Podcasts about reflect

In this candid coaching session, Christine works with Andi, a coach who left a stable engineering career to pursue her true calling—but is now questioning whether to keep going or retreat back to what feels “safe.” After years of effort without financial stability, Andi wonders if she's chasing a pipe dream. Christine helps her uncover the deeper dynamics at play: how childhood conditioning, generational fear, and the belief that success must follow a formula are holding her back. Together, they explore what it means to believe in your dreams even when external results lag, and how coaching isn't just about marketing or money—it's about embodying truth and evolving consciousness. If you've ever doubted your path, felt torn between passion and practicality, or questioned whether your dreams are valid, this conversation will give you clarity, relief, and a renewed sense of purpose. Consider / Ask Yourself: Have you ever wondered if your dreams are too unrealistic—or if the “safe” path is actually safer? Did childhood experiences or parental voices shape your beliefs about success? Are you harder on yourself than you are on others you support? Do you feel like you have “one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake” when it comes to pursuing your passion?   Key Insights and A-HAs: Coaching (and many soul-led vocations) is a spiritual journey, not just a business model. Our worth is not defined by clients' results or financial benchmarks. Childhood wounds and inherited fears can sabotage dreams if left unhealed. Success requires both service and the willingness to receive energetic exchange. Believing in yourself and embodying your truth creates alignment that attracts opportunities.   How to Deepen the Work: Identify whose voice you hear in your doubts—is it truly yours? Reflect on childhood dreams that were squashed and consider how they want to express now. Reframe support not as “fixing” but as resourcing yourself for the journey. Notice where you're trying to make your path formulaic (A + B = C) and invite curiosity instead. Ask: “What do I know to be true about myself?” and breathe into that truth daily.   Upcoming Event: Christine's Women's Retreat takes place October 17–19, 2025. This transformational weekend helps women release old programming, reconnect with their true desires, and step boldly into the life they're meant to live. Partial scholarships are now available, and generous listeners can sponsor another woman's attendance. Learn more and reserve your spot: christinehassler.com/retreat   Social Media + Resources: Christine Hassler — Take a Coaching Assessment Christine Hassler Podcasts Including Coaches Corner Christine on Facebook Expectation Hangover by Christine Hassler @ChristineHassler on Twitter @ChristineHassler on Instagram @SacredUnionCouples on Instagram Email: jill@christinehassler.com — For information on any of my services! Get on the waitlist to be coached on the show! Get on the list to be notified about the upcoming certification program for coaches.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Kill them, kill them all   John Wick: Winston... tell them... Tell them all... Whoever comes, whoever it is... I'll kill them. I'll kill them all. Winston then smiles and says “of course you will”   In todays world we have to be willing to do something incredibly hard and that is kill… kill them with kindness.    The saying "kill them with kindness" means to respond to negativity, hostility, or criticism with overwhelming kindness, compassion, or generosity. The idea is to disarm or surprise someone who is being unkind or adversarial by treating them with unexpected warmth and understanding, potentially defusing conflict or changing their perspective. It's a figurative way to suggest that kindness can be a powerful tool to overcome negativity, not that it literally "kills" anyone… but what it does kill -hopefully - is kill their response to continue to attack. Now it's not easy to do, its not easy to put on replay a response of love, listening and caring. No matter how much they vomit hate, lies and vulgarity you still love them.    1. **Practice Active Listening**: Give the person your full attention without interrupting. Reflect back what they've said to show understanding, which can reduce defensiveness and open dialogue.   True Jesus would interrupt an idea, but never interrupt someone is mid conversation. You should't either. We all know how frustrating it is when someone interrupts us- don't be that guy.    2. **Stay Calm and Composed**: Maintain a neutral tone and body language. Your calmness can be contagious, helping to lower the emotional temperature of the situation.   This might be the most overlooked quality of Jesus. Now he did get mad, but only at the Religious leaders, not against the sinners.    3. **Use Empathy Statements**: Acknowledge their feelings with phrases like "I can see why that would upset you." This validates emotions without agreeing with the content, fostering connection.   This one thing alone is huge. The greatest negotiators the ones who close deals and talk people off the ledge - literally - first know how to listen. Jesus listened… quit forming a response during someone speaking, yelling or debating. Listen first then connect to how they feel not just what they say.  Jesus says in Matthew 25 “you have heard it said” seven times… what is he trying to do? He is connecting with what his listeners have heard and how they feel.    4. **Ask Open-Ended Questions**: Encourage them to elaborate with questions like "Can you tell me more about that?" This shifts focus from confrontation to exploration, potentially revealing underlying issues.   Make your questions direct that show you care. Not questions that try to stump that person. Questions that ask about their feelings and their past experiences. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Ever get into a good fight. A good old fashion butt kicking, arse whooping fisticuffs. It isn't necessarily an enemy just someone you are at odds with you both throw down. At the end of the fight even if you lost you can shake their hand and say well done my friend, I underestimated you. My last one was with my wife… just kidding, but thats where we are going today.  I love watching the UFC, I truly appreciate it when two men start banging and they both stop once and awhile tap gloves as if to say… heck of a fight, nice kick, nice hit… it shows respect. Why in todays world do we as Christians shy away from a good fight?  1 Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. Fight in the Greek 1. to struggle 2. (literally) to compete for a prize 3. (figuratively) to contend with an adversary 4. (genitive case) to endeavor to accomplish something Fight in the Greek 1. (properly) beautiful 2. (chiefly, figuratively) good 3. (literally) valuable 4. (morally) virtuous worthy {for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from G18, which is properly intrinsic} The one thing this verse reminds us of is we are in a fight, so if we choose not to fight, we choose to lose. Its not a choice as a follower of Christ. You love Jesus, you fight the fight of faith.  We have confused peace with being a pacifist. It is true, Jesus is the prince of peace, but he is also King and as King he leads us into spiritual battle…and that spiritual battle is against other people. We can love them, but still fight them.  1 Timothy says we are fighting for eternal life… I don't believe that is our eternal life but rather the eternal life of those who do not know Christ.  Having a "good fight" might seem like a contradiction, but it's a great way to think about how to handle conflict constructively. The goal isn't to win or dominate the other person, but rather to understand each other better and find a resolution that works for both of you. Here's a breakdown of how to approach a conflict in a healthy and productive way: Before the Fight 1. Pick the right time and place. Avoid bringing up a serious issue when one or both of you are tired, hungry, or stressed. Don't try to have a serious conversation in a public place or when you're in a hurry. Choose a private, quiet setting where you can talk without interruption. 2. State your intent. Start the conversation by explaining why you want to talk. This sets a collaborative tone. Try saying something like, "Hey, I've been feeling a little disconnected from you lately, and I'd like to talk about it. Is now a good time?" During the Fight 1. Stay calm and focused. It's easy for emotions to take over, but try to keep your voice calm and your mind clear. Stick to the topic at hand. If the conversation starts to veer off into old arguments or other issues, gently guide it back. Avoid using aggressive or accusatory language, like "You always..." or "You never..." 2. Listen to understand, not just to respond. The most crucial part of a good fight is active listening. Put down your defenses and genuinely try to see the situation from the other person's perspective. Ask questions to clarify what they're saying and show that you're hearing them. You can use phrases like, "What I hear you saying is..." or "Can you tell me more about how that made you feel?" 3. Use "I" statements. Instead of pointing fingers, focus on your own feelings. For example, instead of saying, "You make me so angry when you leave your dirty dishes everywhere," try saying, "I feel frustrated when I see dirty dishes on the counter because it makes the kitchen feel messy." This shifts the focus from an accusation to an expression of your personal experience. 4. Take a break if needed. If the conversation gets too heated, it's perfectly okay to pause. Acknowledge the tension and suggest a break. Say something like, "I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now. Can we take a 15-minute break and come back to this?" This prevents things from escalating and gives both of you time to cool down. After the Fight 1. Find common ground. Once you've both had a chance to speak and be heard, look for a solution together. This isn't about one person winning and the other losing. It's about finding a compromise that you can both agree on. It might be a small step, like agreeing to a trial run of a new behavior, or a bigger one, like seeking out couples counseling. 2. End with an apology and a hug. Even if you've done everything right, a fight can still be draining. A sincere apology for any hurt caused—even if it was unintentional—and a physical act of connection like a hug can help reconnect you and reinforce your bond. 3. Reflect and learn. After the conflict is over, take some time to think about what happened. What went well? What could you have done better? Learning from each fight will make the next one easier and more productive. Think of a good fight as a team effort to solve a problem. It's an opportunity to strengthen your relationship, not weaken it.

When the pressure's on, it's easy to second-guess yourself.“Did I do enough?”“Should I bend just this once?”For many leaders, the temptation to compromise feels small until suddenly, your integrity is on the line.In this episode of The Executive Appeal, I (Alex D. Tremble, CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions) talk with Timothy J. Hansen, RPRA, MNAA, owner and principal of Blue Ridge Valuation Services, about the courage it takes to hold firm when others push you to cut corners.Timothy shares why he's been called “obstinate” or “hidebound” and why refusing to bend on values is often the smartest risk management strategy. He walks through how to educate decision-makers, keep emotions in check, and lay out the real consequences of compromising standards.Because here's the truth:Leadership isn't about pleasing everyone.It's about protecting your integrity while guiding others toward the right path.

Read Online“‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.' John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” Luke 7:32–35Ecclesiastes 3 is a very popular reading for funerals. It says, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” This reading is consoling to those who are mourning at a funeral because life is filled with many different emotions and experiences. When those at a funeral think about their loved one, they will recall both the good times and the bad, the sorrows and the joys. Doing so helps remind them that even though the funeral is a time of sorrow, joys will follow in the future. This is the natural rhythm of life.In our Gospel today, Jesus challenged those who failed to have the proper human response at the right time. “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.” The image of playing a flute and singing a dirge and the subsequent failure to dance and weep reveals a certain disconnect that many people had to John the Baptist and to Jesus Himself during their ministries. In commenting upon this passage, Saint Augustine says that John the Baptist's preaching was like a dirge that called people to the “weeping” of repentance. However, when he preached, there were many who failed to respond with the appropriate repentance. When Jesus came, He preached and gave witness to the new life of grace that He came to bestow. Though some listened and responded to Him, there were many who did not. Jesus' message was like the music of the flute that was to inspire people to “dance.” But many failed to respond with the joy that they were invited to experience and live through His transforming message and grace.There is, indeed, an appointed time for everything and for every affair under Heaven. The mission we have been given is to be attentive to that which God is speaking to us at each and every moment of our lives. At times we must “weep” by looking at our sins honestly, experience the horror of those sins, and passionately reject them. At other times we will “dance” when God invites us into His consoling grace and asks us to see clearly His merciful love. At those moments we are invited to be deeply grateful and to express that gratitude with our whole souls. Reflect, today, upon the calling you have been given to live in a well-ordered way. Do so by considering how attentive you are to the people around you. Does the attentiveness of your charity help you to see the hurt within the hearts of those who are suffering? Are you compelled to offer them a compassionate ear and merciful heart? When others are experiencing the joys of life, are you able to share that joy with them? Can you do so fully, without jealousy or envy of any kind? When God inspires you to some act of conversion and bestows some grace, do you listen and promptly obey, responding in the most appropriate way? Our souls must become sensitive to the promptings of grace and must respond accordingly. Seek to have a well-ordered soul so that you will live and experience the life that God places before you each day in accord with His perfect will. Lord, Your soul was perfectly ordered, always responding to the will of the Father with perfection. You were firm when love demanded it, courageous in the face of hardship, merciful to the repentant sinner, and joyful at the conversion of all. Please help me to always be attentive to the promptings of Your grace and to always respond to You in the way I am called. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Saint John the Baptist, standing in a landscapeSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

⁠✨ Grab your spot to my NEW training: How to Hit Your Next 10K Month With Ease. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this short but potent episode of The Money Mindset & Manifestation Podcast, I introduce you to a concept that came through to me during a run—the And Theory. This simple yet powerful shift can help you break free from upper limits, stop self-sabotaging when life is good, and create deeper connections without falling into victim energy. Instead of saying “but” and unconsciously dimming your light, you'll learn how to use “and” to expand into safety, abundance, and empowered connection.Topics Covered:Why your unconscious mind is always scanning for dangerHow upper limits and comfort zones sabotage growthThe hidden habit of using “but” to seem relatableReplacing “but” with “and” to expand abundanceVictim energy vs. empowerment energy in relationships and businessDaily practices to reprogram your nervous system for safety and growthAction-Oriented Episode Focus:Notice where you say “but” when things are going well.Replace “but” with “and” to create space for expansion.Practice nervous system regulation (like breathwork) to feel safe in abundance.Reflect on whether you're seeking connection through victim energy or empowerment.Resources:Clear the Fear Certification: Help others clear their limiting beliefs and become a certified practitioner!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [Link to certification]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Higher Self App: Dive deeper into recalibrating your mind and clearing your subconscious blocks. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[Link to app]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Marley's YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Marley on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow along with Marley at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@marleyroseharris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, view her website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠marleyrose.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@marleyrose.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Submitting a review? Screen shot your review and send it to hello@marleyrose.ca to get your free track to clear any blocks to manifest your desires! Thank you

Read OnlineJesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. Luke 7:11–12Try to imagine this mother. She had been married, she and her husband had a child, they raised their child, she and her son watched her husband die, and then she watched her son die and was participating in his funeral. Since he was her only son, she was now alone.When we think about this woman, it is easy to feel compassion for her. Her heart would have been filled with a sorrow that is tangible to anyone with empathy. Her heart might also have been filled with fear. At that time, a widow would have had a very difficult time taking care of herself in a rural village. With her husband gone, she would have had to rely upon her son to provide for her as she aged. But now that he was gone, her heart would have not only felt the pain of his loss, but also fear for her future. What would become of her? Who would provide food for her year after year? Would she be reduced to begging and poverty?It is in the context of this very real sorrow and fear that Jesus enters her life. We do not know if she knew anything about Jesus. It appears she was not one of His followers and might not have even heard about Jesus since He had not been ministering publicly for very long. Jesus' encounter with her and her dead son appears to be unplanned and unexpected. What is it that moves Jesus to raise this man from the dead? It does not appear to be a response to anyone's faith within the village. It is not even done at anyone's request. Instead, it appears to be done purely out of Jesus' compassion for this mother. At least that's how it seems at first read. And though Jesus clearly acted out of compassion for her, if we consider the entire context, there might also be a secondary motive.Jesus, his disciples and a large crowd were all walking together through this village. Since Jesus' miracles were normally performed in response to people's faith, it is most likely that faith was a contributing factor to this miracle. The faith that called forth this miracle, however, could only have come from the crowds of people who were walking with Jesus from Capernaum. The day prior, these same crowds witnessed Jesus heal the servant of a centurion. They clearly believed in Jesus. As they walked with Him and encountered this funeral procession, it was not only Jesus' heart that was moved with compassion, it was also the hearts of His followers. Therefore, as Jesus' followers witnessed this mother's sorrow and then witnessed Jesus' own human sorrow and compassion for her, they would have had hope that He would do something. Their hope would have been supernatural in origin, which means that it was also united with faith. By faith, they knew Jesus would act. Thus, in a very real way, the compassion, hope and faith of the people traveling with Jesus would have called forth His almighty power to heal, and Jesus responded.There are many ways to act as mediators of God's grace. One way to do so is by growing in compassion for others and hope in God. When we witness the sufferings of others, allow ourselves to feel compassion for them, manifest hope in the power of God to heal, and then stand there, in faith, waiting for God to act, God will be compelled to act. Our holy compassion, hope and faith act as a prayer to which God always responds. The crowds accompanying Jesus through the Village of Nain appear to have acted in this manner and, inspired by their witness, we, too, must act as intercessors for others in the same way.Reflect, today, upon anyone in your life who resembles this widow of Nain. Who is it that God wants you to notice and to feel compassion for? As your empathetic heart notices those who need your compassion, open yourself, also, to the supernatural gift of hope. Have divine hope that God will heal them. As you do, allow that hope to manifest faith in God and offer that compassion, hope and faith to God as your prayer for those who are in need.Most compassionate Lord, You are always attentive to our needs and our sorrows. Your Heart is filled with compassion for all. Please give me a truly empathetic heart so that I will see those in need. As I do, fill me with hope and faith that You will pour forth Your mercy upon them so that I will become an intercessor for all. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

This episode is an invitation to put the practice of surrender into action. Picking up where we left off, Tim and Josh lead us through a guided listening exercise designed to create a moment of stillness and connection with God.In this episode, we will:Quietly settle our hearts and minds, inviting God's presence into our space.Reflect on the areas where we are holding onto control—the very things that keep us from the peace we crave.Pray a simple prayer of release and surrender: "God, I give everything and everyone to you. I want what you want."We will then revisit the Five F's—Faith, Family, Finances, Fullness, and Fun—using them as a guide to identify what we have been unwilling to surrender. This is a time for honest reflection and open-handed release, declaring Jesus as King over every part of our lives.This episode is for you, whether you're a new listener or an alum of the One Year Journey. Let's make space to be still, listen to God's voice, and experience the freedom that comes with true surrender.

On this week's episode, I explain the triple nine portal of last Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The number nine invites us to close old cycles and prepare for a fresh start. Triple nine energy equals Release, Align, Rise.  It's not too late for you to focus on what you what to release, how you can forgive yourself and others with compassion and rise into a higher vibration.  Reflect on what no longer serves you. Envision how you can show up more consciously and confidently for yourself, your relationships, your work and the proactive work needed in our country now. Let these three words be your guide: RELEASE, ALIGN, RISE!   Enjoy the podcast! 

Welcome ShopTalkers!  Today we're putting it all together - in Episode 78 you mastered the voice, in Episode 79 the words, and now it's time to own your executive presence. So, let's start by defining it - it's built on 3 pillars: gravitas, communication, appearance. Today, it's not just about polish—it's about trust, connection, and authenticity. Unfortunately, gender gaps remain: women hold only about 30% of senior leadership roles globally and are often judged more harshly whether they lean “feminine” or “masculine. 3 Strategies to Elevate Your Presence: 1.  Anchor Gravitas – Project steadiness through tone, pauses, and eye contact. 2.  Lead with Clarity & Connection – Confident register, powerful words, plus empathy and storytelling. 3.  Reflect on Visibility & Trust – Seek feedback, notice how others respond, and make sure people feel heard and valued. Now, if you want to take things up a notch, join us for our Live Brand Reboot Workshop on October 2ndfrom 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM CST, and if you're not in the beautiful state of Arkansas where this is being held, click on the Livestream option with Zoom, and we will send you the link!  Space is limited so grab your ticket ASAP by visiting our website at www.drdawnshoptalk.com. Until next time, this is Dr. Dawn reminding you: presence isn't just seen—it's felt. NEW HERE? Here are your “Must-Do's:”Register for our Building your Brand Workshop 10/02/25 ·        https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/workshops Check out our Mentioned Videos: ·       The Career Woman's Secret Playbook Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fR_clXjZ-4&list=PLdguFjdYMwqWXnvIeSAIhDrtPdHdsLGde ·       Mindset & Confidence Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klxaMDeQCXU&list=PLdguFjdYMwqXrgiI1YaB87uHu1gm_mczc·       What's Holding You Back Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg5oof2vv7Q&list=PLdguFjdYMwqUaLR6jMeDUgP0cntaIJJ-Y ·       Public Speaking Videos:o   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gks9Z5Xxago   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGuVz2noipc·       Building your Brand Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRK7Ep29SkQ&list=PLdguFjdYMwqVLPsFZjl-Do8eH7leltW8O Get your copy of The Career Woman's Secret Playbook! ·       Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Career-Womans-Secret-Playbook Contact Me! ·        https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/book-online Grab your Freebies! ·       https://www.drdawnshoptalk.com/career-secrets https://www.youtube.com/@drdawnshoptalk/podcasts

"I wanted it. I was just doing the work to have that job, and I didn't even know what the freaking job was." – JK   Juan's Disney Internship   CBQ: How come you never talk about what it was like to work at Disney?   Juan reflects on his Disney internship 24 years ago, the risks he took despite his parents' doubts, the odd jobs and lessons along the way, and how that leap helped shape his confidence to take risks in his career.   HIGHLIGHTS 1:39 “Working at Disney World was like college without classes.” – Juan 4:52 “I can't keep this medal…” – Juan 8:40 “I don't think I'm gonna be an artist anymore.” – Juan 10:02 “The biggest lesson was like, I need toothpaste.” – Juan 13:45 “Reflect on your big risk in the past when you did something that other people were like, no, don't do that. And you're like, I'm doing it anyway.” – Juan Follow CareerBlindspot.com  LinkedIn | Instagram | Youtube Juan | Courtney    → Your listening perspective matters - 5 min survey.

On this episode, Darren sits down with Dr. Michael Cafferky (former Ruth McKee Chair for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics at Southern Adventist University) to discuss how to reflect God's character in business. 

Coleton preached on Jesus' triumphal entry and how Jesus seeks to make two central claims: 1. Jesus is the Messianic King — the crowd's actions and the fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) show that Jesus openly claims the kingship. He accepts royal honor (“Hosanna,” cloaks, branches) and—when challenged—refuses to silence the praise, even saying that if the people were quiet “the stones would cry out.”  N. T. Wright: “You don't spread cloaks on the road –especially in the dusty, stony Middle East!–for a friend, or even a respected senior member of your family. You do it for royalty. And you don't cut branches off trees, or foliage from the fields, to wave in the streets just because you feel somewhat elated; you do it because you are welcoming a king.” Jesus claim to be King forces a decision: is Jesus merely a helpful healer/teacher, or is He your sovereign King who rules your life? C. S. Lewis: “A really foolish thing that people often say about Jesus is: ‘I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man yet said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic (like a man who says he is a poached egg)—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” We have to choose to receive or reject Jesus as King. 2. Jesus is not like other kings — unlike Roman triumphs that display conquest, prisoners, and plunder, Jesus rides a colt (a sign of peace and humility) and is followed by people He's healed and freed. His reign looks like liberation, restoration, and sacrificial service, not domination and bondage. David Guzik & Dr. David L. McKenna  “A Roman Triumphal Entry was an honor granted to a Roman general who won a complete and decisive victory and had killed at least 5,000 enemy soldiers. When the general returned to Rome, they had an elaborate parade. As a symbol of bloody conquest, they chose a prancing horse at the head of a processional that included his warriors, a shackled contingent of the conquered people, and an extravagant display of the treasures that the army had taken by force. The procession ended at the arena, where some of the prisoners were thrown to wild animals for the entertainment of the crowd. Now we understand why Jesus is so specific about His entry and the animal He rides. In the symbol of the foal of a donkey, Jesus predicts His role as the King. Jesus makes His triumphal entry on a donkey—a symbol of peace, not war; of humility, not pride. Behind Him comes (not prisoners but), an entourage of disciples and a rabble of common people whom He has healed and set free. They serve as the trophies of His conquest—not won by bloody violence, but by relentless love.” Why it matters: if Jesus is truly your King, He gets to govern all areas of life (money, marriage, speech, media, anger, forgiveness, political loyalties, etc.). That means surrendering personal control and letting his values shape decisions and habits. If you resist that rule you may still experience a Christian language of forgiveness and blessing but not the transforming reality of Jesus' kingdom — a kingdom characterized by love, freedom, reconciliation, generosity, and joy even amid suffering. Coleton closes with a pointed question to wrestle with: Is Jesus your King? and invites people to examine which kingdom's traits actually define their life. ⸻ Practical takeaways     •    The triumphal entry publicly declares Jesus' kingship — it's not optional or merely symbolic.     •    Jesus' kingship is servant and liberating, not coercive or violent.     •    To truly follow him means handing over areas of life where you still rule, and allowing his kingdom fruit (love, peace, patience, generosity, freedom, reconciliation) to grow.     •    Evaluate life by asking: “Whose kingdom am I experiencing here?” If it's not Jesus', return and make Him King. ⸻ Discussion & Small-group / Personal practice questions Use these to help people put the sermon into practice — mix of reflection, confession, and action. 1- Read Mark 11:1–11. What detail(s) jump out at you this time that you hadn't noticed before? Why might those details matter? 2. Coleton says Jesus forces a choice: King or not. What makes accepting Jesus' kingship hard for you personally?  3. Take one area of your life (money, marriage, parenting, social media, anger). Describe which kingdom (Jesus' kingdom or the world's) best describes how you act there. What would one concrete step toward Jesus' rule in that area look like this week? (Give a measurable, time-bound step.) 4. Jesus' kingship carries moral demands (forgiveness, loving enemies, turning the other cheek). Pick one relationship where forgiveness or reconciliation is needed. What is one small, courageous next step you can take to reflect Jesus' reign there? 5. Reflect on the two portraits of kingship (Roman/violent vs. Jesus/humble). Where in your life are you tempted to imitate a worldly kingdom (control, domination, proving self)? How can you choose the way of Christ instead? 6. The sermon notes the kingdom's fruit (love, joy, peace, patience…). Which of those fruits are present in your life now? Which are absent?  7. Coleton said there are places where Jesus is king and places where you still rule. Name one “pocket” of your life where you still want to be sovereign. What would it look like to hand that pocket over to Jesus today? ⸻ Scripture quoted in the sermon Zechariah 9:9–10 (NKJV excerpt used): “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” Psalm 118:25–26 (referred to as source of “Hosanna” / welcoming the Deliverer). Luke 19:38–40 (quoted in part): “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” … Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” … “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Philippians 2:6–8 (paraphrase/quote of Paul): “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider His equality with God as something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing… He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – President Trump sends ICE agents and military forces to restore order in violent cities while critics cry foul. Supporters see his actions as true kindness, protecting citizens from crime and corruption. Rooted in Biblical justice and patriotism, this call urges America to confront evil, defend freedom, and uphold faith, justice, and peace for all...

-Guests: Contact/Follow Nasir Zacharia also B. Lorenzo Roache Email info@Harlemfilmfestival.org Youtube  ⁨@harlemfilmfestival6384⁩  IG: @HarlemFilmFest Dates: September 17-21st, 2025Aaron Davis Hall Center & Maysles Documentary Center ⁨ @citycolleg⁩  NY --This episode of OneMicNite Podcast, host Marcos Luis welcomes the visionary Co-Founders of the Harlem International Film Festival (Hi), Nasri Zacharia and B. Lorenzo Roaché, for a dynamic and insightful conversation marking the festival's 20th Anniversary.

In this deeply personal and unscripted episode, I invite you into a raw, sacred space—one shaped by the spiritual weight of eclipse season. This isn't your usual astrology forecast. It's a story. A reckoning. A download.

1. In his sermon, analyzing and reflecting on the beginning of Joseph's life, Tim pointed out that - in Joseph's life, as in our own, “there are no blameless parties.” He shared a slide that read, “We are all part of the brokenness…We blame each each other to avoid facing reality that we're all responsible for the mess. Because it's hard to trust that God we can't see is with us, keeping our world. Sometimes we're totally blind to it.”Take a moment to absorb these words. Consider re-reading them several times.What does “We are all part of the brokenness” mean to you? Where do you most see this reflected in your life and in the world?In which contexts are you most tempted to blame others rather than avoid facing responsibility for your part in a mess?How often do you consider your own responsibility in brokenness you encounter? What is it like for you to explore the question of your part in different types of situations? Where does it feel easier or more natural? Where does it feel most difficult or unhelpful?What connections do your see to the patterns you've just described and the ideas Tim shared about blame? How difficult is it for you to face the idea you have some responsibility in much of the messiness of your life? How do you respond to that? What do you think is meant by that idea? Where is most applicable? Least?How trust in God factor in? Tim said that we blame each other because it's hard to trust that God is with us, keeping our world. To what extent does that feel true to you? How aware are you of difficulty you may have trusting in God's presence during your messy experiences of life's brokenness?2. Tim talked about the ways in which we will all spend big chunks of our lives perpetuating darkness w/o even knowing it. He tied this reality to the Christian tradition of nonviolence. Of this he said, “…because what if we kill the wrong people?” He then on to say, “Besides, it might be us next time.”Can you identify times in your life when you have perpetuated darkness without even knowing it? What has that looked like in the past? How do you feel about those times now? What has been significant for you in moving through and processing those parts of your story?What's it like to consider possible situations in the present or the future in which you might again play a similar role in perpetuating darkness?Reflect on these ideas related to violence. What do you think about the idea that we sometimes blame and kill the wrong person? Is it possible to get your head around the idea, next time, it could be you that's unfairly blamed? And acted against violently?If you noticed particular similarities or differences in the way different people in your group responded to this question, what do you think there is to learn from what you observed? What could it teach you?3. As he wrapped his sermon, Tim said that the story of Joseph dares us to believe that God will weave even the most broken parts of our lives - even the biggest messes and the deepest pain- into a story of redemption.What's your initial reaction to this suggestion? Does it feel difficult or easy to believe? Is it easier to believe in some circumstances than it is in others? Is it easier to believe for other people or for yourself?Have there been times in the past when you've seen this to be true? Have you been looking? How has it impacted you to see stories of redemption woven into your life and/or the lives of people around you? What has it taught you about places in your life today where you might have a harder time believing in a coming story of redemption?

One of Mark Carney's election promises was to building affordable housing in Canada - and lots of it. Today, the Prime Minister outlined how this government will tackle this gargantuan task - announcing the creation of a new agency that will guide the process.Also: Parliament returns from its summer break on Monday - with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre back in the house after a byelection win. And the opposition is pledging to hold the government to account. We take a look ahead at what to expect.And: It is the second school year since a cap was placed on study permits for international students. With another fall semester underway, students at Canadian colleges and universities are noticing changes to campus life.Plus: A vigil for a toddler killed in a crash at an Ontario daycare, The teacher bringing music to young people in Gaza, The seaweed industry in B.C., and more.

Step into a realm of supernatural life: expect the supernatural and believe well. By shifting your mindset to anticipate miracles at any moment, you position yourself to recognize divine interruptions in daily rhythms. Believing well means cultivating faith that's rooted not in wishful thinking, but in the character and promises of God—faith that holds steady when circumstances seem unchanged. You'll hear real-life stories of breakthroughs, healing, and surprise encounters that happened when someone simply opened their heart to possibility. The preacher shares practical rhythms—daily practices, journaling prompts, and conversation starters—that nurture deep belief and help you stay poised for the miraculous. Reflect on where you've limited expectation and how you can expand your vision of what's possible. Tune in, lean into faith, and watch as the ordinary moments of your day become infused with divine possibility.

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – President Trump sends ICE agents and military forces to restore order in violent cities while critics cry foul. Supporters see his actions as true kindness, protecting citizens from crime and corruption. Rooted in Biblical justice and patriotism, this call urges America to confront evil, defend freedom, and uphold faith, justice, and peace for all...

Discussion on Discourse 01 (May 22, 1973) - Part 4Among the thousands of discourses delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, those that He gave as part of the Summer Course series are remarkably special. They are focused on specific spiritual themes, and as they are for youngsters, the elucidation is gradual. In this series, members of SSSMC go through the discourses delivered as part of the 1973 Summer Course Series. These discourses were on Adi Shankara's Bhaja Govindam.'Shravanam Mananam Nidhidhyasanam' which can be translated as 'Listen, Reflect and Assimilate' is a Vedantic edict to the spiritual aspirant on how the Supreme Truths are to be approached and absorbed. In this series, short clips of the discourses are listened to and reflected upon, with the prayer that the assimilation happens.

In this episode, I take a pause from business as usual to reflect on the recent loss of Charlie Kirk. It's a time to grieve, pray, and lift up our country as we process this heavy moment together. Sometimes we just need to slow down, find perspective, and remember what really matters.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.” Luke 6:43–44What a great way to examine the direction of your life! This Gospel passage gets to the heart of how we can best discern whether or not we are truly fulfilling the will of God. Oftentimes we may struggle with knowing clearly if we are doing that which God wants of us. There are many directions in life that we can be pulled toward and many goals we can come up with on our own. For that reason, it is useful from time to time to stop and do an honest inventory of our lives. When you look at the past year of your life, what do you see? Specifically, do you see good fruit being born? Such an examination is helpful to do from time to time. It is useful to make such an examination not only for the past year but for different time periods. Perhaps start by looking at the big picture by looking at all the times in your life that were most fruitful for the glory of God. From there, try to look at your life decade by decade, year by year and then even month by month over this past year. Look for the most blessed moments in your life as well as the most challenging moments.When we examine our lives in this way, it's important to understand what to look for. For example, there may be moments when all went well in one way or another and then other times that were painful and very difficult. What's important to know, from a divine perspective, is that just because something “went well” at one point, or just because something was “painful and very difficult” at another point in our lives, this doesn't mean that the former was the most fruitful for the Kingdom of God or the latter the least fruitful. In fact, heavy crosses and difficulties in life can often be the most fruitful times for us, spiritually speaking. Just look at Jesus' life. Of course, everything He did was fruitful for the glory of the Father in Heaven, but we can easily point to the most painful moment of His life as the most fruitful. His Crucifixion brought forth the greatest good ever known.So it is with our lives. The fruitfulness of our lives is not best discerned by looking at those moments when all was easy, fun, memorable and the like. Though those may also be graced moments, we need to look at spiritual fruitfulness from the divine perspective. We need to look for the moments in our lives, be they easy or difficult, when God was clearly present and when we made choices that gave Him the greatest glory.Reflect, today, upon your life being like a tree that bears spiritual fruit. What times of your life, decisions you made, or activities that you were engaged in produced the most virtue in your life? When was your prayer life the deepest? When was your charity the strongest? When was your faith and hope the most evident? Return to those moments, savor them, learn from them and use them as the best building blocks for the glorious future our Lord desires for you.My glorious Lord, Your life bore fruit of infinite value. You continually chose to fulfill the will of the Father in Heaven, and, as a result, You lived every virtue to perfection. Help me to regularly pause in life so as to examine the direction in which I am going. May I learn from my errors and rejoice in those moments that were most fruitful for Your Kingdom. I love You, Lord. Help me to bear the greatest fruit for Your glory. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jan Brueghel the Elder, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Andy Baggarly joins Silver & J.D. to reflect on Justin Verlander's second half surge and preview the keys to the Giants finding success against the Dodgers in a crucial series this weekendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Jordan, a 13-year NFL veteran and father of New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan joins Silver & J.D. to reflect on his son's career with the New Orleans Saints, the importance of connecting with his community, and the opportunity ahead for Jake Tonges from a tight end's perspectiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Standard and Secret of the Highest Performers. Identify and understand the core qualities that drive leaders to consistently strive for excellence. Gain insights into the mindset and habits of high-performing individuals and leaders. Learn techniques for setting and pursuing ambitious goals that align with your values and passions. Explore methods for fostering a positive and empowering mindset that fuels personal and professional growth. Reflect on your own leadership style and identify areas for growth and development.

we can change the world through ourselves

Have you ever wondered if your relationship is nourishing you or quietly draining you? Closeness gives energy. Codependence erases you. In this Episode of the Tabling Thoughts podcast, I'll show you how to recognize the difference and how to build love that feels like freedom, not obligation. This is part 2, stay tuned for the next episode and make sure you've listened to part 1.Link to Reflect and Colour Book by Solmaz BarghgirSetting Boundaries WorkshopThe Miracle of Meditation to Overcome FearSelf Steam CourseRelationship CourseStress CourseSolmaz LinkedIn Copyright Notice: All rights to this podcast and its content are exclusively owned by Solmaz Barghigr. This content is legally protected, and any unauthorized downloading, reproduction, or redistribution may have legal consequences. If you wish to share an episode, please do so only by sharing the official link from the platform where you are listening (such as Spotify, YouTube, Castbox, Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts)Music:Song: Retro Groove (Upbeat Fun Retro)_ Main VersionLicense: Individual License, Commercial, APRA/AMCOSComposer: Henrique Tavares Dib - APRA IPI: 00611600895Email: admin@barghgir.comSolmaz_Barghgir_Coach InstagramTabling Thoughts InstagramLam Ta Kalaam CastBoxLam Ta Kalaam Apple PodcastWebsite:   www.barghgir.comYouTube:  https://youtube.com/@solmazbarghgir

Andy Baggarly joins Silver & J.D. to reflect on Justin Verlander's second half surge and preview the keys to the Giants finding success against the Dodgers in a crucial series this weekendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Jordan, a 13-year NFL veteran and father of New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan joins Silver & J.D. to reflect on his son's career with the New Orleans Saints, the importance of connecting with his community, and the opportunity ahead for Jake Tonges from a tight end's perspectiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's your local news for Thursday, September 11, 2025:We'll outline Wisconsin Democrats' education agenda,Untangle Line 5's complicated legal history and find out what's next in the fight to stop Enbridge's proposed reroute of the pipeline,Delve into some of the Wisconsin Transparency Project's most recent cases,Break down where the fish are biting,Reflect on Forward Madison's frustrating (but still hopeful) season,And much more.

This episode is sponsored by Redefining Wealth LIVE, September 12-14th - a transformational experience designed to shatter default thinking and align your life with true purpose, prosperity, and peace. If you're ready to redefine success on your terms, claim your virtual seat today.   ✨ This Season is Dedicated to Mí Amiga, Rachel Luna In honor of my dear friend Rachel Luna, this season is dedicated to her fearless legacy. Please support her work by grabbing a copy of Permission to Offend and, if you feel led, contributing to her family's GoFundMe.  

Hi there, it's Jody Agard. Just like the moon, our energy shifts. Tonight, we align with her phases—letting go and finding rest under lunar guidance. Get comfy, breathe in sync with the moon, and let's drift… Xo, Jody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read Online“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?”  Luke 6:41Saint Teresa of Ávila, one of the greatest spiritual writers and doctors of the Church, explains in her spiritual masterpiece “Interior Castles,” that one of the first steps on the path to holiness is self-knowledge. Self-knowledge produces humility, because humility is simply having a true opinion about yourself. When a person fails to know themself from the true perspective of the mind of God, then they open themselves up to many errors of judgment. One such error is that they can easily become fixated upon their perceived sins of others.The Gospel passage quoted above depicts a person who gravely lacks self-knowledge. Why? Because they “do not perceive the wooden beam” in their own eye, meaning, they do not see their own sin. As a result, Jesus explains that this person also becomes fixated upon the “splinter” in their brother's eye.When you consider your own thoughts, what do you dwell upon the most all day long? Do you honestly look inward, seeking to know yourself as God knows you? Or do you spend excessive time thinking about others, analyzing and judging their actions? This is an important question to ask yourself and to answer with honesty.The best way to know yourself is to gaze upon Jesus. When He becomes the focus of your attention throughout the day, you will not only come to know Him, but you will also come to know yourself more honestly. Gazing at the beauty and perfection of our Lord will have the double effect of knowing Him and knowing yourself through His eyes. It will also help you to know others as He sees them.How does Jesus look at those around you? He looks at them with perpetual mercy. True, at the end of every life, when we pass from this world to the next, we will encounter our particular judgment from our Lord. But while here on earth, God continually gazes upon us with mercy. For that reason, mercy must become our daily mission, and we must build a habit of gazing upon everyone in our life with the eyes of mercy. Reflect, today, upon our Lord. Look at Him, gaze upon Him, seek to know Him and make Him the focus of your attention. As you do, try to dismiss from your thinking process your own perceived judgments of others. Allow your gaze upon our Lord to help you to not only see Him but to also see others through His eyes. Build this habit and you will be on the fast track to the path to holiness. My merciful Jesus, may I build a humble and true habit of gazing upon You in Your splendor and beauty. As I see You, day in and day out, please also help me to see myself through Your eyes of mercy so that I will also grow in humility. Please remove all judgment from my heart so that I will be free to know and love all people as You know and love them. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Fra Angelico, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Today's guest is Phil Nash. Phil is a Manager of Coach Education at EXOS. He is a seasoned strength and conditioning professional who leads EXOS's efforts to develop and educate coaches worldwide. Phil specializes in bringing practical, science-based training methods—like plyometrics and medicine-ball work—into performance systems, and regularly shares his expertise at major industry conferences On today's show, we dig into training models ranging from the force–velocity curve to the idea of infinite games, exploring how these frameworks influence the way we view athletic performance. Phil offers his perspective on blending structured training with the freedom of play, highlighting adaptability and growth as central themes in coaching. This episode provides clear, practical insights for coaches and athletes alike on building both physical capacity and mental resilience. Today's episode is brought to you by Hammer Strength and the Vert Trainer Use code “justfly10” for 10% off the Vert Trainer Use code “justfly20” for 20% off of LILA Exogen Wearable resistance gear at www.lilateam.com View more podcast episodes at the podcast homepage. (https://www.just-fly-sports.com/podcast-home/) Timestamps 5:12 – Phil's Journey into Coaching and Performance Training 12:40 – Exploring the Interplay of Science and Coaching Art 22:18 – Building Strong Athlete-Coach Relationships 32:07 – The Role of Autonomy and Curiosity in Development 43:51 – Balancing Physical Preparation with Mental Readiness 55:46 – Using Constraints to Guide Skill and Movement 1:07:12 – Learning from Mistakes and Coaching Growth 1:18:09 – Phil's Reflections on Longevity and Evolving as a Coach Actionable Takeaways 5:12 – Phil's Journey into Coaching and Performance Training Key Idea: Phil's path into performance was shaped by curiosity and the pursuit of practical knowledge over titles. Takeaways: Curiosity often leads to better learning than rigid career plans. Don't chase credentials alone; focus on applying knowledge effectively. Reflect on your own journey: what experiences shaped your coaching approach? 12:40 – Exploring the Interplay of Science and Coaching Art Key Idea: Phil emphasizes blending research with intuition. Coaching is both science and art. Takeaways: Use research as a guide, not a rulebook. Stay flexible: coaching requires adapting principles to individuals. Trust experience and feel when the data isn't enough. 22:18 – Building Strong Athlete-Coach Relationships Key Idea: Relationships drive results; athletes respond best when trust and mutual respect are present. Takeaways: Prioritize connection before correction. Listen actively; athletes often know more about their body than you realize. Strong relationships create resilience during setbacks. 32:07 – The Role of Autonomy and Curiosity in Development Key Idea: Giving athletes autonomy fosters curiosity, ownership, and growth. Takeaways: Encourage athletes to explore solutions, not just follow orders. Create environments where curiosity is rewarded. Autonomy builds long-term motivation and adaptability. 43:51 – Balancing Physical Preparation with Mental Readiness Key Idea: True performance is as much mental as it is physical. Mindset shapes outcomes. Takeaways: Prepare the mind alongside the body. Use reflection and visualization tools to build confidence. Don't overlook recovery as a mental reset, not just a physical one. 55:46 – Using Constraints to Guide Skill and Movement Key Idea: Constraints-based training creates problem-solving and adaptable movers. Takeaways: Design environments that force athletes to adapt. Use constraints to spark creativity, not to over-control. Let athletes discover solutions instead of prescribing every detail. 1:07:12 – Learning from Mistakes and Coaching Growth Key Idea: Mistakes are inevitable; growth comes from reflection and ad...

Your Daily Prayer

Study on Romans 4 led by Adrian Mena, Pastor Christian Tarbox, Kayla Tryon, Michelle Rosalez, Misael Reyna, and kids.— El Paso Northeast is a Seventh-day Adventist Church that exists to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, embracing all people in our community to make this church their home.Learn more: https://epnortheast.orgFacebook: https://facebook.com/elpasonortheastInstagram: https://instagram.com/epnortheastPodcast: https://epnortheast.org/podcast

Each believer has been uniquely equipped by God with spiritual gifts meant to build up the body of Christ. In Romans 12:5-8, Paul emphasizes that every gift matters equally—whether serving, teaching, encouraging, or leading. Our call is not to compare but to faithfully use what God has entrusted to us. In today's prayer and devotional, Laura Bailey reminds us that awakening our spiritual gifts often begins with noticing the needs around us and asking the Holy Spirit to empower us to respond. When we live this way, we reveal Christ’s love, glorify God, and experience the joy of serving in unity with others. Even children can learn this truth. As Laura shared with her daughters, embracing each other’s strengths helps us see the beauty of God’s design for the body of Christ. Our gifts were never meant to be hidden; they are meant to be shared. Today's Bible Reading: "So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:5-8, NIV Key Takeaways Every believer has spiritual gifts given by God’s grace for the benefit of the whole body. No gift is more valuable than another—each has purpose in God’s design. The Holy Spirit equips us for needs in the moment, sometimes beyond our natural strengths. Serving with our gifts is an act of worship, pointing others to Jesus. Let’s Pray Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us uniquely and entrusting us with spiritual gifts. Help us embrace these gifts with joy and diligence, using them to serve others and glorify You. Forgive us for comparing or criticizing instead of celebrating how You’ve made each of us. Lead us to action, working in unity with others, so that the world may see Your love on display. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Calls to Action Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement. Reflect on your spiritual gifts: How can you use them to serve your church, family, or community this week? Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to step into their calling. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Read OnlineTo the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Luke 6:29–30This must have been shocking to Jesus' first disciples. First of all, recall that Jesus taught these words with a spiritual authority that left those with an open heart with a conviction that what Jesus taught was truth. Also recall that Jesus taught these deep spiritual lessons within the context of performing numerous miracles. So, for these reasons, His new followers would have known that what Jesus taught was true. But how could they fully accept such teachings?Though many commentators will try to point to the deeper spiritual principles that Jesus was teaching, try to first take His words on face value. He really said that you must offer the other cheek to someone who strikes you, to give your tunic to one who steals your cloak, and to give to everyone who asks of you, never demanding back that which someone takes from you. These are not easy lessons to accept!One thing that these powerful lessons teach us is that there is something far more important in life than the humiliation of being struck on the cheek and having your possessions stolen. What is that more important thing? It's the salvation of souls.If we were to go through life demanding earthly justice and retribution for wrongs received, we would not be able to focus upon that which is most important. We would not be able to focus upon the salvation of those who have wronged us. It's easy to love those who are kind to us. But our love must extend to everyone, and sometimes the form of love we must offer another is the free acceptance of injustices they commit against us. There is great power in this act of love. But we will only be able to love another this way if our deep desire is for their eternal salvation. If all we want is earthly justice and satisfaction for wrongs committed, we may achieve that. But it may come at the expense of their salvation. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that every wrong must be righted here and now. But that's clearly not what Jesus taught. His wisdom is so much deeper. He knew that a profound act of mercy and forgiveness to another, especially when they have hurt us deeply, is one of the greatest gifts we can give. And it's one of the most transformative actions we can also do for our own souls. When love hurts, in the sense that it costs us our earthly pride, especially by completely letting go of injustice, then our act of love for that person has great power to change them. And if that act changes them, then this will be the cause of your joy for eternity. Reflect, today, upon any way that this hard teaching of Jesus is difficult for you. Who comes to mind as you ponder this teaching? Do your passions revolt against this command of love from Jesus? If so, then you have discovered the specific area where God wants you to grow. Think about anyone with whom you have a grievance and ponder whether you desire their eternal salvation. Know that God can use you for this mission of love if you will love in the way our Lord commands. My merciful Lord, Your love is beyond my own ability to comprehend. Your love is absolute and always seeks the good of the other. Give me grace, dear Lord, to love with Your heart and to forgive to the extent that You have forgiven. Use me, especially, to be an instrument of salvation and mercy to those who need it most in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

What makes a leader truly effective?It's not the packed calendar.It's not the ability to juggle ten things at once.It's the courage to slow down, choose intentionally, and show up as fully human.In this episode of The Executive Appeal, I (Alex D. Tremble) talk with Tonya Cornileus, Senior Vice President of Learning & Talent Solutions at The Walt Disney Company, about what it means to lead with presence and humanity.Here's what we dive into:✨ The surprising leadership power of meditation and mindfulness✨ Letting go of the multitasking myth to become fully present✨ Building equity through personalized leadership, not one-size-fits-all✨ Creating space on your calendar for growth, connection, and reflection

The Jasons are back to talk about critical reflection and it's role in congregational revitalization. --Critical reflection. We've talked about it regularly on the podcast. What is it? How do we do it? Why is it important?In this episode of the Sacred and Small Podcast, the Jasons dig into the concept of critical reflection and use some of their own summer experiences to consider the subject.Crticial reflection includes concepts like lament and repentance and, in the end, helps us move as individuals and churches toward sanctification, better alignment with God's will and way.As you listen to this episode, take a moment to consider your own summer. How did God move? What challenges did you run into? Reflect on those things and consider what God would like to teach you and your people through those experiences.

Happy 9-9! In numerology, the number 9 represents completion, but not finality--it's like the ending of one cycle and nearly the beginning of another. To me, it's like a portal... Come with me as we take advantage of this powerful moment on the cusp of leaping forward to take a magical pause.Our hectic world shoves us from one thing into another, and it's always asking "What's next?" Instead of responding, slow down--just like nature does. Reflect upon what's ending, what's ripening, and what blessings are falling around you during this harvest season.I invite you to make space today for a moment of reflection before whatever it is that's next for you. In the episode, you'll find resources to help you do this and a simple exercise you can do while listening to the episode (please don't do it while driving!).One of the best ways to regularly introduce rest and pause into your life is to move with nature's cycles. You don't need elaborate tools or even tons of time to connect regularly with your inner wisdom, nature and the magic around you. In fact, you can even start with the Book of Days I have created for September. Each week, you'll find simple, fun and magical exercises that strengthen your intuition and call for objects you can find around your home.LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The 4-week Wild Wisdom: Awakening Your Magic and Intuition course starts on October 1st! Sign me up Join the free weekly Crescent Moonletter to stay updated on upcoming events and courses, to receive stories and inspiration, freebies and ways to connect with yourself and the seasons. SOCIAL:@sylva_florence @magicmedicineandmayhem www.sylvaflorence.comwww.magicmedicineandmayhem.comMMM FB page

Read Online“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.” Luke 6:24–26Is it dangerous to be rich, to be filled, to laugh, and to have all speak well of you? According to Jesus, it appears so. Why would Jesus warn against these things? And before that, why would He pronounce it blessed to be poor, hungry, weeping and insulted? Essentially, Jesus was condemning four common sins—greed, gluttony, intemperance, and vainglory—and promoting their opposite virtues.Poverty, in and of itself, is not sufficient for holiness. But in Luke's Gospel, Jesus declares it blessed to be poor, literally. This goes further than Matthew's Gospel which says it is blessed to be “poor in spirit.” To be poor in spirit is to be spiritually detached from the material things of this world so that you can be fully open to the riches of God. One common tendency among those with material wealth is to rationalize that even though they have many things, they are detached from them. Hopefully that is the case. However, in Luke's version of the Beatitudes, Jesus directly says, “Blessed are you who are poor” and “woe to you who are rich.” In this teaching, we discover a second blessing not found in Matthew's version. In addition to spiritual detachment (poverty of spirit) being identified as a blessing, literal poverty is proclaimed as the easier way to achieve this spiritual detachment. Material wealth, though not a sin in and of itself, brings with it many temptations toward attachment, self-reliance, and self-indulgence. Thus, spiritually speaking, it is easier to be detached when one is poor, rather than when one is rich. This is a hard truth for both the poor and the rich to accept. The poor often want to be rich, thinking that if they were, they would share their wealth with others and remain detached. The rich often enjoy being rich and believe that they are more spiritually detached than they actually are.Being “hungry” is also identified as a blessed state, whereas being “filled” is a dangerous state. When you are literally hungry, either from fasting or from lack of an abundance of food, it is easier to turn your hunger and thirst toward God so as to be filled by Him and to more easily trust in His providence. An abundance of food, especially fine food, tempts you with a gluttonous satisfaction that makes it difficult to hunger and thirst for God and His holy will in a complete way. Therefore, if you refrain from indulgence and experience hunger, you will be blessed to be free from gluttony and even the temptation toward it.“Laughing” and “weeping” in this case are not referring to joy and despair. Rather, they are referring to those who are always seeking fun and an indulgent life. Many people live for fun, entertainment, and momentary pleasures. Weeping refers to those who have discovered that the fleeting pleasures of the world can never satisfy. Constant entertainment, therefore, brings with it a real temptation, whereas the loss of that form of fleeting pleasure helps eliminate that temptation.Finally, Jesus declares it blessed to be hated, excluded, insulted, and denounced as evil on account of Him rather than being spoken well of by all. In this case, Jesus is referring to the praise that comes from things that mean nothing from an eternal perspective. When all speak well of us, praising qualities and accomplishments that are not true Christian virtues, we will be tempted to rely upon that praise for our satisfaction. But this form of satisfaction is nothing other than vainglory and never truly satisfies in the end. However, when one sees and praises the virtues of God within us, God is praised first and foremost, and we are blessed to share in God's glory. Reflect, today, upon whether you prefer to be rich, to indulge in the best of foods, to be constantly entertained and to be the envy of others, or whether you see the temptations this type of life brings. Reflect also upon the concrete spiritual blessings that come to those who are literally poor, hungry, temperate and humble. This is a very demanding teaching from Jesus. If it doesn't sit well with you, then know that it is a sign that you still have various attachments in life. Reflect, especially, upon the beatitude that is most difficult to embrace, and make that beatitude the source of reflection and prayer. Doing so with honesty and openness will result in you being among those who are truly blessed in the eyes of God. My blessed Lord, You were poor, hungry, temperate and humble to the perfect degree. For these reasons, You were filled with perfect virtue and were satisfied to the greatest degree. Please open my eyes to the deceptions of this world so that I can live with You a life of true holiness, experiencing the riches of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You!Image: Sermon on the Mount by Danijel Dukić, license Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 InternationalSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

#591 Cris Duncan is an experienced studio owner from Lubbock, Texas, well-known for his expertise in lighting and in-person photography education. The conversation dives into the transformative value of hands-on, in-person learning experiences for photographers at all stages, shining a spotlight on Cris' role with the Texas School of Professional Photography—a weeklong, immersive event designed to provide deep dives into specific areas of photography, rather than the surface-level "popcorn" approach of larger conferences.KEY TOPICS COVEREDIn-Person Education vs. Online Learning - Cris highlights the unique advantages of in-person workshops (like Texas School) over online resources. While online tools are valuable for information, in-person learning provides real-time feedback, hands-on practice, and the chance to safely make and correct mistakes.Structure and Tracks at Texas School of Professional Photography - Texas School offers deep-dives in four main tracks—digital post-production, successful studio/business growth, lighting and camera skills, and specialty/technique. Students select a single class for the week, fostering mastery and focused learning.Building Community and Lifelong Learning - Success is fueled by connecting with others, sharing experiences, and forming lasting friendships. Community learning fosters motivation, accountability, and creative problem-solving. Cris describes students returning year after year, advancing in their journeys, and forming strong professional networks.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSConcierge Family Portrait Experience: A premium, tailored photography service that guides clients in everything from wardrobe choices to matching artwork with home décor, ensuring the final portrait complements the client's personality and environment.Texas School of Professional Photography: A weeklong educational event near Dallas, Texas, offering immersive, instructor-led classes to help photographers build foundational and advanced skills in a collaborative, hands-on environment.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSIn what ways does hands-on, in-person instruction help you understand and retain new photography skills better than online learning?How might joining a creative community or peer group accelerate your own photography journey?What skills or business goals would you most want to “deep-dive” into if given a week-long immersive class?Reflect on a time you learned best by failing—and how feedback helped you improve.RESOURCES:Visit Texas School's Website - https://texasschool.org/Follow Cris Duncan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cjduncanSign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

Who will you need to become to lead the next iteration of your business? Here's what Remarkable CEOs know: What got you here will keep you here unless you change who you are as a leader. Dr. Pete and Dr. Stephen challenge chiropractors to lift their heads from daily operations and lead with Vision. They map a simple grid to align belief and behavior across three roles—Operator, CEO, and Investor—over the timelines of now, next, and ultimately. You'll learn how identity shapes behavior, behavior drives outcomes, and how to build a practice that grows without sacrificing your life..In this episode you will: Learn why “what got you here won't get you there” and how identity shifts unlock growth.See how to hold the CEO posture: head up, eyes forward, accountable for tomorrow's growth.Use the Vision Grid to set beliefs and behaviors for Operator, CEO, and Investor across time.Understand the link between beliefs, behaviors, and business outcomes.Apply “what's important now, next, and ultimately” to every department. Episode Highlights01:35 - Step into a leadership conversation that challenges you to ask who you need to become.02:22 - Discover why your mission only moves forward when you step into CEO-level leadership.03:02 - Learn how the CEO posture of head up and eyes forward pulls your business into tomorrow.04:48 - See why what got you here will keep you here unless you shift your identity.05:36 - Understand how beliefs shape behaviors and why behaviors always determine outcomes.06:12 - Explore why growth begins inside and why leadership is always an inside job.07:28 - Reflect on the last 90 days and recognize where the old version of you isn't enough.08:42 - Hear how the Rubik's Cube analogy explains the complexity of building a business that also supports your life.09:47 - Organize your focus with the framework of what's important now, next, and ultimately.10:34 - Apply “what's important now” across marketing, sales, retention, team, and business office.12:15 - Identify who you need to become in the next 90 days, one year, and three years.16:10 - Break down your three roles—Operator, CEO, and Investor—across each timeline of growth.17:53 - Learn how vision casting is like driving: where your eyes go determines your next move.20:44 - See how clarity on your three-year ultimate vision helps you choose the right lane today.21:37 - Realize how your future earning potential grows when you make decisions today with tomorrow in mind.23:10 - Understand why you don't have the luxury to ignore vision casting and how the Vision Grid makes it practical.24:05 - Use the Vision Grid to align belief and behavior in every role you hold.25:18 - Define success as alignment between vision, values, and actions—and see why that's the true mark of leadership.26:20 - Dr. Bobby is joined by Success Partner, Alan Poric from AP4 Wealth, a firm known for helping chiropractors take control of their finances. If you've ever put off dealing with insurance, superannuation, or retirement planning, this interview is a must-listen. Alan explains why getting your financial ducks in a row early is so important, and how AP4 Wealth creates solutions designed just for chiropractors. Discover practical tips on protecting your income, caring for your family, and building a secure financial future. Resources MentionedDownload your copy of the Leadership Vision Grid here:  https://theremarkablepractice.com/podcast-ep322-leadershipvisionJoin the TRP Remarkable Attraction Immersion - Oct 10 and 11 in Phoenix, AZ and Oct 24 & 25 in Adelaide, AUS - https://theremarkablepractice.com/upcoming-events/For more information about AP4 Wealth please visit: https://www.ap4wealth.com.auSchedule a Strategy Call with Dr. Pete - https://go.oncehub.com/PodcastPCPrefer to watch? Catch the podcast on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRemarkablePractice1To listen to more episodes, visit https://theremarkablepractice.com/podcastor follow on your favorite podcast app.

Hurricane Helene took a severe toll on western North Carolina's art scene, but it also resulted in uplifting stories of recovery.

Read OnlineAnd he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all. Luke 6:17–19The Gospel of Luke presents us with what is traditionally known as the “Sermon on the Plain.” Almost everything Luke includes in this sermon is also found in Matthew's “Sermon on the Mount.” Matthew, however, adds some teachings not found in Luke. Matthew's sermon has three chapters while Luke's has only one.In this, the introduction to this “Sermon on the Plain,” from which we will be reading all week, Luke points out that large numbers of people came from far and wide to listen to Jesus. This crowd included many Jews but also included many people from the pagan territory of Tyre and Sidon. And what was it that drew so many of them? They came to “hear” Jesus preach and “to be healed.” They wanted to hear the words of Jesus since He spoke with great authority and in a way that was changing lives. And they were especially amazed by the healing power that Jesus manifested. The last line of the passage above gives great emphasis to this desire for healing. “Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.”It's interesting that Jesus performed so many powerful miracles as He went about His public ministry. This was especially the case as He began His ministry. He became a sort of instant celebrity to many and was the talk of the many surrounding towns. But it's also interesting to note that, as time went on, Jesus gave more emphasis to His teaching than He did to the miracles.What is it that draws you to our Lord? Perhaps if there were numerous manifest miracles performed today by God, many people would be amazed. But physical miracles are not the greatest work of our Lord and, therefore, should not be the primary focus of our relationship with Him. The primary reason we should be drawn to our Lord is because His holy Word sinks in deeply, changes us and draws us into communion with Him. This is clearly seen by the fact that now that the Gospel message has been deeply established and the Church formed, physical miracles are rare. They do happen, but not in the same way that they did as Jesus first established His public ministry.Reflect, today, upon the primary reason you find yourself drawn to our Lord. Seek out His living Word, spoken within the depths of your heart. The most important miracle that takes place today is that of interior transformation. When a person hears God speak, responds to that Word, and allows Him to change their life, this is among the most important miracles of grace that we could ever encounter. And this is the central reason we should be drawn to Him, seek Him out and follow Him wherever He leads.My miraculous Lord, please draw me to Yourself, teaching in the wilderness of my interior life of silence and solitude. Help me to seek You out so that I can hear Your Word, spoken to me to give me new life. May I always listen to You so that Your holy Word will transform me more fully, making me into the new creation You desire me to be. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Cosimo Rosselli, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read Online“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20–21Today we celebrate one of the most consequential birthdays in the history of the world! Certainly, the only birthday more important is that of our divine Lord Himself. But today we honor His mother, and our mother, too.The Blessed Virgin Mary was born into our world without the stain of original sin. She was preserved from experiencing fallen human nature through the gift of her Immaculate Conception. Thus, she was the first to be born in the perfection of human nature after the fall, and she continued to experience this grace throughout her life, responding to God with her free will every step of the way.All of us enjoy celebrating our birthdays. Children especially love it, but most everyone looks forward to that special day each year when family and friends honor them and celebrate them in a special way. For that reason, we can be assured that even our Blessed Mother loved her birthday while here on earth and continues to enjoy this special celebration in Heaven. Of course, she did not enjoy her birthday because she wanted to be pampered or given special attention. She, perhaps more than anyone other than her divine Son, rejoiced on her birthday because of the deep spiritual gratitude she had to God for all that He did in her life.Try to ponder the heart and soul of our Blessed Mother from her perspective. She would have been intimately united to each person of the Most Holy Trinity throughout her life. She would have known God, living in her soul, and would have been in awe of what God had done to her. She would have pondered these graces with deep humility and exceptional gratitude. She would have seen her soul and mission from the perspective of God, keenly aware of all that He had done for her.As we honor the birthday of our Blessed Mother, it's also an important opportunity for each of us to ponder the incredible blessings that God has bestowed upon each one of us. No, we are not Immaculate as Mother Mary was. We were each born into original sin and have sinned throughout our lives. But the blessings of grace, given to each one of us, is exceptionally real. We only need to work to have the eyes to see these graces. Baptism, for example, bestows upon the soul an eternal transformation. Though our sin may cloud that transformation at times, the transformation is eternal. Our souls are changed. We are made new. Grace is poured into our hearts, and we become children of God. And for the soul who is able to perceive the countless other ways that God bestows blessings, gratitude is the only appropriate response.Reflect, today, upon the glorious celebration of the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Begin by trying to rejoice in her life through her eyes. Try to imagine what she saw as she looked into her own graced soul. From there, try to rejoice, also, in your soul. Be grateful for all that God has done for you. Work to have eyes that see these countless graces and allow yourself to rejoice in God's blessings with our Blessed Mother. My dearest Mother, happy birthday! Today I rejoice in the incredible gift that God gave to you in your Immaculate Conception and birth into our world. I pray that I may honor you in a fitting way this day and to especially understand more clearly the beauty of your graced soul. Pray for me that I may also rejoice in the countless graces bestowed upon me by our merciful God. I love you, dear Mother. Precious Jesus, through the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I trust in You!  Image: Domenico Ghirlandaio, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.