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“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui […]

God’s Word isn’t just for reading—it’s a guiding light for everyday life. Drawing from Psalm 119:105, this devotional reminds believers that Scripture can illuminate our paths, giving confidence and wisdom when facing uncertainty. By knowing and applying God’s Word, we can navigate challenges, encourage others, and walk boldly in His will. Highlights The Bible serves as a lamp and light, guiding our decisions and interactions (Psalm 119:105). Knowing Scripture equips us to speak and act with confidence in moments of doubt or fear. God provides the right words and guidance exactly when we need them. Scripture is a love letter from God, offering assurance, direction, and encouragement. Daily engagement with God’s Word strengthens faith and empowers us to live righteously. Join the Conversation How do you let God’s Word guide your daily life? Share a moment when a verse illuminated your path or gave you courage. Tag @LifeAudioNetwork and use #LightYourPath #ScriptureGuidance #FaithInAction to encourage others to live boldly in His Word.

Part #10: A Psalm of Remembrance Psalm 16:1 Success Is Seeing God In Three Profound Dimensions I. Recalling the Way of God 1. Professing His Confidence in God Verses 1–2a; James 1:17 2. Promising His Commitment to People Verses 2b–3; Hebrews 3:13; John 13:35; Psalm 68:6 3. Purposing His Custody of Truth Verse 4 II. Remembering the Works of God 1. Making God My Choice (Vs. 5a) Verse 5a 2. Making God My Confidence (Vs. 5b) Verse 5b 3. Making God My Contentment (Vs. 6) Verse 6; Philippians 4:6–8 4. Making God My Counsel (Vs. 7) Verse 7 5. Making God My Conviction (Vs. 8) Verse 8 III. Rejoicing in the Will of God 1. A Clear Resurrection Verses 9–10; 2 Samuel 12:23; Acts 2:25–27; Daniel 12:8

“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui […]

Cabin Cousins: Part 4 Costumes and characters. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connections. We sat on the couch, as she didn't have a table we could both sit at and ate hungrily. We had both worked up quite an appetite. When we had finished eating, Melissa leaned over the back of the couch, and set our empty plates on the island counter, then cuddled up against me. "That hit the spot." She said with a sigh. "There's been a lot of that recently." Melissa giggled. "Yeah, there has, hasn't there?" We sat in silence for quite a while, just enjoying being near each other. Finally, Melissa sat up and said. "Come on, I'll show you our costumes." I followed her back to her bedroom, and she started pulling things out of a big paper bag next to her dresser. "This is yours." She said, handing me a blue police shirt and hat. "And the final touches, handcuffs, and a mustache." She handed me a pair of fuzzy pink novelty handcuffs and a fake mustache that looked like it was straight out of a seventies porn video. I laughed. "That's awesome. So I'm the cop, are you my prisoner?" "As much fun as that could be, no." Then she took her costume out of the bag. It consisted of a small light brown halter top with all kinds of colorful beads sewn onto it, a matching skirt that looked very short, and a feathered headdress. "We're the Village People?" I asked. Melissa nodded with a slightly uncertain smile. "Do you like it?" "I love it. What are Ashley and James going as?" "Ashley is the cowboy, and James is the soldier." She held up the halter top for me to see. "Ashley made this." The beadwork was pretty amazing. As I looked it over, I couldn't help but notice that Melissa still had an uncertain look on her face. "Do you... not like it?" I asked. "It's beautiful! It's just, Well, I should put it on and show you." She put a hand over my eyes. "Close your eyes, and when I tell you to open them, pretend that you aren't my lover, and I just showed up to the party. Okay?" I nodded and closed my eyes. Naturally, thoughts of what Melissa was going to look like in the outfit began to bubble in my imagination. Then the truth of it dawned on me. When I arrived at the cabin two weeks ago; and she greeted me in a dress, which I was now certain that she had worn for the sole purpose of enticing me and me alone. I have never seen her wear anything in public that wasn't baggy or loose-fitting, and not anything nearly as revealing as I imagined this costume was going to be. I knew that I had to be very careful in how I reacted. "Remember, you don't know me." Melissa reminded me. Her voice sounded like she was at the other end of the room. "Okay. Open your eyes." I did and said the first thing that came to my mind. "Wow." I looked her up and down. The halter top was cut fairly low, giving a glimpse of the inner curves of her tits. It covered her chest down to just above her navel, leaving a lot of skin on her belly, sides, and back, bare. The skirt was very short, barely covering more of her legs than my boxer briefs covered mine. The waistline sat low, leaving more skin exposed. Her long muscular legs and her toned arms were also completely bare. As much as I was struck by how stunningly sexy she looked, I could see how anxious she was about the prospect of revealing so much skin. While keeping my eyes on her, I turned my head like I was talking to someone next to me. "Who is that?" Turning my head to the other side I answered my question. "That's Melissa." Back to the other side. "Wow, she is gorgeous." My antics made Melissa giggle. "Who is she here with?" "I don't know him. Must be from out of town." "Lucky bastard." Melissa laughed, and I stepped across the small room to her, happy to have at least temporarily eased her tension. When she spoke, her smile was still strained. "It's not too much, I mean, not enough, is it?" She asked, tugging down slightly on the hem of the skirt. "It's more than a bikini." "I don't own a bikini." She said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "It's not; I mean; I;" She was struggling to get the right words out for what she wanted to say. I sat on the bed next to her. "It's not too... slutty, is it?" She asked, staring at the floor. Gently, I put a hand on her cheek and turned her head towards me. "No. The costume isn't what makes some girls seem slutty, it's how they act while wearing the costume, and that's just not who you are." "I don't know how other girls can do it. They all seem so comfortable in their skin. I've never been, except with you." "Melissa, you are beautiful. There's no shame in letting people see that." I said, keeping my hand on her cheek, and maintaining eye contact. She stretched her legs out in front of her, her flexed muscles clearly defined. "I look like I could have been Brigitte Nielsen's stunt double in Red Sonja." I laughed. "You say that like it's a bad thing. She was a goddess." This got a smile from her. "I think you're biased." "Yes, I am. But that doesn't mean I'm wrong." She still didn't seem convinced. "You should be proud of your body. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Do you like wearing it?" "Yes." She said softly, then added. "It feels really good." "You look amazing." "Everybody is going to be staring at me all night. I don't know if I can take that." She was probably right about everybody staring at her. Every guy there is going to want her and be jealous of me. Every girl is going to know that she is more beautiful than they are and be jealous of her. "It's Halloween, so pretend to be someone else. Be a girl who doesn't give a fuck about what other people think about her because she's confident in who she is. Be a girl that loves the attention, because she knows that every look is a compliment about her stunning beauty." I wasn't sure if I was saying the right things or not. She still didn't look very confident, but I could tell that she understood my intent. "I'll try." She gave me a quick kiss. "Maybe you'll find out that you like the attention, and won't have to pretend anymore." "Maybe." She smiled shyly. "I think I have to wear different panties though. I wanted to wear the red one for you but..." She stood and faced away from me, and I looked with admiration at the backs of her long, sexy legs. Then she bent over at the waist, and the short length of the skirt was pulled up, leaving nearly her entire bare ass exposed. I could see the thin satin strap of her thong running between her ass cheeks. I stood and put my hands on her ass, squeezing it. She stood upright, but I kept her from turning around. I pressed myself against her, arms around her waist, pulling her ass against the bulge in my pants. "Keep the red one on," I whispered into her ear. "It's not too much? I feel like I'm going to be showing my bare ass to everybody." "Maybe... just don't bend over like that when anyone other than me can see it." Melissa giggled cautiously. "Okay. But if I'm wearing this, then you can't stand behind me to hide that bulge the whole time. If people are going to see me, they're going to see you too." I laughed. "Deal. I can guarantee that I'm going to be hard as a rock all night." Then having an idea, I pulled away, undid my pants, and reached down inside. Melissa watched me with an amused smile. I rearranged myself so that, instead of being tucked down under between my legs, my very erect cock sat pointing down along my left leg. I fastened my pants, and with how tight they fit, the outline of my cock was clearly visible. "That's fair." Then she said mischievously. "Maybe next year you can be the cowboy, and I'll have you wear ass-less chaps. That's it, just ass-less chaps." We both laughed, and I pulled her into my arms, hugging her warmly. "I love you." "I love you." She replied. "If it gets too uncomfortable, we'll leave," I said softly. "It doesn't matter what we do, as long as we are together." I felt her nod in agreement. After a pause, she said. "Speaking of what to do, the party doesn't start for, like, six hours." "How about renting a movie, and just relaxing?" "Okay." She said, chuckling. "But I am not wearing this to the video store." We wondered the isles of the Blockbuster down the street from Melissa's apartment, indecisive on what we wanted to watch. We had both changed into comfortable jeans, but Melissa still wore the beaded halter top, albeit underneath a long padded wool coat. None of the new releases had sparked much interest, and we eventually found our way to the 'sci-fi and fantasy' section. After a few minutes, a title caught my eye. I grabbed the box off the shelf and handed it to Melissa. "Nice." She said, grinning. Ten minutes later, the opening credits began, and as Arnold Schwarzenegger rode across a mountain valley to an Ennio Morricone score, we cuddled together on Melissa's couch to watch Red Sonja. We barely spoke during the movie, both content with being close to each other and enjoying the show. At one point, as I watched her rapt attention to a sword fight, I felt a familiar feeling of awe. Melissa was my perfect woman. There wasn't a single thing about her that I would change. Well, her insecurities and self-confidence aside, but I'm working on those. The final scene played out, and the end credits rolled to more of Morricone's beautiful score. Melissa turned in my arms, facing me. "I love that movie." She gave me a sweet kiss on the lips. "And you're right, Brigitte Nielsen is a goddess." "So, what do you want to do now?" I asked suggestively. Melissa's eyes blazed with fiery passion. "What do you think I want to do?" Recalling the dialog from the final scene of the movie, I said in my best Arnold voice. "I make it a rule, never to take a woman unless she can beat me in a fair fight." Melissa grinned and continued with Brigitte Nielsen's line. "That's a challenge I might think about someday." "What about right now?" "Why not?" When Melissa said the last line of the movie, I grabbed her by the shoulders and wrestled her onto her back. In response, she twisted around and, surprising me with her strength, flipped our positions. She straddled me, pinning me face up on the couch. I have to say, after watching that particular movie, this roughhousing was hot. I could tell that Melissa thought so too. She leaned down and we kissed deeply. I looked into her blazing blue eyes. "My warrior queen will have what she demands." "Get naked. Now." She said gently, but in a tone that made it sound like a command. She inched forward, straddling higher up my chest, and giving me room to get my pants off. As I struggled to accomplish that as quickly as I could, I watched as she seductively removed her halter top. Pants and underwear off, I reached up and grasped her tits, rubbing her nipples with my thumbs. She closed her eyes and moaned quietly. Melissa slid back to straddling my hips, and tugged at my shirt, helping me get it off without having to fully sit up. Then she leaned way back between my legs, lifting her legs into the air and towards her chest as she laid her back on the couch. I got a marvelous view as she pulled her pants off, taking the red thong with them. She came back forward to straddle me again, and I began to sit up to meet her, but she put her hands on my chest, gently pushing me back down. She leaned over me, kissing me briefly on the lips, then sensually made a trail of kisses down my neck, chest, and belly. She knelt between my legs, spreading them apart. I sighed as she moved her hands up my inner thighs and caressed the freshly shaved skin around my balls. She brought her face close to my cock, and looked up at me, meeting my eyes. She pursed her lips, blew softly on my bare genitals, and smiled as I shivered. Maintaining eye contact, she grasped my cock, and lowered her mouth upon it. I gasped in pleasure as she took me in. I could see in her eyes that my reaction fueled her desire to pleasure me. I couldn't have looked away if I wanted to. There was a fierceness in her eyes that I found to be absolutely captivating. She sucked hungrily and worked her tongue on me, seemingly intent on making me cum as fast as she could. My body complied, and I was very near to cumming much quicker than I wanted. Melissa redoubled her efforts, massaging my balls as she sucked harder. Her eyes seemed to scream "Cum for me! Cum for your warrior queen!" My hips bucked as I came suddenly, and I felt her hum in satisfaction as I filled her mouth with my seed. Melissa milked my cock for the last few drops of my cum, still holding my eyes with hers. She took me out of her mouth, and I saw her swallow. She leaned down over me with a satisfied smile. "That one was all mine." She purred, before kissing me. I was still amazed at how quickly she had made me cum, and held her tight as we kissed. She still had this new fierceness in her eyes when she pulled away slightly. "Now it's my turn." She moved up, straddling my face. As she lowered herself onto my awaiting mouth, she rested her chest over the couch's armrest. Melissa moaned loudly as I closed my mouth over her and my tongue began to explore. I loved the taste of her and loved how her body responded to my attention. She pressed herself down onto me, and I had to push up against her with my hands to keep her from smothering me. My hands pushed against her where the backs of her thighs met her ass, just on either side of her pussy. Her moans got louder when I pushed my hands to the sides, spreading her pussy open. My tongue attacked her with renewed vigor, and her body complied with my urgent desire to make her cum as quickly as she had made me. Her juices gushed into my mouth, and I swallowed greedily. "Yes!" She exclaimed as she tensed, right on the edge of climax. I pressed my tongue broadly over her clit, and with quick circular motions, pushed her over the edge. As she tensed and spasmed uncontrollably, I left her overly sensitive clit alone and eased down the intensity with which I ate her. She pulled herself off of me, and moved back down into my arms, straddling my waist once again. Our mouths met, and we kissed deeply, with Melissa still twitching occasionally. We stopped to catch our breath and Melissa said. "Tasting myself on you is hot." I nodded in agreement and licked a bit of saliva off of her lips. She smiled and licked my chin, which was still soaking wet from eating her. "Did I satisfy my warrior queen to her liking?" I asked, deciding to continue our Red Sonja-inspired role play. "Oh yes," She replied with a feral grin. "You did very well. But you should know by now, that I always need more." Our eyes locked, and she reached down, finding my cock. She raised her hips slightly and lowered herself down onto me. I groaned in pleasure as I felt her silky warmth envelop me. She kissed me briefly, then sat up. She smiled down at me and wiggled her hips. When I tried to sit up, she gently, but firmly pushed me back down flat. Sensing that she wanted to be in total control, I put my hands behind my head. She gyrated her hips slowly, and I stared up at her, marveling at how unbelievably sexy she looked. She arched her back towards me, drawing me out of her, then sank onto me again as she transitioned to arching her back away from me. Like the rhythmic crashing of waves, her body undulated in a fluid motion that started with her shoulders and ended with her hips. Each sensual motion pulled me out of her, then brought me deeply back inside. I watched in awe, as she writhed on top of me. "You are a goddess!" I managed to say between gasped breaths. When she arched her back towards me, her flawless skin pulled tight, and I could see her abdominal muscles and the outline of her ribs. Her pale pink nipples were erect on her perfect tits. She brought her hands to her tits and squeezed them sensually as she continued to fuck me. I could see by the gleam in her eyes that she was enjoying giving me this show, maybe as much as I was enjoying watching her. Even though I had cum, really just a few minutes before, I could feel that I wasn't going to last much longer. Melissa stopped her forward and back motion and leaned way back, supporting herself with her hands on the couch next to my knees. She began thrusting her hips forward and back, burying me deep inside her every time. She quickly increased her pace, bouncing her firm ass against my hips. Seeing my cock slide in and out of her, and watching the muscles of her thighs and belly flex as she drove herself onto me was too much to withstand, and I was seconds away from cumming. Without the close full-body contact that we usually had, I wasn't sure how close to cumming she was, so I broke the unspoken rule of the session and brought my hands to her. I pressed my hands against her inner thighs, alongside her pussy. I rubbed her clit between my fingertips. She must have been close because, with an exclamation of primal ecstasy, she came almost immediately from my touch. Her vagina clamped tightly around my cock, and I grunted loudly as I emptied my balls into her. We both held still for a moment, breathing hard. She grabbed my hand, and I pulled her forward, sitting up to meet her. We wrapped our arms around each other and kissed hungrily. Melissa made needy moans as she ground her mouth against mine. We kissed for a long time, our need for each other seemingly inexhaustible. Finally, we broke apart, gasping for breath. We caressed each other's faces as we stared into each other's eyes. The fierceness she had shown in our passion was still there, but it was tempered now after our mutual release. Watching that particular movie had awakened something inside her, something that I found unbelievably attractive. Once again, I found myself in a state of utter awe of this woman. "You are amazing," I said, knowing that the words were inadequate to express my feelings. Melissa smiled, then looked a little self-conscious. "I didn't go too far with being in control did I?" I kissed her. "Not at all. I thought it was really hot." She looked relieved and kissed me back. "It felt really good." I could tell that it had felt really good for her to be in control. It must be liberating for her to have the desire to be in control, and be called amazing when she acted it out. Traditionally, men were in control, particularly in the bedroom. Society traditionally expected women to just follow the lead of their partner. It was one of those things that just was. Well, fuck tradition, we would do whatever felt right. This isn't the nineteen-fifties. Besides, we were already breaking one societal norm, being second cousins madly in love, what's one more? It felt good for her to take control, and honestly, she could have taken it much farther, and I would have still loved it. "It did." I agreed. "I like this side of you." "What side?" She asked, turning one direction, then the other playfully. She asked the question playfully, yes, but I could see that she was anxious about what I was going to say. There was a part of her that was exceedingly fragile to criticism right now, having opened up and let go of an inhibition. "The warrior queen," I responded in a gentle, but serious tone. "She's fierce and confident, and isn't afraid to take what she wants." Melissa didn't say anything, so I continued. "The world needs to see more of this part of you." Then hastily added. "Not in a sexual way, of course." Melissa giggled and then kissed me. "You are all that I want." She flexed her pelvic floor muscles, and I felt her pussy squeeze my cock tightly. I flexed my own, causing my cock to twitch inside of her. We smiled at each other. "I am yours," I said, kissing her. I laid back down, pulling her down on top of me. She sighed in contentment and rested her weight on my chest, nuzzling my neck. We stayed like that for a while, and I could tell that she was beginning to fall asleep. I shifted and urged her to sit up. I stood, and she took my offered hand, following me to her bedroom. We cuddled up under the covers, and both quickly fell asleep. Chapter Fourteen. We woke refreshed from our nap and got dressed in our costumes. Soon we were in my pickup heading to the house where the party was being held. I glanced at Melissa as I drove, and she seemed to be unaware that I wasn't taking the most direct route. We were only a few minutes away from Melissa's apartment, when I turned into the parking lot of the Duluth location of the big box home improvement store I worked for. Butterflies filled my stomach as I prepared myself to set into motion the plan I had devised in the shower earlier that day. "I've got to go in here for a few minutes," I said, parking my truck, but leaving it running. "Ok, I'll be here," Melissa replied with a smile. I smiled back at her, leaned over to give her a quick kiss, and got out of the truck. I walked into the store with purpose. I got back twenty minutes later. Sitting behind the wheel, I looked over at Melissa with a huge grin on my face. She gave me a slightly confused look. "What did you need to get here?" "I have a surprise for you," I said, still unable to stop from smiling. "What is it?" Melissa asked. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. What I had just done, marked a turning point, one of those moments in your life where your life will never be the same again. "I just spoke with the yard manager, then with the store manager, and... as of two weeks from right now, I'll be working out of this store." It took a moment for Melissa to process what I said, her mouth fell open and her eyes began to glisten with the promise of tears. I nodded in silent confirmation, and she threw herself across the bench seat into my arms. We hugged tightly and kissed. I felt her joyful tears against my face. "Of course, this all depends on if you're okay with having a roommate..." Melissa laughed, her happiness nearly overwhelming her. "Am I okay? Charles, this is a dream come true!" We kissed again, then rested our foreheads together as we gazed into each other's eyes. Nothing on earth could have taken the smiles off our faces. We glanced over as an old grey-haired couple walked past my truck. They watched us as they passed, smiling at our display of joy and affection. The man put his arm around the woman, pulling her close as they walked and they smiled lovingly at each other. Melissa and I returned our gazes to each other, and we knew that we were both thinking the same thing. That was going to be us someday. A lifetime of love and experiences awaited us, and neither of us could imagine any other way we would want to spend our lives than with each other. On the drive to the party, Melissa sat in the middle of my truck's bench seat, and in between gear shifts, I rested my hand on her inner thigh. I would glance in her direction now and then as I drove, but Melissa never took her eyes off of me. The way she was looking at me made my heart glow. I loved her so much, and knowing that my love was returned, every bit of it and more, was almost enough to make a guy weep with joy. I parked on the street up the block from the party. I shut the truck off and turned to face Melissa. She wrapped her arms around me and we kissed deeply. "I love you." She whispered. "I love you," I whispered back. I put a hand to her face and she leaned into my palm as I caressed her cheek. "Are you ready?" She nodded. "As much as I need to be making love to you in our bed right now, I want to do this." Our bed, she had said. I liked that. Melissa smiled at me, knowing that I had picked up on her deliberate word usage. I helped her out of the truck, making sure nobody saw more of her than was appropriate, even though she was still wearing her long coat that covered her down past her knees. We walked up to the house and rang the bell. As we waited, side by side, hand in hand, I said. "I'll be right here next to you the whole time, my warrior queen." She smiled lovingly at me, and I saw any faint trace of self-doubt leave her. She took a deep breath and stood a little straighter, chin raised. The door opened and we were greeted by Ashley's older sister, Debbie, who was hosting the party. "Melissa! I'm glad you could make it. I haven't seen you in forever." Debbie was five years older than Ashley and had moved out of their parent's house four years ago. Her husband's name was Chris, and apparently, he was some kind of Dot Com hotshot. I believed it, as their house was huge, and they both had expensive German sports cars parked in their driveway. Debbie took our coats, and we began to mingle, soon finding Ashley and James. Ashley rushed over and gave Melissa a quick hug. "Wow, you look Amazing!" I resisted the urge to laugh when I saw James give Melissa a good head-to-toe look, and then notice me watching him. Now, I can see how guys might get pissed off by other guys checking out their girlfriends, but I saw it differently. I took it as a compliment to Melissa's stunning beauty, an opinion I wholeheartedly agreed with. Melissa made formal introductions, and I shook hands with Ashley and James in turn. When I shook James' hand, he met my eyes in what seemed like an apology for his wandering eyes. I did my best to subtly show that there was no harm done. We mingled and ate from the lavish catered buffet that Debbie and Chris had provided. I was introduced to more people than I could ever remember. Everywhere we went, eyes followed. There were lustful eyes, admiring eyes, jealous eyes, and yes, when people noticed the obvious outline of my perpetually hard cock barely restrained by my pants, laughing eyes. I didn't care at all about any of our observers, or what they thought about us. My eyes, and my thoughts, were for Melissa alone. I kept true to my word, never left her side all evening, and maintained nearly constant physical contact, be it an arm around her waist, a held hand, or a covert squeeze of an ass cheek. For her part, she seemed to particularly enjoy rubbing her ass against my groin right before we talked to somebody new, or were going to walk anywhere, and when my arm was around her, she had a hand in my back pocket. Again, I didn't care that everyone there saw my arousal. I honestly believed that it would be more out of place to have such a gorgeous woman at my arm all night, and not be constantly turned on. Through it all, Melissa was amazing. She never showed the least bit of self-consciousness or anxiety. I knew she saw how everyone watched her, and as the night went on, I began to believe that she was genuinely enjoying the attention. Our costumes were a hit, not just Melissa's, but the four of us as a group. Everyone cheered as Melissa and I, and Ashley and James, got up and danced when YMCA was played. We each had a glass of the strongly spiked punch, but neither of us had the desire to get drunk. We seemed to be the exception though. As the party began to wind down, intoxicated couples could be found making out on couches and comfy chairs, with one pair doing a little more than make out under the billiards table. Ashley was one of those who had way too much to drink, and we said our goodbyes as James helped her up the stairs to a guest room that Debbie and Chris had reserved for them. Melissa's eyes met mine, and I saw her fierce need for me shining bright. As much as we both wanted to strip down and fuck like rabbits right then and there, we both agreed silently that we had reached the extent of our exhibitionism. We said goodbye, thanked Debbie and Chris, who were quite intoxicated themselves, and left. The night air was heavy in a way that hinted at impending snowfall, and the wind blew cold and humid off of Lake Superior. Melissa held her coat tightly around herself as we rushed to my truck. Once in the truck and moving, I revved the engine more than I usually did to get the engine up to temp a little faster. The air from the vents soon turned warm, and Melissa opened her coat. She was sitting next to me again, with one leg on either side of the shifter. She had let her skirt ride up, and between gear shifts, I rested my hand between her legs, gently rubbing her with my fingertips through her satin thong. She had a hand on my crotch, and slowly stroked me through my pants. The trip back was fairly short, only about ten miles. Halfway there I asked her. "Why does it seem like it's taking forever to get back to your apartment?" "Our apartment." Melissa reminded me with a smile. I glanced at her with a grin. I did like the sound of that. "It's because neither of us can wait until this beautiful cock of yours is inside me." She gave my cock a squeeze to accentuate her words. When we neared her, our apartment, she said in a casual tone that was betrayed by the lustful intensity with which she was looking at me. "When that door closes, you'll have about ten seconds to get naked before I start tearing these clothes off of you." Turns out, she didn't even give me that long. As I bumped my back against the door to push it all the way closed, Melissa attacked my belt, getting it unbuckled with amazing quickness. Before I knew it, my pants were around my ankles and Melissa was on her knees taking me into her mouth. I could do nothing but moan and lean against the door as she implemented every trick she had learned so far. My legs felt wobbly as she expertly brought all of the evening's pent-up sexual energy to the fore. I looked down and met the fierce eyes of my warrior queen. In mere moments, she had brought me to the verge of orgasm. I was just seconds away from cumming, when she stopped, taking me out of her mouth. The sudden absence of sensation took my breath away. Melissa looked up at me with a wicked grin. "Not yet." She said, giving the underside of my glans the slightest of licks. I shivered at the contact. I was so close. She watched me intently, giving me another tiny lick now and then, keeping me right at the brink. I couldn't speak, couldn't breathe. Almost involuntarily, I grasped the back of her head, pulling her mouth over me. She didn't resist and sucked with renewed vigor. Her eyes seemed to suggest that she had been waiting for me to make her continue, that she had wanted me to take what I wanted. Melissa massaged my balls as I came. My legs nearly gave out, as I filled her mouth with my seed. Four, five, six strong spurts. It felt like the entire content of my balls was shooting into her. Her eyes showed her joy at what she was able to do to me. She took me out of her mouth and ran her hands up my chest as she stood slowly. I reached out and grabbed her, quickly pulled her up the last bit, and locked my mouth with hers. She hadn't swallowed this time, and I could tell that I had indeed cum much more than usual. We moaned softly as we kissed, sharing my hot cum back and forth. When finally it was gone, we broke to catch our breath. Melissa looked at me with a sly smile. "If I am your warrior queen, then you are my king. A king is fierce and confident, and isn't afraid to take what he wants." "I want you. All of you." I squeezed her ass, pulling her hips tightly against me. She sighed with pleasure as my still-hard cock pressed against the satin of her thong. I whispered into her ear. "I'm going to make you cum with my tongue. Then I'm going to make you cum on my fingers. I'm going to make you cum again, and again, and again, until you're a sweaty, sticky, twitching mess." As I spoke, her breathing became heavier. She was practically panting in anticipation. "After that, I'm going to bury my cock deep inside you, and make love to you, and not stop until I physically can't do it anymore. That is what I desire." When our eyes met again, the look of love and passion I saw was so raw, so pure and powerful, that it burned itself into my memory. From that moment, whenever I thought about the way Melissa looked at me, I remembered that one look first and foremost. "My king will have what he demands." She whispered. I led her to our bed and carried through on my promise. How many times did I make her cum while eating her? Honestly, I lost track after the first few. One orgasm rolled into the next, and into the next, until she was indeed a sweaty, sticky, quivering mess. When I finally entered her, I paced myself, pumping hard into her at times, and slowing or even stopping inside her at others. I wanted to make it last as long as I could while making her cum as many times as possible. We switched positions many times. When I would start to get tired, she would roll me onto my back and ride me until she came again, then we would switch positions, all without my cock ever leaving her hot and silky wetness. I ended up cumming inside her twice, and though we had continued to make love, I was not able to cum a third time. We lay together on sweat-damp sheets, facing each other, limbs intertwined, and both utterly exhausted. My lips were numb from kissing, and it seemed like every muscle in my entire body was sore from exertion. Melissa giggled tiredly. "What?" I asked, finding her adorable giggle as infectious as always. "So that's what it takes to completely satisfy my sexual desire." We both laughed, and she kissed me sweetly on the lips. "I need to work on my cardio." Melissa giggled again. "It'll get easier, you just need to keep at it." Giggling with her, I quipped. "Keep at it? I thought you were completely satisfied." "For today, yes," Melissa responded, and we both laughed again. We hugged each other tightly. Melissa sighed and caressed my cheek. "Thank you." She said softly. "For?" I asked. "For giving me courage tonight. I really did enjoy wearing that costume. Not just for you, but for me. I don't think I could have done it without you." I gave her a sweet kiss. "Even though you're more brave and amazing than you give yourself credit for, I will always be right here. Whatever we face, we'll face it together." Her eyes glowed with her love. "I'll be here for you too. Forever." "Forever," I repeated, and we kissed sweetly. We both knew without a doubt that ours was a love that would last until the end of time. When we said "forever", we meant it. Neither of us had ever known anything so surely as we knew this. As thoughts of spending the rest of my life with this glorious woman passed through my mind, I drifted off to sleep in her loving arms. Chapter Fifteen. We awoke in our bed, still in each other's arms. We stretched and embraced tightly. "Good morning, my love," Melissa whispered. "Good morning, wonderful," I responded with a kiss. I knew that I wasn't alone in thinking that I could easily spend the whole day in bed, even if we did nothing but hold each other and rest, but nature was calling. We got out of bed, not bothering to put any clothes on, and headed to the bathroom. As she sat to pee, I turned on the shower, making sure it was set to Melissa's preferred temperature of just below scalding. She stood, and it was my turn to relieve myself. It occurred to me that it was likely neither of us had ever seen anyone of the opposite sex use the toilet before. We watched each other, but it wasn't weird, gross, or embarrassing. I mean, after all of our intimate contact thus far, this was nothing. But it did remind me of how thoroughly and completely we were bonded to each other. There were no secrets between us, no need for shyness or reservations. In every aspect, we were one entity. When I finished, Melissa pulled me into the shower. We washed each other, toweled off, and returned to our bedroom. Melissa went towards her dresser, obviously thinking that it was time to get dressed. I had other plans. I held her hand and stopped her near the bed. "Lay face down," I said pointing to the bed. She gave me her little smile, the one she kept just for me, and complied. I knelt over her feet and began massaging them. I massaged her legs thoroughly, enjoying her relaxed sighs. When I massaged her firm ass, I could see the moisture of her arousal seeping out of her. I bent over and kissed one of her perfect ass cheeks. Melissa giggled. "Kiss my ass." I chuckled and kissed the other cheek. I ran my fingers along the tops of her thighs, and she gasped quietly when I made contact with her wetness. While one hand rubbed her back at the base of her spine, I eased the thumb of the other into her. I slowly worked it in and out, brushing her clit with my index finger with every stroke. Before she came, I eased off and stopped. I wiped my wet fingers on my cock, and shifted forward. She arched her back in eager anticipation. I entered her slowly until I was buried as deep as I could go. Melissa moaned with satisfaction. I leaned down and planted a kiss between her shoulder blades. Whispering, I said. "I hope you don't mind if I just stay right there for a while. I'm not done with my massage yet." She made only a happy moan in response. As I began to slowly slide my cock in and out, I gripped her shoulders and began to knead her muscles. She made continuous sighs of relaxation as I worked my way down her back, all the while, keeping a steady, slow rhythm with my cock. When I reached the bottom of her spine, I pulled her waist towards me, getting that extra bit deeper with one slow thrust. Melissa moaned softly, her face buried in the pillow. My massaging hands worked their way back up to her shoulders, and I grasped them firmly, pulling myself deep into her once again. Melissa responded with another moan, slightly louder than the previous one. Again and again, my hands moved up and down her back, with each particularly deep thrust garnering an ever louder moan. I loved how much Melissa was enjoying what I was doing, her pleasure and relaxation having reached a zen-like state, but eventually, I had to face the sad reality that my arms were getting tired! I slid my hands around her waist, and down to the top of her hips, pulling myself deep inside her again, but this time I kept my hands there. I increased the speed of my thrusts, and with each one, I pulled her hips towards me. Faster and faster I pumped into her, and my balls were soon slapping wetly on the backs of her thighs. Melissa's moans became one continuous guttural exhalation, punctuated with every impact. I came hard, and breathing heavily, collapsed onto her back. I nuzzled into the back of her neck, feeling her silky hair on my face and breathing in her scent. Melissa's scent, and make no mistake, everyone has a unique scent, was something that I knew I could never find the words to describe. It was delicate, sweet without being sickly, earthy without being dirty. It was her, it was her essence, that intangible quality that makes something what it is, and I loved it. I breathed her in and sighed, planting a soft kiss on the base of her neck. To be continued in part 5. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts, for Literotica.

Cabin Cousins: Part 4 Costumes and characters. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connections. We sat on the couch, as she didn't have a table we could both sit at and ate hungrily. We had both worked up quite an appetite. When we had finished eating, Melissa leaned over the back of the couch, and set our empty plates on the island counter, then cuddled up against me. "That hit the spot." She said with a sigh. "There's been a lot of that recently." Melissa giggled. "Yeah, there has, hasn't there?" We sat in silence for quite a while, just enjoying being near each other. Finally, Melissa sat up and said. "Come on, I'll show you our costumes." I followed her back to her bedroom, and she started pulling things out of a big paper bag next to her dresser. "This is yours." She said, handing me a blue police shirt and hat. "And the final touches, handcuffs, and a mustache." She handed me a pair of fuzzy pink novelty handcuffs and a fake mustache that looked like it was straight out of a seventies porn video. I laughed. "That's awesome. So I'm the cop, are you my prisoner?" "As much fun as that could be, no." Then she took her costume out of the bag. It consisted of a small light brown halter top with all kinds of colorful beads sewn onto it, a matching skirt that looked very short, and a feathered headdress. "We're the Village People?" I asked. Melissa nodded with a slightly uncertain smile. "Do you like it?" "I love it. What are Ashley and James going as?" "Ashley is the cowboy, and James is the soldier." She held up the halter top for me to see. "Ashley made this." The beadwork was pretty amazing. As I looked it over, I couldn't help but notice that Melissa still had an uncertain look on her face. "Do you... not like it?" I asked. "It's beautiful! It's just, Well, I should put it on and show you." She put a hand over my eyes. "Close your eyes, and when I tell you to open them, pretend that you aren't my lover, and I just showed up to the party. Okay?" I nodded and closed my eyes. Naturally, thoughts of what Melissa was going to look like in the outfit began to bubble in my imagination. Then the truth of it dawned on me. When I arrived at the cabin two weeks ago; and she greeted me in a dress, which I was now certain that she had worn for the sole purpose of enticing me and me alone. I have never seen her wear anything in public that wasn't baggy or loose-fitting, and not anything nearly as revealing as I imagined this costume was going to be. I knew that I had to be very careful in how I reacted. "Remember, you don't know me." Melissa reminded me. Her voice sounded like she was at the other end of the room. "Okay. Open your eyes." I did and said the first thing that came to my mind. "Wow." I looked her up and down. The halter top was cut fairly low, giving a glimpse of the inner curves of her tits. It covered her chest down to just above her navel, leaving a lot of skin on her belly, sides, and back, bare. The skirt was very short, barely covering more of her legs than my boxer briefs covered mine. The waistline sat low, leaving more skin exposed. Her long muscular legs and her toned arms were also completely bare. As much as I was struck by how stunningly sexy she looked, I could see how anxious she was about the prospect of revealing so much skin. While keeping my eyes on her, I turned my head like I was talking to someone next to me. "Who is that?" Turning my head to the other side I answered my question. "That's Melissa." Back to the other side. "Wow, she is gorgeous." My antics made Melissa giggle. "Who is she here with?" "I don't know him. Must be from out of town." "Lucky bastard." Melissa laughed, and I stepped across the small room to her, happy to have at least temporarily eased her tension. When she spoke, her smile was still strained. "It's not too much, I mean, not enough, is it?" She asked, tugging down slightly on the hem of the skirt. "It's more than a bikini." "I don't own a bikini." She said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "It's not; I mean; I;" She was struggling to get the right words out for what she wanted to say. I sat on the bed next to her. "It's not too... slutty, is it?" She asked, staring at the floor. Gently, I put a hand on her cheek and turned her head towards me. "No. The costume isn't what makes some girls seem slutty, it's how they act while wearing the costume, and that's just not who you are." "I don't know how other girls can do it. They all seem so comfortable in their skin. I've never been, except with you." "Melissa, you are beautiful. There's no shame in letting people see that." I said, keeping my hand on her cheek, and maintaining eye contact. She stretched her legs out in front of her, her flexed muscles clearly defined. "I look like I could have been Brigitte Nielsen's stunt double in Red Sonja." I laughed. "You say that like it's a bad thing. She was a goddess." This got a smile from her. "I think you're biased." "Yes, I am. But that doesn't mean I'm wrong." She still didn't seem convinced. "You should be proud of your body. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. Do you like wearing it?" "Yes." She said softly, then added. "It feels really good." "You look amazing." "Everybody is going to be staring at me all night. I don't know if I can take that." She was probably right about everybody staring at her. Every guy there is going to want her and be jealous of me. Every girl is going to know that she is more beautiful than they are and be jealous of her. "It's Halloween, so pretend to be someone else. Be a girl who doesn't give a fuck about what other people think about her because she's confident in who she is. Be a girl that loves the attention, because she knows that every look is a compliment about her stunning beauty." I wasn't sure if I was saying the right things or not. She still didn't look very confident, but I could tell that she understood my intent. "I'll try." She gave me a quick kiss. "Maybe you'll find out that you like the attention, and won't have to pretend anymore." "Maybe." She smiled shyly. "I think I have to wear different panties though. I wanted to wear the red one for you but..." She stood and faced away from me, and I looked with admiration at the backs of her long, sexy legs. Then she bent over at the waist, and the short length of the skirt was pulled up, leaving nearly her entire bare ass exposed. I could see the thin satin strap of her thong running between her ass cheeks. I stood and put my hands on her ass, squeezing it. She stood upright, but I kept her from turning around. I pressed myself against her, arms around her waist, pulling her ass against the bulge in my pants. "Keep the red one on," I whispered into her ear. "It's not too much? I feel like I'm going to be showing my bare ass to everybody." "Maybe... just don't bend over like that when anyone other than me can see it." Melissa giggled cautiously. "Okay. But if I'm wearing this, then you can't stand behind me to hide that bulge the whole time. If people are going to see me, they're going to see you too." I laughed. "Deal. I can guarantee that I'm going to be hard as a rock all night." Then having an idea, I pulled away, undid my pants, and reached down inside. Melissa watched me with an amused smile. I rearranged myself so that, instead of being tucked down under between my legs, my very erect cock sat pointing down along my left leg. I fastened my pants, and with how tight they fit, the outline of my cock was clearly visible. "That's fair." Then she said mischievously. "Maybe next year you can be the cowboy, and I'll have you wear ass-less chaps. That's it, just ass-less chaps." We both laughed, and I pulled her into my arms, hugging her warmly. "I love you." "I love you." She replied. "If it gets too uncomfortable, we'll leave," I said softly. "It doesn't matter what we do, as long as we are together." I felt her nod in agreement. After a pause, she said. "Speaking of what to do, the party doesn't start for, like, six hours." "How about renting a movie, and just relaxing?" "Okay." She said, chuckling. "But I am not wearing this to the video store." We wondered the isles of the Blockbuster down the street from Melissa's apartment, indecisive on what we wanted to watch. We had both changed into comfortable jeans, but Melissa still wore the beaded halter top, albeit underneath a long padded wool coat. None of the new releases had sparked much interest, and we eventually found our way to the 'sci-fi and fantasy' section. After a few minutes, a title caught my eye. I grabbed the box off the shelf and handed it to Melissa. "Nice." She said, grinning. Ten minutes later, the opening credits began, and as Arnold Schwarzenegger rode across a mountain valley to an Ennio Morricone score, we cuddled together on Melissa's couch to watch Red Sonja. We barely spoke during the movie, both content with being close to each other and enjoying the show. At one point, as I watched her rapt attention to a sword fight, I felt a familiar feeling of awe. Melissa was my perfect woman. There wasn't a single thing about her that I would change. Well, her insecurities and self-confidence aside, but I'm working on those. The final scene played out, and the end credits rolled to more of Morricone's beautiful score. Melissa turned in my arms, facing me. "I love that movie." She gave me a sweet kiss on the lips. "And you're right, Brigitte Nielsen is a goddess." "So, what do you want to do now?" I asked suggestively. Melissa's eyes blazed with fiery passion. "What do you think I want to do?" Recalling the dialog from the final scene of the movie, I said in my best Arnold voice. "I make it a rule, never to take a woman unless she can beat me in a fair fight." Melissa grinned and continued with Brigitte Nielsen's line. "That's a challenge I might think about someday." "What about right now?" "Why not?" When Melissa said the last line of the movie, I grabbed her by the shoulders and wrestled her onto her back. In response, she twisted around and, surprising me with her strength, flipped our positions. She straddled me, pinning me face up on the couch. I have to say, after watching that particular movie, this roughhousing was hot. I could tell that Melissa thought so too. She leaned down and we kissed deeply. I looked into her blazing blue eyes. "My warrior queen will have what she demands." "Get naked. Now." She said gently, but in a tone that made it sound like a command. She inched forward, straddling higher up my chest, and giving me room to get my pants off. As I struggled to accomplish that as quickly as I could, I watched as she seductively removed her halter top. Pants and underwear off, I reached up and grasped her tits, rubbing her nipples with my thumbs. She closed her eyes and moaned quietly. Melissa slid back to straddling my hips, and tugged at my shirt, helping me get it off without having to fully sit up. Then she leaned way back between my legs, lifting her legs into the air and towards her chest as she laid her back on the couch. I got a marvelous view as she pulled her pants off, taking the red thong with them. She came back forward to straddle me again, and I began to sit up to meet her, but she put her hands on my chest, gently pushing me back down. She leaned over me, kissing me briefly on the lips, then sensually made a trail of kisses down my neck, chest, and belly. She knelt between my legs, spreading them apart. I sighed as she moved her hands up my inner thighs and caressed the freshly shaved skin around my balls. She brought her face close to my cock, and looked up at me, meeting my eyes. She pursed her lips, blew softly on my bare genitals, and smiled as I shivered. Maintaining eye contact, she grasped my cock, and lowered her mouth upon it. I gasped in pleasure as she took me in. I could see in her eyes that my reaction fueled her desire to pleasure me. I couldn't have looked away if I wanted to. There was a fierceness in her eyes that I found to be absolutely captivating. She sucked hungrily and worked her tongue on me, seemingly intent on making me cum as fast as she could. My body complied, and I was very near to cumming much quicker than I wanted. Melissa redoubled her efforts, massaging my balls as she sucked harder. Her eyes seemed to scream "Cum for me! Cum for your warrior queen!" My hips bucked as I came suddenly, and I felt her hum in satisfaction as I filled her mouth with my seed. Melissa milked my cock for the last few drops of my cum, still holding my eyes with hers. She took me out of her mouth, and I saw her swallow. She leaned down over me with a satisfied smile. "That one was all mine." She purred, before kissing me. I was still amazed at how quickly she had made me cum, and held her tight as we kissed. She still had this new fierceness in her eyes when she pulled away slightly. "Now it's my turn." She moved up, straddling my face. As she lowered herself onto my awaiting mouth, she rested her chest over the couch's armrest. Melissa moaned loudly as I closed my mouth over her and my tongue began to explore. I loved the taste of her and loved how her body responded to my attention. She pressed herself down onto me, and I had to push up against her with my hands to keep her from smothering me. My hands pushed against her where the backs of her thighs met her ass, just on either side of her pussy. Her moans got louder when I pushed my hands to the sides, spreading her pussy open. My tongue attacked her with renewed vigor, and her body complied with my urgent desire to make her cum as quickly as she had made me. Her juices gushed into my mouth, and I swallowed greedily. "Yes!" She exclaimed as she tensed, right on the edge of climax. I pressed my tongue broadly over her clit, and with quick circular motions, pushed her over the edge. As she tensed and spasmed uncontrollably, I left her overly sensitive clit alone and eased down the intensity with which I ate her. She pulled herself off of me, and moved back down into my arms, straddling my waist once again. Our mouths met, and we kissed deeply, with Melissa still twitching occasionally. We stopped to catch our breath and Melissa said. "Tasting myself on you is hot." I nodded in agreement and licked a bit of saliva off of her lips. She smiled and licked my chin, which was still soaking wet from eating her. "Did I satisfy my warrior queen to her liking?" I asked, deciding to continue our Red Sonja-inspired role play. "Oh yes," She replied with a feral grin. "You did very well. But you should know by now, that I always need more." Our eyes locked, and she reached down, finding my cock. She raised her hips slightly and lowered herself down onto me. I groaned in pleasure as I felt her silky warmth envelop me. She kissed me briefly, then sat up. She smiled down at me and wiggled her hips. When I tried to sit up, she gently, but firmly pushed me back down flat. Sensing that she wanted to be in total control, I put my hands behind my head. She gyrated her hips slowly, and I stared up at her, marveling at how unbelievably sexy she looked. She arched her back towards me, drawing me out of her, then sank onto me again as she transitioned to arching her back away from me. Like the rhythmic crashing of waves, her body undulated in a fluid motion that started with her shoulders and ended with her hips. Each sensual motion pulled me out of her, then brought me deeply back inside. I watched in awe, as she writhed on top of me. "You are a goddess!" I managed to say between gasped breaths. When she arched her back towards me, her flawless skin pulled tight, and I could see her abdominal muscles and the outline of her ribs. Her pale pink nipples were erect on her perfect tits. She brought her hands to her tits and squeezed them sensually as she continued to fuck me. I could see by the gleam in her eyes that she was enjoying giving me this show, maybe as much as I was enjoying watching her. Even though I had cum, really just a few minutes before, I could feel that I wasn't going to last much longer. Melissa stopped her forward and back motion and leaned way back, supporting herself with her hands on the couch next to my knees. She began thrusting her hips forward and back, burying me deep inside her every time. She quickly increased her pace, bouncing her firm ass against my hips. Seeing my cock slide in and out of her, and watching the muscles of her thighs and belly flex as she drove herself onto me was too much to withstand, and I was seconds away from cumming. Without the close full-body contact that we usually had, I wasn't sure how close to cumming she was, so I broke the unspoken rule of the session and brought my hands to her. I pressed my hands against her inner thighs, alongside her pussy. I rubbed her clit between my fingertips. She must have been close because, with an exclamation of primal ecstasy, she came almost immediately from my touch. Her vagina clamped tightly around my cock, and I grunted loudly as I emptied my balls into her. We both held still for a moment, breathing hard. She grabbed my hand, and I pulled her forward, sitting up to meet her. We wrapped our arms around each other and kissed hungrily. Melissa made needy moans as she ground her mouth against mine. We kissed for a long time, our need for each other seemingly inexhaustible. Finally, we broke apart, gasping for breath. We caressed each other's faces as we stared into each other's eyes. The fierceness she had shown in our passion was still there, but it was tempered now after our mutual release. Watching that particular movie had awakened something inside her, something that I found unbelievably attractive. Once again, I found myself in a state of utter awe of this woman. "You are amazing," I said, knowing that the words were inadequate to express my feelings. Melissa smiled, then looked a little self-conscious. "I didn't go too far with being in control did I?" I kissed her. "Not at all. I thought it was really hot." She looked relieved and kissed me back. "It felt really good." I could tell that it had felt really good for her to be in control. It must be liberating for her to have the desire to be in control, and be called amazing when she acted it out. Traditionally, men were in control, particularly in the bedroom. Society traditionally expected women to just follow the lead of their partner. It was one of those things that just was. Well, fuck tradition, we would do whatever felt right. This isn't the nineteen-fifties. Besides, we were already breaking one societal norm, being second cousins madly in love, what's one more? It felt good for her to take control, and honestly, she could have taken it much farther, and I would have still loved it. "It did." I agreed. "I like this side of you." "What side?" She asked, turning one direction, then the other playfully. She asked the question playfully, yes, but I could see that she was anxious about what I was going to say. There was a part of her that was exceedingly fragile to criticism right now, having opened up and let go of an inhibition. "The warrior queen," I responded in a gentle, but serious tone. "She's fierce and confident, and isn't afraid to take what she wants." Melissa didn't say anything, so I continued. "The world needs to see more of this part of you." Then hastily added. "Not in a sexual way, of course." Melissa giggled and then kissed me. "You are all that I want." She flexed her pelvic floor muscles, and I felt her pussy squeeze my cock tightly. I flexed my own, causing my cock to twitch inside of her. We smiled at each other. "I am yours," I said, kissing her. I laid back down, pulling her down on top of me. She sighed in contentment and rested her weight on my chest, nuzzling my neck. We stayed like that for a while, and I could tell that she was beginning to fall asleep. I shifted and urged her to sit up. I stood, and she took my offered hand, following me to her bedroom. We cuddled up under the covers, and both quickly fell asleep. Chapter Fourteen. We woke refreshed from our nap and got dressed in our costumes. Soon we were in my pickup heading to the house where the party was being held. I glanced at Melissa as I drove, and she seemed to be unaware that I wasn't taking the most direct route. We were only a few minutes away from Melissa's apartment, when I turned into the parking lot of the Duluth location of the big box home improvement store I worked for. Butterflies filled my stomach as I prepared myself to set into motion the plan I had devised in the shower earlier that day. "I've got to go in here for a few minutes," I said, parking my truck, but leaving it running. "Ok, I'll be here," Melissa replied with a smile. I smiled back at her, leaned over to give her a quick kiss, and got out of the truck. I walked into the store with purpose. I got back twenty minutes later. Sitting behind the wheel, I looked over at Melissa with a huge grin on my face. She gave me a slightly confused look. "What did you need to get here?" "I have a surprise for you," I said, still unable to stop from smiling. "What is it?" Melissa asked. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. What I had just done, marked a turning point, one of those moments in your life where your life will never be the same again. "I just spoke with the yard manager, then with the store manager, and... as of two weeks from right now, I'll be working out of this store." It took a moment for Melissa to process what I said, her mouth fell open and her eyes began to glisten with the promise of tears. I nodded in silent confirmation, and she threw herself across the bench seat into my arms. We hugged tightly and kissed. I felt her joyful tears against my face. "Of course, this all depends on if you're okay with having a roommate..." Melissa laughed, her happiness nearly overwhelming her. "Am I okay? Charles, this is a dream come true!" We kissed again, then rested our foreheads together as we gazed into each other's eyes. Nothing on earth could have taken the smiles off our faces. We glanced over as an old grey-haired couple walked past my truck. They watched us as they passed, smiling at our display of joy and affection. The man put his arm around the woman, pulling her close as they walked and they smiled lovingly at each other. Melissa and I returned our gazes to each other, and we knew that we were both thinking the same thing. That was going to be us someday. A lifetime of love and experiences awaited us, and neither of us could imagine any other way we would want to spend our lives than with each other. On the drive to the party, Melissa sat in the middle of my truck's bench seat, and in between gear shifts, I rested my hand on her inner thigh. I would glance in her direction now and then as I drove, but Melissa never took her eyes off of me. The way she was looking at me made my heart glow. I loved her so much, and knowing that my love was returned, every bit of it and more, was almost enough to make a guy weep with joy. I parked on the street up the block from the party. I shut the truck off and turned to face Melissa. She wrapped her arms around me and we kissed deeply. "I love you." She whispered. "I love you," I whispered back. I put a hand to her face and she leaned into my palm as I caressed her cheek. "Are you ready?" She nodded. "As much as I need to be making love to you in our bed right now, I want to do this." Our bed, she had said. I liked that. Melissa smiled at me, knowing that I had picked up on her deliberate word usage. I helped her out of the truck, making sure nobody saw more of her than was appropriate, even though she was still wearing her long coat that covered her down past her knees. We walked up to the house and rang the bell. As we waited, side by side, hand in hand, I said. "I'll be right here next to you the whole time, my warrior queen." She smiled lovingly at me, and I saw any faint trace of self-doubt leave her. She took a deep breath and stood a little straighter, chin raised. The door opened and we were greeted by Ashley's older sister, Debbie, who was hosting the party. "Melissa! I'm glad you could make it. I haven't seen you in forever." Debbie was five years older than Ashley and had moved out of their parent's house four years ago. Her husband's name was Chris, and apparently, he was some kind of Dot Com hotshot. I believed it, as their house was huge, and they both had expensive German sports cars parked in their driveway. Debbie took our coats, and we began to mingle, soon finding Ashley and James. Ashley rushed over and gave Melissa a quick hug. "Wow, you look Amazing!" I resisted the urge to laugh when I saw James give Melissa a good head-to-toe look, and then notice me watching him. Now, I can see how guys might get pissed off by other guys checking out their girlfriends, but I saw it differently. I took it as a compliment to Melissa's stunning beauty, an opinion I wholeheartedly agreed with. Melissa made formal introductions, and I shook hands with Ashley and James in turn. When I shook James' hand, he met my eyes in what seemed like an apology for his wandering eyes. I did my best to subtly show that there was no harm done. We mingled and ate from the lavish catered buffet that Debbie and Chris had provided. I was introduced to more people than I could ever remember. Everywhere we went, eyes followed. There were lustful eyes, admiring eyes, jealous eyes, and yes, when people noticed the obvious outline of my perpetually hard cock barely restrained by my pants, laughing eyes. I didn't care at all about any of our observers, or what they thought about us. My eyes, and my thoughts, were for Melissa alone. I kept true to my word, never left her side all evening, and maintained nearly constant physical contact, be it an arm around her waist, a held hand, or a covert squeeze of an ass cheek. For her part, she seemed to particularly enjoy rubbing her ass against my groin right before we talked to somebody new, or were going to walk anywhere, and when my arm was around her, she had a hand in my back pocket. Again, I didn't care that everyone there saw my arousal. I honestly believed that it would be more out of place to have such a gorgeous woman at my arm all night, and not be constantly turned on. Through it all, Melissa was amazing. She never showed the least bit of self-consciousness or anxiety. I knew she saw how everyone watched her, and as the night went on, I began to believe that she was genuinely enjoying the attention. Our costumes were a hit, not just Melissa's, but the four of us as a group. Everyone cheered as Melissa and I, and Ashley and James, got up and danced when YMCA was played. We each had a glass of the strongly spiked punch, but neither of us had the desire to get drunk. We seemed to be the exception though. As the party began to wind down, intoxicated couples could be found making out on couches and comfy chairs, with one pair doing a little more than make out under the billiards table. Ashley was one of those who had way too much to drink, and we said our goodbyes as James helped her up the stairs to a guest room that Debbie and Chris had reserved for them. Melissa's eyes met mine, and I saw her fierce need for me shining bright. As much as we both wanted to strip down and fuck like rabbits right then and there, we both agreed silently that we had reached the extent of our exhibitionism. We said goodbye, thanked Debbie and Chris, who were quite intoxicated themselves, and left. The night air was heavy in a way that hinted at impending snowfall, and the wind blew cold and humid off of Lake Superior. Melissa held her coat tightly around herself as we rushed to my truck. Once in the truck and moving, I revved the engine more than I usually did to get the engine up to temp a little faster. The air from the vents soon turned warm, and Melissa opened her coat. She was sitting next to me again, with one leg on either side of the shifter. She had let her skirt ride up, and between gear shifts, I rested my hand between her legs, gently rubbing her with my fingertips through her satin thong. She had a hand on my crotch, and slowly stroked me through my pants. The trip back was fairly short, only about ten miles. Halfway there I asked her. "Why does it seem like it's taking forever to get back to your apartment?" "Our apartment." Melissa reminded me with a smile. I glanced at her with a grin. I did like the sound of that. "It's because neither of us can wait until this beautiful cock of yours is inside me." She gave my cock a squeeze to accentuate her words. When we neared her, our apartment, she said in a casual tone that was betrayed by the lustful intensity with which she was looking at me. "When that door closes, you'll have about ten seconds to get naked before I start tearing these clothes off of you." Turns out, she didn't even give me that long. As I bumped my back against the door to push it all the way closed, Melissa attacked my belt, getting it unbuckled with amazing quickness. Before I knew it, my pants were around my ankles and Melissa was on her knees taking me into her mouth. I could do nothing but moan and lean against the door as she implemented every trick she had learned so far. My legs felt wobbly as she expertly brought all of the evening's pent-up sexual energy to the fore. I looked down and met the fierce eyes of my warrior queen. In mere moments, she had brought me to the verge of orgasm. I was just seconds away from cumming, when she stopped, taking me out of her mouth. The sudden absence of sensation took my breath away. Melissa looked up at me with a wicked grin. "Not yet." She said, giving the underside of my glans the slightest of licks. I shivered at the contact. I was so close. She watched me intently, giving me another tiny lick now and then, keeping me right at the brink. I couldn't speak, couldn't breathe. Almost involuntarily, I grasped the back of her head, pulling her mouth over me. She didn't resist and sucked with renewed vigor. Her eyes seemed to suggest that she had been waiting for me to make her continue, that she had wanted me to take what I wanted. Melissa massaged my balls as I came. My legs nearly gave out, as I filled her mouth with my seed. Four, five, six strong spurts. It felt like the entire content of my balls was shooting into her. Her eyes showed her joy at what she was able to do to me. She took me out of her mouth and ran her hands up my chest as she stood slowly. I reached out and grabbed her, quickly pulled her up the last bit, and locked my mouth with hers. She hadn't swallowed this time, and I could tell that I had indeed cum much more than usual. We moaned softly as we kissed, sharing my hot cum back and forth. When finally it was gone, we broke to catch our breath. Melissa looked at me with a sly smile. "If I am your warrior queen, then you are my king. A king is fierce and confident, and isn't afraid to take what he wants." "I want you. All of you." I squeezed her ass, pulling her hips tightly against me. She sighed with pleasure as my still-hard cock pressed against the satin of her thong. I whispered into her ear. "I'm going to make you cum with my tongue. Then I'm going to make you cum on my fingers. I'm going to make you cum again, and again, and again, until you're a sweaty, sticky, twitching mess." As I spoke, her breathing became heavier. She was practically panting in anticipation. "After that, I'm going to bury my cock deep inside you, and make love to you, and not stop until I physically can't do it anymore. That is what I desire." When our eyes met again, the look of love and passion I saw was so raw, so pure and powerful, that it burned itself into my memory. From that moment, whenever I thought about the way Melissa looked at me, I remembered that one look first and foremost. "My king will have what he demands." She whispered. I led her to our bed and carried through on my promise. How many times did I make her cum while eating her? Honestly, I lost track after the first few. One orgasm rolled into the next, and into the next, until she was indeed a sweaty, sticky, quivering mess. When I finally entered her, I paced myself, pumping hard into her at times, and slowing or even stopping inside her at others. I wanted to make it last as long as I could while making her cum as many times as possible. We switched positions many times. When I would start to get tired, she would roll me onto my back and ride me until she came again, then we would switch positions, all without my cock ever leaving her hot and silky wetness. I ended up cumming inside her twice, and though we had continued to make love, I was not able to cum a third time. We lay together on sweat-damp sheets, facing each other, limbs intertwined, and both utterly exhausted. My lips were numb from kissing, and it seemed like every muscle in my entire body was sore from exertion. Melissa giggled tiredly. "What?" I asked, finding her adorable giggle as infectious as always. "So that's what it takes to completely satisfy my sexual desire." We both laughed, and she kissed me sweetly on the lips. "I need to work on my cardio." Melissa giggled again. "It'll get easier, you just need to keep at it." Giggling with her, I quipped. "Keep at it? I thought you were completely satisfied." "For today, yes," Melissa responded, and we both laughed again. We hugged each other tightly. Melissa sighed and caressed my cheek. "Thank you." She said softly. "For?" I asked. "For giving me courage tonight. I really did enjoy wearing that costume. Not just for you, but for me. I don't think I could have done it without you." I gave her a sweet kiss. "Even though you're more brave and amazing than you give yourself credit for, I will always be right here. Whatever we face, we'll face it together." Her eyes glowed with her love. "I'll be here for you too. Forever." "Forever," I repeated, and we kissed sweetly. We both knew without a doubt that ours was a love that would last until the end of time. When we said "forever", we meant it. Neither of us had ever known anything so surely as we knew this. As thoughts of spending the rest of my life with this glorious woman passed through my mind, I drifted off to sleep in her loving arms. Chapter Fifteen. We awoke in our bed, still in each other's arms. We stretched and embraced tightly. "Good morning, my love," Melissa whispered. "Good morning, wonderful," I responded with a kiss. I knew that I wasn't alone in thinking that I could easily spend the whole day in bed, even if we did nothing but hold each other and rest, but nature was calling. We got out of bed, not bothering to put any clothes on, and headed to the bathroom. As she sat to pee, I turned on the shower, making sure it was set to Melissa's preferred temperature of just below scalding. She stood, and it was my turn to relieve myself. It occurred to me that it was likely neither of us had ever seen anyone of the opposite sex use the toilet before. We watched each other, but it wasn't weird, gross, or embarrassing. I mean, after all of our intimate contact thus far, this was nothing. But it did remind me of how thoroughly and completely we were bonded to each other. There were no secrets between us, no need for shyness or reservations. In every aspect, we were one entity. When I finished, Melissa pulled me into the shower. We washed each other, toweled off, and returned to our bedroom. Melissa went towards her dresser, obviously thinking that it was time to get dressed. I had other plans. I held her hand and stopped her near the bed. "Lay face down," I said pointing to the bed. She gave me her little smile, the one she kept just for me, and complied. I knelt over her feet and began massaging them. I massaged her legs thoroughly, enjoying her relaxed sighs. When I massaged her firm ass, I could see the moisture of her arousal seeping out of her. I bent over and kissed one of her perfect ass cheeks. Melissa giggled. "Kiss my ass." I chuckled and kissed the other cheek. I ran my fingers along the tops of her thighs, and she gasped quietly when I made contact with her wetness. While one hand rubbed her back at the base of her spine, I eased the thumb of the other into her. I slowly worked it in and out, brushing her clit with my index finger with every stroke. Before she came, I eased off and stopped. I wiped my wet fingers on my cock, and shifted forward. She arched her back in eager anticipation. I entered her slowly until I was buried as deep as I could go. Melissa moaned with satisfaction. I leaned down and planted a kiss between her shoulder blades. Whispering, I said. "I hope you don't mind if I just stay right there for a while. I'm not done with my massage yet." She made only a happy moan in response. As I began to slowly slide my cock in and out, I gripped her shoulders and began to knead her muscles. She made continuous sighs of relaxation as I worked my way down her back, all the while, keeping a steady, slow rhythm with my cock. When I reached the bottom of her spine, I pulled her waist towards me, getting that extra bit deeper with one slow thrust. Melissa moaned softly, her face buried in the pillow. My massaging hands worked their way back up to her shoulders, and I grasped them firmly, pulling myself deep into her once again. Melissa responded with another moan, slightly louder than the previous one. Again and again, my hands moved up and down her back, with each particularly deep thrust garnering an ever louder moan. I loved how much Melissa was enjoying what I was doing, her pleasure and relaxation having reached a zen-like state, but eventually, I had to face the sad reality that my arms were getting tired! I slid my hands around her waist, and down to the top of her hips, pulling myself deep inside her again, but this time I kept my hands there. I increased the speed of my thrusts, and with each one, I pulled her hips towards me. Faster and faster I pumped into her, and my balls were soon slapping wetly on the backs of her thighs. Melissa's moans became one continuous guttural exhalation, punctuated with every impact. I came hard, and breathing heavily, collapsed onto her back. I nuzzled into the back of her neck, feeling her silky hair on my face and breathing in her scent. Melissa's scent, and make no mistake, everyone has a unique scent, was something that I knew I could never find the words to describe. It was delicate, sweet without being sickly, earthy without being dirty. It was her, it was her essence, that intangible quality that makes something what it is, and I loved it. I breathed her in and sighed, planting a soft kiss on the base of her neck. To be continued in part 5. Based on a post by NewMountain80, in 6 parts, for Literotica.

President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women has drawn widespread acclaim from foreign participants and overseas experts, who welcomed his proposals as a pivotal step toward accelerating gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide.习近平主席在全球妇女峰会开幕式上发表的主旨演讲，得到了外国参会者及海外专家的广泛赞誉。他们认为，主席提出的倡议是在全球范围内加快性别平等与妇女赋权的关键一步。They said the convening of the meeting holds milestone significance, demonstrating China's global leadership in promoting and protecting human rights and development, and advancing women's status.他们表示，此次会议的召开具有里程碑意义，彰显了中国在促进和保护人权与发展、提升妇女地位方面的全球领导力。"Women play an important role in creating, promoting and carrying forward human civilization. And the international community has a shared responsibility to advance the cause of women," Xi emphasized in his address, calling for tangible actions.习近平在讲话中强调：“妇女是人类文明的创造者、推动者和传承者，推动妇女事业发展是国际社会的共同责任”，并呼吁采取切实行动。He made four proposals, calling for collective efforts to foster an enabling environment for women's growth, propel high-quality development for women, strengthen governance frameworks to protect women's rights and enhance global cooperation on gender equality.他提出四点倡议，呼吁各方共同努力，为妇女成长营造有利环境、推动妇女高质量发展、健全妇女权益保障治理体系、加强性别平等领域全球合作。Recalling the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing 30 years ago, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J.Mohammed underscored the pioneering role of the Beijing conference, noting that it lit "a fire of possibility" for women worldwide. She said she is very glad to see China and other states "who have kept this flame alive".联合国常务副秘书长阿明娜・穆罕默德回顾了30年前在北京举行的第四次世界妇女大会，强调该会议具有开创性意义，为全球妇女点燃了“希望之火”。她表示，很高兴看到中国及其他国家“延续了这一火种”。Hosting a second historic conference in Beijing is a reminder of the shared responsibility to deliver on women's rights, she added.她补充道，在北京再次举办这一历史性会议，提醒着各方肩负着落实妇女权利的共同责任。The senior UN official commended Xi for "leading this Global Leaders' Meeting on Women and demonstrating his genuine commitment to the women's rights agenda".这位联合国高级官员赞扬习近平“牵头举办此次全球妇女峰会，并切实致力于推进妇女权利议程”。Anita Amorim, head of the International Labour Organization's Emerging and Special Partnerships Unit, said that in the context of South-South cooperation, women's empowerment offers a strategic lever for resilience and shared growth, while noting that the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women has served as both a celebration of progress and a critical point of reflection on the persistent gaps in women's rights and empowerment worldwide.国际劳工组织新兴与特别伙伴关系司负责人安妮塔・阿莫林表示，在南南合作背景下，妇女赋权是增强韧性与实现共同增长的战略抓手。她指出，全球妇女峰会既是对已有进展的肯定，也为反思全球妇女权利与赋权领域仍存在的差距提供了重要契机。Amorim said that as challenges including conflict, debt distress and a cost-of-living crisis have deepened inequalities, the meeting came at an essential time, focusing on women's advancement in the economy and advocating opportunities for both women and men.阿莫林称，冲突、债务困境、生活成本危机等挑战加剧了不平等，此次会议的召开恰逢其时，聚焦妇女经济赋权，并倡导为女性和男性创造平等机会。She said that over the years, the ILO has cooperated with China through South-South cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to countries in the Global South, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, in promoting employment, skills development and social protection, while promoting women's entrepreneurship and gender equality.她表示，多年来，国际劳工组织通过南南合作与中国开展合作，在促进就业、技能培训、社会保障等领域为全球南方国家（尤其是亚太地区国家）带来了切实利益，同时也推动了妇女创业与性别平等。Nahla Haidar El Addal, head of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, highly praised Xi's advocacy of supporting women in shouldering more responsibilities, engaging deeply in global governance and sharing the fruits of governance.联合国消除对妇女歧视委员会主席纳拉・海达高度评价习近平提出的支持妇女承担更多责任、深度参与全球治理、共享治理成果的主张。She pointed out that the key challenge in the current global governance system lies in the lack of coordinated, unified, clear and well-defined rules and a procedural framework, which makes it difficult for countries to form synergy in their actions. Therefore, she stressed that building international consensus and improving governance rules are of critical importance.她指出，当前全球治理体系面临的核心挑战在于缺乏协调统一、清晰明确的规则与程序框架，导致各国难以形成行动合力。因此，她强调，凝聚国际共识、完善治理规则至关重要。Russel Harland, deputy branch secretary and international relations officer of the Surrey County branch of UNISON, one of the largest trade unions in the United Kingdom, said he believes that China is giving vital impetus to the fight against gender inequality by embedding the shared responsibility to advance women's development, such as urging tangible and accessible policies to channel more quality health and educational resources to all women.英国最大工会之一“公共与商业服务工会” 萨里郡分会副秘书长兼国际关系官员拉塞尔・哈兰德（音译）表示，他认为中国正通过落实推动妇女发展的共同责任，为消除性别不平等注入重要动力，例如推动制定切实可行的政策，向全体妇女倾斜更多优质医疗与教育资源。He noted that Xi's invigorating words are in line with China's Global Development Initiative, which calls for staying committed to development as a priority.他指出，习近平主席振奋人心的讲话与中国提出的全球发展倡议一脉相承，该倡议强调坚持以发展为优先事项。President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence said, "China's commitment of $10 million to UN Women is highly significant for African nations, many of which are already partnering with the international organization to empower women.利比里亚参议院临时议长扬布利・康加・劳伦斯表示：“中国向联合国妇女署承诺提供1000万美元资金，这对非洲国家意义重大——许多非洲国家已在与该国际组织合作推进妇女赋权”。"We look forward to this partnership and hope that small countries, in particular, will benefit from it," she added.她补充道：“我们期待这一合作能带来实效，尤其希望小国能从中受益”。Marija Petrovic, a journalist from Serbia who covered the event, voiced her strong support for Xi's emphasis on improving girls' and women's rights in education.报道此次会议的塞尔维亚记者玛丽娅・彼得罗维奇表示，她坚决支持习近平关于改善女童与妇女教育权利的主张。She said it is essential for girls to have education and their own money, as independence grants them the freedom to make their own choices.她认为，女童接受教育、拥有独立收入至关重要，因为经济独立能让她们获得自主做选择的自由。pivotaladj.关键的，核心的/ˈpɪvətl/empowermentn.赋权，增权/ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/tangibleadj.切实的，具体的；可触摸的/ˈtændʒəbl/synergyn.协同作用，合力/ˈsɪnədʒi/

Built Different Pt. 5 | October 12, 2025Pastor Wes Morris II Timothy 1:1-7 (NLT) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.√  DISTRACTION - it divides our focus.√  SHAME - it kills our confidence.Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.√ COMFORT - it weakens our dependence.Exodus 3:2-4 (NLT) There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it.”When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied.BUILT DIFFERENT: FUELED BY FIREI.  POWER: STAY CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE.Acts 1:8 (NLT) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.II.  LOVE: STAY ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIP.Romans 5:5 (NLT) ...God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.Romans 8:14-16 (GNT) Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children.III.  SOUND MIND: STAY ANCHORED IN TRUTH.John 14:16-17 (NIV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.Colossians 3:23 (TLB) Let heaven fill your thoughts; don't spend your time worrying about things down here.Group Discussion Questions + PracticeWhat's something in your life that helps you “recharge” when you're feeling drained - physically or spiritually?READ TOGETHERII Timothy 1:6–7 (NLT) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”FIRE KILLERS√ Distraction – divides our focus√ Shame – kills our confidence√ Comfort – weakens our dependenceWhich of these three “fire killers” tends to affect you the most right now?What practical steps can you take this week to guard against it?Why do you think comfort can be just as dangerous to your faith as fear or shame?FUELED BY POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MI

A practitioner shares memories of Master Li giving a four day lecture series in Chenzhou, Hunan Province in 1994, including how Master eliminated interference to his lectures in the form of storms and electrical outages, as well as a visit to ancient temples where Master spoke privately with a cultivating monk. “Our Teacher” is a […]

Recalling past NCF milestones and events

Today, we look at the progress of the Trump peace plan for Israel and Gaza as Hamas recalls 7,000 fighters to reassert control over Gaza amid fears of renewed internal violence.The Hamas mobilisation had been widely anticipated amid growing uncertainty about who will govern Gaza once the war ends.The ceasefire appears to have held but Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners are yet to be released. Laura and Paddy speak with international editor Jeremy Bowen about the latest.Plus, Laura explains how the contest to become deputy leader of the Labour party could be seen as a verdict on Keir Starmer.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn and Adam Chowdhury. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Bachata is a music of the people. Recalling the American blues, bachata was infamous as the anthem of the hard-drinking, womanizing, down-on-his-luck man, vilified as the entertainment of the brothels and the cabarets, and worshipped by the down-trodden poor as the deepest expression of their feelings. Today it is an international sensation. Alex Wolfe, director of the film "Santo Domingo Blues: The Story of Bachata" brings us live ambience and stories of bachata stars Luis Vargas, Antony Santos, Luis Segura, Adridia Ventura. Produced by Alex Wolfe.

'I remember Mark being a really good friend to me.' Coping with grief after the loss of her father, Jeannie finds support among a small gathering of friends. Feeling safe enough to drink, one of her closest high school friends assaults her when she is unconscious in his bed. Recalling her sense of betrayal, Jeannie shares her journey through denial and doubt to owning her story and healing. Pouring her truth into her writing, she is the author of multiple nonfiction works, including Things We Didn't Talk About When I Was a Girl. Host: Katie Koestner Editor: Evan Mader Producers: Catrina Aglubat and Emily Wang

“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui […]

In this episode of Bleav in Giants, hosts Bob Papa and Carl Banks break down the Giants' upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The discussion focuses on both teams' recent struggles, with the Giants aiming to avoid a 0-3 start and the Chiefs recovering from two consecutive losses, a rarity in the Mahomes-Andy Reid era. The hosts address the Giants' defensive challenges, pointing out that these issues stem primarily from self-inflicted penalties and missed assignments, rather than a lack of talent. They highlight the promising performances of Giants defenders such as Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence, suggesting that the defense can improve quickly with better discipline. 00:00:00] Introduction to the "Bleav in Giants" podcast; setting the stage for the Giants vs. Chiefs matchup and team mindsets after a tough loss. [00:01:14] Giants' offensive and defensive evaluation improving run game, defensive missteps, and player performance (Burns, Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence). [00:03:56] Defensive struggles on second down, Kansas City's receiving corps, and key stats on the Chiefs' running backs. [00:05:47] Andy Reid's offensive scheming with Mahomes and Kelce as focal points; Giants' defensive threats and adjustments needed. [00:09:28] Mahomes' statistical struggles; strategy on defending the Chiefs—cleaning up Giants' self-inflicted issues on defense. [00:10:30] Improving defensive execution focus on tackling, minimizing penalties, and leveraging Giants' disruptive players. [00:13:40] Emphasizing the importance of an improved Giants run game, the strengths and schemes of the Chiefs' defense. [00:15:20] Breakdown of Chiefs' blitz tendencies and how Giants' offensive formations must adapt. [00:16:50] Strengths of the Chiefs defense as a whole; effectiveness coming from team synergy rather than individual stars. [00:17:31] Giants' offensive line improvements; discussing player performances and depth on the line. [00:18:29] Depth and configuration decisions for the Giants' offensive line with emerging contributors. [00:19:03] Comparing this season's improved line situation to past years lacking depth and quality. [00:21:19] Offensive philosophy—rewarding productive players, keeping the unit together after a successful performance. [00:21:36] Skill player assessment—receiver usage, versatility, and addressing fan concerns about backups like Jaylin Hyatt. [00:25:44] Discussion of Deonte Banks and the challenges of evaluating defensive backs from tape vs. inside knowledge. [00:27:19] Critique of “all-22 warriors”/outside analysis; detailed breakdown of Banks' play and role in the defense. [00:29:53] Further defense of Banks' performance, explaining defensive assignments and public misconceptions. [00:35:27] Importance of accessing coach insights for accurate player evaluations; story from past experience. [00:35:47] Direct knowledge and expertise in defensive football, validating Giants' defensive approach. [00:36:39] Closing out, mentioning podcast merchandise and reminding to share and subscribe. [00:36:55] Optimism about rapid defensive improvement and greater attention to detail from the Giants. [00:38:15] Fun statistical nuggets ahead of the matchup: historical Giants-Chiefs records, Russell Wilson milestones, and coach connections. [00:39:44] Recalling past Giants-Chiefs primetime games and Daboll's experience facing the Chiefs.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cio D'Or hardly requires an introduction, having long stood as both a pillar of our scene and a source of inspiration for so many. Over the course of her singular and decades-spanning career, the Cologne-based artist has cultivated a universe of sound entirely her own, immediately recognizable yet endlessly evolving much like the work of her contemporaries and collaborators Mike Parker and Donato Dozzy. To experience Cio's music is to follow a throughline that traces the complex history of contemporary techno in a single gesture, compelled by the vast unknown and the primordial familiar in equal measure. Recalling the blurred realism of Richter's photo-paintings or the timeless intricacy of Bach's fugues, Cio's self-contained sonic world delicately reframes our own precious lifecycle, a reflection revealed through its elegant and subtractive minimalism. In collaboration with our friends at Mostra, I'm honored to share a selection from Cio D'Or's set performed at this year's edition of the Barcelona-based festival, a sublime triumph from a scholar of sound. @cio-d-or @mostrabcn Artwork by Camille Ferdinandus.

Scripture Reading and Introduction 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 read. Paul's boasting not of the Lord, but foolishly. Details of Paul's suffering: stripes, imprisonment, shipwrecks, perils, weariness, hunger, and concern for the churches. Paul's escape from Damascus. Thankfulness for the opportunity to be present and receive what the Lord has to offer. Acknowledging uncertainty about the direction of the message but trusting in the Lord's guidance. The Song: "Sweet Things Out of Dark Places" A song has been implanted in the soul for about a month. The song's message is particularly relevant given the current trials and tribulations. The song's lyrics: Wanting to know Him better and walk closer. Willingness to suffer for a clearer vision in the valley. Sweet things and heavenly light emerging from dark places. A sweeter touch and deeper love from Him. Brokenness leading to precious words and a revelation of God's glory. The sweetness of darkness when the Father is near. Apostle Paul as an Example Paul as an example of someone in darkness who gloried in his infirmities. Dark places are common, with trials and heartaches affecting many. Comfort in knowing that darkness is temporary and light will come through Jesus Christ. Excitement to share what the Lord has revealed. Dark valleys as a recurring experience. The tendency to let challenges slow down or derail progress. Sweetness emerging from dark places. Recalling the darkness before finding Jesus Christ. Blindness and a misguided pursuit of worldly pleasures. Realization of being disliked by others due to negative behaviors. Sweetness found in a calling from God. A calling once abandoned for two years. The joy and fulfillment experienced when fulfilling that calling. Feeling God's presence and glory while serving Him. Light replacing darkness. Paul's intelligence and upbringing, yet not glorying in himself. Paul's apostleship not of man but by Jesus Christ and God. Galatians 1:1 referenced. Contrast with the replacement of Judas through casting lots. Caution against boasting in what God is doing in one's life. Gratitude for God's grace and what He has done. Boasting only in Jesus Christ and His work. Sweetness will come if one sticks to it. Paul's perilous situations and distress, yet glorying in infirmities. Glorying in Infirmities A personal anecdote about waking up to a car that wouldn't start. Initial reaction of worry and frustration. Failure to glory in infirmities. Even in darkness, God provides a way for light to shine. Paul's suffering: whippings, beatings, shipwrecks, and betrayal. Choosing to glory in infirmities and taking pleasure in knowing Jesus Christ is present. Not bragging about success. Paul preached to kings. Paul started about 20 churches. Paul did not want credit for those things. Paul wrote 13 books of the Bible. Paul did not boast about writing 13 books. Paul preached for around 30 years. Paul saw a vision of the third heaven. Paul did not boast about the vision. Inability to thank God for bad things happening. Admitting the difficulty of willingly enduring suffering. The problem of thinking one shouldn't have to deal with suffering. Paul as second only to Jesus Christ in contributions to the Christian community. Paul confronted Peter for not associating with Gentiles. Philippians 3:7-14 Philippians 3:7-14 referenced. Counting past gains as loss for Christ. Suffering the loss of all things to win Christ. Counting worldly things as dung. Seeking righteousness through faith in Christ. Knowing Him and the power of His resurrection. Fellowship of His sufferings. Pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Forsaking the world. Not advocating quitting one's job but providing for oneself.

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, the hosts sit down with musician, podcaster, and all-around force of nature, Andy Frasco – band leader of Andy Frasco & The U.N.  Recorded while lounging outside on the Pulmas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, fresh of his “crazy” set at the legendary High Sierra Music Festival  Andy shares his experiences and reflections on his musical journey, mixing levity with addressing serious issues during the entertaining conversation.Andy also praises High Sierra's atmosphere and elaborates on the importance of community and family at festivals, stressing the need to preserve live music culture. Recalling his own leap into music influenced by his piano teacher, Holly Bowling, Andy muses about how he built his career from scratch, overcoming his once-cavalier use of substances giving way to a focus on writing meaningful songs. The conversation touches on his evolution as a performer and songwriter, his work ethic, and his love for entertaining fans. In this laid back and humorous chat, Andy expresses gratitude for his mentors, including Dave Schools, Vince Herman, and George Porter, Jr., while discussing his podcast, which offers real-life conversations with seasoned musicians, aiming to provide inspiration to others. Long live High Sierra!HIGHLIGHTS“ Long live High Sierra.!” This is bigger than us. This festival, the idea of this festival is important…. families come together, music is being made, kids laughing, smiling, families laughing and smiling. You don't see that anymore. People camping. That's why we gotta keep these things sacred …that's my goal. -Andy Frasco on the greatness of High Sierra Music Festival. I stopped writing songs to make everyone happy. And I started writing songs to make me happy. You can't preach happiness unless you're happy with yourself. And I'm finally in a spot where I'm good with myself.-Andy Frasco on his approach to writing songs and the good place he is in. It doesn't matter, when you start loving yourself, you just gotta love yourself. Even if you're 60, even if you're 70. Even if you're 10,. We gotta remember when we were seven years old. on the fucking swings, eating some ice cream, laughing by yourself, you know? That's it. We gotta get back to that. You have to get that feeling. -Andy Frasco on the importance of loving yourself.MUSIC2025  Album - "Growing Pains" - Andy Frasco & The U.N.Andy Frasco & The U.N. - "Life is Easy" ft. Billy Strings, Steve Poltz, Daniel Donato & Mike GordonAndy Frasco & The U.N. (feat Little Stranger) - Oh, What A Life (Official Video)UPCOMING SHOWS/"GROWING PAINS" TOUR (as of day of episode drop) TICKET LINKSSEP 9, 2025 - "Hot Summer Nights" – Vail, CO (Free Show)SEP 10, 2025 - “The Gaslight Social” – Casper, WYSEP 11, 2025 -  The Commonwealth Room – Salt Lake City, UTSEP 12 – 14, 2025 – Telluride Blues & Brews Festival – Telluride, COSEP 18, 2025 – “Healing Appalachia” – Ashland, KYSEP 26 – 27, 2025 – Holy Smokes Festival – Garrettsville, OHOCT 2, 2025 – The Livery – Benton Harbor, MIOCT 3, 2025 – Moontown Brewery – Whitestown, INOCT 4, 2025 – Kenny's Westside Pub – Peoria, ILOCT 8 – 12, 2025 – Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival – Eureka Spring, AR w/ Greensky BluegrassOCT 17 – 19, 2025 – Roots Music Festival – Boulder, COOCT 19, 2025 – Halfway to 420 Music Festival – St. Augustine, FLOCT 24, 2025 – The Barrelhouse Ballroom – Chattanooga, TNOCT 25, 2025 – MegaCorp Pavillion (w/ Gov't Mule) – Newport, KYOCT 26, 2025 – Ting Pavillion (w/ Gov't Mule) – Charlottesville, VAJAN 14 – 18, 2026 – Tropic of Cancer Festival (w/ Lettuce, Mother Hips) - Todos Santos, Baja California Sur 

Wisconsin Rapids' Mike Havel enjoyed a storied racing career in and around north central Wisconsin.We recently caught up with Mike, and he recalled his stellar season in 1983 capturing the track championship at Eagle River Speedway.Give it a listen!

“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui […]

What level of proof is required before sounding the alarm? When risks are identified, should they be broadcast widely, or kept within a limited circle? What happens when victims are silenced, ignored, or when abuse is covered up? How can we, as a community, ensure that abuse is never minimized or swept under the rug? What role do journalists, news outlets, and podcasts play in exposing the truth and safeguarding the public? Host: Ari Wasserman, author of the newly published, revised and expanded book Making it Work, on workplace challenges and Halachic Q & A on the Job with Rabbi Yonah Reiss – Av Beis Din of the CRC – 12:24 with Rabbi Yosef Blau – Member of the Baruch Lanner Beis Din and Mashgiach Ruchani at REIT's for almost 50 years – 46:53 with Mrs. Nicole Meyer – advocate against abuse – 1:26:12 with Avi Schick, Esq. – partner at Faegre Drinker international law firm – 1:44:50 Conclusions and takeaways – 2:00:29 Rabbi Berel Wein ZT”L – never published interview – Recalling his first day at work - 2:06:06 מראי מקומות   

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Dr. Stephen: Courage and tenacityIn today's world, access to affordable, effective healthcare remains a persistent challenge. Dr. Stephen Steinberg, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of EndoSound, is tackling this problem head-on with an innovative approach to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technology. By dramatically lowering costs, EndoSound is helping more hospitals and surgical centers provide this life-saving diagnostic and therapeutic modality to millions of patients.Endoscopic ultrasound has been a medical mainstay for over 25 years, offering real-time imaging and diagnostic capabilities for conditions like pancreatic cancer. However, the prohibitive cost of traditional EUS systems—up to half a million dollars—has kept the technology out of reach for many facilities. Stephen and his team at EndoSound have developed a system that reduces these costs by 90%, making it accessible to smaller hospitals, surgical centers, and even under-resourced regions globally.“What became apparent was that my backlog of cases and waiting times were getting longer and longer,” Stephen explained, citing the lack of local access to EUS technology. “We adapt the scopes that [medical centers] already have with ultrasound technology, providing a much more cost-effective, much more accessible opportunity.”EndoSound's innovation doesn't just lower costs. By enabling earlier diagnoses of conditions like pancreatic cancer, which currently has a five-year survival rate of just 12%, the technology has the potential to save thousands of lives. Stephen described the transformative impact: “Our technology has the ability to impact that curve…to make it so that patients' tumors are caught earlier.”Beyond patient care, the technology offers financial benefits to facilities. Surgical centers that adopt EndoSound's system can generate revenue from procedures while improving patient outcomes. With millions of diagnostic procedures performed annually, the market opportunity for EndoSound's affordable solution is substantial.For those interested in supporting this groundbreaking work, EndoSound is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. This presents a chance for investors to back a company that is not only disrupting the healthcare industry but also saving lives.Stephen's vision is clear: to democratize access to critical diagnostic tools and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. His work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and purpose that drives meaningful progress in healthcare.tl;dr:Dr. Stephen Steinberg discusses EndoSound's affordable endoscopic ultrasound technology that improves healthcare access and outcomes.By reducing costs by 90%, EndoSound enables earlier diagnoses, especially for conditions like pancreatic cancer.Stephen highlights the global potential of EndoSound to bring life-saving care to under-resourced regions.His superpower, courage and tenacity, stems from personal experiences navigating his children's life-threatening illnesses.EndoSound is raising capital via crowdfunding, empowering investors to support its transformative healthcare mission.How to Develop Courage and Tenacity As a SuperpowerStephen's superpower is a combination of courage and tenacity. He explains that courage isn't about choosing to be heroic but rather about responding to terrifying circumstances. Recalling his experience as a young parent facing life-threatening heart defects in his children, Stephen shared, “You discover courage not because you choose to but because circumstances require you to push through.” From these challenges, he also developed tenacity—the determination to persist even when exhausted or overwhelmed. These qualities have shaped his approach to both medicine and entrepreneurship.One story that demonstrates Stephen's superpower is his family's journey with his two children, both born with life-threatening heart defects. Despite the overwhelming fear and challenges, he and his wife relied on their courage and tenacity to support their children through cutting-edge medical care. Both children are now thriving adults, with families of their own. Stephen's personal experiences instilled in him a deep commitment to improving access to life-saving technologies like EndoSound.Stephen's advice for developing courage and tenacity includes:Define Your Mission: Identify a purpose that inspires you to push through obstacles.Stay Focused on the Goal: Visualize your desired outcome to maintain determination.Draw Strength from Others: Lean on your support network during difficult times.Take It Step by Step: Break overwhelming challenges into smaller, manageable tasks.By following Stephen's example and advice, you can make courage and tenacity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileDr. Stephen Steinberg (he/him):Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, EndoSound, IncAbout EndoSound: EndoSound® has developed a breakthrough approach to delivering high-quality gastrointestinal diagnostics—without the prohibitive cost that has kept this technology out of reach for most patients. The EndoSound Vision System™ (EVS™) merges video-guided endoscopy and ultrasound into a single, real-time diagnostic view, enabling more accurate, minimally invasive exams that can be performed in outpatient and ambulatory settings.Its portable, compact design makes it equally at home in hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), and rural or resource-limited care environments—dramatically expanding where advanced GI imaging can be performed. The EVS is FDA cleared and retrofits to the standard endoscopes already in use worldwide, eliminating the need for proprietary scopes. This integration creates an exceptionally affordable path for providers to offer cutting-edge diagnostics where they're needed most, including in under-resourced healthcare systems across the globe.Website: endosound.comX/Twitter Handle: @EndoSoundEVSOther URL: wefunder.com/endosoundBiographical Information: Dr. Steinberg is the co-inventor of a medical device with the potential to change the trajectory of GI care globally. A graduate of Cornell University and Johns Hopkins Medical School, Dr. Steinberg has devoted a 40-year career to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy.Among these procedures, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) stands out as one of the most transformative—offering unparalleled insight into pancreatic, biliary, and submucosal disease. As co-inventor of the patented technologies behind EndoSound, he has married deep clinical expertise with engineering innovation to dismantle the access barriers that have kept EUS confined to a select few institutions. His vision extends far beyond U.S. borders—toward making this life-saving diagnostic accessible in regions where the absence of early detection leads to preventable deaths.Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/endosoundSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Rancho Affordable Housing (Proactive), and Flower Turbines. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture |  Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on September 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, September 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on "What's the Difference Between Gambling and Investing? Diversification." When it comes to money, too many people confuse speculation with true investing. In this session, Devin will explore what separates gambling from responsible investment practices—and why diversification is one of the most important tools for reducing risk and improving outcomes. Drawing on real-world examples and practical strategies, he'll help you understand how to evaluate opportunities, spread risk wisely, and think long-term about your portfolio. Whether you're new to investing, considering your first community round, or looking to refine your approach as a seasoned investor, this SuperCrowdHour will give you actionable insights to strengthen your decision-making. Don't miss this chance to sharpen your perspective and invest with greater confidence.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.NEIGHBR Live Webinar, in partnership with FundingHope, will share NEIGHBR's story with a wider audience — September 3 at 11 AM EST. Reserve your spot today!Earthstock Festival & Summit (Oct 2–5, 2025, Santa Monica & Venice, CA) unites music, arts, ecology, health, and green innovation for four days of learning, networking, and celebration. Register now at EarthstockFestival.com.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Impact Accelerator Summit is a live in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Personal Testimony and Introduction Expressing gratitude for salvation through Jesus Christ. Acknowledging that salvation is solely due to Jesus's actions. Sharing a personal experience of conviction and salvation at age 17 during a revival. Experiencing a difficult night after initially resisting the call to salvation. Emphasizing the importance of not delaying obedience to God's call. Expressing nervousness before preaching despite years of experience. Desiring prayers for the ability to deliver the intended message. Scripture Reading and Theme Introduction Reading Isaiah 1:19: "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Focusing on the words "willing and obedient" as the central theme. Highlighting Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of willingness and obedience. Jesus's willingness to go to the cross as essential for humanity's hope. His obedience in not calling upon angels as crucial for salvation. Emphasizing that the initial call to obedience is accepting Jesus as Savior. Expressing continued thankfulness for salvation. The Necessity of Continued Willingness and Obedience Highlighting that salvation is not a passive state but requires ongoing willingness and obedience to God. God provides talents and abilities for kingdom work, requiring individuals to be willing to use them. Experiencing spiritual blessings through personal obedience and the obedience of others. Referencing Isaiah 6, where Isaiah volunteers to go when God asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Acknowledging past failures to seize opportunities to work for God due to succumbing to worldly influences. Emphasizing the importance of willingness in serving God. Examples of Willingness and Obedience David's willingness to face Goliath, questioning, "Is there not a cause?" David's confidence in God's power over the giant. Rejecting Saul's armor to rely on personal experience and faith in God's Word. David's past experiences as a shepherd, where God strengthened him to kill a lion and a bear. Sticking with what is known to work, which is God's Word. Highlighting the importance of God's Word as the source of help, contrasting it with reliance on worldly programs or other people. Expressing gratitude for those who wrote down God's word. Consequences of Disobedience and the Mercy of God Experiencing misery when failing to seize opportunities to serve God. Feeling conviction and needing to seek forgiveness and restoration. God's loving and merciful nature, offering forgiveness and restoration. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22. Abraham's prompt action: "rose up early in the morning." Isaac's question about the sacrifice and Abraham's response that "God will provide himself a lamb." Relating this to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. God's blessings for willingness and obedience. Practical Application and Personal Reflection God expects action on the tasks already given before providing new ones. Recalling a prayer to do whatever God wants, initially with exceptions (e.g., not wanting to be a missionary). Opportunities arose when the exceptions were removed, and a willingness to do anything was expressed. God blesses those who are willing and obedient, allowing them to "eat of the fat of the lamb." Recognizing the world's need for salvation and the opportunity to work for the Lord. Acknowledging the gift of gab and the importance of using talents for God's kingdom work. Seeking forgiveness for past refusals to act when God called. Highlighting the danger of becoming complacent and missing opportunities for God to work through us. Living Sacrifice and Family in Christ Referencing Romans 12:1, urging believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. Emphasizing that this is a reasonable service to God.

Dana In The Morning Highlights 8/25Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is actually Moolenium Crunch which contains peanutsFulshear Officer removes gator from neighborhood poolExpert says top feel good songs are 'I WIll Survive', 'Shake It Off', 'Levitating', and 'Happy'

What happens when your first-ever multi-day trek turns intoa full-blown adventure? In this episode, my guest, Prabal Chakraborty — a passionate traveller on a mission to do 50 countries before 50 — takes us through his dramatic, hilarious, and unforgettable journey to Roopkund in the Himalayas.From sudden hailstorms to getting lost, scrapes and bruisesto endless bowls of Maggi, and strangers turning into lifelong friends — this trek had it all. Oh, and did I mention he was trekking with his then-girlfriend, now wife?With his fantastic knack for storytelling, he makes Roopkundsound like more than just a tough Himalayan trail — it's a tale of chaos, laughter, friendship, and love. If you've ever wondered what really happens behind those perfect trekking photos, this episode is for you.---------------------------------------------Follow Prabal on Instagram || LinkedIn---------------------------------------------To pick up copies of our journal - click here - India orders / International orders - DM hereLike our work? Follow, Like & Subscribe to our podcast from wherever you are listening in. We would also love to hear from you, so do write to us at:Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠misadventuresofasneaker@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@misadventuresofasneaker⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog: misadventuresofasneaker.substack.com---------------------------------------00:00:00 Trailer00:03:21 Episode & Guest intro00:07:18 Early travel stories00:22:15 Legendry train stories  00:28:00 How did you choose Roopkund 00:21:24 Day0 – Kathgodam to Wan village00:43:26 Day1 – Wan to Didna 00:45:03 Day2 – to Bedmi Bugyal 00:50:00 Accident at Great Lakes Trek00:58:16 Ali Bugyal & Trishul view01:07:37 Roopkund's eerie stories01:11:50 Day3 – to Patharnachni01:08:31 Break01:19:22 Day4 – to Bhagua Basa (base-camp)01:30:45 Day5 – to Roopkund01:37:45 Descent & getting lost01:49:49 Bedmi to the end01:55:00 Love for travel01:57:11 Recalling the Kodai hike02:00:33 Thanks & Toodles

There are a lot of unhappy people in Oregon, and they want change. Specifically, they want a new leader. Now there's an effort to recall the governor. We talk with the man spearheading the move.

Why has the stock market been so persistently resilient despite crises like COVID, wars, and inflation? Don and Tom explore whether the current generation of investors is simply too inexperienced to remember real bear markets—and what that means for the future. They reflect on market history, including the 2000–2009 “lost decade,” and warn against overconfidence and overconcentration in U.S. large caps. The episode covers lessons from diversification, the value of bonds, the illusion of wealth during bull markets, and listener questions about rebalancing strategies, tax-efficient withdrawals, and international fund choices. They wrap up with a hilarious movie segment and a plea to get financial plans in order as fall approaches. 0:04 Why has the market been so resilient for nearly 20 years? 1:01 Buy-the-dip culture vs. true bear market experience 2:20 Recalling the 2007–09 crash and its emotional aftermath 3:15 Younger investors haven't seen long-term pain—yet 4:07 A history of “new paradigm” optimism before brutal downturns 5:30 Rising 401k balances vs. uncomfortable overconfidence 5:46 Buying the dip… or being the dip? 7:21 The savior during lost decades: diversification 8:45 “Winter is coming”—how to prepare like a Northerner 9:34 The return of bonds and rechecking your allocations 10:20 Hidden risks of U.S. stock concentration 11:14 Take 20%–50% off your portfolio mentally—it's not all yours 11:44 Listener questions: mic technique and financial reality check 13:24 The movie theater saga: terrible options and funny reviews 17:00 Listener Q: Calendar rebalancing vs. opportunistic rebalancing 18:50 Listener Q: Selling winners vs. minimizing capital gains 20:10 Listener Q: Comparing AVDE, AVNM, and Dimensional ETFs 24:58 Tax-loss harvesting with Avantis and Dimensional 26:24 Amazon's latest 3%-fresh movie disaster 28:12 Time to get your financial life in order—fall is coming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Alaska: 6/10 As an event it didn't look like a lot. But Europe came to Washington and, apparently, a meeting is on. The lights aren't out yet. Trevor Mallard: 8/10 Move of the week from Winston Peters. It took a while, but I still haven't found anyone who disagrees. The Reserve Bank: 2/10 They missed the contraction, and they paused as the country was going backwards. Now we need two more cuts. They got us into trouble but can't get us out? Look up the word "useless" in the dictionary. Helen Mirren: 7/10 James Bond "has to be a guy". You wouldn't have had to say that once. Nowadays it makes headlines. TOP: 4/10 As novel as it is to advertise for a leader, the fact you don't have one probably sums up the prospects for next year - which are none. Balls: 7/10 The balls at the US Open are made of New Zealand wool. My favourite fun fact of the week. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Pratt is a fearless world traveler with a taste for adventure (and good food). She is also one of Kath's oldest pals and she was kind enough to Zoom with us and regale us with tales of food experiences in foreign lands. Recalling early travel and food experiences as a child, she has now experienced all sorts of gastronomic delights, from Jordanian bread slapped on the side of a hot metal dome to Israeli salads to Norwegian eels to fenugreek cake: she has tasted it all. A true culinary journey that made us both want to simultaneously book tickets and eat something. Listen in!

Taylor Swift Breaks Down in Tears Recalling Moment She Won Years-long Battle For Master Recordings as Boyfriend Travis Kelce Comforts HerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/archaeology

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/art

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/indian-religions

On the podcast today I am joined by Kirin Narayan, emerita professor at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University. Kirin is joining me to talk about her new book, Cave of my Ancestors: Vishwakarma and the Artisans of Ellora published by Chicago University Press in 2024, and in 2025 as an Indian edition by HarperCollins India. As a young girl in Bombay, Kirin Narayan was enthralled by her father's stories about how their ancestors had made the ancient rock-cut cave temples at Ellora. Recalling those stories as an adult, she was inspired to learn more about the caves, especially the Buddhist worship hall known as the “Vishwakarma cave.” Immersing herself in family history, oral traditions, and works by archaeologists, art historians, scholars of Buddhism, Indologists, and Sanskritists, in Cave of my Ancestors Narayan set out to answer the question of how this cave came to be venerated as the home of Vishwakarma, the god of making in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Part scholarship, part detective story, and memoir, Narayan's book leads readers through centuries of history, offering a sensitive meditation on devotion, wonder, and all that connects us to place, family, the past, and the divine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

In Deuteronomy 8, God tells the people of Israel that they need to keep an attitude of humility when they enter the promised land and all things are going well for them. Our students should be equally grateful and humble as they think about all their successes and failures.

Gambling and the Guardians! Big Amish at the bat! Recalling the British Open; plus Pelotonia weekend nears and the cancer question returns!

“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui […]

Welcome to this classic episode. Classics are my favorite episodes from the past 10 years, published once a month. These are N of 1 conversations with N of 1 people. Brad Jacob's simple principle of "think big, move fast" is one I think about often. Brad's resumé is remarkable. He has founded seven companies, all of which are billion-dollar or multibillion-dollar businesses. He has done 500 M&A transactions and raised $30 billion of debt and equity capital. Currently, he is the Executive Chairman of XPO, a commercial trucking company that he started in 2011 and has grown into one of the largest logistics businesses in the world. He is a true force of nature, and I hope you enjoy his episode. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page here. ----- This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠WorkOS⁠⁠⁠. WorkOS is a developer platform that enables SaaS companies to quickly add enterprise features to their applications. With a single API, developers can implement essential enterprise capabilities that typically require months of engineering work. By handling the complex infrastructure of enterprise features, WorkOS allows developers to focus on their core product while meeting the security and compliance requirements of Fortune 500 companies. Visit ⁠⁠⁠WorkOS.com⁠⁠⁠ to Transform your application into an enterprise-ready solution in minutes, not months. ----- Invest Like the Best is a property of Colossus, LLC. For more episodes of Invest Like the Best, visit ⁠⁠joincolossus.com/episodes⁠⁠.  Stay up to date on all our podcasts by signing up to Colossus Weekly, our quick dive every Sunday highlighting the top business and investing concepts from our podcasts and the best of what we read that week. Sign up ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Follow us on Twitter: ⁠⁠@patrick_oshag⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠@JoinColossus⁠ Show Notes (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:02:11) Identifying key factors in a market before investing (00:05:07) Gleaning insights from early acquisition experiences (00:08:43) Delving into the seller's mindset during a business sale (00:12:51) Weighing pre-built against organic growth strategies in acquisitions (00:17:20) Defining the elements of an ideal business (00:22:49) Engaging constructively with Wall Street (00:24:36) Discussing the substantial buyback of XPO shares (00:28:16) Ambition as a recurring theme in entrepreneurial success (00:30:17) Emphasizing the need to facilitate team agility (00:32:35) Highlighting the joys of post-acquisition integration (00:36:09) Drawing lessons from Ludwig Jesselson's principles (00:40:34) Comparing the risks and rewards of early versus late adoption (00:44:09) Reflecting on errors made in trend analysis (00:48:59) Strategies for implementing new technologies in enterprises (00:51:59) The significance of thought experiments in strategic decision-making (00:56:00) Recalling transformative events from his early years (00: 57:22) Outlining what makes a meeting 'electric' (01: 01:53) Sharing experiences with exemplary leadership (01:05:02) Strategies for maximizing team potential (01:07:37) Deciding the right time to step away from a business (01:08:58) Unveiling unexpected challenges in entrepreneurship (01:18:45) Philosophies for leading a fulfilling life (01:21:04) Finishing How To Make A Few Billion Dollars (01:22:53) The kindest thing anyone has ever done for Brad

Recalling the life and legacy of All the Traditions host Robert Resnik, who passed away this week at the age of 72. Plus, Sen. Sanders says he'll work with senate colleagues to try and mitigate the cuts made to various health care services in the recently passed federal budget bill, an asylum seeker living in Colchester was allowed to return to his Vermont home after checking in with ICE officials but must meet with them again in the fall, St. Michael's College uses grant money to create a new emergency service program, and a new book chronicles the unique devotion some fans lavish on jam bands like Vermont's own Phish. 

On this “NASM CPT Podcast,” host Rick Richey takes a deep dive into the surprising benefits—and occasional pitfalls—of running a mile a day. Recalling those dreaded school PE mandates to “run the mile,” Rick explores how this accessible and straightforward form of exercise can transform health for people of all fitness levels. Drawing from current physical activity guidelines and peer-reviewed studies, Rick reveals that even just five to ten minutes a day of slow running can significantly lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks. But he's quick to weigh both sides, outlining possible risks like joint pain, stress fractures, and the importance of listening to your body, especially if you have existing conditions or are just starting out. Rick also shares practical strategies for beginners, emphasizing that you don't need to start by running—walking is a perfectly valid entry point, and he discusses intermittent versus continuous walking for better fitness outcomes. He highlights the value of ramping up intensity gradually, tracking your progress, and allowing for proper recovery and nutrition. The monologue presentation touches on the Daily Mile initiative, which encourages everyone (regardless of age or fitness) to complete a mile a day at any pace, emphasizing inclusion and consistency. Beyond the physical, Rick explores mental health benefits, urging listeners not to fear the mile and instead see it as a gateway to improved well-being. Tune in for actionable tips, research-backed encouragement, and inspiration to make the mile your own. If you like what you just consumed, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend to help grow our NASM health and wellness community! The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM. Introducing NASM One, the membership for trainers and coaches. For just $35/mo., get unlimited access to over 300 continuing education courses, 50% off additional certifications and specializations, EDGE Trainer Pro all-in-one coaching app to grow your business, unlimited exam attempts and select waived fees. Stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve as a fitness professional with NASM One. Click here to learn more. https://bit.ly/4ddsgrm

Recalling America - The Check is DueWebsite: http://www.battle4freedom.com/Network: https://www.mojo50.comStreaming: https://www.rumble.com/Battle4Freedomhttps://www.youtube.com/@_battle4freedomhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2015%3A16&version=CJBNumbers 15:16The same Torah and standard of judgment will apply to both you and the foreigner living with you.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14898237/Emergency-911-systems-pennsylvania.htmlEmergency 911 systems go down in US state leaving thousands to fend for themselveshttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14898167/Urgent-warning-bread-DEADLY-ingredient-kroger-walmart.htmlUrgent warning as bread recalled from at least 2,500 stores due to potentially DEADLY ingredienthttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14896909/China-remote-controlled-cyborg-BEES-spy.htmlChina creates remote-controlled cyborg BEES that could be used for secret spy missionshttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14896973/Joe-Rogan-podcast-Lyme-disease.htmlJoe Rogan makes explosive claim about insidious disease spreading through US: 'It was weaponized'https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14563845/prayer-app-hallow-gen-z-users-religion.htmlUGLY secrets of America's most popular Christian prayer app, as founder abandons troubled Hollywood backers. Report by JAMES REINLhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14901341/adlai-mestre-indicted-murder-mother-father-sister-escape-police-bodycam-tijeras-new-mexico.htmlMan 'murders his parents, sister, and dog' in unimaginable horrors before 'dragging bodies to ravine'https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14901233/nevada-teacher-abusing-kids-school-taji-hillson.htmlNevada teacher admits abusing dozens of kids as young as twohttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14903159/Humanitarian-city-proposed-Gaza-concentration-camp-Palestinians-ethnic-cleansing-former-Israeli-PM-says.html'Humanitarian city' proposed for Gaza would be a concentration camp for Palestinians and ethnic cleansing, former Israeli PM saysCredit to:Photo by John-Mark Smith from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/map-of-the-world-book-laid-open-on-brown-wooden-surface-32307/

“I really think that the purpose is to make space for the unknown, uncertainty, and for our kind of humility in the face of the complexity of our belonging to the physical world. So it's our animality, our physicality, all of that is so complicated and difficult to grapple with. The unknown is uncontrollable and is a huge abyss, as we know, for everybody. I do think that I'm trying to pivot here a little bit towards meeting the patient's attempts to grapple with that unknown.” Episode description:  We begin by examining the assumptions of causality that we humans commonly invoke when faced with physical ailments. Childhood imaginings come forward during such times, and, despite being distressing, they offer comfort in the face of frightening uncertainty. Similarly, analytic theorizing has occasionally suggested certainties in the face of the unknown. This may limit the analytic space, thereby making vulnerability, fears, and new awarenesses less accessible. Sharone presents clinical material from patients with testicular cancer and lymphoma, where their psychogenic theories of etiology interfered with their medical care. We consider the distinction between patients with somatic symptoms and psychosomatic patients. We question the ability of the analytic method to uncover the origins of medical illnesses while emphasizing the importance of recognizing the "particular possibilities of our method."   Our Guest: Sharone Bergner Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in full time private practice of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and clinical supervision in New York City. She is a member and former faculty at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research and is Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor and a clinical supervisor at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, in the Contemporary Freudian track, where she teaches a course called The Body in Analytic Reverie. She is a member of the International Psychoanalytic Association and the editorial board of The Psychoanalytic Quarterly. She has a special interest in the body/mind in relation to maternal reverie in early development, vitality, embodiment, and medical issues, having worked early in her career in a cancer hospital, with the internal medicine, OBGYN, and dermatology clinics of a large urban teaching hospital, with political refugees and with parent-child pairs.    Recommended Readings: 1. Bergner, S. (2011). Seductive Symbolism: Psychoanalysis in the Context of Oncology. Psychoanalytic Psychology 28:267-292.   2. Gottlieb, R. (2003). Psychosomatic medicine: the divergent legacies of Freud and Janet. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 51:857-881.   3. Winnicott, D.W. (1966). Psycho-Somatic illness in its positive and negative aspects. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 47:510-516.   4. Lombardi, R. (2017). Body-Mind Dissociation in Psychoanalysis: Developments After Bion. Routledge.   5. Lemma, A. (2015). Minding the Body: The Body in Psychoanalysis and Beyond. Routledge.   6. Miller, P. (2014). Driving Soma: A Transformational Process in the Analytic Encounter. London: Karnac. Not to be missed: case vignette: Recalling a Challenging Analytic Case, pp. xxvi-xxxviii      

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Monshin explores what it means to be a peacemaker in our complicated world. Recalling a creative renaming of the 4th of July as “Interdependence Day,” Monshin […]

“Our Teacher” is a collection of essays written by students of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong). This series is comprised of their personal experiences with the practice and their interactions with Dafa's founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, when the practice was first taught to the public. The writings were originally published on the Minghui […]

FRANCE: RECALLING TIANANMEN TRAGEDY YEAR 0NE, 1990. SIMON CONSTABLE 1900 BOXERS