet was absolutely clinging to her every curve. The water trickled over the sheet, making the fabric all but invisible. Every inch of her body was completely in view, the sheet was so transparent, I could see the droplets of water glistening on her skin. Oh my, she was so breath-taking, not to mention the effect it was having on other parts of me. Each new image that came to my phone was even hotter than the previous one. I refused to put my phone down at this point, there is no telling when I will receive the next black and white moment of this incredible day. Back to tinkering on the computer, just to appear busy to everyone in the office. It's almost two o'clock now, is she going to be prompt? Promptness is a good thing I believe. When two o'clock came around, I was excited to hear the phone go off, I looked around the office before I opened it up. Another black and white image, A close-up of her naked chest, water shimmying off of her skin. Her nipples were erect and droplets of moisture slid off of the tips. This image was really close, I could not see anything but her chest, but wow, what a picture! I kept looking up, praying that nobody in the office saw me staring at my screen all day long. At this point, I was completely transfixed by my phone, there was no way I was doing any work, not when this woman is tormenting me like this. Luckily, my desk is angled in such a way that no one sees the lack of work being done on my computer, they just see that I am sitting in front of it. Is it almost three yet? just a couple of more images, then I will be on the drive home. I have never been a clock watcher at work, but suddenly today, I am checking it quite frequently. 2:45, are you kidding me? I have to wait 15 more minutes? This is killing me, I can't wait! My mind wandered, of course to her and what we were going to do when I finally get the chance to arrive home. Just then, the phone came alive again. I looked at the clock, it's three, it's here! Alright, let me see the next image. Another black and white image, her well sculpted ass this time, another close-up, still glistening from her shower. I've just about seen every inch of her at this point, I can't wait until I get to touch her, feel her as I plunge inside of her. I've worked myself into a frenzy, why is she torturing me? why can't I just go home? Why do I have to pretend to work, as she is having all of the fun? Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly enjoying every picture, but I want to be home. “Buzz,” “Only 2 more to go, can you handle it?” “That was Rhetorical, no response please!” She's having too much fun, I thought to myself, I'm just going to get some work done, but, when I get home though, she is going to suffer! Who am I kidding? I will anxiously await the next two images and then fly like hell to get home to her. John, A colleague, came into my office with a question and I had to pretend that I am working hard, I was but not in the way he thinks. I was happy he came in and distracted me for a few moments, but he better not still be here at 4:00! We talked for a few moments until around 3:55pm, I mentioned to him that I had a call to make and he kindly left my office. I watched the clock on my phone change from 3:59 to 4:00 as it buzzed in my hand. Another black and white close-up, this time of my Sam's wet and very smooth pubic area. She has never shaved it completely bare before, and with the moisture glistening off of her bare skin and making her lips shine, everything was on display for my pleasure. I was extremely hard and horny and ready to go, what? another hour? what does she have left to show me? I had to wait until my erection died down to retire to the restroom with my phone and my pictures. It was a very long bathroom break, at least 15 minutes or so, but man, I had 8 pictures to browse through. I finished up, and went back to my office and sat down in front of my computer screen. “Buzz,” “one more to go, should I send it now, or should I wait?” She was having way too much fun at my expense, and I loved every agonizing minute of it. I could not wait until 5, what would the next image be? I can only imagine, or fantasize what would come next. It'll only be about 10 minutes from now, these last few minutes are really going to drag on. The phone came to life, “I don't want you to wait anymore!” “Drive safe!” and the next image came in. This one was in color, Sam was laying on the bed, naked and another woman was naked on top of her. I could tell Sam was enjoying herself, the glow of passion in her face as the woman kissed her neck, ooh man, I did not expect this. Off to the bathroom, or speed home to take care of them. “Buzz,” “You've seen my new friend Paige, the last three pictures were of her, now come meet her!” I grabbed my coat and practically ran to the door. Traffic was slow, and I was impatient to get home, red lights were the worst, “come on, I need to be somewhere!” Another message? I grabbed the phone, opened the text; ”Did you enjoy your treat? Paige and I have been having fun all day, she had me shave her, did you like it? Should I shave too?” I think I ran the last two lights and tore into the driveway and jumped out and went inside. By Fugman for Tumblr.
Frank starts the hour discussing growing frustrations with tipping. He moves on to open mail from listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Friends of the Rosary, This month we walk with the Blessed Virgin Mary and we renew our love and devotion to the Mother of Jesus. Everything Mary said led us to Christ. And she loves each and every human with the same affection and tenderness as Christ Jesus. Mary was conceived immaculately, without any stain of the original sin, and also by divine election was crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary, the most humble of all women and the first disciple of Jesus, is a model for everyone, Christian and non-Christian today. “There is only one model for you, Mary: the woman of fidelity, the one who did not understand what was happening to her but obeyed. The one who, as soon as she knew what her cousin needed took off (to help her), the Virgin of Promptness. The one who escaped as a refugee in a foreign country to save the life of her son,” Pope Francis said in 2014. The Virgin, through Jesus, has brought heaven closer to us. “She shows us that heaven is within reach, if we too do not give in to sin, we praise God with humility and serve others with generosity,” Pope Francis added in 2022. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • May 6, 2024, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Your willingness to change, plus Jordan Raynor on why your job's important, and when a ministry leader is dating a non-Christian. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: What Do You Need to Change? One of the most difficult yet rewarding things about adulthood is being honest with yourself when change needs to happen. Whether it's making better choices, breaking bad habits, spending time with God, or improving your relationships, it's healthy to own your stuff and start making adjustments. Our guests admit some of the struggles they've had to overcome, how they became aware of them, and what motivated them to push forward toward change and growth. Boundless Article: I Want Honest Feedback - But Not Really Boundless Article: God's Sovereignty Doesn't Excuse My Lazy Boundless Article: God's Promptness is Worth Practicing Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Sacredness of Secular Work (Part 1) It's easy to think your job matters to God only if you're a pastor, missionary, or ministry worker. But what does God think of “secular” jobs? What if our jobs are just “average”? What if we're not even sure what we want to do for a career? Jordan Raynor is an expert at helping people get connected to their calling, and this week he joins us to explain why your job has eternal value, even if it seems insignificant. The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel) Inbox: When a Ministry Leader Is Dating a Non-Christian She recently found out one of her friends, who happens to be a church ministry leader, is now dating a non-believer. Is it time for a hard conversation? Our counselor friend Kari weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Boundless Article: Why I'm Attracted to Guys Who Aren't Good for Me
Your willingness to change, plus Jordan Raynor on why your job's important, and when a ministry leader is dating a non-Christian. Featured musical artist: Love and the Outcome Roundtable: What Do You Need to Change? One of the most difficult yet rewarding things about adulthood is being honest with yourself when change needs to happen. Whether it's making better choices, breaking bad habits, spending time with God, or improving your relationships, it's healthy to own your stuff and start making adjustments. Our guests admit some of the struggles they've had to overcome, how they became aware of them, and what motivated them to push forward toward change and growth. Boundless Article: I Want Honest Feedback - But Not Really Boundless Article: God's Sovereignty Doesn't Excuse My Lazy Boundless Article: God's Promptness is Worth Practicing Leave Us a Voicemail Culture: The Sacredness of Secular Work (Part 1) It's easy to think your job matters to God only if you're a pastor, missionary, or ministry worker. But what does God think of “secular” jobs? What if our jobs are just “average”? What if we're not even sure what we want to do for a career? Jordan Raynor is an expert at helping people get connected to their calling, and this week he joins us to explain why your job has eternal value, even if it seems insignificant. The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You're Not Sharing the Gospel) Inbox: When a Ministry Leader Is Dating a Non-Christian She recently found out one of her friends, who happens to be a church ministry leader, is now dating a non-believer. Is it time for a hard conversation? Our counselor friend Kari weighs in. Link to Counseling Services Boundless Article: Why I'm Attracted to Guys Who Aren't Good for Me To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1058/29
Text Hawk to 66866 to become part of "Mindful Monday." Join 10's of thousands of your fellow learning leaders and receive a carefully curated email from me each Monday morning to help you start your week off right... Full show notes at www.LearningLeader.com Twitter/IG: @RyanHawk12 https://twitter.com/RyanHawk12 Kevin Kelly is Senior Maverick at Wired magazine. He is also the editor and publisher of the Cool Tools website, which gets half a million unique visitors per month. He co-founded Wired in 1993 and served as its Executive Editor from its inception until 1999. During Kevin's tenure, Wired won the National Magazine Award for General Excellence (the industry's equivalent of two Oscars). He is the best-selling author of many books including New Rules for the New Economy, The Inevitable, and his latest is called Excellent Advice For Living - Wisdom I wish I'd Known Earlier. You lead by letting others know what you expect of them, which may exceed what they themselves expect. Provide them a reputation to live up to. Habit is far more dependable than inspiration. Don't focus on getting into shape. Focus on becoming the kind of person who never misses a workout. "Every great and difficult thing has required a strong sense of optimism," Prototype your life. Try stuff instead of making grand plans. The best way to learn anything is to try to teach what you know. Don't create things to make money; make money so you can create things. The reward for good work is more work. The more you are interested in others, the more interesting they'll find you. To be interesting, be interested. Promptness is a sign of respect. The consistency of your endeavors (exercise, companionship, work) is more important than the quantity. Nothing beats small things done every day, which is way more important than what you do occasionally.
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
The Writings of Jean Gibson. How To Get The Most Out Of Advanced Christian Training. Your study of Advanced Christian Training will be most profitable if you give heed to the following guidelines for personal preparation and class participation. Personal Preparation before Class Set aside adequate time each week for the completion of your homework. You should take the following steps for each lesson: 1. Pray To God. Ask Him to help you understand and apply His Word. Let your prayer be: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psa. 119:18). 2. Answer The Study Guide Questions. Before reading the NOTES, complete all items of the STUDY GUIDE. If you have difficulty with a question, pass on to the next question and return later to the troublesome question. 3. Read The Notes. Underline important thoughts and mark anything that you do not understand or that you have questions about. Look up key Scripture references and read them from a modern translation, such as the New American Standard Bible. 4. Memorize Personal Evangelism Verses. Use the memory techniques suggested in Appendix A of "Intermediate Christian Training." Begin learning new memory verses early in the week. At the end of the week, check yourself for the word-perfectness of all memory verses. Training Class Requirements True training cannot exist without requirements or without a way to measure learning or the effectiveness of participation. Indeed, training without standards is like a game without rules. If the following standards are observed, then the training in the ACT class will be effective and meaningful. 1. Attendance. The lessons are progressive and cumulative, so plan to attend the full 13 sessions in order to obtain maximum benefit from the training. Excessive absences (three or more) will leave you inadequately prepared for the next training class. Whenever you can, let your leader know in advance about your absence. 2. Homework. Each week turn in your homework to your group leader. Missed homework should be turned in at the first meeting following an absence. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all missed homework be completed well in advance of the final lesson. 3. Promptness. Tardiness displays a contempt for the value of others' time. Prompt attendance at meetings will allow the sessions to begin and finish on time. 4. Memory Work. You are required to memorize one new verse per week from the Personal Evangelism Packet (PEP) which you began in ICT. Successful completion of the ACT requires that all PEP verses be quoted word-perfect. 5. Evangelism Training. You are required to attend two evangelism outings (or equivalent) during the 13-week cycle. If personal circumstances prohibit attendance at planned outings, it is your responsibility to request an alternate means of fulfilling this requirement. 6. Evaluation And Completion Of Training. Your progress will be evaluated by the group leader(s). However, beyond this, you should seek the "AUG" degree—Approved Unto God. Remember that training makes you more responsible before God. Unto whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). The ultimate test of the training is the personal application of God's truth. The proof is in your changed life. If you have made no adjustments after looking into the "mirror" of the Word, then the training has failed (James 1). 7. Record Of Completion. The Record of Completion, when fully filled in and signed by the group leader, is your graduation record. Upon your leader's recommendation, you are eligible to enroll in the Discipleship Training Session (DTS).
Want to be successful and respected? Todd and Maria tell you how to make that happen.Produced by The Host With The Most, LLC.
Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Funding is All You Need: Getting into Grad School by Hacking the NSF GRFP Fellowship, published by hapanin on September 22, 2022 on LessWrong. Fellowship is All You Need: Getting into Grad School by Hacking the NSF GRFP Last year I started having delusions of grad school. By delusions I mean that on paper, in the numeric and text fields that actually make it into the application, I looked utterly unqualified to do machine learning research, let alone at a top school. I had no computer science publications, no masters degree, and a 3.3 GPA, in materials engineering. I was a self-taught washed up startup founder six years out of school with no advisor and three months work experience in my proposed field of NLP. Only two people had ever seen me write code; one was my current boss and the other was my ex-cofounder, who also happened to be my brother, so I couldn't even scrape together a single letter of recommendation attesting to my programming talents. I did take a programming class once, CSE142: Intro to Computer Programming I, where I got a C. But next month I'll be starting my PhD studies at Columbia advised by Zhou Yu and Luis Gravano. They're really really good at what they do and there's no school I'd rather be at. This is the story of how I leveraged the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) to get my unqualified ass into grad school. The technical guide follows. Table of Contents The Hack Technical Guide Abstract Background Normal Route Funding is All You Need What Does the NSF Want? Methods How to Win a GRFP Take Risks The Hero's Journey Editing Timeline What to Do Once You've Won Results & Conclusion Footnotes Appendix 1: Useful Links The Hack In June of 2021 I forgot to register my +1 at a wedding and got placed next to a cool dude named Logan who told me just to shoot my shot on PhD applications even though I didn't feel qualified. After all, they're kind of a crap shoot anyway. Lacking any proper mentorship I took this advice at face value and spent the rest of the summer reading papers and the autumn drinking cappuccinos and banging out applications at Amy's Merkato and Fort St. George after work. At the end of the year I fired off my freshly minted applications and swapped caffeine for alcohol while the responses rolled in. I was rejected from every school. Don't get me wrong, I knew my application was weak, but that doesn't make it suck less. All seven schools turned me down without even waitlisting me. There's not much more to say on this except that plan A was kaput. Plan B, however, was still cooking. Promptness and agility are not virtues commonly ascribed to the Federal Government, so despite grad school fellowship deadlines (GRFP and NDSEG) closing before those of colleges, results are released afterward by several months. The GRFP is a three year fellowship for first or second year PhD students in STEM fields. Unlike most grants, the GRFP funds a person rather than a project. This fact carries several implications, the first of which being that you can sort of win a GRFP without a school or an advisor, in in mid-April I did just that. The GRFP is considered rather prestigious because it's a bit difficult to get (~16% acceptance rate) and because it's dripping with the world's best lubricant: money. It's not a master key to the ivory tower but it is a big shiny ⭐ NSF Sticker of Approval ⭐ that can get a busy prof to reply to a cold email four months past the official application deadline. The reason I had a shot at the GRFP but not at the traditional application process was due to the second implication of the GRFP's person > project philosophy: doing cool stuff matters a lot, and I did a lot of cool stuff instead of going to class. I invented some polio eradication tech deployed to six countries, founded thr...
Link to original articleWelcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Funding is All You Need: Getting into Grad School by Hacking the NSF GRFP Fellowship, published by hapanin on September 22, 2022 on LessWrong. Fellowship is All You Need: Getting into Grad School by Hacking the NSF GRFP Last year I started having delusions of grad school. By delusions I mean that on paper, in the numeric and text fields that actually make it into the application, I looked utterly unqualified to do machine learning research, let alone at a top school. I had no computer science publications, no masters degree, and a 3.3 GPA, in materials engineering. I was a self-taught washed up startup founder six years out of school with no advisor and three months work experience in my proposed field of NLP. Only two people had ever seen me write code; one was my current boss and the other was my ex-cofounder, who also happened to be my brother, so I couldn't even scrape together a single letter of recommendation attesting to my programming talents. I did take a programming class once, CSE142: Intro to Computer Programming I, where I got a C. But next month I'll be starting my PhD studies at Columbia advised by Zhou Yu and Luis Gravano. They're really really good at what they do and there's no school I'd rather be at. This is the story of how I leveraged the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) to get my unqualified ass into grad school. The technical guide follows. Table of Contents The Hack Technical Guide Abstract Background Normal Route Funding is All You Need What Does the NSF Want? Methods How to Win a GRFP Take Risks The Hero's Journey Editing Timeline What to Do Once You've Won Results & Conclusion Footnotes Appendix 1: Useful Links The Hack In June of 2021 I forgot to register my +1 at a wedding and got placed next to a cool dude named Logan who told me just to shoot my shot on PhD applications even though I didn't feel qualified. After all, they're kind of a crap shoot anyway. Lacking any proper mentorship I took this advice at face value and spent the rest of the summer reading papers and the autumn drinking cappuccinos and banging out applications at Amy's Merkato and Fort St. George after work. At the end of the year I fired off my freshly minted applications and swapped caffeine for alcohol while the responses rolled in. I was rejected from every school. Don't get me wrong, I knew my application was weak, but that doesn't make it suck less. All seven schools turned me down without even waitlisting me. There's not much more to say on this except that plan A was kaput. Plan B, however, was still cooking. Promptness and agility are not virtues commonly ascribed to the Federal Government, so despite grad school fellowship deadlines (GRFP and NDSEG) closing before those of colleges, results are released afterward by several months. The GRFP is a three year fellowship for first or second year PhD students in STEM fields. Unlike most grants, the GRFP funds a person rather than a project. This fact carries several implications, the first of which being that you can sort of win a GRFP without a school or an advisor, in in mid-April I did just that. The GRFP is considered rather prestigious because it's a bit difficult to get (~16% acceptance rate) and because it's dripping with the world's best lubricant: money. It's not a master key to the ivory tower but it is a big shiny ⭐ NSF Sticker of Approval ⭐ that can get a busy prof to reply to a cold email four months past the official application deadline. The reason I had a shot at the GRFP but not at the traditional application process was due to the second implication of the GRFP's person > project philosophy: doing cool stuff matters a lot, and I did a lot of cool stuff instead of going to class. I invented some polio eradication tech deployed to six countries, founded thr...
Today on our programming in THE WORK IT series,we talk about UNETHICAL YET PROFITABLE(2):Promptness/Punctuality .We are aware of the SMEs and skilled workers in Nigeria whose service delivery is not excellent.We also know that there are NGOs that divert donor funds to their private pockets, snap organized pictures( a sure evidence of stage management and show boating ) just to deceive their foreign donors and then secure more foreign funds/grants . We need to be ethical yet smart in our delivery and make profit.As they say in the Nigerian local palace, "Come Make We Go Talk And Do". Pls listen to The Bow TB by visiting our new URL https://anchor.fm/THE-BOW --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/THE-BOW/support
Lexman Artificial interviews Ben Goertzel, a leading thinker in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Ben talks about his book "Proterogyny: The Essays of a Radical Feminist Toy Designer", which examines the ways that toys can propagate sexism and other forms of discrimination.
Acquired and Infused Virtues: What are they? Did Christ have them? How do you grow in them? http://www.patreon.com/thecatholicmanshow (Become a Patron! Over 40 interviews, a course with Karlo Broussard, a 10 part series on the domestic church, a course on fitness and virtue by Pat Flynn, and free thank you gifts for supporting the show!) https://selectinternationaltours.com/catholicmanshow/ () Travel to Italy, the Holy Land, Scotland, or Europe. Take a Catholic pilgrimage cruise or mix in Faith and Food or Faith and Fitness. No matter where you travel with Select, you will be embraced by faith. All our trips feature daily mass, unparalleled access to sacred sites, local guides that speak your language, and excellent accommodations. We have been helping pilgrims put their feet in the places their faith began for over 30 years. We want to help YOU experience the fun and faith-enriching power of pilgrimage. https://selectinternationaltours.com/catholicmanshow/ (Click here) About our drink: https://www.dewars.com/us/en/double-aged-whiskies/dewars-double-double-27-year-old-whisky/ (27 year Double Double Dewars) Our unique Four Stage Aging Process for Ultimate Smoothness finished in Palo Cortado Sherry Casks. Dewar's Double Double 27-Year-Old is finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks, this blend delivers heady, aromatic, floral notes with honeyed fruits and subtle spice and the characteristic silky smooth finish. Innovation comes in many forms, and in 2019 our Master Blender, Stephanie Macleod, released a new range of Blended Scotch Whiskies with a Four Stage Ageing Process for Ultimate Smoothness. This may sound like an indulgence but the series has been picking up gold medal awards the world over since being released. We believe that in order to do things right and get the best results you should put in double the effort; everything else is just a job half done. So we asked ourselves how we could put in double the effort to our range that was already Double Aged for Extra Smoothness…and it was obvious..double it! Our Double Double Series has been aged, blended together, aged again, then finished in sherry casks for the Ultimate Smoothness. About our gear: https://www.cuapress.org/journals/the-thomist/ (The Thomist Subscription) The Thomist appeals to a wide international readership in the university, the seminary, and the Church. In the tradition and spirit of Thomas Aquinas, it seeks to promote original and penetrating inquiry into the full range of contemporary philosophical and theological questions. It undertakes particularly to support sustained discussion of issues of philosophy and systematic theology, where such discussion can be advanced by creative use of the thought of Aquinas and significant authors in the Thomistic tradition. In this way The Thomist seeks to cultivate a fruitful dialogue between modern and contemporary philosophical systems and the classical tradition of philosophy and Christian theology. About the Topic: Acquired: Virtue that we cultivate by our own efforts. Acquired virtues can be strengthened progressively over time. Aquinas holds that acquired virtue can be a life of continuous growth and progress. Infused: Given by God alone. Habitual grace is the accidental form that modifies the essence of the soul so as to give the human person a participation in the divine nature. Infused virtues can also grow over time. Stages of growth: Beginner – avoiding sin and preserving the gift of charity. Proficient – Strengthen charity by steadily advancing in greater works Perfect – Whose exercise of charity is directed at uion with and enjoyment of God The strengthening of a habit enables one to perform greater acts in accordance with that virtue the 1. Promptness 2. Pleasure 3. Ease. Acquired virtues are both generated and increased by gradual strengthening of reason's imprint on the appetitive powers through human acts,... Support this podcast
Summary: In this episode, we explore the conventional secular and the traditional spiritual ways of understanding scrupulosity, bringing in the experts to define scrupulosity, tells us the signs of being scrupulous, speculate on the causes of the trouble, discuss that standard remedies in the secular and spiritual realms. Then I share with you my views on it, looking at scrupulosity through an Internal Family Systems lens, grounded in a Catholic worldview. We discuss how parts have different God images and the role of shame and anger in the experience of scrupulosity. Description of Scrupulosity Suddenly my stomach tightens up, there's a choking in my throat, and my torture begins. The bad thoughts come. . . . I want to drive them out, but they keep coming back. . . . It is terrible to be in a struggle like this! To have a head that goes around and around without my being able to stop it; to be a madman and still quite rational, for all that. . . . I am double. . . . at the very time that I am trying to plan what I want to do, another unwanted thought is in my mind. . . . Distracting me and always hindering me from doing what I want to do. -- Quoted in Albert Barbaste, “Scrupulosity and the Present Data of Psychiatry,” TheologyDigest, 1.3 (Autumn 1953) 182. Fr. William Doyle: Around 1900 “My confessions were bad. My confessor does not understand me, he is mistaken in me, not believing that I could be so wicked. I have never had contrition. I am constantly committing sins against faith, against purity. I blaspheme interiorly. I rashly judge, even priests. The oftener I receive Holy Communion, the worse I become,” Around 1900 My story just turned 19 -- terrible bout of scrupulosity. Around sexuality Just started dating the first woman I might consider marrying Physical touching -- romantic contact How far was too far? Thoughts of sex with her -- plagued me. Do I break up with her? How do I handle this? What was sinful, what was not? Was I on the road to hell? Was I putting her on the road to hell? I thought I was going crazy. Review: I encourage you to review the last episode, number 86 -- Obsessions, Compulsions, OCD and IFS That episode went deep into obsessions and compulsions and serves as a basis for today's episode. Today's episode, number 87 is entitled Scrupulosity: When OCD Gets Religion and it's released on December 6, 2021, St. Nick's Day. I am Dr. Peter Malinoski, clinical psychologist and passionate Catholic and together, we are taking on the tough topics that matter to you. We bring the best of psychology and human formation and harmonize it with the perennial truths of the Catholic Faith. Interior Integration for Catholics is part of our broader outreach, Souls and Hearts bringing the best of psychology grounded in a Catholic worldview to you and the rest of the world through our website soulsandhearts.com Overview Start out with definitions of scrupulosity both from spiritual and secular sources, really want to wrap our minds around what scrupulosity is and the different types of scrupulosity. We will discuss the connection between scrupulosity and OCD -- discussion of OCD We will then move to the signs of scrupulosity -- how can you tell when there is scrupulosity? Then we will get into the internal experience of scrupulosity. What is it like to experience intense scruples? Had a taste in the intro, but we will get much more into that. We will discuss what religious and secular experts have to say about the causes of scrupulosity Then what religious and secular experts have to say about the treatment of scrupulosity -- that most recommended therapy approach and the medications typically prescribed. After we've discussed the conventional secular and spiritual approaches to treating scrupulosity, I will how I think about scrupulosity, the root causes of scrupulosity, and how scrupulosity develops and how it can be treated. I will give you an alternative view, grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person and informed by Internal Family Systems thinking. Definitions: You know how important definitions are to me. We really want to make sure we understand what we are talking about. Scruple comes from the Latin word scrupulum, "small, sharp stone" -- like walking with a stone in your shoe. Ancient Roman weight of 1/24 of an ounce or 1.3 grams. Something tiny, but that can cause a lot of discomfort. Definitions from Spiritual Sources Fr. William Doyle, SJ. Scruples and their Treatment 1897: Scrupulosity, in general, is an ill-founded fear of committing sin. Fr. Hugh O'Donnell: Scrupulosity may be defined as a habitual state of mind that, because of an unreasonable fear of sin, inclines a person to judge certain thoughts or actions sinful when they aren't or that they are more gravely wrong than they really are… Scrupulosity involves an emotional condition that interferes with the proper working of the mind and produces a judgement not in accordance with object truth, but with the emotion of fear. Fr. James Jackson, article "On Scrupulosity" A very good definition Scrupulosity is an emotional condition, an ultra-sensitivity to sin, which produces excessive anxiety and fear from the thought of eternal damnation…This condition is a religious, moral and psychological state of anxiety, fear and indecision. It is coupled with extreme guilt, depression and fear of punishment from God. However, each person who suffers from it does so uniquely. Fr. Marc Foley: The Context of Holiness: Psychological and Spiritual Reflections on the Life of St. Therese of Lisieux Excellent, very psychologically informed study of the Little Flower Not only the best psychological profile of St. Therese of Lisieux, but the best psychobiography of any saint from any author I've read. A very in-depth look at her mother, St. Zelie as well and the limitations and lack of attunement in the Martin family Highly recommended reading -- all of chapter 12 is on The Little Flower's scrupulosity. Scrupulosity is an extremely painful anxiety disorder. It consists of annoying fear that one is offended God or could offend God at any moment and that God will cast her into hell. To protect yourself from eternal damnation, the scrupulous person dissects every thought, motive, and action in order to ascertain if she has send. And since she is deathly afraid that she might have sent, the scrupulous person seeks absolute certitude that she hasn't send in order to assuage her fears. Definitions from Secular Sources Timothy Sisemore, Catherine Barton, Mary Keeley From Richmont Graduate University Scrupulosity is a "sin phobia." Jaimie Eckert, Scrupulosity Coach: Scrupulosity is where faith and OCD collide. International OCD Foundation Fact Sheet: What is Scrupulosity? By C. Alec Pollard: A form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involving religious or moral obsessions. Scrupulous individuals are overly concerned that something they thought or did might be a sin or other violation of religious or moral doctrine. Bridging the Secular and the Spiritual Joseph W. Ciarrocchi's The Doubting Disease: Help for Scrupulosity and Religious Compulsions -- published in 1995, and still the most cited text in Catholic circles, even more than a quarter century later. Dr. Ciarrocchi, a former Catholic priest, trained as a clinical psychologist and served as professor and chairman of pastoral counseling at Loyola University in Maryland prior to his death in 2010. Scrupulosity refers to seeing sin where there is none. He viewed scrupulosity as a sub-set of obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), basically a kind of “religious OCD.” He distinguishes developmental scrupulosity self-limited form of scrupulosity often occurring in adolescents or shortly after a conversion experience (e.g. St. Ignatius of Loyola) Temporary, usually disappears. emotional scrupulosity -- symptoms of OCD More enduring conditions Can vary in intensity over time, from being overwhelming to just mildly irritating Can last for years. Core experience of scrupulosity: "an intrusive idea, often associated with a sinful impulse, which the person abhors but cannot shake." "The French label the emotional condition which is sometimes part of scrupulosity "the doubting disease." Signs of Scrupulosity What do we see. A lot we don't see. Fr. Thomas Santa, past director of Scrupulous Anonymous and Author of the book Understanding Scrupulosity When people struggle with the scrupulous disorder, most of the suffering, fear, and anxiety they experience happens in isolation. Scrupulosity is mostly an interior struggle, seldom manifesting itself with easily identifiable or observable mannerisms or behaviors. You can't tell if people are scrupulous by looking at them. While some compulsions of obsessive-compulsive disorder are identifiable, most of the suffering associated with the disorder is personal. Only the sufferer fully knows its debilitating nature. Sources IOCDF Fact Sheet Jaimie Eckert Scrupulosity Coach The Gateway institute website Doubting Disease 1995 by Joseph Ciarrocchi Obsessions -- excessive concerns about Fears of Blaspheming, accusing God of being negligent or abusive or evil, cursing God Fears of Sacrilege, abusing our Lord in the Eucharist for example Fears about impulses -- taking one's clothes off in Church, screaming obscenities during Mass Example of the man concerned about touching his infant daughter's genitals Sexual thoughts about a romantic partner Sexual thoughts or images about a religious figure -- Jesus, Mary, a saint, or possibly a priest or religious. Fears around harming others I might cause the death of someone if I sneeze or cough during Mass -- I coughed. Maybe I'm sick. Maybe I have COVID. Maybe I'm a spreader. A pharmacist worries she will fill prescriptions incorrectly and poison customers at her pharmacy. Fears around aggression -- Driver goes over a bump in the Church parking lot in the dark after the parish council meeting. Is concerned he may have run over the pastor. Cooperating in the sins of others "Man participates in a discussion about a historical figure dead for more than 1000 years, who is alleged to have been a homosexual. He worries that he has committed the sin of detraction." -- Example from Joseph Ciarrocchi. Being a sinful person, dishonest, lacking integrity -- honesty Ruminating about past mistakes, errors, past sins Purity -- looking for moral perfection Not Loving Others enough -- Mother worrying she doesn't love her children enough. Going to hell Death A loss of impulse control Cyclical Doubts Often about salvation, selling your soul to the devil, in mortal sin Intrusive thoughts and images 666, Satan, Hell, pornographic images, etc. Compulsions Behavioral Compulsions Excessive trips to confession Repeatedly seeking reassurance from religious leaders and loved ones Repeated cleansing and purifying rituals Acts of self-sacrifice Repetitive religious behaviors Avoiding situations (for example, religious services) in which they believe a religious or moral error would be especially likely or cause something bad to happen Avoiding certain objects or locations because of fears they may be sinful Mental Compulsions Excessive praying (sometimes with an emphasis on the prayer needing to be perfect) I compulsions about praying. Tithing prayer. 1.6 hours vs. 2.4 hours. Needing to pray perfectly or at least adequately enough. Repeatedly imagining sacred images or phrases Repeating passages from sacred scriptures in one's head Making pacts with God to avoid hell or buy time or just to get a little relief in the present moment. Intense sense of guilt-- feeling guilty all the time -- about things that don't carry moral weight. Inflated sense of responsibility Not distinguishing between thoughts and actions. Example: Joseph Ciarrocchi The Smith family traditionally joins hands around the dinner table to give thanks in prayer before the meal. Susie, age 4, and Billy, age 6 sometimes are fidgety (and always hungry). Mrs. Smith worries that Susie, Billy, and perhaps herself haven't not “truly prayed” due to the multiple distractions: Susie is scratching her mosquito bite, Billy is leering at the chocolate pudding, and Mrs. Smith remembers she has a school board meeting after dinner. She doubts that their prayers were “heard,” and so request of the family repeat their prayers. Sometimes she makes the whole family repeat them, and sometimes only the children. Once the children needed to repeat them four times, even the Mr. Smith tried to intervene after the second time. Mrs. Smith sought advice from her pastor who urged her not to repeat the prayers, either for herself or the children. When she attempts to follow this advice, however, her entire meal is ruined as she attempts to sort out in her head whether this is acceptable to God. She will continue to worry about it throughout the rest of the evening, including her school board meeting. Distinguishing Scrupulosity of normal religious practice IOCDF Fact Sheet: Unlike normal religious practice, scrupulous behavior usually exceeds or disregards religious law and may focus excessively on one trivial area of religious practice while other, more important areas may be completely ignored. The behavior of scrupulous individuals is typically inconsistent with that of the rest of the faith community. Internal Experience of Scrupulosity Plutarch: a first century priest for the Greek god Apollo at the Temple at Delphi. He wrote about the so-called “superstitious” man, who… And so is the soul of the superstitious man. He turns pale under his crown of flowers, is terrified while he sacrifices, prays with a faltering voice, scatters incense with trembling hands, and all in all proves how mistaken was the saying of Pythagoras that we are at our best when approaching the gods. For that is the time when the superstitious are most miserable and most woebegone.... OCD Center of Los Angeles: One of the first documented references to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was in a 1691 sermon by Anglican Bishop John Moore of Norwich in which he discussed men and women who were overwhelmed with unwanted thoughts, and tormented by feelings of guilt and shame over what he described as “religious melancholy.” Priests had started to notice that some churchgoers were attending confession several times a day, and repeatedly confessing to the same sins and shortcomings that they feared would result in divine judgment and eternal damnation. Their penance and absolution would provide only a fleeting glimpse of peace, and then their fears would come roaring back. William Van Ornum, A Thousand frightening fantasies: understanding and human scrupulosity in obsessive-compulsive disorder 1997 24-year-old computer programmer writes, “what worries me is that at any moment and in only a few seconds I can commit serious sin. The only remedy is confession. I worry about what I've done until I confess it; then it's all over. The problem is that I fall or worry again and need to go back.” Fr. Thomas Santa: Being possessed by a thousand frightening fantasies Constructing a spider web in the mind. People with the disorder often feel as if they are isolated in darkness. They describe this feeling as a “cloud” that perpetually engulfs them. They feel the disorder constantly and uncomfortably, even in the background of day-to-day living. Scrupulosity demands constant attention and can feel like a severe and unrelenting master. At best, most people who suffer with the disorder have learned to live with it. They hope it does not get more pronounced or spill into other areas of life. Relief does not exist, so any promises of relief through activities like rituals are essentially dead ends. For those who are religious, consistent spiritual practices can help and at the same time be debilitating. From Joseph Ciarrocchi's Book "Doubting Disease Bob is 28-year-old married Jewish man who works for an accounting firm. He is thrilled with the birth of his first child, a bubbly infant girl. Bob is about to be totally involved with her as a parent and share in all aspects of childcare. He was shocked by the following experience: Bob was changing his daughter's diaper when the thought, idea, or image (he wasn't quite sure which close parentheses flashed through his mind – “Touch her private parts.” The first time it happened he shuddered, tried to dismiss the idea, and hurriedly completed diapering her. All they tried not to think about it. The next time he changed her diaper, however, the idea came back, but this time in the form of a graphic picture of Bob engaging in the dreaded behavior. This time he felt nausea, became dizzy, and called his wife to finish, saying he thought he was ill and would pass out. The idea began to torment Bob. He found himself not wanting to be alone with his daughter, Les T “give in” to the simples. He refused to bathe her or change her diaper. Sensing something was drastically wrong his wife urged him to seek help. He talked to his rabbi who tried to assure him that he was not a child molester and should dismiss the thoughts. Psychodynamic perspective Sources Nancy McWilliams Psychoanalytic Diagnosis -- Psychdynamic Diagnostic manual Thinking and Doing predominate over Feeling, sensing, intuiting, listening, playing, daydreaming, enjoying the creative arts and other modes that are less rationally driven or instrumental Hold themselves to very high standards, sometimes impossibly high. Central conflict: Rage and being controlled vs. fear of being condemned or punished. Cooperation and rebellion Initiative and sloth Cleanliness and slovenliness Order and disorder Thrift and improvidence Polarizations inside. Emotion is unformulated, muted suppressed, unavailable, or rationalized and moralized. Except anxiety and sometimes depressed mood Consign most feelings to an undervalued role, associated with childishness, weakness, loss of control, disorganization and dirt Cognition Condemning oneself for internal thought crimes -- consciously or unconsciously Body states Hyperarousal -- expressing anxiety through the body Often health problems due to excessive washing Difficulties with Play Humor Spontaneity Pain about isolation. Shame about being considered weird and unacceptable to others Capable of loving attachments, but often not able to express their tender selves without anxiety and shame Relational patterns -- seek relationships in which they can control the partner, sometimes partners who can reassure them Being intimate in relationships Emotional connection Sexuality Causes of Scrupulosity Spiritual Sources Fr. James Jackson The Fathers of the Church considered scrupulosity – or psychasthenia, as the Greek Fathers called it – to be a spiritual problem which leads to a psychological malfunction. Timothy A. Sisemore. Catherine Barton, Mary Keeley -- The History and Contextual Treatment of Scrupulous OCD 15th and 16th Century -- connected scruples to moral reasoning, addressed under conscience -- concept of erroneous conscience. -- frees the person to act without resolving the doubt. Secular Sources IOCDF Fact sheet: The exact cause of scrupulosity is not known. Like other forms of OCD, scrupulosity may be the result of several factors including genetic and environmental influences. OCDUK.com Lots of controversy. Biological factors Strep infections affecting the Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal Infection -- PANDAS Genetic factors Runs in families -- 2001 metaanalytic review reported that person with OCD is 4 times more likely to have another family member with OCD than a person who does not have the disorder Cognitive theory Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts at times People with OCD have an inflated sense of responsibility and interpret these thoughts as very significant and important Caught up in a pattern of Try to resist, block or neutralize them What is the meaning of the thought to the person? Joseph Ciarrocchi citing David Barlow -- OCD causes Those temperamentally disposed to having high levels of nervous energy, more pronounced bodily reactions to stress, greater levels of anxiety OCD is different from other anxiety disorders because those with OCD believe that certain kinds of thoughts are dangerous in themselves If I think certain thoughts those events will happen. If I think certain thoughts or spontaneously imagine certain things, or if I have an impulse to do such a thing, then I am the kind of person who would do such things. No moral distance between the spontaneous thought or image or impulse and actually doing the act. I must be bad. Unclean. Unworthy. Model for the development of Scrupulosity Strong belief that certain thoughts are dangerous and unacceptable Leads to the occurrence of these same intrusive thoughts This generates significant anxiety Leading to strong efforts to suppress the thoughts Which accelerates the frequency of the same kinds of thought Leading to a need to "turn off" the anxiety by any means Mental rituals Physical rituals These rituals are the compulsions And then there is a temporary respite, a bit of relief. The compulsive rituals are reinforced because they temporarily decrease anxiety. But then we loopback to the occurrence of the intrusive thoughts again. Psychodynamic understanding Nancy McWilliams -- Psychoanalytic Diagnosis Obsessive and Compulsive Personality styles: Marc Foley's Approach in The Context of Holiness about St. Therese of Lisieux's scrupulosity Parental figures who set high standards of behavior and expect early conformity to them E.g. making little kids sit still during Mass Strict and consistent in rewarding good behavior and punishing malfeasance Risk of condemning not only behaviors but the feelings that go with them Especially anger Issues of control in families of origin. Alternative -- a really lax family in which children are underparented Child concludes he has to model himself after a parental figure that he invents himself Child might have an aggressive, intense temperament -- projected on to that idealized parental figure. Self esteem comes from meeting the demands of internalized parental figures who hold them to a high standard of behavior and sometimes thought. Value self-control over nearly all other virtues. Discipline Order Loyalty Integrity Reliability Perseverance Is a particular religion a cause? No: Timothy Sisemore, Catherine Barton, Mary Keeley: A tendency to blame religion, but no more than counting OCD to be blamed on math class Joseph Ciarrocchi "Religion doesn't cause scrupulosity and more than teach someone French history causes him to believe he is Napoleon. All human beings exist in some cultural context. IOCDF Fact sheet: Scrupulosity is an equal opportunity disorder. It can affect individuals from a variety of different faith traditions. Although more research is needed to truly answer this question, there is currently no evidence to link scrupulosity to a specific religion. OCD Center of Lost Angeles It is worth noting that Scrupulosity is not partial to any one religion, but rather custom fits its message of doubt to the specific beliefs and practices of the sufferer. Yes: Joseph Ciarrocchi …religion may contribute when its content is presented in an overly harsh, punitive manner. Students of such presentations are likely to associate the context of the religious message with fear and anxiety. Jonathan Edwards, 18th Century Pastor and Theologian in the Congregational Church The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire; he is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours. You have offended him infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince; and yet it is nothing but his hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment. It is to be ascribed to nothing else, that you did not go to hell the last night; that you was suffered to awake again in this world, after you closed your eyes to sleep. And there is no other reason to be given, why you have not dropped into hell since you arose in the morning, but that God's hand has held you up. There is no other reason to be given why you have not gone to hell, since you have sat here in the house of God, provoking his pure eyes by your sinful wicked manner of attending his solemn worship. Yea, there is nothing else that is to be given as a reason why you do not this very moment drop down into hell. Heresies from Fr. James Jackson: Manicheanism: Manichaeism states, on principle, that all matter is evil. If, for example, a child grows up with an extreme attitude to modesty – where the flesh is seen as evil because it is the cause of forbidden impulses – then the slightest catering to the demands or needs of the flesh can result in a torment which rejects the goodness of the body. Pelagianism: There was once a British monk named Pelagius, who taught that a man can observe God's laws by human effort alone, that grace was not needed to do so. If the heresy of Pelagianism works its way into the soul it is an easy step to thinking that any lack of perfection is entirely one's own fault. One thinks, “this business of salvation is my work, so I'd better be perfect when I …” Thus salvation becomes something one must achieve by personal effort instead of by cooperation with grace. Jansenism: Jansenism is another heresy in which scrupulosity can grow well. It emphasizes that Christ did not die for all, stresses man's sinfulness, and requires extreme penances on a regular basis. It leads to infrequent communions and flowers into scrupulosity as a matter of course. Jansenism flourished within Roman Catholicism primarily in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but was condemned as heresy by Pope Innocent X in 1653. Jansenism was also condemned in 1713 by Pope Clement XI in his famous Bull Unigenitus. Jansenism focuses on how it was impossible for men and women to obey the Lord's commandments and to be redeemed without God's special, divine, irresistible grace. Jansenism taught that Christ died only for the elect -- a real sense of predestination Fr. Marc Foley agrees: Jansenism identified as the "remote cause: of St. Therese of Lisieux's troubles growing up. Biographer Conrad de Meester: "Zelie's mother, who taught her daughters an excessive fear of offending God, used to harp on the phrase 'that's a sin' to curb the least imperfections." Zelie had an excessive fear of sin and hell. Zelie was terrified that her five-year-old daughter Helene was in purgatory or perhaps even in hell, because she once told a lie. Spiritual Means of Recovery Joseph Ciarrocchi “Scruples in the History of Pastoral Care” (chapter four of the Doubting Disease) puts scrupulosity in the context of church history before it was viewed through the modern lens of psychiatric diagnosis. He describes several principles for the treatment of scruples from the pastoral care tradition. Act contrary to the scruples. Follow the example of others without lengthy and burdensome moral reasoning. Rely on the guidance of one spiritual advisor rather than consulting multiple spiritual authorities. Put oneself in situations that trigger the obsessional thought. Avoid religious rituals/prayers, which serve as compulsions. Ciarrocchi writes that these main pastoral principles “contain the seeds of modern behavioral treatments” that include modeling by others, exposure to the upsetting situation, and blocking the compulsive response. Fr. William Doyle 1873-1917 -- more than 100 years ago. General Remedies from Fr. William Doyle Prayer -- pray in temptation Vigilance Struggle against depression -- sadness increases scrupulosity Obedience to an experienced confessor -- perfect, trustful and blind obedience Obedience of action putting into practice the freedom of conscience Obedience of understanding -- soul remaining in revolt and persisting in its own erroneous ideas. Vanquishing errors of the intellect. Generosity in Self-Conquest -- acts of self-denial Particular remedies from Fr. William Doyle 19th century Doubts must be ignored Belief in the easiness of forgiveness Presuming decisions (of the spiritual director) Lenient view of one's faults -- magnifying glass Promptness in acting on decisions Broad-minded interpretation of advice -- broadening the way. Not piling up questions Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous -- Fr. Thomas Santa, CSsR (2013) Without exception, you shall not confess sins you have already confessed. You shall confess only sins that are clear and certain. You shall not repeat your penance or any of the words of your penance after confession—for any reason. You shall not worry about breaking your pre-Communion fast unless you put food and drink in your mouth and swallow as a meal You shall not worry about powerful and vivid thoughts, desires, and imaginings involving sex and religion unless you deliberately generate them for the purpose of offending God You shall not worry about powerful and intense feelings, including sexual feelings or emotional outbursts, unless you deliberately generate them to offend God. You shall obey your confessor when he tells you never to repeat a general confession of sins already confessed to him or another confessor. When you doubt your obligation to do or not do something, you will see your doubt as proof that there is no obligation When you are doubtful, you shall assume that the act of commission or omission you're in doubt about is not sinful, and you shall proceed without dread of sin You shall put your total trust in Jesus Christ, knowing he loves you as only God can and that he will never allow you to lose your soul Pastoral approach here. Predestination for heaven, Jesus will make us go to heaven. A lot of scrupulous clients are well enough formed to not believe that. Secular means of recovery IOCDF: Scrupulosity responds to the same treatments as those used with other forms of OCD. Cognitive behavior therapy featuring a procedure called “exposure and response prevention” is the primary psychological treatment for scrupulosity. A certain kind of medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is the primary drug treatment for OCD. Treatment for scrupulosity may also include consultation from leaders of the patient's faith tradition. Exposure and Response prevention See the last Episode Difficulties with ERP for scrupulosity. Joseph Ciarrocchi "Doubting Disease": My opinion, based on the clinical and theoretical aspects of scruples, is that scruples are resistant to change because their religious nature places many of them in the domain of overvalued ideas. In other words, the person sees the stakes are so high in religious doubts (i.e. salvation depends and being correct) that the senselessness of the behavior is less evidence. After all, faith itself implies looking beyond sensory experiences in the surface meaning of reality. Scrupulous people usually know that their peers do not act the way they do. But since religious salvation is such an individual experience, can one really take a chance and ignore that's “inner voice”? Therefore, the religious aspects of scruples create a motivational drive around the symptoms which become overvalued ideas, and hence resistant to change. Jaimie Eckert Scrupulosity Coach: ERP can feel like it has deep moral and spiritual implications. Although it is a method that is helping you develop a normal spirituality, it can feel terribly frightening. For example, the woman who prays compulsively, repeating her prayers dozens of times until she feels they are done “right,” might be asked to pray only once and then stop, no matter how she feels. This can easily feel like a denial of faith. So scrupulous sufferers begin dropping out of treatment when ERP gets more intense. Kevin Foss, Founder of the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center in Fullerton, CA: People suffering with Religious Scrupulosity struggle with the ERP process because they fear that exposure therapy will result in a genuine sin, convey that they are OK with sin and that they do not respect God or God's will. Furthermore, Scrupulosity sufferers are generally knowledgeable of their faith's doctrine and Biblical texts, so they are quick to present chapter and verse explaining why they should avoid exposure and give in to compulsive acts. Despite my reminders of clients' logical arguments, they respond with “But you never know” and “But what if God mistakes my intention in the exposure and I'm now really guilty of sin?” So, to do anything that could potentially put that into question or undermine it was experienced as possibly damaging the practice of faith, challenging one's fundamental belief in God, or leaving one vulnerable to shifting beliefs and a slippery slope into sin. Psychodynamic approaches for treating OCD but can be applied to scrupulosity. McWilliams Ordinary kindness -- they know they are exasperating for reasons that are unclear to everybody Priests get frustrated. Parents get frustrated Do not hurry them, advise them, criticize them. Avoid becoming the equivalent of the controlling, demanding parent -- no power struggles But still relate warmly. A lot of acceptance. Avoid intellectualization Help them express anger. Discover their emotions and help them enjoy them. Joseph Ciarrocchi. Doubting Disease Treatment program is laid out in his book, Doubting disease. It is essentially exposure and response prevention. Target the scruples you want to change Identify your obsessional scruples through self-monitoring. Write them down. Identify you compulsive scruples -- write them down. Avoidance acts to reduce anxiety Record the circumstances surrounding the scruples Making ratings of the intensity of the anxiety triggered by each of the obsessions and compulsions. Record the amount of time spent worrying about the scruples Lots of forms and charts, all in the book. Increase your Motivation to Change Looking at how motivated you are, and where you are in Prochaska and Di Clemente's stages of motivation to change. Developing a Personal Motivation Plan Listing the Benefits of eliminating scruples Listing the Costs of not changing scruples Preparing for Change Setting up the plan for repeated exposure to the feared object or condition. From the very start of the fear response, the body actually starts a counter-response mean to return the body to normal activity levels. Habituation. Nervous system gets bored with the danger, returns to normal. Example of jackhammer breaking up the asphalt on your road. Exposure must be prolonged Exposure must generate significant anxiety Exposure must be repeated The compulsive response must be blocked. Prevented from happening so it breaks the cycle of some relief from the compulsion. Blocking the physical compulsion or the mental compulsion. More charts and forms What I think about scrupulosity. IFS-Informed Approach I'm going to start with the bottom line. I think scrupulosity is generated by a desperate attempt to find safety from a terrible, dangerous and uncaring God for shameful, undeserving, despicable sinner Scrupulosity is a twisted, frantic attempt to find some kind of safety from an angry, heartless God for me, a reprobate, a delinquent, an evildoer. At the core, scrupulosity starts with really appalling, awful God Images -- and the scrupulous person usually isn't aware of the how terrible his or her God images really are, because they are not allowed into conscious awareness. I discuss God images at length in episode 23-29 of this podcast, a seven episode series, all about God images, so check that out. God Images = My emotional and subjective experiences of God, who I feel God to be in the moment. May or may not correspond to who God really is. What I feel about God in my bones. This is my experiential sense how my feelings and how my heart interpret God. God images are often outside of our conscious awareness Initially God images are shaped by the relationship that I have with my parents. My God images are heavily influenced by psychological factors Different God images can be activated at different times, depending on my emotional states and what psychological mode I am in at a given time. God images are always formed experientially; God images flow from our relational experiences and Also how we construe and make sense of those images when we are very young. My God images can be radically different than my God concept. God Concept = What I profess about God. It is my more intellectual understanding of God, based on what one has been taught, but also based on what I have explored through reading. I decide to believe in my God concept. Reflected in the Creed, expanded in the Catechism, formal teaching. Now I'm really going to apply IFS to Scrupulosity, grounding it in a Catholic understanding of the human person. Discussed Robert Fox and Alessio Rizzo's Internal Family Systems approach to OCD in the last episode -- number 86 -- Obsessions, Compulsions, OCD and Internal Family Systems. Brief review: Definition of Parts: Separate, independently operating personalities within us, each with own unique prominent needs, roles in our lives, emotions, body sensations, guiding beliefs and assumptions, typical thoughts, intentions, desires, attitudes, impulses, interpersonal style, and world view. Each part also has an image of God. You can also think of them as separate modes of operating if that is helpful. Brief review: Self: The core of the person, the center of the person. This is who we sense ourselves to be in our best moments, and when our self is free, and unblended with any of our parts, it governs our whole being as an active, compassionate leader. Here is the critical idea: Each Part has a God Image -- each part has a way of understanding God based on its limited experience and how it understands that experience We have as many God images as we have parts. How God images form in parts. Parts have distorted God images for three main reasons: Parts learn via experience and the ways they interpret experience, especially in their spiritual inferences, can be markedly different than what God has revealed about Himself through the Catholic Church -- for example, a part whose role is to be dissociated from the rest of the system so as not to overwhelm the core self and other parts with its burden of interpersonal trauma may see God as distant, disconnected and uncaring, in a Deistic way; Parts may be very afraid of, angry at, disappointed with or disinterested in God and therefore refuse to connect with Him, preventing them from having needed corrective relational experiences of a loving God Part's understandings of God can vary wildly. One part may be angry and rejecting of God, another parts may be terrified of God, a third grieving the loss of God, a fourth distant and cold toward God and a fifth part, in the same person, may not believe that God even exists. As different parts come up and blend with the self, becoming more prominent in the system, they bring their God images into conscious awareness. That explains how our conscious perspectives of God can shift. Whichever part of us has taken over, which ever part of us has blended and is driving our bus, that part's God image is dominating in the moment So, in my view, a scrupulous person's parts are in a life and death battle with each other about God. It's more than physical life or death. It's about spiritual life or death, eternal life or death, the stakes couldn't be higher. The scrupulous person's managers believe that if they don't suppress parts with negative God images, the consequence could be to be damned to hell for all eternity. Manager parts are trying to appease God -- seek his approval, make things all right, strive to meet his demands, to be perfect Fr. Thomas La Santa: I will make God love me by becoming perfect. In this way God will have to love me. An enormous amount of energy is wasted by the scrupulous person trying to "fix" himself or herself or trying to become perfect. Fr. Marc Foley: The command "Be ye perfect..." does not enjoin us to strive for a flawless performance in the various tasks of life, but to do them as God wills us. We feel driven to do an A+ job on projects in which we have overinvested our egos. But doing God's will often demands the courage to do a C+ job because God bids us to spend our time and energy on other tasks. In order to do that, the manager parts have to suppress or exile the parts that have "offensive" God images or who may otherwise seem inappropriate or unacceptable to God. Those that are angry at God Those that are disappointed in God Those who are disgusted with God. Those that are indifferent toward God. Those that don't believe God exists. All those ways of construing God makes sense if you understand the part's experience and how it construes its experience. They are not accurate, they don't correspond to how God really is, but the part doesn't know that. Those that generate impulses to get God's attention via acting out in negative ways. Manager parts reject any part that experiences God in any negative way. Parts seeing other parts as evil, harmful, and terrifying. Demons Lepers Tax collectors Prostitutes Dangerous sinners -- banishing them. Manager Parts can speak for God -- they assume they know what God wants. Not in relationship with him, though. Really following a code or a list of rules or expectations. It's not about relationship, really. First two conditions for secure attachment -- 1) felt safety and protection; 2) feeling seen known, heard and understood. Drawing from Daniel P. Brown and David S. Elliott 2016 book Attachment Disturbances in Adults: Treatment for Comprehensive Repair. Felt safety and protection In Scrupulosity, there is no felt sense of safety and protection for so many parts, because of their God images and their fears about the God images of other parts being expressed. . The first primary condition of secure attachment is not met. The most basic relational need is not met -- no felt safety, no felt protection. The first primary condition for secure attachment is felt safety and security. It has be felt. And not just by other parts, but by the target part. We all have heretical God images. Pastor Jonathan Edwards: The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course, when once it is let loose. It is true, that judgment against your evil works has not been executed hitherto; the floods of God's vengeance have been withheld; but your guilt in the meantime is constantly increasing, and you are every day treasuring up more wrath; the waters are constantly rising, and waxing more and more mighty; and there is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, that holds the waters back, that are unwilling to be stopped, and press hard to go forward. If God should only withdraw his hand from the flood-gate, it would immediately fly open, and the fiery floods of the fierceness and wrath of God, would rush forth with inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotent power; and if your strength were ten thousand times greater than it is, yea, ten thousand times greater than the strength of the stoutest, sturdiest devil in hell, it would be nothing to withstand or endure it. How are you going to feel safe with a God like that? Feeling Seen, Known, Heard, Understood because there is no feeling of safety and protection for some parts, they don't want to be seen, heard, known and understood by God. They don't want to be near God, they don't trust him And that makes sense, given how they see God. Some parts may want to be seen heard known and understood by God, even if they don't feel safe -- they are desperate for attention, any kind of attention from God, even negative attention, so they signal distress by intense impulses toward acting out, especially in ways designed to get God's attention -- blasphemy, for example. Just like a neglected little kid, desperate for some kind of attention from his father may act out. Scrupulosity is the son of anger and the grandson of shame. Core issues of shame that are suppressed and generate anger. Anger is suppressed and generates fear and scruples. Shame -- the root of so much psychological and emotional distress -- whole 13-epsiode series on shame, from episode 37 to 49. All goes back to identity. Who am I and Who is God. Scrupulous individuals have a very hard time allowing their anger with God to emerge into conscious awareness and with anger in general. Dangerous emotion But look at the unreasonably demanding and exacting God images their manager parts have -- Their God images are unjust. Who would want to be with a God like that? No part has a really positive God image Not wanting hell But not really wanting heaven either -- to be face to face with a God like that for all eternity? So God has no opportunity to show the scrupulous person, in relationship, who He really is. Self-perpetuating. I wrote a blog on this on the Souls and Hearts website last week, on Inner Pre-Evangelization: A Focus on Internal Trust. My Approach Lead from Self --The core of the person, the center of the person. This is who we sense ourselves to be in our best moments, and when our self is free, and unblended with any of our parts, it governs our whole being as an active, compassionate leader. We want to be recollected, we want the self governing all of our parts Like the conductor -- leading the musicians in an orchestra Like the captain -- leading and governing all the sailors on a ship. When we are recollected, in self, 8 C's Calm Curiosity Compassion Confidence Courage Clarity Connectedness Creativity Kindness Self as the secure internal attachment figure for the parts. Parts coming to trust the self -- Blog on Working collaboratively with the parts -- contracting with them to not overwhelm Really accepting the parts right now, where they at. Trusting that God is good enough to understand and tolerate our parts' feelings. Scrupulosity as a gift, a signal. Look for the disorder underneath it. Not a question of willpower. Diabolical aspects Leaving people to their own devices Discouragement, inward focus, despising self, Spiritual Approach Not about overcoming scrupulosity Blessed are the merciful for mercy shall be theirs Childlike Simplicity and trust lessens our burdens. Parvulos. Little Children. Dust and ashes. Example of a parent -- would you prefer your child to be working on self-perfection Perfectionism draws us to be big, perfect, competent, having it all together. Jacques Phillipe: The Way of Trust and Love -- particularly helpful for those struggling with scrupulosity. p. 7 : The heart of Christian life is to receive and welcome God's tenderness and goodness, the revelation of his merciful love and to let oneself be transformed interiorly by that love. “We would like to be experienced, irreproachable, never making mistakes, never fall, possess unfeeling good judgment and unimpeachable virtues. Which is to say, we would like to have no more need of forgiveness or mercy, no more need of God and his help. 41 If we accept ourselves as we are, we also accept God's love for us. But if we reject ourselves, if we despise ourselves, we shut ourselves off from the love God has for us, we deny that love. 48-49 We need to practice gentleness toward ourselves so as not to get discouraged and condemn ourselves when faced with their weakness while also nurturing a great desire for holiness. But not a desire for extraordinary perfection. Holiness is different; it is a real desire to love God and our neighbor, and, issuing a kind of halfway love, go to loves extremes. 52 …we shouldn't fall into a kind of stubborn “therapeutic obstinacy,” with the aim of ridding ourselves absolutely of all imperfections or healing every wound. In doing that, we risk becoming impatient and concentrating our efforts on something God isn't specifically asking of us or, ultimately, paying more attention to ourselves than to him. 56-57 The more we accept ourselves as we are and are reconciled to our own weakness, the more we can accept other people and love them as they are. 49 What this podcast is all about. Contrast that with Pastor Jonathan Edwards -- sinners in the hand of an angry God: The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood. Remember, you as a listener can call me on my cell any Tuesday or Thursday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. I've set that time aside for you. 317.567.9594. (repeat) or email me at crisis@soulsandhearts.com. The Resilient Catholics Community at Soulsandhearts.com/rcc. So much information there and videos. I want to invite you to the Resilient Catholics Community The Why of the RCC -- It's all about loving with your whole heart -- all of your being. Getting over all the natural level issues that hold you back from tolerating being loved and from loving God and others. Who Who is the Resilient Catholics Community for? It's for you. If you really are into this podcast, if these ways of conceptualizing the human person and integration and human formation and resilience are appealing to you, then the Resilient Catholics community, the RCC may be for you. I am looking for listeners who want to be with other like-minded Catholics on the journey, on this adventure of human formation with me. Who deeply desire a personal, intimate relationship with God and with Mary, a real human, close connection And who recognize they have some natural-level impediments to that deep relating and who are willing to make sacrifices in time, effort, money, humility and courage to grow in human formation and overcome natural-level impediments to being loved and to loving What want to shore up their natural foundation for the spiritual life, because grace perfects nature. Who want to become saints. Who are willing to be pioneers at the cutting edge in this adventure of human formation. Really at the tip of the spear, the first explorers of this human formation ground for laymen and laywomen. First of all the RCC is My Tribe, my people, bringing together two groups into one First, faithful, orthodox, serious Catholics who are wounded and suffering and know it And Second, who are psychologically minded (or at least want to be psychologically minded), who believe in the unconscious and who embrace the unity and multiplicity of the human person And who want to see through the lens of a core self and parts. Unity and multiplicity make sense. What of the RCC $99 nonrefundable registration fee gets you the The Initial Measures Kit -- which generates the Individual Results Sheet and the Personalized Human Formation Plan 5 pages of results about your parts -- we've done about 70 of these now, and our members are amazed at the results, how accurately we are in helping them identify their parts and how their parts relate to each other, and the why behind their parts' desires and impulses. Weekly premium Inner Connections podcast, just for RCC community members --Lots of experiential exercises. A complete course for working on your human formation 44 weekly sessions over the course of a year for $99 per month subscription Daily check ins with your companion -- accountability and structure Weekly company meetings with 7 or 8 other members in your small group. Office hours with me Conversation hours with me All this for $99 per month. And we make it financially possible for anyone who is a good fit for the RCC to join through write-offs and scholarships. The fees are not the tail that wags the dog. And there also is opportunities for some parts-based individual coaching as well. Essentially, the What of the RCC is a pilgrimage together. The When of the RCC We open twice per year to new members in December and June, open until December 31.. We are open now. Soulsandhearts.com/rcc to register. Call me with questions! 317.567.9594. (repeat) or email me at crisis@soulsandhearts.com. So sign up Soulsandhearts.com/rcc.
GospelAs Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. (Mt 4:18-22)
Sermon from Lifegate Outreach Centre on 17/10/21. Be blessed as you listen.Support the show (https://www.lifegatecentre.org/giving/)
The hosts of the Otaku Spirit Animecast are here to give the rundown on anime news of today. Listen in and get caught up, or just get their take on each piece of news! Topics this episode: World's End Harem Delay, Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt, Monster Development Department, Kaguya-sama Love Is War Manga, Dirty Pair Kickstarter, Twin Engine Company New Studios, Netflix Announcements, Rumor of Takagi-san Mangaka's Work getting Adapted, Ascendance of a Bookworm PV, and much more! Thanks to CarbonSoda and Otakuu Sama for the great questions featured in this episode! The opening music for this episode is the OP for Teasing Master Takagi-san called “Iwanai kedo ne” by Yuiko Oohara. The closing music for this episode is the ED for KADO The Right Answer called “Eien no Kotae” by HARUCA.
Lecture by Swami Tyagananda, given on May 23, 2021, at the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society, Boston, MA.
Take a dive into the history of tipping and see it was a classist practice that became a racist practice and now it can fuel racism, sexism, classism and ageism. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/camthehumanist/support
Overview The Stevens Group is pleased to present the podcast series that salutes the masters of public relations and revels in their observations, insights and advice to PR professionals. This series is part of the ongoing partnership between The Stevens Group and CommPRO to bring to PR, digital/interactive and marketing communications agencies the wisdom of those who have reached the top of the PR profession. Today's guest is James E. Lukaszewski,(Loo-ka-shev-ski), America's Crisis Guru® and president of The Lukaszewski Group. He has an international practice devoted to helping organizations and their leaders respond to extremely serious trouble they are in or have caused; recover from the damage they suffer and cause; manage the victims they create and must care for; repair reputational damage thru constructive, workable ethical approaches. About Our Guest A Personal Profile This is Jim Lukaszewski: Powerful Speaker, Important Author, Inspiring Teacher, Trusted Advisor Purpose: Through helping resolve the significant troubles of others, find and do what will be the most important things I will ever do in my career and life. Vision/Aspiration: To be an authentic trusted Communicator, Coach, Counselor and Strategic Thinker; to be the first call when leaders and managers face their toughest, touchiest, most sensitive and devastating situations. Mission: To be the table, truly strategic; promptly finding those exceptionally achievable, ethical, honorable, powerful, and sensible ingredients for solutions to the most challenging leadership, management and organizational problems. Disciplines: Trustability; Verbal clarity; Management Perspective/sensitivity; Findable, Gettable, Doable, Achievable, Knowable approaches; Tomorrow focused; Thoughtful, incremental advice; Intuition-Pattern Sensitivity; lifelong learning; Teach, Coach, Counsel to inspire and expand Management and leadership influence and success; Values: Compassion; Constructive approaches; Curiosity; Honesty; Inconsistency; Positivity; Pragmatism; Promptness; Truthfulness. Principles: Candor; Communicate Promptly-Intentionally; Destiny Management; Empathy/Compassion/Apology; Engagement; Openness; Responsiveness; Transparency; Truthfulness. Passion: Help all staff functions i.e. PR, HR, Law, Security, Strategic planning, etc. be more important, have more access and influence, be sought after earlier and have happier, more productive successful professional careers. Corporate legal times listed Jim as,” one of 28 counselors to call when all-hell breaks loose.” Google James E. Lukaszewski and you'll see more than 70,000 entries. Visit his www.e911.com web site. Preorder Jim' next book: The Decency Code; The Leader's Path to Building Integrity and Trust Release March 17, 2020. Available for preorder NOW on Amazon.
Time for another audio thing! In this edition, the group gets together to discuss some of their favorite albums from the first half of the year. (Yes, we're aware it's halfway through July. Promptness, thy name is NOT Nine Circles.) In any case...Dan, Corey, Chris, Hera and Vince got together for a Google Hangout a little while back to run through these. In some cases, you'll hear about stuff we've already covered on the blog (Ulvesang, Judas Priest, etc.) but most of these haven't been touched on in writing yet. It's well past time we gave them their due. Plus, Chris and Corey dropped, like, 25 different sarcastic references to In Flames' Battles, because reasons. It was...well, it was definitely words, I can tell you that much. Anyway, there's loads more here to unpack, so jump on in and take a listen! 9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The writer of Hebrews reminds us in chapter 3 that when we hear God's voice, we should respond "Today" and not put it off until tomorrow. Promptness is one of the great attitudes of obedience. Immediate obedience is an important key to growing spiritually and keeps us from being detoured in our walk with God. God is primarily interested in our response to His Word, not with how many things we can do to impress men. This Sunday we will look at how we can respond to God's word when we are called to be obedient to Him.
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