POPULARITY
Categories
Read Online“I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11–12This passage comes just before Jesus is baptized and begins His public ministry. John the Baptist had been ministering in the desert of Judea, preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Many came to him to be baptized with a baptism of repentance. But when John saw many scribes and Pharisees coming to him, he said, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” The passage above is John's warning to them—and to us—about what will happen if we fail to repent.At that time, when wheat was harvested, it was left to dry. Then, a winnowing fan was used to blow the wheat and chaff into the air. The lighter chaff would blow away, while the grains of wheat would fall to the ground to be gathered, milled into flour, and used for baking. John uses this familiar image to depict what Jesus will do with the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are like the grains of wheat that will be gathered and brought to Heaven. The wicked are like the chaff that, once separated from the righteous, will burn in the unquenchable fire of hell.Though it is comforting to speak of the glories of Heaven and to anticipate being brought there by our Lord, it is necessary to also consider the reality of the unquenchable fires of hell. Pondering the reality of those unquenchable fires is something we should not neglect.In his spiritual classic, The Spiritual Exercises, Saint Ignatius of Loyola presents a format for a thirty-day directed silent retreat, considered by many to be the ideal retreat experience. During the first week of that retreat, the retreatant focuses primarily upon mortal sin and its consequences—the unquenchable fires of hell. Why would Saint Ignatius begin his retreat this way? Because he understood that the foundation of our growth in union with God is repentance, and repentance requires an honest and thorough examination of sin and its consequences.Reflect today on the unquenchable fires of hell, and allow yourself to foster a burning desire to flee from every sin that leads to that end. As we enter the second week of the penitential season of Advent, ponder this warning from Saint John the Baptist. Hear him speak those words directly to you. We must fear sin and avoid it, as much as we want to avoid the unquenchable fires of hell. Start with this foundational truth, so that having fostered deep repentance, you are ready to turn your heart and mind toward the glorious promise of Heaven. Jesus, our Just Judge, You hold the winnowing fan in Your sacred hand and separate the righteous from the sinner. Please grant me the grace to see my sin clearly, so that I may humbly acknowledge it and turn from it with all my might. May I build this foundation of repentance during Advent, so that Christmas becomes an even greater time of union with You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
In this episode of "Transform Your Mind to Transform Your Life," Myrna Young is joined by Kevin D. St Clergy to explore the compelling theme of "blind blaming." Through captivating storytelling and professional insights, Kevin delves into how the concept of blind blaming, where individuals fail to see the real issues due to instinctive blame, often keeps them stuck in unproductive cycles. With a poignant story from his youth of going from a star baseball player to a complete slump due to unseen vision issues, Kevin illustrates how we often blame ourselves and others without understanding the true underlying problems.The episode navigates Kevin's RCD Method, which stands as a powerful solution to tackling blind blaming. Kevin unfolds the importance of awareness, connection, and the decisive action of 'making an effing decision.' Listeners will gain insights into moving beyond the superficial blame, accessing hidden obstacles, and unlocking true potential—both in personal and professional realms. This enlightening episode presents a framework for change, urging listeners to discover the real issues behind their stagnation and take bold steps toward transformation.Key Takeaways:Blind Blaming Explored: Kevin introduces the concept of blind blaming, highlighting how instinctive blaming can mask the real problems in our lives.The RCD Method: Kevin's method—Reflect, Connect, and Decide—offers a structured approach to overcoming blind blaming by consulting outside perspectives and taking decisive action.Role of Awareness: Understanding cognitive biases like availability and confirmation bias can help in identifying when we are solving the wrong problems.Practical Application in Business: Kevin gives real-world examples of how uncovering hidden obstacles can lead to substantial breakthroughs in both business growth and personal development.Transformative Outcomes: By addressing root causes through the RCD Method, individuals can trigger ripple effects leading to improved relationships, business success, and fulfilled purpose.Resources:Website: Blind BlamingBook: "Beyond Blind Blaming" available on Amazon and the websitePodcast: Beyond Blind Blaming PodcastTo advertise on our podcast, visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TransformyourMindor email kriti@youngandprofiting.com See this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mind/id1144973094 https://podcast.feedspot.com/personal_development_podcasts/
Read Online“Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.” Matthew 9:35This one line speaks volumes about Jesus' public ministry. He didn't just preach a few sermons or heal a few who were sick. He “went around to all the towns and villages…teaching…proclaiming the Gospel…” and cured “every disease and illness.”It's important to contemplate that Jesus' public ministry lasted approximately three years. Three years of constant preaching, healing, and relating to people. During this time, Jesus encountered many thousands of individuals, and news of His works spread throughout Israel and beyond. Yet, the rest of today's Gospel reveals that Jesus' public ministry, though perfect in every way, was just the beginning. It was the foundation upon which His ongoing ministry would be established through the formation of His Church. As the Gospel continues, we gain insight into Jesus' compassionate heart. When He looked at the crowds, “his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” His three years of ministry were only the foundation, and His merciful Heart began to overflow with compassion. Though He is God, Jesus limited Himself to human interactions within time and space, making it impossible for Him to engage personally with every troubled and abandoned soul in His human form. That's why He told His disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” After this, He summoned His Twelve Apostles, gave them authority to share in His ministry of preaching and healing, and sent them out to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Later, as recorded in Luke 10:1–2, Jesus expanded His mission even further by sending out seventy (or seventy-two) disciples ahead of Him as He and the Twelve began their final journey to Jerusalem where He would suffer and die. After His resurrection, Jesus further commissioned His Apostles to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). This mission quickly spread to at least 120 disciples gathered in the upper room, and as the Holy Spirit continued to guide the early Church, thousands of new converts became evangelists, spreading the Word of God. Reflect today on Jesus' Sacred Heart, overflowing with compassion for all who feel “troubled and abandoned.” It is your mission to be Christ's Heart to them—to love them, to long for their burdens to be lifted, and to lead them to Christ, the Good Shepherd. Do not shy away from this mission, for the mission you are given is a continuation of and participation in the one eternal mission of Jesus Himself. Most holy and Good Shepherd, Your human Heart burns with the perfection of divine love and longs to touch every soul in need of Your mercy. Please transform my heart into Yours so that I may have Your zeal for the salvation of all whom I encounter and become a fitting instrument of Your divine presence in the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Season 9 continues with a brand-new six-part series, Social Media and You, and Izzy Baker kicks it off on Thanksgiving Day with a conversation that hits home for anyone navigating digital life in 2025. From therapy misconceptions to doomscrolling addiction, Izzy opens the series with licensed professional counselor William Sharp, known online as With the Therapist, to explore the real link between social media and mental health. This one isn't just about apps — it's about attention, identity, and the hidden ways the online world is shaping how we think, feel, and believe. Izzy begins with humor and honesty, setting the tone for a Thanksgiving special that's as relatable as it is revealing.The meme of the week reads: “After being on social media… how's your mental health?” That question drives the episode as Izzy and Will unpack why therapy isn't just “paid advice,” why so many people — especially Black men — still resist counseling, and how misunderstanding therapy keeps communities stuck in cycles of burnout and emotional isolation. Drawing from Angel Reese and Monaleo's viral conversation about therapy, Izzy challenges the myth that “therapists tell you what you want to hear,” and instead highlights how real therapy forces us to confront the truths we've been avoiding.The discussion quickly widens into the bigger picture — how the digital world has become both a tool and a trap. Izzy and Will take a hard look at the rise of AI therapy tools like ChatGPT, the increasing dependence on digital validation, and how men are using online spaces to process pain in unhealthy ways. Will offers professional insight into why comparison culture hits men differently, explaining how purpose, work, and emotional restraint collide under the pressure of social media. Together, they explore what it means to live authentically when your highlight reel becomes your identity — and why so many “high-functioning” men are thriving online while quietly unraveling offline. In the Happy Hour segment, Izzy addresses one of the most controversial trends of the year — using chatbots as substitutes for therapy — and asks the hard question:At what point are we replacing God with technology? Drawing from Matthew 6:22 and Psalm 101:3, he warns listeners about guarding their eye gates and ear gates, breaking down how overstimulation, gossip algorithms, and endless “self-help” content can distort spiritual and emotional clarity. Will adds balance with practical strategies, from setting social media cut-off times to fasting from digital noise to refocus on purpose. The conversation turns deeply personal as the two men share how they've had to guard their peace as both content creators and counselors. Izzy opens up about his own struggles with distraction, comparison, and the temptation to overwork in the name of “purpose.”Will responds with a message on fasting, boundaries, and the freedom that comes from stepping away — even temporarily — to reclaim your mind. They both challenge listeners to examine how much control their phones really have, and to ask: Do you own your feed, or does it own you? By the time the Weekly Sabbatical arrives, the tone turns spiritual. Izzy reads from a reflection on Proverbs 4:20–22, reminding listeners that “what you watch, hear, and meditate on becomes either life or poison to your body.”He connects the scripture to modern habits — the endless scrolling, the comparison traps, and the way entertainment can quietly erode discipline and joy. The challenge of the week is simple but piercing: Do you need a social media fast — and if so, when's the last time you took one? As Thanksgiving unfolds, Izzy leaves the audience with a reminder that gratitude and presence matter more than performance. You don't have to post your plate to prove you're enjoying your blessings. You just have to live them.Listen. Reflect. And don't be afraid to join the conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/p-s-a-the-mental-health-podcast--5520511/support.TrustBuilder Package
Welcome Back to The Clubhouse!From Delco rivals to Penn State brothers, Joey Demucci and Michael Anderson share their incredible journey from competitive beginnings in Delaware County to becoming inseparable teammates on the Penn State Nittany Lions baseball team. This week, the boys dive into their transformation, reflecting on the fierce rivalry that shaped their bond and celebrating their shared pride as Pennsylvania athletes.Here's what to expect:- Reflect on their experiences transferring to Penn State and what made it feel like home.- High school baseball stories, including their legendary "home run mask."- Discuss their aspirations for their senior year and their goals as Nittany Lions.- Dive into the differences between SEC and Big Ten baseball cultures.FOLLOW STATE MEDIA HERE:► TWITTER | https://twitter.com/StateMediaPSU► TIKTOK | https://www.tiktok.com/@statemediapsu► INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/statemediapsu/► YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/@StateMediaPSU?sub_confirmation=1► FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558183472272CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:24 - Delaware County Baseball04:21 - High School Rivalry05:02 - Reuniting as Teammates06:07 - Funny High School Stories07:58 - SEC Experience10:51 - Choosing Penn State14:19 - College Football Predictions16:16 - Georgia vs Alabama Preview18:35 - Notre Dame vs Clemson Preview#collegebaseball #mlb #mlbb #pennstate #weare #happyvalley #baseball #sunday #saturday
Self-control, when it is fully self-powered, can quickly become a losing battle. Coach Celeste gives you a better perspective, a better way to cultivate willpower with spirit-led control.As a thank you for this month's donation......we'll send you the newest release from author and theologian Dr. Harold Berry on Revelation: Daily Scriptures to Receive, Reflect, and RespondFor Christians who want to go deeper in their understanding of the book of Revelation.Yours with a gift of any amount.Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.
Read OnlineAs Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” Matthew 9:27Picture these two men for a moment. Just before this passage, Jesus had cured a leper, healed a Roman centurion's servant, restored Peter's mother-in-law to health, made a paralytic walk, and stopped a woman's years-long hemorrhages. He had cast out demons, freeing people from their oppression, and even raised a twelve-year-old girl from the dead. This context is crucial as we imagine these two blind men crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!”Word was spreading rapidly about Jesus and His miracles. In that time and culture, blindness often led to a life of begging unless family could provide. These men suffered greatly, from both their physical blindness and from the marginalization that accompanied it. Then they began to hear stories—one after another—about this new rabbi, a prophet from David's line, possibly the Messiah everyone awaited. They heard of His miracles and immediately hoped He could heal them too. So when Jesus was passing by, they didn't hesitate.Although physical healings were not Jesus' primary mission, these acts were powerful expressions of His compassion and divine authority. By healing, He brought peace and joy to troubled hearts, but more importantly, He demonstrated that His words carried divine authority. The Gospel of Matthew is arranged so that Jesus' Sermon on the Mount—a summary of His teachings—comes first. Then follows a series of miracles. While these miracles were acts of love for those He cured, they also serve to convince us today to listen to and obey His word.We are called to emulate the faith of these two blind men. We must believe that Jesus is the answer to all our needs, the only one who can heal our souls. We can see their physical blindness as a metaphor for our own spiritual blindness. Just as they cried out for physical healing, we must cry out for spiritual healing.Reflect today on the disposition of these two blind men. Though we know little about them, we do know they cried out to Jesus for mercy and healing. Their prayer must become our prayer; their hope, our hope; their passionate cry, our plea for mercy. The healing they sought is mirrored in the healing we seek today, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is in this sacrament that we find Jesus passing by, where we cry out for mercy and where we are spiritually healed. Let us long for healing from our spiritual blindness and cry out to Jesus with persistence, following Him relentlessly in prayer. He will hear and answer us. My healing Lord, though Your many miracles show Your divine power over nature, demons, and every illness—even death—the greatest healing You offer is the healing of my soul from sin. Please have pity on me, Lord. Heal the spiritual blindness I have so that I may come to know You, follow You, and live according to Your will. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jesus healing the Blind by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
December isn't just a holiday month — it's your personal Unwrap.It's reflection.It's heavy.It's honest.It's where you evaluate the wins, the losses, the storms, and the quiet battles you didn't post online.In today's episode, Meech breaks down how to Reflect, Reconcile, and Realign so you walk into 2026 prepared, focused, lighter, and stronger.If this episode resonates, share it & drop a “Hell Yeah Brother” in the comments.IG & TIKTOK: meech.speaksLet our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/meechspeaks and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
Knowing what to say in a coaching session is one thing. Knowing when to say it, how to pace it, and what to listen for underneath the words… that's where real coaching happens.In this episode, we're walking you through a coaching session breakdown, pulling back the curtain on the decisions made in real time during last week's The Client Seat episode. You'll hear what Kelsa was tracking, which threads she chose to follow, when she stayed quiet, and why certain moments mattered more than others.This isn't a recap of what was said during the episode. It's about what was happening underneath, the layer most people miss when they're learning to coach.You'll learn how to spot emotional patterns before diving into strategy, why reflecting back what you hear matters more than you think, and how to build buy-in through pacing and presence, not just through advice. Kelsa breaks down key moments from the session and shows you how small coaching decisions create big shifts in client confidence and follow-through.If you've ever wondered what experienced coaches are actually doing during a session beyond asking questions and giving recommendations, this episode shows you.Links & Resources:Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook groupEpisode 132: How to Create Buy-In: The Framework for Lasting Financial Change Key Takeaways:Start every session by naming the focus. It reduces overwhelm and creates emotional safety before you dive into solutions.When a client says they "did it right" but it still didn't work, slow down. That frustration signals a need for validation, not immediate strategy.Gathering information isn't just for you. It builds buy-in. Clients gain clarity by talking through what's happening, which makes them more ready for change.Naming a pattern doesn't fix it, but it creates breathing room. Giving language to an overwhelming experience helps clients feel understood and opens the door to possibility.Reflect back what you're hearing at least once per session. When clients know you get it, their nervous system relaxes and they become more open to trying something new.Try micro buy-ins before recommending a full plan. Offer one simple shift first, gather feedback, then tailor the next step based on what you learn.Security isn't created by the emergency fund. It's created by the belief that you can respond. Progress isn't just measured in dollars. It's measured in how secure someone feels.
As 2025 winds down, Money Tales hosts Sandi Bragar and Cammie Doder take the mic for a practical conversation packed with personal finance wisdom. This episode is all about reflection, intention and preparation—how to thoughtfully close out the year and step into 2026 with clarity and purpose. Sandi and Cammie explore everything from the power of revisiting your financial vision and refreshing goals to nurturing open money conversations with loved ones and building confidence in your financial habits. They dive deep into specific year-end planning opportunities, including tax strategies, charitable giving, Roth conversions and using health care deductibles wisely. Sandi also highlights emerging client trends like cross-border planning, financial parenting and developing a philanthropic mission. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your cash flow, deepen your money knowledge or reset your financial mindset, this episode will leave you with actionable ideas to carry forward into the new year. Take Control of Your Financial Year Discover how reflection, intentional planning and open money conversations can help you close out 2025 with clarity and step into 2026 with confidence. If you'd like to work with an Aspiriant advisor to align your financial plan with your goals and values, connect with us here. Subscribe to Money Tales on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Music for more inspiring stories on purpose, money and personal growth.
Our actions and reactions, especially in the heat of anger, are not unnoticed by God. Spiritual Fitness Coach Nat Crawford gives you biblical pointers to help you navigate through turbulent times with the grace of God. As a thank you for this month's donation......we'll send you the newest release from author and theologian Dr. Harold Berry on Revelation: Daily Scriptures to Receive, Reflect, and RespondFor Christians who want to go deeper in their understanding of the book of Revelation.Yours with a gift of any amount.Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.
Pitt Football broadcaster Bill Hillgrove comes on The Fan Hotline to review the CFB season and how well he believes the team did with Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Pat Bostick.
Read Online“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.” Matthew 7:24 & 26Jesus' words remind us that each of us will inevitably face hardships: “The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.” He doesn't suggest that these storms might come; He assures us that they will. Just as a house must be prepared for bad weather, so must our lives be ready for suffering, hardship, and ultimately, death.Imagine someone building a house on sand. When the storms come, the foundation erodes and the house begins to crumble. All the effort spent building that house is wasted because the foundation was weak. In contrast, those who build their houses on rock can remain confident as the storm arrives, knowing their foundations are secure.The metaphor is clear. The house represents our lives, and our foundation is either Christ or sin. If we build our lives on habits of sin—such as love of money, materialism, hedonism, impurities, anger, deceptions, and selfishness—our lives will inevitably crumble when hardship strikes.Jesus' own life perfectly illustrates this teaching. He was lied about, unjustly arrested, brutally tortured, condemned to death, and nailed to a cross. Yet through it all, the perfection of charity in Jesus' soul never wavered. He had built His human life on the most solid foundation by fully embracing the Father's will without hesitation. Jesus listened to the Father's voice and acted upon it perfectly; as a result, nothing could steal His peace. Even in the face of the Cross, Jesus manifested the perfection of every human virtue, generously bestowing grace upon every repentant sinner who takes up his cross and follows Him.Reflect today on the crosses you have faced and those you might face in the future. How have you handled these struggles? Are you prepared for the storms that will come your way? Most importantly, are you ready for the day our Lord calls you home? Those who face death with a solid foundation do so with extraordinary hope. That foundation is built by listening to Jesus' words daily and acting upon them. Those whose foundation is habitual sin will despair in the midst of hardship and fail to remain firmly grounded in Christ. Build your life on Christ and His perfect will now and every day, and He will protect you, filling you with every virtue necessary to achieve the heights of holiness in this life and much glory in Heaven. My Lord and Firm Foundation, I pray that my life will be built upon You and Your will alone. Give me ears to hear You and a firm will to follow You so that my love for You and others is so strong that I can endure all things in You, and by You, be brought to the glories of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Reflecting on the annual impact of your podcast can often feel like never-ending numbers and charts, trends, and internet buzz. Downloads, comments, views - it's easy to get overwhelmed by the metrics that are supposed to define your success. What if I told you that you could bypass this chaos by focusing on just three crucial questions to audit your podcast effectively and strategically?In my 15+ years of working as a podcast marketer and content strategist, I've seen creators get analysis paralysis over podcast analytics, forgetting the core reasons they started in the first place. My goal with this episode is to help you reclaim clarity and purpose for your podcast with a simple, focused audit before the end of the year. Ready? Just hit play.
Join us for a milestone celebration of Home Health Revealed by HealthRev Partners—our 100th episode! Reflect on four transformative years in home health: nationwide HHVBP rollout since 2022, PDGM-driven reimbursement cuts, climbing aide turnover near 35%, and the shift to value-based care and Medicare Advantage. We've covered it all—from staffing crises to AI tools and CMS final rules. Whether you're tackling AR aging, clinician burnout, or payer mix shifts, this retrospective delivers actionable takeaways from 100 episodes of industry truth. A HUGE thank you to our guests, our listeners, and our partners. Here's to the next 100 episodes! Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: Turning 100 Episodes(00:01:19) - A Thanksgiving Special: Thank You(00:03:24) - Home Health Care: The Last Four Years(00:05:48) - Home Health Revealed: A 100-Episode Podcast(00:10:44) - Home Health Revealed: The Next 100 Episodes
Why should you forgive when revenge is so acceptable in our culture? Coach Kate Dreesen gives you the biblical reasons and the encouragement to take action and extend forgiveness today! Who do you need to forgive?As a thank you for this month's donation......we'll send you the newest release from author and theologian Dr. Harold Berry on Revelation: Daily Scriptures to Receive, Reflect, and RespondFor Christians who want to go deeper in their understanding of the book of Revelation.Yours with a gift of any amount.Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.
If you want to start 2026 off strong, it's all about ending 2025 with intention. We're rapidly approaching the end of the year (HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?), and I have a rigorous reflection process for tracking the highs, lows, and lessons of the last 12 months.You need to understand where you've been to plan where you're going, so in today's episode, we're breaking down how to do a powerful year-end audit, reflect on your biggest lessons, and “soft launch” your New Year goals so you have real momentum heading into 2026. I'm walking you through my full reflection process, including the journaling prompts, assessments, goal-setting exercises, and year-in-review questions I use to evaluate what worked this year… and what absolutely did not.This episode is for anyone craving clarity, direction, and a more aligned year ahead.You'll learn how to map your biggest wins, your patterns, your energy drains, and your most valuable lessons, and then turn all of that insight into actionable goals you can start testing before January 1st.As a bonus, I created a free Year-End Audit & Goal-Setting Guide, which you can download here to accompany this episode!Tune in to hear more about:Leveraging the holiday slowdown to get ahead and test-drive new goals/habitsWhy we should give our new goals a trial run before January startsThe journaling prompts I use to reflect on the year's biggest lessons and takeawaysMeasuring your satisfaction using the Life Balance WheelA game-changing exercise for auditing your time and how you spent your energy this yearHoning in on areas for improvement, and setting SMART goals for each categoryThe power of a guiding quote or mantraEverything we cover in today's episode is available to download in our free year-end audit, get your guide today and get a head start on your new year planning. You've got this.Resources mentioned:End Of Year AuditHow to set SMART goalsHow To Design A Life Of Purpose, Using IkigaiFor advertising and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Frequency Podcast Network. Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube
Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Psychologist and Author, Gloria Vanderhorst, to discuss how our early histories can jump into the present without our awareness and undermine our interactions with our children and co-parenting abilities.Gloria, who has practiced for 50 years, explains how the brain stores every experience—both accessible and hidden—and how these memories can suddenly emerge to affect our present-day interactions. The conversation explores gender differences in emotional expression, the impact of technology on children's communication skills, and practical strategies for divorced parents navigating co-parenting challenges. Gloria also introduces her journal book, "Read, Reflect, Respond," designed to help adults access deeper emotional insights through visual and written expression.If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.To learn more about Gloria can help you, you can view her website at: https://drvanderhorst.com/Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.
Read OnlineAt that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. Matthew 15:29–30Why did Jesus perform so many miracles when He walked the earth? The Church Fathers and saints offer various insights. His miracles were personal acts of compassion, expressions of divine love welling up within His human Heart. They were also testaments to His divine authority, reinforcing His teachings and instilling faith. Additionally, Jesus' miracles fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and served as powerful metaphors, such as the healing of physical blindness, symbolizing the gift of spiritual sight.But why don't we see similar miracles today? In many ways, we do. Throughout history, miracles have accompanied the ministry of great saints. Saints Francis of Assisi, Vincent Ferrer, and Phillip Neri, to name a few, were known for the countless miracles attributed to them during their lifetimes and through their intercession after their deaths. More recent saints, such as Saints Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, Padre Pio, André Bessette, and Charbel Makhlouf have also been credited with miracles, both during their lives and since their deaths.Miracles often accompany saints who have entered into profound union with Christ through prayer and service. These saints, filled with compassion, become channels of God's healing grace. Their miracles give credence to their ministries and fulfill Jesus' promise: “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).If you desire to see miracles, strive for holiness. Though the sanctity that seems to make miracles a normal part of life is extraordinarily high, it is achievable by God's grace. For the saints, the goal was never to perform miracles; miracles were simply a by-product of their burning love for God and others. Reflect today on the fact that God desires you to become as holy as the greatest saints. He wants His divine charity to overflow from your soul into the lives of others. The holier you become, the more God can use you as His instrument, sometimes even through miracles. Strive to be one of those rare saints whose union with God transforms the world with love. My miraculous Lord, though the gift of salvation far exceeds the value of miracles, You have used miracles to reveal Your compassion and deepen our faith. Please make me holy so that I can become a greater instrument of Your grace in whatever way You choose. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Stéphanie welcomes friend and author Cynthia Ruchti for a heartfelt conversation about an often-overlooked key Person in the Christmas story!Inspired by Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence throughout the Advent Season, Stephanie and Cynthia weave together the truths of the gospel with the unique work of the Holy Spirit through the Christmas season.Cynthia beautifully outlines how the Holy Spirit is present at every turn in the story of Christmas. From the Spirit's role in Jesus' conception to His comfort and guidance of Mary on her journey to Elizabeth, we see that God's presence is not limited to grand, miraculous moments but extends to the quiet, unseen steps we take in our lives. Cynthia also notes that even in the last moments of silence preceding Jesus' birth (the 400 years between Malachi and the Gospels), the Spirit is waiting and then speaks to unlikely people—Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth—signaling God's readiness to move.Both Stéphanie and Cynthia share an affinity for observing—paying attention to the details that God reveals. Cynthia describes herself as an “observer” who seeks to notice God at work, longing to discover and dig deeper. She invites us to do the same: to live lives marked by holy expectancy, always searching for evidence of God's presence through His Spirit. The conversation encourages listeners to be lifelong learners of the faith—not settling for what we've always known, but continually growing in our understanding of Him.Cynthia offers to expand our understanding of the gospel: it is not only about Jesus or the Father, but involves the entire Trinity. The Father sends the Son, and the Son sends the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is integral, taking the words of Jesus and illuminating them for us, deepening our comprehension far beyond what we might realize. This broadening view challenges us to recognize the Holy Spirit's involvement not just during Christmas, but throughout all of Jesus' ministry and in every aspect of our faith journey.So, Stephanie and Cynthia invite YOU to make space for the Holy Spirit during this Advent season. Cynthia suggests that we sometimes need to let go of traditions or activities that crowd out our capacity to ponder the real meaning of Christmas. The invitation is to intentionally prepare our hearts, not just our homes, so we don't end Christmas feeling empty or disappointed but deeply satisfied by God's presence.Cynthia also brings attention to the overlooked figures in the Christmas story—the innkeeper, the cloth weavers, and countless unnamed helpers. These reminders inspire us to appreciate every person's role and to look for God among the unnoticed and ordinary.Ultimately, Cynthia and Stéphanie challenge us not just to trace the Holy Spirit through Advent, but through our entire lives. Reflect on how God's Spirit has been working—generations back, in your own childhood, and through every season. The Spirit of Christmas is an invitation to continual discovery, deepened intimacy, and expectation for what God will reveal next.Get ready for Advent: As you move through Advent, intentionally seek and observe the Holy Spirit—both in the Christmas story and your daily life. What will you notice when you look?MORE ABOUT “THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”Discover the Holy Spirit's Presence in the Christmas Story--and Why It Matters Today· A faith-building, eye-opening daily advent devotional· Discover exciting new aspects of the story you thought you knew· Prepare your heart to fully celebrate the birth of JesusWhen we think of the first Christmas, we often focus on the wide-eyed young mother and her faithful fiancé, on tattered shepherds and singing angels and road-weary wise men. But the Holy Spirit was there--and just as He hovered over the waters in the beginning, He hovers over every page of the Christmas story.This Advent, join acclaimed author Cynthia Ruchti for a faith-building, eye-opening walk with the Holy Spirit. Highlighting the power and presence of the Spirit at work in the sacred story, each entry of this 26-day devotional contains· core verses on the Spirit's role in the narrative of Scripture· devotional thoughts perfect for the whole family· often overlooked details that will change the way you see and understand the Christmas story· space for pondering and reflection· practical application with optional projects to help you prepare and celebrate· an Advent prayerBefore the babe was conceived, the Holy Spirit was already at work, setting the stage and preparing the hearts of the biblical characters we know and love. This season, let Him set the stage and prepare your heart too.MORE ABOUT CYNTHIA RUCHTICynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in Hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women's events/retreats and writers' conferences/workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.” Her books have received recognition from RT Reviewers' Choice Book of the Year, PW Starred Reviews, Selah Awards, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, Golden Scroll Awards and Novel of the Year, Readers' Choice Awards, The Carol Award, two Christy finalists, and more. For 12 years she served as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is part of the worship team at her church. She's also a Senior Literary Agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and seven grandchildren.More at https://cynthiaruchti.com/ THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWhat matters to us here at Gospel Spice is to create a place where people who seek deeper intimacy with Jesus, will find Him. We want a warm, welcoming atmosphere to journey ever deeper into the heart of God. We believe it is the ultimate calling of the Christian life, and I like to summarize it with my motto, God's glory, our delight. That is why we invite you to “taste and see” that the Lord is good. And we have been doing this every day since 2019. We need YOU to keep Gospel Spice alive and growing. Financially speaking, we rely on people who understand this vision and who understand that we cannot function without a minimum budget. We run an extremely tight budget. For example, I work full time but don't draw a salary. And yet, we have expenses – for example, the equipment and technology we use, and also the wonderfully gifted staff who make it possible to deliver high quality content all around the globe, and then the necessary occasional promotional budget to make it possible to be discovered by those who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need your help. So we would love for you to consider if this ministry is blessing you to pay gospel spice forward. You can partner with us monthly with 10, 25, 50, 100, a month, or you can make one donation, once.And because we are a register nonprofit organization in the United States under the status of a 501c3 charity, it means that the amount that you pay to gospel spice is fully tax deductible. Completely tax deductible. So you're even saving money as you invest in gospel spice ministries. It is an eternal investment, and we are very grateful to you for it.Now it's very important to us that we give back as much as possible from what you give us. And so we commit to giving the majority of what we receive, once all of our administrative costs are paid, to organizations that fight human trafficking on the front line. There are many worthwhile causes in the world, so why this one? Because I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – maybe because I have never been its victim myself, so I feel a responsibility to help those less fortunate than me. Also, because Jesus tells us to love our neighbor. Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and that is something that revolts the heart of God. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil. So, we do some due diligence. We pick organizations who have proven themselves trustworthy of our support. And then we give money to these Christians organizations that fight human trafficking.So would you consider paying us forward at gospelspice.com/payitforward?Your hard-earned money is always well used at Gospel Spice. Ultimately, you are giving back to the Kingdom, a portion of what Jesus has given you. We are well aware of the privilege to steward your partnership. And my prayer is always that you will find your own life spiced with the gospel as you partner with us to flavor the lives of those around us, near and far, with the spice of the gospel. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Last week, we explored the "why" behind Bethany's avoidant behavior. This week, we go deeper, uncovering the pain she has been silently carrying to keep the peace. For years, Bethany has minimized her own needs, believing her hurts "don't rise to the level" of the pain she caused Brian. But this silence has come at a cost: disconnection, resentment, and the loss of her own voice. In a powerful moment of reclaiming her assertiveness, Bethany reconnects with the "badass" she used to be. We explore what healthy assertion looks like for an avoidant partner and why standing up for yourself is actually an act of love for the relationship. We then turn to Brian to understand the "very good reasons" behind his disrespectful protests, revealing that his anger is often a desperate "air horn" trying to wake his partner up to his pain. This week's prompt: Reflect on a time you minimized your own hurt to keep the peace. What part of yourself did you have to silence, and what would it look like to reclaim that voice today? Send your responses to this prompt or any questions/comments you have about the podcast via email or voice note to support@thesecurerelationship.com. Your submission might be featured on a future episode. Follow Julie Menanno on social media @thesecurerelationship. For weekly homework assignments visit our website: The Secure Relationship Podcast Register for Repairing After a Negative Cycle Workshop: Click to Register Purchase Julie's book Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime
Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode of The Daily Energize, host Spencer Jones opens with deep gratitude and love for his listeners. He invites you into an important conversation about a habit many of us struggle with saying yes too quickly.Spencer revisits the topic of saying “yes,” reminding us how easily we fall into old patterns and autopilot decisions. While saying yes can be empowering and help us share our light with the world, it can also drain us when the yes is not aligned with our true purpose, values, or vision.
Exploring the Art of Trusting Your Gut in Everyday Decisions Ever wondered why some people seem to have an uncanny ability to make the right decisions? It's all about Trusting Your Gut. But should you always trust your gut? Let's dive into this fascinating topic and uncover the secrets behind it. When we talk about how to trust your gut feelings, we're delving into a realm where intuition meets experience. It's not just about a hunch; it's about understanding what does it mean to trust your gut and how it can guide you through life's complexities. The Science Behind Trusting Your Gut The concept of Trusting Your Gut isn't just folklore. There's a science to it. Our brains process vast amounts of information, often subconsciously, leading to those gut feelings. But what does trust your gut instincts mean in practical terms? It means honing your decision-making skills by listening to those subtle cues your body and mind provide. Practical Tips on How to Trust Your Gut Feelings So, should you always trust your gut? Not necessarily. It's about balance. Here are some tips to help you refine your instincts: Reflect on past decisions where your gut was right. Practice mindfulness to better tune into your inner voice. Seek feedback from trusted friends to validate your feelings. Understanding What Does It Mean to Trust Your Gut To truly grasp what does it mean to trust your gut, consider it as a blend of intuition and experience. It's about recognizing patterns and making informed choices. This understanding can empower you to make decisions with confidence. When Trusting Your Gut Might Not Be Enough While Trusting Your Gut can be powerful, it's not infallible. There are times when external advice and data are crucial. Knowing what does trust your gut instincts mean helps you discern when to rely on intuition and when to seek additional input. Check social links - daretofailimprov@gmail.com - www.daretofailimprov.com - @daretofailimprov (fb & IG) - youtube.com/rollininriches - linktree.com/richbaker - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougbeitz/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougbeitz/ - Website: https://buymeacoffee.com/dougbeitz - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mQ258nugC3lyw3SpvYuoK?si=7cec409527d34438 - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/intuitive-conversations-with-doug/id1593172364 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-beitz-472a4b338/ -YouTube: https://youtube.com/@intuitiveconversationwithdoug?si=T4SfbZWHIHPVEgQ9
Ready to stay informed about today's highly searched retirement topics and financial planning questions? The latest Money Matters Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase brings together real-world case studies, retirement strategies, and economic context to help listeners think clearly about long-term decisions. • Reconsider how to frame financial inheritance and lifelong money habits by emphasizing independence, planning skills, and non-monetary lessons. • Reflect on a story about balancing parental support with maintaining retirement priorities, including decisions around student loan assistance for adult children. • Review how Target Date Funds work—covering structure, glide paths, and withdrawal considerations—and assess how often individuals may revisit retirement plans based on lifestyle or market changes. • Track the ongoing conversation around backdoor Roth IRA strategies and compare the broader points often considered in the Roth vs. Traditional IRA evaluation, from FIRE approaches to traditional retirement timelines. • Observe how artificial intelligence is reshaping labor market trends and identify emerging fields—technology, agriculture, home services, estate planning—affected by demographic shifts and innovation. • Examine the considerations related to managing one-time payments such as settlements or back pay, including the potential impact of timing on taxable income. • Enjoy a light segment on popular apple varieties as an illustration of everyday value-focused consumer choices. • Clarify how to think about retirement readiness by evaluating predictable income sources alongside your total savings picture. This episode provides grounded, educational context without predictions or guarantees. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to stay informed and connected to today's most relevant conversations in personal finance and retirement planning.
In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging host Wendy Jones and dementia practitioner Erica Ancel discuss the unique challenges caregivers face during the holiday season, especially when supporting seniors with memory loss. They introduce the CARE framework Connect, Acknowledge, Reflect, Empower, Engage to guide compassionate caregiving. The conversation highlights the importance of patience, empathy, and slowing down, offering practical tips for managing overstimulation, memory confusion, and emotional moments. Through real-life examples and expert advice, the episode empowers caregivers to foster meaningful connections and create a supportive, dignified environment for their aging loved ones. To learn more about Next Steps 4 Seniors or for more resources on caregiving, visit www.nextsteps4seniors.comLearn more : https://nextsteps4seniors.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Tim Fortescue in this special Giving Tuesday episode of "IFS Meditations and Insights." Reflect on a year of growth, breakthroughs, and community support. Discover how your generosity creates a ripple effect, making healing accessible to all. Embrace the gentle reminder of life's enduring thread and consider supporting this mission. Visit exploreifs.com/give to learn more and to give. #GivingTuesday #IFS #CommunitySupport
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out (Proverbs 25:2). Glory hallelujah! I love this verse; it is a counselor's resume.
Read OnlineJesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Luke 10:23–24 We rejoice over many things in life. We might rejoice if we win a game, do well on a test, complete some task at home or work, or attend a celebration or party. Though rejoicing is an emotion tied to our human nature, true joy is spiritual in nature, a gift that overflows into human emotion.Try to imagine Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit. Jesus' joy was perfect. As God, His unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit was beyond anything we can imagine. Therefore, when He experienced the perfection of spiritual joy, that joy overflowed into His perfect human nature, resulting in an emotional response that was more powerful than any of us will experience until the day we stand with our resurrected bodies before the Beatific Vision in the New Heavens and new Earth.When Jesus prayed, “I give you praise, Father…,” He was not only engaging in an intellectual exercise. He did not just make a public statement so that it would be written in Scripture or because it was the right thing to do. Rather, Jesus spoke His praises to the Father because His lived human experience, in that moment, was a human rejoicing with divine power. Jesus' all-consuming joy was perfectly ordered, deeply fulfilling, an appropriate response to His Father and the Holy Spirit, and contagious to those around Him. True spiritual joy is never contained; it overflows and touches the lives of others.By experiencing such joy in His human nature, Jesus further elevated human nature itself, making it possible for us to rejoice in the Holy Spirit with Him within our human souls, provided we humble ourselves before Him. Jesus praised the Father for revealing Himself to the childlike, those who are humble of heart. Seeing that was the cause of His joy. To be childlike in the eyes of God means to trust Him completely, to approach Him with openness and wonder, and to depend on Him for all things. It is the opposite of relying on our own understanding and wisdom, which often leads to pride and distance from God.True humility is nothing other than honesty with oneself before God. Humility makes us childlike because it opens our eyes to the truth that we are little spiritual children in need of God's fatherhood. If we pretend to be “wise and learned” before God, we only reveal our foolishness, the absence of divine wisdom. Reflect today on the perfection of spiritual joy in Jesus' divinity and its emotional effect upon His humanity. No one has ever rejoiced with the same joy as the Son of God. However, we are all called to live within that spiritual joy. This joy strengthens us in trials, deepens our love for others, and helps us live our faith with greater conviction and authenticity. Humble yourself before God today, begging for greater humility so that you will become a greater partaker of Jesus' joy, the joy He came to bestow upon the world. My humble Lord, You rejoiced as You saw Your Father reveal hidden and divine mysteries to those who were humble of heart and childlike. Please bestow Your grace upon me so that I will also grow in divine wisdom, remaining humble and childlike, to fill Your human soul with the deepest joy. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Sancta Trinitas by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
THE IDEAL BALANCE SHOW: Real talk, tips & coaching on everything fitness, family & finance.
Snag Our Simplified Budget System! Schedule an Annual Planning Session.Budget besties, 2026 is almost here—but don't skip the most important step: looking back at your 2025 money moves.
Send us a textEverybody wants to look healed—but nobody wants to be accountable.Healing isn't posting your boundaries.It's apologizing when you realize you were the toxic one.It's outgrowing your ego, not just your ex.If you keep calling everyone else the problem,you might be the common denominator.This week's episode:“The Death of Accountability: Why Everyone Thinks They're the Healed One.”Because growth without humility is just pride with better vocabulary.
Join hosts Josiah and Micah Kennealy as they sit down with author and ministry leader Todd Korpi to unpack the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its implications for faith, church, and everyday life. Together, they discuss how to navigate the promises and challenges of AI while maintaining spiritual depth, ethical awareness, and strong relationships across generations. Main Topics: Todd's personal and ministry journey into AI and missiology Practical AI use cases: from workflow hacks to content creation and productivity Spiritual formation, ethics, and the “human factor” in an AI world Dangers and opportunities of relationship bots and AI as a mediator for scripture Balancing technological engagement with spiritual practices and real-life community Generational perspectives: Millennials, Boomers, Gen Z & Alpha adapting to AI Parenting, discipleship, and helping young adults find purpose in a digital age Practical rhythms and habits for healthy marriage, life, and ministry Notable Quotes & Takeaways: “Use AI as a research assistant, but never outsource your brain or creativity.” “What will you do with the margin AI creates—fill it with more work or deeper meaning?” “We need rhythms of engagement and withdrawal to stay healthy in a digital age.” “Being made in the image of God means AI, no matter how advanced, cannot replace our unique calling.” “Let's walk slowly and focus on meaningful relationships—don't let tech steal what matters most.” Resources & Mentions: Todd Korpi's book: “When AI Goes to Church” https://amzn.to/3JMCjLu References to digital ministry research, The Digital Mission Consortia Books mentioned: “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer, “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, and “Hybrid Congregation” by Michael Huerta Action Items: Explore AI tools to enhance workflows and presentations Reflect on how technology influences your spiritual formation and relationships Establish healthy boundaries and rhythms for tech use in personal and family life Connect with Us: Follow Todd Korpi's work for more on the intersection of faith and technology Subscribe to youngadultstoday for more interviews exploring leadership, ministry, and digital innovation Learn more about youngadultstoday: www.youngadults.today Give to the mission of youngadultstoday: https://tithe.ly/give?c=5350133 Resources: Free eBook "10 Steps to Starting a Successful Young Adult Ministry: https://www.youngadults.today/book/starting-a-successful-young-adult-ministry Join our FaceBook Group Community with 2500+ leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/796270437396021
Let's get into it! Some topics from today's episode include:⭐️Focus on the journey, not just the destination.⭐️Mindset is key to overcoming physical challenges.⭐️Celebrate personal milestones and growth.⭐️Stay present and enjoy the moment.⭐️Consistency in fitness leads to long-term success.⭐️Adjust goals and actions based on current circumstances.⭐️Embrace new experiences and challenges.⭐️Support from friends enhances the journey.⭐️Reflect on personal motives and goals.⭐️Age is just a number; keep pushing limits.Rock That Fitness Membership IS THE BEST ONLINE FITNESS PROGRAM EVER FOR THE HIGH ACHIEVING WOMAN OVER 40. YOUR ROADMAP TO BREAKING FREE FROM DIETING & CONFUSION TO FINALLY ACHIEVING A STRONG, LEAN BODY! If you're committed to building muscle, shedding fat, aging strong, and finally saying goodbye to dieting forever, RTF will give you the roadmap you need to make it happen—without the endless cycle of restrictions and frustrations. Join the priority list for early access and EXCLUSIVE BONUSES!! https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-membership-waitlistAs a reminder, if you have a chance, please rate and review the podcast so more women just like you can learn more about the Rockstar way! I appreciate you for your support and love ❤️Rock That Fitness Links:Download the FREE POWER BUNDLEhttps://www.rockthatfitness.com/30-day-challenge-and-protein-guideJoin the Rockstar Fit Chicks Weekly Newsletter https://rockthatfitness.kit.com/e10d0c66ebCheck Out Our Exclusive Offer for Extensive Lab Work with Marek Health https://www.rockthatfitness.com/rock-that-fitness-marek-healthHead to the Rock That Fitness Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/rockthatfitness/ Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/cruen/we-got-thisLicense code: RBWENWHGXSWXAEUE
Enid Martinez, MD is a Senior Associate in Critical Care at Boston Children's Hospital, and an Assistant Professor of Anaesthesia at Harvard Medical School. She is the Director of the Pediatric Critical Care Nutrition Program in the Division of Critical Care Medicine and Principal Investigator for a clinical-translational research program on gastrointestinal function and nutrition in pediatric critical illness. Learning Objectives:By the end of this podcast, listeners should be able to:Recognize the impact of nutritional status on outcomes of critically-ill children.Describe the key aspects of the metabolic stress response in critical illness.Discuss a clinical approach to accurately estimating and prescribing nutrition in critically-ill children.Reflect on an expert's approach to managing aspects of nutrition in critically-ill children where there may not be high-quality evidence. Selected references:Mehta et al. Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Pediatric Critically Ill Patient: Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2017 Jul;41(5):706-742. doi: 10.1177/0148607117711387. Epub 2017 Jun 2. PMID: 28686844. Fivez et al. Early versus Late Parenteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Children. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 24;374(12):1111-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1514762. Epub 2016 Mar 15. PMID: 26975590.Questions, comments or feedback? Please send us a message at this link (leave email address if you would like us to relpy) Thanks! -Alice & ZacSupport the showHow to support PedsCrit:Please complete our Listener Feedback SurveyPlease rate and review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!Donations are appreciated @PedsCrit on Venmo , you can also support us by becoming a patron on Patreon. 100% of funds go to supporting the show. Thank you for listening to this episode of PedsCrit. Please remember that all content during this episode is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used as medical advice. The views expressed during this episode by hosts and our guests are their own and do not reflect the official position of their institutions. If you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback-you can email us at pedscritpodcast@gmail.com. Check out http://www.pedscrit.com for detailed show notes. And visit @critpeds on twitter and @pedscrit on instagram for real time show updates.
Have you ever wondered why being put down turns you on? Why a Domme's laugh, a sharp comment, or a teasing jab about your size leaves you harder than ever? You're not alone — today we do a dive deep into one of kink's most misunderstood, yet profoundly powerful dynamics: erotic humiliation.We explore:How something that sounds painful — even shameful — becomes a gateway to ecstasy. How we, as Femdoms, use humiliation to unlock subspace. Why does being laughed at, judged, or playfully degraded feel so right for so many submissives? And crucially — what separates consensual, joyful humiliation from emotional harm?Ms Olivia opens the conversation with a powerful truth: submission is freedom — and so is humiliation, in its own paradoxical way. It's about trust, surrender, and transformation. We hear from real listeners like SissyTeri Cum Slut, whose arousal skyrocketed after a casual SPH comment post-blowjob: “She said, ‘It's easy when you're not too big' — and holy shit, did that make me feel amazing. Better than the orgasm.”We break down Small Penis Humiliation (SPH) as a common entry point — not just as a fetish, but as a psychological key that unlocks deeper submission, feminization, and sissy training. From Pee Wee to Sissy Missy, many of today's most devoted sissies started here. But we also issue a vital warning: humiliation is not a kink to wing it with. Unlike trying a new toy or JOI, it touches your core identity. Benji shares how bringing it up with a partner backfired — resulting in real, unsexy humiliation. That's why consent, context, and aftercare are non-negotiable. You must be seen, judged, controlled — and still desired.And here's the twist: humiliation doesn't have to be mean. It can be joyful. smallPenisJumpingJack loves CFNM games where women laugh with him, not at him. simp4demi craves the sound of his Goddess laughing as she puts him in his place — because it means he's hers, fully used, fully accepted.This episode is about joy-centered domination, where teasing feels like inclusion, not exile. Where “Awww, look at you trying so hard with that tiny lil thing. Bless your heart” isn't cruelty — it's connection.We end with a message: Enjoying humiliation doesn't make you weird. It makes you human. But don't navigate it alone. Seek guidance. Learn the nuances. And remember — sometimes, laughing at yourself is the sexiest thing you do all week.Listen now. Reflect. Then DM us:What's your first memory of humiliation turning you on?Have you ever tried to explain this to a partner?What do you wish you'd known sooner?Olivia's blog: Experienced Mistressolivia@EnchantrixEmpire.comErika's blog: Intelligent Phone Fantasyerika@EnchantrixEmpire.comDISCORD: LDWOlivia and LDWErika
In this episode of Poetic Resurrection, Sonia Iris Lozada reflects on the many voices that surround us in today's world and the importance of returning to the quiet truth within. Through her reflection On Voices Outside of Us, she invites us to pause, breathe, and rediscover the steady voice that belongs to us alone. The episode then shifts into Sonia's poem Esperando — originally written in Spanish and featured in her poetry collection Inspire Me: Raw. The poem explores memory, longing, and the crossroads between past and present, weaving imagery of desert landscapes, childhood echoes, and cultural reflection. Together, the reflection and poem create a meditation on presence, resilience, and the gifts hidden in waiting. Reflect with Sonia: - Which voices outside of you are shaping your path? - How does your own voice return you to stillness? - What truths are quietly forming in your waiting? Find Sonia's poetry collections at PoeticResurrection.com. Music by Gotama – Ocean Bliss
Read OnlineWhen Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:10–11Jesus looks into the heart, not just at one's exterior. Today's Gospel presents us with the profound faith of a Roman centurion—a pagan and Gentile. Though not of the Jewish faith, this centurion recognized Jesus' spiritual authority to heal. Perhaps he had seen Jesus do so before or had heard of the many stories of miracles. Or maybe he was moved by the Holy Spirit to trust in Jesus. The Roman soldier begged Jesus to heal one of his severely ill servants. But that's not all he did. Once Jesus offered to go to the servant, the Roman centurion manifested humility and faith by saying, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Catholics now pray similar words just before Holy Communion.When Jesus heard this statement of faith, He was “amazed,” because among the descendants of Abraham, He had found no such faith. The centurion's faith broke through cultural and religious barriers. As a Gentile and a Roman soldier, he was an unlikely candidate for such profound faith. Yet, his humility and trust in Jesus surpassed that of many of the chosen people.Let's consider two points from this story. First, when you pray the centurion's words at Mass, just before Holy Communion, does your depth of faith and conviction also lead Jesus to be “amazed”? Do you know and profess your unworthiness, yet beg our Lord to enter your soul nonetheless? The centurion's humility is a powerful lesson for us. Despite his authority and status, he recognized his unworthiness before Jesus. This humility is vital to approaching the Eucharist, acknowledging our need for God's grace and mercy before receiving Him into our souls. Consider whether you mean those words every time you pray them or if they have become a habit that you say distractedly.Second, Jesus' promise to heal this Gentile's servant illustrates the universality of Jesus' gift of salvation. Our Catholic faith is not only for those born and raised Catholic; it's for everyone, and we must do our part to extend that invitation to everyone through prayer and witness. We must turn to our Lord and beg for grace and healing upon others. God has the power to do all things. Like the centurion, we must pray for others, trusting that God hears our petitions and will act in His perfect timing. We must believe that, and then present the needs of those around us to Him, begging Him to draw them to Himself. We must pray, “Lord, only say the word! Say Your word of healing, cleansing, conversion, transformation, and every word that brings forth Your will!”Reflect today on this Roman centurion's faith and prayerful words and try to internalize them more fully. Meditate on those words outside of the Holy Mass so that next time you attend Mass, that prayer just before Holy Communion will more fully prepare your soul for the gift of Christ Jesus Himself.My amazed Lord, the Roman centurion's faith touched Your human soul. Please give me the grace I need to have this same depth of faith and to express that faith more fully every time I prepare to receive You in Holy Communion. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
December is the ground shaking beneath your feet—the month where fantasy collides with reality and you realize just how much you've survived, and are ready to thrive. Big changes are coming down the pipe, the kind you look back on and say: I lived through that? It's time to show up with courage, devotion, and your big-girl (or boy) pants.This month is all about themes, not timelines:THEME 1: Walking Into the UnknownThis month opens by dragging you into the unlit corners of your potential. You're not scared of the dark—you're scared of your imagination. This is your work: meet the shadows, integrate them, and step into a new perspective as the Gemini Full Moon cracks your mind wide open.THEME 2: Feeling Everything AgainYour senses switch from dim to technicolor. Let the tears flow, taste the joy, and soften the walls you've built around feeling. You incarnated to feel. Let yourself be human. Mars–Saturn pushes you into action while Neptune's direct motion blurs the line between intuition and illusion.THEME 3: Celebrate Your Wins & Your FailuresThrow yourself a failure party. Seriously. Reflect on what went beautifully and what went horribly wrong. Both matter. Both teach. Mars in Capricorn and the Sagittarius New Moon light a fire under your devotion—this is vision-making season.THEME 4: Quiet IlluminationThe solstice brings soft breakthroughs. Light returns, inside and out. Let the insights simmer without trying to make meaning too fast. Mercury–Neptune and Venus–Saturn might stir emotional tension, but it's all clarity in disguise.THEME 5: Enter the VoidThe end of December is not for planning—it's for dissolving. Rest. Bathe. Breathe. Sink into the darkness that births everything. The void is fertile. The answers live in the silence. January can wait.JOIN THE FANTASTICAL VOID - https://www.megthompson.com/the-fantastical-voidSend us a message and let us know what you love about this episodeImportant Links: www.Megthompson.com Attuned - CLICK HERE Let's Connect on Instagram - CLICK HERE
Have you ever felt like you're doing meaningful work… yet something inside you knows you're not fully aligned with what you're truly meant to do? Do you sense you have a message, a lesson, or a lived experience that could help others—but you're unsure how to shape it, communicate it, or even recognize its value?What if the story you're already living is the key to your next level of clarity, influence, and impact?In this episode, we sit down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders—a company devoted to telling stories that make the world a better place by helping leaders turn their ideas into compelling books and learning experiences that multiply their impact, influence, and income.Bill's journey—from Christian school founder and pastor, to stepping into the unknown with six kids and no guaranteed income, to becoming a trusted guide for bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—reveals the power of knowing your story and telling it well. Through candid reflections on calling, clarity, identity, faith, family leadership, and the “normalcy trap,” Bill shows why most people underestimate the value of their lived experiences—and how storytelling can unlock purpose at home, at work, and in your mission.Whether you're an entrepreneur, parent, mentor, or creator, this episode will help you think differently about who you are, what you've lived, and how your story can change others' lives.Quotes:“Clarity just eliminates friction and draws people to you that you want to be drawn to you. You have to have that clarity before you can expand that influence.”“Your story is about you, but your story isn't for you. You are there to serve someone—your story is there to serve a purpose.”“The battle belongs to God, not to you. Sometimes you need to let go and let Him fight it.”Actionable TakeawaysBreak the “normalcy trap” by naming the value in your own story.Write down three life experiences you've dismissed as “normal,” and ask: How could this help someone who's 5–10 years behind me? This exercise reveals hidden insights you've been overlooking.Clarify your identity before your message.Using Bill's principle that clarity precedes influence, take 10 minutes to answer: Who am I really called to be? Who is my story for—and who is it not for? Identity drives communication, leadership, and purpose.Define the story your family or team is living in right now.Ask yourself: What story am I unconsciously telling at home or at work? Is it an intentional narrative or an accidental one? Pick one tradition, phrase, or practice to reinforce the culture you want to build.Turn one life lesson into a teachable framework.Choose a challenge you've overcome, then outline the three steps someone else could follow. This becomes the foundation for a book chapter, workshop, keynote, or coaching process.Practice surrender by identifying what you're gripping too tightly.Bill shared how breakthrough came when he released control and allowed God to lead. Reflect on one area—business, family, or personal identity—where you need to loosen your grip and allow clarity, peace, or guidance to emerge.ConclusionThis conversation is a powerful reminder that your story is one of your greatest assets—personally, professionally, and spiritually. When you gain clarity about who you are and what your experiences mean, you unlock influence, purpose, and direction.Bill challenges us to stop overlooking the value in our own lives and start telling our stories with intention. Your experiences aren't accidental—they're assignments. And when you share them with clarity and courage, you create impact far beyond yourself.Breakthrough begins when you decide to own your story.
Imagine standing before a judge, knowing you're guilty, the evidence overwhelming, your failure undeniable. Just as you're about to confess, someone steps between you and the bench, declaring 'not guilty' on your behalf. This is the breathtaking reality Romans 8 reveals to us. We journey from the depths of Romans 7, where we wrestle with our own wretchedness and ask 'who will deliver me from this body of death?' to the triumphant declaration that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. This isn't just theological theory—it's the lived tension we all experience. We're still in the flesh, still breathing sinful air, still struggling with why we do what we don't want to do. Yet the Spirit of the living God dwells within us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in our mortal bodies. We're called to set our minds not on the flesh, which leads to death, but on the Spirit, which brings life and peace. This means diving deep into God's Word, letting it dwell richly in us, gathering with other believers to encourage one another, and learning to cry out when we don't even have words—trusting that the Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for utterance. We're not elevated or special; we're simply people in whom God chooses to dwell, and that changes everything about how we live each ordinary day.**Sermon Notes:****Introduction:**- The speaker, Pastor Will, introduces the series on the book of Romans, specifically focusing on Romans chapter 8.- Emphasizes the significance of Romans 8 as one of the most important chapters in the Bible.**Key Points:**1. **Courtroom Analogy:** - Illustration of a courtroom scene where one is guilty but Jesus steps in, declaring "not guilty." - Romans 8:1 states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."2. **All Are Guilty:** - Romans 3:23 states all have sinned and fall short. - No hierarchy in Christianity; all are equal before God.3. **No Condemnation:** - Only those in Christ are free from condemnation. - The law exposes sin, highlighting the need for Jesus.4. **Freedom in Christ:** - Those in Christ are set free from the law of sin and death. - Galatians 2:20 discusses living by faith in Christ, not by flesh.5. **Spirit vs. Flesh:** - Believers live in the tension between flesh and Spirit. - Setting the mind on the flesh leads to death, the Spirit leads to life and peace.6. **Holy Spirit's Presence:** - Romans 8:9 emphasizes the Spirit dwelling in believers. - The Spirit is essential; without Him, one does not belong to Christ.7. **Dwelling in the Spirit:** - The Spirit wants to dwell in us, impacting every aspect of life. - Importance of being in God's Word and fellowship for spiritual growth. - Colossians 3:16 encourages letting the word of Christ dwell in us.8. **Prayer and the Spirit's Help:** - The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't have the words. - Romans 8:26 highlights the Spirit's aid in our weakness.**Practical Applications:**1. **Embrace Your Position in Christ:** - Live with the assurance that you are no longer condemned if you are in Christ. - Reflect on the courtroom analogy when guilt arises.2. **Cultivate Mindset on the Spirit:** - Regularly engage with scripture; let it shape your thoughts and actions. - Seek spiritual fellowship and accountability within the church community.3. **Invite the Holy Spirit to Indwell You:** - Begin each day in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit's guidance and presence. - Make time for worship and reflection, allowing God to dwell in your daily life.4. **Rely on the Spirit in Weakness:** - When struggling, trust that the Holy Spirit intercedes even when words fail. - Be persistent in prayer and quiet time with God.**Discussion Questions:**1. How does the imagery of the courtroom help you understand your position in Christ?2. What practical steps can you take to shift your mindset from the flesh to the Spirit?3. In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell more fully in your life?4. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's intercession in times of weakness or uncertainty?5. How can the community of believers support you in living according to the Spirit?
Reflect with thankfulness on the gifts God has given you with Exodus 4 tonight. No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Andrew. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.
Read Online“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Matthew 24:42–44How does one “stay awake” as our Lord commands us? We receive this holy exhortation as we enter into a new liturgical year. In Advent, we begin at the beginning. We ponder the Incarnate Son of God dwelling as a human Child in the precious womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We anticipate the celebration of His birth into the world at Christmas. As the liturgical year progresses, we will prayerfully walk through each moment of His life, from the events of His childhood, to His public ministry, and ultimately His death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven.Our Lord's exhortation to stay awake invites us to be attentive to the ways that the Son of God's human life speaks to us, calling us to become fully united to Him so as to share in the glorious gifts of holiness in this life and eternal salvation in the next. After exhorting us to stay awake, the Son of God said, “For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Of course, we know He came into this world over 2,000 years ago in physical form. This exhortation is not only a call to ponder that event long ago; it's also an invitation and exhortation to become continuously more attentive to the effect that His historical coming has upon us today. Advent is a season that invites us to reflect on Christ's first coming in Bethlehem, His daily coming to us in grace, and His final coming at the end of time. These moments are intimately connected, as each prepares us more fully for the next.From Heaven, the Son of God continues to descend to us, inviting each of us to conceive Him in our souls by grace, to be attentive to His divine presence within us, and to nurture His divine presence so that He will grow and live within us, making us true members of His Body, the Church. Staying awake means being aware of Christ's presence in every moment and cultivating a personal relationship with Him that is alive and growing. This Advent, ask yourself: How am I nurturing my relationship with Jesus so that I am ready to meet Him whenever He comes?Jesus calls us to be prepared at every moment of every day, “for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Though this is a promise that He will return one day to judge the living and the dead at the end of time, it is also a promise that He relentlessly pursues us here and now, communicating to us by grace and inviting us to be transformed more fully, so as to love Him and manifest His love to the world around us. As we mature in our faith, God often speaks in subtler ways, inviting us to listen with the ears of our hearts. These gentle whispers of grace require us to be even more attuned to His presence, ready to respond to His call in the quiet moments of our day.Reflect today on Jesus' exhortation to be awake, vigilant, attentive, and ready to love Him in the smallest ways. To stay spiritually awake, cultivate habits that keep you attuned to God's presence: set aside time for daily prayer, receive the sacraments frequently, and be mindful of opportunities to serve others. These practices will help you remain vigilant and ready to encounter Christ at any moment. Search for Him this Advent, and never tire of loving Him in your prayer and in those around you. The Son of God continuously comes to you “at an hour you do not expect.” By building a spiritual habit of being prepared, you will meet and love Him throughout your day. My ever-present Lord, You surround me with Your grace and flood me with Your mercy day and night. Please give me a heart that is attentive and receptive to You so that I can receive all that You wish to bestow and love You and others with Your Sacred Heart. Jesus, I trust in You. Image via Web Gallery of ArtSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Reflect on the Cornell Legacy Project and
Daily Vlog about topics of the day #cocodona #running #fitness #bodybuilding #powerlifting #chat #exercise #zwift
Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.” Luke 21:34–35This is the final day of the liturgical year. Tomorrow begins Advent and the beginning of a new Church year. On this day, we are once again presented with a Gospel passage that points to the final coming of Christ. In preparation for that day, the day in which we meet our Lord for judgment, Jesus points to two grave dangers that will cause our hearts to become “drowsy” and leave us unprepared. First, He says that “carousing and drunkenness” will make us unprepared. Second, He says that “the anxieties of daily life” will also leave us unprepared.On a literal level, carousing and drunkenness means a person relies upon alcohol for satisfaction in life, and they do so by using it to live a lively and somewhat carefree life. They live for the moment and look for satisfaction in self-indulgence. And though drunkenness is specifically mentioned here, there are numerous ways that people attempt to live this way.Everyone wants to be happy in life. We cannot not work to achieve this innate desire. No one intentionally chooses to be unhappy. However, many people regularly choose things in life that do lead to unhappiness and discontentment. But they do so with the false conviction that this or that action will satisfy. And though there are many things that provide temporary or superficial “happiness,” the truth is that there is only one thing and one thing alone that provides the happiness and fulfillment we desire. That one thing is the presence of God alive within our souls.The “anxieties of daily life” are also a great burden to so many. No one intentionally chooses to be anxious. No one wants to experience this form of interior disturbance. And though anxiety can come from many sources, physical, psychological and spiritual, one primary source of anxiety is stress that is not dealt with in a proper way. Stress can come from tensions at work, at home or within one's own soul. Stress usually occurs when some difficulty is faced and reacted to with fear, confusion, anger, despair and the like. According to Jesus, giving in to these anxieties can leave a person unprepared for the day of their judgment at the end of their life or the end of the world. But it doesn't have to be that way. Stress and tension, and the anxiety that results from them, is most decisively cured by turning from the difficulty one experiences and turning to a deep and total trust in the providence of God. At Mass, the priest prays after the “Our Father” that God “free us from all distress” and that we will instead “await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.” Faith and hope in God and in His final coming at the end of time is the spiritual cure for the anxiety and distress we often experience in life. Trusting in our Lord, with the utmost confidence, will enable us to achieve this peaceful disposition and with joyful hope and confidence.Reflect, today, upon those things that hinder you the most from being ready to meet our Lord. Perhaps you struggle with ongoing choices that reflect a life of “carousing and drunkenness.” Or perhaps you struggle deeply with worry, distress and anxiety. If this is you, know that freedom awaits. It awaits you if you can only embrace and live the final prayer of this reflection: “Jesus, I trust in You.” Trust Him. Entrust your poor decisions in life to Him. Entrust your sin to Him. And entrust all of your worries and tensions that lead to an unsettled heart. As you do so, try to rest in the consoling arms of our Lord so that you will be fully prepared for that glorious day of our Lord's judgment that awaits.My hopeful Lord, You and You alone are the answer to every struggle in life. You and You alone can relieve me of my burdens and the poor choices I make. Help me to trust in You always and in every circumstance in life. I do entrust myself to You and choose to make You the single focus of my life. Jesus, I do trust in You!Image: Michelangelo, 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.
When people talk about giving up territories - they forget that these territories have homes, says one of the Ukrainians that we speak to about the latest US push to end the war in Ukraine. We also hear what Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard makes of the different plans for peace in Ukraine, and what she sees as Sweden's and the EU's priorities.The murder of a pastor's wife in the small community in Knutby over twenty years ago came back into focus this week when tabloid Aftonbladet published what they say are new findings by independent forensic experts. And next week sees the start of Musikhjälpen, one of Sweden's biggest charity events - and possibly also the wackiest.
Read Online“Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Luke 21:32–33As we approach the final days of this liturgical year, we continue to read about the end of the world. Today we read that both Heaven and earth, as they currently are, will pass away. This is worth pondering.We know that life is full of change. It has been said that the one thing that never changes is change itself. Everything else changes. But when it comes to earth, it is hard to believe that it will one day “pass away.” Some scientists believe that the earth has existed for over four and a half billion years. That's a long time! Now consider the fact that Jesus prophesied the end of this earth as we know it today. When will it happen? Only God knows.Heaven, as it exists today, is also prophesied by our Lord to pass away. Heaven, as it is right now, is a pure spiritual reality in which the only corporeal bodies present are those of Jesus and our Blessed Mother. The rest of Heaven consists of the Divine Essence, the souls of those who have been redeemed and the angels of God. But if Heaven even passes away, what awaits?First of all, the only reason that these two realities, Heaven and earth, will pass away in their current form is because, at the Final Judgment, there will be a “New Heavens and a New Earth,” as spoken of in the Book of Revelation. At that time, Heaven and earth will be united as one, and this new creation will exist for eternity.But is there anything that is currently eternal? Anything that will never experience change? We humans will be changed at the resurrection of the dead, the angels will encounter a new home, so to speak, and God will establish a new and permanent Kingship. But, according to Jesus' teaching today, the one thing that will remain are His words: “...my words will not pass away.” Again, this is worth pondering.In a world filled with change and uncertainty, we need some form of stability. And that stability is the Truth found in the Word of God. The Word of God, as revealed to us through the Scriptures, must become our rock foundation upon which our whole lives are built and exist. Pondering, praying with, meditating on, and believing the Word of God enables us to stand on firm and unchanging spiritual ground as we go through the change of this life and even the changes that will come at the end of time. Though this may seem somewhat mysterious in nature, it is a helpful truth to understand and believe. Everything will pass away except Jesus' words. Thus, the most secure thing we can do in life is to cling to His words and never let go. Reflect, today, upon the importance of truly immersing yourself in the Word of God. How much time do you spend each week reading it, praying with it and allowing it to become your daily food? The Word of God is not simply a book of teachings meant to inspire you or guide you. The Word of God is a Living Word. It is God in His unchangeable form. God, in His essence, will never change, and engaging Him through the revelation of His written Word is one essential way by which you will be able to experience true stability in life and prepare for each and every change to come until the final order of life is permanently established. My Eternal Word, You are unchanging and eternal. You are the rock foundation upon which I must always rely. As I continue to experience the many changes encountered in this life, please enter my soul through Your written Word, so that I will find the stability I need. As I stand firm in You, I look forward with joy to the New Heavens and New Earth that await. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Pixabay.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
Read Online“Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Luke 17:17–19He was saved by faith through the expression of gratitude! What a wonderful story to ponder today as we celebrate the national holiday of Thanksgiving!Though Thanksgiving Day is not specifically a Church holy day, gratitude is certainly central to our Christian faith, as is illustrated by today's Gospel in which ten lepers were healed by Jesus. And their communal reaction is something of which to take note. Nine of them were healed and went about their business, not returning to the source of their healing to thank Him. But one did. This one leper, who was suddenly no longer a leper, returned to Jesus, glorified Him, fell at His feet and thanked Him. This one leper was a foreigner, a Samaritan, but he manifested a faith that we must all strive to imitate. The faith of this Samaritan was evident by the fact that he knew he needed to not only be grateful for the grace of healing but that he also needed to express it.As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, we are reminded that of all the things for which we must be grateful, nothing is more important than our gratitude to God for the immeasurable graces He has given us. But as the story goes, it is clearly very easy to overlook the importance of our response to God's blessings. Only ten percent of the lepers responded with such an expression. Therefore, it is helpful today to examine the many reasons we should be thankful and should work to express that gratitude to God.First, God created us out of love. This is no small gift. It is the first gift He has given us and one we often take for granted. God did not need to create us. He did not need to create you. But He did. And the gift of life, the gift of an immortal soul, is something that we must never overlook and always rejoice in.Second, God entered our fallen state through the Incarnation within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Doing so elevated our fallen human nature to a height never known before. Humanity and divinity were united in the Person of the Incarnate Son of God and Son of Man, and we must be grateful for this unmerited and awe-inspiring gift.Third, we know the rest of the story. God, in the Person of the Incarnate Son, suffered, died and rose again. In so doing, He made it possible for every sin of ours to be wiped away. As we die with Him, we are invited to rise with Him. And as we rise with Him, we are invited to share in His glory in Heaven.Lastly, in each and every life, there are countless graces given to us every day. But as spoiled children, we often overlook these blessings and take them for granted. Examples here do not suffice. It is essential that if you want to have a grateful heart that you learn to see these blessings in your own life. Too often we focus on our struggles and pain. But the blessings are abundant, and the more we turn to our Lord in total surrender, the more the blessings flow. Reflect, today, upon the attitude that you have toward the many blessings God has bestowed upon you. Begin by considering the central blessings of God's creation and His saving acts of love. From there, try to ponder the many small ways that God has been with you, guided you, strengthened you, and blessed you abundantly. If you do not see these clearly, then use this day to consciously listen so that God can reveal them to you. As you see your blessings, respond as this one leper. Turn to Jesus, glorify Him, fall at His feet in prayer and thank Him. Doing so will fill you with the same saving faith granted to this one leper. My most generous Lord, You have bestowed upon me blessings beyond my imagination. I realize that I will never fully understand how good You have been to me and will never be able to express my gratitude adequately enough. Please do fill me with a grateful heart. Help me to see Your action in my life and to respond to You as this one leper. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: James Tissot, 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“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” Luke 21:28This passage above concludes a series of teachings by Jesus on the suffering and persecution that will come in this world. But His teachings conclude with this line above, which offers great hope in anticipation of Jesus' return in glory. This passage speaks of the prophetic vision of Daniel (Daniel 7:13–14) that terrified Daniel when he saw it. He witnessed the great persecution to come, as well as the destruction of all evil that will accompany the return of the Son of Man.When you think about both the final coming of Christ as well as your own future death, what comes to mind? If you were informed by an angel that tomorrow would be that day, the day that the Son of Man would return in all His splendor and glory to bring about an end to this world and to issue forth His judgment upon it, how would you react? Would you be terrified? Overjoyed? Hopeful? Confused? Perhaps a little of each of these reactions would be present. Of this time, Jesus said that “nations would be in dismay” and that “People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming into the world.” So what is your reaction to this promised day of our Lord?Those who “die of fright” are clearly those who will experience this day completely unprepared. Meeting the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Savior of the World and the Eternal Judge when you are completely unprepared should be frightful. Imagine, for example, that you were hosting a large dinner party and you got your days mixed up. The day arrived and you weren't expecting anyone until the following week, but the guests started to arrive in great numbers. Imagine your anxiety and embarrassment. Such an experience would be nothing compared to being unprepared for the judgment of Christ when we stand before Him at the time of our death and then at the Final Judgment at the end of the world.The good news is that on that day, for those who are truly prepared through a life of faith and selfless service of God's will, they are told to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” If you do all you can to prepare for that day, then it will be a day in which you anticipate with the utmost hope and excitement. You will indeed be able to stand erect, turn your eyes to the coming Judge of All, and receive the eternal reward that He so deeply desires to bestow. But this will be your experience only if you are truly ready for that day through a life lived in complete imitation of Christ.Reflect, today, upon that final day. Imagine every person ever created standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Every sin and every virtue will be made manifest on that day. The minds and hearts of all will be seen in the light as they are revealed to all by God. And those who have lived lives of fidelity will rejoice as they see God's justice and His mercy unite as His judgments are issued forth. If this day is one that frightens you, consider the reasons why. If you do not look forward to this definitive moment in time, then perhaps you need to ponder more deeply those things you need to do so as to be fully prepared. Prepare yourself today. Do not wait. Our Lord could return at any time. Do not be caught off guard. My eternal Judge, You promise to return to earth at a definitive moment in time to bring about the fullness of justice. May I always be prepared for that day through a life lived in union with You and Your holy will. I pray for that day to come quickly, dear Lord, and that all Your children will be ready to meet You when You come. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: © José Luiz Bernardes RibeiroSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
To celebrate one year of All Out in the Open, hosts Charlie Bird, Ben Schilaty, Liz Macdonald, Michael Soto, Iese Wilson and Clare Dalton reflect on their favorite episodes and biggest takeaways.We'll be taking a break from the podcast to assess the best way to meet the needs of the community moving forward. Thank you for tuning in each week—your support means the world to us. We'll be sharing more resources, events and opportunities to get involved soon.